The View From Here: Splash Pads, Post Primary and Pandamania

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.