 Dr. Tamar Shrikian, DMD Family Health Care adds provider to expand access to oral health care GRANT, Michigan – Family Health Care is pleased to announce that Dr. Tamar Shrikian, DMD, has joined its team of healthcare providers, offering expanded dental services to patients in the Newaygo County area. Dr. Shrikian brings ten years of experience in general dentistry and a strong commitment to improving access to oral health in rural communities. A graduate from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School, Dr. Shrikian has spent her entire career in public health dentistry, specializing in preventive care and restorative dentistry. She grew up in the Metro Detroit area and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Michigan Dental Association. “I’m excited to join Family Health Care and serve patients in Grant and the surrounding area,” said Dr. Shrikian. “Everyone deserves access to quality dental care, and I’m looking forward to helping families achieve and maintain healthy smiles.” As part of Family Health Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center, Dr. Shrikian will provide a full range of dental services, including exams, fillings, extractions, and oral health education. “We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Shrikian to our team,” said Dr. Janet Fronheiser, Family Health Care’s chief dental officer. “Access to dental care is a vital part of overall health, and adding another skilled dentist helps us meet the growing needs of our patients in Newaygo County. Family Health Care is located at 11 N. Maple St. in Grant. The clinic provides dental, medical, behavioral health, and pharmacy services. For more information, visit familyhealthcare.org. 
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What is ranked choice voting?
The Michigan Association of County Clerks (MACC) met recently to consider the Ballot Question to authorize the use of Ranked Choice Voting in the State of Michigan. After consideration, the organization voted unanimously to oppose the ballot measure brought by RankMiVote that seeks to be on the statewide ballot in 2026. Wow. Unanimous. That is a telling statistic when it comes to how our county clerks feel about the proposed change to balloting in our state. For those who are unfamiliar with what Ranked Choice voting looks like here’s a summary. How It Works Step 1: First-choice votes are counted. If a candidate gets more than 50%, they win outright. Step 2: If no one has a majority, the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated. Step 3: Voters who chose the eliminated candidate have their votes reassigned to their next choice. Step 4: This process repeats until one candidate has a majority. This system avoids traditional runoff elections and can lead to more consensus-based outcomes. Pros of Ranked Voting Reduces “spoiler effect”: Voters can support third-party or lesser-known candidates without fear of “wasting” their vote. Encourages civility: Candidates aim to be voters’ second or third choice, reducing negative campaigning. Promotes diversity: Candidates from underrepresented groups may have better chances when voters can express nuanced preferences. Eliminates costly runoffs: The instant runoff process happens automatically. Criticisms and Challenges Complexity: Some voters find the system confusing, especially in communities with low civic engagement. Delayed results: Counting rounds can take longer, especially in close races. Implementation hurdles: Election officials cite logistical and legal concerns, as seen in Michigan where clerks oppose a 2026 ballot initiative to adopt RCV statewide. Where It’s Used Statewide: Maine and Alaska use RCV for federal and state elections. Municipal: Cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and New York City use it for local races. New adopters: Fort Collins, Colorado, will use RCV for the first time in its November 2025 elections. The resolution that was passed by MACC cites concerns over the length of the ballot, conflicts with provisions of existing state law and in the state Constitution, increased voter confusion, concerns relating the complexity and timing of audits and recounts, and the inevitable delay in providing results to the public, which would be substantial. “Michigan’s County Clerks have collectively dedicated their lives to public service and the pursuit of delivering safe, secure and efficient elections for our residents,” said MACC President Linda Talsma. “As an organization, we rarely take positions on ballot questions, but we felt compelled in this case to urge voters to oppose this measure."  White Cloud United Methodist Church setting up for food distribution in 2024 Thousands in Newaygo County to feel the impact
If your family or someone you know relies on the assistance of EBT cards for purchasing food items, SNAP benefits may not be available in November. A press release issued by MDHHS on Thursday stated that Michigan has been directed by the federal Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)to stop issuing food benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. According to the U.S. Census bureau, as of 2022, approximately 8,014 people in Newaygo County, Michigan received SNAP benefits. Statewide, nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits. About 43% are families with children and 36% are families with members who are older adults or disabled. SNAP is not just a safety net for the unemployed. Many recipients are working, often in low-wage or inconsistent jobs that still leave them food insecure. The program also supports vulnerable populations who aren’t expected to work, like children and seniors. “The impact of households losing SNAP benefits will be felt around the state,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “SNAP is more than a food assistance program; it’s a lifeline for many Michigan families. