 DNR crews battling wildfire southeast of Grayling
DNR firefighters and local partners are battling a 1,000-acre wildfire in Crawford County. The fire is located about 4 miles southeast of Grayling in Grayling Township, near Staley Lake Road. The wildfire is moving to the west and southwest and threatens multiple buildings. Evacuations are being conducted by emergency personnel. Shelter for evacuees is available at the Grayling Middle School gymnasium, 500 Spruce Street in Grayling, and the Beaver Creek Township Hall, 8888 S. Grayling Road. Multiple closures are in place:
Avoid the area to give crews room to work on suppressing the fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for a 5-mile perimeter around the fire at heights below 5,000 feet. Do not fly aircraft or drones in this area. The wildfire has produced an abundance of smoke. Visibility may be reduced on roadways – drive with care in affected areas. Limit exposure to wildfire smoke by staying indoors with windows shut, especially if you have asthma or another respiratory condition. Michigan State Police, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, South Branch Fire Department and Beaver Creek Fire Department personnel are assisting the DNR with fighting the fire. Ground crews, heavy equipment, a Michigan State Police helicopter, and four USDA Forest Service fire boss planes and a Type 1 helicopter have been assigned to help suppress the fire. Aircraft will scoop water from Neff Lake, Shellenbarger Lake and Lake Margrethe. The fire cause has not yet been determined. Michigan is currently experiencing unprecedented hot and dry conditions for this time of year, causing extreme fire danger. The DNR recommends these actions to reduce the risk of wildfire:
 WCCL Youth Services Librarian Katie Hanson in the facility's sensory room A Gerber Foundation grant creates sensory room at WCCL By Ken DeLaat “If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn”- O. Ivar Lovaas The White Cloud Library has been putting out some sweet programming of late with some innovative initiatives designed to appeal to a wider range of patrons. One such program is the addition of a sensory room. Youth Services Librarian Katie Hanson had heard about sensory rooms in schools from a friend who taught kids with learning disabilities. A room with relaxing light, tactile objects to feel and other amenities aimed at providing a comforting atmosphere. “We’re a public library and we’re here for all the public,” Hanson explained. “For some the library may be over-stimulating so the sensory room helps eliminate distractions and provides access for more people to use our facility.” She received a grant from the Gerber Foundation to go ahead with the project and contacted the Newaygo County Autism Community for input before moving forward. Now on most Tuesdays (“we have limited space in our building”) the room is available for those in need to visit and enjoy the new offering from the library. She explained it was Most Tuesdays because the room also serves as the meeting room for the library and on occasion a meeting scheduled might bump the sensory room. Side note: For years White Cloud has been in need of a new building having outgrown their needs long ago. Such institutions reflect the pride of the community and the value residents place on knowledge. It is hoped the community can get behind the WCCL’s desire to build a new structure that will serve their current needs and allow them to further expand their programming. We posed a few questions to Ms. Hanson. Why is this room important? This room is important because not only is it an inclusive program, but it’s something that shows our community what else a library provides besides just books. Do you do any organized activities like storytelling? If so, how does it differ from other storytelling events? I have storytimes that vary month to month. For one program, kids created their own tall tale about White Cloud, and for another they searched with blacklight flashlights for words written in invisible ink! There’s a variety to all of our programs. This summer, I hope kids will take part in our Board Game Days and Epic Comic Club, so that they might become monthly programs as well. Beyond those who use it, what are the benefits to the community? I think just having the sensory room set up, with the meeting room door open, gets patrons peeking in and asking questions. And if they ask the right questions, they can find out about all the cool programs we offer- not just for children, but adults too! Anything you may want to add? Yes. I would love for kids to sign up for the summer reading program starting June 5th! Kids read 15 to 20 minutes a day over the summer and win prizes. It’s that simple! Also, I would like everyone reading this to check out our website at whitecloudlibrary.net for more information about our events and services. Support your local library!   On the day we visited the room was in use with some younger children enjoying activities in what is clearly a calming ambiance.
