 9 questions, 4 responses With six contenders vying for three positions on the Newaygo School Board, we at N3 thought it might be a good idea to give voters a little glimpse at the candidates and perhaps provide a forum for prospective board members to share their views. We came up with nine questions based on community interest and these were sent to each of the candidates via email. We heard back from 4 of the six, Jami Schultz, Mary Spicer, Jamie Wiles, and Melinda Sheldon and have posted their responses below. The order was selected by drawing names out of a hat. Well, actually a bowl, but hat sounds more official. This is a lengthy read to be sure, but we believe it is a worthy one. And please take time to vote. Whether by mail or in person. Your vote matters. -Near North Now Melinda Sheldon Why are you the best candidate for the school board position? Although there are many good candidates, I believe that my vast experience as a retired teacher, combined with my educational training, and dedication to volunteerism in public education, positions me as a highly suitable school board candidate. My in-depth knowledge of state curriculum and student assessments was gained through my work with the Michigan Department of Education, where I contributed to writing general and special education curriculum standards and developing assessment questions. This experience has provided me with firsthand insight into the expectations for both staff and students. My educational training encompasses critical areas such as school finances, state and federal law, grant writing, educational staff evaluations, and facilities management, all equipping me with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of school governance effectively. Lastly, my lifelong commitment to the community is evident through my volunteer work with school-sponsored groups and activities, as well as my involvement in Newaygo Scouting programs that have directly benefited our district’s students. With this blend of experience, training, and community engagement, I am well-prepared to contribute to the school board’s mission of enhancing educational outcomes for all students. What is your own experience with public education? My journey in public education began as a parent volunteer in the classroom, where I participated in events such as the carnival and Santa Shop. I also served as a substitute aide for the playground and lunch room. These early experiences and the dedication of the teachers at Vera Wilsie, inspired me to pursue a teaching degree. After earning my degree, I began my career as a high school Spanish Teacher before finding my true passion as a middle school Special Education Teacher. I carried out my teaching career in that position until my retirement in 2018. Throughout my career, I was actively involved in various initiatives, including serving on school improvement teams, acting as a union representative, mentoring teachers, training one on one aides, leading CPI Teams, writing state, ISD, and local curriculum and assessments, and managing the MS Student Council activities for over 20 years. These diverse experiences have given me a comprehensive understanding of public education, the challenges faced by students and educators, and the importance of community involvement in fostering a supportive learning environment. What do you see as your primary responsibilities as a board member? As a board member, I believe the primary responsibility is to govern effectively. This involves the careful and responsible management of the school district’s resources including finances, facilities, and human resources. Board members must prioritize the impact of each decision on our students’ academic success ensuring that all actions taken align with the goal of fostering a positive and enriching educational environment. With this focus, we can make informed decisions that support the best interests of our students and the community. What do you see as the strengths of the District? Newaygo Public Schools has an impressive 95% graduation rate, which is in the top 5% in the state. This achievement is a result of several key factors, including the comprehensive wrap-around services offered, ie: mentoring programs, Arbor Circle support, academic and behavior interventions. Additionally, there is strong community support for Newaygo’s students, evident in the attendance at sporting events, elementary reward days, and middle school incentive trips, all made possible through fundraising, community donations, and booster groups. Newaygo Public Schools has a dedicated staff that takes on many different roles, both inside and outside of the classroom. This commitment is noticed by the community and fosters a positive and engaged educational environment. What do you see as the biggest challenges? One big challenge facing all school boards is the uncertainty surrounding the annual state funding, coupled with fluctuation in student enrollment. These factors can greatly impact budget planning and resource allocation. Additionally, state and federal school laws are constantly evolving, requiring school boards to adapt swiftly to ensure compliance and maintain effectiveness. Navigating these challenges will be crucial to supporting our students and staff effectively. What is your vision for NPS? My vision for Newaygo Public School is for the board and staff to collaborate effectively to enhance programs aimed at improving proficiency in math and reading. Currently, “Newaygo Public School District has an average math proficiency score of 20%, compared to the Michigan public school average of 34%, and reading proficiency score of 31%, compared to the 46% statewide average.” (source: Public School Review) By focusing our efforts on targeted intervention, resources, and professional development, we can empower our students to achieve their full potential in these critical areas. Public School Review: https://www.publicschoolreview.com/michigan/newaygo-public-school-district/2625320-school-district 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? When I began my career as a high school Spanish teacher right out of college at Cedar Springs, I realized within just two days that I had made the wrong choice. I immediately shared my misgivings with my principal and he provided me with support and guidance. During one of his principal meetings with surrounding schools, he learned about staff shortages in