 NEWAYGO COUNTY – The increase of COVID-19 cases in the Newaygo County community has caused the Newaygo County Courthouse to move to Phase 1. Although the courthouse is still open we ask the public to utilize remote access tools to the greatest extent possible and only visit the courthouse when there is an emergency need to do so. In-person hearings are limited to emergency matters and matters where there is a statutory or constitutional right to be present that has not been waived. Consistent with Michigan Supreme Court directives, the Newaygo County Trial Courts must take protective measures for the public and court personnel to ensure that our services to the public are not impacted. If your business with the court can be handled via phone, fax, mail, or email, please use those methods before coming to the courthouse. Additionally, we encourage you to call prior to making a trip to determine if your business can be handled remotely as new services are being added for your convenience. All filings and payments can be done electronically or mailed. Additionally, the courthouse has a new drop box in the entryway for payments and non emergency filings. If you visit the courthouse you may be given alternative directions to access services if your need is not an emergency or a matter for which you have the right to be present. Courthouse visitors granted access to the building will continue to follow the current visitor screening process including the completion of a health screening and temperature assessment. Masks must be worn in the courthouse unless otherwise directed by the presiding judge and social distancing guidelines must be followed. Visitors who are unable or unwilling to wear masks, or abide by social distancing procedures, will be provided with alternative methods for conducting business and may be asked to leave the courthouse according to our most recent Local Administrative Order. All other hearings that are not emergencies or matters where litigants have the right to be present, will be conducted remotely via Zoom or as directed on hearing notices. It is preferred that filings be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the courthouse whenever possible. Please find contact information for each court below. Court sessions will not be open to the public. All court sessions will continue to be livestreamed, or recorded and posted to YouTube, to provide public access. Please visit countyofnewaygo.com to find the Departments tab where the Courts tab is located. Please see the complete Local Administrative Order for Phase 1 for more complete details or contact the appropriate court using the information below: Circuit Court Email: wjarvis@co.newaygo.mi.us or circuitcourt@newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7251 Main Phone: (231) 689-7252 Fax: (231) 689-7015 District Court Email: dmr@co.newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7228 Main Phone: (231) 689-7257 Fax (231) 689-7258 Probate Court Email: c2762nmp@co.newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7274 Main: (231) 689-7270 Fax: (231) 689-7276 As the Newaygo County Courthouse returns to Phase 1 we remain fully staffed and ready to assist you. Thank you for adhering to these guidelines so we can continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community together. Hon. Robert D. Springstead Chief Judge Circuit Court Judge Newaygo County Trial Courts
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 Photo by Lil De Laat Current COVID Concerns Cause Cancellation...Again
“To be Irish is to know that in the end the world will break your heart.”-Daniel Patrick Moynihan From our friends at the Michigan Irish Music Festival: It is almost unbearable to imagine another festival season without live Irish and Celtic music. However, based on the current guidance for live events provided by state officials, the continued uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, and the present level of active COVID-19 cases in Michigan, the Michigan Irish Music Festival board of directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 festival. We are unable to proceed with producing a festival in the format that we have established and on the level of quality our patrons, volunteers, musicians, vendors, and sponsors have come to expect. Our board continues to monitor Michigan restrictions, health guidelines, and capacity limits to determine what type of events will be permissible in the future and we will plan accordingly going forward. A variety of details were considered by the board, including the unknown timeline for allowing large gatherings and the comfort level of patrons who wish to attend. While we expect local businesses and some events to begin reopening before the year’s end, it is unclear whether mass gatherings like the Michigan Irish Music Festival will be permitted to operate at full capacity, without restrictions, before September. First and foremost, the safety of our volunteers, patrons, musicians, and vendors was the most important factor in this decision. The information surrounding COVID-19 changes on a daily basis. The successful execution of the festival involves significant upfront planning and logistics with attendees, vendors, and entertainers from across Michigan, the country, and around the world. So, it is important that we make this decision now due to the countless details and months of planning required to produce the Michigan Irish Music Festival. With a large contingency of our entertainment coming from Ireland, Scotland, and Nova Scotia, the additional unknown specifics of travel regulations also contribute to the timing of this decision. For those who have purchased tickets in advance, we will be in contact with you via email within the next 14 days. We will also be communicating with our sponsors, volunteers, musicians, and vendors to provide them with details regarding this decision. Everyone is facing challenging times right now. In order