 (l-r) Nancy Harper, Amy’s sponsor, Amy Barnhard, and Holly Moon, Club President. The White Cloud Rotary Club is excited to announce the induction of Amy Barnhard as a new member. Amy is a life-long resident of White Cloud, and has worked in the pharmacy for Family Health Care for many years. The Club is pleased to welcome Amy into the Club and looks forward to her enthusiasm for Rotary. Amy became interested in becoming a Rotarian when her sister-in-law from Arizona visited White Cloud this summer and shared her experiences in the Arizona Rotary Club. In fact Amy’s sister-in-law Theresa paid her membership dues for the first year!
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.  On Tuesday, Oct 29th, Fremont & White Cloud Rotarians joined together at TrueNorth to help sort coats to help an estimated 900 Newaygo County kids and adults stay warm this winter.
 Jackilyn Roseberry is now Director of the FADL After a nationwide search for the position of Director at the Fremont Area District Library, the Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that the role will be filled by Jackilyn Roseberry. Jackilyn’s background includes leadership roles in public libraries, with her most recent position being the Branch Operations Manager at Muskegon Area District Library. The following is an introduction from Jackilyn to our community: “I am honored to have been chosen as the new Director of the Fremont Area District Library. Libraries have been special to me since long before I became a librarian and Fremont is a community my husband and I fell in love with before moving here. We have only been Fremont residents for a couple of months and we already feel right at home. The community is very warm and welcoming and I have found the library to be the same. "For the past ten years I have been working in libraries in some capacity and couldn’t imagine doing anything else as a career. I grew up in Pentwater, Michigan, and it was there that I got my first 'real' library job. From Pentwater I went on to the Muskegon Area District Library, where I worked most recently before settling in Fremont. "My favorite part of working in a library is connecting with my community. In my new role, I am most excited about getting to know everyone and finding out ways the library can better serve you. Whether you’re looking for a book, a fun program to attend, or maybe a gift from our Friends Gift Shop, the library has something for everyone. Please stop by and say hello, I am looking forward to meeting you!” Please join the library in welcoming Jackilyn Roseberry as the new Director at a welcome reception at the library on Thursday, November 14th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Tasty treats and refreshments will be served, and all are welcome!  The Governor surrounded by grateful supporters of the bill “A step in the right direction”
Over 10,000 practitioners who are Licensed Professional Counselor can breathe a little easier as can the thousands of consumers of counseling throughout the state and the multitude of agencies and practices who rely on them to provide needed services. Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4325 to update the scope of practice for counselors in the Public Health Code. The bill will ensure that Licensed Professional Counselors can still diagnose and treat patients. The bill came into being as a response to rules being promulgated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The proposed rules would have removed the ability of counselors to diagnose and offer psychotherapy. “Licensed Professional Counselors provide a high quality clinical services through our clinical practice to the people we serve,” said Newaygo County Mental Health Executive Director Carol Mills. “We are grateful to the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer for recognizing the valuable role LPC’s have today in the public Community Mental Health system. “Passage of this bill enables us to continue on our mission of providing high quality care to persons in need of mental health services in Newaygo County.” The bill clarifies that a Licensed Professional Counselor can practice without supervision and can supervise a limited licensed counselor once they have completed training in supervision as required by LARA. LARA may also bring forward rules necessary to supplement the requirements for licensure. House Bill 4325, sponsored by Rep. Aaron Miller (HD-59), was passed unanimously by both chambers of the Michigan Legislature. “The grass roots effort which resulted in making into a bill passed unanimously in both houses of the State legislature and signed into law by the governor will ensure that over 100,000 Michigan citizens will continue to receive mental health care from LPC’s,” said Gregory Hayes an LPC who practices at NCMH. Lori Goldin another NCCMH practitioner also spoke of the important local impact of the initiative. “This bill was very relevant with regard to LPC’S who work in community mental health,” she stated. “Clients with generational poverty and mental illness who depend on the relationships they have with their counselors stood to lose their supports unless Governor Whitmer signed this bill. These clients have no place else to get their services. “ “This new law will protect professional counselors from losing the ability to practice as they currently do,” added Governor Whitmer. “We must continue to work hard to ensure every Michigander has access to critical mental health care, and this is a step in the right direction.” Newaygo County Community Mental Health is located in White Cloud. For more information please visit their website at http://www.newaygocmh.org/  From our friends at MDOT
