 There was an incident at Grant Public Schools that required a lockdown for students on Thursday. Apparently a call was made to the Veterans Crisis Line and the individual stated he was walking into the high school with a gun.
Here is the statement from Grant Police Chief Jon Patterson: At approximately 11:55 am on 10/31/24, officers from the Grant Police Department were notified of an active threat at the Grant High School. The report, which came through a third-party crisis intervention line, was of an unknown male standing outside of Grant High School with an AR-15 rifle, preparing to enter the school. Officers responded immediately to the threat, and all Grant Public Schools were placed in Lockdown Mode for security. Upon arriving at the school, there were no signs of the reported suspect. No schools had reported any suspicious person entering their facility. Due to the nature of the threat, law enforcement officers initiated and conducted a thorough search of each school within the district. No threat was located, and after all searches were complete, the schools were released from the Lockdown. During the course of our investigation, we learned the original call into the crisis line came from an IP address which matched at least 13 other calls across the United States, which all occurred at the same time. In each of those incidents, the reported threat was the same, and only the name of the supposed suspect changed. A search of the IP address used in all of these threats showed the address originating outside the US. This incident is being classified as a swatting incident and we are working to get information to the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC) and the FBI for further investigation. Swatting is a dangerous hoax designed to provoke an emergency response to a fabricated threat, typically involving serious crimes. We want to thank all of our GPS students and parents for their patience and understanding throughout a stressful situation today! The Grant Police Department was assisted on this incident by the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Fremont Police Department, and Newaygo County Central Dispatch. Chief Jon Patterson
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 A pair of local All Stars, "40 under 40" recipients L-R Julie Burrell and April Storms Storms and Burrell honored for leadership roles Two of Newaygo County’s movers and shakers were honored at a dinner for Crain’s Grand Rapids Business “40 under 40” on Thursday October 17th. The event celebrates 40 business leaders in the West Michigan area who have proven themselves as leaders in their field before the age of 40. Julie Burrell, Senior Economic Development Director at Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership - Powered by The Right Place, (a truly lengthy title) and April Storms, City Manager of the City of White Cloud will be with 38 other 'movers and shakers' at that dinner. April has been instrumental in helping to revitalize the town ‘where the North begins” securing grants for civic improvements, assisting in bringing new housing to the city and developing positive relationships with other entities. Julie has helped provide traction to the county’s economic growth and has been instrumental in the development of a successful strategy aimed at promoting tourism in our county as well as being a catalyst for entrepreneurial efforts. And these are but a few of the accomplishments achieved by these remarkable young (under 40) women Having had the privilege of knowing both this latest honor is no surprise. Leadership is a funny thing. Many more believe themselves to be leaders than are deserving of the title. But when it comes to these two talented and innovative individuals who continue to be recognized region-wide? They wear the title well. We caught up with them for a few questions. When and how did you find out you were nominated and also when you were chosen? Julie: “I found out I was nominated back in April while at a conference. The Crain's process is pretty sophisticated - I got an email immediately, asking to confirm a bunch of details and add more information. I received the email on being selected about 2 months ago with a requirement of keeping the information confidential until October! So hard to do!!” April: “I found out about the nomination in the beginning of May. The process for selection appeared to be rigorous and thorough. After responding to their inquiries, I received notification that I was selected in July. It was under strict embargo until October when Crain’s did their official announcement of the Class of 2024!” What does it mean personally and professionally to be named to the list? April: “Personally, and professionally, this nomination and recognition is an honor to receive. I never expected to make this type of impact in our community this early in my City Manager career. It’s truly been an honor to accept this on behalf of the City of White Cloud. There are many who contribute to this type of success and recognition which includes my family, staff, mentors, colleagues, and a city council who is progressive and supportive of new ideas and innovation. No one earns this type of recognition all on their own… there’s a team behind them and I’m incredibly grateful for mine! “Many are unaware, but White Cloud is very special to me. My dad grew up and graduated from WCHS and we spent many weekends at the surplus store downtown, stopped at Sallys for a large cinnamon roll and we often fished at the Mill Pond. When my dad retired 10 years ago, he moved to Southern Georgia. In February of 2022, he passed (one month after I was appointed City Manager). We made the decision to bring him home to a White Cloud Cemetery