 Tools for School applications available across Newaygo County
Applications are available for TrueNorth Community Services' Tools for School program at locations across Newaygo County, with a July 22 deadline to turn them in to TrueNorth. Tools for School provides students from qualifying low-income families with new backpacks filled with essential school supplies. “The program is for kindergarten through 12th grade students living in or attending school in Newaygo County for the 2019-2020 school year,” said Mike Voyt, Volunteer and Special Projects Coordinator for TrueNorth. “We expect to serve more than 1,000 Newaygo County students this year.” The 16th annual Tools for School Expo is Tuesday, August 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the TrueNorth Service Center, 6308 South Warner Avenue in Fremont. The program’s sponsors are The Gerber Foundation and the Fremont Area Community Foundation. Tools for School applications are available at libraries, including Croton Township Library, Newaygo; Fremont Area District Library, Fremont; Grant Area District Library, Grant; Newaygo Area District Library, Newaygo; and White Cloud Community Library, White Cloud. The applications are also available at FiveCAP, Inc., White Cloud; Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Newaygo County offices, White Cloud; Newaygo Child Development Center Croton, Newaygo; Newaygo County Community Mental Health, White Cloud; and at TrueNorth. The application is also on TrueNorth’s website at http://bit.ly/ToolsForSchool2019App. The application was also distributed through Newaygo County schools: Big Jackson Public Schools, Paris; Fremont Public Schools, Fremont; Grant Public Schools, Grant; Hesperia Community Schools, Hesperia; Newaygo Public Schools, Newaygo; and White Cloud Public Schools, White Cloud. For more information, contact Voyt at mvoyt@truenorthservices.org or (231) 924-0641, ext. 119.  Changes start Monday, July 8.
The Fremont site for recycling, developed as a prototype for future recycling efforts has been a huge success since opening the gates this past February. With regulated hours the volunteer staffed location provides a seamless process for accessing the site. They also help to identify whether materials brought in are appropriate leading to a significant reduction in contamination from improper disposals along with providing some education for novice recyclers. With the operation of the facility still rather new options continue to be explored as a way to increase efficiency, Beginning on Monday, July 8, the site will be adjusting their hours of operation to 9am-12pm Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. 3R will be handling the coordination of volunteers for the site. “We are enthusiastic about the future of recycling in Newaygo County,” said 3R Executive Director Nick Looman. “As local awareness of our State and National recycling challenges increases, great people are stepping forward offering their time, energy, and ideas to a worthy cause. “This won't work without a community effort and we’re excited to be playing a role in growing this program with our County Leaders.” Want to help out? Volunteer opportunities give you the chance to do a little something for the environment while hanging out with some very cool people who care about reducing shipments to the landfill. To lend a hand call the 3R office at 231-924-5822 or email nick@3r-education.org. And for more information on 3R please go to www.3r-education.org  Ok folks, here is the low down on fireworks from our friends at Central Dispatch a message sent out on social media after they began receiving calls Saturday, the first day the new law allows for fireworks during the 4th of July time span. “State law allows for fireworks to be set off beginning at 11:00am and ending at 11:45pm each day from now through the 5th of July.” Given these are indeed the rules let us all be optimistic about a few things. Like maybe adherence to the time tables. The patience shown at a boomer going off at 11;45pm is likely to be considerably diminished by the same sound at 2:30 am followed by a drunken yell. It is also hoped that a little moderation might be in order with consideration given to our local veterans who might not find sudden loud noises desirable and pet owners whose charges endure panic attacks throughout the days (particularly via bottle rockets those annoying whistlers that usually take off with little guidance as to where they might be headed). Now of course, by the same token it would be nice if those who might despise the whole fireworks thing could amp up the tolerance during this time frame and ride out the allocated times with some good humor. It may not parallel with your idea of fun but many enjoy it and it’s only a handful of days a year. Thus far locally we know of three public fireworks events with Fremont leading the way on Wednesday with an over the lake display, Hesperia shooting them off downtown on the celebrated 4th as part of their Family Fun Fest and the Croton Causeway wrapping it up on Saturday the 6th with a show serving as the Freedom Fest finale. If you are aware of more let us know and we’ll help get the word out. Here are a few safety tips and remember as you peruse them that the reason they are here, regardless of how ludicrous the guidelines might sound, is because multiple people do not follow them year after year. Yes, even number 4. Think about it.
