 L-R Aaron Brandon - NCTC Welding Instructor Mike Farber (village pres), Makiah Brown (student designer/lead welder), Andy Melius (CTC), Vicki Burrell (Village Clerk) Village, Tech Center celebrate Installation of new sculpture as part of HesperiART Initiative
HESPERIA, MI — The Village of Hesperia, in partnership with the Newaygo County Career Tech Center (NCCTC), proudly announces the installation of a new public art sculpture “Bambi” near the Hesperia Dam, behind Ed’s Orchard Market. Designed and fabricated by NCCTC welding students, the sculpture represents the culmination of creativity, skill, and community input — as residents helped select the winning design through a public voting process earlier this year. The project was guided by the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership (NCEDP), serving as project manager, and made possible thanks to generous funding from the Fremont Area Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for Oceana County. “From the moment the student designs were unveiled, this one stood out as a favorite. Seeing it now in its permanent home is truly special for Hesperia.” said Mike Farber, Hesperia Village President. For the NCCTC welding students, the project offered both hands-on training and a meaningful way to contribute to the community. “It’s exciting to know our work will be part of Hesperia for years to come,” said Makiah Brown, welding student at NCCTC. “And don’t be afraid to fail! I was nervous to start welding at first, but the mistakes helped me learn important skills.” NCCTC staff also recognized the impact of this real-world project on their students. “This was an incredible learning opportunity,” said Dr. Blake Prewitt, Superintendent. “Our students not only sharpened their technical skills but also learned what it means to collaborate with a community, meet a real deadline, and create something that will last for Generations.” The new sculpture joins other completed and in-progress HesperiART projects, including the “Reclaimed Beauty” 3D mural completed earlier in 2025 by Hesperia High School art students. The initiative aims to complete multiple art installations throughout 2025 and 2026, celebrating Hesperia’s identity as the Hub of Vacationland while fostering community pride, attracting visitors, and creating lasting cultural landmarks. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by the site near the Hesperia Dam to view the sculpture and explore Hesperia’s growing collection of public art. For more information about HesperiART and upcoming projects, visit https://www.facebook.com/HesperiaPublicArt
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 Indivisible Newaygo County to Host Public Discussion on SNAP Benefits and Local Food Scarcity
Indivisible Newaygo County (INC) will host a public discussion focused on the current state of SNAP benefits and food insecurity within Newaygo County. The meeting is open to all and will take place on Thursday, November 20, at 6:00 PM at the Newaygo Community United Church of Christ, located at 432 Quarterline St, Newaygo, 49337. The discussion will feature local food service and pantry providers who will address how recent SNAP benefit interruptions are affecting community members. They will also share information on how residents, businesses, and organizations can help fill the gap in services. Mike Voyt, Director of Hunger Prevention at TrueNorth Community Services in Fremont, is scheduled to speak. According to data from Feeding America of West Michigan, which partners with TrueNorth, Newaygo County has a population of just over 50,000, with 1 in 6 neighbors—approximately 8,000 people—grappling with food insecurity, including 2,130 children. Recent SNAP benefit interruptions, coupled with Federal Administration cuts to USDA food programs, have made it more difficult for county residents to put healthy food on their tables. This has led to a large increase in the number of families and individuals seeking assistance from food pantries, straining local resources. The situation is compounded by USDA cuts that, as of September 30, may have eliminated a program providing fresh foods from local farmers to TrueNorth’s pantry. The meeting will also highlight the successful "Victory Garden Initiative," a program championed by INC members Doug Bonner and Elizabeth Pritzer. Last year, the initiative grew and distributed hundreds of tomato and vegetable plants to help community members stretch their food budgets. Members also gleaned bushels of produce from Kaufman’s Farm, which was donated to Benny’s House Food Pantry in White Cloud and TrueNorth. Indivisible Newaygo County plans to expand the Victory Garden Initiative in 2026 and is seeking volunteers for planting, growing, and harvesting food for the greater community. For more information about the November 20 discussion or to volunteer for the Victory Garden Initiative, please contact [email protected].  Sylvan Solar, LLC, is requesting a conditional use permit to construct and operate approximately 144 megawatts of the total 220 megawatt of the Principal Use Solar Energy System or Sylvan Solar Project. This is a planned solar facility that will involve 830 acres in Garfield Township. Citizens can attend a public hearing at the Garfield Township Hall, 7190 Bingham, Newaygo on November 25, at 7pm. Written comments will be accepted until Noon on November 25th. Below is a map indicating the locations of the solar panels as well as other information.   And a few words from Superintendent Mey
By 33-vote margin (527-494) voters in Hesperia gave a boost to their schools by approving a $11.7 million bond issue for the district. The bond is not expected to increase the current debt millage rate of 7.5 mills and will be used for improvement and renovations. We reached out to Hesperia Community Schools Superintendent Bryan Mey with a few questions. Can you tell us what this means for the school, the community? We are grateful that the community has entrusted us to make these much needed improvements and upgrades to our facilities. The Bond represents a commitment to keep Hesperia Community Schools' students warm, safe and dry. In addition, the projects included in the Bond will allow us to remain competitive with our peers, and provide a sense of pride for our students and community. This Bond will have a tremendous and long lasting impact for Hesperia. What was the message that resonated with voters? The message we tried to convey, and that I think did indeed resonate, was that these improvements and upgrades were proactive, and needed to keep students warm, safe, and dry. We also knew that districts that border ours have made significant