Monthly Archives: April 2018

Fruitport Charter Township Board Meeting Agenda – 04/09/18

AGENDA
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP HALL
5865 AIRLINE ROAD, FRUITPORT, MI 49415

APRIL 9, 2018

6:30 P.M. WORK SESSION
7:00 P.M. BOARD MEETING

01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Roll call
03. Approval of board minutes: 3/26/2018
04. Approve / amend agenda
05. Correspondence / reports
06. Public comments regarding agenda items

07. Unfinished Business
A. Second reading- zone change
B. Approval of Fire Department union labor agreement
C. Approval of SEIU labor agreement

08. New Business
A. Approval of water service material supplier
B. Authorization to hire Police Officer
C. Approval to roll Public Safety funds

09. Approval of Bills
10. Reports
11. Public Comments
12. Adjournment

The Township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services for this meeting to individuals with disabilities by writing or telephoning the following Township Clerk: Andrea Anderson, Fruitport Township Hall, 5865 Airline Road, Fruitport, MI 49415   (231) 865-3151

Ask Dr. Universe – Gray Hair

Dear Dr. Universe: Why does hair turn gray? –Darae, 10

Dear Darae,

Hair comes in lots of different colors. There’s black, medium brown, auburn, light brown, strawberry blonde, and copper, to name just a few. But in the end, almost everyone will have hair that’s gray or white.

Ever since you were born, different cells have been working on your hair. Each hair sprouts from a follicle, a sort of little hair-making factory under your skin. Here, some of your cells are making your hair and others are coloring it.

The cells that color your hair are called melanocytes. They produce a pigment, or natural coloring matter, called melanin. This is the same pigment that gives your eyes and skin their color, too.

I decided to visit my friend Cynthia Cooper, a biologist and researcher at Washington State University, for help answering your question.

A close-up look at cells

Cooper and the other scientists in her Vancouver, Wash., lab are really curious about cells. They are investigating questions about how some cells end up becoming the kind that produce skin pigment.

As people get older, she said, the pigment-producing cells in their hair follicles gradually die. They can no longer make enough pigment to keep coloring their hair.

If we took out all the pigment from your hair, it would be totally white.  So when melanocytes stop producing melanin altogether, your hair turns white.

“Why hair follicle melanocytes die over time, and are not replaced, we don’t entirely know,” Cooper said. “Our skin doesn’t turn gray, so the biology is quite different,” she adds.

While Cooper works on pigment in skin, she said some scientists are also working on other big questions about the pigment in hair, too. These scientists are especially curious about the inner-workings of the cells and how gray hair is part of people’s DNA.

Perhaps, you’ve heard someone say their kids are giving them gray hair. But scientifically, if anyone is giving someone gray hair, it’s likely their own parents. Those that come before us pass down their hair color to us through the genes we inherit from them. It’s the same with graying hair.

Scientists have even pinpointed specific genes and parts of cells that are involved in growing gray hair. The new knowledge is helping us put together a better picture of how pigment works. Still, there’s a lot more to discover.

Maybe as you get older and find that first gray hair, you’ll remember some of the science that’s at the root of it all. If you have a cat or dog, maybe you’ll notice that they’ll go gray around their muzzles, too.

I’ve actually had gray and white hair ever since I was a kitten. I think it’s pretty great. Our pigment, or lack of it, help make us all unique.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

Mental Health Watchdog Calling for Investigation into Psychiatric Drugging of Millions of Children

Currently 8 million U.S. children are being prescribed psychiatric drugs, with more than 1 million between the ages of zero to five.
from EINPresswire.com

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, December 18, 2017 — The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) of Florida, a non-profit mental health watchdog dedicated to protection of children, is calling for an investigation into the heavy psychiatric drugging of children; especially foster children, in Florida.

adhdchild
“Children are being drugged simply because psychiatry has reclassified normal childhood behaviors and repackaged them as ‘mental disorders’ resulting in the psychiatric drugging of millions of kids.”
— CCHR

A report from the research arm of Florida’s child-protection system released in 2015 showed that foster children are being put on psychotropic medications without caregivers following proper procedures and that 11 percent of the children in foster care had active prescriptions for at least one psychotropic drug. While a review of 140 children’s files showed just 20 percent of these children met all the key requirements for administering such medication.

