 The Choice UPDATE>>>> Candidate Siggins has submitted her answers.
Find them here: https://www.nearnorthnow.com/the-pulse/candidate-siggins-weighs-in As we had posted in our pages last week, we submitted questions to the two candidates for the 101st District State House Representative race. We wanted to ask about issues that would reach beyond the culture wars such campaigns seem to thrive on and delve into the real work legislators face. Because of this we asked some of the leaders in our community to provide questions that concern the District they both seek to represent. The original emails went out on Monday, the 24th and we asked if they could be returned by Wednesday. It was our hope to have the article ready by Sunday for our newsletter which generally is sent out Sunday or Monday. Candidate Siggins camp asked for more time which we allowed since we had not heard from Candidate Fox. On Saturday after we sent Mr .Fox a reminder he asked to have the questions resent which we did. On Sunday Mr. Fox emailed us stating ,”I will not be able to respond to these questions. I have some other commitments that take priority at this time.” We reached out to Ms. Siggins campaign but apparently no replies are to be forthcoming from her either. The questions we posed were about inflation, child care, mental health, schools and other areas that directly affect the lives of our citizens and are issues we would want our representative to be aware of and, if not, trust that they would do the research necessary to become aware. It disappoints us that those who wish to represent us in Lansing cannot find the time to respond to questions from their community. Thus we are posting the questions. Should either candidate relent and decide to respond we will deliver their answers. But our primary concern is the lack of follow through on their part. Our news site serves the greater Newaygo County area with readership often reaching 12-15,000 unique readers a month. To ignore the opportunity to have voters learn how their candidates might react to real time concerns does nothing to inspire confidence in either person on the ballot. And yet they remain the only options for voters. Alexis Mercer- Editor Ken DeLaat- Publisher Here are the questions your candidates could not find the time for. What are your ideas to support local school districts in the legislature? What can you do to work with people who have opposing views to solve critical issues our communities face? What do you see as the biggest challenge in the funding and delivery of care for mental health and substance abuse needs in our community? What is your position on the safety net for families given rising inflation? What is your position on the earned income tax credit? What support will be given to ensure Counties, cities and townships are provided the funding that is continually stripped away through Revenue Sharing reductions and elimination of personal property tax? What is your stance on Court funding and the need for the State to take over the funding of courts statewide? There are currently legislative efforts that would essentially move the responsibility for the public mental health system to the Health Plans over time. Are you in support of such legislation? There is a staffing crisis for qualified staff for both health care and education. What steps would you support to alleviate the staffing crisis? Where do you stand on the charitable tax credit for donations? Childcare is increasingly expensive and has limited capacity in our counties. What would you do to make childcare more affordable and accessible?
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 From our friends at the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office October 2022 - Car Deer Accidents: The above picture shows the location of reported car deer accident so far in October in Newaygo County. Car deer accident season is in full swing, so keep your eyes on the roadway. We show this data for two reasons: 1. Find somewhere else to hunt, because deer in these areas have already been hit by a car. 2. We use this data for placing "deer crossing ahead" signs, so deer have somewhere to cross safely.  When Scott VanSingel who served the area in Lansing as State Representative since 2016 was no longer eligible due to term limits it meant the newly drawn 101st seat was up for grabs with no incumbent. Four competed to run in the GOP primary while on the Democratic side of the ballot there was a single candidate. In July we submitted a series of questions to the quartet of Republican contenders and stated we would do the same for the finalists from both parties prior to Election Day. We asked some of the leaders of various entities in our area to supply us with a few posers to the candidates and they came up with what we think are important questions. Those questions have been delivered to Amanda Siggins and Joseph Fox, and we plan to post their answers later this week. While we recognize many have already decided how they will cast their ballots we recognize there are still those among us who might be undecided. And even if not undecided we feel it might be advantageous for people to see how their chosen candidate stands on some key issues facing our communities. It is our hope their answers might give our readers a glance at who they are voting for. So stay tuned folk.