to ensure the long-term success of our event and organization, this difficult decision was the best plan to allow us to move forward. Until we can meet again, please follow us on Facebook and our website, www.michiganirish.org, for updates and details. Please stay safe, stay healthy, and know we all look forward to celebrating with you in the near future. “May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, The foresight to know where you are going, And the insight to know when you have gone too far” - Irish Blessing  The Fremont Regional Digester is hosting a virtual town hall meeting on April 29, 6:30-7:30pm. During the virtual event the digester team will be discussing how the digester works as well as the latest updates to the facility. They will also We’ll also be taking questions from community members who want to learn more. People can RSVP on the Digester’s website at: https://www.fremontdigester.com/town-hall, and will then be emailed instruction on how to virtually attend. They are also asking attendees to take a brief survey to provide feedback. The first 50 respondents will receive a $10 gift card to the Moondance Café in Fremont.  NEWAYGO COUNTY REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY BOARD VACANCY
The Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency Board of Education announces one (1) vacancy on the NC RESA Board effective July 1, 2021. The election for the one (1) NC RESA Board seat will be held on Monday, June 7, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Newaygo County RESA, Educational Service Center, 4747 W. 48th Street, Fremont, MI. One member will be elected for a six-year term beginning July 1, 2021 and expiring on June 30, 2027. Board of Education election packets, including Nominating Petition Forms and Affidavits of Identity may be picked up at the Newaygo County Clerk’s office, 1087 Newell, White Cloud, MI, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The deadline for filing petitions OR paying a $100.00 nonrefundable filing fee is 4:00 p.m., Monday, May 10, 2021. More specific instructions will be given at the time candidates receive the election packet. You may contact Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark, Superintendent, at (231) 924-8853 with questions.  White Cloud, April 15, 2021- Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney, Worth Stay, announced that a juvenile petition has been issued for a 16 year-old juvenile stemming from an investigation into an explosion at Newaygo High School on March 8, 2021 and subsequent search warrant of a residence. The juvenile is charged with a violation of MCL 750.211a(2)(a) - Manufacture/Possession of a Molotov cocktail or a similar device. Additionally, the juvenile is charged with violating MCL 750.237a(4) - Possession of a weapon in a weapon-free school zone. A preliminary hearing was held on April 14, 2021 and future court dates will be set by the Family Division of the 27th Circuit Court. A juvenile is presumed innocent until proven otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt. Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation is asked to please contact Officer Ryan Dornbos at the Newaygo Police Department, 231-652-1655, ext. 242 or the Michigan State Police, Hart Post at 231-873-2171.  J&J Vax paused. All current appointments scheduled are Pfizer and Moderna only.
From our friends at DHD#10 April 13, 2021 – Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a joint recommendation to pause administration of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (J&J) vaccine. Per these recommendations, District Health Department #10 will not be providing the J&J vaccine until further notice. More than 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine have been administered in the U.S. to date. CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of an extremely rare type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. The CDC will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday, April 14th to further review these cases and assess their potential significance. The FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases. Until that process is complete, DHD#10 will pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution and will release more information about future J&J clinics as it becomes available. “Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare, and there have not been any reported adverse events reported in the DHD#10 jurisdiction after the administration of the J&J vaccine,” said Kevin Hughes, Health Officer at DHD#10. “COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority for all vaccine providers, and we are assured that the data is being reviewed swiftly by the experts.” DHD#10 will continue to provide the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination products at clinics as previously scheduled. To schedule your vaccine appointment, go to www.dhd.org/schedule; residents who need assistance scheduling an appointment can call 888-217-3904.  Governor Whitmer speaks at recent press conference as Dr. Khaldun looks on Despite request for 2 weeks of remote, county schools to continue in person learning, sports. With COVID-19 cases on the rise dramatically in the state Governor Whitmer used her Friday press conference not to issue more restrictive orders, but to make a plea for residents to voluntarily follow recommendations aimed at stopping the current surge. “Policy change alone won’t change the tide,” she stated. “We need everyone to step up and to take personal responsibility here.” The recommendations included opting for dining al fresco or maybe take out in lieu of taking a table inside and suspending in person activities for youth sports for the next two weeks. She also urged high schools to shift to remote learning for 2 weeks to combat the possibility of a surge spurred by spring break travel. Michigan Education Association President Paula Herbart: “When we say that the health and safety of our students must be our priority, that’s not just lip service or a catchy message. As educators, nothing is more important to us – which is why we fully support the governor’s call for in-person high school learning and youth sports to take a two-week break amidst rising COVID-19 cases.” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health: “As a parent and former student-athlete myself, I understand how important athletics are to our children’s physical and mental health. However, parents and athletes need to understand the risk involved with youth sports if they choose to participate. We’ve seen that the younger population has played a significant role in transmission during this most recent spike. I urge youth sports organizers to pause in-person activities for the next couple weeks.” And while some folks might adapt their dining decisions and some youth leagues may ponder postponement, the schools in our county look to be unanimous in staying with in-person learning and continuing with scheduled sports and other activities. Fremont Superintendent Ken Haggart: “The Governor made an announcement this week requesting all high schools return to virtual-only instruction and that all youth sports be paused. We want to assure you that we have carefully considered this request, and that our local circumstances do not yet meet this level of reaction. We will continue to communicate with the local health department, and make decisions that best support our students. With that in mind, we feel it is important to let everyone know that in-person instruction will continue, and our athletic teams will keep playing and competing.” Grant Superintendent Brett Zuver: “With Governor Whitmer's announcement this morning there have been some things we have had to discuss and look at today. There have been discussions with many other area school districts, each one obviously has its own unique needs and circumstances to consider. Here at Grant Public Schools, we will remain open and all sports will remain scheduled as planned.If something changes, such as an order that will impact our requirements, we will re-evaluate if needed.” White Cloud and Newaygo will also continue in person learning and spring sports for now. President & CEO of Spectrum Health Tina Freese Decker also spoke at the press conference expressing concern over the recent surge, “Based on the increase in positivity rates and hospitalizations, we need the help of Michiganders,” said. “We ask you to practice the safety behaviors that we know work and get vaccinated as soon as possible. This will help us slow the spread and hopefully this will be our last surge.”  Spectrum Health's Tina Freese Decker urges safety measures, vaccinations.  DHD#10 Adds Johnson & Johnson Waitlist and second dose waitlist to website; 16+ can now schedule online From our friends at DHD#10 April 7, 2021 – As the COVID-19 vaccine supply is improving, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) continues to adjust and adapt processes to accommodate getting residents in the ten-county jurisdiction vaccinated that want to receive it. Soon, DHD#10 will be receiving additional supply of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) one-dose vaccine and will open it up to the general population that prefer to receive this type. A Johnson & Johnson Waitlist has been added to the DHD#10 website so individuals can add themselves and they will be notified when appointments are available. Additionally, DHD#10 has added a Second Dose Waitlist for those individuals who received their first dose elsewhere and are in need of their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Please note that DHD#10 cannot guarantee that vaccine supply will be readily available for this group. This waitlist will be utilized for filling DHD#10 clinics when all other waitlists are exhausted or if there are extra doses at the end of clinics, and doses are only available on a first come/first served basis. It is also possible individuals who are contacted may need to travel to a neighboring county to receive their second dose. If you received your first dose from DHD#10 and need to reschedule your second dose, please do not add your name to this waitlist. Please email covid@dhd10.org and ask to be rescheduled or call 888-217-3904 for further assistance. DHD#10 has opened online scheduling to anyone aged 16 and older for the COVID-19 vaccine. Go to www.dhd10.org/schedule. Individuals aged 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when receiving their vaccine or will be turned away. For questions, email us at covid@dhd10.org. For more COVID-19 vaccine information, visit us at www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine. To stay informed, sign up for our Public Health Alert at www.dhd10.org/subscribe.   Entrepreneurial pitch competition enters third year, continues to grow GRAND RAPIDS, MICH (APRIL 5, 2021) Newaygo County’s first-of-its-kind entrepreneurial pitching competition, Pitch North, is returning for its third year bigger than ever before.. Entrepreneurs living in Newaygo, Oceana and Lake Counties will once again have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to compete for one of many cash prizes up for grabs.. The competition’s third year boasts bigger prizes, with a total of $10,000 in award funds available to cultivate entrepreneurial growth in these rural communities. The virtual event will take place on June 8th, 2021. Entrepreneurship continues to be critical to the success of rural communities, especially as they begin recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. When people start and grow businesses, they contribute to the economic diversity of their area. These unique local businesses become differentiators for their communities. Recognizing that individuals living in rural areas often have less access to funding and resources to pursue these endeavors The Right Place, Inc. launched Pitch North in 2019 to change that. Pitch submissions for Pitch North 2021 are being accepted at pitchnorth.com now through May 10, 2021 at 11:59 pm. A hand-picked committee will review and score all submissions and select five finalists to present their pitches live at the June 8th event, where cash prizes will be awarded to all five finalists. The public is welcome to attend this free event, which will be held via Zoom. Additional information on how to register is available at pitchnorth.com. Pitch North is hosted by The Right Place, Inc. and made possible through support from The Adama Family Gift Fund, The Fremont Area Community Foundation, Shelby State Bank, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, River Country Chamber of Commerce, West Shore Community College, Gerber Federal Credit Union and The Lakeshore Fab Lab.  