"I think Michigan keeps you sane and on an even keel through the ups and downs. In Michigan, I do fireworks, shovel snow and live life.”- Jeff Daniels  The AutoPulse. “A better chance for a positive outcome”
NEWAYGO– Consistent, adequate chest compressions are vital when it comes to providing CPR on a patient in cardiac arrest. Thanks to generous donations from its annual pancake breakfast and Christmas Walk, along with funds from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Newaygo Fire Department is excited to announce its newest piece of life-saving equipment; the ZOLL AutoPulse® Resuscitation System. The AutoPulse system provides high-quality automated CPR for patients suffering from cardiac arrest. It squeezes the patient's entire chest to help improve blood flow and automatically sizes to the patient. Because the AutoPulse has a stabilizing board, it will continue to provide high-quality CPR as medical personnel move the patient down stairwells, in tight spaces and long-distances. "Our firefighters do a great job providing consistent, high-quality CPR through manual chest compressions," said Interim Chief Travis Kroll. "But over the course of a call, people can become tired. With the addition of the AutoPulse, we can alleviate stress on first responders and free up extra sets of hands to help with other on-scene tasks, providing a better chance for a positive outcome." The AutoPulse was purchased following receiving support and approval by the department’s Fire Board. It was placed into service after members of the department received training on the proper use and maintenance of the machine. Funds from the Fremont Area Community Foundation were made available through a long established endowment for Newaygo Medical First Responders which allows the department to purchase medical lifesaving equipment and gear. "We are grateful for all the support our community provides," said Interim Chief Kroll. "Without the generous donations during our annual fundraisers, we would not be able to purchase lifesaving equipment like the AutoPulse." Newaygo Fire Department is the second in the county to acquire the AutoPulse, following Ashland-Grant Fire Department.  Area Chambers join to address shortage of availability
The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce and River Country Chamber of Commerce, are partnering to host a Licensed Childcare Informational Meeting. With over 500 babies born each year in Newaygo County, the need for additional licensed childcare is ever-growing. Available licensed childcare spaces in Newaygo County have decreased over 40% in the past 10 years. Partnering with The Right Place and Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency, the Chambers are planning two sessions where interested individuals can come and learn how to become licensed childcare providers. Attendees will hear from the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, District Health Department #10, Department of Health and Human Services, Great Start Coalition, Great Start to Quality and more. The goal of this meeting is to connect interested individuals with every organization involved in becoming a licensed childcare provider. There are currently 10 licensed childcare centers, 7 licensed group homes (up to 12 children) and 15 licensed family (up to 6 children) childcare providers in Newaygo County. The meetings will be held in Room 118 at the Regional Center for Agricultural Studies and Career Advancement at 5479 W 72nd Street in Fremont. There are two options for meeting dates to accommodate various schedules. Interested individuals can choose between June 27th from 12:00 to 1:00 and July 9th from 6:00 to 7:00. RSVPs are required prior to June 21st at bit.ly/childcarencrsvp The meetings are free to attend thanks to The Rudert Agency, The White Agency and Sharla Schipper, State Farm who are sponsoring the event.
Two new trustees were elected to the board of Fremont Area Community Foundation at the organization’s annual members meeting on June 13. Joe Roberson was elected as the new board chair by Community Foundation trustees at their subsequent meeting. Members of the Community Foundation—chosen by virtue of their leadership positions in the community—elected Charles Chandler of White Cloud and Randy McDonald of Fremont to the Board of Trustees. Chandler serves on the White Cloud city council and holds a master of science degree from Oklahoma State University. He and his wife Dianne retired to White Cloud from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and enjoy volunteering and spending time outdoors. McDonald is a Fremont area native and has spent more than 35 years in the automotive field, including 22 years with Fremont Ford. He enjoys volunteering and is passionate about investing in youth and families in our community. Incumbents Joe Roberson, Cathy Kissinger, and Carolyn Hummel were each elected to serve their third three-year terms on the board. Following the members meeting, the Board of Trustees met and elected new officers to its Executive Committee. Roberson will serve as board chair, filling the position of Lindsay Hager who stepped down to join the Community Foundation staff as director of community investment. Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark was elected vice chair, Kissinger as treasurer, and Bill Alsover as trustee at large. Lola Harmon-Ramsey will continue as secretary. The Board of Trustees also elected new members to the boards of the Amazing X Charitable Trust and Elderly Needs Fund supporting organizations. Incumbent Mike Anderson was elected to serve on the Elderly Needs Fund board along with new members Christie Pollock and Kelly Smith. Incumbents Nate Kooistra and Kathy Misak were elected to the Amazing X Charitable Trust board along with new member Randy McDonald.  Lindsay Hager of Fremont will be the new director of community investment at Fremont Area Community Foundation. He joins the staff on June 17. Hager brings many years of experience with the Community Foundation to his new role overseeing the community investment team and strategic initiative work. He has been on the Board of Trustees for eight years and has served as both board chair and chair of the Distribution Committee, which provides grantmaking oversight. Previously, Hager served for nine years on the Elderly Needs Fund board. “I am excited for this opportunity to serve Newaygo County and work with an exceptional team of donors, trustees, staff, and grantees,” said Hager. In addition to his experience with the Community Foundation, Hager is president of Hager Consulting and has worked for 30 years in the affordable housing and community development field. He has worked with a wide variety of municipal and nonprofit clients on strategic plans, feasibility studies, project management, and grant administration. “We are fortunate to have attracted this talent to our team,” said Carla Roberts, Community Foundation president and CEO. “Lindsay is well-versed in all aspects of our organization, including our strategic plan and initiative work. We are excited to welcome him to the staff.” In addition to Hager’s hiring, Mark Petz has been promoted to senior community investment officer and will provide leadership to grantmaking staff. Jenna Smalligan was also promoted to community investment officer and will serve as lead staff in the Community Foundation’s poverty to prosperity focus area.  As meeting time approached several people came through the door but the two long absent council members were not among them. Hesperia Council frozen by truancy As 7:30 approached the small meeting room began to fill and additional chairs were set up to accommodate the attendees. The two council membersCarol Kochans and Kristi DanBesten who resigned in writing since the last meeting no longer had their name plates on the table leaving the Council with just 5 members and only three had shown up thus far. Missing as they had been since the March 11 meeting were Gerald Derks Jr. and Mike Maynard. At the scheduled time Village President Mike Farber called the meeting to order asked the clerk Vicki Burrell to call the roll. And once again the meeting ended due to the lack of a quorum. Neither Derks nor Maynard ended their string of truancy leaving the citizens in attendance frustrated at the ongoing absences that have plagued the council and paralyzed progress in the town that straddles two counties. Farber spoke to the crowd after the meeting explaining once again that without resignations from the chronically absent members there is little that can be done to replace them. A couple of people spoke about plans to bring recall language to the county (Oceana) on Tuesday. Gina Yob who is part of a medical marijuana business set to open in Hesperia expressed her frustration since the vote for the ordinance to allow their business to go forward has been stymied by the lack of attendance. “We are losing money every day and implore you to do whatever you can to get these people to show up. These people should be beyond embarrassed and I think it’s a horrible thing they’re doing. Every single day we can’t do business next door jobs are being lost. There are jobs we want to give out to local people and have resumes on our desk but can’t because of this. Please, whatever you can do, whatever your friends can do, we would appreciate it.” More discussion ensued with people talking about expanding efforts with signage, calls to state officials, spreading the word to other community members and other strategies. Council member Jim Smith supported the efforts and also encouraged people to talk to the absentee members about it when they see them. “There is nothing we as a council can do, “ he stated. “It’s really up to the community.” And from the comments coming from the sampling of community members at the meeting it seems the community might be ready to do what they can. “I know if I had a job and didn’t show up I’d be fired,” said one commentor. “Any of us would be.”