Civil Discourse on Tap As Conservatives and Liberals Meet
Article and photos by Sally Wagoner On September 30, “Conservative” and “Liberal” leaning community members came together to seek commonalities while acknowledging differences through civil discourse. The structured gathering was facilitated by Michigan Braver Angels hosts Sarah Brabbs and Jim Distelrath. Designed to address division and polarity, these unique and constructive forums have been occurring in Michigan and throughout our nation. The Red and Blue Workshop’s goals are to “reduce stereotyped thinking, clarify disagreements, build relationships and find common ground through listening and learning rather than declaring and debating.” Based upon feedback from participants, it was a successful event. “There is a lot more that connects Republicans & Democrats than divides us,” stated Dr. Bob Clouse, following his participation in the workshop. One of the beginning exercises of the day separated the “Reds” and the “Blues” into their own camps. Each was asked to list the stereotypes that they felt the “others” had about their party affiliation. The groups then identified the “nuggets of truth” in the perceived stereotype – and proceeded to give a corrected statement. For instance, a Conservative thought is that Liberals think they (the Conservatives) are “2nd Amendment Zealots.” The Conservative’s responses to that were: a) Not all Reds want or own a gun, b) It is about the Right to own a gun, not about the gun itself, and c) We value the 2nd Amendment to preserve the safety of self and loved ones. And what is the “correction” that can be gleaned by the Reds about this stereotype? “Guns are a tool, and some people misuse them.” “It was wonderful to have respectful and attentive dialogue,” stated one participant. The questions posed to both the Reds and the Blues sometimes caused an initial rise of emotions. “Is that what they think of us”? But by giving the time, opportunity and safe space to look into the statements a little bit deeper, the participants were able to tease out the subtleties of their particular position, and the beliefs that others have about them. During the “Fishbowl” part of the workshop, each side was able to “eavesdrop” on the other as they discussed two very targeted questions with their own people: “Why do you think your sides’ values and policies are good for the country?” And “what are your reservations or concerns about your own side?” “It was nice to watch others start to see their ‘opponents’ as humans again,” expressed another attendee. The workshop was held at Newaygo Church of Christ in, whose Pastor (and workshop attendee) Jonathan Riedel generously offered the space rental for free. Lunch was catered by Hit the Road Joe of Newaygo, and provided a nourishing breaking of bread together. The event was free for participants, although some did make a donation to Braver Angels with their registration. The Fremont Area Community Foundation supported the workshop with a financial contribution as well. “It warmed my heart to witness members of our community - folks with different viewpoints - show up and invest in this experience,” stated Sally Kane, one of the local organizers of the workshop. “These workshops are like an olive branch. My hope is that insights gained will carry over into all aspects of daily life.” “We hope to bring people of diverse political persuasions together again, especially as we move toward the next Presidential election,” added Sally Wagoner, the other co-coordinator. On October 16, CBS “Sunday Morning” broadcasted a segment of the Red and Blue Workshop that was held recently in Traverse City. It can be viewed online at www.cbsnews.com/video/bridging-the-divide-gathering-red-and-blue-together/. Gloria Switzer, a participant from Fremont, described her experience well: “After attending the Braver Angels workshop, I came away with a renewed spirit in humankind and hope for the state of our nation. And two significant insights. My first insight was that all of us there, regardless of party affiliation, had been ‘brainwashed’ by the media with its stereotypical blaming, shaming and ‘othering’ of one another and issues of the day! Listening to one another in a safe environment with unbiased moderators, one red and one blue, brought attention to my second significant insight; we are not enemies!” Braver Angels is a national organization with a growing constituency in Michigan. In person and on-line workshops and events cover areas such as debates, book discussions, a film club, and the building of “Alliances” of Conservatives and Liberals in a community. More information can be found at www.BraverAngels.org. For information about possible future local events, contact Sally Kane ([email protected]) or Sally Wagoner ([email protected]). Donations to the Braver Angels organization will help support its mission, and its presence in Michigan. Donate online at: https://braverangels.org/donate-alliance. Please put the number “122” in the Field Org ID to support events in Michigan. Or send a check to Braver Angels, 733 Third Ave, Fl 16, NY, NY 10017 – in memo write in “122 Michigan”.  An attentive crowd tunes into Keynote Speaker Keleigh Grim By Ken DeLaat Women are powerful agents of change, and the far-reaching benefits of diversity and gender parity in leadership and decision-making are increasingly recognized in all spheres. The quote above can be found in many articles discussing women in leadership roles and the words came to mind as I covered a local event. Last Wednesday the Center for Hope and Healing was host to the second annual event honoring the women of our area who are making a difference in our communities and beyond. The Influential Women in Leadership Luncheon drew a large group of attendees to the building once known as Leighton Hall, a suitable venue to be sure. After all, its transformation into an facility designed to provide a wide variety of services to children and families was spearheaded by Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse and Open Arms Child Advocacy Center. Two organizations led by women. I contacted Rachel Porter who handles community relations for the River Country Chamber and managed to wangle an invite to the gig. With many women I know being nominated there was a strong interest in the doings and it looked to be good material for an article. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/event-honors-women-in-leadership-roles And, (full disclosure) I have to add that after seeing that Two Hot Tamales was going to be doing the catering my desire to attend was elevated by several notches. The event was well organized and beyond those I knew who were up for awards many other familiar folks were in attendance as well. I found the roster of candidates for the three separate honors to be a solid group and while I was not familiar with all the names, those I have known in one capacity or another are more than deserving. While looking over the names I found myself simultaneously impressed with the array of excellence that graced the program pages while also relieved to not be part of what must have been a really tough selection process. And while 3 were chosen to receive the accolades of the day, each of the 14 have inspired their colleagues, coworkers and/or collaborators enough to make the effort of putting their names forward. There is a rich history of influential women in our area who paved the way for an event such as this. Women who displayed the kind of courage and resilience necessary to make themselves heard during times when most roles of leadership were filled by men. Having the advantage of membership in the septuagenarian segment of our society it is easy for me to recall when the glass ceiling was considerably lower than it is today. When the opinion of women often took a back seat whether in a boardroom or a barroom. I recall being at meetings and witnessing valid viewpoints dismissed when they came from someone who lacked credibility solely because of their gender. And while we are hopefully better people than we were then, there still exist pockets of that unfortunate past in our midst. The group of women honored at this luncheon represent a small segment of the legion of competent, caring, and creative female leaders found throughout our county. Some may be more visible than others but each is doing their part to make this slice of our bipeninsular paradise a better place to work, play and live. They are leaders in our community who take to their roles with the confidence and drive to overcome occasional archaic attitudes about gender. And they will not be silenced when it comes to their opinion nor ignored when putting forth an idea. Leadership is an elusive trait. I have found there are far more people who believe themselves to be leaders than there are those who possess the attributes necessary to truly lead. There are bosses and supervisors everywhere but leadership is a different realm altogether. Personally, while I have encountered a great deal of bosses and supervisors throughout my working career I have been privileged to work with two people who I would argue possessed the qualities that define a true leader. Coincidentally (or perhaps not) they were both women. "We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women's voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored."- Sheryl Sandberg  Last year winner Julie Burrell (front left) joined the Fremont contingency at the event. L-R Community Leader award winner and Fremont City Council Member Lola Harmon-Ramsey, Mark Ramsey, Holly Harmon, Doug Harmon, Mayor Jim Rynberg and City Manager Todd Blake  A little Q & A action from Newaygo School Board aspirants One of the most contested school board races is in Newaygo where 5 candidates (Vince Grodus, Nicholas Nelson, Paul Herbert, Jeff Pols, and Sara Smith) are vying for two 6 year spots while 2 candidates (Reid Sherwood and Rick Vincent) are going head to head for a 4 year term. We presented a series of questions to the candidates to give voters a bit of a sense of where they might stand on school issues and what they might envision for the district. With providing an even dozen queries for participants to respond to and with 7 candidates responding it is, of course, a lengthy read. But we hope you take the time to get to know a little about the people you may...or may not... be voting for come November 8. 6 year Term-2 Positions Nicholas Nelson What motivates you to run for the board? Many things inspired me to run for NPS school board. The main motivator for me, however, was the opportunity to be involved in assuring a safe and positive environment for the students, staff and families of NPS. What do you see as your responsibilities as a board member? I envision a board member’s responsibilities to include approvals of responsible budgets, retention of high-quality administration and instructional staff, approval of policies that meet the academic and social expectations of our community and always considering the wishes of parents who put their trust in NPS to educate their children. How long have you been in the district? What school activities have you been involved in? I have lived in the district for the majority of my life. Aside from participating in a few county-level events hosted at NPS, I have followed board activities for years. What skills do you bring to the board? Some of the skills that I would bring to the NPS board include effective communication skills, reason, and listening. I have a good understanding of the way in which school budgets are responsibly crafted and successfully implemented. I am also an experienced educator who is familiar with critical needs in the learning environment of young children. Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it? I imagine I’ve made many of the same erroneous decisions that all humans make. I’ve been quick to judge, slow to forgive, too strict, too lenient, and many other things that are a natural part of personal development. I believe the main take-away from questions such as this one comes from the second part. I always try my very best to take responsibility from a poor decision, do right by those who were impacted by my decision, and then learn from it. What is your own experience with public education? I attended k-12 and graduated from Newaygo Public Schools. I have been a public school teacher since 2008. During my time in the teaching profession, I have been an intervention teacher, a classroom teacher and a program director. While most of my experience has been in primary education, I have also spent time in secondary. What do you see as the priorities for the coming years? I believe that safety, fiscal responsibility and the retention of high quality staff will continue to remain a priority. Furthermore, I believe that clear communication and accountability are perhaps more important than ever. What do you see as strengths in the school district? Any local government institution can only be as strong as the community it serves. Fortunately, we live in a place that still values community. Families in our area are so generous with their time and knowledge and are always willing to step up when there are opportunities to help improve the lives of children. NPS is also blessed to have so many staff that understand the culture here and care deeply about our community’s success. These are definite strengths. What do you see as the primary challenges ahead? Some of the challenges that I see in the near future include the retention of high-quality staff, maintenance of the trust of NPS families, the implementation and sustainment of reasonable safety protocols, and navigation of the ever-growing influence of the state and federal departments of education. What is your vision for NPS? I envision a school district where students are safe, and surrounded by adults who guide them in growing into the very best people that they can be. It is my belief that this outcome is only possible with the support of quality teachers, involved parents and a community that views their local students as an asset. Describe your experience with conflict resolution and consensus building. As a husband, a father, a teacher and a business owner, conflict resolution is something I consider a necessary part of being a functioning human being. From helping children talk through conflict with their peers, to making informed group decisions as part of a professional team, I am frequently reminded of how important it is that everyone involved in difficult decisions be factually informed and their perspectives be considered. What book you’ve read has influenced you the most? The Bible Vince Grodus What motivates you to run for the board? My motivation to run for the school board is the same motivation that has been my life’s work: to help every student to have