 Ribbon cutting culminates a 15 year journey “Good afternoon and welcome to Sandy Beach County Park. We last met here in 2019 to kick off construction of Michigan’s Dragon on Hardy Pond. Today we come back together to start a new chapter of outdoor recreation and tourism in the Newaygo and Mecosta Counties and the state of Michigan.” Those were the words of Newaygo County Parks Director Nick Smith as trail leaders, donors, and project partners gathered at Sandy Beach County Park to celebrate the end of construction on Michigan's Dragon at Hardy Dam. For the past six years, the 45-mile-long natural surface trail has been under construction, with several of the 11 segments opening as they were finished. As of September 27, Segment 7, the last one under construction, was completed, and the entire 45-mile trail is now open to the public. The project, a partnership between Consumers Energy, Mecosta County, Newaygo County, the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance, and others, started in 2009 with the idea of a trail encircling the 4,000-acre Hardy Pond reservoir. Since then, the collaborative has received permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to proceed with trail construction around the hydroelectric impoundment in 2019. There were many people to thank for this success, not the least of whom was Martin Hall of the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance. Hall was involved from the onset, and helped bring a brigade of volunteers to the project. He spoke to the history of the project giving credit to many along the way who helped in the process that brought the concept to reality. Hall also added that in many ways the work had just begun for continued maintenance of the Dragon with 14 volunteer ‘Trail Adopters’ who will oversee the 11 sections of the trail. At the last meeting of the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners Hall was recognized for his work on the Dragon and on behalf of the board Newaygo County Commission Chair Bryan Kolk presented him with a plaque commemorating the resolution. Kolk addressed the crowd and spoke about the history surrounding the trail. “93 years ago was when the dam got built and in doing so created this backwater we are so enamored with.” He also spoke to the lengthy process that brought the project to this point as well as the income that the Dragon has brought to the area with over 80,000 visitors riding the trail last year before the final stages of construction were completed’ It’s projected The Dragon will see over 100,000 visitors this year. This $3+ million project was possible due to numerous funding sources and generous donors. Some of the most considerable financial contributions came from Fremont Area Community Foundation, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Mecosta County, Newaygo County, Mecosta County CVB, and Consumers Energy Foundation. Many other organizations and individuals donated generously to the project; some volunteered their time and expertise to move it forward. “We want to thank every donor, project partner, and volunteer because without them, this project would not have been possible,” said Jeff Abel, Mecosta County Parks Superintendent. Senior Community Investment Officer Lola Harmon-Ramsey spoke on behalf of the Fremont Area Community Foundation. “In 2014 as the chairman of the distribution committee our group received a request to fund an economic impact analysis for a large trail of some sort,” she stated, drawing a laugh from the large group assembled for the event. ”Oftentimes feasibility studies are funded and completed and then not a lot happens,” she continued. “A binder of ideas may sit on a shelf in someone’s office and no action is taken. “But not this time. “In 2018 an incredibly comprehensive and collaborative grant request was submitted to the Foundation and it showed a 45 mile trail with water views, sweeping valleys, a Hardy Dam crossing and multiple bridges. Our Board of Trustees was thrilled to approve an initial grant of $500,000 to support this innovative project. Various other grants have followed with our investment currently at $815,000. It has been exciting to see this project through from its inception and we congratulate the many volunteers, partners and leaders that made this project happen.” Current Big Prairie Township Supervisor David Wright and his board were also honored for their contributions to the project and after a few more congratulatory messages from the podium, Director Smith took the mike and pronounced that it was ribbon cutting time. Soon after the ribbon bit the dust Smith directed attendees to gather together whether by bike or on foot for an up close experience of the now completed trail. And The Dragon, the result of a 15 year journey from concept to fruition, will now see its roar reverberate to hikers and cyclists from across the country and beyond. 
