 GPS Board To Meet Monday
The Grant School Board will meet 6pm Monday at the Grant Fine Arts Center where attendees will be waiting to hear the status of the Child and Adolescent Health Center. Previous action by the Board to sever ties with Family Health Care who operate the Center has led to recall petitions for Board members Ken Thorne, Sabrina Veltkamp-Blok, Rachal Gort and Richard Vance.  District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is announcing that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has free Private Residential Well Testing. “These free well water testing kits are a great opportunity for our residents to make sure their water is safe for consumption,” said DHD#10 Health Officer Kevin Hughes. The free test kits are available to anyone that requests one through EGLE’s online portal and are for private wells only. The free test kits are not available if your water supply is served by, or serves, a public water supply. Test kit shipping is free to residents and includes prepaid UPS return shipping. After requesting a test kit, they will be sent directly to the resident with instructions. Once the sample is received, the analysis will be completed and results sent back to the resident, DHD#10, and EGLE. The water testing checks for the standard water quality parameters, including coliforms; nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, chloride, sulfate, sodium, hardness, and iron levels; and various metals. Additional parameters may be added in the future. At this time, PFAS testing is not included. If you are unsure what your well should be tested for, please contact your local DHD#10 Environmental Health Sanitarian, local office numbers can be found here: https://www.dhd10.org/clinic-locations/. To order your free well water testing kit, or to learn more about well water testing, please visit: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/drinking-water-and-environmental-health/water-well-construction/private-well-testing.  Consumers Energy Hosting Virtual Meeting Sept. 12 to Discuss Future of Hydroelectric Facilities In Person Meeting September 18th WHAT: Last year, Consumers Energy held a series of public meetings with community members and local leaders about the future of its 13 dams. Recently, the energy provider announced it’s exploring the possibility of selling these hydroelectric facilities as it continues to evaluate their future. Consumers Energy is considering all options to safely maintain the dam reservoirs and reduce costs for customers. Consumers Energy is hosting another series of public community meetings with the goal of sharing progress that has been made over the last year and answering questions. The company will be hosting two virtual meetings, and the first is scheduled for Sept. 12. WHERE: The public can click here to register for the virtual webinar. WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023 The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. IMPORTANT FACTS: Consumers Energy is hosting several in-person and virtual meetings. A second virtual meeting will be held Nov. 16. For all meeting details and more information about the process, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/HydroFuture. Consumers Energy’s 30- to 40-year federal operating licenses on the Muskegon, Manistee, Grand, Kalamazoo and Au Sable rivers are set to expire beginning in 2034 through 2041. At the meeting, Consumers Energy will be presenting feedback gathered in the last year as well as the economic contribution study. In Person Meeting Coming Soon Croton and Hardy Dams Monday, September 18 Newaygo High School Cafeteria 360 S. Mill Street, Newaygo, MI Doors will open at 5:30 PM with the public meeting starting at 6:00 PM.   From our friends at the NCSO: On August 26th, 2023, Deputies with the Newaygo County Sheriff’s office were dispatched to East Baseline Rd. near N Pine St. for a single car versus tree motor vehicle accident with injuries. Upon arrival it was determined that the passenger, a 21-year-old female from Muskegon had passed away from her injuries in the accident. The driver, an 18-year-old female from Georgia was transported to Corewell Health Grand Rapids for her injuries. The accident is currently still under investigation. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office, White Cloud Fire Department, Big Prairie Fire Department, Life EMS, Newaygo County Road Commission, Jerry’s Towing and Newaygo County Central Dispatch.  L-R Undersheriff Palmiter, Life EMS Supervisor David Norton, Britttany Escalante, Austyn Escalante, Sgt Jose Escalante, Jaxson Escalante, Sheriff Mendham- Photo by Jodie McGarry NCSO Sergeant's quick actions avert tragedy
At the regular meeting of the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners Sergeant Jose Escalante was presented with the Life Saving Award for his fast thinking action that prevented what was certain to be a grim result if not for his intervention in the situation. Presenting the award were Sheriff Bob Mendham, Undersheriff Chad Palmiter and Life EMS Supervisor David Norton. Undersheriff Palmiter read the following: “On August 8th Sgt Escalante was a customer at the Lumber yard on Maple Island when one of the workers collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. Jose was recognized and summoned to the man where he immediately assessed the patient, recognized he was in cardiac arrest and began high quality CPR! Jose was performing CPR by himself prior to EMS arrival for approx. 9 minutes, EMS and Jose were able to resuscitate the patient after one shock and 2 more minutes of CPR. The patient was awake and alert for EMS transport. Had Jose not acted quickly and performed such high-quality compressions we have no doubt this outcome would have been tragic. “Sgt Escalante deserves recognition for his skill and determination to save a life.” With family, friends, co-workers and the man whose life he saved in attendance Sergeant Escalante received a well deserved standing ovation from the crowd. The Life Saving Award may be presented to any Sheriff’s Office employee, who takes active measures to save the life of another person, when the death of that person was imminent, and the victim survives, or his life was extended by virtue of the actions taken.  From our friends at MDOT:
White Cloud- See above map. Daily (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) lane closures for tree work are scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday) through September 1 on M-20 (Baseline Road) between M-37 and Beech Road. Work is weather dependent.  Back row: Brian Woods, Big Skinny’s. Noble Graham-Lattin, Birch & Blossom Front row: Yatziry Ortega, Mi Tierra Mexico. Jackie Dickinson, Straight Path Farms. Ashley Agler, Mindful Trout Photo by Bella Ghezzi Felicidades Primar Lugar Mi Tierra Mexico!