Following the tragic death of 7-year-old Gabriel Myers in 2009, who was found hanging from a shower fixture in his foster home after having been prescribed two “black box” drugs intended for adults – the Florida policies for using psychotropic drugs on foster kids were updated but this has not solved the problem.

The psychiatric drugging of children is not just confined to the foster care system. In 2011 a two-year investigation concluded that kids in Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon and Texas were “prescribed psychotropic drugs at rates 2.7 to 4.5 times higher than other children in Medicaid in 2008.”

Currently 8 million U.S. children are being prescribed psychiatric drugs, with more than 1 million between the ages of zero to five. Children are being drugged simply because psychiatry has pathologized normal childhood behaviors, and repackaged them as “mental disorders.” The result is that millions of children are being drugged for behaviors reclassified by psychiatry as “disease.”

As a result, CCHR is calling for an investigation into the psychiatric drugging of children in the United States. Individuals are invited to the center, located at 109 N. Fort Harrison Avenue in downtown Clearwater, to learn more about the dangers associated with psychiatric drugs as well as alternatives to medication. To learn more, please call 727-442-8820 or visit www.cchrflorida.org.

Fruitport Charter Township Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2018

A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:30pm on Monday, March 12, 2018, in the township board room.

Members Present: Heidi Tice, Supervisor; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Todd Dunham, Jeff Jacobs, Greg Hulka, and Denise Winebarger
Members Absent: Andrea Anderson, excused

At 7:00pm, Heidi Tice opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer.

Also Present: 3– residents; 7– employees; 0- guests; Director of Public Safety, Brian Michelli; and Director of Public Utilities, Ron Langlois.

The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Greg Hulka, was carried unanimously, to approve the minutes of February 26, 2018 as presented.

The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Rose Dillon, was carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as presented.

CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1. Rose Dillon shared a report on the Whitham Drain assessment.
2. Rose Dillon shared that a budget public hearing will be held at the next meeting.
3. Brian Michelli reported a large drug bust in the Township.
4. Brian Michelli shared that interviews for the open Police Officer position will occur on Thursday.
5. Brian Michelli mentioned that the new extrication equipment that was purchased for the Fire Department will be coming in mid-April.
6. Brian Michelli shared information on the traffic speed sign that Ofc. Andy Hunt secured a grant for.
7. Ron Langlois reported that the Muskegon County Road Commission has contracted with JMC for the repair to Farr Rd.
8. Ron Langlois reported that 28 water service stubs have been completed for Chandy Acres East.
9. Heidi Tice shared that Paul Bowman from the MCRC reported that the Road Commission will be replacing a culvert on Stringer Rd, including curb and apron approach. The project will be done as part of the Farr Rd culvert repair and at no cost to the township.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS: none

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

18-023 2018-2019 Budget discussion
Proposed budgets were discussed. Proposed budgets will come to the board for approval at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

18-024 Approval to purchase lawn tractor for Cemetery Department
The Clerk has requested approval to purchase a new lawn tractor for the cemetery. The purchase was approved by the Cemetery Committee and budgeted for.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Clerk to purchase the requested lawn tractor for the Cemetery Department at the cost of $6,348.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

18-025 Approval to purchase turnout gear for the Fire Department
The Public Safety Director requested authorization to purchase 3 sets of turnout gear for the Fire Department. Total cost to equal approximately $6,000. This purchase was budgeted for.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Public Safety Director to purchase the requested gear.

Ayes: Dunham, Jacobs, Tice, Dillon, Winebarger, Hulka
Nays: None

18-026 Approval for 2018 local road brine program with the Muskegon County Road Commission
The total cost for the program will be $19,581 for 2018.

Jeff Jacobs moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to participate in the 2018 local road brine program with the Muskegon County Road Commission.

