The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 12, Aug. 18, 2023

over Oceana County!

Celebrating over 125,000 issues delivered across Oceana County! So what started this Echo?

Here’s to a dozen weeks of The Oceana Echo and over 125,000 issues delivered free to homes across Oceana County! The amount of positive feedback and advertiser support has truly been overwhelming and gratifying on this incredible new adventure!

We have been working hard to get this newspaper off the ground, and now that things have settled down a bit, we would like to tell our readers who we are and how this all got started. Here is our story:

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Mears, which will be celebrated this Sunday from 1-4 p.m., and one of our inspirations came from a Mears man who felt the call to serve his own community with a printed newspaper.

On July 24, 1914, Swift Lathers, who created and ran the Mears Newz, wrote, “For quite a long time now we have been considering the advisability of starting a newspaper in Mears. For several months we have been in the printing business in Ourtown. Yet we have hesitated, we have doubted, we have waited. Now we have decided, as you see. The Mears Newz will be devoted to the needs of Golden Township, and the best interest of Ourtown, otherwise known as Mears. The newspaper will do its part for Our Little Town.”

We also want to do our part for our towns, our community and our county. We live in an area where people support each other, and there are so many incredible things to share about Oceana County and all of the people that make it so special. The Oceana Echo is truly a reflection of this community, as all staff members and investors live in and love Oceana County. Many of the volunteers that help with it, do as well.

So once it was decided to start a newspaper, we needed a name, and many were discussed, but one stuck out the most: The Oceana Echo.

An echo is defined as a reflection, a reverberation or a soft repetition. An echo to this area’s past started as a

dream several years ago. The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society (OCH&GS) was looking for a way to breathe life into the Old Town Hall in Mears. Many ideas were given, and plans were made to utilize it as a center for celebrating Oceana publishers, as thousands of pages of community news, from county newspapers throughout our area’s rich history, are contained within its walls. It would be a hub for research, for making connections and for sharing news across generations.

That dream grew dormant during the pandemic, but it never went away. Then something happened this past spring that was the catalyst for making that dream a reality.

On April 5, 2023, Amanda Dodge, who was the managing editor of Oceana’s Herald-Journal at the time, had her position eliminated without notice as a business decision by corporate management. She was told she did nothing wrong, but was still not allowed to say goodbye to the readers she had served there for almost two decades across various capacities.

The manner in which Amanda’s job was taken from her and the treatment of the remaining employees afterward led to advertising representative Jan Thomas and staff sports writer Brendan Samuels resigning from their positions, along with proofreader Judi Lankfer. Freelance writers Caleb Jackson and Sharon Hallack have since left the OHJ as well.

In May, several members of this newly formed group approached the OCHGS with the idea of working with them in some way to help bring the Old Town Hall in Mears back to life again. Major advertisers quickly signed on to support the venture, and with help from paperboy turned publisher Paul Erickson, The Oceana Echo came to fruition.

Mary Lulich, of Pixel Grafix Studio in Hart, greatly helped to put together the first issue, and many of the design elements, along with the logo, were created by her.

It was also very important to all involved that this newspaper be delivered for free directly to your door each week. Reader input lies at the core of what makes the Echo different from other papers. This is a community newspaper through and through.

The Oceana Echo would not be possible without the support of local advertisers. If you enjoy the Echo, please tell them you saw their ad the next time you are out shopping. Pioneer Publishing in Big Rapids, has also been instrumental in helping to print and distribute the Echo to our local post offices, who then bring them right to your home mailbox.

It has been a very rewarding learning curve, and this new newspaper can now stand among the treasures inside the Old Town Hall in Mears.

Those include the Royal-Huggard Newspaper Collection, the Mears Newz, the Hart Journal, the Oceana Herald and many more. The newspapers there go back in history to firsthand stories of what life was like in Oceana County before the Civil War. Oceana County his-

tory is in print there and at any visitor’s fingertips.

Through an agreement with the OCHGS, the Echo staff now has office space inside the Old Town Hall. Our office hours are Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please drop by or contact us at theoceanaecho@gmail.com. You can send us a real letter at P.O. Box 194, Mears, MI 49436, too. Our phone number is 231301-8149, or for breaking news, please call 231-923-0751.

Our main goal is to continue to make this paper better and better. We have several things we are working toward and will keep you updated in the coming weeks. Until then, thank you to everyone who has told us how much they enjoy this little newspaper and to those who have sent such wonderful and encouraging letters, postcards, social media messages and emails. The staff of the Echo are grateful for our community and pleased to be able to give back to this community that has given so much to each of us.

