 The Newaygo County Museum and Heritage Canter is proud to play host to a group of local veterans and motorcyclists who are affiliated with the national non-profit group “Rolling Thunder” . The group seeks to promote awareness of Prisoner of War and Missing in Action veterans.
Rolling Thunder is most famous for the “Ride for Freedom” a slow motorcycle route through Washington DC that starts at the Pentagon and travels through DC to end at the Vietnam Memorial wall. The entire event, which occurs the Sunday before Memorial Day annually since 1987, is supported by Thunder Alley, which is a vendor event; tours of significant sites, and speeches by members, supporters, military, and politicians. The group was started by four men, in particular a former Marine named Ray Manzo, who was inspired by a POW/MIA vigil held by the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club. The idea was that the yearly ride would show that those missing still mattered to their fellow serviceman and their country. A charity closely associated with the group helps military families and active troops with financial assistance. The local chapter is one of 88 groups spread over 29 states. The event on Saturday will involve a ride that will culminate at the NCMHC, and chapter members will be on hand to tell stories, share experiences, and act as advocates for those who have never returned home. The public is welcome to listen, ask questions and thank the members for their service, as well as tour the Museum’s military exhibit with its newest addition of a MiA memorial to one of Fremont’s own who is still missing. The event will be held on Saturday, October 5th starting at 1:00 at the NCMHC, 12 Quarterline, Newaygo. No treatment in Newaygo County Sunday
Scheduled Aerial Treatment Zones for Sunday, September 29, 2019 The areas scheduled for aerial treatment on Sunday, September 29 as identified in the Aerial Treatment Zones map are:
If the weather allows for additional treatment, we will begin treatment in areas 13-1, 5-1, and 12-1 encompassing parts of Van Buren, Cass and St. Joseph Counties. These schedules are weather dependent and may change. All other treatment zones, including those covering Kalamazoo and Portage, will not be treated this evening. More info is at Michigan.gov/eee Environmental Advocacy and Political Engagement October 10 “A Citizen’s Guide to Affecting Policy and Legislation” will be the focus of speaker Teresa Kpachavi at the next CEWAC meeting. Citizens Environmental Watch and Action Coalition invites the public to Brooks Township Hall, 490 Quarterline Street, Newaygo on Thursday, October 10 at 6pm. Attendees will learn how to ask questions and voice concerns to representatives through a variety of e-tools and apps. Discussion will also include emailing legislators, phone calls, texting and letter writing. “I got involved in advocacy because I wanted to broaden my impact on environmental issues,” states Ms. Kpachavi, a former Environmental Educator. “Teaching individuals and community members how to change daily habits that help the environment is important, but we need government policy to influence business and industry.” Living on the West Coast for 15 years, Teresa saw how influential state and local legislation can be. “Recycling on the West Coast is mandated: several types of single-use plastics are banned, and auto emission standards are stringent. There is no reason that Michigan can’t be a model for environmental stewardship,” added Teresa. “There are many resources on the internet to help citizens track upcoming legislation, how their elected officials voted, and where their campaign donations are coming from. If digital engagement isn’t appealing, there are plenty of face to face and offline ways to advocate.” “Having Teresa Kpachavi provide this practical information on tools to use is very timely,” states Sally Wagoner, CEWAC Co-coordinator. “Our environmental issues are reaching a crisis point for one thing, and the 2020 elections are fast approaching. Now is the time for community members to reach out to our current representatives to know their stance on environmental issues both local and global. And now is the time to engage with candidates on issues that we are most passionate about.” CEWAC is an initiative of 3R Environmental Education, a non-profit organization that promotes “Green Mindfulness through Practice and Policy” in the Newaygo County region. For more information contact 3R at 231.924.5822 or [email protected]   In Newaygo County, the spraying will take place within a 2.5-mile radius of the location of the infected horse.Above is an image of an approximate 5-mile radius of that location.  Aerial spraying being conducted in 14 counties to combat mosquito-borne disease