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none

18-027 Adoption of Federal Poverty Guidelines
The motion by Denise Winebarger, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to adopt the Federal Poverty Guidelines that are used in the determination of poverty exemptions for 2018.

18-028 Approval of union labor agreements
Proposed labor union agreements were discussed for Police, Fire, and SEIU unions.
The motion by Jeff Jacobs, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to TABLE the labor union contracts.

18-029 DPW Director evaluation and contract renewal
The Supervisor reported on the performance review of the DPW Director, Ron Langlois.

The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Denise Winebarger was carried unanimously, to TABLE this item.

18-030 Public Safety Director evaluation and contract renewal
The Supervisor reported on the performance review of Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to TABLE this item.

18-031 Parks Department suggestions for improvements
The proposed projects were discussed. The Supervisor will invite the Parks Committee to the next meeting to provide further explanation.

18-032 Letter of support for casino project
It was requested that the current board draft a letter of support for the proposed casino project.

The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Greg Hulka was carried unanimously, to send a letter of support for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Fruitport casino project.

Jeff Jacobs will send the letter that was presented to Heidi for her to complete and send.

18-033 Payment of bills
Jeff Jacobs moved, Greg Hulka seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills as presented for payment in the following amounts: General Fund $5,021.63; Public Safety $12,957.84; Water $63,780.72; Sewer $222.02
Totaling: $81.982.21

Ayes: Hulka, Winebarger, Dillon, Tice, Jacobs, Dunham
Nays: none

ADDITIONAL REPORTS: none

PUBLIC COMMENTS PART II:
1. Rick Tice, 8th Ave, suggested that the Supervisor request the Parks’ minutes be changed if they are incorrect in stating that the Supervisor will get them their normal budget + cell tower funds + $50,000 for improvements, rather than the fact that she will try to make those funds available.

The motion by Greg Hulka, supported by Denise Winebarger was carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 10:02pm.

ANDREA ANDERSON, CLERK

HEIDI TICE, SUPERVISOR

Schools, Law Enforcement, Emergency Responders Collaborate to Enhance School Safety

Ottawa/Allegan Counties, MI- The Ottawa Area Secure Schools Network (OASSN) —a combined effort between schools, law enforcement, and emergency responders within the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) to enhance school safety across the region— hosted a Spring Summit March 1 at the Ottawa County Fillmore Administration Building in West Olive.

Over 150 representatives from public, private, and charter schools, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other responders and support agencies attended the event to continue to coordinate and share training across all agencies; share practices and plans across the region and between agencies; and develop common safety procedures, protocol and language. These were identified as the top goals of the network during the 2017 fall summit.

“The OASSN summits help everyone hear the most up-to-date school safety answers from those who are experts in each of their respective subject areas,” Cal DeKuiper, superintendent for Zeeland Public Schools, said. “Working together takes regional cooperation to a deeper level resulting in a higher level of preparedness should the unthinkable ever happen in our region.”

2017 Newsmaker of the Year

Muskegon, MI – Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, accepted the Grand Rapids Business Journal 2017 Newsmaker of the Year award this morning at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. This award recognized Muskegon’s redevelopment over the year which includes over $1 billion in investments.

Over 600 West Michigan business and community leaders were on hand to witness the award recognition. “It is great to see Muskegon being recognized for its economic success,” says Larsen. “The Watch Muskegon campaign was launched at the perfect time to capture the amazing story of Muskegon’s evolution.”

The community engagement strategy formulated by the Watch Muskegon Campaign has tapped the energy of over 100 community stakeholders and thousands of area residents. “From large businesses and small business start-ups to investments by education and government, Muskegon’s resurgence is now unstoppable,” according to the Chamber President.

Also recognized at this event was GE Aviation/Norton Shores facility. They are one of many growing manufacturing companies located along the Muskegon Lakeshore.

newsmakerawardsIn addition to winning the 2017 Newsmaker of the Year award, Larsen and the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber won the Newsmaker award in the economic development category.