• Contributed Photos

OCMCF competes in Summer Olympics

A rainy day didn’t keep the competition away!

On Friday Aug. 11, 2023, residents of the Oceana County Medical Care Facility competed against residents from Newaygo County Medical Care Facility in a variety of homegrown Olympic games! The events include Shot Put (bean bag throw), Javelin Throw (straw wrapper blowing contest), Wheelchair Race, 100-yard dash

(winding 100 inches of string the fastest) and the Garbage Can Free Throw Contest.

Oceana County came out with one first place finish, three second place finishes and two third place finishes. Overall, Newaygo took the team title and organizers expressed congratulations to all of the participants.

The Oceana Echo team includes, above, from left, Paul Erickson, Jan Thomas, Sharon Hallack, Amanda Dodge, Brendan Samuels, Judi Lankfer and Caleb Jackson. Not pictured is Stacia Erickson • Mike Erickson/Echo

Lots of great things on the horizon for Village of Shelby

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Here is a recap of Monday night’s regular village council meeting:

• Village Manager Brady Selner was pleased to announce that after months of meetings, planning and following the grant approval process, the $1.4 million renovation of Getty Park is formally out for bid. Bid opening will take place Thursday, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m. in the village chambers. The village’s share of this new village amenity will be $115,843. The project will include a fully accessible playground, splash pad, pavilion with an outdoor fire feature, bathrooms, gazebo, pickleball, basketball, tennis courts, walking paths and open play space. Provided the bids come in within budget, work will begin this fall. Shelby residents can look forward to having this beautiful space as part of the community in the months to come!

• With approval for the Shelby Acres Planned Unit Development (PUD) and its accompanying Development Agreement July 24, the property annexation process is moving forward. A public hearing will take place at the Oceana County Commissioners meeting Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.

• The Village of Shelby is pleased to welcome new part-time police officer, Brendan Nienhuis, to the force. Nienhuis, a Hart High School graduate and recent graduate of West Shore Community College’s law enforcement program, brings two years of experience with the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department as a marine deputy to his new position.

• The village is also pleased to announce that Oceana Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Simon has been named as Shelby Public School’s new School Resource Officer (SRO). This new position will be paid for by a three-year SRO grant received by the school earlier this year. Simon, a Shelby High School grad, deputy for the OCSD and present part-time officer with the village, will potentially be available to help with additional village law enforcement when school is not in session. Details on this arrangement are being worked out and will come before council in the coming weeks.

• A much-anticipated and new Village of Shelby Façade Grant Program application window will open Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 and close 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. The program is being sponsored by the village and the Community Foundation of Oceana County (CFOC). Grants of up to $10,000 per business owner will be available and paid for using the village’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds and donations from the CFOC. Interested business owners are encouraged to seek further information from the village offices, website and Facebook for the details. Grants are available

Hot fun in the summertime at New Era Farmers Market

The next New Era Farmers Market will take place Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 4-7 p.m.

A new vendor at the market is Pleasant Valley Farms and Vineyard from Hart. There will be a wine tasting to let shoppers try their wines.

The market continues their block party persona, and in addition to the usual market, there will be lawn games, juggling lessons and balloon art. The Kid’s Club will meet from 4-5 p.m. with a story read by famed storyteller Katie O’Grady from Muskegon. In addition to the lawn games for children, there will be a scavenger hunt throughout the market. At 5 p.m., there will be a drawing for a Sandcastles Children’s Museum day pass for up to six people. The museum is located in Ludington.

to any commercial property in the downtown district as depicted in the village’s 2020 Master Plan and will be determined by a Review Committee yet to be assembled. Village President, Paul Inglis, will compile a list of candidates from across the community (Shelby Village Council, Shelby Chamber, Shelby Village staff, Shelby Planning Commission and the Community Foundation) for consideration by the council at their next regular meeting.

• Lastly, a productive discussion took place Monday with regards to several topics. The village needs to decide how to best allocate the village’s remaining ARPA dollars (ARPA Funds must be obligated by 2024 and expended by 2026). Besides a review and update of the village’s Strategic Plan (developed in 2021), a possible update to the village website, rebranding of the village logo and water meter upgrades were some of the other items dis cussed.

