 Right-to-Know—Material Safety Data Sheets NC RESA is dedicated to the safety of its students, employees and community. Each building is provided with information on products used in their facility that may be of concern (i.e., cleaning products, science experiment materials, glue, etc.). Each Material Safety Data Sheet on file presents the ingredients of the product, the potential hazards and recommendations if exposure occurs. The Material Safety Data Sheets under the Right-to-Know Act are available for inspection during normal business hours by contacting the Maintenance Department at 231-924-8829. Asbestos Management Plan In compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, the NC RESA is informing all occupants and their guardians that NC RESA facilities are asbestos-free. Asbestos management plans for each building are available for review in the school’s administration office. Use of Pesticides As part of NC RESA’s pest management program, pesticides are occasionally applied. Parents/community members have the right to be informed prior to any pesticide application made to school grounds and buildings. During the summer months when school is not in session, pesticide treatment could occur as necessary. If parents/community members wish to be informed prior to pesticide applications during the school year, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 231-924- 0381. In certain emergencies (i.e., bees nests), pesticides may be applied without prior notice, but parents/community members will be provided notice following such applications. FERPA NC RESA provides database software, information processing equipment, networks and support materials to best use computer technology in support of Agency administrative functions. A student database shall be maintained which contains student administrative and instructional information. School student records are confidential and information from them shall not be released except as provided by law (under the Freedom of Education Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA). NC RESA reserves the right to display a student photo on its website or Facebook page, unless the parent/guardian or student 18 or older opts out. Career and Technical Education Opportunities Each year the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency offers career and technical education programs at the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center. These programs are designed to prepare youth for a broad range of employment and training services and are offered under the guidance of certified instructors. All career and technical education programs follow the Agency’s policies of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, height, weight, marital status, or disability in all programs, services, activities and employment. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language proficiency is not a barrier to admission or participation. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to Blake Prewitt, Superintendent, 4747 W. 48th Street, Fremont, MI 49412 or call 231-924-0381. The following is a list of programs being offered in 2024-25: • Accounting • Agriscience • Automotive Technology • Business Applied Technology • Construction Trades • Cosmetology • Culinary Arts • Engineering • Future Educators • Graphic Communications • HVAC • Health Sciences • Heavy Equipment • Information Technology • Manufacturing Engineering • Welding High school students must be enrolled through a high school in their area of residency (or through a school of choice program) prior to being admitted to a CTC program. For general information about these programs, contact Andy Melius, NCCTC Principal, 4645 W. Career Pathway, Fremont, MI 49412, 231-924-0380. Schedule of Board of Education Meetings Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Board room in the Educational Service Center located at 4747 W. 48th Street. Meetings begin at 8:30 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, October 14, 2024 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, November 11, 2024 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, February 10, 2025 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2025 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2025 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2025 Budget Hearing 8:00 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2025 Organizational Meeting immediately following budget hearing Any person with a disability who needs accommodation should contact the Superintendent’s office at 231-924-0381 at least five days in advance of the meeting. Official minutes of all Board meetings are kept in the Superintendent’s office at 4747 W. 48th Street, Fremont, MI. All minutes are available for public inspection during normal work hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  DHD#10 Lifts Water Contact Advisory At Mill Pond (Lake White Cloud)
On Saturday, July 27, 2024, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) was notified by Ferris State University that follow-up bacterial samples at Lake White Cloud – City of White Cloud Rotary Park, Newaygo County no longer contain elevated levels of E. coli, lifting the water contact advisory. For up-to-date information about beach closures and advisories, please visit EGLE’s BeachGuard: https://www.egle.state.mi.us/beach/.  DHD#10 urges public to avoid water contact at Lake White Cloud
On Friday, July 26, 2024, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) was notified by Ferris State University that they collected bacterial samples from Lake White Cloud – City of White Cloud Rotary Park, Newaygo County on Thursday, July 25, 2024. 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 Lake White Cloud – City of White Cloud Rotary Park, 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 water contact at Lake White Cloud – City of White Cloud Rotary Park, 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/.
