 Board approves license agreement
By Ken DeLaat The Dragon Trail, the non motorized hiking and biking pathway winding more than 47 miles around Hardy{Pond took another step closer to becoming a reality when the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners accepted the license agreement with Consumers Energy allowing for the construction operation and maintenance of the trail.The project is shared with Mecosta County and will provide residents and visitors alike with a one of a kind adventure sports experience when completed. Commissioners heard a report from Valerie Frawley and Greg Hochstetler from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about a proposed future purchase of land near Bridgeton that would be added to the Muskegon State Game Area. Former State Representative Jon Bumstead spoke during public comment in favor of the initiative. The Board approved a 2% wage increase for elected officials, department heads, unclassified employees and part time employees.Others, including the County Administrator correction officers and command, dispatchers and employees covered under the Teamsters union, will receive the same increase. Deputies and Command Unit (Sheriff) receive annual increases based on their collective bargaining agreement. Commissioners are not included in the wage increase and cannot vote themselves an increase. Commissioners also approved a change in personnel policies that will provide employees more flexibility with regard to time off doing away with annual leave and replacing it with PTO and vacation time based on accrual schedules. Administrator Chris Wren explained the old system was a deterrent to recruiting new employees and spoke to the county needing to be able to compete for good candidates In other business Commissioners placed Dan Graham and James Kloet on the Commission on Aging Board for three year terms. Administrator Wren reported that unemployment in Newaygo County is at 4.8% . The state is currently at 4.6% and the national rate stand at 4.5%.  Spectrum Health Convenient Care Clinics to Close Early Monday, Oct. 2, for Upgrade
FREMONT September 26, 2017 – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s Convenient Care Walk-in Clinics in Fremont and Newaygo are in the process of upgrading electronic medical systems. Due to the size and scope of this upgrade, all Convenient Care Walk-in Clinic locations in West Michigan, including in Fremont and Newaygo, will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2. In addition to Fremont and Newaygo, Spectrum Health offers Convenient Care in Greenville, Ionia, Ludington and Reed City. All Convenient Care locations will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Convenient Care assists those who feel ill or have minor injuries but don’t require emergency care. Clinics see existing patients, new patients and visiting patients, regardless of insurance status and primary care provider. The clinics then provide follow-up with each patient’s primary care physician, or offer the opportunity to begin primary care services with Spectrum Health. On-demand primary care services are available online, 24/7, for common illnesses and ailments through MedNow. Visit spectrumhealth.org/mednow for more information. Emergency Departments at all Spectrum Health locations are unaffected by this temporary hours change. More information about each location and standard hours of service is available online at spectrumhealth.org/convenientcare.  Photo One: Before the facial hair initiative begins. We'll check back inn a month L-R Sheriff Bob Mendham, Jeff Sheppard, Justin Visser, Sean Maloney, Mateo Botello, Jon Borgman and Undersheriff Chad Palmiter Facial hair for a good cause or two
The Newaygo County Sheriff Department will be sporting some new looks during October and November. From October 1 to November 30 facial hair will be allowed among the Sheriff Department personnel but with a catch. The sprouting of a beard or stache will also result in a $25 a month donation to a pair of worthy local causes. “Jon Borgman heard about the Mason County department doing this and suggested we try it,” said Sheriff Bob Mendham. “Any officer who participates is fined $25 a month for violating regulations regarding facial hair.” So far several have jumped on board and we asked a few to pose for a ‘pre-picture.A month from now we’ll see if we can line them up again for a look at their progress. Sheriff Mendham said the money raised will go to the DHHS Foster Children’s Christmas Fund and the Newaygo County Autism Community. He also added that many who are not participating in the Beard/Stache initiative are still donating money. "They want to give they just don't want to stop shaving,.".  We Are Still Here the celebration of Native culture began Saturday morning at Brooks Park in downtown Newaygo and will continue through 7 pm resuming Sunday from 11am-4pm.  