VISIT DOWNTOWN HART! MAIN STREET MARKET

Also from 5-7 p.m., the band Acoustic Oasis will make its debut in New Era. The MSU Extension Michigan Fresh Cooking Show will feature a classic salsa recipe. We even offer up dinner selections to enjoy: Country Dairy will be serving old-fashioned (made from scratch) sloppy Joes with a choice of sides, cookies, chocolate milk, pop, water and snacks; Deb’s Cafe will be serving chicken alfredo and garlic toast; and The Artisan will be serving nachos, wraps, burritos and cucumber lime water.

The market takes place on the grounds of the New Era Christian Reformed Church, located at 1820 Ray Ave. in New Era. Look for our mascot, Raye the Scarecrow, on the corner of Oceana Drive and Ray Avenue with a sign directing shoppers to the

MUSIC ON THE

PUBLIC AUCTION

Saturday Aug. 26, 2023 @ 10AM

Located: 8016 E Garfield Rd. Hesperia, MI 49421

Directions: 2 miles W. of Hesperia on M-20 to 192nd Ave., then S. 1 mile to site.

Watch for signs! Live On Site!

Beyer Auction has been commissioned to sell the following personal property including Like New JD S110 19 hp w/ 70 hours riding lawn mower 42” cut lw/bagger, JD 8Y yard trailer, Detroit News ice boat, Illusion 12’ American Cup miniature racing sail boat w/trailer, South Bend bench top Model A metal lathe w/3’bed, machinist tools, antique & modern furniture, household furnishings, collectibles, oriental items, fine glassware including dep. cobalt blue, flow blue dishes, outdoor patio furniture & gas & pellet grills. No Mins No Reserves!

Auctioneers Note: See our website for complete list & pictures @ www.beyerauction.com One ring.

Terms: No out of state checks will be accepted. Cash or check with positive ID. Announcements take precedence over printed material. 5% buyers Prem. Not responsible for accident or loss. Lunch available. 6% Sales Tax will be charged.

Beyer Auction Service Inc. Hesperia, MI 49421

Wade Schuberg New Owner 231-855-8555

Accepting Consignment Year-Round.

Shelby Village Hall recently had its facade and roof overhang repainted. Light fixtures and plants are still to be added. • Sharon Hallack/Echo

Michigan Police Unity Team Thin Blue Shoreline Ride makes quick stop in Hart

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Tuesday, a contingency of bicyclists, dressed in matching blue and green riding gear, made a quick (and unplanned) pit stop in downtown Hart. The Michigan Police Unity Team on their annual Thin Blue Shoreline Ride, escorted by Berrien County motor patrol officers and Michigan State Police troopers, included a group of nearly 40 law enforcement officers and survivors of fallen law enforcement officers from all over Michigan.

“We were actually scheduled to stop at the West Michigan Research Station for our morning break, but we needed to stop and do some quick tire repairs,” one of the riders said. Riders took a quick stretch while enjoying the view of Hart Lake, passing out bracelets and info to onlookers and then proudly posed for a group photo before riding north on State Street.

According to the organization’s website, the Thin Blue Shoreline Ride, a 375-mile, four-day bicycle ride takes place from Stevensville, Mich. to Petoskey, Mich. and is just one of several fundraisers held throughout the year to honor fallen officers and raise money for the families of fallen officers through a donation to Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors. Funds raised help pay for travel expenses for children and survivors to attend camps or retreats, assistance for first-year families to attend National Police Week in Washington, D.C. to honor their officer and a memorial each May to honor current fallen officers.

The ride also raises money for the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors (MI-C.O.P.S.) and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Annual events also raise awareness of line of duty deaths and ensure the 19,000-plus law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty are never forgotten.

For more information or to donate, please visit mi.policeunity.team or Michigan Police Unity Team on Facebook.

Hart City Council update of Hart Dam Administrative Consent Order

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

In recent weeks, the City of Hart has been busy with approvals, paperwork and formalities surrounding various infrastructure projects. Currently, Griswold Street is under construction, and improvements to sections of Dryden Street will soon follow. And with financing agreements and revenue bond issuance documents in place, the city will soon be able to proceed with planned improvements to the city’s BioPure wastewater treatment plant. Therefore, on Tuesday, Aug. 8, the Hart City Council turned its attention to another important item of business.

Hart City Manager, Rob Splane, provided an update and suggested action with regards to a letter the city recently received from the State of Michigan’s Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Division (EGLE, formerly the Department of Environmental Quality or DEQ). The letter was asking for more action regarding the increased water temperatures below the Hart Dam during the hottest and driest months of the year.