other districts and the layoffs of teachers. As it turned out a Spanish teacher was laid off from Lowell, but they were still in need of a middle school Special Education teacher. My principal facilitated a mid-year trade between the two schools, where I transitioned into the special education position in Lowell. By being open and honest with my principal from the beginning, I was able to transition to a role where I truly belonged, as a middle school special education teacher. This experience taught me the importance of communication and adaptability in navigating challenges. What is one change you would like to see in our schools? One change I would advocate for is the addition of a Curriculum Coordinator to guide staff in developing a collaborative curriculum K-12 across all subjects. This role would help ensure consistency in educational standards and promote effective teaching strategies, ultimately enhancing student learning outcomes. What was your favorite book in high school? My favorite book from high school is The Grapes of Wrath. I often discuss it, as it had a profound impact on me. Dr. Angus was my Literature teacher, and while most of my classmates disliked reading the novel, I found it captivating and have read it over a dozen times. The story of the Joad family’s struggles as they migrated to California and the hardships they endured has always resonated with me. Jamie Wiles Why are you the best candidate for the school board position? I don’t like to think of myself as “the best” candidate because I feel that we have a strong lineup of candidates, and everyone brings a wealth of perspectives and strengths. However, I believe I am an excellent candidate for the school board because of my extensive experience in business management, where I have honed skills in leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning. These skills are essential for addressing the challenges our schools face and ensuring efficient use of resources. Additionally, as a lifelong member of this community and a parent of two children in the district, I am deeply invested in the success of Newaygo Public Schools. My background might differ from a generalized expectation of more education system experience, but I bring a fresh perspective, rooted in honesty, transparency, and a commitment to continuous improvement; values that I prioritize both in my professional and personal life, and would certainly carry with me in my school board role. What is your own experience with public education? I am a proud graduate of Newaygo High School, Class of 2003, and have seen firsthand the opportunities and challenges within our district. My wife and I both grew up in this community, and now, with our two children currently attending Newaygo Public Schools (and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends), I continue to engage with and support the education system. I’d like to contribute more hence my decision to run for school board. My career has also involved managing teams, fostering development, and supporting growth, skills that I see as crucial to enhancing the educational experience for students. What do you see as your primary responsibilities as a board member? As a board member, my primary responsibilities would be to listen, represent, and advocate. Listening to the concerns and aspirations of parents, teachers, and students is key to understanding the needs of our community. Representing these voices ensures that our policies and decisions reflect the best interests of our community. Advocacy involves pushing for initiatives that enhance educational quality, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and maintaining transparency throughout the process. What do you see as the strengths of the District? No doubt in my mind that Newaygo Public Schools’ strengths lie in its dedicated staff, supportive community, and the diverse opportunities it offers students. I’ve experienced this firsthand as my wife and I are very involved in our children’s education and have taken full advantage of parent-teacher conferences and have always had enriching experiences with our children’s teachers and support staff. It is very apparent that all teachers and support staff are committed to fostering a positive learning environment, and our community’s involvement in school activities showcases a strong sense of unity and pride. Additionally, we can’t lose sight of the fact that our district provides a variety of programs that cater to different interests, from academics to arts and athletics, encouraging well-rounded development for our students. What do you see as the biggest challenges? One of the biggest challenges I see is ensuring equal access to educational resources and opportunities for all students. We must address disparities and provide the necessary support for students who might be struggling, whether academically, socially, or emotionally. Another challenge (nationwide) is attracting and retaining high-quality educators, which requires competitive compensation and a positive working environment. What is your vision for NPS? My vision is a district that provides a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. I envision a future where our schools are recognized for academic excellence, unmatched community ties, and innovation in teaching. This means not only focusing on core academics but also on programs that develop critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. I want to see NPS as a place where students feel supported, teachers feel valued, and families feel engaged. 