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. We are strongly disappointed by the USDA’s decision to delay this assistance, and in Michigan we will do what we can to help blunt this impact.” SNAP participants should reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions involving their SNAP benefits.  Public Notice: The Family Health Care – Grant Public Schools advisory council will meet on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 12 p.m. in the Grant Public Schools administration building at 148 S. Elder Ave. The meeting is open to the public, and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP for lunch by calling 231-834-1350. The meeting will also be available virtually at meet.google.com/VXG-OCBA-BQH or call 929-251-5532 and use code: 560340384#  (l-r) Lynne Robinson, Kay Stone, and Stuart Stone of Grant
Fremont Area Community Foundation hosted its annual Fall Donors Luncheon at the Shack in White Cloud on October 9. More than 60 people attended the luncheon and heard about the Community Foundation’s innovative partnerships to address social isolation among older adults. The Community Foundation’s annual Spring and Fall Donors Luncheons bring together regular donors, fund advisors, trustees, Slautterback Legacy Society members, and Our Next 75 members to hear updates from the Community Foundation and learn more about grant-funded programs and local initiatives. After a welcome from Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO, and time for lunch and conversation, the event focused on the social isolation prevention work undertaken by the Community Foundation’s Bridging Generations Fund and three other local programs. Maria Gonzalez, senior director, shared that these partnerships began with the results of a 2017 local survey that showed social isolation was a growing problem for older adults in Newaygo County. She also shared an overview of two local programs partnering with the Bridging Generations Fund. Grandfriends—a collaboration between Wellspring Adult Day Services and Fremont Christian School—builds connections between older adults and middle school students. TrueNorth Community Services’ Community Connections programs offer older adults opportunities to socialize, learn, create, help, and have fun together. Gonzalez then introduced Joni Morgan, from Catholic Charities West Michigan’s One Township at a Time (OTaaT) program. The program is currently running in 17 of Newaygo County’s 24 townships and brings people together for a variety of activities and events. “Our mission is to eradicate loneliness among adults 55 and better,” said Morgan. “We’re not just hosting events, we’re bringing together neighbors.” Each township chooses its own activities, which might include snacks and potlucks, music, cards and games, crafts, movies, and more. Groups also meet together for book clubs, field trips, and learning opportunities. While people are encouraged to attend events in their own township, they are welcomed at any OTaaT gathering. “Your partnership makes such a difference,” Morgan told luncheon attendees. “You are helping create moments of laughter, friendship, and belonging. You’re not just helping fund a program, you’re helping people recover their joy.”  District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) are updating the October 10, 2025 advisory that was issued advising residents to avoid skin contact with surface water at Fremont Lake in Newaygo County. The advisory for the petroleum sheen has been narrowed to the location between Long Point Drive and the west-end of Lakeview Resort. Petroleum is a potentially hazardous material that can present significant health impacts with prolonged exposure. DHD#10 and EGLE are requesting that residents avoid areas that may have petroleum contamination until the water contact advisory has been lifted. For up-to-date results, please visit EGLE’s BeachGuard site: https://mienviro.michigan.gov/explorer/beach/map/results.  Going PRO Talent Fund application period now open Apply for training funding through Michigan Works! West Central by Oct. 30
BIG RAPIDS – The highly anticipated application period for the semi-annual Going PRO Talent Fund is officially underway. Michigan Works! West Central is ready to assist area businesses looking to upskill their employees and strongly encourages employers to connect with its Business Services team immediately to ensure the timely submission of a successful application. An estimated $29 million is expected to be awarded through the Cycle 1 fall grant round of the Going PRO Talent Fund. Businesses can apply for up to $2,000 per employee in training reimbursement, and up to $3,500 per USDOL registered apprentice. The application process features criteria aimed at addressing emerging workforce needs. There is a focus on industry-recognized certifications that help ensure workers receive technical training that is valuable across industries. Additionally, employers who have not received a Going PRO Talent Fund award in the past two fiscal years will receive additional consideration. To access this critical funding and upskill your employees, contact the Business Services team at Michigan Works! West Central for assistance with your