Consumers Energy has scheduled a power outage that will disable the traffic signal at the north junction of M-37 and M-82 in Newaygo, Newaygo County, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. The intersection is in an active construction zone, and motorists should treat the intersection as a four-way stop during the outage. For a location of the intersection, please visit Mi Drive.  New NFD Chief Travis Kroll of Newaygo By N3 News
There’s a new Fire Chief in town (and townships). Travis Kroll was recently chosen for the position by the Fire Board after serving with the Newaygo Fire Department the past 5 years, We caught up with Chief Kroll to pose a few questions and help introduce him to our readers. How long have you been with the department? I have been with Newaygo Fire Department since 2014. What led you to join? I wanted to do something that would make a positive impact on my community. At the time, I was part of a Rotary extension group that met in Newaygo. That is where I met Rob Pope, who was helping recruit for the department and he encouraged me to apply. What do most people not know about our fire department? I don't think most people realize we are a paid-on-call fire department. Unlike larger cities, we do not have someone at our fire station 24/7. Our members respond from their homes to the station during calls for service. They are leaving family dinners, birthday parties, and holiday events to help our community during a time of need. The volunteer/paid-on-call model makes up nearly 88% of the departments in the United States. What do you feel is the role of a chief? The role of the Fire Chief is to ensure the daily operations of the department run smoothly. My goal is to ensure our community is provided the best possible services within the budget we are provided. This includes ensuring a response when called, that emergency scene operations run well, staffing is appropriate and we are vested in our community. Who have been your mentors? I have been fortunate to have a few mentors during my time. Past Chief (current Firefighter) Jason Wolford was a large part in helping me understand how to best utilize my current skill set while learning new ones. I have to credit him with providing the tools and guidance needed to advance in my career in the amount of time I have. He has always been supportive and taken many of my ideas into great consideration during his time as chief. Former Deputy Chief Jason Cunningham was also a large influence on me helping to encourage me to get my SCUBA diving certification when I wasn't sure I could do it. He allowed me to grow in that area and eventually be the backup operations supervisor for our team. Finally, I would have to give credit to former member Rob Pope. If it were not for his initial encouragement, I would not be in the spot I am today. He was always one willing to listen and provide help as I learned and advanced through my career. What is the biggest challenge facing the department? The largest challenge facing the department is the lack of people willing/able to give up their spare time to be on a paid-on-call department. In today's society, time seems to be a limited thing. Unlike 20-30 years ago when most people lived and worked in the area, the majority of our area is now comprised of work commuters (those who live in the area but commute outside for work). We no longer have that group of people who are able to leave their job in the middle of the day to respond to a fire or rescue call. This creates a challenge of finding people that work various shifts or days, who can ensure we provide a response to calls 24/7. How do you plan to address it? I am working on various ways in which to help ensure our department is well staffed 24/7. This includes working with new, unique ways in which we recruit new firefighters. One recent change is allowing people to apply to be a firefighter or medical responder. Prior to that, you had to commit to obtaining both certifications which can be around 330 hours of training total. There are many individuals out there who may want to get their medical license, but not have to be a firefighter, and this is the perfect way to capture their help. I believe it is also important to market the family aspect of the department. It's not just the recruit that joins, but their family as well. We like to embrace them and let them know they now have an extended family made up of 19 firefighters and their families. All of us are here to help one another at a moment's notice. The fire board members who serve as the representatives of the community have