News

Munson Healthcare Announces New Executive Director of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Munson Healthcare Announces New Executive Director of Ambulatory Surgery Centers   Gaylord, MI – Munson Healthcare is pleased to announce the appointment of James Pavetto as the new Executive Director of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, effective August 18, 2025. Pavetto will lead the daily operations of the two new Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Cadillac and Gaylord, with both clinical and administrative oversight.   “Having Jim at the helm of our Ambulatory Surgery Centers is a tremendous asset,” said

Kirtland Community College Celebrates 60 Years of Community Service and Education in Northern MI

  Kirtland Community College Celebrates 60 Years of Community Service and Education in Northern Michigan By Kirtland Community College Communications and Marketing Department   GRAYLING, MI (Sep. 3, 2025) – Kirtland Community College is proud to announce its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of educational excellence, community partnerships, and service to northern Michigan. Throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, the College will celebrate this milestone with a year-long series of events,

Great Lakes Energy Members Elect Three Board Directors

Great Lakes Energy Members Elect Three Board DirectorsBoyne City, MI -Great Lakes Energy (GLE) members recently elected three board members to the cooperative’s board of directors. Election results were announced at the cooperative’s annual business meeting on Aug. 27, 2025.In District 6, incumbent director Janet Andersen of Fountain was reelected, receiving 775 votes in an uncontested race.In District 8, incumbent director Howard Bowersox of Stanwood prevailed over challenger Andrew (Drew) Laughlin of

Caleb Alley, DO, Joins Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group General Surgery

Caleb Alley, DO, Joins Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group General Surgery  Munson Healthcare is pleased to welcome Caleb Alley, DO, to the general surgery team in Gaylord.  Dr. Alley earned his bachelor’s degree from Cedarville University and his master’s in science from Purdue University Fort Wayne. Dr. Alley attended medical school at Liberty University and completed a general surgery residency at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.   Dr. Alley pursued a career in general surgery because he enjoys the

Confirmed Case of West Nile Virus in Emmet County

Confirmed Case of West Nile Virus in Emmet CountyResidents are reminded to protect themselves from mosquitoesHealth Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is reporting a confirmed human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Emmet County. WNV is the most common mosquito-spread disease in the continental U.S. It is passed from infected birds to humans through mosquito bites. Most people infected with WNV do not experience any symptoms. About 1 in 5 infected people may develop symptoms such as fever, headache

NEW NCMC EARLY LEARNING CENTER EXPANDS CHILDCARE OPTIONS IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

NEW NCMC EARLY LEARNING CENTER EXPANDS CHILDCARE OPTIONS IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN   PETOSKEY, Mich. — North Central Michigan College marked the opening of its new Early Learning Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on its Petoskey campus on August 19. The celebration included remarks from college leaders, guided tours of the state-of-the-art facility, and an invitation for the community to see firsthand how the center will address Northern Michigan’s childcare needs. The ceremony was attended by community

Consumers Energy Provides $2 Million to Help Qualifying Customers Offset Past Due Summer Bills

Consumers Energy Provides $2 Million to Help Qualifying Customers Offset Past Due Summer Bills $7 Million in Assistance Provided to Meet Needs This Year JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 18, 2025 – Consumers Energy is committing $2 million to help thousands of electric and natural gas customers who qualify to receive timely help to offset past due summer energy bills. Consumers Energy will distribute the onetime assistance payments through The Salvation Army. To qualify for the one-time assistance payment,

Petoskey Community Health Center to Open September 29 Public Open House Scheduled for September 25

Petoskey Community Health Center to Open September 29Public Open House Scheduled for September 25   Petoskey, MI – Munson Healthcare is pleased to announce the grand opening of its brand-new Petoskey Community Health Center on September 29, 2025. Located at 1619 Anderson Rd, the 55,000 square foot space is designed to serve the healthcare needs of Petoskey and surrounding communities with a wide range of services and specialties. To celebrate, the public is invited to an Open House on Wednesday,

Consumers Energy encourages customers to be safe after reported impersonation

Consumers Energy encourages customers to be safe after reported impersonation (OTSEGO COUNTY, AUG. 15, 2025) Michigan State Police today shared a report of an impersonation of an energy utility worker at a home in Otsego County. In light of this incident, Consumers Energy is encouraging people to be careful and take steps to protect themselves. Here’s how to spot a fake Consumers Energy worker asking to be let in to your home: Ask to see their company identification badge. Real contractors or employees

Otsego County Beach Advisory Issued

Otsego County Beach Advisory IssuedThe Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is issuing a full body advisory for Otsego Lake State Park in Gaylord, Otsego County. The advisory is posted at the beach. The water sample taken on Tuesday showed an E. coli level of 1,986.3 per 100 milliliters (ml). According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) water quality standards, E. coli levels above 1,000 per 100 ml qualify for a full body advisory. Beach goers are

Over $4.2 Million in SBA Relief Approved to Assist Michigan Rebuild Affected by Severe Winter Storms

Over $4.2 Million in SBA Relief Approved to Assist Michigan Rebuild Affected by Severe Winter StormsCritical financial support still available as recovery efforts continue!WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $4.2 million in federal disaster loans to support Michigan businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters affected by severe winter storms occurring March 28-30, 2025. As of Aug. 8, 2025, the SBA has provided over $3 million to residents and $1.2 million to

NCMC’S RENEE DEYOUNG RECEIVES STATEWIDE OUTSTANDING STAFF AWARD

NCMC’S RENEE DEYOUNG RECEIVES STATEWIDE OUTSTANDING STAFF AWARD FROM MICHIGAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ASSOCIATION Award caps DeYoung’s 23-year higher education career     PETOSKEY, Mich. — Renee DeYoung, who retired in June 2025 after 23 years of service to North Central Michigan College (NCMC), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Michigan Community College Association’s (MCCA) Outstanding Staff Award. The award was presented July 31 during the MCCA Summer Conference on Mackinac Island, an annual

Art & Craft Show- Now Accepting Applications

Calling all artists, makers & creatives!Exciting new venue in Gaylord with fantastic sales reported at June’s event — don’t miss your chance! Aug 23–24 (Limit: 31 artists)Nov 8–9 under the heated pavilion (Limit: 45 artists) Beautiful downtown space, optional side walls & heat if it’s chilly. Great opportunity to connect with enthusiastic shoppers! Use code HAPPYFALL to waive your jury fee!Apply now at: www.daniellesblueribbonevents.com  

Honoring Our 2025 Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) Award Winners

Investing in Health: Nurse Practitioner Joins HDNW to Strengthen Care Access

Investing in Health: Nurse Practitioner Joins HDNW to Strengthen Care AccessTo support the health of residents while improving access to public health care, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is adding a new nurse practitioner, René Straub. “The health and well-being of our community is our top priority,” says Shannon Klonowski, HDNW Health Officer. “This new position is an investment in our ability to provide public health services to our residents, while meeting their health needs, and

Awakon Federal Credit Union Breaks Ground for New Petoskey Branch

Awakon Federal Credit Union Breaks Ground for New Petoskey Branch   Petoskey, MI – Awakon Federal Credit Union proudly celebrated a significant milestone on Tuesday, July 29, with the official groundbreaking of its seventh branch location. The new full-service branch will be located at 2001 North US 31 in Petoskey, marking another step forward in the credit union’s mission to serve the financial needs of Northern Michigan communities. This expansion follows the successful opening of a convenient, full