Kathy Broome is a member of the NC Autism Community who has used the room with her daughter. “As the rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder continue to increase, it’s great to see our community respond, “she stated. “ Kudos to the White Cloud Community Library for providing a sensory-friendly space. And we agree with the sentiments of Ms. Broome. Kudos to the leadership and staff of the WCCL for their efforts in making this happen. They are to be commended for the effort to increase access to the library and make all who enter feel welcome. And seriously, I hope the sensory room finds a home in a new facility that doesn’t need to share space with a meeting room. Just saying...  Pictured left to right: Luci Moore (Gerber Life Vice President of Operations), Holly Moon (Promise Zone Board Member and Fundraising Chairperson), Blake Prewitt (Promise Zone Chairperson), Michele Schlafer (Gerber Life Vice President of Independent Distributions), Brian Stuck (Gerber Life Vice President of Human Resources). The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone has received a generous $25,000 donation from Gerber Life Insurance. This donation will be used to directly support student tuition and launch student futures. This is the second year Gerber Life Insurance has generously supported the Promise Zone. When asked why supporting the Promise Zone is important to Gerber Life Insurance, Luci Moore, Vice President of Operations, shared, “Gerber Life Insurance, on behalf of Western & Southern Financial Group, is honored to support the Promise Zone, an essential program in our community. We know that education and training, especially for our youth, are key avenues of growth and opportunity. Donations like this help with college scholarships, which in turn provide local talent for businesses in our area, including Gerber Life Fremont." The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone provides high school graduates with a tuition-free path to an approved apprenticeship or an associate degree from Muskegon Community College. The Promise Zone believes that every student, regardless of financial means, should have the opportunity to earn post-secondary credentials. By helping to remove the financial barrier that so many students face, the Promise Zone is helping to shift a cultural stigma that college is too expensive. With the Promise Scholarship, many students are starting to believe that higher education is within their reach and taking steps to plan for their future. Holly Moon, Promise Zone Fundraising Chair, said, “We are extremely grateful for Gerber Life Insurance’s continued support of our Promise Scholars. Their generous donation will directly impact student success and help provide a more highly trained workforce for our County.” Since beginning in 2017, the Promise Zone has awarded over $2.2 million in tuition payments in support of over 300 Newaygo County students who have enrolled in pursuing their post-secondary credentials. The 2023 Promise Scholarship online application is open with a $50 late fee and due by 4pm on June 2. For more information about the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone visit www.promise.zone, email apply@promise.zone or call 231-924-8888.   Columns of smoke and flames cross the landscape in Wexford County as part of the 136-acre Fife Lake Outlet Fire. Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Crews cleaning up after 136-acre fire near Manton; fire danger remains extreme in much of the state
May 30, 2023- Fire crews are still mopping up today after an escaped campfire caused an approximately 136-acre wildfire Sunday near Manton in Wexford County. The Fife Lake Outlet Fire began after a campfire at a private residence escaped its ring and burned through dry grass, said Bret Baker, fire supervisor in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Cadillac office. It was fueled by dry grass and dry leaves and needles on the ground, Baker said. The fire burned through jack pine, red pine and oak trees. “It hasn’t been this dry before this early in the season,” Baker said. The homeowner had put water on the fire before going inside. Michigan State Police assisted the DNR by evacuating a nearby campground. A total of 18 DNR firefighters and crews from five local fire departments battled the blaze. It was contained at about 10 p.m. Sunday. Evacuees were allowed to return to the campground around 11 p.m. DNR firefighters were assisted by the City of Manton Fire Department and the Fife Lake Area, Cedar Creek, South Boardman and Haring Township fire departments. Equipment used included four bulldozers, one skidder and four engines. The USDA Forest Service provided two Fire Boss tanker airplanes, which strategically dropped water on the fire in a coordinated effort with the DNR's spotter airplane. With very little rain statewide during May, conditions remain very dry across the state. As a result, the DNR is not issuing any burn permits at this time. Yard waste burning is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan. If a backyard fire gets away from you, call 911 immediately. Check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before you start a fire to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning. In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities.  NCCTC State Leadership Conference Attendees: Front: Aleyiah Desnoyers, Jaylyn Laisure, Lauren Adsmond, Abygail Lauryssens, Sydnee Kirk, Lillyann Cook, Sydnee Ochs, Kyna Johnson, Brandon Mangels, Robert Eberly, Paige Menzel, Zane Keith, Hailey Holmberg. Back Row Standing: Ashton Harris, Samantha Comis, William Nagelhout, Brendon Wright, Porter Chapin, Austin Hancock, and Keegan Eck.  Brandon Mangels placed 6th in the nation in Payroll Accounting. Congratulations to the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center Business Professionals of America (BPA) Chapter members who competed at the 51st annual State Leadership Conference held at Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Students got the chance to attend legacy launchers, seminars held by professional businesspeople or past BPA Alumni, attend a college fair, and make connections with other career-oriented students. We appreciate all the amazing instructors who helped students get ready to compete in their events. Newaygo County Career-Tech Center had twenty-two students attend the State Leadership Conference. Our two voting delegates were Ashton Harris and Abygail Lauryssens. They were responsible for attending legacy launchers, voting on behalf of our chapter for next year’s State Executive Council Members, and competing in open test events.  The following students were on stage during the awards ceremony. Brandon Mangels received 2nd place in Payroll Accounting; Aleyiah Desnoyers was 3rd in Intermediate Word Processing; Austin Hancock took 4th place in Device Configuration and Troubleshooting; Zane Keith placed 4th in Server Admin using Microsoft; Paige Menzel, Lauren Adsmond, Hailey Holmberg and Aleyiah Desnoyers took 3rd place for Administrative Support Team; and, Sydnee Ochs and Samantha Comis placed 6th for Broadcast News Team.  Zane Keith, Ms. Dunn, Aleyiah Desnoyers and Brandon Mangels before attending the awards ceremony. Four students qualified per BPA guidelines to represent the state of Michigan at the National Leadership Conference held in Anaheim, CA. Aleyiah Desnoyers, Brandon Mangels and Zane Keith all attended Nationals. Austin Hancock was unable to attend. There were 6,503 participants in attendance and 558 of them were from Michigan. Additionally, all students interned and participated in the National Service Project – the walk for Special Olympics.