At their June meeting, the Fremont Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees elected new trustees Julie Burrell and Dorothy Paris. Burrell is a Hesperia High School graduate and is the senior economic development director for Newaygo County with The Right Place. She holds a degree from Grand Valley State University and serves on our Impact Investment Committee as well as several other local boards and committees. Burrell is looking forward to becoming more involved with the work of the Community Foundation. “I look forward to seeing the strategic process of how the Community Foundation makes the biggest impact possible,” said Burrell. “Being a part of those conversations is exciting. I feel that the Community Foundation is an organization where board service is truly making a difference.” Paris is a retired CPA and partner at H&S Companies with experience in nonprofit accounting. She has served on local boards and committees, including the board of Newaygo County Compassion Home. She also chairs our Audit and Risk Management Committee. “I was interested in serving on the board because I’m retired and wanted to stay involved in the community,” said Paris. As a longtime area resident, “I love that people are caring here,” she said. “I love all the nature we have around us and that everybody knows your name.” Burrell and Paris were elected to fill vacancies left by the retirements of Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark and Micheal Anderson, who had both served the maximum of three terms. Tubbergen Clark was elected to the board in 2015 and most recently served as board chair. She will remain chair of the Trusteeship Committee. Anderson was also elected to the board in 2015, has served on the Distribution Committee, and will remain on the Audit Committee. New officers were elected at the June meeting as well. Bill Alsover was named board chair and Ken DeLaat was named vice chair. Mikhail Salacina will serve as treasurer, and Dr. Susan Wente will be secretary. Rounding out the board’s Executive Committee is Peggy Rossler as trustee at large. The board meeting also included the approval of committee assignments, financial statements, multiple fund agreements, and spring community grant recommendations.  The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of Fremont Area Community Foundation recently awarded $59,410 in grants to several programs serving Newaygo County youth. Grants were awarded to programs provided social, recreational, and educational opportunities for local youth as well as those supporting Newaygo County young people facing challenges with vaping and drug use, mental health, and other issues. TrueNorth Community Services received a $12,500 grant to support Parks in Focus. The program connects students to nature through photography and environmental recreation. Students experience camping, kayaking, hiking, and more while also learning about photography and building positive connections with peers and adult mentors. Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes, Inc. received a $3,500 grant from YAC for their middle and high school programming in the 2024-2025 school year. A donor also contributed $500 from their donor advised fund. Junior Achievement will bring local volunteers into classrooms to talk about their careers, backgrounds, and the training and skills needed to succeed in their fields. Other YAC grants will support mentoring programs in Newaygo and White Cloud, robotics programs, job training, library programs, and more. Grant applications were reviewed by YAC members who come from each Newaygo County public high school and the local homeschool community. Throughout the school year, YAC members also meet to build leadership skills and learn more about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. YAC grants are awarded each spring, with applications due on March 1. For more information, visit facommunityfoundation.org/YACgrants.  District Health Department #10 (DHD#10), in cooperation with Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), is lifting the harmful algae bloom (HAB) advisory for Hess Lake in Newaygo County. The reported HAB advisory for Hess Lake from Monday, July 8, 2024, is being lifted. DHD#10 still advises residents, visitors, and their pets avoid areas where algal blooms are present. Signs will be posted near the boat launch of the lake to regarding Algae Awareness. “Our recent test results show reduced levels of toxicity, enabling us to lift the HAB advisory for Hess Lake in Newaygo County,” stated Meghan Stih, Environmental Health Supervisor for DHD#10. “While this bloom’s toxicity levels have reduced, it’s still important to be cautious around other areas where there are visible algae blooms.”  Road work starts Monday 7-22 and ends Froday 7-26
From our friends at MDOT: Daytime (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) lane closures for road work are scheduled for this Monday through next Friday on M-37 between 3 Mile Road and 7 Mile Road. Both directions of traffic will share one lane and alternate via traffic regulators. For up-to-date information on this project and others, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive.  City of White Cloud scores major funding award
The City of White Cloud was recently awarded $867,600 of grant funding through the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) / Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Spark Grant Program partnership to upgrade Smith Park with the addition of new amenities and improvements to existing facilities. $24.2 million dollars has been awarded to date to the 29 opportunity communities through the CMF/DNR Spark Program. “We are excited to receive this funding and use it to create our community's vision to enhance residents' recreational experience,” said April Storms, City Manager for the City of White Cloud. “I am grateful for everyone's ideas, input and effort that got us to this point, and I am confident that these developments will pay huge dividends for our community for generations to come.” The CMF/DNR Spark Grant program was established to equitably guide resources to communities and expand access to healthy indoor and outdoor recreation projects for many of Michigan’s historically under-resourced and underrepresented communities. Ensuring that