Portions of the Pentwater River above and below the Hart Dam were deemed a Cold-Water Fishery (a.k.a. Trout Stream) in 1997. Said waters have been monitored and records compiled by an independent third party since 1999.

In order to maintain licensing for the dam, it became necessary to enter into an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) in 2015 with the DEQ (now EGLE) required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Part of the ACO required the city to submit a Long-Term Temperature Reduction Plan to

reduce water temperatures and increase dissolved oxygen downstream.

EGLE’s concern is that despite all actions taken by the City of Hart, water temperature standards are continually not being met in the waters below the dam during several weeks each year. The city sent a return letter three weeks ago, however, has not received any response as of yet.

To date, the city has implemented 16 different projects, is currently working on 13 additional items, and has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in an attempt to meet the demands of the state. Splane expressed that while the city does not wish to argue against the benefits of protecting water and environmental quality, it does feel like the state is taxing and abusing a town of 2000 and might be getting too big for its own good.

The city is running out of options. City representatives, along with city engineers, hope to meet with EGLE in the coming months and come to an understanding of all that has been undertaken, what is currently being implemented, and ask what else (besides removing the dam altogether) can be done. “We’d like to go in, be honest, and forthcoming. We’d like to help but need something realistic and common sense,” Splane said. “Maybe the state says no to any new dams instead of penalizing small communities. We’ve spent a lot of money. Is it possible we’ll never be able to reach their expectations? Could we use the

money elsewhere in another community to further their fish populations? Or maybe we could put money toward having the Pentwater Channel dredged.” Hart is not the only municipality within the state facing similar circumstances. “I believe special interest groups lobbying the legislature are what’s driving a lot of this. The state’s goal is to remove all dams. We could be fighting a losing battle,” Splane said.

• Sharon Hallack/Echo

• Sharon Hallack/Echo

This page is brought to you by:

114 Dryden St. in Hart , Mich. 49420

(231) 873-2600

Please join the OCH&GS for Pleasant Afternoon in downtown Mears, Sunday, Aug. 20, from 1-4 p.m. for the celebration of Mears 150th Anniversary.

Mears Museum hours are Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

oceanahistory.org

Wild game through the ages

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

As I drive home in the setting sun, I often see large quantities of rabbits and deer. Every now and again, a flock of wild turkeys will wander across my yard, and of course, ducks can be heard honking incessantly during the appropriate season. Rarely will I see a raccoon, a muskrat, or maybe a squirrel or two. The deer in particular, though, have become incredibly populous due to the removal of natural predators such as wolves and bears and the decreasing number of hunters among the younger generations. In fact, online sources report that the Michigan deer population has swelled from 300,000 only 10 years ago to over 2 million in the present day. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has even been quoted as saying, “Although it is possible that wolves occur in the L.P., ...as of January 2023, no wolves are known to exist there.”

The deer problem is substantial and unique as it was largely created by our own hands, and as we grapple with the consequences of our own actions and try to suppress the deer population, it’s got me wondering how the wildlife in Michigan has changed over the years.

My go-to source for early Oceana history, Hartwick and Tuller’s “Oceana County Pioneers and Business Men of To-Day” gives us a good snapshot of what the biodiversity was like at the tail end of the 19th century:

The game of the county is, of late years, changing. Bear, deer and fox have fired the ambition of local sportsmen in times past. Stories of success in hunting these animals are often heard. Few deer or bear are now found, although the fox is still caught. Mink and musk-

rat are quite plentiful. Otter and coon are often found. Partridge has always been plentiful, and of late, quail and meadowlarks are beginning to fill the fields with their music. Squirrels were unknown to our forest until quite recently, but are now becoming a favorite game. Rabbits abound largely in localities. (Hartwick & Tuller, 1890, p. 10)

To the modern reader, some of these changes may be quite shocking. Of course, we expect that the early settlers had bears and wolves to contend with, but the idea of a Michigan with “few deer” is hard to imagine in the present era. But if we can yet imagine with some accuracy what the early European settlers may have encountered, it is truly nothing compared to the game that was hunted by the first Native American settlers.