an education that lets them achieve their goals in life. As a public school teacher for over 38 years, I have watched my students learn how to grow and learn in a supportive environment. My privilege as a school board member is to create policies to give every student a chance to be successful. What do you see as your responsibilities as a board member? My responsibility as a school board member is to support our parents, students, teachers and staff with resources to give NPS students an education that equips them to realize their dreams. Additionally, our job as school board members is to maintain our fund equity. How long have you been in the district? What school activities have you been involved in? I am a lifelong resident of Newaygo. I am a Newaygo graduate, as are my brother and sisters. My son is a K-12 graduate of NPS. My father was the high school principal for 27 years, my mom was a teacher’s aide for 20 years. My wife taught in the district for 23 years. I have coached in the district for 8 years. NPS has literally been the focus of my life. What skills do you bring to the board? I was a teacher in a neighboring district for 38 years. That experience has helped me to understand schools from a parent’s point of view, a teacher’s perspective and as a member of our community. Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it? One of the best lessons I have learned as a teacher is to let the process play out. There have been many instances in my classroom where I wouldn’t let go of a lesson until I was sure everyone understood it. Through experience I learned sometimes I needed to let success happen organically rather than trying to make certain everyone got the lesson in a certain time frame. What is your own experience with public education? I was a secondary Language Arts teacher, coach and mentor for 38 years at Hesperia. Additionally, I was the grievance chairman for 5 years. What do you see as the priorities for the coming years? Our priorities at NPS, in no particular order, are: ensuring each of our students receive the education and support to be successful, raising our test scores, and providing a plan to continuously review, change and/or modify our curriculum to keep up with the needs of our NPS family. What do you see as strengths in the school district? We have an amazing group of professional educators, administrators, staff and students and parents. Our strength lies in the passion all of these groups bring to NPS. What do you see as the primary challenges ahead? We need to raise our test scores, examine our facilities, and find opportunities to provide a clear vision of expectations for our students. What is your vision for NPS? My vision for NPS is a 100% graduation rate. I see our diplomas as a ticket for students to be successful after graduation. Describe your experience with conflict resolution and consensus building. As a teacher, current school board member and grievance chair, I have had many opportunities to experience conflict resolution and consensus building. Ideally, conflict resolution results in consensus building. That has always been my goal. What book you’ve read has influenced you the most? Dale Carnegie’s “Lifetime Plan for Success” has given me a set of principles and guidelines both personally and professionally. It’s an incredible book that inspires and motivates me to help others. Jeff Pols What motivates you to run for the board? Concerns about parental oversight Concerns for physical safety of students Concerns about basic educational quality – our citizens must have basic reading comprehension, knowledge of American history and Government, arithmetic/math skills Concerns about teachers being overwhelmed by care of students Watchfulness to prevent social indoctrination of kids outside of parental knowledge – critical theory, LGBTQ exposure, racialization of society What do you see as your responsibilities as a board member? Learning/understanding what problems/opportunities exist in NPS Watchfulness on matters above Wise input on solutions How long have you been in the district? What school activities have you been involved in? 4 – ½ years I have had no direct involvement with NPS thus far What skills do you bring to the board? Life experience in raising a family A broad exposure to Christian theology, the liberal arts, western civilization, mathematics, and sociology Excellent oral and written language skills A broad exposure to a variety of vocational disciplines – computer software and hardware, electronics, mechanics, construction, sales and marketing, leadership and management Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it? The story of my life! Failure isn’t failure; it’s a chance to learn the ways things don’t work and make adjustments What is your own experience with public education? I am a graduate of Hudsonville High School As an Air Force recruiter from 1987 to 1989, I was exposed to counselors, principals, teachers and students at a wide range of public schools across West Michigan. I visited schools on nearly a daily basis for two years. I have a daughter who is a graduate of Hudsonville High School What do you see as the priorities for the coming years? Physical safety of students Emphasize the basics Prevent/remove social indoctrination What do you see as strengths in the school district? Much of what I have read about NPS rules, etc., are very encouraging. I have seen very little evidence of pressures/influences of conformity to recent societal pathologies What do you see as the primary challenges ahead? Enabling all students to view their school as a place for academic flourishing Enabling teachers to see themselves as vital, supported, essential key to the academic flourishing of students What is your vision for NPS? A partnership of board, faculty, parents and students Describe your experience with conflict resolution and consensus building. I have blown it many times Listen Pray Wait Speak the truth in love, with gentleness and respect What book you’ve read has influenced you the most? The Bible Sara Smith What motivates you to run for the board? I have been attending school board meetings for the last couple of years. Most months I could count on one hand the number of people that had attended. It has made me realize the importance of community involvement in our school system. I find it important for members of the community to step up and fill these important rules, such as school board positions. My dedication to Newaygo Public was ingrained in me from a very early age. My dad, Steve Cronk, worked for the schools for approximately 25 years. I grew up helping him open the schools in the morning and clean after school. I personally attended Newaygo Public from second grade through graduation. Our children are the future. I want what is best for all of our kids attending public school and the best way to ensure this is to run for Newaygo School Board position. What do you see as your responsibilities as a board member? I see my responsibility as a board member to collaboratively work and communicate effectively with the other school board members to make educated decisions that could affect our child and their education. My responsibility will be to educate myself as much as possible on topics of discussion. I will listen with an open mind to the opinions and feedback of school staff, parents, and other community members and consider this information prior