Top Three finishers in Year One.  L-R Rachel Larsen, Lola Lopez, Kristie Best, Kalleigh Klappholz, Morgan Pope Local troop delivers some gratitude
Nothing says thank you like those famous GS cookies. Especially the Caramel deLites and Thin Mints and… But we digress. Newaygo Girl Scout Troop 4581 met with Kristie Best from Life EMS Ambulance recently. To show appreciation for service to our community, the Troop donated cans of nuts and boxes of Girl Scout cookies to Life EMS Ambulance. Nicely done scouts!
Colton Isenhart, Rylee Richards, Lily Ruehmeier take top awards
FREMONT, Mich. (4/1/2021) Gerber Federal Credit Union awarded a total of $2,750 as a result of its Annual Essay Scholarship program. Entrants were asked to explain “Even during the pandemic, the cost of college education has increased while many households have struggled to provide for basic needs. You have been asked to provide three recommendations to your legislators on how to make college more affordable. What are your recommendations?” in 300-500 words. Entries were accepted from Gerber Federal Credit Union members currently attending their senior year of high school and planning to attend an accredited technical school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university, or an apprentice program. Colton Isenhart from Fremont, MI is the First Place winner, he was awarded $1,750 and publication of his essay at www.gerberfcu.com. Rylee Richards from Fremont, MI is the Second Place winner and was awarded $750. Lillian Ruehmeier from Newaygo, MI is the Third Place Winner and was awarded $250. Essays were submitted by email and mail. Our panel of judges included 4 educators from various school districts and a member of management at a local hospital. Judges evaluated the essays on Topical Relevance and Quality of Writing after all identifying information was removed. Mr. Isenhart’s essay can be found on our Pulse section as a Guest Column. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/guest-column-legislators-meet-me-halfway  BALDWIN, Michigan – Don't miss your opportunity to save on your Marketplace insurance through HealthCare.gov. What you need to know The COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period has been extended to August 15, 2021. It was established to ensure uninsured people have the ability to enroll in health care coverage. Beginning April 1, 2021, new subsidies will be provided to reduce the cost of premiums for everyone, including current or newly enrolled beneficiaries. These reductions ARE NOT AUTOMATIC for those currently enrolled. To take advantage of these significant savings, you must log in to your HealthCare.gov account and update your 2021 application. You can do this by selecting "Report a life change." You'll then select the "change to my household's income" option even if there has been no income change. If you do not update your application now, you will receive the tax credits at the end of the year when you file your income tax return. Family Health Care (FHC) has trained staff who are up to date on these new laws and are available to answer your questions or assist you with your enrollment or changes to your HealthCare.gov account. During this Special Enrollment Period, you may also choose a different health care plan. Before deciding to do so, you should consider how much you have already paid toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Changing plans may reset these numbers to zero paid. Also, beginning April 1, 2021, tax credits will now be available to anyone earning over 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. It's important to remember you are not allowed to enroll in Marketplace coverage through HealthCare.gov if you qualify for other insurances like Medicaid or Medicare or if your employer offers affordable coverage that meets the Affordable Care Act requirements. Stay Tuned New subsidies will become available in early July for those who have received unemployment benefits anytime during 2021. Family Health Care will provide updates as the implementation of this new policy nears. For assistance or questions, find an office near you by visiting familyhealthcare.org  Family Health Care facility in White Cloud  Rise in COVID admissions, reduces number of people who can visit in hospitals and outpatient care sites Grand Rapids, Mich., March 31, 2021 – As a result of significantly increasing numbers of patients admitted with COVID-19 and the increase in community positivity rate, Spectrum Health is revising its visitor policies. The revision aims to reduce the number of people in its hospitals and outpatient care sites, including Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial and Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. Effective Wednesday, March 31, adult patients are allowed one adult family member or guest per patient. This must be the same person for the patient’s entire hospital stay. The following exceptions will apply:
The new restrictions apply to the following Spectrum Health hospitals and nearby physician offices and ambulatory care sites:
In addition, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, all visitors will be screened and are required to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose to enter the hospitals and outpatient facilities. Spectrum Health dining rooms continue to be closed to visitors. Hospital food service will be available in the cafeteria through to-go orders. More information about visitor restrictions can be found here. Spectrum Health's COVID-19 resource center can be found here.  March 26, 2021 – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) reports that the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant has now been confirmed in four of the ten counties within the jurisdiction. Currently, there are 5 cases in Kalkaska, 1 in Mecosta, 1 in Missaukee, and 1 in Wexford. The cases were identified through routine active surveillance by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. B.1.1.7. appears to be more contagious, but so far there is no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been circulating across the United States for months. However, a higher rate of transmission could increase the number of people who need to be hospitalized or who die due to COVID-19 should the new variant begin circulating widely in Michigan. To date, the variant was identified in 51 states and jurisdictions in the U.S., with 986 cases in Michigan as of March 25, 2021. Michigan is one of only two states with more than 750 cases of the variant. Florida is the other state, currently with 1,042 cases. “Now is definitely not the time to relax our prevention efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19” said Kevin Hughes, Health Director for DHD#10. “As new cases are climbing and we are all-hands-on-deck to get our residents vaccinated, we urge you to get tested if you have symptoms, and do not wait to hear from us before you isolate if you test positive.” Important precautions to protect against COVID include:
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19, or recently have traveled, get tested. You can find testing locations at www.mi.gov/coronavirustest or by calling 211 or the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136, press 1. For questions, email us at covid@dhd10.org. For more COVID-19 vaccine information, visit us at www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine. To stay informed, sign up for our Public Health Alert at www.dhd10.org/subscribe.  COVID-19 Free Antigen Testing Available to Newaygo County Residents
NC RESA has partnered with MDHHS to offer a pop-up drive through antigen testing site at our Educational Services Center in Fremont. As residents return from spring break travel, many are concerned about the potential surge in COVID cases of those who have not yet been vaccinated. Pop-up testing minimizes some of the risk. This free testing will be held Sunday, April 11 between 12:00 – 6:00pm at 4747 W. 48th Street, Fremont, MI 49412. Pre-registration is preferred, but not required. Please scan the QR code on your mobile device or visit http://honumg.info/NewaygoRESA to begin your pre-registration process.  All Services at DHD#10 offices now open to the public
From our friends at the Health Department: March 23, 2021 – District Health Department #10 announced that all ten offices are now open to the public for all services. Please wear a mask, social distance, and do not enter if you are sick. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you. For questions, email us at covid@dhd10.org. For information on COVID-19, visit us at www.dhd10.org/coronavirus. To stay informed, sign up for our Public Health Alert at www.dhd10.org/subscribe All eligible Priority Groups Can now schedule online; 16+ opening Monday
March 19, 2021 – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) announces that all currently eligible priority groups can now schedule directly online to receive your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at www.dhd10.org/schedule. Those currently eligible include adults 50+, healthcare workers, frontline essential workers, and caregivers of individuals with special needs. You can schedule online even if you are currently on a waiting list. If you do not have access to a computer, call 888-217-3904 during regular business hours for scheduling assistance. Starting Monday, March 22, anyone age 16 and older will also be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from DHD#10; however, you must be 18 or older to schedule yourself online. You do not have to have a medical condition to be eligible. Individuals aged 16 and 17 must be scheduled by a parent or legal guardian and can only receive the Pfizer vaccine. If you are a parent or legal guardian of a 16- or 17-year-old and you want them to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please enter their information on the 16-17 waitlist at www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine beginning Monday. One of our schedulers will contact you directly to schedule. Please do not schedule 16- or 17-year-olds online. “Vaccine supply is improving so we decided to open up the eligibility to anyone 16 and over starting Monday”, stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “We will add clinic dates each week, so if there are no dates available when you go to schedule online, keep checking back for more dates to open up and try and schedule again.” DHD#10 reminds everyone to please keep your appointment with us once you are scheduled because a vaccine is reserved specifically for you. If you cancel because you were able to get one somewhere else sooner, that causes issues with vaccine clinics. Also, when you schedule with DHD#10, your second dose is automatically reserved and you will be scheduled for it at your first dose appointment. For questions, email us at covid@dhd10.org. For more COVID-19 vaccine information, visit us at www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine. To stay informed, sign up for our Public Health Alert at www.dhd10.org/subscribe.