The arrival of Native Americans in North America is a hotly debated topic among archaeologists even today. Needless to say, we have much evidence to support their presence following the receding Laurentide ice sheet during the last glacial maximum of the ice age. We also have a fossil record that shows what some of the wildlife was like during that time. In Michigan, some of the fossils found include elk, black bears, muskrat, caribou, and white-tailed deer. Readers today should recognize these names. These animals still exist, though not all of them can still be found in Michigan. Some of the extinct species found in Michigan’s fossil record include the elk moose, which is said to be about the size of a moose, with a muzzle resembling an elk and antlers resembling a deer, and the woodland muskox, which is closely related to the modern muskox, although suited for less frigid temperatures than its modern counterpart. Lastly, of course, there are the Jefferson mammoth and the American mastodon.

The mastodon is the state fossil of Michigan, with fossils being found in more than 250 locations throughout the state. However, many of us, when imagining a mastodon, are probably actually picturing a mammoth. If you are thinking of a densely wooly animal with very curved tusks and a knob protruding from the top of its head, you are imagining a mammoth. The truth is that mastodons were shorter and stockier creatures with straighter tusks. They were also browsing animals. This meant they dined on woodier plants such as shrubs and leaves, whereas mammoths were grazers. As a result, mastodons preferred a warmer, woodier climate than mammoths, and while they are often portrayed as being furry creatures, there is no evidence of this in the fossil record. However, the bones of both animals have been found to bear the marks of stone tools, meaning both were considered good game by the early Native Americans.

Pentwater Historical Society and Museum to host Summer Dinner

PENTWATER – All members of the Pentwater Historical Society are invited to enjoy a night of food and fellowship Wednesday, Aug. 23 for the group’s annual Summer Dinner.

The event will be at the AgBio Research Center at 5185 N. Oceana Drive in Hart. There will be a social period at 5:30 p.m. with dinner following at 6 p.m.

As always, there will be a

guest speaker featured immediately following dinner. This year, author and popular Michigan speaker Dianna Stampfler will be on hand to discuss Michigan’s haunted lighthouses.

Stampfler is one of Michigan’s most passionate leaders in the tourism industry and in 2019 released her first book, “Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses.” The book includes nearly 20 years of research,

writing and presentation on the historic beacons around the state. Stampfler also released a sequel to the first book entitled “Death and Lighthouses on the Great Lakes: A History of Murder and Misfortune” in 2022.

Dinner will be catered by Gloria Ann’s Catering with pork, poultry and vegetarian entrees offered. Dessert will also be provided by Pentwater baker, Roxanne Frame.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in town or online at https://secure.lglforms.com/ form_engine/s/2G-sRkSmpF5iW4KdmSD1ig.

Dianna Stampfler

Experience the joy of learning at PALC

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me, and I forget.  Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.”

And that’s what the nonprofit Pentwater Artisan Learning Center (PALC) is all about — learning. “We heard the Artisan Center is an awesome place to learn new things,” said Marsha Spidle of Florida. While visiting family in Pentwater for a few weeks, she decided to join. “You can really learn so much here,” she added. Beth Anderson, Spidle’s niece, who was visiting from Illinois, also decided to join. The pair were taught the basics of creating works in stained glass by Jennifer Lydey of Pentwater, who’s the lead mentor in that area of the Learning Center. Added Spidle, “I already finished my first project thanks to Jennifer, and now I’m helping Beth.  We’ll keep our first projects, but plan to donate others once we get better at this.”

And that’s one of several things that Artisan Center members can do with their completed works – either donate them to another nonprofit for its fundraising purposes, give them to someone in exchange for their donation to the PALC, keep them for personal use, or make them a personal gift to family or a friend.

On a recent day, Stephanie Emms of Pentwater was busy working on one of the items she’ll donate to the nonprofit Pentwater Junior Sailing Program for its fundraising purposes. “I’ve never worked in glass before and have been doing it for two years. Jennifer Lydey guided me and is a wonderful lead mentor. I’m so proud of my work.” Emms buys the glass and other needed materials, crafts it into a finished work, and donates it to the Pentwater Junior Sailing Program. It is a nonprofit program that raises funds for needed equipment and scholarships. Its simple purpose is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to sail. More information is found at pentwaterjrsailing.org.