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? In my career, I once implemented a new process that I believed would improve efficiency. However, it quickly became clear that it was creating more complications than it solved. I took responsibility for the oversight, engaged with my team to understand their concerns and generate ideas, then together we found a better solution. This experience was a stark reminder of the importance of adaptability and collaboration, which is only one example of a lesson I would bring to my role on the school board. What is one change you would like to see in our schools? I would like to see more focus on mental health and wellness. I think our current leaders have taken positive steps in this area, but I believe by increasing access to counseling services and providing resources for social-emotional learning, we can better support our students’ well-being. A huge concern today with the constant pressures associated with smartphones and social media. Addressing mental health proactively not only helps students cope with stress but also improves their ability to succeed academically and socially. What was your favorite book in high school? My favorite book in high school, okay let’s be honest, the only book I vividly recall is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This novel resonated with me because of its message about empathy, justice, and standing up for what is right. It’s a book that teaches the importance of seeing the world through others’ eyes, which is a principle I carry with me in both my personal and professional life. Mary Spicer Why are you the best candidate for the school board position? NPS has some great candidates in place for the school board positions, but here is why I believe I would make a great fit: I am passionate about promoting kindness in schools, which can lead to positive outcomes for students, staff, and the community. I have a clear vision for improving the school environment by supporting programs and policies that prioritize empathy, respect, and compassion. I understand the value of community engagement and collaboration in achieving the best outcomes for students. I am dedicated to serving the needs of students, teachers, and families, and will work to ensure everyone's success. Also, as the Vice President of the Hess Lake Improvement Association I have gained valuable experience in working together with community members and developing strategies to address local concerns. This background, combined with my passion for promoting kindness and improving the school environment, makes me a strong candidate for the school board position. What is your own experience with public education? My experience with public education includes my own time as a student, where I graduated from high school. As a parent, I have children who are currently enrolled at NPS. Additionally, I have actively volunteered within the school system, gaining further insights and experiences from that perspective. Currently, I remain actively engaged in the school community, continuing to volunteer and advocate for the needs of students, teachers, and families within the Newaygo Public School District. What do you see as your primary responsibilities as a board member? My primary responsibilities as a school board member will include setting policies, overseeing the budget, hiring, and evaluating leadership, engaging with the community, participating in strategic planning, and ensuring legal and ethical compliance—all to drive continuous improvement in student achievement and district performance. What do you see as the strengths of the District? I believe that Newaygo Public School District has several strengths: Qualified and Experienced Teachers. We should recognize and applaud the hard work and dedication of our teachers and school staff. They are instrumental in shaping the lives of our children and ensuring their academic success. Dedicated Students. Students in the district are motivated, enthusiastic, and actively participate in a wide array of academic and co-curricular activities, demonstrating their commitment to their education. Community-Focused Board Members. Board members are committed to responsible budgeting, retaining high-quality staff, and considering the wishes of parents, indicating a focus on community engagement and transparency. Vision for Growth and Improvement. Board members and stakeholders striving for growth, improvement, and providing a strong education for the district's youth. What do you see as the biggest challenges? From what I understand, some challenges currently are: Funding constraints: We often struggle with limited budgets, making it difficult to provide adequate resources and support for teachers and students. Student well-being: Issues like bullying, mental health, and social-emotional learning are so important, and we must find ways to address these challenges. Academic achievement gaps: We must work to close gaps in achievement between different groups of students and provide equal opportunities for all. Parental engagement: Encouraging parents and families to be actively involved in their children's education. What is your vision for NPS? My vision for Newaygo Public Schools (NPS) is to support a district that empowers all students to reach their full potential, fosters a culture of kindness and inclusion, and continuously improves in the face of challenges. I envision NPS as a leader in strong K-12 education, providing high-quality instruction, nurturing the student’s and the staff’s well-being, and building strong community partnerships. 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? When organizing the Hess Lake Run in 2023, I made the mistake of miscalculating the course distance, leading the half marathon to be a bit shorter than intended. As soon as I realized the error, I apologized to the runners and ensured they were aware of the correct distance. To prevent this in 2024, I implemented a double-check system with a team member to verify course measurements before race day. What is one change you would like to see in our schools? One change I'd like to see in our schools is a renewed focus on supporting teachers and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. This includes ensuring adequate classroom supplies, implementing self-care initiatives to prevent burnout, and aligning the curriculum from kindergarten through twelfth grade. By investing in our educators and fostering a collaborative, well-resourced environment, we can create a strong foundation for student success. What was your favorite book in high school? To be honest, I didn't have a favorite book in high school and mostly read what was assigned. But I've come to see how important it is to read and how books can help us learn from different points of view. This has made me even more committed to encouraging others to read and love learning. Jami Schultz Why are you the best candidate for the school board position? When I ran for the school board six years ago, it was because I had two children close to starting school. I now have two children that are in school and a third that will start in the next few years, and I think it's extremely important to be active and involved in their education. As an existing school board