for his final resting place. On tough days, it’s a comfort to have a place in the city that I can go to take a moment away from the office. I know that he would be very proud of this accomplishment.” Julie: “As I began my career and started seeing that success was truly possible for me, I only hoped I'd be in a position to make an impact some day. I've been fascinated with lists like these but wasn't really sure I'd ever be 'important enough' to make one. It is an enormous honor and I am so proud to be on this list with so many amazing people doing life-changing work in our region.” You have both been exceptional at the art of collaboration. Can you tell us what has made you successful in this area? Julie: “It might not always be 'easy', but...more hands make light work. In a rural area, we are most limited by our human capacity, so working together is a no-brainer.” April: ”Great relationships build great communities. We are very fortunate in Newaygo County to have such an amazing group of leaders who truly want to continue to build better communities in Newaygo County.” Good leaders usually have had good mentors along the way. Who has been important to you in your career? April: “I have been mentored as a manager in many capacities over the past several years; In my previous employment, Kasey Hershberger, who was the Dental Business Operations Director at Family Health Care Dental was a great mentor for me throughout my young adult years. I have treasured many of the values and lessons that she taught me. I have been very fortunate in this capacity to have Julie Burrell, Economic Development Director for the Right Place, Chris Wren, County Administrator, Todd Blake, Fremont City Manager, Ed Canning, WCPS Superintendent, Shelly Kasprzycki, FACF President and an absolutely amazing group of staff and city council members who have been incredibly supportive of new ideas and fresh perspectives! It really does take a village!” Julie: “Coming from a rural area, as a first generation college kid without any money, my eyes were first opened when I became a Laker. Mid-Freshman year, I met this girl from Michigan's East-Side who had lived in so many places, including abroad! Her world was so different from mine, but it's where I first learned there was a chance to do things differently. We've broached the 20 year friendship mark now, and she's an architect in St. Louis. While this wasn't an official mentorship, of course, we have similar goals and career paths and bounce things off each other almost every day & I'm confident I wouldn't be the person I am without her. In my career, I've worked for three main organizations, and have had influential folks at each one. Nextel/Sprint: Andy VanderVeen. Frontier: Ray Wright, Emily Simpson, Rich O'Brien. While at The Right Place, I've had the pleasure of working closely with several folks who have been instrumental, either in teaching me what it means to be a great leader or helping me navigate growth. Travis Alden, Lola Harmon-Ramsey, Chris Wren, Shelly Kasprzycki just to name a few.” Balance is important in a professional career. What do you do for fun? Julie: “Jeep rides with my husband, hikes on the NCT, kayaks on the White River, getting artsy with my daughter & watching WWE with my son.” April: “I truly enjoy being ‘just mom and a wife’ at home. I enjoy a night in for family game night, individual kid dates, walking, kayaking or a night out with friends. I truly just enjoy the simplicity of taking off all the professional hats and just being ‘mom, wife, or friend.’ My family keeps me grounded and their support is what keeps me motivated to do the best I can for them and for the WC Community.” How does your current career match up with your goals at a younger (say, middle to high school) age? April: “I didn’t know what I wanted to do as a young adult, but my education is in the medical field. Looking back now, I’m very grateful for the opportunities that I have been given and am honored to serve as White Cloud’s City Manager.” Julie: “Like most kids that age, I think I had no idea what I wanted to do. My goal in high school was to be a Nurse. (FUN FACT - April and I were both in the same class @ CTC, and we just discovered it last week! We even have a picture to prove it! LOL) When I was in college, my advisor said, "I think you'd make a great CEO". I thought he was insane, but now I'm not so sure” Any words for younger women who may be struggling in their profession? Julie: “Find your people that will inspire, challenge & support you. You are who you surround yourself with.” April: “Find the people who see the gold in you… truly… those are your people. I have those people in my life both professionally and personally. There will always be criticism, harsh rhetoric, and judgment… take what you can from it and learn from it, grow and each day commit to being better than the day before. We are all a work in progress; handle each situation with grace and authenticity.” What inspires you? April & Julie both answered: “My family.”  