 The Gerber Foundation awarded over $398,000 to 78 local graduating seniors in the class of 2023 from select high schools in Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties. Since 1953 the Foundation has remained committed to providing local youth opportunities to pursue post-secondary education through its three competitive academic scholarships: The Daniel Gerber Sr. Medallion Scholarship, the Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship, and the Newaygo County Career Tech scholarship. Each scholarship can be used toward qualifying educational expenses at colleges or universities, trade or vocational schools as well as apprenticeship programs. This year’s graduating seniors receiving a scholarship are as follows: The Daniel Gerber Sr. Medallion Scholarship Fremont Public High School: Jonathan Anderson, Bethany Geeting, Makenzie Hable, Grace Jones, Gary Springstead, and Rylee Wright Grant Public High School: Emma Bliss, Candace Eckert, Alaina Keelean, Ian Oatis, and Austin Whitney Hesperia Public High School: Sydney Hasted, Sky Milner, Lona Richards, and Ali Townsend Newaygo Public High School: Sofia Briggs, Alexandria Bruwer, Grant Harkness, Grace Painter, McCaiden Rienstra, and Barbara Toth White Cloud Public High School: Malachi Graves, Gabriela Reeve, and Christian Ringler The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship Fremont Public High School: Lydia Deters, Naylan Matthews, Ethan Orcutt, Alexis Osterman, Evan Roossinck, Madison Schamber, Jacob Walker, and Angel Whetzel Grant Public High School: Alexander Campbell, Chase Geers, Jayci Hance, Pylot McConnon, Jorge Montoya, Ciara Nester, Xavier Oldfield, and Wendy Pulido Rodriguez Hesperia Public High School: Noelle Evans, Tara Helmer, Emma Muckey, and Victoria Vega Newaygo Public High School: Abbigale De Jonghe, Alydia Halydia-Badge, Xavier Heath, and Jasmine Scytko Newaygo County Home Schooled: Rachel Phinney White Cloud Public High School: Jolena Deaton, Susie Hensley, and Sydnee Ochs Holton Public High School: Isabella Urso Muskegon Public High School: Jay Prestly Ravenna Public High School: Breelynn Becklin, and Katherine Hermann Hart Public High School: Clayton Ackley, Seth Ackley, Brayden Gillard, Ashley Guardiola, and Parker Hovey Pentwater Public High School: Audrey Kieda The Newaygo County Career Tech Scholarship Building and Design Career Field: Christian Fuentes, Caleb Gort, Gabriel Gould, Dylan Loss, Alejandro Sanchez Castillo, and Isaac VanBuskirk Business Career Field: Samantha Comis, and Scott Quinn Industrial Arts Career Field: Anthony Castro, Jossalyn Hilden, and Grade Richards Service Career Field: Olivia Dunbar, Cheyanne Gradert, Corbin Pieper, Madelin Rottman, and Taylor Scytko Congratulations to the scholarship recipients of 2023!  Story and photos by Tara Hefferan Newaygo Bands hosted its annual Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 23. Under beautiful blue skies, the “Spring into Summer Concert in the Park” showcased performances from the 6th grade and 7/8th grade band programs, and featured the Newaygo High School Symphonic and Jazz Bands. Director of Bands, Branden Listh, welcomed the crowd to Brooks Park at 5:30 PM, thanking the community, families, and schools for their tremendous support. Then, members of the 6th Grade Band Program were invited to the front of the park to share their musicianship. High School Senior Catherine Buchner served as a guest conductor for the first piece, “March Across the Seas.” Assistant Band Director, Megan Funk, conducted the two other selections, “Banana Boat” and “Indigo Rock.” 
The performance space was then given over to the 7th and 8th Grade Band. Conducted by Mr. Listh, the 7th and 8th graders also played three selections, though of greater length and complexity. They performed “At Sight March,” “Glorioso,” and “As Winds Dance.” Then, the award-winning Newaygo High School Symphonic Band took center stage. They began by playing “Foundry,” a percussion-focused piece written by John Mackey. Mr. Listh noted that while the piece was written for twelve percussionists to perform, Newaygo Bands had only nine percussionists, meaning that the students had to work extra hard. This was Mr. Listh’s favorite piece of the concert, saying “To bring this great literature to the program and to introduce it to the students was a real treat.”
Before moving to the next piece, Mr. Listh presented awards for excellence to two band members. Senior Alexandria Bruwer won the John Philip Sousa award, and Gabriella Brooks won the Arion award. Next, the Symphonic Band performed “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” arranged by Daniel Walter. This performance took the crowd in a different emotional direction from the previous piece. Haunting and melodic, “Rose” featured the woodwinds and took a decidedly quieter approach, with no percussive elements.
After the second song, Mr. Listh presented the next set of awards for Most Improved in Symphonic Band to three students: freshmen Landry Hefferan Nordlund and Zachary Spaulding, and sophomore Wesley Reed. The Symphonic Band’s final piece was “Music from the Motion Picture How to Train Your Dragon,” arranged by Sean O’Loughlin. As the Band entertained the audience with their skill and talent, they also demonstrated the tremendous growth cultivated in the Bands program. Between 6th grade and the Symphonic Band, students move from novice musicians just learning to read musical notes to accomplished performers skilled in technique and artistry.