member I have participated in two superintendent searches, worked to get the bond proposal passed and have learned a lot about our community and school system and the ever changing environment that education is and would love to continue bringing my perspective to the table. What is your own experience with public education? I attended NPS from 9th – 12th grade, I have two children who have been in public school, one going on her sixth year and another going on his fourth year and overall we have had positive experiences. I have a variety of family members and friends that are retired or currently work in public education. They help to bring varying perspectives and understanding of the successes and challenges that public education faces. What do you see as your primary responsibilities as a board member? My responsibilities as a board member are to hire, evaluate and support the superintendent, set goals for the district, develop, establish, and follow policies, make decisions on curriculum and facilities, oversee the budget and engage with the community, while also ensuring the best interests of students are the primary focus of the decisions being made. My role is not to make others believe what I believe but to listen to all perspectives and represent the people in the community. What do you see as the strengths of the District? The staff at NPS is one of the biggest strengths we have in our District. The care and concern and vested interest that our staff has for all students is incredible, and continuously shows that all kids are worth whatever it takes. Community support, shown several ways but a recent example is passing the bond proposal in May. Some other great strengths in our district; access to technical training, Promise Zone, Kickstart to Career, the PBIS initiative, Capturing Kids Hearts Process. What do you see as the biggest challenges? Education as a whole is facing a teacher shortage that has been a challenge for a number of years. Education is constantly changing and one of the biggest things in the next few years will be the world of AI and what that looks like and staying in front of the additional challenges that will bring. While NPS does a great job at being fiscally responsible, the unknowns of what will come from the state budget every year are a constant challenge. Student behaviors is also a challenge that every district is facing, we need to make sure we are supporting staff and equipping them with the best tools to handle behaviors when they arise. What is your vision for NPS? Strong schools = strong communities, my vision for NPS is that we continue as a strong school system and that while we continue to focus on student achievement, we also make development of the whole child a priority. 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? In a previous project at work we decided to implement multiple new processes at the same time, doing this created an enormous amount of stress for my staff. I acknowledged that the approach I took could have been done better, starting with a couple of processes, and slowly adding in more. I discussed with my staff and asked for ideas on what we could do differently next time to eliminate the added stress. What is one change you would like to see in our schools? Our food service department has been doing a great job at bringing in new menu items and having different options for students, so thankful for the effort being put into this already. I am hoping this change will continue and we will see more fresh options for students. We need to be fueling kids with whole foods, not just empty calories. 
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 Birds, Bones, a Poet & Well-Earned Praise
By Ken DeLaat Lots of goings on in and around the county these days. We recently did a story on the ribbon cutting at the Dragon, the hike/bike trail surrounding Hardy Pond and now a birding trail has been added to the many opportunities visitors to our fair county can enjoy. For the Birds…and Their Watchers - Near North Now For those not yet swept up in this avian pursuit you might be surprised to learn that it is estimated some 96 million folks in the U.S. of A. participate in some type of bird watching. Terry (Bird Goober) and Andrea Grabill did a column for us awhile back and Terry chronicled his Birding Big Year in our pages. Charles Chandler has taken me on my ever elusive hunt for a peek at a snowy owl which as yet remains elusive and Dr. Ross Nelson has a very cool bird feeder cam that has captured some intriguing shots of the hungry winged ones that he has shared on social media. One might even say the popularity of bird watching rivals pickleball in these parts but one of life’s lessons that came to me hard was ‘Don’t poke the bear!” The Dogwood Center is really putting it out there this month with an intriguing slate of shows beginning with The Mad Angler and Mad Cellist at the Dogwood on October 12 - Near North Now Michael Winslow (if you saw Police Academy, you know) is bringing his comedy show to town later this month and the renowned Celtic trio Kalos will be paying a visit as well. For over 20 years the Dogwood has been providing top level entertainment at a fraction of what the same shows cost in our metro neighbors. It is truly the entertainment gem of the Near North and our county community is enriched by its presence. The story about Bob Walker is a fave. Living Well - Near North Now In lieu of political signs (perhaps the most annoying of all yard ornaments) he has created a nightmarish wonderland in his yard in Newaygo. Stopped by to take a few snaps and spoke with him briefly as he was preparing yet another prop for the dazzling display of daunting decor. Great guy, big heart and, one would surmise, a very patient spouse. April Storms is one of our county’s true leaders. We have written before of her ability to procure support for some major projects and she continues to strive for her city as you can see here: A Safer Streetscape With Benches to Boot - Near North Now White Cloud has a visionary thinker in the Manager’s office who has provided the county seat with some of the community’s long desired projects via grants and collaborations with other organizations. The city also received funding from the Fremont Area Community Foundation to repair the ORV bridge and now we understand some badly needed signage is on the horizon. Well done, Ms. Storms.  