to voting or making other recommendations while on the school board. How long have you been in the district? I started attending Newaygo Public in the second grade. However, I was born and raised in Newaygo. Three of my children currently attend Newaygo Public Schools. What school activities have you been involved in? Immediately after high school, I was hired by Newaygo Public Schools to work as a teacher’s aide in a program called Synergy, a behavioral treatment program for youth. I was employed in this program for a couple of years where I later completed two bachelor’s level internships. This program is no longer funded, but it was the driving force for my career choices later in life. I was previously the president of Newaygo Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). I have volunteered numerous hours in my children’s classrooms, sorting fundraiser candy, attending field trips, and participating in school board meetings. What skills do you bring to the board? I have nearly 12 years of experience as a social worker where I’ve had to learn and practice effective communication with many individuals. I have a lot of experience working collaboratively as a team with others who all have different opinions on topics. I believe I will bring my great communication skills to the board. Additionally, in my 12 years as a social worker within this community, I have become very knowledgeable of resources available to K through 12 students and their families. With this information, I will be able to offer more suggestions and feedback to the board and administration on how to best meet the needs of all our students. Public school goes far beyond just the academics offered. Our children are being raised seven hours or more a day by their teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school staff. My hope is to bring some of my knowledge from my years as a social worker and apply it to public school. Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it? Last school year, I made the wrong decision when I requested that the school allow my son to sit in the office during art class instead of participating in art class. My son was struggling significantly in art class and I thought by removing him from the class it would improve his behaviors during the entire school day. What I found was that my son thought he could request to be out of any class that he didn’t like. This was not the goal of him being asked to sit out of art class last year and definitely did not help as anticipated. This year when he asked the same thing about a different class, I had to tell him that he would not be able to leave a class to sit in the office. I also had to remind him that in life we often must do a lot of things that we don’t always like and that he can make it a semester in an elective class. What is your own experience with public education? I was raised and graduated from Newaygo Public Schools. Three of my children currently attend Newaygo Public Schools. In my experience the state has mandated a lot of testing of students that don’t accurately reflect their learning or abilities. At times, I find the requirements of our students to be too high. It’s also been my experience that there are a lot of other things happening within public schools outside of academics. Our staff are dealing with mental health issues, behavioral problems, uninvolved parents, drugs, alcohol, threats against the school, and many other issues. In addition to having to deal with these things they’re also experiencing staff shortages, lack of applicants for positions, difficulty finding substitutes, difficulty finding bus drivers, and other staffing issues. Leaving teachers, administrators, and support staff shorthanded and overworked. Then there’s the issue with funding or lack thereof. I recently started a business within the community that many teachers have come to purchase items for their classroom. I have been amazed at how much teachers are spending out-of-pocket to supply their classroom for their students for the year. It also shows how much our teachers care about their students when they’re trying to outfit their classrooms and provide the students with things they need to learn in a calm, safe, and fun environment. What do you see as the priorities for the coming years? In the coming years I see searching for ongoing supports within the community to ensure our students have access to services to address concerns of behavioral issues, mental health issues, challenging home environments, and substance abuse. I see upgrades needed to our field in track and school buildings. Probably the most important priority in the upcoming years will be retention and recruitment of school staff. What do you see as strengths in the school district? Our district has some of the best teachers out there. I truly believe our school staff go above and beyond to ensure our children are being educated, cared for, and safe. We have staff that will work to overcome challenges in more unconventional ways just so they can see the child succeed. I have watched administrators check in daily with a student to ensure they are safe and doing okay. Our staff are taking time out of their personal time to find and attend trainings to help them improve. Our district has a lot to be grateful for. What do you see as the primary challenges ahead? I believe we are going to continue to have trouble in retention and recruitment of staff. This is the same across the state and even United States since Covid. It’s a global issue and one that’s likely to remain an issue. What is your vision for NPS? My vision for NPS is to have a high success rate of graduates. Along being fully staffed with individuals that feel appreciated and supported in their positions. I also would like to see a reduced number of students experiencing emotional, behavioral, and criminal behaviors at school. Describe your experience with conflict resolution and consensus building. I have worked as a social worker for approximately 12 years. I have worked with children and families during this entire time. I have also worked with numerous agencies within the community to accomplish the same goal. I have found that we often want the same goals, but struggle to agree how to get there. Often it is a lack of communication of expectations and understanding of roles that creates the conflict. I have been part of partnerships between agencies to assist in building rapport and consensus building between two agencies that are servicing the same type of population. I anticipate this experience will only help me in a position on the school board. Often asking clarifying questions can help to resolve conflict and improve understanding. Other times people want their voice heard and deserve that opportunity. Lastly, it may take more than the first two mentioned ideas to come to a resolution, but more people with ideas and suggestions is better than one. I truly believe teamwork is the best way to accomplish a goal. What book you’ve read has influenced you the most? I often enjoy reading in my free time, but more recently I have found listening to books on Audible is more convenient given my busy life. One book that comes to mind is Girl, Wash Your Face. We often allow social media, news media, and society to dictate how we should live and think. Social media tells us that other people live perfect lives, have perfect marriages, parent the best, are at the