FREMONT, MI (August 18, 2023) Five local entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges and an audience of over 50 people at the fifth annual Pitch North competition held on August 17th at the Pavilion at Waters Edge in Fremont. They were competing for the chance to win their share of over $12,000 in cash and prizes to bring their ideas to life. Pitch North was designed to spark entrepreneurial change and encourage more small businesses to start in Newaygo, Oceana, and Lake counties. This year’s contest received 28 business idea submissions, from which five finalists were selected by a local committee to pitch at the live event. Each entrepreneur had five minutes to present, and judges had an opportunity to ask questions directly following. “Every year I am amazed at the hard work and passion that our local entrepreneurs put forth,” said Julie Burrell, Newaygo County’s Economic Development Director. “We are so proud to be a part of their journey.” The first place prize of $5,000 was awarded to Yatziry Ortega, Mi Tierra Mexico, in Newaygo. Yatziry plans to use her prize money to open a meat deli in her Hispanic grocery store. Second place was awarded to Noble Graham-Lattin, Birch & Blossom in Hart. Noble plans to expand his Taste of Oceana and Taste of Michigan gift crate product line. The third place prize went to Jackie Dickinson from Straight Path Farms in Fremont. Jackie’s prize will allow her to make efficiency upgrades to her worm farm operation and expand marketing efforts. This year’s event also offered a crowd favorite prize of $1,000, which was awarded to Brian Woods of Big Skinny’s. The finalists will receive the following: 1st Place: $5,000 Yatziry Ortega, Mi Tierra Mexico 2nd Place: $3,500 Noble Graham-Lattin, Birch & Blossom 3rd Place: $1,500 Jackie Dickinson, Straight Path Farms 4th Place: $1000 Ashley Agler, Mindful Trout 5th Place: $500 Brian Woods, Big Skinny’s Volunteer judges for the event include Andrea Simon, Owner of A New Era of Crafting and the 2022 first place winner, Jennifer Armstrong, Loan Officer for Lake-Osceola Bank, John Buckley, President & CEO of Gerber Federal Credit Union, Larry Yachcik, General Manager of Waters Edge Golf Course and Scott Beal, Executive Director of the Hart-Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce. Pitch North is hosted by The Right Place, Inc. in conjunction with the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, Oceana County Economic Alliance, and Lake County Economic Development Alliance. Pitch North 2023 was made possible through support from Consumers Energy, Lake-Osceola State Bank, The Fremont Area Community Foundation, The City of Fremont, The City of Newaygo, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Great Lakes Energy, True Stream, River Country Chamber of Commerce, West Shore Community College, Corewell Health, Hart/Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce, Shelby State Bank, Gerber Federal Credit Union, DTE Energy, Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, and SCORE. Additional in-kind prizes were provided by the Dave Byrne Law Office, Fab Lab at Muskegon Community College and the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce. Grant community voices displeasure with school board Once again the Grant Public School Board was met with an outpouring of criticism from the community members who echoed the same theme throughout the public comment portion of their regular monthly meeting. Resign! The comments centered on the four members Ken Thorne, Rachal Gort, Sabrina Veltkamp-Blok and Richard Vance who had moved in their June meeting to sever ties with Family Health Center who have provided the Child and Adolescent Health Center at the schools since 2010., Since that decision those Board members have heard a constant stream of reproval from the community they serve. During the business part of the meeting Board Member Rob Schuitema expressed his frustration over the lack of movement with regard to the CAHC and made a motion to vacate the decision made in June. “The clock is ticking and it needs to stop. We are 2 weeks away from the start of the school year.” Thorne stated that contract negotiations have been started and that there had been one conversation. “It sounds like it went very well and there was a very hopeful feeling that came out of that meeting.” “That’s nice to know. It would have been nice to know this before sitting here right now,” replied Schuitema. The motion was seconded by newly appointed Board member Stephanie Deible but defeated with the four members who supported the original motion voting against his motion. The Board continued with other business, including passing a motion to not sell a piece of school property that had been part of discussions for several months. Then it was the community’s turn. The comments questioned the motives of the 4 Board members challenging them to deliver reasons for their action on the CAHC. At one point a photo was held up showing Board President Thorne’s vehicle displaying a 3 Percenter emblem, a Roman Numeral 3 surrounded by 13 stars, on the rear window. Throne was asked whether he was a member of the militia group but offered no answer.  