Brother Dave (L) and the writer watching one leave the field at CoPa during the last year the Tigers made the playoffs  Loyalty runs deep for Tiger fans, but it ain't always easy By Ken DeLaat No Way! Seriously, there is no way I should be writing about the Tigers heading to Houston to take part in the Playoffs. I have been a Tiger fan for more than a smattering of decades witnessing the good, the bad and the ugly (and man there was some truly ugly) and this team tops them all. Sure, the comeback in the 68 Series was dramatic as was the Gibson home run off Gossage to ice it in ‘84 but I haven’t seen anything like what this collection of young, unproven, players mingled in with other parts of the puzzle rescued from the scrap heap have done. This wasn’t a comeback. It was a resurrection. They were tossing dirt in this team as late as mid August. They were sellers at the trade deadline. They were down to 2 (really 1 ½) starting pitchers as relievers logged innings in sets of 2 or 3. Many averages hovered or sank below the Mendoza line and injuries took out their best power hitters for extended periods of time. Springtime hopefuls had been banished to the minors after horrendous starts at the plate, only to return and make a huge impact.And they charged back taking series after series and muscling their way into a 3 game shootout with the Stro’s (nee Colt 45’s). You cannot make this stuff up. And of course, it’s gotta be Houston. The team my (much) older brother and longtime fellow member of the Bengal Brigade, swung some allegiance to after the Tig’s launched their latest and, of course, lengthy rebuild in ‘17. “ I can’t do another rebuild,” he told me soon after the Tigers traded Verlander. Hence, as he was living in the Houston aream he began following the Astros. A team 5 years removed from the National League and about to win their first of 7 AL West titles over the next 8 years. Now, I won’t say I didn’t label him a front runner for trading in the Olde English D for one of those funky Texas stars with a big old H in the middle. I admittedly ribbed him a bit for going to April games in 70 degree weather when we all know early season baseball involves the possibility of snow in real baseball towns. It was like he had betrayed the credo of the long suffering Tiger fans and traded in “Just wait til next year” for “Continue the dynasty” The once downtrodden Astros had become like the Yankees of the 50-60’s. And my brother was a fan? The horror! You know, you can take the Tiger fan out of Michigan and stick him in a warm weather climate where a successful franchise that gets to go to the post season every year becomes his home team… But it ain’t the same as the team you grew up with. The one you followed each year from the day pitchers and catchers reported to the final out that usually came in September. The team who doesn’t win often but when they do it is oh so sweet. You not only knew all the players you could recite their stats like cruising through the Pledge of Allegiance. So tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday) he and I will once again see a game together like the old days. Instead of sharing a couple of box seats at Tiger Stadium or Comerica Park, he’ll be in Houston in front of his TV and I’ll be sitting way too close to mine. And there is no doubt in my mind who he’ll be rooting for. Because my nephew Randy, pictured with us below, captured the above shot of him at a Houston game when the Boys from Big D were in town. Welcome back, brother. It’s like you never left. And Go Tigers!!  Rally caps 2014  Veterans and First Responders were honored before the WC/Hesperia game  Panther kicker Lacy Mey splitting the uprights Lacy Mey is the real deal
By Ken DeLaat Quite the weekend for sports. State and U-M won over opponents they certainly should have beaten, the Tigers took 2 out of 3 from the powerhouse Orioles to creep ever closer to a chance at a wild card bid while the Lions played a game called missed opportunities against the Bucs and fell to 1-1. And hereabouts there were a pair of rivalry games on the gridiron including a contest at White Cloud attended by this writer. Even after having walked the sidelines during games up in the county seat for a couple of decades, there is still a special atmosphere in this stadium. Like the other schools we cover the crowd is that mix of students, staff, family members, alumni and the occasional citizen just interested in the game. And of course the fence folks who are made up mostly of men who seem to have had coaching and/or refereeing experience (though most likely the coaching experience was primarily from owning a team in a fantasy league). On this night the school honored local veterans, firefighters and first responders before the game as a tribute to the lives lost during 9/11. With the group taking their place in front of the home bleachers there was a moment of silence, an appreciative applause, and the band did a fine rendition of the Star Spangled Banner before the honored guests marched off the field. Later, the band did itself proud at halftime with a clever show based on Wide World of Sports. As always, it was good to see WC Supe Ed Canning along with some other familiar folks and it was my first face to face with Near North Now photo contributor Bobbie Cruzan who took some great shots of the contest. Later I saw Girls Hoops Coach Caleb Wilk volunteering in the concession stand and shouted out a congrats to him on his recent marriage to another former standout WC athlete, Paige Foster, now known as Paige Wilk of course. Then there was the game. A high scoring free for all with a pair of talented quarterbacks and some big plays on both sides of the ball. What drew my attention the most, however, was the work of the freshman kicker for the Panthers, Lacy Mey. Mey handles the PAT kicking duties for the Panthers. And boy, does she ever do it well. I had heard about Mey, the only female member of the squad, saw her name in the stats Coach Fehler sent after previous games and looked forward to seeing her in action. White Cloud scored twice early on and the opportunity didn’t present itself until the second quarter when a Hesperia TD sent Mey onto the field. She drilled a shot through the uprights with ample length. Three more times during the game she would be called on to secure the extra point and trotting onto the field she coolly and calmly canned each, including one that was hurriedly placed after a mishandled snap. My hopes for witnessing a field goal attempt were dashed by the parade of touchdowns the teams put on the board, but watching her boot the ball it’s apparent that she can hit from farther than the 20 yard shots she’s been acing. Over the years there have been a few female gridders on high school teams as well as on college squads, but it is still a rarity. And while Ms. Mey might attract some attention due to being a girl, it should not detract from the fact that this is a top shelf kicker with poise to go with her skills. And yes, she is only a freshman.  