Insstructor Chris Aebig Josh Buttleman, Makiah McCracken,Brittany Gleason, NCMH Exec Dir. Mike Geoghan,Lizbeth Sanchez,Katelyne Rollston, Aaron Auw and Brandon Verburg CTC students create symbolic structure By Ken DeLaat It was called an Experiential Service Project. In March after a discussion with Devon Pettis of the Career Tech Center Mike Geoghan and Carol Mills of Newaygo County Mental Health (NCMH) pitched an idea to students from a number of programs.The idea was to enlist the efforts of interested students in designing and developing a project to represent“Recovery”. Several students from a number of disciplines signed on and a few weeks later presented their ideas to Mr. Geoghan Ms. Mills, and Scott Woodside. The two concepts involved a ‘Bridge To Recovery’ and a sculpture depicting the ‘Hands of Recovery’. “Both presentations were quite impressive,” said Mr. Geoghan. “ So much so that we accepted both proposals with the Bridge project going first and placed in the Atrium of our White Cloud office and the second project design to be built and displayed at a future site to be determined.” The “Bridge” Project was completed in late spring with several of the involved students coming back on their own time, after the close of their respective school year, just to see to the full completion of the project. On September 12th the students were honored by the Mental Health Board for their efforts as each spoke to what the project meant to them and their role in its creation. We asked Mr. Geoghan Executive Director of NCMH for some thoughts on the project and those who made it happen. “Perhaps one of the major takeaways would be the courage and transparency of the students to not only share with us their respective personal experiences of recovery but then challenging that personal message into a visible and tangible representation of what ‘Recovery’ meant to each of them. Other impressions would be the blending of students from diverse backgrounds working together for one common purpose. “Still another impression, is again students, taking the risk to ‘stretch themselves’ beyond their personal comfort zones, whether in taking the lead on a particular aspect of the project, publicly presenting on the project or simply sharing with their peers their personal stories of recovery breaking the stigma that often accompanies behavioral health issues. “Finally, as has been my experience so often in my professional career, I learned so much more from the students then whatever I could offer them as a professional counselor. It was a very humbling experience and one I am so proud of those students and teachers who made this happen.” The impressive structure provides an inviting backdrop to the area surrounding the atrium as the bridge spans a river running across the open air space. The students involved who spoke at the meeting stood with well deserved pride when applauded by the board members, NCRESA staff and others in attendance. The legacy they would be leaving would perhaps deliver more than an impressive view according to Mr. Geoghan. “I have heard that when people notice the bridge and corresponding river, it prompts a number of questions and often leads to people either validating the words that are displayed on the side of the bridge itself or sharing their own respective story.” As to the’ Hands’ project? “Carol (Mills)and I hope to come before a new group of students at the Career Tech Center in October with the assistance of Mr. Pettis.”  At last fall's Discover Your Community Day, participants enjoyed tours and speakers on local history and natural resources. The October 20 event will focus on our county's health care and arts organizations. The series of “Discover Your Community Days” from Fremont Area Community Foundation will conclude on October 20 with a focus on local health care and the arts. The events are part of the Leadership Series, presented in partnership with the Fremont Area and River Country chambers of commerce.
Discover Your Community Days are designed to give current and emerging community leaders a broader base of knowledge of Newaygo County, an opportunity to network, and a better awareness of area resources. On October 20, participants will spend the morning touring the Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, Newaygo County Council for the Arts-Artsplace, and Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Hospital. After lunch and a tour at Tamarac, participants will travel to Grant for tours of Family Health Care and Grant Fine Arts Center and a presentation by LionHeart Productions. “We are proud of our local health care facilities and vibrant arts community,” said Carla Roberts, FACF president and CEO. “This event is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of our county’s health care and arts organizations. It will also be an outstanding opportunity to network with others who are passionate about making Newaygo County a great place to live.” Previous Discover Your Community Days concentrated on business, agriculture, education, local government, human services, Newaygo County history, and natural resources. In addition to support from local chambers of commerce, the events were developed with input from alumni of the Leadership in Newaygo County (LINC) program. The October 20 event is free and includes lunch and transportation. Coffee and networking will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Dogwood Center and participants will be transported back to the Dogwood after the event concludes at 3:30 p.m. While free to attend, space is limited. Find more information and register by visiting facommunityfoundation.org/events or calling 231.924.5350.  ROCKFORD- It is with the utmost sadness that the Michigan State Police (MSP) confirms that Tpr. Timothy O’Neill of the Rockford Post has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in an on-duty motorcycle crash this morning.