ideal weight, etc. These misconceptions hold us back from living a happy fulfilled life. These misconceptions are ingrained in our children from a young age due to the access to screen time and their peers and impact them into adulthood. This book did a good job of explaining and providing examples of how to let go of these misconceptions and that we don’t need to compare ourselves to others and in fact will live a much happier and fulfilling life if we don’t. Paul Herbert What motivates you to run for the board? One of my children refused to go to school the last month of the 21-22 school year, and as a Dad I asked him why. He told me it was because he didn't feel safe at school. This is what encouraged me to run for school board. School Safety is a priority! He loved school and for him to feel unsafe was alarming. What do you see as your responsibilities as a board member? Working as a Team to ensure students and staff have positive experiences and all the resources to have a safe environment to learn, work and have fun. Approving Budgets, Extracurricular activities, and making Tough Decisions on complicated behavioral situations. How long have you been in the district? What school activities have you been involved in? I'm a lifelong Lion, I attended Newaygo and Graduated in 2006. My children go to Newaygo, I have an 8th grader and two 7th graders currently attending. I attend board meetings as my schedule allows. Moving forward, I intend to be at every meeting. I have always attended all school conferences and promptly responded to teacher emails or phone calls. I attend educational meetings for parents such as Love and Logic and family reading programs. I volunteered at the Elementary level. I attend sports practice and games when my children are involved such as baseball and football. I even was the announcer for a couple games. I am invested in my community's future any way I can. What skills do you bring to the board? I have been trained in trauma informed parenting which helps me to see a different perspective of situations. I don't see any action at face value. There's alway a reason why people do what they do. This helps with knowing how to talk to people with various backgrounds. I have learned how to deescalate scenarios. I have had positive relationships with teachers and staff in all three buildings. I listen to the concerns of the community and I will take that into respect when making decisions. Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it? First off this was the hardest question in the Q&A, mainly because I try to use caution with major decisions, which is what I'll do while serving you on the newaygo Board of Education. When my son was playing rocket football, one week he didn't play as much as he normally would. The next monday I asked the coaches about it. They explained that the previous week he missed 2 days of practice or more, I explained how I was the one who brought him every day that week, after asking my son in front of the coaches he admitted that he didn't practice every day but instead played with other kids, the coaches and i talked with him and he never missed practice again for that reason. Today I'm friends with the coaches and we have great respect for each other. What is your own experience with public education? As I mentioned above, I attended public school and my children attend public school. As a parent, I have volunteered within Newaygo schools. I also attend meetings and extracurricular activities. What do you see as the priorities for the coming years? Safety is number one across the board in every district. We should also address concerns regarding state testing results. Improving communication with parents so that parents are actively involved. What do you see as strengths in the school district? Newaygo has amazing staff. They are passionate about doing what is best for every student regardless of resource availability. What do you see as the primary challenges ahead? School boards all over the country are faced with safety concerns and we are not immune. Maintaining appropriate curriculum based on community standards. What is your vision for NPS? To be a safe place for students and staff to attend. Where students will be prepared to go out into the world and excel. Where people will want to bring their children to learn. Describe your experience with conflict resolution and consensus building. I'm a parent to teenagers, it comes with the territory. I also run a farm. I am on teams that manage other things. Any decision I make, I include the people that are affected. I review and consider all opinions and decide what will benefit the most. We are not always going to agree. That's when you take the time to collaborate with your team. What book you’ve read has influenced you the most? Love and Logic MagicWhen Kids Leave You Speechless I use techniques such as "Energy Drain" with my kids. They hate it but it's effective. I want to thank Everyone for reading, and Near North Now for reaching out to have a Q&A. One Partial Term ending 12-31-26 Rick Vincent What motivates you to run for the board? Civic service. My dad was a minister and taught that we have a responsibility to continuously contribute to the greater good in our families, neighborhoods and the world at large. I view this as a fantastic opportunity to fulfill that responsibility. I am recently retired from the education field and believe my experience in education enables me to contribute positively by being on the board. What do you see as your responsibilities as a board member? Ultimately, I am responsible to community members. Our system was intentionally designed to put control of local school districts in the hands of voters living within each district. While being accountable to community members, here is a very broad explanation of a board member's responsibilities: to take the limited resources available to the school district and allocate them in a way that results in the highest level of student performance that is humanly possible. Every single school board meeting should include conversations about what we can do to improve outcomes. Our students and our community deserve, and should expect, nothing less than a constant pursuit of improvement. How long have you been in the district? What school activities have you been involved in? I have lived in Newaygo 38 years. All four of my children attended NPS K-12. They were all involved in sports and various extracurricular activities, which led to a lot of volunteering as coach, helper, referee, etc. As a result I coached about every kids sport Newaygo has had. I also was the original coach of Newaygo's MS wrestling program. I chaperoned more field trips than I can count, read in elementary classrooms, worked on school bond committees. What skills do you bring to the board? I worked in the business world and was a business owner in my first career. Budgeting, personnel management, and the typical management functions were skills I developed throughout that period. The most valuable skill set I bring to the board is a result of extensive study and application of curriculum alignment, assessment, and the teaching/learning process in my 2nd career. I went back to college in my 30's and earned a teaching degree and certification. I became a teacher at 36 and have worked extremely hard in that profession. As a result of that work I have a valuable knowledge base which gives me great insight into what is needed to help our students develop to their potential. Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it? On my very first day of teaching, first hour, a student walked into class tardy. He had purple hair that was cut into a 10" spiked mohawk. He had black lipstick, black mascara, and piercings that probably would have weighed up to a pound or so. To pull it all together he had a full length black trench coat and skull rings on each finger. I was teaching at a school district outside of Newaygo County. Needless to say, 25 years ago, this student did not have the appearance I had grown accustomed to while growing up in this county. I am not proud to say that I formed some opinions about this young person, and most of them did not include Sunday school picnics. This student turned out to be one of the most kind hearted, caring individuals I have ever met. All of the black stuff and his fashion taste just happened to be a look he liked. He taught me something I should have already known; don't judge others. That young man completely changed my perception of students throughout my entire teaching career. All people are unique. Teachers should never judge students. What is your own experience with public education? I taught high school for 25 years. During those years I was actively involved in curriculum alignment and development. I also worked with staff to develop methodology for using data to measure and improve student and school performance. The purpose of this work was to maximize the effectiveness of teachers in the classroom - which resulted in higher student achievement. What do you see as the priorities for the coming years? People. Political polarization, Covid, changes in the structure of the economy, working from home, distance learning.... There are so many things going on in our society right now that impact students and their families. School boards need to pay attention to all of these changes and have the ability and willingness to create learning environments that enable students to reach their full potential while working within the realities faced by their families. What do you see as strengths in the school district? Again, people. NPS has an incredible staff. Great educators and support staff are the backbone of our school district. There is an extreme shortage of education staff right now, and it will continue into the future. We need to make sure we retain the phenomenal staff currently working with our students. What do you see as the primary challenges ahead? One challenge is inaccurate public perceptions. America's public schools are actually one of the great success stories of our society. Unfortunately there are a lot of inaccurate claims being made about schools. Our school needs to be transparent and open so we can dispel the misperceptions and so people can see the great things that are happening in our classrooms. Another challenge is how we make decisions. Successful institutions and organizations use data driven decision making models. Many public schools, including NPS, are slow in moving to this model. If we want to maximize student performance and growth, we MUST do a better job of using data. What is your vision for NPS? My vision for NPS includes continued reliance on our exceptional staff, while we develop metrics we can use to drive growth and continuous improvement in years to come. I want our district to look inward and conduct an accurate assessment of our strengths and weaknesses. We should then have frank and honest conversations to build on those strengths and repair the weaknesses. This is not a time for personal pride or historical alliances influencing decisions in our school district. This is a time to remove barriers to growth, keep the things that make us great and change the things that don't. Describe your experience with conflict resolution and consensus building. As a teacher, I spent 25 years with groups of adolescents in groups of 30. Every single day was filled with conflict resolution and consensus building. What book you've read has influenced you the most? In the context of being a board member..."Bowling Alone" by Robert Putnam. He uses the analogy of bowling leagues of the 50's and 60's disappearing to show changes in America's modes of interaction. Putnam also chronicles the changes in the family unit and society in general throughout the country's history. Following the transitions from barn raisings performed by members of the local church, migration from family farms, bowling leagues composed of neighbors and friends, to the dissolution of social groups and greater separation into individuality, he demonstrates the significant changes that have occurred in the structure of our society. Books I have read since "Bowling Alone" describe the continued trends into the spread of social media. Our nation and our society have experienced unparalleled change over the past 50 years. This strongly reinforces the need for a flexible and adaptable education system. Reid Sherwood
What motivates you to run for the board? My father was quite well known for his civic contributions and taught me to “give back” to the community you call home. Twenty-some years now on the Board of Education has given me many opportunities to make a difference. It is a great feeling. What do you see as your responsibilities as a board member? In theory, the responsibility is to:
How long have you been in the district? What school activities have you been involved in? I was born and raised here, so with the exception of college, I have been here my entire 60 years. I have been on the Board of Ed for about 25 years, and that has allowed the chance to see some bond issues fail and the past 3 have been successful. As a board member, that is the ultimate accomplishment. I have also been involved in many of the sporting events from an announcer or scorekeeper over 30 some years. What skills do you bring to the board? I bring over 20 years experience dealing with bond issues, contract negotiations, trying to manage the money in a way that is transparent and responsible to the taxpayers. I have served on the board with 4 different superintendents; keeping those working relationships, along with the administration, teacher and support staff, is critical to a solid functioning school. I also believe it is important to use common sense above all else. Can you tell about a time you made a decision that turned out to be the wrong way to go and how you handled it? There have been many. Probably the most glaring and memorable was in the early years on the board when we were trying to pass a bond issue to build a new high school (where the current middle school sits on 76th St). After 4 failures, with the direction of a new superintendent and design team, we went to the voters with a plan to build a new middle school and it passed with flying colors. It was with much community input that we determined the high school was not perceived as the need, so we listened and adapted accordingly. What is your own experience with public education? I am a product of public education and have been able to carve out a good life for myself and my family. We have been blessed for many many years with very good superintendents, building administrators, teachers and support staff who put kids first, and it shows. What do you see as the priorities for the coming years? There are so many, it’s hard to know where to start.
