 Learning to prevent those masticating moths
Nobody has likely forgotten the scourge of the Spongy (still hard to get used to the name change) moths that invaded our trees throughout the county last Spring-apparently under an assumed name. Those who were hit hard by the menacing marauders will never forget it. It was brutal watching the defoliation occur and we all could have easily gone about our lives without being overly acquainted with the word frass. Experts agreed it was a perfect storm with the stage of the moth’s cycle and an exceptionally dry Spring combining to make for an ideal environment for the invasion. Understandably folks are a tad touchy as the warmer weather begins to reach our bipeninsular paradise. Hopefully many attended the forum the County Board of Commissioners put on last fall that discussed prevention techniques. If not you can access it on the county site: https://www.newaygocountymi.gov/board_of_commissione/gypsy-moth/ The forum also provided some information on steps toward exploring the possibility of private spraying. While some folks have asked if the county planned to get involved in any large-scale spraying, the initiative has been found to be both prohibitively expensive and logistically unrealistic. “The County has never done an area wide spraying before and it is impractical to do so now,” said Newaygo County Board Chair Bryan Kolk. “Listening to the experts we are told a damp spring like we are experiencing along with some signs of stress on the moth population this past fall gives us great hope for a much clearer 2022 summer.” Yes, this spring has been anything but dry thus far. And while some may bemoan the amount of gray damp days that April has delivered to this point, if it keeps those gluttonous frass flingers from thriving, well then bring on the rain. In the meantime knowledge is power, right? So check out the county forum But for more recent info, register for EGLE’s webinar next Thursday morning, April 14th, 9:00am-10:00am). New name, familiar pest: Preparing for Lymantria dispar (formerly known as Gypsy moth). Here’s the skinny from EGLE: Join an expert panel to explore how Lymantria dispar (formerly Gypsy moth) became a naturalized resident in Michigan’s forests. Dr. Deborah McCullough from Michigan State University, Dr. Steven Katovich of the USDA Forest Service, Susie Iott of MDARD and DNR’s James Wieferich will cover the unusual history of this pest in the United States and here in Michigan, and what you can do to reduce some of the unpleasant impacts of an outbreak. You’ll learn tips to help stressed trees recover from defoliation and options to help reduce the nuisance around your home. Using the tools given at these informational initiatives we can be better prepared to limit the spread of the spongettes. And as a bonus we can take heart in the idea that while rainy April days might be a bit gloomy…? At least this time the stuff falling out of the sky is just water.
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 14th Annual Fremont Area Home & Garden Show to be held Saturday, April 30th The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the home and garden show committee, invites you to join us on Saturday, April 30th to the 14th Annual Fremont Area Home & Garden Show! This year’s event will be held in the Fremont Community Rec Center, 201 E. Maple Street, Fremont. After a LONG, cold winter and spring, this fun-filled event is the perfect opportunity to get your family out of the house and have a fun day together, all while meeting new people and discovering new services & products offered in your hometown. The 14th Annual Fremont Area Home & Garden Show runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and there is no charge for entry or parking. New this year will be our food truck rally!!! Featured food vendors this year will be: Couyon’s Cajun, Pork – n – stein, Two Hot Tamales, Lumberjill Concessions and Big Mike’s Kettle Corn!!! Stop by for some of these tantalizing treats; there is a nice variety of food for everyone’s taste buds. Vendors inside the building will be featuring giveaways and information to help with your spring home improvement plans! Local Heros Inflatables will have one of their bounce houses for the kids to check out too! Don’t miss out on the fun! Vendor booths are still available! This is a great opportunity for businesses to showcase and highlight the goods and services they provide to our community! There are four (4) reasons why you can’t afford to miss this event!!! 1.) New Business: develop business leads and new customers, 2.) Networking: networking with peers in the Fremont and Newaygo County community, 3.) New Ideas: search for new and innovative products and services, and 4.) Marketing Opportunities: spread the word about your business! Thank you to our sponsors: Gold – West Michigan Roofing, Tamarac – Center for Well Being, Silver – Paulsen Heating & Cooling, John Kaminski – State Farm Insurance, Coffee Bar – Gerber Life Insurance, Horizon Bank. If you’d like information on being a vendor with a booth, sponsor, or volunteer to help at the event, please contact the Chamber: (231) 924-0770 or email info@fremontcommerce.com.