entrusted you with a vital job. Anything you would like to say to the people of our area? I am very humbled to take on the role of Fire Chief for our department. This was not something I ever planned on achieving when I first joined. I would like our community to know that we deserve a professional, well training department, that is highly involved and attentive to the needs of our residents. I will do my best as the chief to get us there. I am always open to comments and feedback from our residents and welcome their input. Anything else you would like to add? The department is currently staff by 19 paid-on-call members within the community. in 2018, we set our new record of responding to over 600 calls for service. We cover 56 square miles which include the City of Newaygo, Brookstownship and 60% of Garfield Township. Our area also includes a large section of the Muskegon River and many lakes. We average around 48 calls per month responding to medical emergencies, fires, car accidents, water rescues and more.  Program supports employee retention goal
Michigan Works! West Central has hired Julie Sanders to lead its Business Resource Network in NewaygoCounty. In her new role as Success Coach, Sanders will bring Business Resource Network (BRN) services to local employers enrolled in the program. A BRN is a group of local employers who share a common goal of improving workforce retention and reducing turnover with the assistance of the Success Coach. The ultimate goal is helping employees overcome any barriers they may have to retain their employment, such as transportation, childcare and financial planning issues, among others. Sanders is partnering with employers, nonprofits, public agencies and Michigan Works! West Central to improve workforce retention in Newaygo County. “If I can help working families get through tough times, and save employers from the cost of replacing and training new employees, we as a community are strengthened,” Sanders said. Sanders joined Michigan Works! West Central in early September. She previously was the executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Newaygo County, a position she held for nearly 10 years. “The Business Resource Network is a great program designed to help improve workforce retention, as well as reduce turnover rates and the costs associated with hiring and training new employees,” said Shelly Keene, Michigan Works! West Central executive director. “We are excited to have Julie on board leading our Business Resource Network in Newaygo County.” Michigan Works! West Central, which covers Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties, offers services to both employers and job seekers. For employers, it offers assistance with recruitment, posting job opportunities, hosting job fairs, training dollars for new and existing employees and more. Michigan Works! West Central offers job seekers assistance with resume/cover letter writing assistance and help with creating a profile/resume on Pure Michigan Talent Connect, and other employment related services. Various classroom and on-the-job training opportunities may also be available for adults, dislocated workers and youth through several available funding sources. For more information about the Newaygo County Business Resource Network or to join your business, contact Sanders at [email protected] or (231) 538-0746.
Eateries to be; Honoring the Amish; Shed them pills; The Dragon starts to prowl. Hey, there has been some genuine action at the site where a fire ended the run of Smuggler’s Cove. The photo shows the relative leveling of the building that in pre SC years was the home of the North Shore (or North Sho e if you arrived by water). What will rise in its place? Still a bit of the unknown surrounding this new venture, though the rumor mill has been tossing the word ‘brewery’ around a bit. There’s just something enticing about a dining establishment that can be accessed by land or by sea . And speaking of new eateries we anxiously await the opening of a new epicurean incarnation in the building that housed the former River Valley Pizza a place that, incidentally, garnished a good share of votes (albeit posthumously) in our pizza survey a few months back. The pasties were pretty righteous as well and Dave was always an interesting guy to chat it up with, but we’re a little excited at the prospect of diving into some of the edibles that will be coming out of the kitchen of La Paloma. Since the Rio Cafe ended it’s fabulous run in Croton there’s been a drought at N3 World Headquarters & Dormant Monarch Ministry when it comes to having that favorite place for Mexican food. For us the Rio was the once-a-week-I-need-to-go-there kind of spot so we’re anxious to see if that long-standing gap can be filled by the folks at La Paloma. We’ll let you know. As for non food related items… At the county commission meeting recognition was given to the North Newaygo Amish Church who turned out big time to lend a hand...well, several hands… when flooding tore through parts of our county leaving wreck and ruin in its wet wake.The folks from the NNAC contributed tools, supplies, equipment and