Each year, Grand Rapids Business Journal reporters and editors meet to discuss nominees for the upcoming Newsmaker of the Year honors. This year, more than 225 choices were considered before determining the top three nominees in 16 different categories. The top selection from each category was recognized with an industry Newsmaker award, and the 2017 Newsmaker of the Year was selected from among the winners of those 16 categories. The top Newsmaker in each category and the overall Newsmaker of the Year were announced during the event.

About the Chamber – The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is the premier business membership organization on the lakeshore representing over 1,200 businesses and organizations. The Muskegon Chamber represents businesses of every size and type all over West Michigan. The Chamber is celebrating 125 years in operation working to sustain an environment for business success through community leadership, promotion, inclusive business advocacy and valued member services. The Muskegon Chamber is an award winning Chamber, being named Chamber of the Year for the State of Michigan in 2006, 2010, 2012, and 2015 by the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events April 2-9, 2018

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
Monday, April 2 @ 6:00 pm
Come to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum for The Vietnam War by Ken Burns! Each episode will be followed by a discussion.  Admission is free with the purchase of museum admission.  Members are free.  For more information, call 231-755-1230.

Super Spring Break Days
April 2 – 5 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Monday – Thursday, April 2 – 5 from 11:00am – 2:00pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for “Super Spring Break Days!”  Take an adventure and explore the museum’s awesome art collection.  There is free admission for one adult accompanying a child.

Instructor: Ronace Hogan

•  11:00am – 1:00pm  Docent in the gallery
•  11:00am – 2:00pm  Arts and crafts in the classroom
•  11:30am –  Film in the auditorium

Monday:  Pastels (permanent collection)
Tuesday:  Beading and Weaving (Thunder Boy, Jr.)
Wednesday:  Tooling (The Poetry of Metal)
Thursday:  Paint! (Expressions Student Art Exhibition)

Roll On Muskegon
Mondays @ 6:30 pm
“Roll on Muskegon” is a fun, community, bicycle ride through the neighborhoods of Muskegon.  Bikers meet every Monday at the downtown Muskegon Farmers’ Market.  This easy 8 mph, family friendly ride begins at 6:30pm.  For more information, find them on Facebook.

Lakeshore Museum Center: Spring Break Open House
April 3 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
It’s a Spring Break Open House at the Lakeshore Museum Center!  Enjoy crafts, wind tunnel science, and more hands-on fun.  For more information, call 231-722-0278.

Planetarium Show: Incoming!
Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
Visit the Carr-Fles Planetarium at Muskegon Community College for the planetarium show, “Incoming!”  Tag along with robot explorers zooming past rocky asteroids and icy comets, all the way to Pluto, and discover how asteroids and comets have collided with our planet throughout history, changing the course of life on Earth.  Narrated by George Takei, this 2016 program gives audiences a closer look at the scientific advances that may allow us to find and track cosmic threats before they reach planet Earth.  This is a 35-minute presentation.  (The campus will be closed May 8-17 for break between semesters).  For more information, call (231) 777-0289.

Free Family Movie Day:  Where the Wild Things Are
April 4 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, April 4 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm, come to the historic Frauenthal Theater for a free family movie day featuring “Where the Wild Things Are!” A young boy named Max has an active imagination, and he will throw fits if others don’t go along with what he wants.  Max, following an incident with his sister and her friends, and following a tantrum which he throws as a result of his Mother paying more attention to her boyfriend than to him, runs away from home.  Wearing his wolf costume at the time, Max not only runs away physically, but runs toward a world in his imagination.  This world, an ocean away, is inhabited by large wild beasts, including one named Carol who is much like Max himself in temperament.  Instead of eating Max like they normally would with creatures of his type, the wild things befriend Max after he proclaims himself a king who can magically solve all their problems. The film is free and no tickets are required.  For more information, call 231-722-9750.