Mr. Listh then presented two additional awards for excellence. Senior McKade Hurrle won the Semper Fidelis award, and senior Catherine Buchner won the Director’s award. Mr. Listh also recognized the Band’s graduating seniors, presenting Senior Awards to Oliver Abbott, Alexandria Bruwer, Catherine Buchner, Owen Chapman, Xavier Heath, McKade Hurrle, Claire Porter, Tyler Redinger, Emily Tindall. Finally, the Jazz Band claimed the stage. Playing several jaunty pieces that had the crowd dancing in their seats, the Jazz Band showed their tremendous range and creativity. In all, the Jazz Band performed six songs, including “Take Five,” “School’s Out Strut” and “Knockout.” Mr. Listh presented two Jazz Band awards. Lola Lopez won Most Improved and McKade Hurrle won the Louis Armstrong award.  As the night came to a close, Mr. Listh thanked the crowd and asked for their continued support. In particular, the Bands Program now has a QR-code that supporters can scan with their smartphone cameras to make online donations. The code can be found on the Newaygo Bands Facebook page. By the end of the evening, the crowd felt that it truly had “Sprung into Summer.” Coming together in the central Brooks Park, the community experienced the power of music to mark the passage of time and to promote shared experiences that unify. With this gift, Newaygo’s talented musicians are now ready to head into summer. The Marching Band will perform next at the Independence Day Parade in Croton, on July 1.    The Volunteers Each year the Newaygo County Board of Public Works hosts a Household Hazardous Waste Day. Equally impressive to the sheer amount of unpleasant materials that pass through the Road Commission garage is the dedication of the volunteers who spend the 6 hour shift efficiently emptying trunks and trailers of the unwanteds. Some were first timers while others have toiled with the toxics for many years, but all put in their time rewarded only by the positive impact the event has on the local environment. Well, that and the pizza. Kudos to the county, the BPW and the Drains office for organizing the purging event and a special thanks to the NC Road Commission for providing the venue.  Vehicles lined up early  NC Drain Commissioner Dale Twing standing among a sea of electronics collected.  T-I editor Wheater (R) getting the skinny from Dale Twing and Stewart Sanders   EGLE ponies up for repair work The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Dam Safety Unit announced the White Cloud dam was one of sixteen Michigan dams selected to receive grant funding to help reduce risks and protect residents. The funding is through the Dam Risk Reduction Grant Program (DRRGP) authorized by the Michigan Legislature last year. The city will receive $222,712 for repairs to the high-hazard, poor-condition Dam. The city proposes to complete concrete and metal work that addresses inadequate spillway capacity issues. The city will also complete a dam disposition feasibility study to inform the city on the potential future of the dam. WC City Manager April Storms welcomed the news. “The project will address structural deficiencies identified in recent inspections. We had a hydraulic analysis for the dam that was recently completed. The feasibility study portion of the project will look at required long term improvements to meet proposed regulations on required flows, engineering analysis and operational needs. It will address what is required to leave the dam in service and make it safe and compliant for years to come. “We expect these repairs to be completed within the next 9-12 months. I’m ecstatic about this grant announcement and the funds that the City will be able to utilize for other needs as a result of this grant. The hard work and diligence at the City over the past year has certainly started to show the fruits of our labor.”   Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney, Worth Stay, announced that Deion Moore Hanna, 25, of Fremont, was sentenced on May 15, 2023, for a March 2022 incident where the defendant lay in wait in a Fremont couple’s apartment and attacked them with a knife, causing life-threatening injuries. Hanna was convicted by plea of two counts of Assault with Intent to Murder, in violation of MCL 750.83, and one count of Home Invasion- 1st Degree, in violation of MCL 750.110a(2). The defendant was sentenced to a prison term of 23.75 years to 60 years with the Michigan Department of Corrections. 23.75 years was the longest minimum sentence recommended by the sentencing guidelines, which control sentencing in Michigan. Prosecutor Stay commented: “I would like to thank the City of Fremont Police Department for their thorough investigation and their rapid apprehension of this defendant. Thank you also to assisting agencies, the Michigan State Police and Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office.” “I would especially like to recognize the two young adults who testified with courage and strength regarding these violent acts. I am hopeful that the sentence will provide them some closure and allow them to continue healing.”  Household Hazardous Waste Day arrives Saturday It’s finally here. No not Spring though we all welcome the recent spate of marvelous meteorological magic. We’re talking Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. The day when residents of our fine county unload a barrage of paints, solvents, pesticides, cleaners, old propane tanks and other materials that have too long been stored in your garage, basement, shed, in-laws house,etc. And who doesn’t have electronics to dispose of? Nowadays TVs, printers, monitors, cellphones and other items that were invaluable when purchased have likely been replaced a time or two. And no tires. That day will come later this summer. So get your stuff ready so you won’t miss it like you did last year when you promised yourself you would for sure get down there this year. Here’s the skinny: This Saturday 8am-2pm. Newaygo County Road Commission 935 East One Mile (just North of the County seat, White Cloud). It’s tough to miss. There will likely be a line of vehicles waiting to jettison some major (or minor) HazMat stuff. And while it is free to county residents no one will turn away the donations that help make HHW Day the almost official annual holiday it has become.   