Other PALC members are now busily working on projects that they’ll donate for the PALC’s annual fundraiser during Pentwater’s Annual Fall Fest Arts and Crafts Show Sept.23 and 24 on the Village Green. Area artists showcase and sell their individual works at this popular annual event. And the PALC will be among them, with members displaying an assortment of creations in a variety of art mediums: woodworking, metalworking, painting, ceramics, weaving, basketmaking and glass. Attendees will be able to buy tickets that they drop into jars next to individual

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Jennifer Lydey, above left, displays a large sun and moon stained glass piece. Lydey leads the stained glass class at the PALC. Her most recent class included, above, from left,Kris Bluhm, Jennifer Gwillim, Debbie Peyrot, and Pam Sandberg. A stained glass tomcat, above right, peakes out of the corner of a window. • Contributed Photos

Ongoing

Pentwater Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at the Village Green

New Era Farmer’s Market, 4-7 p.m. Aug. 22 & Sept. 12.

Fox Barn Winery Concerts, Fridays from 7-10 p.m.

Music on the Commons, Thursdays in downtown Hart 7-9 p.m.

Good Buy Book Sale at SADL

The Good Buy Book Sale will take place today and tomorrow at Shelby Area District Library. The Early Bird Sale is today from 5-7 p.m. and there is a $5 admission. Saturday’s sale is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.The library is located at 189 N. Maple St. in Shelby.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes Visitor Bureau presents the 18th annual Apple BBQ Festival

MEARS – Bring your appetite and your bib to the smokin’ hot Apple BBQ Festival to be held in Silver Lake September 8-9, 2023. Join us as we kick off fall with two days full of live music, a beer and wine tent, a huge selection of food vendors, kids’ activities including GellyBall, Axe Throwing, an arts and craft show, an apple pie contest, classic car show, the Apple-a-Day 5K run and more!

Located at the Golden Township Park on Silver Lake Rd, this two-day festival is a celebration of mouth-watering barbecue, succulent apple pies, and entertaining activities. Silver Lake Road will be closed on Saturday and the street will be lined with over 125 artists and crafters selling their wares.

“Each year, the festival welcomes over 15,000 visitors to the Silver Lake area. It is great to see the economic impact the event has on the community. We are looking forward to this year’s headliner band, The Beach Katz on Friday and live music throughout the entire day on Saturday ending with the Kevin Wolff Band,” states Scott Beal, Silver Lake Visitors Bureau Director

Proceeds from the festival support organizations and programs like the Silver Lake Fireworks, beautification projects, including the flag and flowers at the Silver Lake roundabout, and Golden Township Park. This year, a portion of the festival’s proceeds will benefit the United Way of the Lakeshore, Oceana County whose focus is on education, income, and health—the building blocks for quality of life and a strong community. This year, our Classic Auto & ORV Show is being organized by the Hart Athletic Boosters Club and proceeds from the show will go back to their organization.

For more information, or to volunteer or sponsor this event call the Silver Lake Sand Visitor Bureau at (231) 873-2247 or visit www.applebbqfestival.com.

August

Aug. 16-26 - Oceana County Fair

Aug. 18-19 - SADL Good Buy Book Sale

Aug. 19 - Golf United for Oceana County at Oceana Golf Club, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Aug. 24 - Civic Band Concert, Village Green, 7:30 p.m. Night at the Lights – Robbie & Shelagh Koets at Little Point Sable Lighthouse, 7-8 p.m.

Aug. 26 - Pentwater Sidewalk Sales along Hancock Street, all day. Gallery Stroll in Pentwater, 4 p.m.

Storybook Village Learn & Play, 9-10 a.m.

Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR to host meeting August 19

The Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR will meet Aug. 19 at noon at the Centenary United Methodist Church - Wesley Room, located at 87 S. Hancock St. in Pentwater.

Sharon Hedinger is the hostess and the program is The Harp, with speaker Carol Juhi.

Lunch will be a salad potluck. There will be a veteran’s box donation of two 1 lb. boxes or bags of brown sugar.

Please RSVP to Shannon Larson at shannonlarson.dar@gmail.com

If anyone is attending by Zoom, please check the notice that was sent to members via email.

Lots of winners at Pentwater Homecoming Sand Sculpture Contest

The following people won awards at the 2023 Pentwater Homecoming Sand Sculpture Contest Saturday, Aug. 12.

Team Rediske from Hudsonville took first place in the 1-7 year-old category for their PTW Homecoming Turtles sculpture. The Bishop Girls (Castle of Dreams) and The Martinus Twins (Castle) took second and third place in that same category.

For the 8-9 year-olds, Emerson Little from Zeeland was the winner for his Team Pentwater sculpture. Harrison Martinus from Pentwater took second place with a volcano sculpture. Callie Blease and Ellie Monson from Caledonia took third with a Pentwater Pier sculpture.