Eastern Equine Encephalitis cases continue increasing in Michigan Due to the large geographic distribution and number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in humans and animals, coupled with warm weather projections, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and 12 local health departments have decided to conduct aerial spraying in high risk areas to combat further spread of the deadly disease EEE. Spraying is scheduled take place starting Sunday, Sept. 29 starting at 8 p.m. However, the ability to spray is weather dependent and the schedule may change. Residents are encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/EEE for up-to-date information. Spraying will occur in the following 14 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. Visit Michigan.gov/EEE for more detailed information. Aerial spraying is conducted by low-flying aircraft, beginning in the early evening and continuing up until 4:30 a.m. the next morning, in areas of concern. Mosquito control professionals will apply approved pesticides as an ultra-low volume (ULV) spray. ULV sprayers dispense very fine aerosol droplets that stay suspended in the air and kill adult mosquitoes on contact. This is a tactic other states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, have recently employed to combat EEE. “We are taking this step to help protect the health and safety of Michiganders in areas of the state that are being affected by this dangerous mosquito-borne disease,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “The continuing number of cases in both people and animals indicate an ongoing risk for EEE exposure. We continue to urge residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites until a hard frost.” The pesticide being used is Merus 3.0 which is an organic pesticide containing 5 percent pyrethrin. Pyrethrins are chemicals found naturally in some chrysanthemum flowers. They are a mixture of six chemicals that are toxic to insects. Pyrethrins are commonly used to control mosquitoes, fleas, flies, moths, ants and many other pests. Pyrethrins have been registered for use in pesticides since the 1950s. In general, health risks are not expected during or after spraying. No special precautions are recommended; however, residents and individuals who have known sensitivities to pyrethrins can reduce potential for exposure by staying indoors during spraying. Aerial spraying is not expected to have any impacts on surface water or drinking water. Aerial spraying will be conducted in the nighttime hours as this is when mosquitos are more active. It is also when fish are less likely to be at the surface feeding and honeybees are most likely to be in their hives. However, owners should cover small ornamental fishponds during the night of spraying. While it is not necessary to bring animals indoors during spraying, concerned pet owners can bring animals inside during spraying. Additional information about aerial spraying and other health-related information is available in a Frequently Asked Questions document at Michigan.gov/EEE. As of Sept. 27, EEE has been confirmed in nine people, with three fatalities, in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. In addition, cases have occurred in 27 animals from 13 counties: Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for people. Additional animal cases are under investigation. MDHHS is continuing to encourage local officials in the affected counties to consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children. This would include events such as late evening sports practices or games or outdoor music practices. The MDHHS recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution to protect the public health and applies until the first hard frost of the year. EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. People can be infected with EEE from the bite of a mosquito carrying the viruses. Persons younger than age 15 and over age 50 are at greatest risk of severe disease following infection. Although the aerial spray is considered necessary to reduce human risk, it will not eliminate it. Residents must continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by:
Signs of EEE infection include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing these symptoms should contact a medical provider. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases. More information, including a Frequently Asked Questions document, are available at Michigan.gov/EEE.  From our friends at Consumers Energy:
Access will be closed to the duChemin Park boat launch at Croton Pond on October 3 and 4 to allow a contractor crew working for Consumers Energy to safely work there. That boat launch is near the Croton Dam. Signs will clearly mark that the site is closed while crews use the site to remove a crane and barge that had been utilized to perform work upstream at Hardy Dam. Two nearby boat launches will remain available at the Croton Township Campground on the east side of Croton Pond. In addition, the closure does not impact the Muskegon River recreational access sites on the downstream side of Croton Dam. The work will not interfere with the 2DamTuff event being held October 5. Consumers Energy reminds visitors to safely and quickly exit the river if they hear the sirens that signal dangerous changes to flow conditions at hydro facilities. Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electric service to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.  Newest White Cloud Rotary member Ed Canning (L) and his sponsor James Jones of Harbison Walker International The White Cloud Rotary Club recently inducted Ed Canning as its newest member in the Club. Ed is the Superintendent of White Cloud Public Schools. “Our members are pleased to welcome Ed into the Club and look forward to his contributions as a Rotarian,” stated Holly Moon, Club President.