A Taste from the Mountain Regions of Italy with Sofia
April 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market is offering the culinary class, “A Taste from the Mountain Regions of Italy with Sofia!” The Menu: Polenta e Frico (fried cheese and potatoes), Canederli (bread gnocchi), Polpette (meatballs), Gelato with warm blueberries Bring your appetite!  Learn from Sofia Occhialini who moved here four years ago from Italy where she spent her entire life.  The cost is $35.  For more information call 231-769-2202.

Pajama Party at the Art Museum
April 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
We will see you at the Muskegon Museum of Art for a “Pajama Party at the Museum!”  Wear your jammies (slippers optional) and have some fun as you enjoy an activity with their friends from the Lakeshore Museum Center, story time with their friends from Hackley Public Library, a hot cocoa station, art activity and a movie.  Admission is FREE!  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Free Tours
Thursdays @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Every Thursday from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a free tour guided by MMA docents, compliments of Meijer!  For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Lakeshore Museum Center: Robot Open House
Saturday, April 7 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come to the Lakeshore Museum Center for a Robot Open House!  Try out many of the newer robots in the Museum’s Science Center.  Program and learn with the Cubelets, Code-a-pillar, Little Bits and more. Lakeshore Museum Center Saturday Programs are open-house style and run from 1:00 – 3:00pm in the main museum building.  Programs and museum admission are free of charge for Muskegon County Residents.  Non-residents are just $3.  www.lakeshoremuseum.org

Indoor Farmers’ Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to come inside their warm barn and shop this winter!  They’re open every Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm, November – April.  They will be closed Saturday, December 30.  For more information, call (231) 722-3251.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market is open year-round, every Saturday from 9:00am-Noon!  Healthy! Humane! Homegrown is their pledge to use NO synthetic fertilizers, NO synthetic chemical pesticides or herbicides, no growth promoting antibiotics and NO GMO’s!  You can find them in the lobby and parking lot of Mercy Health Lakes Village.  For more information, visit www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org.

West Michigan Ironmen Home Game
Saturday, April 7 @ 7:00 pm
The West Michigan Ironmen is West Michigan’s only professional football team!  They strive to provide the highest level of competition and entertainment at an affordable price for the whole family.  You can catch their home games at 7:15pm at the L.C. Walker Arena.  Tickets start at under $10 and are available through www.startickets.com or at the L.C. Walker Box Office.   Saturday, April 7, they take on the Midway Marauders.  For more information, call (231) 457-4288.

The Swan Series
Sunday, April 8 @ 2:00 pm
Join host Robert Swan in a new lecture series entitled “The Swan Series.”  Bob will share many of his insights, experiences, and expertise gleaned from 34 years of performing in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under such famed conductors as George Solti, Daniel Barenboim, Leonard Bernstein, Leopoldo Stowkowski, Claudio Abbado, and many others.  Lectures will be held at the United Methodist Church in Whitehall.

On April 8 at 2:00pm, The Swan Series continues with “OUTSIDE AGAIN!”  Aaron Copland’s APPALACHIAN SPRING is one of the first uniquely American compositions both in concept and sound.  Bob Swan will explain why it is so “American” and so loved by people everywhere.  Quite selfishly, he hopes that by focusing on this masterpiece, winter’s grip on us will loosen.  The suggested donation is $7 at the door.

The Swan Series is a new program of the White Lake Music Society which produces world-class chamber music concerts, promotes and supports classical music learning opportunities for all ages, and creates awareness of the value and significance of fine music.  More information may be found at www.whitelakemusic.org.

Vegetarian Doesn’t Mean Flavorless with Sofia
Monday, April 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market is offering the culinary class, “Vegetarian Doesn’t Mean Flavorless with Sofia!” The Menu: Minestrone, Baked leek and asiago frittata, Vegetable pie Learn from Sofia Occhialini who moved her four years ago after spending her entire life in Italy and be sure to bring your appetite!  The cost is $35.  For more information call 231-769-2202.