application. All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30. The Talent Fund also holds a second application period each spring. “The Going PRO Talent Fund is one of the most practical and impactful ways employers can invest in their team. By funding credentials that matter in today's job market, we simultaneously boost employee retention, help families achieve stability and provide businesses with the skilled workforce they need to expand and compete,” said Shelly Keene, Executive Director at Michigan Works! West Central. “This strategic investment drives meaningful, tangible results that make Michigan’s economy stronger across the board. The Business Services team at Michigan Works! West Central is dedicated to helping every company access these competitive and critical training funds.” Since Going PRO Talent Fund (previously known as the Skilled Trades Training Fund) began in 2014, Michigan Works! West Central has helped secure more than $5.58 million for training at 70 local employers. These funds have been used to upskill more than 7,000 workers, including 240 USDOL registered apprentices. Statewide, nearly 8,500 businesses have received funds through the program since 2014, training more than 230,000 individuals. The Going PRO Talent Fund also aligns with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 initiative to increase the number of working-age adults with a skills certificate or college degree to 60 percent by 2030. “Using the Going PRO Talent Fund, employers can strategically invest in their workforce through training programs for new employees, upskilling opportunities for existing staff and support for apprenticeships,” Keene said. “By removing the heavy financial burden of training, this fund not only improves employee skillsets and increases retention, but also strengthens businesses, expands their capacity and keeps our Michigan economy moving forward. I strongly encourage every eligible business to reach out to the Michigan Works! West Central Business Services team to access these critical training funds.” Employers interested in submitting an application during the FY26 Cycle I Going PRO Talent Fund application period, should reach out to the Business Services team at Michigan Works! West Central at MWWC.org/GoingPRO. This is a competitive grant process, so reach out today!  Check out our open positions at www.ncresa.org
The deadline for applying will remain open until these positions are filled. E- applications are available in the job listing. For questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at 231-924-8853. It is the policy of the Newaygo County RESA that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, height, weight, marital status or other trait or characteristic protected by federal or state employment discrimination statutes, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination during programs, activities, and employment.  Incident ends with safe arrest of wanted felony suspect
From our friends at the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office: On October 14, 2025, at approximately 8:33 p.m., deputies from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on First Street in Big Prairie Township for a report of a drunk and disorderly individual. The caller reported that the suspect was acting belligerent, making threats toward the homeowner, and insinuating he was in possession of a firearm. Upon arrival, deputies located the individual at the scene. As deputies attempted to make contact, the suspect fled to his personal vehicle parked in the driveway. Deputies attempted a traffic stop; however, the suspect fled the scene, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit concluded at a residence on Second Street in Big Prairie Township. After stopping at the Second Street residence, the suspect exited his vehicle and fled on foot into the home. Deputies pursued but halted entry due to safety concerns and established a perimeter. Deputies made multiple attempts to communicate with the suspect, who refused to exit and shouted threats from inside the residence. At one point, the suspect threatened to release a dog to attack deputies. During the investigation, deputies learned that the suspect, a 46-year-old male from Big Prairie Township, was wanted on felony charges out of Mecosta County, including contempt of court related to original charges of fleeing and eluding, and resisting and obstructing police. Based on this information, deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence. A threat assessment led to activation of the Newaygo County Emergency Response Team (ERT), which responded to assist. Negotiators attempted repeated verbal contact, but the suspect refused to cooperate. ERT deployed distraction techniques and later breached the front entry but found that the doors had been barricaded. Robotic technology was used to safely clear sections of the home, and the suspect was eventually located barricaded in a rear bedroom with his wife and three young children. Negotiations continued, and after approximately a three-hour standoff, the suspect surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect’s wife and three children were safely secured and were not injured. The suspect, Nicholas Jay Pantelin, 47, was transported to the Newaygo County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending arraignment. He faces multiple felony charges, including but not limited to:
Family Health Care is seeking a full-time Maintenance Associate to join its clinic in White Cloud. This position is responsible for maintaining grounds, basic carpentry/plumbing/electrical work, assembling and moving furniture, and other routine maintenance projects. For more information or to apply, visit www.familyhealthcare.org/careers.  Fremont Area Chamber members, city officials, and JJ staff cutting the symbolic ribbon on Opening Day There’s a new sandwich in town
By Ken DeLaat There’s a change in the epicurean landscape of Fremont. Jimmy John’s opened their doors on Tuesday with a staff ready and willing to start prepping their classic sandwiches built with fresh ingredients in real time. JJ Director of Operations Jake Lastfogel greeted the assembled group of Fremont Area Chamber members and city officials who gathered to witness a ribbon cutting that marked the chain's entry into the Fremont area delivery options. The enticing aroma of just-baked bread infiltrated the area as folks gathered for the picture creating somewhat of a group hunger response. Following the photo op several asked to tour the inside of the newly built store, presumably drawn by curiosity rather than checking out the availability of the array of items on the JJ menu. Jake explained that this is the 18th Jimmy John’s store opened by their group. While JJ began as primarily serving urban areas Jake stated they have had success in small towns both in serving the community and hiring people for the store. There are currently 35 employees at the Main Street site, many of these part-time positions allowing for high school students to become part of the team. The event wrap-up included each member of the ribbon cutting crew being handed a coupon for a JJ sub, much to the delight of the group, including this reporter With the ribbon cutting complete I needed to run a couple errands and departed, only to make a return trip past the store a short time later. That’s when I saw the JJ car pulling out of the driveway to make one of the first of what will undoubtedly be many deliveries to the Fremont community. Welcome, Jimmy John’s. Make mine an Ultimate Italian, please.  EGLE and local agencies responding to petroleum runoff in Fremont Lake
District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) are advising residents to avoid skin contact with surface water at Fremont Lake in Newaygo County, due to petroleum runoff from a recent fire, effective Friday, October 10, 2025. The petroleum sheen has been observed along the shore from the Lakeview Resort south down to Chamberlain Avenue. “EGLE has begun the remediation process from petroleum runoff into Fremont Lake,” said DHD#10 Environmental Health Director, Max Bjorkman. “Due to the nature of the contamination and the quick response and remediation process, the public health impact is expected to be minimal.” Petroleum is a potentially hazardous material that can present significant health impacts with prolonged exposure. DHD#10 and EGLE are requesting that residents avoid areas that may have petroleum contamination until the water contact advisory has been lifted. For up-to-date results, please visit EGLE’s BeachGuard site: https://mienviro.michigan.gov/explorer/beach/map/results.  The 2025 NCLEAP group celebrating completion of the program Newaygo County Leadership program builds community connections and prepares the next generation of leaders Newaygo County, MI – The Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership (NCEDP), powered by The Right Place, is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the Newaygo County Leadership Empowerment & Advancement Program (NCLEAP). NCLEAP is designed to build, connect, and empower emerging and established leaders across Newaygo County. Through six interactive sessions, participants will explore leadership skills, build professional networks, and strengthen their understanding of community impact. “NCLEAP is about growing our bench of leaders who are deeply rooted in our communities and ready to drive positive change,” said Julie Burrell, Senior Economic Development Director for NCEDP and The Right Place. “Each cohort brings together a diverse group of professionals from business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors who want to make a lasting difference in Newaygo County.” Applications for the 2026 cohort are open now through November 1, 2025. Only 12 participants will be selected, with no more than one participant per organization to ensure a broad mix of voices and experiences. Program sessions will take place at rotating locations throughout Newaygo County, showcasing the region’s unique communities, industries, and leadership strengths. To learn more or apply for the NCLEAP 2026 cohort, visit http://rightplace.org/NCLEAP26.  MSU Extension and Newaygo County 4-H Council, along with Mapping Solutions, has announced the release of the recently published 2025 Newaygo County Plat Book. This spiral-bound book features the standard landownership map pages showing townships and ranges within Newaygo County, including property boundaries for all rural parcels. Along with landownership maps are the new enhanced LiDAR aerial view maps that show a 3D-like topographical look at the local land. This new edition includes updated Newaygo County 4-H Pages, Soils Map, Newaygo County Elected Officials and Government Directory, Lake Maps, and much more. This information is valuable to anyone interested, particularly those who own land in Newaygo County. Prospective or adjoining property owners, hunters, foresters, timber and petroleum industry personnel, emergency services and many others could benefit from this valuable information. The 2025 Newaygo County Plat Book is available for purchase