White Cloud Rotary is a volunteer organization based on the principle of ‘Service Above Self’ and the advancement of high ethical standards, goodwill and civic responsibility. The Club meets every Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. at The Eagles conference room in White Cloud.  From our friends at MDHSS:
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories and the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has recently identified Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse in Newaygo County. This is the first case of EEE in a horse in Newaygo County for over 10 years and the second since 1942. To date, no case of human EEE has been found in Newaygo County since this disease was first tracked in humans in 1980. To date this year, no human cases have been reported in Newaygo County or any county within District Health Department #10’s (DHD#10) ten-county jurisdiction. Eight cases of EEE have been confirmed in residents of Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties, including three deaths. As of today, 27 animals have been diagnosed with EEE in 13 counties. At this time, it is felt that the risk of EEE in humans in Newaygo County is low. DHD#10 does not believe it is necessary to reschedule or change outdoor events. However, if you wish to act out of an abundance of caution, consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children. This would include events such as late evening sports practices or games or outdoor music practices until the first hard frost of the year. The State of Michigan is considering the possibility of aerial spraying parts of Michigan where EEE is present, including portions of Newaygo County, to kill mosquitoes carrying the virus that causes EEE. The chemical that will be used is called Merus 3.O. It is an organic pesticide containing 5% pyrethrin. Pyrethrins are chemicals found naturally in some chrysanthemum flowers. The amount of chemical that will be used is so small that there is no risk to people, farm animals or pets. Merus 3.0 is used regularly in other parts of the country to prevent EEE with no negative impacts. Residents inside the spray area will not notice anything—there will be no residue or odor of any kind. The State is currently working on this plan but has not set a start date. If the State moves forward with this plan, every effort will be made to notify those in the spray area. DHD#10 will inform residents of the start date, time of day the spraying will occur, and all other details as soon as additional information is provided by the State. EEE is a serious, but rare disease caused by a virus. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite infected birds. Mosquitoes spread the virus to humans or other mammals, like horses or deer. EEE is only spread by mosquitoes; it cannot be spread to you by other humans or animals. EEE is very rare. Even if bitten by a mosquito that carries EEE, people have only a 4-5% chance of developing the disease. Symptoms usually occur within 4-10 days after the infected mosquito bite. Symptoms can be severe, including sudden onset of high fever, headache, stiff neck, and can cause swelling of the brain, leading to seizures, coma, or death. Not all mosquitoes can carry the EEE virus. The mosquitoes that can carry the EEE virus are most often found in and around hardwood forests or freshwater swamps/bogs, usually at night between dusk and dawn. Individuals who are over the age of 50, under the age of 15, or have compromised immune systems due to underlying medical conditions or treatments are at elevated risk for contracting the virus. Avoid mosquito bites by doing the following:
 Looking for licensed mosquito spraying companies in Michigan? MDARD has a list available online Lansing– As part of its response to the Eastern Equine Encephalitis outbreak, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has posted a list of pesticide applicator businesses that are licensed to spray for mosquitoes in Michigan at https://www.michigan.gov/mosquitocontrolbusiness. “Consumers should do their homework before they sign a contract. Mosquito control companies have to be licensed and all their applicators must pass MDARD’s mosquito control certification exam,” said Jeffrey Zimmer, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division’s Acting Director. “There are a variety of pesticides available, and they don’t all work the same way. Being certified means knowing the different species of mosquitoes, which pesticides are most effective, and when and how to spray them safely.” MDARD recently launched a one-stop portal for Michiganders to identify certified mosquito control applicators in their area. The website also gives consumers some insight on what to look for when hiring a mosquito control company. Consumers should be aware that pest control businesses are legally required to obtain their consent before making a pesticide application and must provide the following information:
In addition, when requested by a customer, pest control businesses must provide labels and/or safety data sheets of the pesticides that were applied. MDARD annually inspects and verifies that companies are licensed, and applicators are certified, to ensure continued compliance with state and federal law. The department investigates allegations of misuse or off-target drift. Complaints can be submitted by calling the MDARD Customer Service Center at 800-292-3939, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or through the department’s online form. For more information on MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, visit www.michigan.gov/MDARD.   MDARD Reminds Industrial Hemp Growers to Test Before Harvest
