 White Cloud native brings wealth of leadership experience to the FACC
The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce announces the hiring of Kelly Wawsczyk as Executive Director of the organization. Wawsczyk, who is from White Cloud, previously held the Executive Director position at the Mecosta County Economic Development office. She has also served in leadership positions at the Headway Coalition and Legends Ranch. “ The FACC board is very excited to hire Kelly with her wealth of knowledge and experience,” said Matt Mellema, Board President We caught up with a busy Ms. Wawsczyk to pose a few questions. What led to your interest in the Chamber job? I am a person who thrives on networking and building relationships. Fremont offers many great opportunities for our families, and I see the potential to add a little flair to the strong foundation that has been created. As a friend once said, "Reach as high as you can... then stretch a little higher!" If you ask my family and friends, they'll tell you I'm a sucker for a theme party! I truly enjoy creating lasting experiences, no matter what the occasion. What do you bring to the table as ED? As the Chamber Executive Director, I bring a wealth of skills and qualities that can significantly benefit the organization and its members. I excel at looking at opportunities from an outside-the-box perspective to find creative solutions and value my ability to build lasting relationships through networking and effective communication with individuals both personally and professionally. What do you see as the main purpose of the Chamber? A Chamber of Commerce is to support and promote local businesses and economic development within a community. We can accomplish this goal by networking and collaborating to help make a bigger impact. What are the strengths of the FACC? I feel the strength of the FACC is the foundation that has been put in place over the years. There are stable businesses and events that make Fremont what it is today with locals and visitors. Building off the assets we already have in place will set us up for a promising 2025! What challenges does the Chamber face? Change and growth are always a bit of a challenge. Listening to others' ideas and experiences are key when decision making. A unique challenge is our seasonal weather. We need to capture the moments as the seasons change to show our community and visitors what a hidden gem Fremont and Newaygo County is! There are 2 other chambers locally, River Country and Hesperia. Do you see the three working together on some projects? What might those look like? The relationships between chambers are in place and they have collaborated on projects in the past. I hope to bring a new set of eyes. To look at what we haven't tried yet and what we can do bigger and better to make a larger impact across the county. Thanks to my seat on the Newaygo County Tourism Council, I‘m aware of county wide events and changes taking place.There is always room for more communication and networking opportunities! C of C’s need member engagement to be successful. What would be your plan to encourage more involvement among members? I believe in the power of community and the impact of collective efforts. My approach is centered around creating a positive environment where businesses can thrive, and community members feel supported and connected. To assess the current state of the Chamber, I will start by reviewing the success of previous efforts. Additionally, I plan to create a community survey to identify any gaps and ensure we’re addressing the needs of our members.For the long term, we’ll work towards sustainable growth and forge strategic partnerships to drive lasting success. Do you see more events on the horizon for the Chamber? MAN, I HOPE SO! Little Nashville meets Fremont lol! I am a firm believer in making any occasion a themed event—just ask my family and friends! We can start small and see where the interest lies. One of my personal passions that I hope to bring to Fremont is creating opportunities for outdoor recreational events and incorporating more music-themed activities. As a new or existing business owner, why should I join or rejoin the FACC? My past roles have equipped me with a diverse toolbox that I am eager to share with Chamber members. I aim to provide valuable data, market research, and resources to help businesses make informed decisions. Another key asset I bring is advocacy for our community, focusing on attracting investment and fostering economic growth. Understanding economic trends and knowing where to turn for support are areas I plan to enhance, engaging both existing and potential members. Over the first few months, I will embark on a listening tour to meet our businesses where they are and learn about their stories and individual needs. Recognizing that each business has a unique path, I believe in creating a space for sharing ideas and feedback. This collaborative approach will enable us to grow and support one another more effectively.