over 65 volunteers who put in over 2100 hours to the community in reconstruction activities. The four who attended to accept the accolades received a standing ovation from the gathering. A well deserved ovation. The Amish families who reside in this area are an integral part of our community as evidenced by their rapid response to the distress brought about by our spring monsoon and their willingness to help their neighbors. Nicely done NNAC. Dragon spotting? NC Parks Director Nick Smith (who adores and absolutely lives for winter even though otherwise he seems as normal as anyone) posted this photo on social media of the construction being done on the much anticipated biking hiking phenomena known as the Michigan Dragon Trail. As the pix show the project has gotten some serious traction. From Nick:Trail Builders have completed much of the trail work in and near Brower Park and Newaygo State Park. Check out this puncheon (photo below) they just installed using rough-sawn cedar. We can’t wait for these sections to open in the summer of 2020!  The Dragon Cometh  Calm, grace in storm bring top Spectrum Health award to Gerber Memorial ER nurse assistant FREMONT – To her colleagues in Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial’s emergency department, certified nurse assistant Sara Gifford is a study in grace under pressure. Amid crisis and chaos, Gifford stays cool as a cucumber. Her ability to effortlessly calm patients and rally her colleagues in the emergency department is the kind of unlearned, natural magic that healthcare professionals secretly all wish they had. To her friends and coworkers, she’s the one who places splints, pages providers, pacifies parents, runs the desk when the ER is overloaded with critical patients and keeps one eye on a patient with a behavioral condition, all at seemingly the same time – and almost always with a smile. On Wednesday night, Oct. 9, Gifford’s ability to be the calm center in the middle of any storm was officially recognized, when Spectrum Health honored her with a 2019 ACE Award for individual achievement –and fittingly on National Emergency Nurses Week. The prestigious annual award is given out to a select group of employees who are nominated by their peers throughout the 35,000-employee Spectrum Health system for excellence and outstanding work. Ironically, for the nine-year veteran at Gerber Memorial, healthcare wasn’t Gifford’s first choice. “I actually began studying social work after high school and obtained my certification as a nurse assistant as a source of income while in school,” Gifford says. “After becoming a CNA, I fell in love with health care. I took a job at Gerber Memorial in the emergency department and knew this was my home.” Working in an emergency department that cared for 25,696 people in 2018 and serves a county with 48,000 people, Gifford believes in a highly personalized approach to healthcare, a reflection of her commitment to Spectrum Health's vision and mission. And as a resident of Fremont, population 4,103, Gifford often finds herself caring for people she knows outside of Gerber Memorial. “This happens often working and living in a small town,” Gifford says. “I try to treat all of my patients as they are my family to assure they get the best care. That is what our hospital strives for.” Gifford is one of only 25 people who received a Spectrum Health ACE – Achieving Continuous Excellence – Award this year. Despite the accolade, she quickly shares the credit with her team in the emergency department: “The best part of my job is the amazing team I work with. They are my family! With that team comes the amazing care we can provide to our community!” Gifford’s nomination cited one incident of how she excelled in patient care, when caring for a child with special needs and who reacted negatively to oral sedatives: “The patient became agitated, aggressive, and unsafe. After several attempts using multiple approaches, the team was at the point of having to take more invasive measures which included IV placement and more medications which we didn't know how the patient would tolerate. Sara came on shift and within the hour, had the patient calmed, smiling and distracted, which discontinued need for invasive interventions. This provided a much better outcome for the patient and family.” Gifford’s colleagues agree. “I absolutely love working with Sara!” Kathy Davis, RN, and Gifford’s colleague in the emergency department, said in nominating her. “I always feel better when she is present in the department knowing she can pretty much handle anything.” Gifford’s says the training she and others in the emergency department get prepare her to do her job. “Staying calm in the ER can often be hard as we see some very difficult things,” she says. “However, we are all trained to take care of every situation we are faced with and you just have to remember that. Take a breath and tell yourself, ‘This is what we do, do what you are trained for.’”  Gifford’s true soft spot is reserved for young children and babies she sees in the emergency department. The first thing she strives to do is build trust as quickly as possible with them. “Kids will trust you if you get on their level, sit on the bed, or play with them,” she says. “They are often scared coming to ‘The Doctor.’ But if you tell them what you are doing and explain things to them, they understand and stay calm and you’re also reassuring the parents that they will be okay. I love children, especially babies, and I often hear the other staff tell the parents that once I have a baby in my hands: ‘Don't expect to get your baby back for a while!’” When she’s not caring for patients in the emergency department, she is enrolled in nursing school at West Shore Community College in Ludington. “I love my job as a tech but I’ve always told myself I would go back to school to further my education once my four kids were all in school full time. I want to be able to do more to help our patients and serve my community,” she says. Now one of those four kids, Brianna, is enrolled in the pre-med program at Northern Michigan University and hopes to become an anesthesiologist. “Brianna has never known me to work in anything other than health care,” Gifford says, though she isn’t sure if her career at Gerber Memorial had any influence on her daughter’s chosen path. “I think she will do much greater things than I will. She just started her freshman year at Northern Michigan University for pre-med and one day she will make an amazing doctor.” On the night Spectrum Health surprised her with her ACE Award in the middle of an evening emergency department meeting, her husband, Rodney Gifford, told her he was going out to get dinner – and instead snuck in the back door of the administration offices. He brought their three children, her grandmother Mary Lamb, and a few relatives along for the surprise. When the contingent popped into the meeting with balloons and cake, Sara Gifford glanced around, briefly confused and stunned into silence. After a few minutes, she finally found her words and quietly managed to whisper: “Thank you. Oh my gosh, thank you.” The ACE Awards Program celebrates employees and teams across Spectrum Health who deliver results and exemplify its values of compassion, courage, curiosity and collaboration. The award also recognizes employees who surpass expectations to deliver outstanding patient, member and family experiences. This year, Spectrum Health recognized 10 Individual Award winners, three Leadership Award winners, one Community Award winner, one Experience Award winner, one Inclusion Award winner, one Team Award winner (given to seven individuals this year) and one Volunteer Award winner. Since the ACE Award was launched in 2001, Spectrum Health has recognized more than 400 high-performing individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the organization.   Front Row Left to Right; Karen Jackson, Treasurer, Isabella County Register of Deeds; Paul DeYoung, 2019 President, Van Buren County Register of Deeds; Ann Clayton, Secretary and incoming 2020 3rd Vice- President, Gladwin County Register of Deeds Back Row Standing Left to Right; Brandon Denby, 2020 2nd Vice-President, Livingston County Register of Deeds; Stewart Sanders, 2020 President, Newaygo County Register of Deeds; Michelle Stevenson, 2020 1st Vice-President, Roscommon County Clerk/Register of Deeds The Michigan Association of Register of Deeds (MARD) recently held their 105th Annual Educational Conference in the City of Saint Joseph, Berrien County. The conference was hosted by Berrien County Register, Lora Freehling and current MARD President, Paul DeYoung, Van Buren Register of Deeds. Registers representing 51 of Michigan’s 83 counties were in attendance for the conference. Featured speakers were LARA-Director of Remonumentation who made a presentation on Plat Boards and the Land Division Act, Berrien County Attorneys Scott Hogan & Steve Smith, of Foster Swift that made a presentation on Sheriff’s Deeds, Foreclosures, and Recording Protocol and, Attorney Bonnie Toskey, of Cohl, Stoker, Toskey that spoke on the importance of Race notice, E-Recording, and Recording orders. 2020 Officers elected at the conference are President Stewart Sanders, Newaygo County Register of Deeds, 1st Vice President Michelle Stevenson, Roscommon County Register/Clerk, 2nd Vice President Brandon Denby, Livingston County Register, 3rd Vice President Ann Manning-Clayton, Gladwin County Register, Treasurer Karen Jackson , Isabella County Register, Secretary Amy Bissell, Benzie County Register and Immediate Past President Paul DeYoung Van Buren County Register of Deeds. Sanders currently serves as the Legislative Co-Chair and 1st Vice-President of the Michigan Association of Register of Deeds. He will assume the role of MARD President January 1, 2020 and serve a one year term.  LANSING— State Sen. Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo, welcomed the Rev. Randall Blanchette to the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday. Blanchette serves as pastor at Cedar Creek Alliance Chapel in Twin Lake and delivered the invocation before Senate session. Fremont Rotary Club invited students of the month from Fremont Public and Fremont Christian Schools and their parents to the October 8th meeting.