for $35 at the MSU Extension-Newaygo County office located at 4747 W. 48th Street, Fremont. It is also sold at various locations throughout Newaygo County. Call the MSU Extension office at 231-924-0500 for a list of sellers near you. Those interested can also register for a chance to win a free premium wall map or a SmartMap. For more information, please contact the MSU Extension office at 231-924-0500. Wall maps, a smart phone friendly SmartMap, and an eBook version are all also available for purchase by visiting www.mappingsolutionsgis.com. “Mapping Solutions appreciates the opportunity to partner with the Newaygo County 4-H Council and publishing this valuable resource supporting the local community,” said Randy Waldorf, owner of Mapping Solutions in Kearney, Missouri. “Mapping Solutions serves more than 650 counties in 18 states by providing the highest quality map products and exceptional customer service.  College and Career Night Out Brings Post Secondary Opportunities Under One Roof
Fremont High School once again served as the hub of exploration and connection as more than 43 colleges, career training programs, military branches, and community organizations gathered for College and Career Night Out on September 25. The annual event drew hundreds of students and families from across Newaygo County who came to learn about post-secondary education, financial aid, job training, and other resources to help guide their future plans. The evening was hosted by WE CAN! Newaygo County—the local career and college access network—with generous funding from the Fremont Area Community Foundation. Melissa Miller, Director of Career, Technical & Post-Secondary Education for the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency, emphasized the importance of the event in connecting students with real options for their futures. "College & Career Night Out reflects the heart of our mission - ensuring every student in Newaygo County has clear pathways and real opportunities after high school. By bringing colleges, training programs, and community resources together under one roof, we’re not only opening doors for students and families, but also strengthening the bridge between education and our local workforce,” said Miller. The evening began with breakout sessions covering topics such as financial aid, selecting a college, exploring career pathways, and the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone. Following the sessions, students and families headed to the gymnasium for the college and career fair, where they met directly with representatives from public and private universities, trade and technical schools, career training programs, and the military. In addition to the visiting institutions, local organizations—including Early College Newaygo County, Gerber Foundation, Michigan Works! West Central, Michigan Student Aid, the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone, the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center, and Fremont Area Community Foundation—were on hand to share information about programs and offer support to area students. Organizers express gratitude to Fremont High School for hosting, to the presenters and volunteers who contributed their time, and to the many families and students who participated in another successful College and Career Night Out. An early evening crash in Everett Township claimed the life of a 25-year-old Fremont woman on Monday October 6th. Deputies on the scene from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Department, determined the crash occurred between the passenger car driven by the victim and a school bus driven by a 46 year od woman at 8th St. and S. Oak Avenue. There were no passengers in either vehicle. Preliminary investigation found that the passenger car was driving westbound on E 8th St and failed to stop for a stop sign at S Oak Ave. The school bus was driving north on S Oak Ave and struck the passenger car when it failed to stop at the stop sign. The driver of the passenger car was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the school bus was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The incident remains under investigation. The Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Michigan State Police – Hart Post, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), White Cloud Area Fire Department, Big Prairie Fire Department, Life EMS, Jerry’s Towing, Newaygo County Central Dispatch, Newaygo County Road Commission and Mid Michigan Medical Examiner Group.
Newaygo County Environmental Coalition Newaygo’s diverse and rare native habitats will be highlighted on Saturday, October 11 at the Dogwood Center’s Black Box, 4734 S Campus Ct, Fremont, 49412. The event, “Give Where You Grow: Celebrating Newaygo’s Natural Treasures” is from 4pm – 6pm and will offer presentations about the unique ecosystems in our area, and how to grow the native plants of these habitats in our yards and gardens. A fundraiser for the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition, tickets are $15-$20 and will include hors d’oeuvres, music by local Max Morrison on guitar and cello, a silent auction of art and garden gifts and services, and an optional Eco Tour of the Tall Grass Prairie Installation at nearby Fremont Area Community Foundation. More information and registration can be found at: https://bit.ly/NewaygoNaturalTreasures. Also visit Facebook: NCEC2/events for the registration link, scan the QR Code, or contact [email protected], 231-519-3419.  |
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