First food distribution at WCUMC- Photo by Chadwick Walenga Food Truck Returns to the Cloud “For I was hungry…” It’s great to see the collaborative efforts of the White Cloud United Methodist Church and the White Cloud Library succeed in bringing back the Feeding America food truck to the area. The Church also sponsors Benny’s House, a nearby emergency food pantry. In June we ran a story on the delivery being canceled abruptly by the White Cloud Church of God Ministry who had been hosting the food truck. Feeding America posted a supportive message about the upcoming Pride Month and soon after the Church shut down the program and told us they would be investing in another food bank in the county. We have reached out since to inquire as to whether they had followed through and found another program but have not heard back as yet. But the good news is the return of this much needed and relied upon effort to help stem hunger in our community. Nicely done WCUMC and WCCL. A true example of compassion and humanity in action. The first run went well and the next date for FA will be September 24th at 5:30pm. You can get updates at the UMC fb site at https://www.facebook.com/whitecloudumc and as with any effort such as this, they will need volunteers so give a little time to a good cause and, more importantly, let yourself feel good about it afterwards. Shhh. They’re on a bit of a roll. I’m not prone to conspiracy theories and generally not superstitious although the last couple of Lions seasons has me sitting on the couch in the same spot with the same snacks and drink with my phone receiving texts from a fellow fan. But quietly and without a shred of expectation the Tigers have forged into a team that has a legitimate, if a tad distant, shot at a wild card berth. Unthinkable during a June swoon the Cubs would be proud of, this cobbled together pitching staff that has seen dozens of faces on the mound this year tossed a 3.06 ERA at opponents in August. They climbed over the 500 mark and gained ground on the Twins and Royals who currently sit in those coveted Wild Card spots. The schedule ahead is tough with the Padres and O’s, both nearly assured of being postseason teams and among the best 2 squads in both leagues. But who’d a thunk these games would even matter? And if we’re close? We end the season with three at home against the White Sox who are rapidly approaching history as they stare down the ‘62 Mets 120 loss record with scant possibilities of avoiding it. Go Tigers! “And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.”- Oscar Wilde Man was that a swift close out to summer or what? At N3 World Headquarters on the shores of Hess it went from full bore summer celebratin’ over the Labor Day weekend to a pretty quiet Monday finish as boats left the water on trailers and folks began hunkering down for the end. Our neighbors over at Brooks will be hauling their stuff out in a hurry as the lake will be drawn down for some needed maintenance along the roadway. Even our remaining orioles and hummingbirds that have extended their stay seem to have departed for warmer climes preceded by many of the other migrators. Football is everywhere, leaves have begun to color up and tumble down and my morning walks involve waving at school bus drivers. And, real or not, when I’m out and about there’s that subtle yet distinctive whiff of Pumpkin Spice entering my olfactory system. Well, so long summer. You’ve once again been a great time in your all too short stay. And that’s smart of you, tossing in the occasional brutal heat wave so we don’t get overly attached. “Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.”- J.K. Rowling , Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows  A much quieter Hess Lake  Forget the curse of Bobby Layne. SI prediction might be worse
By Ken DeLaat After last season and the continued gridiron renaissance of the Detroit Lions anyone who is a long suffering fan of the team has to be looking at the upcoming season with more than a tad of optimism. Coach Dan Campbell is back along with the innovative Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn who directs the defense. They are young and hungry. A recent story in The Athletic named the top 25 players aged 25 and under. There are 32 teams in the NFL and yet 5 of the 25 names wear the Honolulu Blue and Silver. We’ve grown to embrace Jared Goff and can even give Matthew Stafford some love for supplying us with a boatload of draft picks AND a QB who knows how to win. The draft and free agency filled some needs and there are many reasons for a rosy outlook, right? At N3 we were thinking this year’s theme for the Lions would be “It’s Next Year! Then Sports Illustrated had to ruin it all. They predicted the Lions would win the Super Bowl. Over the Cincinnati Bengals. Why is this bad news? Well in the 24 years they have been doing this, they correctly predicted the winner… Once. Last year? Eagles over Bengals. Neither made it. Year before? Bills over Buccaneers. Neither made it past divisional playoffs. Of their 48 selections for Super Bowl participants they got it right 6 times. Though not one to dwell on jinx mentality, it would have been a bit easier had they not chimed in by selecting our Lions. After all, when you are the fans of one of 4 teams to never make it to the big one, there will undoubtedly be a lot of angst, even when you have a team that has seemed to do it right with an eye on the prize. But hey, let them climb aboard what should be a fun bandwagon as former Lion pessimists as myself enjoy the ride and embrace the smugness of being a frontrunner formerly restricted to the Packers and Vikings and even once upon a time the Bears. Whatever happens this season the team has certainly gotten its mojo back. Well, getting it back would mean they once had one. Let's call it mojo acquisition. Go Lions.