investments and improvements to their facilities recently, and remaining competitive was important for our community. We all have such immense pride in being a Panther, and I think that sense of pride, and achieving excellence together was a message that resonated with voters. What are the improvements to the entranceway and the football field and track stadium? The track will be resurfaced to provide a modern track surface for our athletes. The football field will be maintained as a grass field with little bond improvements to the playing surface. Our biggest project with our athletic complex will be a new, centrally located, plaza entrance to the south of the football field. This will allow spectators for football, track, softball, and baseball to have one entrance. The plaza entrance will include a new ticketbooth, restrooms, and concessions. In addition, we will be resurfacing and redesigning the main parking lot and traffic flow to make it safer for students and spectators. It was a close vote. What is your message to those who opposed the bond? Bond votes are typically close. We were prepared for a close vote. We are listening, and have listened to the concerns of those who opposed the initiative, and we are committed to input, transparency, and thoroughness throughout the project. We understand that the community has entrusted us, and we are committed to maintaining that trust. Anything to add? This is an exciting time to be a Panther!  Federal Court sets Friday deadline for compliance
Update: The seesaw battle continues. Late Friday night the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay temporarily blocking an order to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to issue full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance. While this situation seems to be changing by the hour, we will strive to keep you informed-N3. Today, U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to issue full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by Friday, Nov. 7 for roughly 42 million low-income Americans. As a result, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has directed its SNAP EBT vendor to begin issuing full SNAP benefits to Michigan SNAP recipients as soon as funding from FNS is received. Absent a successful appeal by FNS, SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the month should receive their full SNAP allotment within 48 hours of MDHHS receiving the funds. All other SNAP recipients will receive their full benefit payments on their normally scheduled date. Update: The seesaw battle continues. Late Friday night the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay temporarily blocking an order to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to issue full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance. While this situation seems to be changing by the hour, we will strive to keep you updated-N3  "A fierce advocate for women and an inspiring force"
Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO of Fremont Area Community Foundation, is being honored as one of Crain’s Grand Rapids Notable Leaders in Philanthropy. The list launched November 3 online and in the print issue of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business. Kasprzycki has served as president and CEO of the Community Foundation since September 2021. She leads a philanthropic organization with a staff of 23, assets of more than $300 million, and annual grantmaking of more than $9 million. Before coming to Newaygo County, she led Michigan Humanities and Jackson Community Foundation. In her Crain’s spotlight, Kasprzycki shared, “Working in a community foundation environment is an honor that I am grateful for every day.” Kasprzycki was nominated by Julie Burrell, Community Foundation trustee and senior economic development director with the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership. “When the opportunity arose to recognize a leader as dynamic as Shelly Kasprzycki, I didn’t hesitate,” said Burrell. “It’s no secret that we are incredibly fortunate to have Shelly leading in Newaygo County, but opportunities to celebrate her impact on a regional stage don’t come often. I’m grateful to the Community Foundation team for helping ensure her nomination reflected the depth of her leadership and influence. Shelly is a fierce advocate for women and an inspiring force—I’m honored to be part of her circle.” Since 2017, Crain’s Notables have recognized over 5,000 outstanding leaders across industries. Honorees are selected through a peer nomination and editorial review process. Crain’s Notable honorees are distinguished by their commitment to advancing their industry and community. Crain’s Grand Rapids Business launched in 2023, bringing together MiBiz, the Grand Rapids Business Journal, and Crain Communications. It focuses on business news, analysis, and information in West Michigan.  Public meeting for Hardy, Croton, Rogers December 16th
Consumers Energy has asked state and federal regulators to approve the sale of our 13 hydroelectric dams to Confluence Hydro. The sale will reduce long-term costs for Consumers Energy customers, ensure the dams will continue to operate safely and provide economic and recreational benefits for nearby communities. The leadership team at Confluence Hydro has owned and operated dozens of power facilities, including hydroelectric dams, improving their safety, increasing their sustainability and generating clean, reliable energy for the communities they serve. Consumers Energy’s requests with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) are the first step in the regulatory process to sell the dams. View the MPSC filing here. The FERC filing isn’t immediately available online yet. Once approved, Confluence Hydro will own and operate the dams with a 30-year agreement to sell energy, capacity and renewable energy credits they produce back to Consumers Energy. Confluence Hydro is extending offers to current employees of Consumers Energy’s hydroelectric operations to continue working for them, and has said they will seek federal relicensing for each facility in the future. We expect the approval process will take 12 to 18 months. Consumers Energy and Confluence Hydro also are hosting six community meetings to share an update on the sale, starting Nov. 19 through mid-December. Learn more: ConsumersEnergy.com/hydrofuture. Community conversations about the future of Consumers Energy’s dams are coming! We invite you to attend and learn more about the sale of our dams to Confluence Hydro. All meetings are 6-7:30 p.m. Details about six meetings are below.
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