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I confirm the death of one of our own, Tpr. Timothy O’Neill,” stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “I ask that you please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead.” O’Neill was on patrol on his department motorcycle at approximately 7:45 a.m. this morning when he was involved in a crash near the intersection of Wolverine Boulevard NE and Belding Road NE in Plainfield Township. No one else was injured, and the crash remains under investigation. O’Neill, 28 years of age, enlisted with the MSP in January of 2014, graduating as a member of the 126th Trooper Recruit School. He has served at the Rockford Post his entire career. O’Neill is survived by his mother, father, brother, sister and fiancé. He was set to be married on October 7, 2017. The MSP wishes to acknowledge our many law enforcement partners and emergency responders who assisted at the scene and who continue to provide support to our department during this difficult time. We also want to thank the staff and medical professionals at Spectrum Health Butterworth for their outstanding care.  By Marianne Boerigter
The City of Fremont, Downtown Development Authority and the Fremont Public Art Committee would like to thank donors for their generous support during the fundraising campaign for the public art sculpture “Oak Arch.” The campaign successfully raised just over $40,000, which then qualified for an additional $30,000 matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Patronicity Program, bringing the total funds raised for the campaign to just over $70,000. The funds raised through this effort will create the large public art sculpture, "Oak Arch", which will be the defining anchor in The Darling Walkway, the soon to be public green-space in downtown Fremont. Designed by artist Joe Krajkiewcz, the sculpture will be leaf shape in an arch form that becomes a canopy that continues to ground level and provides functional bench seating and interaction for the public. The funds will also provide for an accessible, meandering concrete pathway for all to use, as well as lighting, benches and landscaping to complement the sculpture. Donations during the campaign ranged from $10 to $8,500, and the City of Fremont will recognize donors at their various levels with plaques, benches, personalize bricks, artist signed sculpture prints and Oak Arch t-shirts. Construction for The Darling Walkway will begin next spring. The overall project entails removal of portions of Darling Avenue and Sheridan Street and the former high school parking area west of the Fremont Recreation Center. The proposed innovations will include implementation of a decorative winding sidewalk, art nodes, landscaping, sitting areas, a new parking lot and pickleball courts. An updated design of the total project will be available on the City of Fremont's website later this fall. For more information on The Darling Walkway and the fundraising campaign for "Oak Arch", stop by City of Fremont, 101 East Main Street, downtown Fremont or call 231.924.2101.  Theresa Lindsay surrounded by COA staff holding the resolution passed by County Commissioners Resolution opposing new Senate legislation leads to discussion
By Ken DeLaat The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing Commission on Aging Senior Programs and Community Relations Coordinator Theresa Lindsay who will be retiring the end of this month. "Theresa Lindsay skillfully and compassionately counseled seniors, family members, and low income citizens regarding the complexities of aging along with offering a warm hand to seniors facing life’s challenges,” read Commission Chair Patrick Gardner from the resolution during the presentation. County Administrator Chris Wren presented the Newaygo County Budget for 2017-18. The public hearing on the document drew no public comment. Mr. Wren outlined the budgetary process highlighting areas of consideration and reported that the initial budget submitted to administration required $1.8 million in cuts adjustments and fund balance transfers to become balanced. While the administrator asserted the county continues to be in good shape financially the spectre of obligations such as retiree health insurance and other post employment benefits will remain an issue for the next few years Revenue growth continues to be slow but measures are being taken to try to increase these while continuing to reduce expenses. Mr. Wren also cited an upswing in the housing market which should bring about revenue increases. In conclusion Mr. Wren gave praise to the department heads, elected officials, judiciary and particularly the administrative staff of Donna Kipp, Tammie Gleason, Melanie Carrier and Shelly Henderson for their hard work in completing the budget. Commissioners passed the budget without dissent. A resolution opposing a recent bill passed by the state senate that significantly alters the process of collecting delinquent taxes resulted in some discussion as Commissioners Chris Ortwein and Jim Maike questioned the action. County Treasurer Holly Moon spoke to the aspects of the bill that involved increased litigation allowing anyone to challenge a property tax foreclosure despite having