What do you see as strengths in the school district? Our strength is our staff and community. We have weathered some pretty tough things over the years. We did it by looking out for each other. Caring about others is one of the mainstays of the community. What do you see as the primary challenges ahead? Our strength has always been strong and long term leadership. We are in a situation with a solid superintendent, but his retirement is approaching. I have been involved in 3 searches and I can confidently say we have been successful in our search. Attracting the right candidate next is critical for our next 10 years What is your vision for NPS? To maintain a positive culture where everyone is encouraged to learn and thrive. As long as we are successful with that, we will graduate students that are truly prepared for the next chapter of their lives regardless of whether that is going into the workforce directly, the military, college or trade school. Describe your experience with conflict resolution and consensus building. Conflict resolution is really a negotiation process. Good negotiations usually mean that both parties go away a little disappointed. If one party goes away thrilled, it is probably not a good negotiation. Consensus building is an art form. You have to really know your crowd and quickly build a trust factor with everyone. What book you’ve read has influenced you the most? Good to Great - the art of taking a B- to B+ organization and turning into a thriving A to A+ organization. It taught me when to look at a macro view and when to look at a micro view.  Reader expresses appreciation for Better Angels Workshop
To The Editor: I would like to thank two local people of Newaygo County, Sally Kane and Sally Wagoner, who spearheaded a local conversation on the Partisan Divide that is seen and heard in our county, our state and in the nation. Working diligently, over the summer, with the MI Braver Angels Organization and members of the local Republican and Democratic parties and other area citizens, these women dedicated hours of time and planning to be able to offer a local Red and Blue Workshop which was held on Sept. 30th, 2022. I have been feeling frustrated, discouraged and heartsick about the rancor and hostility I have witnessed when it comes to public and even private conversations among family and friends who are from different political persuasions, views or parties. This workshop was a breath of fresh air and provided a safe and calm environment to explore opportunities to talk with, to listen to and to share in civil and respectful ways with others in our county who may or may not think and believe the same way politically. After attending the workshop with approximately 30 people; red and blue leaning participants, observers, moderators and volunteers for feeding all, I came away from that Braver Angels workshop with a renewed spirit in humankind and hope for the state of our nation. And two significant insights. My first insight was that all of us there, regardless of party affiliation, had been “brainwashed” by the media with its stereotypical blaming, shaming and “othering” of one another and issues of the day! In an eye opening exercise, each group easily named how and what the other group thought of them; each full of stereotypes and untruths! Talking with one another, we recognized the untruths and lies about each other and focused on listening and discovering that we are NOT enemies. The purpose was not to change anyone's minds, accuse or argue. Listening to one another in a safe environment with unbiased moderators, one red and one blue, brought attention to my second significant insight; we are not enemies! We all had so much in common as caring human beings, not only for ourselves and our families but as caring people concerned about our well being as citizens of Newaygo county and this country. True communication, listening, and respect was had that day. Kudos to the local organizers who worked together with MI Braver Angels to hold this workshop, the FACF’s support and the congregation of Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ for opening their building for the day. It was a very worthwhile experience and I recommend others to find out about Braver Angels and the work they do to close the political divide. Gloria Switzer Fremont  Hazards and Alternatives to Open Burning
Story and photo by Sally Wagoner, Chair, Newaygo County Environmental Coalition Ahhh, Autumn. Who doesn’t love Fall with its crisp air and vibrant colors? You know the season is turning when you begin to see a haze in the neighborhood and detect the acrid smell of burning leaves. Get me my marshmallows! Burning Hazards: But open burning of leaves and trash produce hazards that we should all be aware of, and make good decisions about. The microscopic particles released with burning find their way into the deepest parts of our lungs, causing respiratory damage, disease and sometimes even cancer. The release of carbon monoxide from burning is dangerous to everyone, but especially to infants, children, the elderly and those with lung and heart problems. “My yard, my trash, my problem!” some may say. But the smoke, hydrocarbons, irritants and poisons don’t stay neatly in your yard. They float all across our neighborhoods, woods and farmlands, swept by even the slightest breeze, ready to be breathed in by your kids playing football outside, your grandma with COPD sitting in her living room, and by the newborn coming home for the first time. This can jump start asthma in children, or make just the simple and essential act of breathing deadly for others. Many people in rural Michigan heat with wood stoves, so there is already a greater amount of smoke and particles in our air. Aside from the necessity of keeping warm, the need for limiting what we burn, and how much of it, is great. Trash burning especially produces a huge amount and variety of toxins. Plastic, rubber, foam, Styrofoam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals or hazardous materials should never be burned at home. Oh, and did we mention the potential for starting unintentional fires in our yards, homes or woods with open burning? Burning Alternatives – Healthier Options Here are a few ways we can “Ban the Burn”:
 No, not this kind of board. County has several board openings
Got an interest in serving? No, not at a local eatery, though given the ‘help wanted’ signs many have on display you might be welcomed with open arms. We mean serve on a public board. A way of getting to know how such entities operate while representing your community. Our county currently has board vacancies for citizens interested in helping to make a difference in the Newaygo County community. Like perhaps the Commission on Aging Advisory Board. The COA mission statement reads: “Newaygo County Commission on Aging exists to make available caring services that enhance the quality of life and support the independence of adults who are 60 and over.” The meetings are every other month,you get to learn about the wide range of services the COA provides and even meet the folks who provide the services How can you not want to be part of that? Then there is the District 5 Extension Council. MSUEx describes their organization’s efforts as: “equipping Michigan residents with the information that they need to do their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build their communities and empower our children to dream of a successful future.” See what I mean? MSUX strives to make a difference in the lives of many and serving on their board allows you to be a part of their evolving vision. The County Library Board has three openings. Is there really anyone who can discount the important services libraries bring to our communities these days? And it doesn’t stop there. Here are the other vacancies looking for folks from the citizenry to get involved: Area Agency on Aging- One (1) partial term expiring 1/1/2023 Brownfield Authority Board- One (1) partial term expiring 12/31/2023 Pere Marquette & White River Zoning Boards (alternate positions) Two (2) partial terms expiring 12/31/2024 There is also a seat on the Department of Human Services Board expiring at year’s end. Think about it. Talk to friends who have served on boards. And if you have questions about the process of applying you can contact the County Clerk, Jason VanderStelt and/or one of his capable staff by calling 231.689.7235.You can also email them via https://www.newaygocountymi.gov/departments/county-clerk/home/ and applications are available at the Office of the Newaygo County Clerk, 1087 E. Newell Street, White Cloud, Michigan. But if you are truly intrigued, contact the organization. Check out what they do, where they do it, and more importantly why they do it. Then ask to speak to someone about being on the board. Find out what role the board plays, how often do they meet, what are the expectations, etc. That should give you an idea of whether you want to be part of it. So here’s your chance to serve your community and maybe feel good about being part of a group of folks trying to do positive things. “You are what you do, not what you say you'll do.”- Carl Jung |
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January 2025
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