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 Fatal Single-Vehicle Accident in Bridgeton Township Under Investigation
From the NCSO: Bridgeton Township, MI –Friday night at 11:14 PM, deputies from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area of S. Orchard Avenue and W. 120th Street in Bridgeton Township for a reported single-vehicle accident. Upon arrival, deputies determined that the driver of the vehicle, a 53-year-old male from Grant, was deceased at the scene. The passenger, a 48-year-old female also from Grant, sustained injuries and was transported to Gerber Memorial Hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigation suggests that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash. The incident remains under investigation. The Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Michigan State Police, Grant Fire Department, Life EMS, Newaygo County Central Dispatch, and Jerry’s Towing. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.  Fremont Area Community Foundation recently awarded $3.2 million in its final community grant round of 2024. In both 2024 community grant rounds, the Community Foundation awarded nearly $6 million total. Grant support was awarded to a variety of organizations and programs serving Newaygo County residents, including programs centered on watershed restoration, career and college access, literacy, hunger prevention, and more. Most grants targeted one of the Community Foundation’s three focus areas: community development, education, and poverty reduction. The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition was awarded an $18,000 grant, along with an additional $2,000 from a donor advised fund. The grant will support the Healthy Habitats Project and encourage awareness, education, and engagement around restoring native habitats. Along with regional partners, the group will train “citizen scientists” for specialized volunteer projects and species data collection. Newaygo County received a $13,600 grant to purchase and place 32 bleeding control kits within each public school building in the county. The kits are a goal of the Newaygo County Safe School Collaborative, a countywide partnership focused on addressing school safety issues and planning. The bleeding control kits help to address potentially life-threatening bleeding that can occur after emergencies, accidents, or disasters. Kits contain essential equipment school employees can use while waiting for trained responders to arrive. Rooms of Refuge, a new program of Love INC, was awarded a $74,500 grant with an additional $500 from a donor advised fund. This program provides a rotating emergency shelter for people without housing. It utilizes local church partners as host sites that provide an evening meal and a private space for guests to sleep. In the morning, transportation is provided to a day center where guests have access to laundry, kitchen, and other facilities that help them keep up on day-to-day activities while they work to secure housing. The Community Foundation accepts community grant applications online twice each year. The next deadline is March 3. For more information, visit facommunityfoundation.org/grants.   The Dragon features a wealth of enticing vistas Trail receives recognition from major Mountain Biking publication By Ken DeLaat In recent years it seems whenever Newaygo County is referenced, The Dragon has been a talking point in many circles. The project, years in the making, finally came to fruition in late September when the impressive 45 mile trail made its final connections and opened the entire route to enthusiasts of hiking and biking. And no group followed the progress of this new venue more than mountain bikers. Now, one of the leading online publications dedicated to off road cycling has selected The Dragon as their Best Backcountry Trail, one of 9 newly opened trails picked for recognition from over 250 nominations across the country and around the world. Founded in 1999, Singletracks is one of the largest mountain biking websites in the world. Singletracks is committed to covering new mountain bike trail openings and trail building trends across the USA and around the world. A previous Singletracks piece on The Dragon can be found here: https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-trails/a-45-mile-bike-optimized-singletrack-loop-has-been-built-around-a-lake-in-michigan/ “It is very exciting to see the popularity of the trail expanding so quickly,” said Newaygo County Parks Director Nick Smith. “ To now learn that this excitement is also being seen on a national level is amazing. The Dragon is shaping to be one of our area's biggest new economic impact drivers, on a level we have not seen in a very long time in the local tourism industry.” The project involved a partnership between Consumers Energy, Mecosta County, Newaygo County, the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance, and others and the WMMBA members have been particularly active in helping to guide the project. Their input and work on the trail segments helped deliver the perspective of mountain bikers to the development of the Dragon. Dan Frayer, Board President of the WMMBA, has witnessed the enthusiastic response to the Dragon among cyclists and feels the Singletracks article will bring even more riders to The Dragon. "This recognition is of great significance and will reach a national audience, encouraging riders from all over the US to enjoy the trail, visit our community and learn what we already know: The Dragon is Epic!"    