A trio of Pentwater natives took home the 10-12

year-old category. Colton Jorrisen placed first for his sculpture “Got a Fish On” with Ben and Griffin Johnson taking second place for a sculpture called “Bags.” Taryn Lewadski’s untitled sculpture was the winner of third prize.

For ages 13+, Brenna Sinischo from Belleville won with “50 Years of Sculpting.” Maggie Jorissen of Pentwater took second place for “Lumber Town” and Polly Slotcema of Grand Rapids earned third place with a classic sandcastle.

There were also three group categories for families, with prizes for all three. Group A was won by the Vanderswart-Werf family from Grand Rapids with “The Sturgeon.” The Zorns family of Grand Rapids came in second with “Stumped at 50” and

the Bos Family of Kalamazoo placed third with “Nifty Fifty.”

Monopoly Clan from Grand Rapids took top prize for Group B, creating a sculpture called “Cheers to 50 Years.” Fulsang Family from Anchorage, Alaska took second with “50 Years of Pentwater” and the Reckner Family of Grand Rapids placed third with “Kids at Play.”

Group C was won by the Fransteds of Grand Ledge with “Nessie in Pentwater.” Two out-of-staters followed up with the Kensingers from Xenia, Ohio placing second with “Building Through the Years,” and the Meyer-Reens family of Albany, N.Y. taking third for “Sand & Sun.”

Living Legacies: Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR

Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR, had a very fruitful meeting July 15, 2023, with a lovely luncheon being provided by Diane Carlson. At the meeting, several items of business were conducted.

Laurel Sawyer was sworn in as the new Corresponding Secretary for Michigan Dunes.

Michigan Dunes members were delighted to honor two veterans, Larry Porter and Mike Schuyler, for their service.

Two new members were sworn in to the chapter: Stephanie Munson and Monica Banks

A memorial service was took place for Melinda Young, who was the former Corresponding Secretary and a former Regent for Michigan Dunes. Our new Chaplain, Diane Carlson, and Brenda Hilderbrandt, who also spoke at Melinda’s service in Grand Rapids, spoke at this memorial service and encouraged others to share memories.

The meeting was incredibly moving with all of the people honored and sworn into office. If you are interested in becoming a member of Michigan Dunes and proving your lineage to a patriot from the American Revolution, watch for information on our next meeting. We do welcome prospective members.

•

Pentwater Homecoming

Smiles and red, white and blue abounded as a group from the Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR participated in the Pentwater Homecoming parade Saturday, Aug. 12.

• Contributed Photos

DAR cleans headstones at Pentwater Township Cemetery

Michigan Dunes Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution members; DAR of Michigan Pages; Members of the Muskegon Chapter, NSDAR; and Pentwater community members joined forces at a Friends of Pentwater Township Cemetery gravestone cleaning event Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Everyone gathered at 9 a.m. amidst rumbles of thunder and the threat of rain. The crew had a little over 10 gallons of D2 Biological Cleaner to use. Michigan Dunes Chapter donated money to purchase 5 gallons of D2 for this event.

The rain held off, and the group completed cleaning the stones in sections 12 and 13 that were started in 2022. The Pages made their way through the cemetery to clean as many veterans’ stones as they could.

The D2 was gone by 10:30 a.m. The group is already planning for the next headstone cleaning event. They are also hoping to be given permission to start some restoration work in the near future. Overall, it was a successful morning, and Michigan Dunes looks forward to sharing the progress the D2 has made on the stones in a month or two.

DAR donates flag to Pentwater Township Library

Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR, presented Mary Barker, Director of the Pentwater Township Library with a new flag for the library. Michigan Dunes Flag Committee chair, Brenda Hilderbrandt; Susan Thomas; HODAR, Steve Thomas; Nancy Rakosky; and Joni Wegner were there for the chapter presentation. Friends of the Library and a Pentwater VFW Color Guard were present for the short ceremony held on August 10, 2023, in front of the library.

Two new members, Stephanie Munson, Monica Banks, were sworn in at the July 15 meeting. Pictured above, from left, are Diane Carlson, Paulette Highland, Munson, Banks and Shannon Larson.

Contributed Photos

Shelby Planning Commission gives OK for Wesco expansion

By Lucie Winborne

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive,

Orlando, FL 32803

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20230814

RELEASE AUG. 14, 2023

JoAnn Derson

Tuesday, Aug. 15, the Shelby Planning Commission gave approval for a special land use and site plan for the Wesco station located at 241 S. State St. in the village. Voting in favor were commission members John Sutton, Paul Inglis, Ross Field and Tim Horton. Absent Tuesday were commission members Tara Kelly and Samantha Near. The Shelby Village Council had previously given approval for the needed set-back variances June 12, 2023.

ation to make Fourth Street a one-way street? The alterations are going to make it more popular. Maybe the solution is signage.”