Rockin’ the Trails coming to the Cloud this weekend
Combine the fall event known as ‘Trail Town’ with the music based Rockin’ the Park summer happening that brought a bevy of tunes to the White Cloud Campground last June and you have “Rockin the Trails - A Trail Town Celebration” And it is coming to the WC Campground this weekend with events on Friday and Saturday. Aptly named, the event uses every manner available to showcase the number of trails both on land and waterway the area is blessed with.You can walk in a guided trail tour, run in one of the Blue Blaze races, paddle in a guided kayak tour down the White or tear it up a bit in one of the ZZ Wild paddle events. Music Lover? RTT has you covered with a battle of the bands competition headlining the activity Friday night and a cavalcade of music taking to the stage Saturday beginning at noon. Like your music flavored with country? Got it. More of a classic rock fan? Covered.Tend to lean toward the blues? Done. These three genres will be mixing and matching on stage until 6:30. That’s when The Denise Anderson Connection moves to center stage to fill the summer night with their compelling brand of high energy musical delivery. And what better way to listen to outdoor tunes than to have it accompanied by food vendors and a beverage tent? From 5-11 on Friday and 10am-11pm Saturday the beverage tent will be open to provide the kind of refreshment that goes well with a day spent enjoying the outdoors. There are a number of activities that serve to support the fight against cancer including the Stand Up To Cancer Walk all day Saturday and a silent auction to assist the fine work being done by the Reeling and Healing group. Even the cornhole tourney on Saturday is called Toss Out Cancer with some of the proceeds headed toward the battle. Kids activities, a vintage camper show, a barbeque competition, there looks to be plenty of action this weekend at Rocking the Trails. And a good time to be had up in the Cloud. Check out the ad on our home page. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/  Ice Mountain Grant Applications Due July 15
The application for grants from the Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund is now open. Completed applications are due July 15. The Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund was established in 2002 by what is now Nestlé Waters North America with an initial investment of $500,000. Grants are made from the fund to sustain the waters and water-dependent natural resources of the Muskegon River Watershed by supporting conservation, enhancement, and restoration projects. The fund provides up to $50,000 annually and typical grants are from $5,000 to $20,000. “The Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund has supported numerous projects throughout the Muskegon River Watershed for the past 17 years,” said Arlene Anderson-Vincent, Natural Resource Manager in the Midwest for Nestlé Waters North America. “The success of the IMESF would not be possible without the dedication of Fremont Area Community Foundation, which has managed the fund since it was established. It has been an absolute privilege to work with an organization that is committed to improving the quality of life for current and future generations of Michiganders,” said Anderson-Vincent. Grant requests are accepted for projects or programs that conserve, enhance, or restore the watershed and demonstrate collaboration among organizations. Past grants have supported erosion control projects, restoration of habitats and natural areas, cleanups, river bank stabilization, research, and more. For more information or to apply, visit facommunityfoundation.org/icemountain.  A bit of good-to-know info from our friends at the DOT
Eastbound I-96 closes at Leonard Street beginning Monday, June 10 through late October. Detour: Southbound US-131 to eastbound I-196. The off ramp from eastbound I-96 to Leonard Street will remain open. The on ramp from East Beltline Avenue (M-44) to eastbound I-96 will remain open. Also: The ramp from southbound M-44 (E. Beltline Ave) to westbound I-96 remains closed through October 25 (the ramp from northbound M-44 to westbound I-96 will remain open). Lane closures will be in effect on westbound I-196 from I-96 to Fuller Avenue 9 p.m. tomorrow through October 25.  NEWAYGO– Access will be closed to the duChemin Park boat launch at Croton Pond June 5 - 7 to allow a contractor crew working for Consumers Energy to safely work there. That boat launch is near the Croton Dam. Signs will clearly mark that the site is closed while crews use the site to launch a barge being used to perform work upstream at Hardy Dam. Two nearby boat launches will remain available at the Croton Township Campground on the east side of Croton Pond. In addition, the closure does not impact the Muskegon River recreational access sites on the downstream side of Croton Dam. Consumers Energy reminds visitors to safely and quickly exit the river if they hear the sirens that signal dangerous changes to flow conditions at hydro facilities.  L-R at table: Council members Jim Smith and Mike Farber (Village President), Village Clerk Vicki Burrell, council members Joyce McDonald and Carol Kochans at the May 20 meeting. Council action mired by resignations, attendance issues