Live Jazz with Checkers Morton
Monday, April 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
April is Jazz Month!  April 9 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, Hackley Public Library will celebrate by welcoming Checkers Morton and his band of friends who have been playing together for 40 years, offer amazing, original compositions like “Dan’s Lighthearted Padge” and “Little Raga.”  Their music comes from their heart & soul and features wood, reeds, brass, ivory and primal drums.  This concert is free and open to the public.  For more information, call  231-722-8000.

Muskegon Community College: Wind and Jazz Ensembles Concert
Monday, April 9 @ 7:30 pm
Monday, April 9 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater for the Muskegon Community College Wind and Jazz Ensembles Concert, featuring traditional wind and jazz ensemble music of all styles.  Tickets are $6 or free for students.  For more information, call 231-727-8001.

Grand Valley State University – Fall 2017 Dean’s List

Grand Valley State University announces the names of students who were placed on the dean’s list for the Fall 2017 semester concluding in December. The list includes those students who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average and been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. The honor is noted on the students’ official records.

Students honored for the fall semester include:

Fruitport: Kendra Bringedahl; Jade Johnson; Rebeka Johnson; Alyson Rosema; Brianna Routt; Caitlyn Sutton; Courtney Wagasky

Muskegon (49444): Montoya Briggs; Jared Cloutier; Brandy Cumbee; Stephanie Eslick; Alyssa Keith; James Little; Christopher Parisian; Cade Snuffer; Michael Valachovics; Carl Wilson

Nunica: Nickolas Carrier; Catherine Cushway; Lydia Engelsma; Alexandra Gemmen; Noah Strasler

Ravenna: Marissa Aney; Weston Bernath; Lillian Lieffers; Shaina McKinnon; Haley Pearson; Justin Pelham; Nicole Townsend; Brooke VanDonkelaar

Spring Lake: Brandon Aho; Cameron Amaya; Zachary Anderson; Stefanos Apostle; Kevin Boyer; Alexander Brower; Daniel Brower; Lauren Brown; Lance Burt; Hannah Cabala; Arden Clark; Benton Conrad; Haylee Coon; Jacob Drelles; Laurie English; Edgardo Fernandez; Megan Galligan; Margaret Ginocchio; Karlee Hale; Madison Harloff; Alyssa Hartley; Lauren Homolka; Rachel Howard; Anna Huizenga; Jillian Huizenga; Alec Kieft; Zachary Mahan; Emily Marine; Christian Pelke; Joseph Rohloff; Alicia Ryke; Heather Schmitt; Tirzah Schmuker; Dylan Styburski; Victoria Tober; Joshua Tull; Emily Turbett; Kyle VanDenHeuvel; Abby VanOtteren; Samuel Ventocilla; Travis Ward; Jacob Weesies; Leah Wilcox; Natalie Wilson

Ottawa County Honors Employees for Customer Service

Join us in congratulating Amy Brown and Kara Bostrom-Young from the 58th District Court and Jocelyn Garris from the Human Resources Office, who have been recognized as Ottawa County’s Outstanding Customer Service Award recipients for the fourth quarter of 2017. You can read the nominations which earned each recipient an award plus learn more about them at miOttawa.org.

Crisis-Trained Chaplains Minister to Suffering Communities After Recent Shootings

bgeachaplainsThe Billy Graham Rapid Response team deployed crisis-trained chaplains to South Carolina and Kentucky following fatal shootings in January. On Jan. 16, four law enforcement officers in York County, S.C., were shot while searching for a suspect after responding to a domestic violence call. While three of the four officers survived, the attack claimed the life of Det. Mike Doty. One week later, a 15-year-old student opened fire at Marshall County High School in Benton, Ky., killing two and injuring 14.

In both locations, the chaplains were requested by the community to provide emotional and spiritual care. They have had the opportunity to pray with families, local pastors, law enforcement, and many of the survivors.

“Sudden, tragic deaths like we’ve seen in South Carolina and Kentucky are heart-wrenching,” said Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “They affect not only the survivors and the families of the victims, but the entire community. Lives are forever changed. Join us in praying for those who are broken and mourning, and those who will carry the physical and emotional scars for years to come.”