Adam Mercer (L) receiving a plaque of recognition from NC Board Chair Bryan Kolk Adam Mercer was recognized for his nearly 20 years of service as a member of the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office at the regular meeting of the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners Wednesday May 10th. Sergeant Mercer’s duties since joining the department included undercover work and serving as Detective Sergeant as well as 10 years with the Emergency Response Team. Mercer was part of the cold case team that resulted in the arrests and eventual convictions in the long ago deaths of Shannon Siders and Richard Atwood The Board Meeting room was packed with Mercer’s family and friends as well as a large contingent of his law enforcement family as Board Chair Bryan Kolk presented him with a plaque to commemorate his years of service. After accepting the award Mercer spoke of his years on the force and its impact on his life. In other Board business, Commissioners voted to appropriate $250,000 to the Newaygo County Promise Zone. The NC Promise Zone provides funding for every Newaygo County student to use for tuition, paid in full, to Muskegon Community College. The money will come from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery fund. The Board also approved appropriating $750,000 for the courthouse renovation project, also utilizing the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery fund.  American Pickers coming to Michigan The American Pickers are excited to return to Michigan! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in July 2023. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. We at American Pickers continue to take the pandemic very seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state and CDC. Nevertheless, we are excited to continue reaching the many collectors in the area to discuss their years of picking and are eager to hear their memorable stories! The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184 facebook: @GotAPick   Hundreds of newly hatched spongy moth caterpillars swarm around an egg mass. Photo courtesy of Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR, Bugwood.org. Are they out of the woods yet? From our friends at the DNR: Despite the recent cold weather, spongy moth caterpillars already may be hatching in the Lower Peninsula, according to Michigan State University’s Enviroweather prediction model. The good news is that areas hardest hit by the nuisance caterpillars in the last few years should see a significant population decrease this year. According to James Wieferich, forest health unit manager with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the outbreak cycle for most of the state peaked in 2021 and will continue to decline overall. “Aerial and forest surveys mapped over 1.35 million acres of defoliated trees in 2021, compared to 386,000 acres in 2022,” said Wieferich. “This substantial population collapse is a result of the naturally occurring nuclear polyhedrosis virus, or NPV, and the Entomophaga fungus that affect spongy moth caterpillars.” Areas that escaped the recent outbreak may see new defoliation, and localized areas where infestations began in 2021 or 2022 may see outbreaks peak this year. “While spongy moth defoliation will never cease to exist, viral and fungal agents already in the environment are working to control this naturalized pest,” said Wieferich. Following an outbreak, spongy moth populations usually remain at low levels for five to 10 years and sometimes longer, until environmental conditions trigger a new outbreak, initiating a new cycle. If spongy moth populations are high in your area this season, there are steps you can take.  Do what you can
Focus management in areas where caterpillars, their feeding or their frass (droppings) will create the most problems.
Be realistic If you’re in an infested area, accept it’s impossible to get rid of all spongy moth caterpillars. Consider cost, safety and environmental health in your management choices.
A recording of the 2022 NotMISpecies webinar, New name, familiar pest: Preparing for Lymantria dispar (formerly known as Gypsy moth) is available for viewing at Michigan.gov/EGLE/Outreach. If further information is needed, email questions to DNR-FRD-Forest-Health@Michigan.gov. Note that responses may be delayed due to high volume during the spring and summer.  Matt Mellema presents Rod Glupker with the Entrepreneurial Recognition Award The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce handed out their 2022 awards at the recent annual meeting held at the Lakes 23 Pavilion. These events are always a positive way to recognize the accomplishments of individuals who have played a part in creating and enhancing the local business landscape. The Entrepreneurial Recognition Award went to Rod Glupker who owns and operates the downtown Fremont CBD Store of Michigan . Starting from scratch, Glupker along with his wife Liz has grown the business into a thriving enterprise expanding and developing new product lines to serve the community needs. Recent retail segues have seen the store offering the increasingly popular hemp clothing and accessories. CBD Store of Michigan was featured in an N3 article soon after they moved operations to their present Main Street location. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/living-well/from-back-alley-to-main-street  Jim Gorsky, subbing in for Pat Gorsky, receives the the Community Action Award from FADL Director Jackilyn Roseberry The Community Action Award went to Pat Gorsky for her part in the project aimed at providing a new and welcoming look to the downtown businesses Thanks to a partnership with the City of Fremont, the Façade Committee, the downtown building/business owners, and a matching gift initiated by Ms. Gorsky, 17 businesses were able to refresh the fronts of their structures.  Scott Sherman hands out the Dorcas Mortland award to Dawn Finch The Dorcas Mortland award was presented to Dawn Finch of the Fremont Community Rec Center citing her leadership in improving and expanding the services at the facility as well as being the driving force behind Fremont’s first Winterfest this past year. Kudos to the Chamber for recognizing those whose efforts add to the community. And don’t forget. The Chamber's Summer Concert Series will begin Thursday June 2nd when the vaunted Braunschweiger Blues Band will take to the Vet’s Park stage. The Thursday night concerts begin at 7pm and are free of charge. And the BBB is a boatload of fun.   Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team Prepares For Summer Water Season Story by Doug Harmon Photos by David Ressler While our outdoor water enthusiasts prepare for a summer season of boating tubing boating swimming fishing jet skiing and other water shenanigans, the dive team, under the leadership of C.J. Freriks recently got into the Rec Center pool to practice skills and drills hoping they won’t need to use them this summer. But if called upon they will be ready. Eight members of the dive team spent approximately three hours Sunday in the Rec Center pool. A series of drills from simple to complicated were taught, learned and practiced and equipment is checked and tested for leaks, breakage or flaws. Dive team members are required to have their dive gear with them at all times in their patrol vehicle in case of an emergency. Simple equipment checks are assurance your breathing regulator is operating properly, your face mask or intercom mask is working properly with no leaks or straps that are rotting and ready to break. Your buoyancy jacket needs to be blown up properly and your scuba tank valve must function properly with no leaks.