community voice was prioritized in all elements of the planning process, and applying an equity lens during project decisions, were key elements to the program. “We are grateful for the efforts of the City of White Cloud and the leadership of the Fremont Area Community Foundation in centering resident voices in this project that will create healthy recreational opportunities for all to enjoy for years to come,” said Kyle Caldwell, CMF President and CEO. “It’s an honor for the DNR to help dozens of Michigan communities achieve their vision of healthier, more active lifestyles for residents and visitors, especially through a new grantmaking model that ensures a more direct pathway to places where critical dollars are most needed,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. The grant funds will be used to renovate existing amenities and add new ones. This project is phase 1 of a 2-phase project re-design for Smith Park/Mill Pond. The city will continue to seek grant opportunities to complete phase 2 of this project. Enhancements in phase 1 include adding a shaded pavilion, bike parking loops, as well as adding ADA-accessible pathways connecting various new park elements. There will also be upgrades to parking areas on E. James St and added new parking locations on S. State St and E. Newell St. totaling 64 parking spaces in the vicinity of the parks. The project aims to enhance recreational opportunities while ensuring accessibility for all residents and visitors. The city intends on breaking ground for the project in 2025 and the project will be completed by Fall of 2026. The City of White Cloud seeks to provide accessible and enjoyable recreational opportunities that will benefit all area residents and visitors for generations to come.  Hon. David M. Glancy  Seth Wenger BALDWIN, Michigan – The Family Health Care Board of Directors recently approved the nominations of two new members. Hon. David M. Glancy and Seth Wenger will fill five-year terms on the health center’s board. “We are pleased to welcome Judge Glancy and Seth to our board,” said Pam Panetta, board chairperson. “Their experience and knowledge will benefit Family Health Care as we continue to work toward our mission of providing quality, integrated, and comprehensive health care services that are accessible to everyone.” Judge Glancy is a graduate of Fremont High School and received his bachelor's degree from Hope College in Holland, with a major in political science and a minor in biochemistry. He received his law degree from Michigan State College of Law. He lives in Lake County and serves as the Lake County Probate Judge and president of the Baldwin Rotary Club. Wenger earned his bachelor’s degree from Lee University and Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University. He is president of The Wenger Agency, Inc. An active member of the community, Wenger serves on the Lake-Osceola State Bank Board of Directors, as trustee on the Village of Baldwin Downtown Development Authority, as treasurer of the Baldwin Rotary Club, as member of the Lake County Community Foundation, and as vice president of Baldwin Troutarama. “As a resident of Lake County and working in Baldwin over the past three years in the court system, I understand the need for and importance of Family Health Care to the community,” Glancy said. “It’s important to ensure that individuals and families in our area continue to have access to quality health care services.” “I have been a patient or vendor of Family Health Care in one form or another for most of my life,” said Wenger. “I’m honored to serve on the board for one of the premier non-profit organizations in our community.” As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family Health Care is governed by a board of directors composed of community members and patients. By law, Family Health Care is required to fill 51 percent of its board seats with current patients. Family Health Care provides outpatient medical, dental, behavioral health, lab, radiology, vision, and pharmacy services at locations in Lake, Newaygo, Osceola, Mecosta, Missaukee, and Wexford counties.  Photo credit- Lauren Sherman Photography. Inaugural Newaygo County Leadership Empowerment and Advancement Program completes first cohort Photos by: Lauren Sherman Photography Newaygo County, MI [July 9, 2024] – The Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership (NCEDP), powered by The Right Place, is proud to announce the culmination of the Leadership Empowerment & Advancement Program (L.E.A.P.) 2024 cohort. This milestone marks a significant step in empowering local leaders and fostering community growth through dedicated education and leadership training, as prioritized in NCEDP’s strategic plan. The inaugural cohort, launched earlier this year, brought together a diverse group of emerging leaders from seven sectors, including manufacturing, government, healthcare, and non-profit, reflecting the rich economy of Newaygo County. Participants engaged in a robust curriculum covering a multitude of essential skills in leadership, civility, conflict resolution, communication, and more. The six-month program consisted of engaging workshops and networking opportunities led by local and regional experts. Not only did this program prioritize enhancing each individual’s leadership skills, it also provided an opportunity to enhance their networks, enabling participants to build strong professional relationships and partnerships that will benefit the community for years to come. One L.E.A.P. participant shared, “This was something that filled my cup for my professional desire to continue to grow. I thoroughly enjoyed networking with other like-minded people within Newaygo County. These connections are what will help me in my future career.” "We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our inaugural cohort," said Julie Burrell, Senior Economic Development Director. "This group of dedicated individuals has demonstrated exceptional commitment to their personal growth and the betterment of our community. We are confident that they will continue to drive positive change, inspiring others to lead." The next Newaygo County L.E.A.P. cohort will launch in January 2025 and will begin accepting applications this fall. For more information, please contact Julie Burrell at [email protected].