From the Newaygo County Democratic Party The Newaygo County Democrats are hosting two local Candidates who are eager to meet with the public and represent our communities in the coming election. “Coffee with Chris” will take place at 10am on Tuesday, August 27 and Tuesday, September 10. Chris Crain is the Democratic Candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives District 101, which includes all of Newaygo County. Coffee and donuts will be provided. “Lunch with Lynch” will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 12noon. Michael Lynch is a Democrat running for Michigan’s 2nd US Congressional District, which sprawls across all or part of 20 Counties, including all of Newaygo County. Lunch will be provided. The Meets & Greets will take place at the Newaygo County Democratic Party Office, 1032 W Main St, Fremont, 49412 (West Village Shopping Center). Chris Crain, a steadfast resident of Wexford County, is seeking to represent the 101st House because “community members feel disconnected from their elected officials, yet their input and feedback are crucial in shaping the policies that affect their lives,” states Chris. “People still struggle with food and housing security, medical care, educational opportunities, and economic mobility.” “In addition, as a US Army Veteran, I could no longer stand by and watch what has been sacrificed by so many for our State and Nation, be destroyed by others for their own benefit,” added Chris. Active, community grassroots participation has led Chris to local township participation, with a focus on housing availability and rent stability. Community, Justice, Equality and Equal Freedom are Chris’ mottos. Michael Lynch resides and works in Gratiot County. A lifelong advocate for working- and middle-class families, his focus is on affordable health care, affordable housing, labor and union issues, reproductive rights and “responsible” gun legislation. “Transparency at all levels of government should be the rule instead of the exception,” states Lynch. “Half-truths, rumors, and misinformation from our elected officials should no longer be circulated or tolerated. I believe that you should be able to trust your representatives and not have to worry about their motivations.” Michael is a manager with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan and has earned several teaching awards for his work as a lecturer and instructor at universities including DePaul University, West Virginia University and Georgetown University. Community members are encouraged to attend these initial opportunities to meet and question these candidates. The next monthly Newaygo County Democratic Party meeting is Monday, September 9 at 1039 W Main St, Fremont. 6pm offers an open forum for discussions, with the business meeting starting at 6:30pm. For more information, visit https://newaygocodems.org.  By Kathy Morrison Morrison Orchards has been delivering high quality fruits and veggies to our area for decades. Recently Kathy Morrison (an occasional contributor to these pages and an untiring defender of the environment) posted on local social media expressing her thanks for the many folks who have made Morrison Orchards a regular stop over the years. We reached out to her to ask if she might be willing to reprise her thoughts in a guest column. After a bit of arm twisting she agreed. John is 78, I am 63 and the rigors of farming and fruit/corn harvest gets pretty overwhelming at times (gees how did we do it when our 3 sons were young? ) . We talk about cutting back, slowing down, traveling more, etc but then…the comments ….. they make staying the game all worth it. “ My grandma is 95 and she said this was the best peach she’s ever eaten!”. “Hi, I’m from Detroit and your cherries were the best we’ve ever had! What kind were they?” “Hi this is Steve K, we made jam with those “softies” you sold us. It's the best jam we’ve ever had!” “ We travel up here from Illinois because we can't find corn as fresh as yours!" (and often we’re able to say it was picked 40 minutes ago). …. And on and on all summer, the kind words come to us. HUGE HUGE HUGE! THANK YOU to our many customers old and new. Your appreciation and kindness make this a joy. We appreciate you buying local Michigan produce, whether from us or other area growers. Keeping it local and supporting small Michigan farmers is absolutely the way to go! THANK YOU from John, Kathy, and our son Max at Morrison Orchards!  By Ken DeLaat, N3 Publisher Kudos to the folks in Fremont who are going to put a splash pad in Vet’s Park. We got invited to a little celebration touting a contribution from the Gerber CU people but it was raining and Election Day and all so we missed the photo op. We will, however, applaud the effort. In March of ‘22 we posted this as part of a column. How cool would a local splash pad be? That’s right, very very cool. The staff at N3 World Headquarters often stop at the Clam Lake Brewery in Cadillac and park in back where a frequently used splash pad is awash (pun intended) with kids while the parents sit on the edges watching the fun and having conversations with other parents between the usual interruptions for questions or toweling off. It looks relaxing and fun and there are few of the usual fears sometimes associated when it comes to little kids and water. We’re reminded of a line from the movie Field of Dreams, because when it comes to a splash pad? Build it and they will come. Wednesday, March 23rd at 6:30 pm in the community room at the Fremont Area District Library a guest speaker will talk about how Grand Haven worked at getting the splash pad in their community. That meeting must have provided some traction because now it looks to be a reality. And while a splash pad is likely to be vilified