Future Proud Michigan Educator Grants Awarded to 44 Applicants including NC RESA
LANSING March 18, 2021 – The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has selected 44 grantees across the state to develop new opportunities for students in grades 6-12 to explore education professions. NC RESA was pleased to learn they would be one of the recipients of this effort to grow and sustain the educator workforce. To develop an interest among local students for a career in the education field. “Every school district in Newaygo County is challenged to fill vacancies due to few applicants and fewer young people choosing the teaching profession for a career,” stated Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark, NC RESA Superintendent. “I am very concerned about a significant decline in the number of students in Michigan graduating from educator preparation programs. In the 2003-04 school year, Michigan issued 9,664 new teaching certificates. The number dropped in 2017-18 to 3,819. We will continue to struggle to fill vacancies in Newaygo County where many veteran teachers are exploring retirement. We are attempting to grow our own future teachers with the grant project.” The Future Proud Michigan Explore program is an important element of MDE’s larger Proud Michigan Educator campaign and a companion to existing career and technical education 9-12 cadet teacher programs. “Teachers help to build a better world, and we need to collectively invest in our future proud Michigan educators,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “We need to encourage our young people to consider developing and using their talents as Michigan educators.” Grantees will receive $10,000 in federal Title IIA funding per eligible school building to build implementation teams, provide student engagement activities, and plan for hands-on learning through Explore courses in the 2021-22 or 2022-23 academic years. MDE will provide participating school districts with flexible models for implementation, curricular resources, and free professional development for educators. Grantees proposed several innovative approaches to implementing Explore programming, including: • Virtual and hybrid instruction paired with local teacher mentors • Inclusive and equity-focused programs that intend to bring a more diverse generation of teachers to future classrooms • Programs that will recruit current students into the teaching profession as advocates for their local communities, including urban, rural and indigenous communities • Programs that attract diverse students into roles as secondary science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educators • Increased opportunities for high school students to earn college credits • Coursework articulated from high school, through a two-year college and into an educator preparation program In partnership with intermediate school districts, community colleges and post secondary educator preparation programs and other community organizations, grantees will plan for building pathways to the profession that are clear, accessible, and well-supported. For more information, please visit bit.ly/FuturePME or email MDE PME@Michigan.gov  An Economic News Update From The Right Place By Julie Burrell, Business Development Manager, Newaygo County Economic development is sometimes hard to describe, but in a nutshell… We thrive on relationships, we connect businesses to resources, we focus on collaboration, and we are here to ensure our local employers succeed. This column is designed to share the timely information our community needs to continue being a place where people and businesses can prosper. In this edition you’ll notice a simplified approach. Our new CEO, Randy Thelen, presented our strategic plan in a new view recently, and I thought it worked perfectly to organize the items I’ll share with N3 readers. People Many companies continue to struggle with finding new talent, but our partners are here to help. Michigan Works! West Central has hosted several virtual job fairs over the past several months, with the next being a partnership with MDARD to host an Ag/Food Processing specific job fair on March 25. Registration is available through March 22. Additionally, MW!WC can assist employers with writing job descriptions and posting open positions through the Pure Michigan Talent Connect database. Upskilling current staff is easier on your bottom line with The Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Adult Scholarships program, which is open for applications year-round for Newaygo County residents. These scholarships are available for undergrad study, certifications, credentials, and apprenticeship programs. Additionally, the recently announced Michigan Reconnect program pays a portion of the cost of tuition for eligible adults in Newaygo County pursuing an associate degree or skills certificate. It is nearly intern season, and Hello West Michigan is offering a free training focusing on tips for employers to transition from an in-person experience to a virtual internship program. As organizations shift to incorporate new digital processes, this workshop is designed to leave participants feeling confident in beginning an online