  Legacy Award Winner Melissa Tinkham Melissa Tinkham one of 8 Meijer team members from throughout the company to be recognized
Meijer announced today the winners of its 2021 Legacy Awards, the highest recognitions a Meijer team member can receive. One of the recipients is Melissa Tinkham, Customer Service and General Merchandise Line Leader at the Fremont Meijer. “Our team members make everything our customers see in our stores possible,” Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said. “These awards honor team members throughout the company who are leaving a legacy on their teams and communities. We’re proud to have them.” The press release from Meijer stated: “Despite the challenges of retail in the last year, Melissa is known for going above and beyond for her customers, even calling them to let them know when a product is back in stock. She has a deep knowledge of the Fremont community that inspired her to advocate to expand the store’s inventory of crafts products to support the high demand from local craft shows. A crafter herself, she’s known for coming up with creative prizes like homemade lamps to motivate and inspire her team.” “This year’s President’s Award winners exemplify the reason we began the Legacy Awards tradition – they reflect the wide impact our team members are making on our business and in our communities,” said Rick Keyes, President & CEO of Meijer. “Looking at the breadth of their accomplishments reminds us that an individual can always make a difference.”  “We take pride in the support of the Promise Zone”
The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone has received a generous $25,000 donation from Nestle Gerber. This donation will be used to directly support tuition and help students earn post-secondary credentials. The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone provides high school graduates with a tuition-free path to an associate degree from Muskegon Community College or an approved apprenticeship. The Promise Zone believes that every student, regardless of financial means, should have the opportunity to earn post-secondary credentials. Community partners like Nestle Gerber not only impact our students, but also the vibrancy of our community. Their investment in the Promise Zone aids in removing the financial barrier that many students face as they pursue higher education and training opportunities. As Paul Dudek, Sr Site Controller for Nestle Gerber states, “For generations the Gerber Products Company has valued its relationship with the community in which it resides. We take pride in the support of the Promise Zone. We also believe there's a direct correlation between investing in our young people's education and the long-term future of Gerber as a local Fremont-based organization.” With the Promise Scholarship, many students are starting to believe that higher education is within their reach and actively taking steps to plan for their future. “Nestle Gerber’s continued support of our Promise Scholars is helping to make college dreams come true for area students,” said Holly Moon, Promise Zone Fundraising Co-Chair. Since beginning in 2017, the Promise Zone has awarded over $1.9 million in tuition payments in support of over 260 Newaygo County students who have enrolled in pursuing their post-secondary credentials. Want to learn how to support the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone? Email apply@promise.zone or call 231-924-8888 to connect with a Promise Zone staff member.  Top three finishers from the first Pitch North event in 2019. Entrepreneurial pitch competition returns in person for 4th year FREMONT, MICH, APRIL 4, 2021- Newaygo County’s first-ever entrepreneurial pitching competition, Pitch North, will be coming back to an in-person event in 2022. Entrepreneurs living in Newaygo, Oceana or Lake Counties will once again have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes on June 14th, 2022. “Entrepreneurship continues to be critical to the success of rural communities, especially as the pandemic recovery continues,” said Julie Burrell, Economic Development Director for Newaygo County. “When people start and grow businesses, they contribute to the economic diversity of their area and these unique local businesses become differentiators for their communities. Unfortunately, individuals living in rural areas often have less access to funding and other resources to pursue these endeavors, which is why we launched Pitch North in 2019.”  The 5 Finalists from last year's virtual event. Pitch submissions for Pitch North 2022 are being accepted at https://rightplace.org/pitchnorth now through May 1, 2022 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 14th event, where cash prizes will be awarded to all five finalists. The 2022 event will be held at the Henry and Isabella Becker Event Barn at 1858 S Maple Island Road, Fremont. The public is welcome to attend this free event, but registration is required at https://rightplace.org/pitchnorth Pitch North is hosted by The Right Place, Inc, in conjunction with our partners: Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, Oceana County Economic Alliance, Lake County Economic Development Alliance. Pitch North 2022 is made possible through support from Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, City of Fremont DDA, City of Newaygo TIFA, Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Hart Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce, River Country Chamber of Commerce, West Shore Community College and Muskegon Community College.   COVID Test kits available at White Cloud, Hesperia and Grant
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has expanded its efforts to provide free, at-home testing kits to underserved areas of the state by providing test kits to additional libraries for a total of 70 locations participating in the program. For Michigan families spending more time in group settings, with extended and/or vulnerable family members and friends, or returning from Spring Break trips, these test kits could be a valuable tool in preventing the spread of the virus when returning to work and school. More than 24,000 kits have been shipped to 70 libraries. Test kits are limited at each location and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Michiganders are asked to take one kit per person, up to five per household. To obtain a test kit, visit the following libraries during business hours. White Cloud Community Library 1038 Wilcox Grant Area District Library 122 S Elder Hesperia Community Library 80 S. Division N3 Note: Given this info came from the state office of MDHHS and not locally we recommend calling the library to confirm they have received the test kits.  Photo courtesy Michigan DNR Why so many dead fish?