Newaygo County Administror Chris Wren flanked by 40 under 40 honorees Julie Burrell (L) and April Storms (R) who both included him as one of their mentors  It is now that much anticipated, exciting time of year where White Cloud hosts its annual mid-October classic, the Jan Rademacher Memorial Quiz Bowl Invitational. The tournament will be held on Saturday, October 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Spectators are welcome to attend! This prestigious state and nationally sanctioned invitational tournament will feature 30 teams total, an impressive field hailing from all over the state of Michigan and Indiana. The following powerhouse teams will be engaged in quiz bowl action: Class A John Adams (IN), East Grand Rapids, Grand Ledge, Holland, Mt. Pleasant, Okemos, and Traverse City Central; Class B Alma, Interlochen, Ionia, Mercy Farmington Hills, South Haven, and Williamston; Class C-D Kalamazoo Christian, Roscommon, Walkerville, and White Cloud. Incredibly, almost all participant schools were state finalists and national qualifiers last year. Focusing on the Class C schools, White Cloud and Roscommon both return from last season as national playoff finalists from the NAQT Small School National Championship Tournament. Officials are reminded that there will be a meeting for all moderators, judges, and scorers on Thursday, October 10, beginning at 7 p.m. in the White Cloud High School cafeteria. On Saturday, October 12, all officials are asked to report to the high school cafeteria by 8:45 a.m. The first match begins at 9:30 a.m. Additionally, this highly regarded tournament serves to memorialize and honor Jan Rademacher and Brian Derks. Jan Rademacher functioned as a volunteer quiz bowl coach. Brian Derks was a former team captain and outstanding player, who tragically died while serving in the military in Iraq. Starting a new tradition, our trophies are now named in reverence to the legendary and foundational leader of our storied program, Tony McHattie.  L-R FHC Board President Pam Panetta, CEO Julie Tatko Tatko & Panetta Receive Honors From Michigan Primary Care Association
Family Health Care CEO Julie Tatko (right) and Board President Pam Panetta were presented with leadership awards at the Michigan Primary Care Association’s annual conference in Kalamazoo. Tatko received the Distinguished Leadership Award, which is presented annually to recognize a community health center employee who provides exceptional leadership within a health center. Tatko joined Family Health Care as CEO in August 2020. Panetta was the recipient of the Board Member of the Year Award. This individual award is presented annually to honor a Michigan health center board member who exemplifies dedication to their health center’s mission and commitment to their service. Panetta has served on the Family Health Care Board of Directors since 2018 and was elected chairperson in 2023. Family Health Care operates clinics in Baldwin, Big Rapids, Cadillac, Grant, McBain, Reed City, and White Cloud.  White Cloud has been making some positive changes throughout the town and recently received a pair of grants to improve the downtown area. Thanks to a generous Safe Routes to School grant the city has been able to secure funding to install new sidewalks on Lester Street, Clark Street and Pine Hill Avenue. The total cost of this project is estimated at $450,000 and the City has committed $84,500 to the project with the remainder of funding being covered by the grant. The project improves the safety and accessibility of the community while enhancing the overall safety for the many students who walk to school. “We believe that the new sidewalks will be a valuable addition to our community,” said April Storms, City Manager. “These sidewalks will make it safer and easier for kids to walk or bike to school and residents to use non-motorized transportation.” WCPS Superintendent Ed Canning added “The collaboration and support between the City of White Cloud and White Cloud Public Schools over the past decade to submit and receive the Safe Routes to School grant will have a tremendous impact on the community for years to come. These much-needed sidewalks and crossings provide students, families, and community members safer access to the school, surrounding resources, and city businesses.” Also recently, the Consumers Energy Foundation announced a $5,000 grant to the City of White Cloud for one of the Sustainable Built Environment Initiative goals, the addition of Custom Composite Planter Benches downtown. White Cloud City Manager April Storms credited Andrew Stafford for heading up the project when he served as a Community Economic Development Association of Michigan Fellow for the city. The decision to pursue funding for planters with built-in benches was made after Michigan State University’s Sustainable Built Environment Initiative visited White Cloud and created design recommendations for redoing White Cloud’s downtown streetscape. While a comprehensive final report was given to the city, the planters with built-in benches were identified as an actionable step that could be pursued. “We are excited to see the community’s vision for downtown start to come to fruition, one step at a time.” said April Storms.  A model of the benches coming to downtown White Cloud  Former White Cloud Fellow Andrew Stafford and City Manager April Storms  The Gerber Foundation 2025 scholarship application is open.
The Gerber Foundation scholarship application is open and high school seniors are encouraged to apply by 4 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, for consideration. The program provides scholarships ranging from $11,500 to $1,000 to high school seniors who are planning to attend a college or university or a vocational training program after graduation. Eligibility requirements and the online application are available at https://www.gerberfoundation.org/scholarships/. For questions, contact the Gerber Foundation at 231.924.3175 or by email at [email protected].
The Family Health Care Child and Adolescent Health Center Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at noon in the Grant Public Schools administration building. The meeting is open to the public and lunch will be provided. To RSVP for lunch, please call (231) 834-1350. To attend virtually, log on to meet.google.com/VXG-OCBA-BQH or call 1-929-251-5532 and use code: 560340384# |
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