internship program. Register today for the May 13th session. Looking for more tools in attracting workforce to Newaygo County? Check out this great video put together by the team at The Right Place, highlighting West Michigan. We’ve just launched entrepreneurial programming for 2021, with the Grow North series. Are you interested in starting a business in 2021? Our first session is March 18, and you can still register here. Our second session will focus on making a home based business flourish, and you can register here. Place We all know broadband struggles in Newaygo County, but if your organization has an open wifi connection, you can help! Partnering with Connect Michigan, we are hoping to beef up the Newaygo County WiFi map, by including any organization with a wifi connection open to the public. Enter your business info here. The Newaygo County Tourism Council is gearing up to launch their Spring campaign with the best ways to do Spring in Newaygo County. Interested in getting in front of the 48,000 plus website visitors? Contact them to get your business a front-row seat. Prosperity The Right Place invites you to attend the 18th annual Midwest Supply Chain Management Conference on March 25. Register here. Would your business benefit from a PPP Loan? If you did not apply for or receive a loan in the first round, you are encouraged to contact Northern Initiatives, a community development financial institution who supports Newaygo County. Did you miss the Newaygo County Economic Outlook on Feb 23? Watch the replay here. Is your business interested in exporting to India or Mexico? India has a high demand for US-made products such as automotive, IT, medical equipment and environmental & pollution control. Register now for the April event. Mexico’s virtual trade mission is scheduled for early Summer, with an April 23 deadline to register. Outdoor recreation is trending upward and Michigan is perfectly poised to capitalize on this growth potential! The Michigan Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry is hosting a Supplier Summit on March 23. Attendees will participate in an educational webinar, and have opportunities to network with buyers and suppliers supporting the outdoor rec industry. Register here. March is literacy month, and your United Way of the Lakeshore Newaygo County is raising money for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program, with a Beards for Books challenge! Newaygo County’s own Robert Ross has his beard on the line, vowing to shave it off once he reaches $1,875. These funds will provide 900 books for 75 kids in Newaygo County! The FCC recently established the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, Broadband assistance for low income residents which can offer a one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, desktop or tablet and up to $50 per month on broadband services. More info can be found here.   Rescue $$ in Newaygo County
$200K to the city of Newaygo? Close to $350,000 to Brooks? And our Northern outpost Troy Township nets 28 G’s? These distributions do not include somewhere around $9.5 million the county will receive. Beyond the $1400 per person checks and deposits arriving in Newaygo County homes, this influx of funds to municipalities is part of the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress and signed by President Biden. Like the plan, hate the plan, the plan is in motion and money will be moving. While it is still very unclear what the parameters are when it comes to using the cash and the subsequent reporting and data requirements that will be involved in the process, here is a list of the local municipality amounts that will be distributed: Ashland township Newaygo County $ 273,407 Barton township Newaygo County $ 80,472 Beaver township Newaygo County $ 50,357 Big Prairie township Newaygo County $ 261,163 Bridgeton township Newaygo County $ 213,867 Brooks township Newaygo County $ 349,139 Croton township Newaygo County $ 324,751 Dayton township Newaygo County $ 192,935 Denver township Newaygo County $ 193,922 Ensley township Newaygo County $ 268,371 Everett township Newaygo County $ 183,160 Fremont city Newaygo County $ 402,853 Garfield township Newaygo County $ 255,140 Goodwell township Newaygo County $ 54,405 Grant city Newaygo County $ 87,285 Grant township Newaygo County $ 327,713 Home township Newaygo County $ 22,907 Lilley township Newaygo County $ 80,274 Lincoln township Newaygo County $ 124,707 Merrill township Newaygo County $ 66,352 Monroe township Newaygo County $ 31,893 Newaygo city Newaygo County $ 204,092 Norwich township Newaygo County $ 59,836 Sheridan charter township Newaygo County $ 242,304 Sherman township Newaygo County $ 209,424 Troy township Newaygo County $ 28,239 White Cloud city Newaygo County $ 136,950 Wilcox township Newaygo County $ 110,291 “When somebody says it’s not about the money, it’s about the money.”-H.L. Mencken Ages 16 and Older with Medical Conditions, Disabilities Starting March 22; All residents 16 and up to become eligible on April 5