Lansing– As the state’s first industrial hemp harvest begins, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reminding growers that they must have their crop tested for THC content before they can harvest. “Under the Industrial Hemp Ag Pilot Program, growers are required to have pre-harvest testing to ensure their crops do not exceed 0.3 percent THC,” said Gina Alessandri, MDARD’s Industrial Hemp Program Director. “Currently, MDARD’s Geagley Lab is the only approved lab for this regulatory compliance testing in Michigan.” First, growers need to schedule their test with MDARD’s Geagley Lab by calling the department’s toll-free customer call center at 1-800-292-3939, Monday – Friday between 8 am – 5 pm. “Growers will be scheduled for a specific day to submit their samples for testing. Samples must be received by the date the growers are scheduled if they want to get their results back the next week,” said Craig VanBuren, MDARD’s Lab Division Director. “It’s also critical that growers follow the sample collection process to ensure they get a good sample for us to test.” Sampling needs to be done according to the department’s Procedure #MDARD-HEMP-201908-1, which can be found under the “Forms” tab at https://www.michigan.gov/industrialhemp. Undried samples should be sent to the Geagley Laboratory, where they will be oven dried, ground, tested for moisture content, and analyzed to determine both the THC and CBD content, on a percent weight basis. The THC reported by the lab must be less than or equal to 0.3% for the crop to be compliant. Growers can submit up to three different samples from their crop. If after three samples the THC levels are more than what’s allowed, the crops will be considered un-useable. Results of testing will be communicated to the grower electronically by Thursday of the following week. Crops must be harvested within 15 days of the date the results are emailed to the grower. It is the grower’s responsibility to regularly monitor his or her email inbox for the lab results and other regulatory reminders being sent by MDARD. If the THC levels results exceed the concentration level allowable by law, growers may destroy the crop or repeat the testing two additional times. Crops determined to be non-compliant after the third test will be ordered destroyed, added VanBuren. For more information, visit the Industrial Hemp website.  DNR recruiting for 2020 conservation officer academy
Anyone interested in pursuing a career as a Michigan conservation officer is encouraged to review eligibility guidelines and submit an application for the Department of Natural Resources’ 10th conservation officer academy, set to start July 12, 2020, at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Dimondale. "We are seeking male and female candidates from all backgrounds – including military veterans and current law enforcement members – who are passionate about the outdoors and interested in protecting the state’s natural resources and the people who enjoy them,” said F/Lt. Jason Wicklund. “This academy will teach the recruits the necessary skills they need in order to be successful as conservation officers." Jackie Mickovich was one of six women to successfully complete the DNR’s 2018 conservation officer academy, graduating last December. "Completing the Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Academy was extremely rewarding. It was by far the toughest task I have ever gone through," said Mickovich, who now patrols Muskegon County. "I accomplished things physically and mentally that I did not know I could do. It has all been worth it to become a CO." Conservation Officer Cole VanOosten, who now patrols Luce County, also graduated from Recruit School #9 in December. "Looking back, the academy is one of the best things I have ever gone through and it helped me mature in many aspects of my life," VanOosten said. "It was not easy, but it transformed me into a better person, as well as a more equipped conservation officer. You receive world-class training and the instructors truly care about making you into the best officer you can be." DNR conservation officers serve a distinct role in Michigan’s law enforcement community. They are certified police officers with the authority to enforce all Michigan laws. Conservation officers receive unique training in a wide variety of areas related to the protection of Michigan’s residents and natural resources. This includes extensive training in game, fish and trapping enforcement, recreational safety, firearms, precision and off-road driving, survival tactics and first aid. In order to be considered for the academy, an applicant must:
During the 23-week academy, recruits will become State of Michigan employees and receive biweekly paychecks. Upon graduation, they will spend an additional 20 weeks training throughout the state. When that training is completed, each officer will receive a county assignment where they will live and work. Learn more about the conservation officer hiring process and requirements by visiting Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers or contacting a local recruiter.  Michelle Marciniak spoke to Fremont Rotary on 9/17 about changes to the Circles program. Circles Newaygo County has implemented modifications to more accurately reflect a rural program model. Some of the changes include reducing the program from 18 months to 12 months, and focusing more on improving quality of life for our community members through basic skills, self-development and self-sufficiency. Fremont Rotary has been a longtime supporter of the Circles program. MDHHS reports one new human case of mosquito-borne EEE in Southwest Michigan and new counties with affected animals
LANSING– The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories has confirmed Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in an adult resident of Calhoun County. Eight cases of EEE have now been confirmed in residents of Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties, including three deaths. “The increasing geographic spread and increasing number of EEE cases in humans and animals indicate that the risk for EEE is ongoing,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We continue to urge Michiganders to protect themselves against mosquito bites until the first hard frost.” Additionally, testing at the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has recently identified EEE in one animal each in Calhoun, Jackson and Montcalm counties. As of Sept. 20, EEE has been confirmed in 21 animals from 11 counties: Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lapeer, Montcalm, St. Joseph, and Van Buren. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for people. Additional animal cases are under investigation. MDHHS is encouraging local officials in the affected counties to consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children. This would include events such as late evening sports practices or games or outdoor music practices. The MDHHS recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution to protect the public health and applies until the first hard frost of the year. EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. People can be infected with EEE from the bite of a mosquito carrying the viruses. Persons younger than age 15 and over age 50 are at greatest risk of severe disease following infection. Across Michigan, residents can stay healthy by following steps to avoid mosquito bites:
Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases. For more information about mosquito-borne diseases, visit Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.  From our friends at Newaygo County Emergency Services Schools and communities must be prepared for a variety of emergency situations in order to maintain a safe school environment for students and school personnel. Developing and maintaining a safe school environment is the responsibility of the entire school community. Within Newaygo County, over the past year a collaborative initiative has been developed in partnership with local school officials and public safety agencies (police, fire, EMS, 911, and emergency services). The initiative supports developing and maintaining a safe school environment through completion of essential emergency preparedness activities identified in best practices throughout the United States. All public schools within Newaygo County are participating in the initiative. As a part of the community, please take a moment to review the following safety terms (see below) being used in all public schools across the county. Use of common language avoids confusion and ensures an effective and safe response to an emergency. These terms are standard definitions established by the Michigan School Safety Task Force. Please note, that should an emergency occur, Nixle will be the primary means of communications from public safety authorities to the community during an event. To receive these alerts, text NewaygoES to 888777. The district may also utilize Skylert notification system to provide voicemail, text, and email notification directly to parents as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. Should a critical incident occur at the school which creates the need for parents/guardians to pick up your children outside of normal practices, it is important you do not come to the school. All schools within Newaygo County utilize a standardized family reunification process to reunite students with their families. This process is structured and well organized. Following staff instructions at the designated site will help parents/guardians to reunite you with your child in a timely and safe manner. Specific reunification instructions on where to go and what to do will be sent to you after an incident using Nixle and Skylert. You can expect these instructions to include a reminder not to go to the school, as the school and surrounding roadways are being secured by law enforcement and emergency first responders as a safety measure. In order to minimize congestion at the reunification site, we ask that only one, approved parent or guardian comes to sign out their student. This individual must be on the Emergency Contact Card on file with the school and photo identification is required. For the safety of our students and staff, only parents, guardians, and designated emergency contacts will be permitted to enter the reunification site.   From our friends at the Department Of Transportation:
A total closure for culvert replacement will be in effect this Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on M-37 between Bailey and Moore roads. M-37 traffic will be detoured on Bailey Road, Canada Road/McClelland Avenue and 136th Street.  N3 received this missive from the fine folks at Native Circle. Of all the great events our area offers, this one remains a favorite at N3 World Headquarters & Butterfly Ministry (N3WH&BM) Anii and Boozhoo Friends! The Native Circle of Newaygo County invites you to the 4th annual Native American Gathering: "We Are Still Here": Saturday, September 21, 11am - 7pm Sunday, September 22, 11am - 4pm Brooks Park, 28 State Road, Downtown Newaygo, MI 49337 This is a free family friendly, drug and alcohol free event located in the smoke free setting of Brooks Park. The Native American Gathering is a sharing of culture, history, traditions, music, food and arts. Speakers from around Michigan's Tribal Nations and friends will provide information and insights on history and current issues facing Indigenous people and the world in which we live. Please see the speakers schedule below. Volunteers Needed: If you would like to volunteer some time at this event, it would be most appreciated - many hands make light work. We are especially seeking help on Saturday morning 8am - 11am for set up, and Sunday afternoon 4pm - 6pm to take down. Volunteers to sit at the welcome table and comfort station for elders and mothers are also appreciated. If you are able to help for a couple of hours or so, please reply to this email. Silent Auction: We are seeking donations for the Silent Auction fundraiser which will be held on Sunday afternoon. If you have something to donate, please reply to this email. Donations of items that are new or gently used will be gratefully accepted. Miigwech from the Native Circle of Newaygo County to the many people who are helping to bring this event to our community. Miigwech to the Fremont Area Community Foundation, local businesses and individuals for their financial support. We look forward to seeing you there! Native Circle of Newaygo County 231.709.9005 [email protected] Saturday-09/21/2019 11:00 a.m. Welcome 11:30 a.m. Jade Green- Native Youth and Current Issues 12:00 a.m. Banashee Cadreau- Decolonization and our Traditions 1:00 p.m. Beth Earl- Cradleboards 2:00 p.m. Gaylord Brooks- Healing Mind Body and Spirit 3:00 p.m. Blanket Dance 3:45 p.m. Open Dance (Inter-tribal) 4:00 p.m. Jennifer McLeod- Sovereignty 5:00 p.m. Punkin Shananaquet- Seeds 6:00 p.m. Open Dance (Inter-tribal) Sunday-09/22/2019 11:00 a.m. Welcome 11:15 a.m. Marsha Reeves- Food 12:15 p.m. Beth Earl- Breastfeeding 1:15 p.m. LJ Denemy and Sarah Jo- Line 5 Water Protectors 2:15 p.m. Jennifer McLeod- Unity 3:15 p.m. Gaylord Brooks- Who We are as Natives 4:30 p.m. Giveaway Drum- Woodland Boyz Emcee- Larry Plamondon Peacekeeper/Arena Director- Mike Loonsfoot  The fun continues all day Saturday and do not miss Gaellic Storm (Saturday night 9:30) if you go. They absolutely cooked it Friday night and they're just getting warmed up.