no legal interest in the property as well as clouding titles to court foreclosed property. County Treasurers throughout the state have opposed the bill and several county commissions have passed similar resolutions in opposition according to Ms. Moon. Commissioners Ortwein and Maike each expressed that additional measures might assist people in keeping their property.. Ms. Moon provided information about the bill and spoke to the potential conflicts that would arise from the legislation’s overly broad measures while explaining the Senate action arose from an individual case currently before the Michigan Supreme Court. The resolution failed with Commissioners Maike, Ortwein, Vern Willett and Chuck Trapp opposing and Commissioners Gardner, Phil Deur, and Brian Kolk voting in favor. “I thought it was a slam dunk,” said Ms. Moon after the meeting. “My job every day is to protect the resources of the county and this bill opens up issues that could affect this.” “I’m disappointed to say the least.” In other business commissioners heard from 2 candidates for the Commission on Aging, Dan Graham and James Kloet. The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be Wednesday September 27 at 9:30am.  Jenna Janke honored for soccer skills Former Newaygo Lion Goalkeeper Jenna Janke recently got word about a huge recognition from her playing days at NHS. The National Federation of State High School Associations informed her that the 373 saves she amassed during a stellar season last Spring placed her 7th on the all-time national record list. Her senior year saw her shatter the 12 year old state record by a phenomenal 77 saves. Two of her late season performances also made the record book for top ten saves in a game as she stopped 36 shots and 32 more in games just a week apart. “Jenna worked hard to become a very good goalkeeper,” said Newaygo Head Coach Jason Long. “I enjoyed the opportunity to coach her. She has a bright future in front of her and I look forward to seeing what she can accomplish.” These days Ms. Janke is setting up in goal for the MCC squad and in the last two Jayhawk matches she recorded a shutout in a 2-0 win over Lake Michigan College then left her spot in goal and took to the field to be part of the scoring parade in a 10-0 romp over Oakton CC firing in a pair of goals. We caught up with this busy student/athlete to pose a few questions. N3-#7 in the country is a huge accomplishment. Obviously you knew the saves were piling up but did you have any idea you were in line for a national ranking? JJ-I never really thought to look at the national records so it never occurred to me that I could have been possibly up there! It was a big surprise to see that I made national ranking. N3-When did you get interested in soccer? JJ-I began soccer at the age of 5. Once I started playing, I knew that I loved this sport. Ever since then, my love for the game has grown tremendously. Having a record was never honestly one of my goals. My biggest goal was to play on a college team, but I more focused on giving 100% in the goal every second I'm on the field. Who have been your mentors? JJ-My main mentors were my coach, my parents and my best friend. My coach (Jason Long) was always there for me and was always willing to help if I needed it. He pushed me to the best that I could be and more. He always shared positivity and laughter in practice and in games. He made me realize how fun it was to play the game. He was part of making me the player I am today. My parents (Brian and April Janke) have been a big influence because they were always in my corner and always available to help me, even if it meant going to the field to spend a whole day helping me prepare for the game the next day. They are my biggest supporters and inspire me to do my best everyday. My best friend, Kylee (Chesley), is also one of my mentors. Being her teammate is the biggest blessing I could ever ask for. She is the most positive athlete I have ever met. She can never cease to make someone smile and laugh. She helped me realize how to become a good teammate and overall good person. N3-Best memory from high school team. JJ-The first round of districts my senior year. I have to admit, we had a really rough season. Going into this game against Oakridge, we were no doubt the underdogs. My team set out to play their hardest on what was thought to be our final game. Throughout the first half, Oakridge sent shots left and right. We rarely had possession. Finally, Oakridge scored. It was 1-0. Of course, our heads were down because in our minds we thought this was the end. The last seconds of the first half, we had a small breakaway. One of our forwards meant to pass the ball in front of the net to another forward, but accidently scored! None of us could believe it. At half, our coach told us that we are now in the game. I told the team that if we can score 1 goal, another goal is possible. We're in the game and we can win. There no goals scored in the second half. The score was 1-1. We went into double overtime and were still tied. We went into shootouts. We told each other that no matter what the outcome was, we played a heck of a game and this would be a great end to the season. Newaygo was shooting first. Then Oakridge. We went back and forth until the final shot. I was in goal and the score was 2-3. We were up by one. If this