News

Michigan Ranks #1 Nationally in Adult Credential Attainment and Leads Midwest in Serving Jobseekers

Michigan Ranks #1 Nationally in Adult Credential Attainment and Leads Midwest in Serving Jobseekers The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has released its 2024 Employment and Training Annual Report, showcasing strong outcomes from workforce development efforts across the state. Among the highlights: Michigan ranks first in the nation for adult credential attainment and serves more jobseekers than any other state in the Midwest. These achievements were made possible in part by

Otsego Memorial Hospital Unseals Time Capsule from 1973, Celebrates Past and Future

Otsego Memorial Hospital Unseals Time Capsule from 1973, Celebrates Past and Future   GAYLORD, MI — In a heartfelt ceremony attended by more than 50 people, Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) opened a time capsule believed to have been sealed in 1973, offering a rare glimpse into the hospital’s storied past. The event, held on June 26, 2025, brought together current and former staff, physicians, board members, volunteers, and representatives from the local historical society.   The honor of opening the

Munson Healthcare Strengthens Commitment to Economic Security

Munson Healthcare Strengthens Commitment to Economic Security, Contributes $150,000 to Goodwill Northern Michigan   Traverse City, Mich. - Munson Healthcare (MHC) announced today that it has made a commitment to donate $150,000 to Goodwill Northern Michigan (GWNMI), as part of a broad effort to support the needs of those in the community who struggle with food access and chronic homelessness.   “As a community-owned nonprofit, we rely heavily on the generosity of our donors and the support from our

NCMC NAMES SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES IN HONOR OF BORRA FAMILY

NCMC NAMES SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES IN HONOR OF BORRA FAMILY Borra School of Nursing and Health Sciences celebrates the legacy of Pier and Renee Borra’s impact PETOSKEY, Mich. — North Central Michigan College (NCMC) has announced the naming of its Nursing and Health Sciences division as the Borra School of Nursing and Health Sciences, honoring longtime benefactors Pier and Renee Borra for nearly two decades of extraordinary generosity and leadership. North Central’s Board of Trustees

GRANTS AWARDED TO OTSEGO COUNTY BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT RECOVERY FROM ICE STORM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 19, 2025GRANTS AWARDED TO OTSEGO COUNTY BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT RECOVERY FROM ICE STORMOTSEGO COUNTY, MI – In the wake of the devastating March 2025 ice storm, which led to a State of Emergency declaration by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a total of $50,000 in emergency mini-grants has been awarded to 70 small businesses throughout Otsego County to assist in their recovery and rebuilding efforts. The one-time emergency grants, ranging from $500 to $1,500, were designed to provide

Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital Invests $2.7 Million for New MRI 

Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital Invests $2.7 Million for New MRI  Magnetom Sola MRI Provides more Efficient, Comfortable, State-of-the-Art Technology  A new Magnetom Sola MRI machine was installed earlier this month at Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital and is ready for patient use. This $2.7 million investment is part of Munson Healthcare’s Regional Care Transformation plan and commitment to expanding outpatient services in Grayling and its surrounding Northern Michigan communities.   The new

Northern Michigan’s Newest Water Park Opens in Gaylord

Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of MICHIGAN

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACT SHEET DISASTER LOANS MICHIGAN Declaration 21127 & 21128 (Disaster: MI-20034) Incident: SEVERE WINTER STORMS occurring: March 28 – 30, 2025 in Cheboygan County, Michigan; and the contiguous Michigan counties of: Charlevoix, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego and Presque Isle Application Filing Deadlines: Physical Damage: August 8, 2025     Economic Injury: March 9, 2026  If you are located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial

Recovery Grant Opportunity for Public Serving Organizations affected by Ice Storm

  The Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) is pleased to announce a grant opportunity for public serving organizations (including nonprofits, schools and government entities) affected by the 2025 Ice Storm. This grant program aims to restore and strengthen the capacity of local public entities, ensuring they can continue serving the community effectively in both immediate recovery and long-term preparedness.  “Over the past five years nonprofits and other community organizations serving Otsego County have

The Smash Summer 2025

Five Northern Michigan employers recognized as “Champions”

Five Northern Michigan employers recognized as “Champions” for using Registered Apprenticeship Programs to train workers   GAYLORD— Five northern Michigan employers earned honors on Tuesday, May 28 in a ceremony following a panel discussion at the Otsego County Library aimed at recruiting more area businesses to offer Registered Apprenticeships to build the local talent pipeline.   Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department, Talent Together, the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, the Michigan

Up North Dermatology is growing!

Up North Dermatology is growing! With three providers now on staff, we are accepting new patients for everything from routine skin checks to acne treatment and more. Located right in Gaylord. Learn more at www.upnorthderm.com/meet-the-team. 

Tick Talk: Smart Steps to Avoid Bites and Stay Healthy

Tick Talk: Smart Steps to Avoid Bites and Stay Healthy   The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) reminds residents to enjoy the summer outdoors—just don’t forget to take simple steps to prevent tick bites. With Lyme disease cases in Michigan rising 168% over the past five years, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service (MDHHS), awareness and prevention are more important than ever.     Michigan is home to more than 20 known species of ticks. Closely related to

Munson Healthcare Shares New Community Health Needs Assessment Priorities from Triennial Assessment

Munson Healthcare Shares New Community Health Needs Assessment Priorities from Triennial Assessment Access to care, economic security, and mental health identified as top focus areas – system to build on momentum of last three years.   Traverse City, Mich. - After 18 months of data research and gathering input from communities across 31 Northern Michigan counties, Munson Healthcare, in partnership with MiThrive, is announcing new priorities identified through the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment.

Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce Funds Culinary Camp Scholarships for Gaylord High School Students

Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce Funds Culinary Camp Scholarships for Gaylord High School Students  GAYLORD, MI – June 9, 2025  The Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce it has provided scholarships for four talented Gaylord High School culinary program students to attend a summer culinary camp. These scholarships, totaling $1,000.00 were made possible through a percentage of ticket sales from the "Taste of Gaylord" event.  This initiative underscores the Chamber's commitment to fostering