The drama surrounding the Village Council continues to unfold in Hesperia where two council members, Carol Kochans and Kristi DanBesten have submitted resignations, however an ongoing issue may put a snag into their departures for now. As we reported last week getting a quorum of elected officials to the table has not been easy of late for the village that straddles two counties and maintains a population of some 930 or so residents. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/hesperia-council-finally-gets-a-quorum The 7 member board requires at least 4 members be in attendance to make the meeting and subsequent voting valid. Council Members Gerald Derks Jr. and Mike Maynard have not attended any meetings since March 11 and with the resignations of Kochans and DanBesten looming just getting the necessary numbers might prove to be a challenge for the next scheduled meeting on June 10th. And as for those resignations, they cannot be accepted without a quorum thus, should Maynard and Derks continue to refrain from attending, DanBesten and Kochans may need to be present if only to allow a vote on the acceptance of their demissions. The previous meeting on May 20 saw actions taken to ensure payment of the village bills and forestall shutoff notices according to Village President Mike Farber. “There are things that need to be done. Issues that need to be voted on if we are to begin moving forward,” he stated. Those issues include the hiring of an attorney, resolving some ongoing issues with water bills and voting on the final approval for a medical marijuana facility in the village. Farber said these items will be on the agenda for the June 10th meeting as well as the pending resignations of DanBesten and Kochans. And if there is once again no quorum? “I guess we will see what happens,” said Farber. Note: Farber and Council Members Jim Smith and Joyce McDonald have attended all scheduled and special meetings held since beginning their current term of office in December of 2018.  Food retailers and distributors should remove products from sales floors LANSING—The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is advising consumers not to eat (and retailers/distributors not to sell) any foods produced by Charley’s Food Design, Inc., also known as Charley’s Chips Company, of Wyoming, MI. The products were produced in a facility not licensed or inspected by MDARD and all finished products and ingredients have been placed under seizure due to insanitary conditions at the processing facility. Products covered by this advisory include all products and sell-by dates produced by Charley’s Food Design, Inc., including:
The products were sold at several locations in West Michigan and possibly statewide. Retail and distribution locations where the products have been located include:
If you have purchased any products produced by this company, do not eat them. Dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase. If you have consumed any of these products and feel ill, seek medical attention immediately. If you are a food retailer or distributor please check your inventory for any products made by this company. If found, remove and hold the products in a safe place away from any sales areas and contact your MDARD food inspector. Under the Michigan Food Law, MDARD is charged with the responsibility of licensing and inspecting food manufacturing facilities and retail food establishments to assure a safe and wholesome food supply. Foods offered for sale at stores must be made in licensed and inspected facilities. This facility was neither licensed nor inspected. MDARD found conditions at the facility that are considered insanitary. Questions may be directed to the MDARD Customer Service Center at 800-292-3939, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. 
Time to get rid of stuff. Nasty stuff mostly. The annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection is coming to the NC Road Commission this Saturday from 8am-2pm. Here’s your opportunity to rid your garage, basement, storage shed, or bathroom(?) of those various items you do not want to flush down the bowl or dump in the yard. Televisions that seem to be taking up residence in our wooded areas can be disposed of along with other electronics and any fluids, spray cans, paint, light bulbs, etc. will be cheerfully accepted by a courageous group of volunteers. TVs will cost $20 but the rest is free (though donations are heartily welcomed) and if you want to see what our county gets rid of each year you can volunteer to be a part of a very cool group of folks doing what they can for the local environment. Just contact the Drain Office at 231.689.7214 and they will give you the skinny. Oh, and no tires, this year. Make a swing or a sandbox or just have the tire place where you get your new ones dispose of them because after collecting enough to fill the Grand Canyon 6-7 times the past few years the group is focusing on other materials this year. Take a Chance (on me). Ahh yes, ABBA and Mamma Mia. Like to sing and dance and be part of community theater ? Thinking maybe you’d like to be cast in the Meryl Streep role (Donna) or looking to capture the ingenue part (Sophie) mastered by Amanda Seyfried? Here’s your chance as LionHeart Productions will hold auditions Tuesday and Wednesday at the Grant Elementary multi-purpose room (160 E State Rd) from 6:30-9:00pm. Be ready to give the pipes a go either via the accompanist ( one will be available) or a karaoke track. November will be when the curtain opens on the latest LionHeart Fall Musical. Russell Gilbert Memorial Kids Free Fishing Day Perhaps the premier event for kids in the area and it is all free because of the work done by the sea of volunteers and supporters making it happen. At the forefront of these efforts are the daughters of Russ Gilbert and their Mom but this is one of those events the community ponies up for in a big time way and it is not to be missed. There is some serious magic in the air during this Mill Pond happening. Prizes awarded. Free donuts in am and free hotdogs to all in attendance at noon. Money for tagged fish. Registration starts at 8am and poles hit the water at 9.  