shot was saved we would win. The Oakridge girl shot and I just barely was able to touch it to push it out of the net. We won. It was the most incredible feeling in the world that the team that was thought to be out in the first round was moving on to the next. That is the proudest I have ever felt of my team. N3-You’re playing at MCC with the Jayhawks team. How different is the college game from high school or travel team play? JJ-The college game is so much different than high school. As I started playing for this team, it was like starting over and learning the sport all over again. I have learned so much from my coaches and have grown so much as a player because of it. N3-You recently recorded a shutout in a match that halted a 2 game losing streak. I believe it was your first.The communication between you and your defenders must have been clicking. Care to tell a little about the match and what that was like for you? JJ-The game we previously won was kind of slow for me. The other team only had a total of five shots. This game was good for our team. It helped us grow in communication and skill set to use in games. My defense had my back no matter what and yes, we were connecting really well. This was a game we needed to help boost our confidence and show our greater potential as a team. N3-What are you pursuing at MCC and are there plans to continue school after your two years there? If so is soccer part of those plans? JJ-Right now, I plan to finish my general classes and after two years, transfer to a four year to pursue a degree in occupational therapy. I'm not positive if soccer are part of the plans yet, but I would love to continue playing on. N3-What would you say to players who hope to compete at the collegiate level as you are doing? JJ-To those players, I would say that if they wish to play at the collegiate level, they not only need to be a good player, but also a good teammate. Coming together as a team is the biggest component of success. Also, you have to give 100% into everything you do. It takes hard work and dedication to get to this level. Nothing comes easy.  College and Career Night Out 2017 will take place on Thursday, September 28 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Fremont High School. This fun, free event is open to all Newaygo County public, homeschool, and private high school students as well as parents, guardians, and adult students. Attendees will explore college and career possibilities and gather information on scholarships and financial aid. The event is hosted by WE CAN! Newaygo County, the local college and career access network, in partnership with Fremont Area Community Foundation. Free pizza will be available from 5-6 p.m. and attendees will be able to meet with college advisors and high school counselors in the cafetorium. Information sessions will begin at 5:30. From 6-7:30 p.m. in the large gym, attendees can meet with representatives from more than 40 colleges, universities, trade schools, career training programs, and military branches. There will be opportunities to learn more about FAFSA, Michigan Works! West Central, Telamon, and scholarships available through Fremont Area Community Foundation and Gerber Foundation. Information about WE CAN! Newaygo County, Early College Newaygo County, the Promise Zone, and the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center will also be available. Three information sessions will be presented during the event, from 5:30-6 p.m. Topics are: Finding Money for College College costs keep rising, but there’s a lot of financial aid out there! Come learn about college affordability options, from federal and state aid to community-based scholarship programs. How to Choose a College Unsure which college to attend? Newaygo County college advisors will lead a discussion to help guide you toward the school and career path that suits you best! Hot Jobs in West Michigan Which careers are hot right now? How do you land a great job in an in-demand field? Come learn about workforce trends, resources, and the steps you can take to find a job in West Michigan. Contact WE CAN! Newaygo County at 231.924.8857 with questions. More information—including a list of schools expected to attend the college fair—can be found at facommunityfoundation.org/ccno.  Photo by Margaret Price Have some fun this fall and shoot away….with your camera! Newaygo County is prime country for that perfect fall photo. Take your best shots and enter the NCCA-Artsplace Fall Photography Contest. The contest is an annual community event that anyone can enter and showcases the fall beauty of our area. Entry deadline is Tuesday, October 3, by 5:30 p.m.
This free competition is for all ages and all levels of skill. All entries must have a fall or harvest theme. Participants may submit up to two entries. Each entry must be an 8”x10” unframed photograph. All entries will be on display October 6 through October 28 in the corridor gallery at NCCA-Artsplace. First, second and third place ribbons will be awarded on Friday, October 6 at 5:00 p.m. during Fremont’s Fall Harvest Festival. Registration forms for the competition are available at NCCA-Artsplace, 13 East Main Street, downtown Fremont or call 231.924.4022. The guidelines and forms may also be printed from www.ncca-artsplace.org. |
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