   Big Prairie Township Parks Director Brian Spicer NEWAYGO, MI – Big Prairie Township Parks welcomes Brian Spicer as Park Director. Formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Surplus Coatings and Co-Founder of Innovakote, Brian brings over 15 years of business management experience to the parks, starting on June 23, 2024. “I am very excited to announce Brian Spicer has agreed to accept the role of Big Prairie Township Parks Director,” said Reuben Tucker, Chairman of Big Prairie Township Parks (BPTP). “The BPTP Commission was pleased to see his level of experience with management, customer service and his love for the outdoors matched with the Parks’ needs. He has a successful history in founding a startup company which will allow him to utilize entrepreneurial skills with staff professional development and expanding park services. There are many projects that will keep Brian busy throughout the camping season, the most important one being making sure each of our customers have a great camping experience.” While serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Surplus Coatings, Brian pioneered the design and execution of integral operational framework, championed continuous improvement initiatives, and managed the team that operated the core functions of the business. He has been recognized for exceptional strategic vision, market potential, and environmental impact, securing notable industry acknowledgement. I am very excited about the opportunity to lead a team of dedicated folks that keep campers relaxed while they enjoy the summer vibes of the parks,” said Spicer. “I grew up camping in Michigan and now take my wife and daughters on an annual trip with friends and family around the state. There is a feeling of relaxation that I get when I am in a campground, and now I get the chance to experience it on a daily basis.” As Park Director, Brian will be responsible for managing all aspects of the campgrounds, including coordinating the day to day operations such as maintenance, administration, and staff supervision, as well as planning and executing the long term goals and projects of the parks. Brian will work closely alongside park staff to continue serving Big Prairie Township Parks’ patrons and community.  Classified as ‘harmful’
District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) in cooperation with Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) have confirmed that the reported algae bloom on Hess Lake in Newaygo County is a harmful algae bloom (HAB). The reported bloom on Hess Lake from Thursday, June 26, 2024 has been confirmed through testing to be a harmful algae bloom (HAB). DHD#10 has collected additional samples and submitted them for testing to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). As noted previously, 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 are harmful, but the results from this particular bloom have classified it as harmful,” stated Meghan Stih, Environmental Health Supervisor for DHD#10. “Harmful algae bloom toxins can be hazardous to aquatic life, pets, and humans, so it is very important to avoid areas where these blooms have been identified.” Below are some steps to take when near waterways:
People and pets can experience the following symptoms after exposure to algae blooms:
 Shelly Kasprzycki and Alex Gorsky during the presentation at the luncheon. Fremont Area Community Foundation’s annual Spring Donors Luncheon featured Alex Gorsky, former chairman and CEO of Johnson and Johnson, as its guest speaker. More than 110 donors attended the June 20 luncheon, held at the Pavilion at Waters Edge. Gorsky is a graduate of Fremont High School and the United States Military Academy at West Point. After serving in the Army, Gorsky began his career with Johnson and Johnson in 1988 as a sales representative. He became chair and CEO in 2012. Under his leadership, the company grew from approximately $60 billion to $100 billion in total sales. The luncheon featured Gorsky in conversation with Shelly Kasprzycki, the Community Foundation’s president and CEO. They talked about Gorsky’s experiences growing up in Fremont, serving in the Army, and leading Johnson and Johnson during a pandemic. Gorsky’s parents, Al and Loretta Gorsky, moved their family to Fremont in the early 1970s for Al’s job with Gerber. While leaving relatives and moving to a small rural community was a big change, Gorsky remembers that the community here quickly embraced them. “Our family, we just love this community,” said Gorsky. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the community of Fremont.” Gorsky also talked about fielding calls in his kitchen from world leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic as his company worked to develop a vaccine. “It was an incredibly emotional time,” he said. “We were on a mission.” Reflecting on challenges and opportunities in healthcare, Gorsky shared, “We’ve never seen a time of so much technology and innovation as we’re seeing now.” In recent years, the Gorsky family has been instrumental in the revival of the Waters Edge property, including the golf course, restaurant, the Pavilion event space, and The Bunker. “This is a special place for Newaygo County, and we want it to be here for the long term,” he said. He also recognized his wife, Pat Gorsky, for her work managing many of the project details. In addition to their work at Waters Edge, the Gorsky family are active philanthropists and have created a fund at the Community Foundation as part of their ongoing commitment to this area. “This community has been such an important part of our lives,” said Gorsky. “We have always had a warm place in our hearts for this community. We feel it’s our responsibility to give back.”  Pat and Alex Gorsky. |
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