Rotarian Sherri Paulsen read each student’s nomination letter and presented the student with a certificate on behalf of Fremont Rotary. The students and their parents enjoyed lunch and the program, provided by Julie Burrell on the importance of shopping local.  :Holly Moon, WC Rotary President, (L) accepts check from Betty Krueger, Bank Manager and staff members of the WC office Independent Bank delivers $1K donation to WC Rotary
Independent Bank is proud to invest in volunteering in our community and as a special gift they presented a donation in the amount of $1,000 to the Rotary Club of White Cloud. "We are thankful for all Rotary does to help our local communities,” said Betty Kreuger Independent Bank Manager. “We hope this gift will be helpful in furthering the Club's positive efforts in our community." 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.  Jane holding her foster cat Duchess- Photo by Tim Hesse  BH offers foster cat program for 55 and older
Bellwether Harbor is beginning a new Seniors for Seniors Foster program to match community members aged 55+ with a cat from our shelter. The purpose is 2 fold: To provide companionship and health benefits for the individual through decreased isolation and contact with people in the community and… To provide a home environment for some of our shelter cats who have become long-term residents of Bellwether. Benefits to pet ownership have been scientifically proven. Lower blood pressure, less isolation, improved mental and physical wellbeing. Barriers to pet ownership include a lack of access to veterinary care or inability to do routine pet maintenance such as nail trims and topical medications, lack of money to pay for care, and a fear of what happens to the animal if something happens to the owner. This program addresses all of these concerns. How it works: Individuals apply to be part of the foster program. There is a telephone interview and home visit (to determine any safety concerns for the cat). The applicant then visits Bellwether to meet and be introduced to the cats who are part of the program and to find their perfect match. Then the cat is brought to the individual. Follow up visits are performed monthly to replenish supplies and provide routine medical care such as nail trims and topical medications. Phone check-ins are also part of this and the foster has access to Bellwether staff for questions or concerns regarding animal health and care. For people who think they cannot afford to adopt a pet, this is an ideal situation because the Seniors for Seniors program assumes all costs for the animal's care. There are monthly visits by the vet tech to do routine medical care and to deliver all the food and litter and supplies needed to care for the cat. All the foster needs to do is provide love and daily care for the animal. This is considered a permanent foster situation. While in the Seniors for Seniors program, this cat will be removed from the adoption rosters and be considered permanently placed until the foster is no longer able to care for the animal. There is no cost to the foster homes. All the animal care costs and supplies are being assumed by Bellwether Harbor, with generous support from the Fremont Area Elderly Needs Fund. Who is eligible: Adults aged 55+ in Newaygo County. There must be no other pets in the home. Participants must agree to in-home visits by shelter staff. The cats are indoor only for their safety and health. There is a 15.00 participation fee (possibly waived). In exchange, Bellwether Harbor provides routine medical care, supplies (food, litter, bedding, toys, etc)  Dragons, trolls, ribbons and biscotti New Trail breaks ground https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/here-comes-the-dragon Ok so maybe the whole Dragon Trail thing may not move you personally but you gotta admit it’s a pretty cool project we have taking place in our area. Now,of course, if you are a trail riding cycling enthusiast this is an epic creation and most are tingling with near rapture in anticipation of the opportunity to pedal what will truly proved to be a unique course. Not to be lost in the excitement of this enticing enterprise, one of the most impressive items of info to come out of this is the way it got done.We hear lots of talk about the dynamic of collaboration but few initiatives truly get beyond cooperation. The vital intermingling of several government entities and departments, companies, corporations, organizations and agencies showed a heap of courage because in an age when scrutiny and accountability for missteps has heightened this must have been a bit of a risk for all involved. But it worked. And soon there will be an added gem to the biking/hiking array of trails our area enjoys. Oh, and by the way, the annual and much celebrated cyclist challenge known as The Icemen Cometh a 30 mile race from Kalkaska to Traverse City and it’s partner the shorter Slush Cup race are being held November 2nd just a tad to the north of us. The two races sold out of registrations and maintain a waiting list of sorts. Between the two somewhere around 5000 folks signed up to pedal those 30 miles. The Dragon Trail is 47 miles. Just saying… Police Chief https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/fremont-council-terminates-chief-over-recent-charges When news broke about the charges being filed against the recently terminated Fremont Police Chief there were a lot of reactions from the community as could and can be expected. This story will likely see an enduring half life with every court date or action taken revving up the social media rumor mill and the trolls will run wild with yet another opportunity to rile up the troops. Troll prevention 101: Remember, pay less attention what is said (well... typed not said, but you know what we mean) and more attention to how what they say makes you feel. That is their goal. On any post or comment if it makes you angry that was the purpose.If it leaves you frustrated? That was the target. Experiencing a bit of existential ennui? They consider it mission accomplished. Solution? Indifference. The only thing that makes a troll go away is to stop feeding it. Ignore. Delete. Don’t respond. If possible have the dialogue continue with no response to their post. Starve them and they will soon try to salvage a clever way to say goodbye in a last ditch effort to make us feel bad and move on. They are indeed emotional parasites who have always been around but now, of course, possess more access to others via the internet. Business moves and changes  The Builders First Source crew  No conFusion at this downtown Newaygo salon A couple of recent ribbon cuttings came to us via the RV Chamber. Builders First Source held an open house to promote their expended services and Fusion Salon celebrated their new digs with a cut from a pair of Fusion folks who looked as though they’ve had some experience handling scissors.