Lining up for public comment As in previous meetings the speakers took the 4 board members to task citing their lack of transparency and questioned why they have been given no explanations as to the reasoning behind the action taken on the CAHC. Two people were removed from the meeting by law enforcement after outbursts that failed to heed the urging by Thorne to stop yelling their comments from the audience, but the dozens who took to the podium questioned the ability of the board to represent the school and the community with most urging the four to resign their positions. Only one person spoke favorably of the board stating, “There are many people who quietly support your efforts.” while many referenced their loss of trust that the four would operate in the best interests of the students. Prior to the meeting a press conference was held on the school property by the Grant School Board Recall Initiative who will be pursuing recall petitions for the four. On Tuesday the petition language was approved. Community member Megan Wirts who is part of the recall effort offered the 4 an opportunity to resign immediately during her time at the podium. “We’re not going away. If you don’t resign we will vote you out. Either way you will no longer be filling those seats.” The next scheduled School Board meeting is September 11, 2023 at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the Grant Fine Arts Center.
 Recall effort announced prior to the meeting  From our friends at MDOT: Daily (7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) lane closures for road work are scheduled for today (Tuesday) through this Thursday on M-37 from 3 Mile Road to 7 Mile Road. The work is weather dependent.  GRant School Board at their JUly 17 meeting. From top Superintendent Brent Zuver, Board Members Richard Vance, Ken Thorne, Rachal Gort, Sabrina Veltkamp-Blok, Dannette Obenauf and Rob Schuitema After a pair of meetings that saw an avalanche of outcry protesting their decision to sever ties with Family Health Care and close the Children and Adolescent Health Center, as well as a public demonstration held on the streets of Grant, the School Board gets together once again for their monthly meeting. Apparently their have been negotiations between the Board and FHC https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/clinic-uncertainty-continues-in-grant and what is expected to once again be a large crowd will be listening to find out the status of the CAHC as the new school year approaches. The meeting begins at 6pm Monday and is being held at the Grant Fine Arts Center. It is also the Board’s organizational meeting where officers will be elected. It will also be the first meeting for newly appointed Board Member Stephanis Deible.  From our friends at MDOT 15-minute total closures Sunday morning.. Cedar Springs to Sand Lake Short-term (15 minutes) total closures for utility work are scheduled for this Sunday between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. on US-131 between 17 Mile Road and 22 Mile Road. The work is weather dependent.  The Grant Child and Adolescent Health Center (CAHC) Advisory Council will meet on September 13, 2023, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Grant CAHC, located in the Grant Middle School at 96. E. 120th St. in Grant. Please use the CAHC entrance on the west side of the middle school and ring the doorbell when you arrive. The public is invited, and lunch will be provided. Please call (231) 834-1350 to RSVP.  Energy Provider Considering All Options to Safely Maintain Dam Reservoirs While Minimizing Cost Impact to Customers
JACKSON, Mich., August 9, 2023 – Consumers Energy today announced it will be issuing a request for proposal (RFP) to explore the possibility of selling its 13 hydroelectric facilities as the energy provider continues to evaluate the future of the dams and considers all options to safely maintain the dam reservoirs. Consumers Energy last year held a series of public meetings with community members and local leaders about the dams’ future. Based on community feedback, Consumers Energy understands how important these facilities and the associated reservoirs are to local communities. Therefore, the energy provider is exploring all options to safely maintain the reservoirs – the lakes created by the dams -- while reducing costs for Consumers Energy’s customers. “After numerous conversations over the past year, it is clear the reservoirs are important for economic and recreational opportunities in these communities across Michigan,” said Norm Kapala, Consumers Energy’s vice president of generation operations. “But we also know that the current model for financing our hydroelectric power operations requires customers to pay more than nine times for the cost of energy compared to other sources of generation.” “Today’s announcement is an initial step we need to take to learn more about what selling the facilities might look like. If we choose to move forward and sell these facilities, our intention is to minimize the cost burden for customers while keeping the recreational and economic benefits for our communities. No final decision has been made, and we continue to explore all options.” Consumers Energy began working with local officials and meeting with community leaders last year as licenses for the company’s dams begin to expire in 11 years. Consumers Energy’s 13 dams together produce less than 1 percent of energy used by the energy provider’s nearly 2 million customers, and they are several times more expensive than other energy sources. Consumers Energy is planning another series of public community meetings later this summer and into the fall with the goal of collecting community feedback and discussing what a potential sale of the dams would mean, as well as other options continuing to be considered. For meeting details, to provide comments, and more information about the process, visit: ConsumersEnergy.com/HydroFuture. “We know communities and residents that treasure these dams will have questions about the future. That’s why we will continue to provide timely updates and be transparent throughout this decision-making process,” Kapala said. “We’ve committed to exploring all options for safely maintaining these reservoirs for decades to come.” Consumers Energy’s 30 to 40-year federal operating licenses on the Muskegon, Manistee, Grand, Kalamazoo and Au Sable rivers are set to expire beginning in 2034 through 2041.  Random invites will arrive by mail