From our friends at the DNR After ice and snow cover melt on Michigan lakes early this spring, it may be more likely for people to discover dead fish or other aquatic animals. While such sights can be startling, the Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that this is normal, since winter conditions can cause fish and other creatures such as turtles, frogs, toads and crayfish to die. "Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill," said Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division Research manager. "As the season changes, it can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams and canals. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality." Shallow lakes with excess aquatic vegetation and soft bottoms are more prone to this occurrence, particularly when a deep snowpack reduces sunlight for the plants. Canals in urban areas also are quite susceptible due to the large amounts of nutrient runoff and pollution from roads and lawns and septic systems that flow into these areas, especially from large storm events. Fish and other aquatic life typically die in late winter but may not be noticed until a month after the ice leaves lakes. That’s because the dead fish and other aquatic life are temporarily preserved by the cold water. Fish also may be affected by rapid changes in water temperature due to unseasonably warm temperatures leading to stress and, sometimes, mortality. That could be the case this year with the record or near-record cold temperatures and the large snowfalls Michigan experienced this month and any rapid warming in the coming months. Fish can become easily stressed in winter due to low energy reserves because feeding is at a minimum in winter. They are then less able to handle low oxygen and temperatures swings. "Winterkill begins with distressed fish gasping for air at holes in the ice and often ends with large numbers of dead fish that bloat as the water warms," Whelan said. "Dead fish and other aquatic life may appear fuzzy because of secondary infection by fungus, but the fungus was not the cause of death. The fish actually suffocated from a lack of dissolved oxygen from decaying plants and other dead aquatic animals under the ice." Dissolved oxygen is required by fish and all other forms of aquatic life. Once daylight is greatly reduced by ice and snow cover, aquatic plants stop producing oxygen and many die. The bacteria that decompose organic materials on the bottom of the lake use the remaining oxygen in the water. Once the oxygen is reduced and other aquatic animals die and start decomposing, the rate that oxygen is used for decomposition is additionally increased – that means that dissolved oxygen levels in the water decrease even further, leading to increasing winterkill. For more information on fish kills in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing. The public is welcome to report fish kills at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField; such reports are valuable to the DNR’s ability to manage the state’s aquatic resources. If you suspect a fish kill is due to non-natural causes, call the nearest DNR office or Michigan's Pollution Emergency Alert System at 800-292-4706.  The first facility in Newaygo County.  Muni’s, counties share in the Pot pot.
Two cities in our county have recreational marijuana facilities, Grant and White Cloud. Last year they were among the 38 cities, 21 townships, 7 villages and 38 counties, a total of 83 governmental units, who received payments from the Marihuana Regulation Fund to the tune of about 28 grand per facility. This year 374 municipalities and counties will be getting paid. For the state of Michigan’s 2020 fiscal year, more than $31 million was collected from the 10% adult-use marijuana excise tax. Combined with fees, there was a total of $45.7 million available for distribution from the fund. In fiscal year 2021 more than $111 million was collected from the 10% adult-use marijuana excise tax. In total, there was $172 million available for distribution from the fund. Where does the money go? Per state law allocations of this money include: 15% to municipalities in which a marihuana retail store or a marihuana microbusiness is located, allocated in proportion to the number of marihuana retail stores and marihuana microbusinesses within the municipality; (b) 15% to counties in which a marihuana retail store or a marihuana microbusiness is located, allocated in proportion to the number of marihuana retail stores and marihuana microbusinesses within the county; (c) 35% to the school aid fund to be used for K-12 education; and (d) 35% to the Michigan transportation fund to be used for the repair and maintenance of roads and bridges. Grant, home of High Profile will see about $56,000 hit their coffers while White Cloud where Skymint, the first facility in the county opened their doors to be later joined by Michiganja, will be receiving nearly $113,000. And counties get in on the bounty as well with Newaygo County receiving just under $170K for being home to the 3 businesses that specialize in cannabis. Revenue was collected from licensees among the state’s cities, villages and townships during the 2021 fiscal year. Some of these municipalities, like White Cloud, host more than one licensed retail store and microbusiness. Mecosta County with a population about 6000 less than Newaygo will receive 677,441.28 for the 12 facilities that call Big Rapids home. The city of BR will be cashing the same size check as well. Aside from the more than $42.2 million in disbursements to municipalities and counties, $49.3 million was sent to the School Aid Fund for K-12 education and another $49.3 million to the Michigan Transportation Fund. In total, more than $1.1 billion in adult-use marijuana sales was reported for fiscal year 2021. “It’s rewarding to see that the agency’s balanced regulatory approach is effectively protecting consumers while still allowing Michigan businesses to grow and thrive,” said MRA Executive Director Andrew Brisbo. “The funding provided directly to local governments – and the thousands of jobs created across the state – show that Michigan is leading the way in the cannabis industry.” Want to see who got what across the state when it comes to this Cannabis Captured Cash? Here is a breakdown of how much municipalities and counties received. 