After the basics are covered the team moves on to some of the techniques used in locating objects underwater. One of the drills requires three dive team members. One member will be placed in a boat or on shore with one end of a rope. One member will be in the water swimming arcs. Hand signals on the rope indicate when more rope is needed to extend the pattern out or change direction. Three tugs indicate the diver has found what he’s looking for. The third diver will then go down the rope line and assist the first diver in retrieval. This may seem simple in the pool but did I mention the dive team members perform this drill with a black covering over their mask?  As the lakes warm up algae blooms thicken and visibility can be from zero to a few inches if they are lucky. This practice trains and prepares them to operate in a vision-less environment. The dive team will conduct practice sessions throughout the summer to perfect their skills in actual open water scenarios Have a safe water sports season and I hope you never have to see the dive team in action but this group of dedicated divers will be ready if called.   (From left to right) Wyatt Karnes, Brian Schaefer, Sam Viher, Captain Malachi Graves, Jarrett Warlick, and Liam Povey NAQT Small School National Championship Tournament With much fanfare and the support of the entire White Cloud community, the White Cloud Varsity Quiz Bowl team traveled to Chicago to contend at the highest level of competition in the nation. The contingent faced off against teams hailing from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In their final match of the preliminary round, White Cloud defeated West Point, VA (240-105). During the consolation rounds, White Cloud emerged victoriously over Sacramento Country Day, CA (215-175) and Southwestern B, IL (240-85). Leading the team in scoring was All-State Second Team, Brian Schaefer with and an impressive 430 points averaging 31.31 ppg. Senior Captain Malachi Graves, two-time all-conference recipient, compiled another 270 points, and averaged 13.64 ppg. Wyatt Karnes added up 150 points with a 12.43 ppg. Jarrett Warlick contributed 85 points and Sam Viher notched up 25 points. Liam Povey helped out with morale and gained important game time experience. The team totaled up 2,110 points in the national tournament and gained invaluable knowledge for next year. For the season, the 2023 White Cloud Quiz Bowl team experienced a tremendous amount of success winning several tournaments most notably White Cloud’s Jan Rademacher Memorial Quiz Bowl Tournament Division D Title, the CSAA Conference Championship, and most importantly the Class C/D Michigan State Championship in dominating fashion. Of significance, this team continued the winning tradition and legacy of White Cloud Quiz Bowl by qualifying for the NAQT Small School National Championship Tournament for the 26th time in school history and qualified for state competition for the 34th occasion, an all-time Class C/D record. Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to specifically thank Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, Assistant Coach Allison McPhall, Assistant Coach Arnie Baker, Assistant Coach Dallas Dowling, Ms. Stephanie Karnes, and Ms. Amber Viher for their unwavering support. Special thanks and gratitude from the coaches is extended to graduating seniors, Malachi Graves and Zane Keith, who are both four-year players. In addition, the team would like to thank all the parents, teachers, administrators, board members, staff, and community members who have supported the team throughout the entire year. Without you, none of the team’s success would be possible. White Cloud begins their state title defense next school year returning 16 of 18 veteran quiz bowl players as follows: Brian Schaefer, Sam Viher, Wyatt Karnes, Jarrett Warlick, Annie Feldpausch, Anna Mohr, Samantha Kukal, Charlotte Karnes, Liam Povey, Tyler Higgins, Trey Davison, Elliott Cook, Mason D’Lamater, Brian Loveless, Annabelle Bird, and Brooklyn Cook. Stay tuned!  (From left to right) Captain Malachi Graves, Wyatt Karnes, Assistant Coach Dallas Dowling, Jarrett Warlick, Sam Viher, Liam Povey, Brian Schaefer, Ms. Karnes, Coach Stephen Smith, and Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie  From our friends at the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office: On April 29th, 2023, around 0455 am, the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a crash near S Spruce Ave at E 96th St in Brooks Township. When deputies arrived on scene, they found that a vehicle heading southbound on Spruce lost control and crashed into the trees. The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle, a 20-year-old man, from Kent City was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. The Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Newaygo Fire Department, Grant-Ashland Fire Department, Life EMS, Newaygo County Road Commission, Jerry’s Towing, Newaygo County Central Dispatch, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and Mid Michigan Medical Examiner Group.  The Annual Expo put on by the Great Start folks was always a springtime staple for families throughout the community. After a 3 year sabbatical the Expo is coming back and bringing all the fun and freebies the popular event has always provided area families. Here’s the details from our friends at Great Start. We are excited to announce the return of the Great Start Family Expo. This is a wonderful event for families to learn about the plethora of programs and services available to Newaygo County residents. This is always a great time with lots of door prizes, free books, games, crafts for attendees of all ages. And best of all - it is free! The Family Expo will take place on Saturday, May 13th at Fremont High School from 11am – 2pm. The high school offers plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate all vendors, as well as great parking for the public. Great Start Collaborative Coordinator Karen Clark: "This is a wonderful opportunity for organizations to share the programs and services they provide to local families in Newaygo County. Each vendor will provide an activity that parents and children can engage in together. While Great Start (overseen by NCRESA) is coordinating the expo, Clark credits the collaborative efforts that went into the event. "We could not put this event together without help from the planning committee including staff from Great Start, Family Information Service Hub, Corewell Health, Camp Newaygo, Fremont Area Community Foundation, and Family Health Care and generous sponsorships from Corewell Health and the Gerber Foundation.” Here is a link to the event. (9) 2023 Family Expo | Facebook