LANSING, Mich.- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is asking Michiganders in parts of Newaygo, Montcalm, Mecosta and Kent Counties to join the Michigan Chemical Exposure Monitoring (MiChEM) project. The MiChEM project is the first statewide effort to gather data on the amount of certain chemicals in the blood and urine of Michiganders, including lead, mercury and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). People can come in contact with chemicals in what they eat and drink, in products they use, at work and in their environment, like in the air, soil and water. It is not possible to test everyone in the state, so the MiChEM project team used a statistical method to randomly select households in different areas throughout the state. “The MiChEM project will help us understand more about the chemical exposures of Michigan residents, including if some groups have greater amounts of certain chemicals in their bodies and how the amounts compare to national averages,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “This is the first time that a project of this type and scale has been done in Michigan.” The MiChEM project team will be in the area for several weeks in August and September. Over the next few weeks, households in parts of Newaygo, Montcalm and Mecosta Counties and a small part of northern Kent County will receive the project invitations. Any adult who receives an invitation in the mail from MDHHS to participate in the MiChEM project should follow the steps in their invitation to sign up as soon as possible, as the project team will only be in each area for a short amount of time. One adult will be randomly selected to participate from each registered household. Taking part in this project is completely free and participants will receive their individual lab results along with a $65 gift card as a thank you for their time. Approximately 138,000 randomly selected households from across the state will receive an invitation in the mail with details on how to join the MiChEM project. The multi-year MiChEM project began recruitment of selected households from the Lansing area and parts of Jackson, Ingham, Barry and Eaton counties in September 2022. Additional households from other communities are being recruited in following years. People who are randomly selected to participate will be given a survey and asked to provide blood and urine samples. These samples will then be analyzed for a pre-determined number of chemicals at the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DEHBio.  Misuse and lack of volunteers cited as reasons
After a number of years of collecting polystyrene, more widely known as “styrofoam” the Fremont recycling drop off center located at 5510 W 56th Street will no longer continue the styrofoam program after August 31, 2023. A number of issues have continued to plague the styrofoam recycling program such as the lack of volunteers to empty and replace the bags, delayed service pick-up from the styrofoam recycler, general misuse of the collection boxes, and an increase of individuals placing trash and other contamination into the collection boxes, Newaygo County leadership decided to stop the program. Regular residential recycling services will not be impacted. “We have asked for help at this site to keep styrofoam recycling available to residents but unfortunately we did not receive one response to assist with this site”, stated Dale Twing, Chairman of the Department of Public Works and the Newaygo County Drain Commissioner. “Our sites are opened and closed by volunteers throughout the county and this site in particular is challenging because of the styrofoam. Between a lack of volunteer support as well as people trying to recycle things like plastic sheeting or insulation with the styrofoam, we had to make the decision to stop.” Residents can utilize the website, www.homeforfoam.com to find other locations that may accept styrofoam.  L-R Blake Prewitt, Ken DeLaat, Dick Dunning, Paul Mellema Holly Moon, Chuck Trapp, Bryan Kolk, Mike Kruithoff, Brenda Bird and Jim Maike- Photo by Jodi McGarry The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners presented the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone with a donation of $250,000 to their endowment fund at the Fremont Area Community Foundation. The funds are part of the American Rescue Plan Act money received by the county to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Board Chair Bryan Kolk presented the symbolic outsized check to PZ Board members Blake Prewitt, Holly Moon and Dick Dunning at the regular meeting of the board on Wednesday, July 26th. The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone provides high school graduates with a tuition-free path to an approved apprenticeship or an associate degree from Muskegon Community