This spring, The Gerber Foundation presented scholarship awards to the following students in Newaygo County. We wish all of the high school graduates our best. Daniel Gerber Sr., Medallion Scholarships (worth $10,600) Fremont HS: Benjamin DeWeerd, Anna Heger, Claire Whittle, Nathaniel Anderson, Marguerite DegenGerber Foundation Awards over $361,000 in Scholarships Grant HS: Allen Konrad, Madelyn Harvey, Olivia Keelean, Lucas Wolff Hesperia HS: Maeli Cardiff, Nichole Kinney, Heather Schafer, Kaylee Vereeke Newaygo HS: Jordan Sanderson, Mara Johnson, Daniella duChemin, Jasper Sanderson White Cloud HS: Matthew Reynolds, Hailey Clifford, Kenzie Keith, Ella Bowman The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarships (worth $2,600) Fremont HS: Maxwell Fritz, Jordyn Raymo, Kane Widing, Aiden Petz, Cy Frankhouser Grant HS: Kylie Patton, Kaleb Merrill, Miguel Cisneros, Destoni’ Robeck, Audrianna Bull Hesperia HS: Abigail Jones, Madison Frost, Margaret Anderson, Jacob Klemundt Holton HS: Joel Livingston, Kaylie Piper, Marissa Currier, Haylee Brant Newaygo HS: Abby Murray, Micah Hewartson, Mya Berwald, Noah Graff, Jeremiah Kuhns, Hunter Stuck White Cloud HS: Kayla Pasch, Allison Schulz, Madison Smith, Selena Robeck Gerber Foundation Newaygo County Career Tech Center Scholarships Andrew Goodin & Darrius Lutz (Construction Trades), Shea Russell & Ralynn VanderMolen (Cosmetology), Shelby Wright & Savanna Walters (Graphic Communications), Carlie Stray & Bailey McLouth (Health Sciences), Jayden Curnett & Christopher Redder (Auto Technology), Garrett Mohr & Tucker Kooman (Heavy Equipment Technician), David Grodus & Taven Snyder (Information Technology), Solomon Welch & Connor WanderWilt (Mechatronics), Christopher Schuchardt (Business Applied Technology), Olivia Francis & Kennedy Semposki (Agriscience). Congratulations to these scholarship recipients and all the graduates of 2019!   Bi-partisan initiative to bring lower auto insurance rates
Michigan drivers pay an average premium of twice what Minnesota drivers pay and 4 times what our Badger State neighbor across the lake ponies up annually. In fact our state has the highest rates in the country and second place Louisiana isn’t all that close. Why? A good deal of it is because we are required to purchase unlimited personal injury protection (PIP) guaranteeing the insurance companies will foot the bill for all medical costs associated with car accident injuries regardless of who is responsible for the accident. And now, finally, a little relief appears to be in sight. On a Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend our Lansing legislators caught hold of a little kumbaya moment resulting in the passage of a bill aimed at reducing those rates. An initiative that has been an ongoing issue through many campaigns and legislative sessions saw some light at last when both the House and Senate achieved what has often seems out of reach in our Capital City, a bi-partisan vote on a key issue. A phenomena that seems to elude those who are conducting business in D.C. Under the new plan, drivers can choose between five tiers of PIP coverage beginning July 1 2020 including the same coverage now mandated, choosing one of three tiers of lower coverage and even opting out of PIP if your medical insurance covers collision injuries. The savings run from 10-45% depending on coverage and those rate rollbacks must say in place until July 1, 2028. If a driver doesn’t have unlimited PIP coverage under the new system and gets in a car accident that’s not their fault, and medical costs exceed the amount of coverage they have purchased, they can sue the at-fault driver for charges beyond their coverage. Here are reactions from the Guv as well as our local legislators Governor Gretchen Whitmer: “Today’s vote is truly historic. We've accomplished more in the last five months than in the last five years. This vote demonstrates that when both parties work together and build bridges, we can solve problems and make life better for the people of Michigan. “This plan will help drivers from Detroit all the way to the U.P. It guarantees lower auto insurance rates for eight years, protects people’s choice to pick their own insurance and coverage options while preserving the safety net, and bans insurance companies from using discriminatory non-driving factors when setting rates.” Representative Scott Van Singel "I would like to thank the Governor, House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader for their hard work behind the scenes to reach a compromise which will substantially lower auto insurance rates for Michigan drivers, but still preserve the best and most comprehensive auto insurance system in the country. All parties in the negotiations had to give a little, but the final product, while not perfect, is a very good bill which addresses all of the main cost drivers of high insurance rates in Michigan. This reform was a generation in the making and the vote today is an historic milestone for our state." Senator Jon Bumstead: “We’ve worked hard over the last few weeks coming to an agreement that will benefit Michigan drivers. For the first time in nearly 50 years, drivers will have the option to choose which coverage best works for their family’s budget. “Reforming auto insurance is the number one issue in Michigan right now.The reforms approved today are a major step forward for