3 Fremont seniors earn $$ for future education
FREMONT, Mich. (3/14/2022) Gerber Federal Credit Union awarded a total of $2,750 as a result of its Annual Essay Scholarship program. Entrants were asked to explain “What financial goals do you think are attainable for today’s youth and how would you advise them to reach those goals?” 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. Jessie Petry from Fremont, MI is the First Place winner. She was awarded $1,750 and publication of her essay at www.gerberfcu.com. Hanna Beecham from Fremont, MI is the Second Place winner and was awarded $750. Zoe Buckley from Fremont, 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. Ms. Petry’s essay entitled “A Financial Foundation” Stress can surely add up as a high school senior when you are just months away from being pushed out of the nest and into the real world. Choosing how to balance your time making money, where to spend it, and still being able to have fun in your last moments as a child can seem overwhelming. There are so many things you still want to do, but so little time. On top of that, it seems as if the massive weight of student loan debt will come crashing down on life at any second. Many high school students don’t know where to start or how to build a solid financial foundation. However, with the right tools and knowledge, today’s youth can thrive in the world without being overcome by the stress of financial security. Before setting financial goals, I would advise the youth of America to start learning about finances instead of just “winging it”. In my Personal Finance class, I have seen the value of learning how to budget and distribute your money. Learning how to budget correctly helps reduce mindless spending and makes bigger goals easier to achieve. It is helpful to list your values and adjust spending habits to what is important. Finding out what is important to you and learning the basics of how to wisely budget your finances is the most important step for young adults to take in becoming successful in accomplishing their financial goals. After learning how to properly budget, spend, and save, you can start setting your financial goals. It is better to have a solid foundation for your goals than to try to accomplish them blindly. One goal that I think is achievable for young adults is saving up enough money to buy a reliable car. It is necessary for life outside of high school and is critical in getting a job. From fast food restaurants to dairy farms, there are many opportunities for teenagers to start earning an income. Even if activities outside of school are important to them, working two days a week and putting at least 20% of their income into savings is a good start and gets you closer to your goals. If you already have a vehicle, you can start putting a portion of your income into either a savings account for furthering your education or an emergency fund. When you get into the habit of “paying yourself first” and putting your money into savings before spending any of it, you are setting yourself up for success in the future. The youth of America need to focus on learning how to budget correctly and manage their finances before making any major financial decisions. Once they have the knowledge and tools they need to succeed, they should focus on saving their money and putting it towards goals that will have a longer-lasting impact on their life. To achieve their goals, the youth have to start putting their money into savings first instead of mindlessly spending.  Auto Insurance Checks to Hit Mailboxes Starting This Week
LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox today announced that the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) will complete the transfer of $3 billion in surplus funds to Michigan’s auto insurers this week. Once complete, the transfer will trigger a 60-day deadline for auto insurers to send out required $400 refund checks per vehicle to eligible Michiganders no later than May 9, 2022. “If you are eligible for a refund, your auto insurer will send it to you automatically and you do not need to take action. Incorrect information could cause delays, so drivers may wish to confirm that their insurer has their current address and banking information,” said Director Fox. “Now that the refund process has begun, it is especially important for consumers to be alert for potential scams. No one should call you seeking your personal information in order to get your refund, and if you get such a call – hang up and call your insurance agent or company directly to verify the legitimacy of the call.” Refund details:
“These $400 refunds are game-changers for so many Michigan families,” said Governor Whitmer. “I called for these refunds because I am committed to lowering costs for Michiganders and putting money back in people’s pockets. They are possible because we worked across the aisle to pass bipartisan auto insurance reform, and we will keep working together to grow our economy and build a state where families can thrive.”  