College. The Promise Zone believes that every student, regardless of financial means, should have the opportunity to earn post-secondary credentials. "On behalf of the Promise Zone Board we extend our appreciation to the Newaygo County Commissioners for their extraordinary and generous financial gift, " said NC RESA Superintendent and PZ Board Chair Blake Prewitt. “ Their donation of $250,000 empowers us to extend our reach and support to an even greater number of students at Muskegon Community College. The unwavering support we receive from our county is a testament to the remarkable commitment and care for our Newaygo County students." "The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners are thanked for their vision and wisdom in making this major grant possible for the Promise Zone. Providing tuition-free higher education possibilities for all Newaygo County students is an exceptional opportunity for us to give thanks,” shared Dick Dunning, Promise Zone Authority Member. By helping to remove the financial barrier that so many students face, the Promise Zone is helping to shift a cultural stigma that college is too expensive. With the Promise Scholarship, many students are starting to believe that higher education is within their reach and taking steps to plan for their future. Promise Zone Authority Member Holly Moon addressed commissioners during public comment: "I can't tell you how many young people's lives will be changed by the County of Newaygo's very generous donation. This is huge!! Many of our Promise Scholars are first generation students and need much guidance and support in their college studies. Our Success Coaching staff will be greatly enhanced by this wonderful gift, and it will ensure greater success and less missteps for these first-time students, as well as enabling wider eligibility for the Promise Scholarship. Our Newaygo County community and families, in addition to business and industry will also be directly impacted. Thank you so much for supporting our efforts to offer tuition- free degrees now and for many years to come!" Since beginning in 2017, the Promise Zone has awarded over $2.4 million in tuition payments in support of over 300 Newaygo County students who have enrolled in pursuing their post-secondary credentials. For more information about the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone visit www.promise.zone, email apply@promise.zone or call 231-924-8888.  Pictured from left to right is Paula Casey, Gerber Products/Nutrition; Jacylin Moltzen, National Baby Food Festival Coordinator, Fremont Area Chamber; Roxana Nelson, RN, Gerber Hospital; Gretchen Chase-Rey, CNM, Gerber Hospital; Alexis Trevino, mom, with newborn Zayden Rice; Nick Strait, chief nursing officer, Gerber Hospital; Angela Frye, director of nursing, Gerber Hospital; and Maureen Ruiter, charge RN, Gerber Hospital. 2023 NBBF First Baby Born
The National Baby Food Festival and Corewell Health’s Gerber Hospital welcomed the 2023 First Baby Born, Zayden Quin Rice, on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 11:31 a.m. Zayden was born 30 hours and 31 minutes after the 2023 target date and time of 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 20. The baby born closest to that date and time is the “First Baby Born” at the National Baby Food Festival. Parents Alexis Trevino and Steven Rice III of Shelby celebrate Zayden who weighed in at 8 pounds 9 ounces when he was born. The annual First Baby Born celebration includes gifts for the family donated from area organizations including Gerber Products, Gerber Hospital’s Gift Shop, and Gingerly Clean.  Board letter to community sparks response from FHC
A decision that stoked the fires of community activism continues to play itself out in our county’s Gateway City. On Monday the Grant Public School Board issued a letter (link available below) to the community regarding the controversial issue of their recent decision to remove the Child and Adolescent Health Center operated by Family Health Care. It comes on the heels of a move that created a good deal of uncertainty for parents and a series of meetings that saw an outpouring of community members frustrated by a lack of answers from the Board as to the reasons for the decision. In the letter, which never mentions Family Health Care by name, the Board states,”In reviewing the agreement, the district became aware of multiple concerns and chose to step back from the contract so that additional communication could occur.” Family Health Care responded by stating “Family Health Care remains unaware of the concerns noted in the Grant Public Schools Board of Education letter to the community. Despite the letter saying the school board chose to step back from the contract so that additional communication could occur, we have not had any communication that shares what those concerns may be or how they may be addressed. ”Family Health Care is ready to negotiate and willing to find a middle ground to ensure health care services will be available to students in the Grant Public Schools during the upcoming school year.” The Board’s letter goes on to state “As you may be aware, there has been some speculation around the board’s decision to review the clinical services provided to the district. Please be assured that the board initiated the review because we are committed to providing for the health and safety of every Grant student. Our goal is to provide the best possible health care services to the students and families of our