Michiganders. “This discussion has been going on for years and people have had different ideas as to how we would solve the issue. This legislation is a true example of bipartisan work. I’m beyond pleased that the governor worked with the Senate and the House to come up with a plan that benefits drivers in every corner of our state.” You can read the bill in detail at: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(ugz1ohnw1sj402xjokascpiy))/milegPrint.aspx?page=BillStatus&objectname=2019-SB-0001  Votes to Make Committee Changes, Pay Bills. By N3 News Team Nearly 30 citizens filled the meeting room on Monday May 20th as Hesperia’s Village Council, or at least a quorum of 4 who attended the meeting, voted to pay bills, authorize changes in employee salaries, and remove Council Member Gerald W. Derks Jr. from the chair position on 3 committees including the Finance Committee. The Council voted in Joyce McDonald to fill two of those spots and Carol Kochans to the other. Derks was one of three council members who were not present at the meeting along with Mike Maynard and Kristin DanBesten. During public comment those in attendance spoke to the council with concerns over the lack of action on approving the medical marijuana facility previously approved. and questioned why the council members who had not been attending have not been removed. Village President Mike Farber explained the only two ways a Council Member can be replaced are a removal order by the Governor or a successful recall vote. He also stated the Medical Marijuana issue would be on the agenda for a vote at the next meeting. Council members Derks and Maynard have not attended since March 11 missing the last 8 meetings according to records obtained from the Village. Special meetings April 15 and 22 and the meeting for May 6th did not see a quorum as Council members Kochans and DanBesten also did not attend. Kochans notified the Village office she would not be available on each of those days and DanBesten called in to say she would miss the meeting on May 6th. Kochan’s presence allowed for a quorum for the first time since April 8 leading to the action taken by the board to pay bills that were soon to incur late fees. Derks also missed the last two Finance Committee meetings according to the attendance records. Council President Farber also introduced new Police Chief Lou Herremans. The next Village Council meeting will be June 10th at 7:30pm.     Salutatorian Mara Johnson as she gives the farewell speech to her classmates  Valedictorian Connor Swinehart addresses the crowd Newaygo High School proudly graduates 103 seniors for the Class of 2019. In a beautiful evening ceremony the Valedictorian Connor Swinehart and Salutatorian Mara Johnson each spoke to their class and the many parents and family members of the audience before Dr. Peggy Mathis bestowed upon the class the honor of their completion. The speaker selected by the class was Mrs. Cassie Westgate, teacher at NHS, who reminded the class of the value of passion, resilience, and the importance of being nice. Statistics for this class include the following plans for the future: 4 students pursuing a 13th year at the vocational center 3 students going into the military 66 students going to college 5 students going into an apprenticeship 10 students going into the workforce With the graduating class, two high school staff members will be retiring this year, including Mrs. Lynda Mercer as Guidance Counselor and Ms. Sarah Rodriguez as Assistant Principal.  Newaygo High School Graduating Class of 2019  Scenes from the start By Ken DeLaat The guests arrived early. As the sun peeked over the edge of the roof of the new building folks began to gather outside the entrance Tuesday morning to await the 7am debut of Fremont’s latest addition to their retail landscape, the Meijer store. Taking its place just west of town behind their previously opened gas station and north from the new traffic light at Green and 48th, the retail megastore drew a substantial amount of people who lined up, carts readied, to be the first customers to sample the shopping. The store was indeed ready. The vaunted produce section and a welcoming deli were the first stations after the entrance and the venue was filled with staff members eager to please. Inside as the minutes ticked down to the hour you could feel the combination of nervousness and anticipation among the employees. They gathered near the door to survey the congregated crowd while those outside peered inward to get a peek at the store’s offerings. Finally at the top of the hour the call was given to open the doors and folks were enthusiastically greeted as they filed in. And Meijer had finally made its long awaited arrival.  From the Newaygo CountySheriff’s Department
On May 20, 2019 at approximately 2:36 pm, deputies from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Echo Dr. near Sycamore Ave, in Wilcox Township, for a reported motorcycle accident. Upon arrival on the scene, deputies found a motorcycle had left the roadway on the outside of a curve. The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene. The victim is identified as a 26 year male from White Cloud. His name is currently being withheld pending notification of family. The accident remains under investigation by the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office, however, speed is believed to have been a factor. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the White Cloud Police Department, White Cloud Fire Department, Life EMS and the Newaygo County Road Commission. |
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