EMMET COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- The Public Schools of Petoskey Board of Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent Chris Parker at a special meeting on Thursday, May 5, 2022.

According to a press release sent to UpNorthLive News by Board President, Mary Ling, Parker's resignation will be effective June 30, 2022, and the board also approved a separation agreement between Parker and Public Schools of Petoskey.

The release states "Although Mr. Parker will remain employed by the District until June 30, 2022, under the terms of the separation agreement he is no longer responsible for performing the duties of Superintendent, but shall, upon request of the District, provide consultative services to the District."

The current Petoskey Middle School principal, Jon Wilcox, has been appointed by the board to serve as Acting Superintendent of the District, effective immediately.

"While change in administration always presents challenges, the Board will do what is needed to ensure that District administration is functioning at a high level moving forward," Ling stated in the release. "We are committed to doing what is best for the students, families, and staff of the Public Schools of Petoskey."

Ling did not provide a reason as to why Parker resigned.

Parker was not at the meeting.

BENZIE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- A storm is brewing for northern Michigan families and area food pantries.

The increase of benefits in food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also called SNAP, is scheduled to end Wednesday.

That means a dramatic drop in buying power for those in need, at a time when prices are soaring.

More than 40 million Americans receive benefits from the program. These help to address food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic due to recent federal legislation.

In March, the additional benefits will no longer to be issued.

"We have seen a 10% increase just from last month to this month. Plus we did our data from last year and we had 220 new households that had signed up with us," explained Michelle Northrup, Director of Operations at Benzie Area Christian Neighbors.

Northrup is watching the numbers closely and watching them grow overnight.

"We'll be targeted to be feeding 1,100 people per month, providing food for about 600 households, 700 households," added Northrup.

February is the last month that people around the U.S. are set to receive the extra food assistance benefits.

"When people were at the pandemic levels it was about $285 per person, and now it's going to be down to about $95. If you're a senior citizen it's $24," said Northrup.

That means more people will be depending on food pantries each week, with fewer people donating.

"It's going to have an impact on the food pantries because those are the same prices that we are paying in order to stock our food pantries, and even if we rely heavily on donated items, people aren't going to be donating as much because they don't have the resources," Northrup explained.

The Benzie Area Christian Neighbors Food Bank drive runs Thursday through Saturday at grocery stores in Honor, Frankfort and Benzonia.

BENZIE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- A storm is brewing for northern Michigan families and area food pantries.

The increase of benefits in food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also called SNAP, is scheduled to end Wednesday.

That means a dramatic drop in buying power for those in need, at a time when prices are soaring.

More than 40 million Americans receive benefits from the program. These help to address food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic due to recent federal legislation.

In March, the additional benefits will no longer to be issued.

"We have seen a 10% increase just from last month to this month. Plus we did our data from last year and we had 220 new households that had signed up with us," explained Michelle Northrup, Director of Operations at Benzie Area Christian Neighbors.

Northrup is watching the numbers closely and watching them grow overnight.

"We'll be targeted to be feeding 1,100 people per month, providing food for about 600 households, 700 households," added Northrup.

February is the last month that people around the U.S. are set to receive the extra food assistance benefits.

"When people were at the pandemic levels it was about $285 per person, and now it's going to be down to about $95. If you're a senior citizen it's $24," said Northrup.

That means more people will be depending on food pantries each week, with fewer people donating.

"It's going to have an impact on the food pantries because those are the same prices that we are paying in order to stock our food pantries, and even if we rely heavily on donated items, people aren't going to be donating as much because they don't have the resources," Northrup explained.

The Benzie Area Christian Neighbors Food Bank drive runs Thursday through Saturday at grocery stores in Honor, Frankfort and Benzonia.