FBB&C owner Krystal Johnson (L) chats with the Shopping With Ken consultant and sometime censor during a visit to the inviting little downtown Newaygo shop. Shopping With Ken crew starts seasonal searches with Flying Bear Books. Yes, there’s time before panic sets in. However, should you truly desire to keep that pledge uttered last Christmas Eve that you would get ahead of the game next year, it might be time to venture out a bit and possibly pick up a present or two. Here’s an idea from SWK that might fit for friends and family on your list. There is something about a visit to a bookstore when one is on a quest for gifting ideas. They are generally pleasant places to be and seem to provide a bit of an emotional oasis. Where time slows down a tad and busy minds find a calmness in the perusal of their potential purchases. The Shopping With Ken crew paid a recent visit to Flying Bear Books & Creperie in downtown Newaygo, a hub of wonderful finds for the folks on your list. Yes, of course there are books. Books of all genres from fantasy to philosophy and mysteries to memoirs. And there is no shortage of romance novels. And yet, beyond the ocean of titles, the cozy little store houses an abundance of intriguing gifting opportunities. Many local artisans have their creations on display here and our area is home to a number of gifted creators producing intriguing items. Besides, there are few present purchases more satisfying than finding that one of a kind item for your giftee. The art work at FBB&C is heavy on fun and funky with ornaments and cards mingled with a variety of other imaginative works of art. A very cool idea for adventurous buyers are what proprietor Krystal Johnson calls Blind Date Books. These are books wrapped up to hide the cover and come with a snack, a bookmark, a drink and stickers. These are separated by genre with YA, Sci-fi, Childrens, Romance, Historical etc. on the outside of the wrapper. A truly fun gift for your bibliophilic friends And speaking of Ms. Krystal, during our visit she mentioned that she makes a mean cup of cocoa. Being a connoisseur of such beverages I took up the challenge and ponied up for one. Believe me readers when I tell you, she makes one righteous cup of cocoa. It was far and wide the best I have had this season and my season began way before it got cold. FBB&C also produces a wide selection of crepes (hence the ‘& Creperie’) and one of their newest offerings is a walking crepe Krystal introduced at the recent Christmas Walk in Newaygo. Small enough to fit in a traveling cup yet nothing is small about the taste of these beauties. But back to books. Flying Bear Books & Creperie carries both new and used titles and if they don’t have it they can order it for you. Their children's section is a treasure trove of classic stories and intriguing finds and the popular-with-all-ages Young Adult section boasts many of the more sought after series and selections. And don't forget that gift certificates will allow those on your list to pick out a book or two on their own as part of their present. If the Thanksgiving to Christmas rush has your gifting ideas running a bit dry, a visit to this bountiful bookstore allows for some contemplation time as well as surrounding one with gifting opportunities. And seriously, when you get there and before you begin your search, score a cup of Krystal’s cocoa. It’s good. Really, really good. If you have an idea you want us to check out send your suggestion(s) to [email protected]  Learn about Michigan’s inland lakes online from MSU Extension Registration for the award-winning Michigan State University Extension Introduction to Lakes Online course is now open! This introductory six-week online class is designed for anyone interested in gaining a greater appreciation for inland lakes including concerned residents, decision makers, local leaders, and lakefront property owners. Course instructors include faculty from MSU Extension and state agency personnel. The course covers a variety of topics including lake ecology, watershed management, shoreline protection, aquatic plants, Michigan water law, and community engagement. These topics are explored online through video lectures, interactive activities, and discussion forums. Additional resources are also provided for those looking to dive deeper. Participants communicate with each other and instructors through lively discussion forums and biweekly Ask-an-Expert webinars which include guests from organizations such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Registration is open now through January 28, 2025. The cost of the course is $115 per person. Register by January 6 for an early bird price of $95 per person. A limited number of scholarships are available. Current individual members of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association are eligible to receive a $95 reimbursement upon successful completion of the course. A certificate of completion is awarded to those who complete the class. Participants also can receive continuing education credits including 16 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification credits (8 commercial core and 8 aquatic) and educational hours in the MSU Extension Master Gardener, Master Citizen Planner, and Michigan Naturalist programs. Learn more and register at www.canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.   Left to Right, back row: Promise Zone Board Members Pat Brown, Holly Moon, Scott Rumsey, Scott Swinehart and then Ferris State University Trustees: George Heartwell, Michael Ryan, and Ron Snead. Front and Center Row: Promise Zone Board Chair Dr. Blake Prewitt and Ferris State University President Dr. Bill Pink Ferris State, Newaygo County Area Promise Zone offering scholarships to make college more accessible and affordable