Icon passes There were drummers and then there was Ginger Baker. With Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce he was part of the rock triumvirate known as Cream then joined Clapton and Steve Winwood and former Traffic guy Ric Grech to offer up the revolutionary classic Blind Faith album. Neither group stayed together long as the members of each seemed drawn toward doing a bit of wandering musically. Ginger Baker passed this week, another icon of the rock legends to leave us. But if you’ve never heard the Blind Faith album, give it a spin on some righteous vinyl. Way, way worth it in our opinion. Watching CBS Sunday Morning is perhaps among the best that television has to offer. And Jane Pauey, perhaps my all time fave on Today, does a superlative job in hosting. This past Sunday we learned about Lizzo, saw a funny bit about the recent ‘embrace failure’ phenomena, took in some Mitzi Gaynor past and present and watched a surprisingly balanced piece about corporate decisions regarding sales of firearms and a bit about a pair of reporters, Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill, we have long admired for their distinctive approaches to their stories. Viewed with a cup of good coffee and one or two biscottis (Nonni’s, Chocolati with that wonderful almond taste) it is a splendid way to spend a weekend mid morning. We'll be back soon. Until then be kind to each other, keep flossing, listen to music every day and remember... “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”- G.B. Shaw 
Monday night at the Fremont City Council meeting the decision was made to terminate Randy Wright from his position as Chief of Police. The action came after two charges were filed last week against the former chief in Ingham County and Kent County. Wright is charged with Sexual Misconduct 4th degree, stemming from an incident that is alleged to have occurred this past June during a group bus ride. Both Wright and the woman reporting the behavior were on the bus as part of a group outing organized by the Fraternal Order of Police. The City placed Wright on paid administrative leave last week and this was the first regular meeting of the City Council since the story broke. Sergeant Jon Geeting will continue to supervise the department as he has since Wright was placed on leave  White Cloud middle schoolers learning about the workings of The Original Print Shop As part of Discover Manufacturing, The Right Place partnered with the Newaygo County Career Tech Center, local schools, and manufacturers to allow an opportunity for students to explore careers in the manufacturing industry for the 3rd year in a row. During the first week in October, over 240 students from White Cloud Junior High School, David C. Outwin Middle School in Hesperia and the Newaygo County Career Tech Center participated in 18 tours of 5 facilities in Newaygo County. Participating employers included G-M Wood Products, Lubecon Castrol, Legacy Tool, The Original Print Shop and Bucher Hydraulics.  From our friends at Consumers Energy:
Access will be closed to the duChemin Park boat launch at Croton Pond on October 9 and 10 to allow a contractor crew working for Consumers Energy to safely work there. That work had been scheduled to take place October 3 and 4, but had to be rescheduled due to high flows on the river system. The duChemin 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. 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.  ‘One of a kind’ trail construction underway Photo by Lil DeLaat A long held vision for an exciting new recreational destination encompassing some of the most scenic land (and water) that our region of the near north has to offer began its journey toward becoming a reality Friday afternoon. The official groundbreaking for the Michigan Dragon Trail created a celebratory aura surrounding the gathering at Sandy Beach Park. Guests from the many entities who collaborated to make this possible, supporters and officials who were involved at some level in the process and several elected officials milled about before Newaygo County Board of Commissioners Chair Bryan Kolk took to the podium to welcome the attendees to this long awaited event. Close to a decade since Big Prairie Township Supervisor David Wright tossed out the idea of an unprecedented non motorized trail circumferencing the body of water known as Hardy Pond the dream has moved into action and soon cyclists and hikers will be able to enjoy the crown jewel of our regions extensive trail offerings. An array of dignitaries, shovels in hand, tossed up a bit of sand in performing the symbolic groundbreaking photo op for The Dragon but the work on this innovative addition to the parks departments of both counties has already begun. Construction is currently underway at Brower Park, Newaygo State Park and Sandy Beach County Park and the first bike wheels will be able to take to some sections of the path by next summer. The remainder of the trail will be built in 