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 Newaygo County’s annual one-stop shop for gathering information on post-secondary education and financial aid is returning to Fremont High School on October 3. College and Career Night Out 2024 will happen from 5-7:30 p.m. and is open to all Newaygo County public, homeschool, and private high school students along with parents, guardians, and adult students. Representatives from more than 40 colleges, trade schools, military branches, and career training programs will be on-hand in the gym from 6-7:30 p.m. Before the fair begins, attendees can enjoy free food from 5-6 p.m. and attend informational sessions from 5:30-6. Informational sessions will explore apprenticeships, financial aid, the Promise Zone, and finding your best post-secondary fit. Local resources will also be represented throughout the night, with opportunities for students to learn more about FAFSA, Early College, Newaygo County Career-Tech Center, the Promise Zone, and scholarships from Fremont Area Community Foundation and Gerber Foundation. College and Career Night Out is hosted by WE CAN! Newaygo County—the local college and career access network—in partnership with Fremont Area Community Foundation. The October 3 event is free to attend. For more information on the event—including a list of institutions expected to attend the college and career fair—visit facommunityfoundation.org/ccno.  Members of the Fremont Equestrian Team narrowly edged out Fruitport to capture first place in the District Championship. L-R Olivia Stroven, Hailey Thompson and Riley Chase. The team, coached by Alexis Stygstra, moves on to compete in the Regionals at Ingham County Fairgrounds September 27,28, and 29.  To all former students of Early On with NC RESA who had an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with a birth year of 2013 and 2014, you may call to arrange to pick up your personal file by October 4th at 231-652-3843. If you choose not to pick it up, the file will be destroyed. MDOT Proposing Lane changes. Public can comment and get more info next Thursday September 26th at Village offices.   The Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency (NC RESA) is proud to announce the launch of its new logo, a symbol that better aligns with the values and vision of our organization and community. “The timing for rebranding NC RESA was ideal, as it aligned perfectly with the completion of our strategic planning efforts and the need to replace our outdated and weathered signage.” said Blake Prewitt, Superintendent. NC RESA has spent the last 3 years digging into its culture statement, which encourages each employee to serve with integrity, challenge each other to embrace growth, collaborate with a positive mindset, be empathetic and inclusive, and to be solution-focused. NC RESA is dedicated to working together with our community to foster an environment where every individual can reach their highest potential. "This logo is more than just a visual change; it embodies the values of our culture statement and where we are going as an organization," said Michelle Dubois, Marketing and Communications Coordinator. "The trees reflect the natural beauty of our area, symbolizing the deep roots we have in Newaygo County. While the arrows reflect our pursuit of growth, echoing the goals and dreams of every student, teacher, parent, and community member we serve.”  COUNTY OF NEWAYGO The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed County Budget for FY 2024-2025 on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 9:45 a.m. in the Commissioners Room of the County Administration Building located at 1087 Newell Street, White Cloud, Michigan 49349. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. A copy of the proposed 2024-2025 Budget is available for public inspection at the Newaygo County Clerk’s Office.   L-R Sgt CJ Frericks. Michael Clark and Sheriff Bob Mendham- Photo credit Jodie McGarry Quick actions avert a tragedy
Michael Clark is a lifesaver. And he has an award to prove it. At last week’s County Board of Commissioners meeting Sheriff Bob Mendham introduced Clark and Sergeant CJ Frericks saying “They have a story to tell.” “We were sent down to the Muskegon River for a water emergency,” said Frericks. “Mr. Clark happened to be on the river in his boat that day and came upon two people stranded and unable to get free. One of them couldn’t swim. They were tied up on a log and one guy fell out and went underwater. Mr Clark went over there with his boat and got him. He was able to hang onto the side of his boat and bring him to the shore where I was.So without Mr. Clark this would have ended totally different.” Clark had praise for the quick action of Frericks, recalling how rapidly the Sgt tossed all his equipment aside to go after the man. In referencing his own part he said “I just happened to be there at the right time.” The Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office established the Sheriff’s recognition program to demonstrate appreciation to employees and citizens for conduct which has exceeded the normal performance standards. The Life Saving Award acknowledges citizens who have taken active measures to save the life of another. Clark’s actions on that day earned him the well deserved accolades as well as the standing ovation he received from all in attendance. |
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