Nov. 22, 2024, BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – Students graduating from Newaygo County high schools or registered homeschool programs will be eligible for scholarships of up to $5,000 a year to attend Ferris State University through the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone, a partnership leaders say will put a life-changing college education within reach for many students. Ferris State President Bill Pink and Newaygo County Area Promise Zone Chairperson Blake Prewitt signed an agreement on Friday to put the plan into effect immediately, making the Newaygo Promise Scholarship available for students attending Ferris State in fall 2025, seeking either an associate or bachelor’s degrees. “Communities grow and thrive when residents have access to a quality education,” Ferris State President Bill Pink said. “I am so thrilled to form this partnership with the Newaygo Promise Zone Authority, as it will provide students with even more opportunities and improve access to our transformational programs at Ferris State. This will positively impact students directly, but also families and the greater Newaygo County community.” The Newaygo County Promise Scholarship will cover a maximum of $5,000 a year for up to four years of attendance. Students will be required to attend Ferris State full time, carrying a class load of least 12 credit hours each semester. The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone was started in 2016 and was initially available for students to attend Muskegon Community College. The Ferris State agreement is the Promise Zone’s first partnership with a four-year college. It includes students residing in the districts of Big Jackson, Fremont, Grant, Hesperia, Newaygo, and White Cloud. “We are thrilled to announce the addition of Ferris State University as an eligible college for the Promise Zone Scholarship,” Prewitt said. “Ferris State has been a valued partner to Newaygo County school districts, and we look forward to the incredible opportunities this will create for our students to succeed and thrive." To be eligible, students will need to have a final cumulative unweighted grade point average of 2.50 upon graduating from a public high school or registered homeschool program from within Newaygo County. The scholarship awards will be 100 percent funded for all eligible students who have attended a Newaygo County Area school for grades 7-12 and have successfully graduated. Students can receive a prorated amount if they have attended for fewer years. Students must meet the legal eligibility requirements for federal financial aid and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid annually. Ferris State financial aid specialists will work with Promise students to help them apply for Pell Grants and other types of financial aid. Jeanine Ward-Roof, Ferris state’s vice president for Student Affairs., said the university is excited to provide students in Newaygo County significant financial support toward a degree. “Ferris is a place where we know students can achieve their dreams and the resources afforded by the Newaygo County Area Promise will make a degree and a path toward a fulfilling career more accessible,” she said. “Additionally, the Newaygo County Promise Zone scholarship program includes success coaches who will partner with resource areas at Ferris to add an additional layer of support, helping students find success while pursuing their degree!” Once at Ferris State, students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, be enrolled on a full-time basis for the completion of at least 24 credit hours each academic year and meet satisfactory academic progress requirements. Promise Zone authorities are created using private donations to fund scholarships but are able to use locally generated state funds after operating for and awarding scholarships for two years.  The Family Health Care Grant Child and Adolescent Health Center Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Administration Building at Grant Public Schools. The meeting is open to the public.
 Tips for preventing the spread
Muskegon CD and Newaygo CD would like to make the Newaygo community aware of invasive species in the area. Come to the Fremont District Library for a free workshop to learn the basics about invasive species. We will discuss what an invasive species is, the types we deal with on a daily basis, and different ways you can prevent and help stop the spread. We ask for you to please sign up through https://muskegoncd.org/events/invasive-101-workshop if you are interested. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Sabrina Huizenga at [email protected]" January, 30th 2025 5:30 pm-6:30 pm Fremont District Library Fremont Area District Library 104 East Main StreetFremont, MI, 49412 United States |
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