Healthy Lakes Forum coming Tuesday. March 22 On Tuesday, March 22, 6pm – 8pm, the County Drain Commission will host the “Healthy Lakes Forum.” It will be held at the Newaygo County Administration Building Board Chambers at 1087 Newell Street, White Cloud. The event will also be available by internet. Please email steffanic@co.newaygo.mi.us for the Teams link. Or click on this link at 6pm on March 22: Healthy Lakes Forum Teams Link. For more information you can call the Drain Commission Office: 231-689-7213. What is a Healthy Lakes Forum? It is a place to learn about ways to keep our inland lakes healthy. You will hear from lake and fisheries experts about inland lake management; lakeshore best practices; and watershed actions for lakes. Who should attend the Healthy Lakes Forum? Anyone who lives on, uses or just appreciates our County’s lakes should attend. According to Dale Twing, Newaygo County Drain Commissioner, many of the problems of keeping our lakes healthy stem from unhealthy practices: old or poor sewer systems on the lakes; the use of inappropriate lawn and garden fertilizers; road run-off; and non-native or invasive plant species in the lakes and on the shorelines. “Part of my job as Drain Commissioner is to sit on the county’s 6 Lake Boards. I hear about many problems from lake residents, but the biggest complaint seems to be about too many weeds around their boat docks and shorelines,” states Dale. “I found that all their information was coming from the people being paid to chemically treat their lakes for the weeds. This may not always be the healthiest answer for their problem. I felt the people needed information from experts that were independent of any financial benefit.” The experts who will be presenting on these issues and healthy lake solutions are: Mark Tonello from the Michigan DNR; Eric Calabro from Michigan EGLE; and Erick Elgin from MSU Extension. What you will learn at the Healthy Lakes Forum: You will learn how activities on the lake, shoreline, and in a lake's watershed can both positively and negatively impact the health of the lake ecosystem. This forum will also discuss the wise use and management of our lakes and how we all play a central role. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your love for Newaygo County’s beautiful inland lakes and waters!   Back Row (L to R): Rick Mushing, Wayne TenBrink, Mike Haaser, Corbin Pieper, Jonathan Traxler, Andrew Weaver, Jim Barstow, Deanna Traxler Front Row (L to R): Punroon Raungrit, Michael Jenkins, Alicia Bay, Jullawat Sinsiri, Parker Jones, Noah Vanderwall. Not pictured: Jackson Barstow, Cecile DeLoy, Shannon Barstow 1918 NCGears Places Second at District Event
NCRESA’s FIRST® Robotics Team 1918 NCGears, along with their alliance partners, 1023 Bedford Express from Bedford Senior High School and 8612 Squires Robotics from Calvin Christian High School placed 2nd at the FIRST® in Michigan District Event held at Calvin University March 3 – 5, 2022. In addition to being a finalist at the event, the team also received the “Creativity Award”-sponsored by Rockwell Automation. In FIRST® Robotics, teams receive a new game each year and spend 7 to 8 weeks building and programming a robot to best accomplish the tasks of the game. Teams then head to competitions to see how well their robot, operating in alliance with two other robots, will do at the game. In addition to building and programming the robot, there are other things to be done on a robotics team. These include but are not limited to creative design to come up with team buttons and peer award designs; preparing and presenting presentations about the robot; learning about safety and helping the team be safety minded. NCRESA’s FIRST® Robotics Team is a county-wide team and is open to all high school aged students who live in Newaygo County or attend a high school within NCRESA’s service area. If you are interested in learning more about 1918 NCGears, please contact Mr. Rick Mushing at rmushing@ncresa.org.  “The truest form of love is how you behave toward someone, not how you feel about them.”- Steve Hall Man, ain’t that the truth? Some folks find it easy to say ‘I love you’ to their partner and yet their actions are seldom in harmony with the words. We all come from families that had their ways ways of expressing love. Some say it often to each other, some rarely express it verbally. Each of these may or may not show it in actions. Like it or not, how we handle a committed relationship has its roots in what we witnessed (or rather in some cases what we missed) in our familial homes. One of the cool things about human beings however, is their ability to change. Mind you, not willingly…rarely ever willingly… because most of us are pretty uncomfortable with change. But it’s possible given a desire and dedication to the process. And what could possibly more desirable than the ability able to make the person you have decided to spend your life with feel loved? Give it thought. Then maybe take a chance and ask your partner if they feel loved enough by you.The answer might surprise you. Here are the folks who recently signed on at the Newaygo County Clerk’s Office for their own committed partnership. Heidi Nelson, Hesperia & Travis DePew, White Cloud Brittany Fetzer, Ravenna & Eric Browning, Newaygo Bryan Wylie, Newaygo & Kara Fennema, Newaygo Roxanne VanSlyke, Newaygo & Patrick Yancey, Newaygo Jesse Brown, Newaygo & Jennifer Hendricks, Newaygo  State Senator Rick Outman State Senator Rick Outman (R- Six Lakes) announced his campaign for re-election to the Michigan Senate in the new 33rd District which includes Montcalm, Newaygo, and parts of Kent, Ionia, Lake, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties. Sen. Outman has lived in this area all of his life and is proud to call the 33rd Senate District his home. He lives on the same family farm where he grew up in Montcalm County. He is a graduate of Lakeview Community Schools and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree from Grand Valley State University where he majored in Biology with a minor in Spanish, and a teaching degree. In addition to his work in the State Senate, Rick is the owner/operator of a 3rd generation small business, Outman Excavating. Founded in 1947 by his grandfather and uncle, the company is still well known among the farmers and local businesses in West-Central Michigan. Outman is also a veteran of the United States Army and National Guard. “I’m excited to announce my campaign for a second term in the State Senate. It’s been an honor to represent our community in the Senate for the last four years. We’ve accomplished a lot, but there is still so much more work to do,” said Outman. State Senator Jon Bumstead, who has represented Newaygo for almost a decade in the State Legislature, endorsed Rick Outman’s campaign for the new 33rd District. “Rick and I have served together for many years. He’s conservative, honest, and cares about the people he represents. I’m confident Newaygo County and all the residents of the new 33rd District will be served well by Sen. Outman,” said Bumstead. Additionally, Outman has secured the endorsements of State Representative Julie Calley of Ionia County, Fmr. State Representative/Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons, Fmr. Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus, and Congressman John Moolenaar. They will all be assisting Outman as he campaigns in the newly redrawn 33rd District.  White Cloud- March 4, 2022 Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney, Worth Stay, announced that Deion Moore Hanna of Fremont, date of birth August 20, 1997, was arraigned on March 4 on a seven-count criminal complaint. The charges stem from an investigation into events that occurred at a residence in the city of Fremont on March 2, 2022. The defendant is charged with the following: • two counts of assault with intent to murder, in violation of MCL 750.83, a felony punishable by up to life in prison. • home invasion – 1stdegree, in violation of MCL 750.11a(2), a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. • armed robbery, in violation of MCL 750.529, a felony punishable by up to life in prison. • mayhem, in violation of MCL 750.397, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. • unlawful imprisonment, in violation of MCL 750.349b, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. • carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent in violation of MCL 750.226, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. A probable cause conference is set for March 17, 2022, at 9:30 am. A preliminary examination is tentatively set for March 24, 2022, at 1:30 pm. Both hearings are scheduled to be held at the 78th District Court in White Cloud, Michigan. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation is asked to please contact the Fremont Police Department at (231) 924- 2100.
Spectrum Health lung specialist, vaping expert to lead national organization seminar March 21
Fremont, Mich., March 3, 2022 – Spectrum Health pulmonology and critical care physician Shelley Schmidt, MD, and Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial tobacco treatment specialist Shelly Klochack, RN, will lead a vaping seminar March 21 hosted by the national organization, Parents Against Vaping e-cigarettes, or PAVe. The free virtual seminar, “What Michigan parents need to know in 2022,” starts at 4 p.m. In addition to Spectrum Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics Michigan chapter is partnering with PAVe for the event. To register, go to www.parentsagainstvaping.org/events and select the Michigan event on March 21. Or click here to go directly to the registration page. “The past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have been challenging for families, and as health care professionals, we’re pleased to partner with parents around the country to share information that can help address overall health, from respiratory and lung health to mental health, as well as addiction and substance abuse issues, including vaping and nicotine use,” Klochack said. “In Michigan and across the nation, young people and students are getting addicted to vaping and e-cigarettes, which have been linked to lung and brain damage because e-cigarettes contain ingredients that you would normally find in batteries, like nickel, tin and lead. This seminar on March 21 is also an opportunity to face challenges related to addiction and ending the stigma around mental health care. We encourage everyone with a smartphone or a laptop to join our free virtual seminar and learn what we can do to reduce vaping and e-cigarette use.” Half of all Michigan high school students have tried vaping products and one in five Michigan students is an active user of the products, PAVe said, citing a 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Meanwhile, 70 percent of youth e-cigarette users say they use e-cigarettes because they “come in flavors I like,” according to the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health survey. PAVe is a national grassroots organization founded in 2018 as a response to the youth vaping epidemic.  Classic 3x3 competition coming to Newaygo County Publisher Note: I recall what were known as the ZIT games that took place in the driveway across the street from where I grew up. The Zerfas Invitational Tournament, a 3 on 3 or sometimes a 2 on 2 set of games featured a variety of players from various parts of the Grand Rapids area and were hosted by former Fremont Head Coach Pete Zerfas’ Dad and Uncle. Some good players hit that pavement and the games were nothing but serious. As kids we emulated the games playing driveway ball for bragging rights and hopes of one day being invited to play with ‘the big guys’. Then after a couple of decades, the Macker franchise came along and I was thrilled to see the genre taking life in venues throughout the state and indeed the nation. There is nothing like it. Now the game is coming to Newaygo County.   The River Country Chamber of Commerce is bringing Gus Macker Basketball to Newaygo County with Cory Nelson Custom Homes as one of the major sponsors of the event along with Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, Jerry’s Towing, Newaygo Fitness Club, and Velocity.