Lansing, March 12- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced what looks to be a Quantum Leap when it comes to vaccine distribution. The state is expanding vaccination eligibility for Michiganders ages 16 and older with disabilities or medical conditions that put them at high risk of negative COVID-19 outcome beginning Monday, March 22. The state is also announcing that beginning Monday, April 5, all Michiganders age 16 and up who were not previously eligible will be eligible to receive a vaccine. All vaccine providers may begin vaccinating the new priority group of 16-49 with medical conditions or disabilities by Monday, March 22.Based on the anticipated amount of vaccines becoming available to the state and President Biden’s directive that all adults should be eligible by May 1 , Michigan has decided to move forward with allowing all Michiganders who were not previously eligible to begin receiving vaccine on Monday, April 5. The following medical conditions might place an individual at an increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, and are therefore also eligible for vaccination: asthma (moderate-to-severe); cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain); cystic fibrosis; hypertension or high blood pressure; immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant; immune deficiencies; HIV; use of corticosteroids or use of other immune weakening medicines; neurologic conditions, such as dementia; liver disease; overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2 , but < 30 kg/m2 ); pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues); thalassemia (a type of blood disorder); and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Those eligible to receive a vaccine should:
It is important to note that, while supplies are increasing, there remains a limited amount of vaccine available, so there may be a waitlist for available appointments. As more vaccine becomes available, the state will continue to move more quickly through the priority groups.  The Total Trek Quest (TTQ) program is ready to go this spring and we’re excited to bring fun, movement, and interactive learning to 3rd-5th grade boys in Newaygo county. TTQ offers boys in 3rd-5th grade a high-energy after-school program that incorporates training for a 5K with a curriculum that focuses on developing positive peer relationships, working toward individual goals, making healthy choices, and resisting peer pressure. TTQ has been offered in Newaygo county since 2018 and is a homegrown Michigan initiative, originating in Ottawa County in 2005. Since the pandemic began, we have worked hard to modify and adapt TTQ so that it still offers our participants connection, activity, movement, and learning while following COVID-19 safety guidelines. We have 2 programming options: an all virtual program, which will consist of two weekly hour-long virtual practices, and a hybrid program, which will have one virtual and one in-person practice each week. The options for in-person practices will be Branstrom Park in Fremont on Wednesdays and Riverfront Park in Newaygo on Thursdays. These in-person practices will be from 4:15 to 5:45 and will be held totally outdoors, following all COVID safety guidelines including wearing masks at all times except while running, maintaining social distancing, and using hand sanitizer several times during practice. Our spring season begins the week of April 12 and ends the week of June 12 with a 5k event. The program also includes a family focused kick off event; we have hosted several online events that have offered families a fun way to interact virtually. More information will be available for both the kickoff event and the 5K in the near future. To register your 3rd-5th grade boy, visit https://www.raceplanner.com/register/index/Spring21N. The registration fee is $45; scholarships are available for all in need. Please contact Colin Moylan at cmoylan@arborcircle.org or 616-278-4788 for any questions or scholarship needs.
 Appointments for COVID Vaccinations Now Open
Baldwin MI, March 11- Family Health Care (FHC) is now able to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to community members and clinic patients age 50 and up, including caregiver family members and guardians age 16 and older of children who have special health care needs (part of Phase 1C Groups B and C). This includes individuals in Phase 1B Group B who live in congregate settings (i.e., homeless shelters, jails, prisons). Vaccinations will continue as supplies are available. Health centers like FHC play an essential part in the national strategy to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine, especially in rural areas. Getting vaccinated not only helps to protect yourself but your family, friends, and neighbors, too. The COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective. Data from clinical trials demonstrate that the known and potential benefits of this vaccine outweigh the known and potential harms of becoming infected with COVID-19. People who have gotten sick from the COVID-19 virus may still benefit from getting vaccinated because they can become infected with the virus more than once. The vaccination is free, and appointments are required. You can make an appointment by calling one of Family Health Care’s following locations:
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