Photos by Lil DeLaat  Or really, "Did You Hear?...." in disguise
Social Media Hint # 237 When someone asks for a quote regarding snow removal and in trying to help you offer the following "It feels a lot colder when you're shoveling snow than when you're building a snow fort" -Cynthia Lewis. They apparently don’t mean that kind of quote. And there is a tendency for folks to get a bit snappish about such a reply. Still learning folks, still learning. The Riveridge Cider plant that opened last week south of Grant is a very cool story of perseverance as they cut the ribbon in their new plant just 14 months after a fire destroyed their previous location. And they put on a nice opening with over a couple of hundred guests sampling the cider (and taking advantage of a free lunch). We wish them well and like the cider...well except for the caramel flavored variety since we haven’t gotten along with caramel for several decades now. Go to a high school football game for pity’s sake. You don’t need to have a kid or grandkid or even a cousin twice removed playing just go because it is an autumn thing to do and these young people play their hearts out. Speaking of our recent spate of treacherous meteorological madness… Is anyone else puzzled at the concept of ‘straight line winds.Are they really just tornadoes without the twist (shaken not stirred)? And when it comes to power outages and traffic lights, come on people. When the traffic light is out at a place where it usually dictates your next move.. it means treat it like a 4 way stop. Drivers Training 101.  Beth Earl speaking at the 2018 Gathering 4th Annual Native American Gathering in Newaygo By Sally Wagoner The 4th Annual Native American Gathering will be held Saturday, September 21 from 11a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, September 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Brooks Park in downtown Newaygo. This family friendly event is free and open to the public. “Everyone is welcome to share in Native Indigenous music, dance, food and culture,” said Laci Reagan of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe, one of the coordinators of the event. “There will be demonstrations of moccasin making, beading and carving, among other arts and crafts.” “This Gathering is a remembering. It focuses on teaching and sharing our history and culture with others,” states Larry Gouine. “That is why we have speakers on both days as a main focus of the event.” Speakers will talk on topics related to Native American issues. Among the presenters will be LJ Denemy and Sarah Jo, both Water Protectors who hold vigil in support of decommissioning the Line 5 Enbridge Pipeline that runs beneath the Mackinac Straits; Punkin Shananaquet of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) who will talk about Native heirloom seeds; and Jennifer McLeod of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe on Native Sovereignty and Unity. Local Native Circle member Jade Green will talk about current issues facing Native youth. Other speakers will touch upon child-rearing with traditional cradleboards and breastfeeding; and healing the body, mind and spirit. “Traditional Foods, Our Most Intimate Connection with the Rest of Creation” will be presented by local Native Circle member Marsha Reeves. “We will look at the way people in this area have grown, gathered and prepared foods that have sustained folks here for many hundreds of years,” states Ms. Reeves. “Participants will get a chance to sample some traditionally raised and prepared foods. You’ve never really tasted corn until you’ve tasted a heritage corn pudding prepared in the old fashioned way.” In addition to speakers, there will be traders, artisans, food and a silent auction of donated items, many of which are handcrafted. The Woodland Boyz, a multi-tribal Drum hailing from this region, will be the Host Drum. Larry Plamondon will be Emcee of the day, and Mike Loonsfoot will be the Peacekeeper and Arena Director. “Even though this is not a Powwow, you can’t have a Native Gathering without Drum and dancers – it is who we are,” states Rhonda Loonsfoot, who is of the Dine (Navajo) & Pueblo Tribes. “Everything about the Drum and Dance is about traditions. The songs and the regalia that is worn have often been passed down from generation to generation. They tell what tribes and families we are from. They are a link to our ancestors, and we are connected to them through the songs, the dances and the regalia. It is a special time, and that is why the dance arena is smudged with sacred plants as a blessing before we begin.” “We welcome all people and all nations into the Dance Circle during an Inter-Tribal Dance. This is our tradition as well. We want them to feel the heartbeat of the Drum and experience the coming together of all people,” added Ms. Loonsfoot. “We wish to thank the Fremont Area Community Foundation, local businesses and the Newaygo County Historic