America's Original 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will hit Newaygo County, MI, July 16-17. Ever been to a Macker? It is a grueling quest for glory that involves the classic 3 person hoops at its best. A tournament that brings out hoopsters of all ages who play for the absolute love of the game. Gus Macker Tournaments are designed for basketball players who embrace the fun of the driveway game – male or female, from age 7 to 70-plus, short and tall, the most experienced or those with little or no experience who just want to play. Through the years there have been almost 1,500 sanctioned Gus Macker Tournaments presented for over 700,000 teams or almost 2.7 million players and played in front of almost 28 million spectators across the country. This year, 2022, is the 49th year of Gus Macker Basketball. For the first 13 years it was a single tournament started by a pair of brothers and their friends in Lowell, Mich., in 1974 but became a festival phenomenon and America’s Original 3- on-3 Basketball Tour in 1987. This year, basketball fanatics across Newaygo County and the surrounding communities can be a part of it, because teams are now computer-matched into male and female divisions in one of three categories: Junior, Adult, or Top. The age, height and experience of all four players on each team are considered in bracketing. Teams receive at least three scheduled games each tournament. Macker is a double-elimination tournament, but with a consolation bracket historically called “The Toilet Bowl” for teams that lose the first two games. Macker tournaments normally maintain order in almost all cases with registered officials calling fouls and violations. In addition to the economic impact of bringing thousands of players and fans into Newaygo County, the charitable aspect of the Gus Macker Tournament is very important. For 2022, The Chamber will be engaging Newaygo County non-profit organizations who will be able to benefit financially through volunteer opportunities. The Gus Macker organization estimates that since 1987 - approximately $16 million has been raised for local charities. If your business or organization would like to be a part of the planning process or volunteer, we want to hear from you. “Family fun, a competitive spirit, all in an outdoor festival atmosphere is our goal of bringing Gus Macker to Newaygo,” said Dale Richardson, Chairman of the River Country Chamber. “Fire up and get to work on your game!” Learn more at macker.com.  New RCCC Exec Director Kelly Rider River Country Chamber of Commerce of Newaygo County announces Kelly Rider as incoming Executive Director “We are delighted to announce that after a comprehensive search, River Country Chamber has hired Kelly Rider as our new Executive Director” stated Dale Richardson, Chamber President. “Kelly has a strong background in the skills we need to move the organization forward, and also has deep Michigan and local roots.” Kelly will succeed Colleen Lynema, who will retire from this position after 11 years. Ms. Rider, originally from Brimley, Michigan in the upper peninsula, completed her undergraduate studies at Central Michigan University and now resides in Grant with her husband Kirk and two children. “I am thrilled with being selected for the position of Executive Director during a period of substantial growth” stated Kelly. “I am excited to shift my career gears and invest my time and energy into my own community and see what kind of impact I can make in my own hometown. I’m excited to get to know the people and businesses that make this community such a great place to raise a family." For the last 20 years Kelly has been employed by Sparta Area Schools, holding titles ranging from athletic Trainer, administrative assistant to the athletic director and Athletic Director or the last 10 years. Her family time centers around the gym, courts, or fields watching our kids play basketball, volleyball, football, baseball, and softball, as well as traveling and making memories all over the country. “Kelly’s enthusiasm and excitement are contagious- She is looking forward to jumping in with both feet” stated Lynema. “I look forward to assisting Kelly as she transitions into the role as Executive Director. The River Country Chamber is on the right path for a bright future.”   High Fives were part of the day's activities at the Leadership Symposium Grant Schools Host Student Leadership Symposium Photos and story by Mike Gesler If you open up the Grant Public Schools webpage, one of the first things you see is the motto, “Developing Learners and Leaders.” Grant certainly took that motto to heart Wednesday morning by hosting the Newaygo County Student Leadership Symposium. The symposium was open to students in grades seven through twelve that were identified as leaders within their particular subgroups. In attendance were team captains, student council members, band chairs, National Honor Society members, etc.; students that have the ability to affect the lives of other students, their school, and their community. School districts from around the county and local area were invited to participate. Participating school districts included Grant, Newaygo, White Cloud, Hesperia, Creative Technologies Academy (Cedar Springs), and Comstock Park. Big Rapids had planned on attending but couldn’t due to school closure. Brett Zuver, Superintendent of Grant Public Schools, shared that the symposium was born out of what he saw as a necessity. He shared that today’s students have been through a lot of stress dealing with and navigating the ever changing scene of COVID over the last two years. But that stress was amped up with the tragedy at Oxford, and threats of violence that followed in some of our local school districts just before going into Winter Break. “Students have been feeling the toll of COVID enough and all their life changes, but then to throw the violence piece and the perceived threats on top of it, we had to do something different. Instead of it always coming from teachers, or principals, or superintendents, we wanted to have students here today, together from multiple school districts grades seven through twelve, to learn how to lift each other up, and be leaders, and to control what they can control, and make their school building a better place, and then ultimately their community, and then ultimately their county.” “Today meant that I felt understood, and gave me a lot of advice,” stated Raven Wirts, a senior at Grant. “I felt like I could see a difference in my community being made.”  