by the omnipresent “we got by with a sprinkler in the backyard” contingency we applaud what will be an absolute boon for parents of young children. You know, the kind of folks we would like to have either remain in or come to our community. Yeah, those people. Wow, some election that one was. One candidate facing off with her current boss, another challenging his former boss and a couple of three ways that brought an incumbent a win and saw an election newcomer secure a commission seat. And that was just on the Republican side. The Democrats had no county candidates, a non surprise considering the county continues to be overwhelmingly GOP at about a 3-1 clip but 85% of them cast their votes for Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin over Hill Harper. Slotkin will face off in November with Mike Rogers who outdid the other Senate wannabees garnishing 51% in our county. So now we turn to November. Likely to see less signs since the number of candidates has dwindled considerably. Oh, and it seems no one is stepping up to oppose the current Grant School Board folks this time around. Must be the vile character assassinations and outlandish accusations distributed to the community via a sensationalistic mailing during the recall election were enough to deter any decent, interested citizens from participating. And for those who might think the ends justify the means here? They don't. Not even a little. Panda-monium hits Newaygo. Think our citizenry enjoys their Asian cuisine? Panda Buffet recently opened in Newaygo and ran out of food after being deluged by folks craving something beyond the fast food and the standard options that populate so many menus. Not to say we don’t have some places that offer up some intriguing dishes. NewBrew features some less than commonplace items here and there, Hit the Road Joe is unafraid to be adventurous, and Moon Dance lays out some fine homemade fare but for right down the middle Asian grub that always involves a high level of quantity (always a big draw) Panda seems like the current rage.  Facility may close if millage fails
Voters in the city of Fremont along with Dayton Township and Sheridan Charter Township will be making a decision on the future of the Rec Center when they go to the polls Tuesday. The Center offers a wide variety of programs including swimming, a fitness center and is the area’s hub of indoor pickleball. We caught up with Fremont Community Recreation Authority Board Chair Bryan Kolk for a few questions. Why is the Rec Center seeking a millage? Rec center is seeking to renew their millage which is nearing expiration. We asked for the original millage nine years ago after we had been operating for about three years and thought we knew what the cost was going to be. It wasn't until later that we sorted out the final entanglements and ended up operating in the Red. For the past four years Dawn Finch and Jon Grimes have donated their time and efforts to run the center which is the only reason we are still open. The costs of everything have risen sharply in the past few years dramatically increasing operating expenses. This is why we are also asking for a 1/4 mil increase. Are there other financial supports? Last year the three municipalities that started us (City of Fremont, Dayton Township and Sheridan Charter Township) assisted us with the purchase of many new pieces of workout equipment. Other than that, we have a couple modest lease agreements and also some membership revenue. How long has the Rec Center been open? The Rec Center has been open for 12 years. The effort began about 20-25 years ago when the three municipalities combined to complete a Master Plan and had a Recreation Committee. The Committee operated as such until about 9 years ago when it became an Authority and took over the Rec Center from the School to operate it independently from the Municipalities. Who benefits from the Center? What groups are your primary users? The entire Fremont Area benefits from the Rec Center. Residents of the City of Fremont, Dayton Township and Sheridan Charter Township can take advantage of a reduced rate on the usage whether it's an individual or family membership, pool rental, gym rental or the rental of other space. We have members from a large area of Newaygo County as well as some persons from Muskegon and Oceana Counties. One popular use of the Rec Center is for students to hang out between school letting out and having to be home. We are a safe space that it is easy to congregate at and just hang out, work out or shoot a few hoops. We are also used by a number of more organized groups such as Fremont Wrestlers, Lap swimmers, water aerobics, and things like home shows, gun shows or pancake breakfasts. The Fremont Fire Department holds some training there as does the Newaygo County Law Enforcement Dive Team. What will be the result if the millage doesn’t pass? If our proposal does not pass we will not be able to remain open. Anything to add? The ballot language had to be written by an attorney which makes it difficult to completely understand to begin with. There is one section that mentions the City of Fremont Downtown Development Authority and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. No, we are not trying to share with either of these. There is a law about TIFA (Tax Increment Finance Authority) which is a way for places like Downtown Development groups to capture a portion of the millages levied on properties in these well defined areas for their own use. This millage would be subject to that as are the mileages for the County Road Patrol, Commission on Aging, Medical Care Facility and others. |
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January 2025
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