   Newaygo County Register of Deeds receives Presidential Award from UCOA
At its annual Legislative Conference in Lansing, the United County Officers Association of Michigan honored Newaygo County Register of Deeds and Certified County Officer Stewart Sanders as he received the UCOA Presidential Award from incoming President Tuscola Clerk and CCO, Jodi Fetting. Sanders was first elected to the UCOA board as 2nd Vice President in April 2017 and subsequently rose through the ranks to President April 2021 completing his 2-year term April 2023. The United County Officers Association boasts a membership of 191 and is open to all County Elected Officials, Chief Deputies, and Associate Members from across Michigan. The mission of this organization is education which supports all Countywide elected officials. The education component took on a formal curriculum in early 1982 and was organized by the UCOA board at that time in conjunction with Michigan State University and Michigan Association of Counties. A noted expert on County and Township government, MSU professor emeritus Ken Verburg authored the curriculum standards that UCOA uses today. 2 certifications resulted from his work, and they are Certified County Officer (CCO) which mandates 100 hours of contact time resulting from conference attendance and Master Certified County Officer (MCCO) which requires an additional 60 hours of work. Both certifications take years to complete as there are 2 UCOA conferences per year.  Newaygo High School Symphonic Band earns all 1s at State Competition Story and photos by Tara Hefferan Newaygo Bands is one of Newaygo Public Schools most winning programs, when measured by success at state-level competitions. That legacy of excellence continued today, when the Newaygo Symphonic Band earned straight superior ratings (“1s”) at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s (MSBOA) State Band & Orchestra Festival at Muskegon Orchard View High School. As Newaygo Symphonic Band Director Mr. Branden Listh explains, “At Band and Orchestra Festival, bands get a chance to show off their performance skills. They get a rating from 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest, and their overall score is calculated by adding up the ratings from each judge. If a band gets a Superior rating, they can move on to the State Band and Orchestra Festival, where they perform for three concert judges and get tips from a festival clinician. If a band gets a rating of 1 or 2, they get certificates and a plaque for their recognition. Any band can perform at the District level, but only a band that receives an overall rating of 1 at the District level can perform at the State level.” The Newaygo Symphonic Band qualified to participate in the state-competition in March, after earning Superior ratings in the District competition.
To prepare for the State Festival, the Band has been focusing on “developing our tone, intonation, and overall musicality. We've also been paying close attention to the technical demands of our pieces, working to achieve precision and accuracy in our playing. Additionally, we've been practicing our sight-reading skills, as that's a crucial part of the Festival's rating. Overall, we felt confident and prepared to go to State Festival today” says Mr. Listh. While Newaygo Bands has a history of earning 1s at Festival, the last time they were there—back in 2018—they earned a 2. After pandemic cancellations and other restrictions, returning to Festival after five years with a Superior rating has a special sweetness. The Band flawlessly performed two pieces today. The first, Into the Storm by Robert W. Smith, is a dramatic and dynamic ode to Mother Nature’s fury. The second, Gadget by Standridge, is a fun romp with percussion sound effects paying homage to the “love of invention and novelty.”
Newaygo’s Bands have been successful, in part, due to the supportive culture nurtured in and out of the classroom. Reflecting on her four years in the band, senior Alexandria Bruwer said that being in the band has meant “having a community and family to rely on and to support you, to be able to grow together, to be together through it all.” Agreeing, senior McKade Hurrle said that band for him has been “about friendship. I love the family community that we’ve built here. From the upper classman to the lower classman, everyone kind of feels like they fit in somewhere.” The sense of belonging and support provides the base for student success. From there, the students rise together through hard work and dedication. Mr. Listh said, “I want people to know that our students have been working incredibly hard to prepare for this year's performances, “including Marching Band and these Festival performances. Our Symphonic Band is composed of talented and dedicated students who are passionate about music, and they've been pushing themselves to achieve their personal bests in rehearsals and performances. I couldn't be prouder of the time and work they pour into this program to make it what it is today.”
How does it feel to earn top ratings in the state competition? Alexandria Bruwer said, “It feels amazing! It feels great to see the physical results of our hard work over the past few months, to see everyone succeed together.” McKade Hurrle added “It feels great to have the stress off my shoulders! It’s nice to see everybody smile!” With this milestone now achieved, the Band is turning its attention to their "Spring into Summer Concert in the Park" to be held Tuesday, May 23rd at 5:30 pm. Mr. Listh invites the community to “come out and listen to some fantastic music in Brooks Park. You will hear our Newaygo's 6th through 8th grade, our High School Symphonic Band, and our Newaygo Jazz Band all perform in one night. We even will have Papa Don's Italian Ice coming out to serve treats to the community during the event. So, even if you don't have a student in the band program, feel free to bring a folding chair and join us for a great night filled with music.”