2021 Newaygo County Administrator Chris Wren spoke of the lengthy process that began to gain some serious traction in 2015 when Newaygo and Mecosta counties ponied up $150,000 apiece to fund the development process necessary to gain approval from Consumers Energy and ultimately the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. “This is a very exciting moment in history when a project 10 years in the making with partners from multiple agencies and companies becomes a reality.” “The Dragon Trail will create a new 46 mile linear county park, jointly managed by Newaygo and Mecosta County Park Commissions,”said NC parks Director Nick Smith. “It expands the Recreation offerings of both organizations and serves as an example of how local governments can work together effectively,” The trail will be accessed from any of the existing parks and recreation areas on and around the Pond.These locations will serve as trailheads giving users a choice of places to enter and exit. In addition, residents can access the trail in these areas or at the nearest road crossing if they choose to hike or ride from their home. “Beyond the enhanced recreational opportunities for residents and visitors the Dragon serves as a significant draw to the area which will create more jobs and provide a positive economic impact in both counties,” added Wren. “Once completed the Dragon will be a one of a kind trail system not found anywhere else in the world bringing outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe.” “But it is one thing to read about dragons and another to meet them.” -Ursula Le Guin, “A Wizard of Earthsea”   Newaygo County - Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced this morning (Saturday) that Area 11-1 in Newaygo County was treated with aerial spraying last night to help combat Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Originally scheduled as a "weather alternative" location, the schedule was adjusted to include Newaygo County in the aerial spraying efforts.
A low-flying aircraft performed the aerial spraying where mosquito control professionals applied the approved insecticide, Merus 3.0, as an ultra-low volume (ULV) spray. ULV sprayers dispensed very fine aerosol droplets that stay suspended in the air and kill adult mosquitoes on contact. This is an approach other states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, have recently used to combat EEE. As of October 4, EEE has been confirmed in nine people, with four fatalities. Cases are in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. In addition, cases have occurred in 34 animals from 15 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. The mosquitoes that spread EEE are still active and were caught in traps set October 1 in southwest Michigan. For the most up-to-date information, including a map of area 11-1 in Newaygo County, visit www.michigan.gov/eee.  From our friends at MDOT:
Next week, traffic will be shifted to the west side of M-37 over the Muskegon River as crews work on the northbound portion of the bridge. After the project started, additional work was necessary to improve the beam connections. This changed the estimated end date of October to mid-November. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing approximately $503,000 to improve the M-37 bridge over the Muskegon River. The project includes expansion joint replacement, substructure repair, new pavement markings between Quarterline Street and Croton Drive/M-82, and new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalk ramps at M-37 and M-82/Croton Drive. Project map: https://tinyurl.com/yymwd4c5  From the folks at MDHHS
As of October 1 at 4:00 PM, the area of Newaygo County slated for spraying to prevent EEE is currently being considered a "weather alternative location" for tonight's spray efforts. This means that if weather does not permit spraying efforts to take place in the planned locations, Newaygo County will be considered as a location for spraying tonight. The state will make a determination around 6:30 PM this evening if their current plan for spraying is a Go or a No Go. Then they will look at the weather alternative locations and determine if they are a Go or No Go for spraying due to weather conditions. The locations on the schedule for spraying this evening include: •Area 3-1 in Berrien County. •Area 1-1 in Allegan County. •Area 2-1 in Barry County. •Areas 5-1 and 5-2 in Cass County. •Area 4-1 in Calhoun County. •Area 12-1 St. Joseph County. •Area 13-1 in Van Buren County. The following counties are considered weather alternatives in the event that weather does not permit spraying in the above counties: •Area 6-2 in Jackson County. •Areas 8-1 and 8-2 in Kent County. •Area 9-1 in Lapeer County. •Areas 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 in Montcalm County. •Area 11-1 in Newaygo. Location maps and additional information is available at www.michigan.gov/EEE. |
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