and Cultural Museum who support this Gathering and other Native Circle events throughout the coming year,” adds Larry Gouine, Chair of the Native Circle of Newaygo County. “This is how a people come together to honor and respect the diversity among all of our Newaygo County community members.” The Native American Gathering is the major annual event by the Native Circle of Newaygo County (NCNC), a 501c3 non-profit organization. NCNC’s mission is in part to share Native Indigenous cultures with all people and to tell the history of Native Americans from their own experiences and perspectives. NCNC also offers other events such as Indigenous film viewing and cultural teachings throughout the year. “We hope everyone will come out to the Gathering and enjoy the cultures of our People,” added David Moore, event coordinator and Vice Chair of the Native Circle. “It will be an experience you won’t forget!” For information about the Gathering or the Native Circle of Newaygo County please contact: [email protected]. Or call NCNC at 231.709.9005.  Ellsworth Stay, NC Prosecutor since 2017 Worth Stay, Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney since 2017, was unanimously elected by his peers to be on the Board of Directors of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM) on Saturday. PAAM is comprised of a 14-member Board of Directors and the Attorney General who represent Michigan’s 83 county prosecuting attorney offices. He will serve a one-year term through August 2020. Prior to being appointed as the Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney, Stay had been an assistant prosecuting attorney for almost 10 years, five of those as chief assistant prosecutor. Stay has also served as Trial Court Director and the Friend of the Court. "We are looking forward to Worth Stay serving as a member of PAAM’s board of directors,” said PAAM President Bill Vailliencourt. “His proven dedication to public safety and protecting the rights of victims will make him a real asset to our board, and will ensure the issues he faces in Newaygo County will be a part of what prosecutors statewide consider as we address criminal justice issues in Michigan.” “I am honored to have been elected to the PAAM Board of Directors,” said Stay. “The Association serves as a strong voice in the state to protect public safety and victim’s rights. I look forward to serving in this role with the safety of Newaygo County and Michigan residents in mind.” The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan was established in 1928. The primary purposes of the association are to promote equal justice in enforcing the state's criminal laws and continuing the education of prosecuting attorneys and other law enforcement officials.  Guv says no to sales, ads
Yesterday, September 3, 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to issue emergency rules to ban the sale of flavored vaping products in retail stores and online, making Michigan the first state in the nation to ban flavored vaping products. Also banned is any misleading marketing of vaping products, including the use of terms like “clean,” “safe,” and “healthy” that perpetuate beliefs that these products are harmless. The Michigan Department of Transportation is also ordered by the Governor to enforce an existing statute to prohibit the advertising of vapor products on billboards. “As governor, my number one priority is keeping our kids safe,” said Whitmer. “And right now, companies selling vaping products are using candy flavors to hook children on nicotine and misleading claims to promote the belief that these products are safe. "That ends today. Our kids deserve leaders who are going to fight to protect them. These bold steps will finally put an end to these irresponsible and deceptive practices and protect Michiganders’ public health.” Rachel Uganski is part of the Headway Coalition a group of community partners working together for substance abuse prevention. She serves as the Project Coordinator for our local Drug Free Communities program. “Our schools and communities have seen dramatic rises in the youth vaping epidemic in the last two years, said Ms. Uganski. “This legislation is a huge win to protect our kids against the harmful effects of these products. “We commend Governor Whitmer’s efforts to protect our kids. Nicotine and vaping products have negative effects on brain development and lung health. We are proud that Michigan is leading the pack to prioritize kids over profits.” According to figures released by the governors office e-cigarette use spiked 78% among high school students and 48% among middle school students from 2017 to 2018, In 2018, more than 3.6 million U.S. kids, including 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students were regular users. These rates are still climbing, likely fueled by the availability of flavors akin to apple juice, bubble gum, and Nerds. Dr Jennifer Morse is the Medical Director for District Health Department # 10. “Flavors make vaping more attractive to kids and some flavored e-cigarettes, particularly those with cinnamon, vanilla, fruit, popcorn, caramel, and coffee flavors, have been found to be more irritating and toxic to our airways,” she stated. “With over 200 illnesses and one death associated to vaping identified so far, with no one single common factor other than vaping identified, all vaping with or without flavored liquids should be seen as dangerous.” Vaping products have had an easy run with research and legislation tending to trail behind marketing thus far. But for now the order follows one of the primary strategies of substance abuse prevention. Restrict access.  