Theresa Beekman "Thermometers or thermostats?" Zuver, himself a former NCAA head basketball coach and regional presenter on Culture and Leadership, reached out to friends who are also national presenters, successful collegiate coaches, and have worked with leadership and culture building across the country and world. Included in the panel of volunteer presenters was Theresa Beeckman, a nationally known Culture and Leadership expert and former NCAA head coach, who spoke on being thermometers or thermostats. Kendra Faustin, a former NCAA Division I and II head coach, leadership expert, and now the current AD for Comstock Park School District, who spoke on having the power and responsibility to make a difference. And Vern Hazard, a nationally recognized leadership expert with the Flippen Group who develops and works with educators, professional athletic teams, and Fortune 500 CEOs to improve leadership skills, who spoke about adjusting your perceived circumstances to help lift others up and finish strong. The symposium certainly had not only the students engaged and interacting with one another, but also the school staff that were in attendance as well. Participants shared their goals and values with one another. They discussed who they believed were great leaders, and what made those leaders great. They looked at events and outcomes, and how their reactions can determine whether the outcome has a positive or negative impact on themselves and others. They were told to understand that everyone has a story, and it’s up to each person to control the narrative of their own story; to seize the day and get on living. Participants even let their hair down and got a little silly following the moves of an onscreen dance video.  Kendra Faustin "The power and responsibility to make a difference." Cyanne Schuitema, a junior at Grant, shared, “I think it’s important to me that I was able to get chosen for this opportunity. It’s been really fun. I like that they’re encouraging us to not be shy, and get out of our comfort zone. It’s been cool to not be nervous around here where I can be sometimes. Getting out of my comfort zone and having fun with my friends while learning about something interesting.” “As a leader, I’m in charge of my group. Okay, I’m the basketball captain. I got twelve people I’m working with. What about the other five hundred students in our school? What are we doing to capture them and lift them up, and make them feel valued? That’s what this is for,” concluded Zuver.
 Masking advisory lifted in schools, public places
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) have entered the post-surge recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and are updating their masking guidance. DHD#10 has been a proponent of responsible protective behaviors to reduce the spread of COVID-19. With decreasing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the state, MDHSS and DHD#10 are updating their mask guidance for public settings, including school settings, to reflect the post-surge recovery phase. “The COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over,” said DHD#10 Health Officer Kevin Hughes. “However, with the downward trends in cases, and our increased access to masks, vaccines, testing, and treatment, it is time to begin the recovery phase.” The COVID-19 cycle can be broken down into three primary phases:
MDHHS recommends that individuals, regardless of vaccination status, practice universal masking when in high-risk, congregate settings such as long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, corrections facilities, and healthcare facilities. It is also important that individuals wear a mask during isolation and quarantine periods to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. School districts and organizations are encouraged to continue to consider their local conditions when determining their masking policies. At this time, universal masking is still recommended in all school settings. This will continue to be the recommendation until the amount of COVID-19 in our areas decreases further. "We can confidently say at this point, that those who are up to date on their COVID vaccines and boosters, as well as wearing a high-quality mask, are well protected from COVID-19 infection, regardless of what others around them choose to do," said DHD#10 Medical Director Dr. Morse. "We are now at a point where responsible behavior is up to the individual and parents to decide. Those that wish to be fully protected from COVID-19 illness and its complications are encouraged to continue to mask in public and get vaccinated or boosted.” KN95 masks are currently available in all 10 DHD#10 offices. Masks are given out 3 per person on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. To find your nearest DHD#10 office, visit www.dhd10.org/clinic-locations/. |
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