 After that, preparations will start for the fall Marching Band show. The theme, which was just revealed to students this past week, is “A Pirates Adventure.” Mr. Listh said, “the students are more than excited about the music, props designs, and color guard uniforms we have planned, and they can't wait to show it off to the community in the fall.” We in the community can’t wait either, Mr. Listh. Newaygo Bands is the pride of the town.
 The State Championship White Cloud Quiz Bowl Team was triumphantly escorted into town by the White Cloud Fire & Rescue, White Cloud Police Department, and Life EMS. White Cloud Quiz Bowl Team Captures State Title. National Tourney Awaits. By Stephen Smith On a most auspicious day, heralded by bright sunny rays, cool winds, and set on the stunningly beautiful campus of Michigan State University, the White Cloud Varsity Quiz Bowl Team (9-0) triumphed over the best competition in the great state of Michigan. In the process, the team captured the 2023 Class C/D Michigan High School Quiz Bowl State Championship! In the preliminary rounds, White Cloud decisively dispatched Brown City (315-50), Bridgman (300-105), Carsonville-Port Sanilac (295-115), and Kent City (210-55). For all their success, White Cloud was awarded the top seed for the championship playoff rounds. The White Cloud contingent was a spectacular force to be reckoned with in every match and dominated teams in the playoff rounds by dismantling Carsonville-Port Sanilac (260-70), Kalamazoo Christian (240-105), White Pigeon (275-35), Holton (260-130), and Manchester (240-145). In an incredible performance and unmatched display of academic brilliance, White Cloud absolutely crushed all of their adversaries with a combined score of 2,395-810 and averaged 266 points per game. Most impressively, the Indians routed state runner-up, Kalamazoo Christian, by 135 points and vanquished 3rd-place finisher, Carsonville-Port Sanilac, by 190 points in the playoffs.  From left to right: Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, Assistant Coach Arnie Baker, Wyatt Karnes, Brian Schaefer, Captain Malachi Graves, Zane Keith, and Coach Stephen Smith The top 17 teams in their finishes were as follows: White Cloud (1st), Kalamazoo Christian (2nd), Carsonville-Port Sanilac (3rd), White Pigeon (4th), Holton (5th), Manchester (6th), Roscommon (7th), Saugatuck (8th tie), Bridgman (8th tie), Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (10th), New Buffalo (10th), Kent City (12th), Alcona (13th tie), Deckerville (13th tie), Sandusky (15th tie), Lawrence (15th tie), and Brown City (17th).  Seniors Malachi Graves and Zane Keith holding State Championship Trophy The undefeated White Cloud State Champions were led in scoring by Brian Schaefer with an astronomical 525 points, earning him 2nd-Team All-State honors once again. Senior Captain Malachi Graves, two-time All-Conference recipient, erupted for an additional 265 points providing consistent leadership and poise, demanding excellence from everyone around him. Conference Honorable Mention Wyatt Karnes excelled in arguably his best outing of the year, scoring 185 points in critical moments of the team’s most contentious matches. Two-time All-Conference Zane Keith contributed another 140 points, a healthy portion, which effectively demonstrated a well-rounded, complete team effort. Furthermore, on an individual basis, White Cloud competitors ranked in the top third of all scoring by players exhibiting, yet again, the extraordinary talent of the team.  Back row from left to right: Assistant Coach Arnie Baker, Brian Schaefer, Captain Malachi Graves, Zane Keith, Liam Povey, Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, and Coach Stephen Smith. Front row from left to right: Sam Viher, Jarrett Warlick, and Wyatt Karnes. As the 2023 Class C/D State Champion, White Cloud has qualified for the NAQT Small School National Championship Tournament for the 26th time in school history. In addition, this is the 34th occasion that White Cloud has qualified for the state competition, an all-time Class C/D record, continuing the legacy and tradition of the quiz bowl program. Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to specifically thank coach emeritus Tony McHattie and assistant coaches Allison McPhall, Arnie Baker, and Dallas Dowling. In addition, the team would like to extend their gratitude to all the parents, teachers, administrators, and community members for their continued support of the quiz bowl team. Without you, none of the team’s success would be possible. The national tournament will be held in Chicago on April 28-30, 2023. Stay tuned for more updates.  From left to right: Zane Keith, Captain Malachi Graves, Brian Schaefer, Wyatt Karnes, Jarrett Warlick, Sam Viher, and Liam Povey Individual Scoring Statistics Name: Preliminary Rounds Playoffs Rounds: Brian Schaefer: 210 Pts 52.50 PPG 315 Pts 63 PPG Malachi Graves: 130 Pts 32.50 PPG 135 Pts 27 PPG Wyatt Karnes: 100 Pts 25 PPG 85 Pts 18.09 PPG Zane Keith: 60 Pts 15 PPG 80 Pts 17.02 PPG  From left to right: 2nd Team All-State, Brian Schaefer and Coach Stephen Smith  |
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