N3 Nuggets: More People, Less Street, Retail Rumor, & Other Stuff

A little this, a little that, and guess who's coming to town

Census Stats
The census stats were released last week and here in Newaygo County we added 1,518 to our population and we now sit a mere 22 folks from the 50,000 mark, gaining 3.5%
32 of the state's 83 counties gained in population and most of the neighbors in our region are among the 32. Lake was up 4.8%, Montcalm gained 5.2% and Oceana inched up by 0.3%.
Mecosta took a hit losing 7.2% and Osceola went down 2.7% but from Leelanau and Grand Traverse down past the burgeoning Kent and Ottawa to include Allegan and Barry the numbers in West Mich went up.
The U.P.? Despite being inundated with tourists each summer and fall (and snowmobilers in winter) our northern friends declined significantly led by Luce (-19.5%) and Ontonagon (-14.5%).
The state as a whole grew a bit but not enough to keep from losing one of our Reps in Congress, the 5th census in a row that resulted in such action. From a high of 19 Reps (and electoral college votes) in 1970 we will now be limited to 13 and redistricting will likely result in a couple of our pols in the East part of the state having to compete for one seat. 

City Swap
According to social media pages there are Fremont folks unhappy with the recent decision by the city and Gerber Products to swap the closure of a section of Weaver Ave for some land parcels (7 acres) The statement from city offices cited the City “not only wanting to support the City’s largest employer and community partner, recognized this as a potential opportunity for a much needed residential development.”
And as we said, some don’t like the move.
I’m all for public discourse but sometimes the solutions suggested remind me of being on the sidelines during a sporting event and listening to what must be the best collection of coaches and referees this side of the pros dispensing advice from the bleachers. Not because their advice is always useless, but because no one hears what they have to say. 
Attending meetings gets you in the game.

Speaking of Fremont…
Rumor has it we will be seeing another grocer making a home in our part of this bipeninsular paradise.
A popular one.
Hmm. Must mean current fans won’t have to drive as far.

Digging Downtown
The road work continues in downtown Newaygo and traffic-wise, while a few first timers at times get confused about not stopping when circling the park, library and city offices it seems to be going well and with rare exception drivers have been keeping their cool. We’re hoping our businesses that have had to adjust to the ever changing streetscape are coping well. The ice cream shop may be a tad more difficult to get to but it hasn’t seemed to stop folks from finding their way there as evidenced by the stream of seekers lining up on hot days to nab a frozen treat and the legions who love the Brewery seem to be finding their way through their doors.
Yeah. Ice cream and beer have remained popular. Go figure
 
9th of 10
Recent vax stats from DHD#10 report just over 49% of eligible NC residents have received at least one dose, the second lowest in this 10 county region. The lowest? Mecosta with 44%. The highest? Mason at 64%. Those who enjoy the beauty of Leelanau County might be interested that they are just under 71%.

Waiting...
School starts soon so hang onto your seats because the divisive atmosphere of distrust that has transformed a public health issue into a political football is about to pick up steam. Dr.  Jennifer Morse of DHD#10 strongly recommended masking for staff and students in all school buildings and to continue with other mitigation efforts in a recent meeting with local supes. State Health Director Elizabeth Hertel has not yet made masking a requirement, while the CDC is requiring masks on buses.  As of right now in our local schools, vaccines and masks are highly recommended, not required.
As of right now.
If this changes we hope calmer heads prevail and we avoid the ‘mask wars’ infecting some communities faster and fiercer than the virus itself.

Lace ‘em up!
And speaking of football...the high school season begins this Friday. Go Cloud, Go Lions, Go Tigers, Go Pack, and Go Panthers! 
And follow your favorite team(s) all season long in our sports page. Football, Cross, Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis.

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