Another way to get “Hey Did You Hear...?” into social media without reprisal
Nothing like a good cemetery stroll. No not at midnight during a full moon because while that can be fun, it's kind of late and it’s kind of dark, and truthfully a bit weird particularly on a first date with someone who says it's the only place they really feel complete...but that’s a whole other story from another era. History buffs or anyone who might have a bit of curiosity about the yesterdays of our beloved county seat will need to mark this one down. The fine folks at the history department of the nearly world famous White Cloud Library have put together a program for this coming Sunday that will include some speakers and a guided tour pointing out the most notable of those who reside on the hill heading west out of town. Call the library for details. 231.689.6631 Going to the Climate March on Saturday, September 14 at Brooks Park? No, you’re not because that event has been cancelled. However (and this is important) You are encouraged to come to the Thursday, September 12 meeting of Citizens Environmental Watch & Action Coalition, 6pm, Brooks Township Hall, Newaygo. Q & A on Recycling will highlight the meeting with Lola Harmon-Ramsey taking the queries. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/can-i-recycle-this-find-out-september-12 Poetry Slam night at Flying Bear this week Wednesday September 4, 7pm features Bitely poet...and yes we said Bitely poet... Alan Basting doing some readings as well as the other odistic endeavors by some of the regular rhymers. We haven’t made it there yet despite plans to do so but have heard from a number of people who enjoy the opportunities the slam presents for sharing their readings from free verse to sonnets to haiku. Mammograms. Hesperia. Important. Nice letter Julie Burrell. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/letter-mobile-mammogram-on-sept-6-lets-women-take-charge-of-our-health The Dublin General Store has been an up north icon forever.They pre-date the infamous Flea Roast Ox Market of nearby neighbor Irons which began in the mid 1970’s by nearly 40 years. We traveled to that area recently and stopped in for old times sake having frequented the site in the past. It was as impressive as ever and apparently evolved into the jerky Mecca of the North with a satellite store in Grandville. Yes, Grandville. A city that truly bears no resemblance to the woodsy yet regal region round Dublin and Dublin, thankfully, doesn’t have a huge castle-like structure either. But we digress. Now here we are just a couple weeks later and it not only burns to the ground but those nasty two words ‘foul play’ make their appearance according to reports from presumably reputable sources. While we’re certain this will provide cannon fodder for the conspiratorial clowns who prowl social media in hopes of gaining relevance through controversy, it is our hope most folks opt to ignore them rather than feeding into their clarion call to engage in one of their social media slap fights. And we hope the store returns as soon as possible because when it comes to getting your hands on their fine jerky a drive to Grandville just doesn’t match up to northbound cruise up m-37.. Once you get past the bridge of course. Netflix recommendation of the week : The Kaminsky Method. 8 episodes, Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas. Sublime. We can’t wait for season 2. “Cemeteries are like a giant library of stories.” - A.L. Mengel, The Mortician  From left: Newest WC Rotarian Betty Kreuger with Club President Holly Moon, Betty's sponsor. The White Cloud Rotary Club recently inducted Betty Krueger as its newest member in the Club. Betty is the Branch Manager for Independent Bank in White Cloud. The Club is pleased to welcome Betty into the Club and looks forward to her contributions as a Rotarian.
White Cloud Rotary is a volunteer organization based on the principle of ‘Service Above Self’ and the advancement of high ethical standards, goodwill and civic responsibility. The Club meets every Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. at The Eagles conference room in White Cloud. |
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