community. In our commitment to that goal, we are working to negotiate the contract for clinical services as soon as possible” The statement from FHC added “As it stands, Family Health Care does not have a contract with Grant Public Schools and has been issued notice to vacate the office space in the middle school on or before October 6, 2023. The Child and Adolescent Health Center will close unless the board of education takes action. “With just six weeks until the school year begins, quick action must be taken as Family Health Care can no longer continue to wait as decisions regarding staffing and operations must be made. If the school board cannot make a decision, we will be forced to begin transitioning services out of Grant Public Schools prior to the first day of school in September. While we remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached, the distraction caused by the school board takes the focus away from ensuring children are ready for a healthy school year and places it on the uncertainty of contract negotiations which have yet to begin.” Community member Megan Wirts helped organize the protest held recently in support of the CAHC. ”I am happy that the community united together to hold the board members accountable that voted to terminate the contract with Family Health Care so that they are now in negotiations," she stated. "If they were just reviewing the contract, it seems odd that they would vote to terminate the contract without doing the research first. I am cautiously optimistic that we will have a good outcome.” There is an urgency for this matter to be resolved if in-school health services are to continue to be provided at Grant. The past month has revealed a community that has not wavered in its support for the CAHC, nor in its desire to elicit answers from their school board as to why the initial action was taken. Should the clinic close its doors through board decision or board inaction the chasm that currently exists between the Board and a large and vocal share of their community will likely only widen. Letter from the Board of Education | Grant Public Schools (grantps.net)  Right-to-Know—Material Safety Data Sheets NC RESA is dedicated to the safety of its students, employees and community. Each building is provided with information on products used in their facility that may be of concern (i.e., cleaning products, science experiment materials, glue, etc.) Each Material Safety Data Sheet on file presents the ingredients of the product, the potential hazards and recommendations if exposure occurs. The Material Safety Data Sheets under the Right-to-Know Act are available for inspection during normal business hours by contact the Maintenance Department at 231-924-8829. Asbestos Management Plan In compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, the NC RESA is informing all occupants and their guardians that NC RESA facilities are asbestos-free. Asbestos management plans for each building are available for review in the schools administration office. Use of Pesticides As part of NC RESA’s pest management program, pesticides are occasionally applied. Parents/community members have the right to be informed prior to any pesticide application made to school grounds and buildings. During the summer months when school is not in session, pesticide treatment could occur as necessary. If parents/community members wish to be informed prior to pesticide applications during the school year, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 231-924- 0381. In certain emergencies (i.e., bees nests), pesticides may be applied without prior notice, but parents/community members will be provided notice following such applications. FERPA NC RESA provides database software, information processing equipment, networks and support materials to best use computer technology in support of Agency administrative functions. A student database shall be maintained which contains student administrative and instructional information. School student records are confidential and information from them shall not be released except as provided by law (under the Freedom of Education Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA). NC RESA reserves the right to display a student photo on its website or Facebook page, unless the parent/guardian or student 18 or older opts out. Career and Technical Education Opportunities Each year the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency offers career and technical education programs at the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center. These programs are designed to prepare youth for a broad range of employment and training services and are offered under the guidance of certified instructors. All career and technical education programs follow the Agency’s policies of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, height, weight, marital status, or disability in all programs, services, activities and employment. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language proficiency is not a barrier to admission or participation. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to Blake Prewitt, Superintendent, 4747 W. 48th Street, Fremont, MI 49412, 231-924-0381. The following is a list of programs being offered in 2023-24: • Accounting • Agriscience • Automotive Technology • Business Applied Technology • Construction • Cosmetology • Culinary Arts • Engineering • Future Educators • Graphic Communications • Health Sciences • Heavy Equipment • Information Technology • Manufacturing • Welding High school students must be enrolled through a high school in their area of residency (or through a school of choice program) prior to being admitted to a CTC program. For general information about these programs, contact Andy Melius, NCCTC Principal, 4645 W. Career Pathway, Fremont, MI 49412, 231-924-0380. Schedule of Board of Education Meetings Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held in the Board room in the Educational Service Center located at 4747 W. 48th Street. Meetings begin at 8:30 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2023 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2023 Regular Meeting8:30 a.m. Monday, October 9, 2023 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2023 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2024 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, February 12, 2024 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2024 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 13, 2024 Regular Meeting 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 24, 2024 Budget Hearing 8:00 a.m. Monday, June 24, 2024 Organizational Meeting immediately following budget hearing Any person with a disability who needs accommodation should contact the Superintendent’s office at 231-924-0381 at least five days in advance of the meeting. Official minutes of all Board meetings are kept in the Superintendent’s office at 4747 W. 48th Street, Fremont, MI. All minutes are available for public inspection during normal work hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.   Stephanie Deible wduring her interview with the Board. She was selected to fill the term vacated by former Board President Neil Geers Grant School Board Fills Vacancy Monday morning beginning at 8am the 5 finalists for the vacancy on the Grant Public School Board were preparing to be interviewed. Like many such interviews the candidates would be asked a series of questions by the current board members but unlike most this one would also include about 60 onlookers from the community as well as a gathering of media cameras and microphones. The recent contentious atmosphere at board meetings spurred by the decision to cut ties with the Child and Adolescent Health Center (CAHC) has drawn interest far beyond the boundaries of the Grant School District leading to an increase in media presence. There has also been a groundswell of community activism in an effort to save the CAHC. Prior to the interviews Ken Thorne was nominated to be President of the Board and elected on a 5-1 vote with Rob Schuitema casting the nay vote. The Board also voted unanimously to hold the August meeting at the Fine Arts Center and agreed to discuss holding all future meetings there. But it was the interviews that took center stage Monday morning. One by one Stephanie Deible, Sheila Boyd, Mindy Conley, Mary Brown, and Lindsay Mahlich each presented their case. They responded to the same series of questions from the Board that included asking them how they might manage board conflict, what it might take to pass a much needed millage, and their insight as to the different roles of the Superintendent and the Board. Board members scored their responses to the candidates and Thorne tallied the numbers. Following some discussion the Board decided to take turns commenting on each candidate before deciding on who would move forward for a vote.While each candidate drew complimentary praise from the board members two received motions and support for nomination, Mary Brown and Stephanie Deible. In a 5-1 vote Deible prevailed to the applause of the crowd. We caught up with the newest member of the Grant Public School Board for a few words. “The community of Grant is full of so many wonderful people who all bring immense value to the table," said Ms. Deible. "Knowing that there were over 60 applicants who applied for the vacancy, it is an honor to be selected to work alongside the current board, school leadership and staff, and community to help create the best possible atmosphere for our students. “Being a resident of Grant for over 30 years this is and always will be a place I am invested in. I know first hand our school system and the support and opportunities provided to students is deeply important to many of us who call Grant home. As a board member, I hope I can help create a culture of belonging, bring fresh perspectives, and help engage the community so that we can collectively set students up for success in the classroom and in life. " The Grant School Board will hold their next regular meeting August 14th at the Grant Fine Arts Center beginning at 6pm.  Board discussing the candidates. From top Superintendent Brent Zuver, Board Members Richard Vance, Ken Thorne, Rachal Gort, Sabrina Veltkamp-Blok, Dannette Obenauf and Rob Schuitema  From Our Friends At MDOT: Lane closures for permit work are scheduled for 6 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday) through August 31 on westbound M-82 (82nd Street) from Swan Avenue to Island View Drive. Sign up for email from MDOT: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDOT/subscriber/new Follow MDOT's Grand Region on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/MDOT_West For up-to-date information on this project and others, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive. Follow MDOT at: www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT or www.facebook.com/MichiganDOT |
CategoriesArchives
November 2023
|
RSS Feed