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20230814

FOR RELEASE AUG. 14, 2023

By Lucie Winborne

To date, changing traffic flow has not been discussed by either the village or the planning commission. With the elementary school just one block north and the street being heavily traveled twice a day, a change in direction would come with its own set of issues.

“It is a bad corner,” said Planning Commission Chairman Ross Field. “But Butternut Corner is just as bad.”

“If not worse,” added commission member Paul Inglis.

• Glitter cleanup can be a hassle. Here’s my tip for getting it up quickly with no mess left behind: Use play dough. Just press it into the stray glitter and it will pick it right up. Then you’ve created glitter dough! Oh, your kids will be impressed. Here are some more kid tips. — JoAnn

• Can’t seem to part with those baby blankets now that the kids are not babies anymore? Don’t! Sew them into floor pillow covers and watch the kids get a few more years out of them.

• When African American soldiers began enlisting in the Civil War, they were paid $10, while white troops earned $13, and were also charged a monthly fee for their uniforms. In protest, they refused to accept their pay at all for 18 months, though they continued to fight.

• Throughout the average sofa’s life, it will hold roughly 782 visitors.

The approved site plan will include a 1,170-square-foot addition and related improvements (more parking, barrier-free accessibility and a public restroom). The removal of a 1,200-square-foot car wash building on the north side of the property will afford more on-site parking at the location. The dumpster, pumps and canopy will remain the same. No landscaping is expected; however, a six-foot-high fence on the north property line and an additional entrance are proposed for the north side of the store.

“It’s an old building. It’s time for it to be updated and refreshed,” said JJ Westgate, Co-President of WESCO, Inc. When asked by neighbor Ben Michalko if the decision to remodel was being driven by ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Westgate responded, “We haven’t been told we need to come into ADA compliance yet, but you’re usually only given a 30-day notice. We’re being proactive.”

“My big concern is traffic flow,” said Michalko. “Is there any consider-

“One of my concerns is the lighting,” Field continued. “Modern lighting casts down, (but) I think if we can control the light, another concern I’m hearing is the noise.  How can we make this more amenable to the neighborhood? I’m not sure how to address the noise.”

“We can work with the village’s lighting requirements,” said Westgate. “LED lighting is very focused.”

“I don’t think the noise from cars or the delivery trucks will be any different than before. Wesco has been a good neighbor. I trust what they have planned will be good for their customers and the neighborhood. Traffic control is my main concern,” Michalko said.

Now that the project has received planning commission approval, Wesco will set about getting construction prints drawn up, followed by the permitting and bidding processes. “Our hope is to start construction in the spring,” Westgate said.

• My daughter is old enough to play on our street with her friends, but not necessarily old enough for a cellphone. Instead, we repurposed a set of walkie talkies. Her boundary is in walkie talkie range, and we can communicate. Plus, it’s just fun! — T.F. in Maryland

• Our friends who live in an apartment have a great storable sandbox solution. They use a plastic under-thebed storage bin filled with sand and toys. It has a lid and can be stored easily on their balcony. The kids still get to play in the sand even on rainy days.

W. in Kentucky

• I saw this idea in a magazine somewhere, and now I make them for other moms and dads, as they are cute and functional: Make a cell number beaded bracelet your kids can wear when you go out. Little kids may not remember Mommy’s cellphone number, but they can bring the bracelet to a store employee and ask him or her to call the number on the bracelet. Use elastic thread and colorful number beads. — P.S. in Oregon

• If you use a 1/4-inch hole punch, which you can get at a hardware store for cheap, you easily can make a straw hole in the plastic tops of kids’ single serving drinks, like milk and water bottles. Less chance of a spill.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

• While it was believed for a long time that ancient Greek sculptures made of white marble were originally colorless, scientific studies confirmed the theory that they were actually painted in a wide range of shades that eventually wore away under the long-term effects of light and air.

• The lollipop, invented in 1908 by George Smith, was named after a racehorse known as Lolly Pop.

• Researchers have found that octopuses occasionally punch fish, sometimes for obvious reasons, such as directing them away from intended prey, and other times for no apparent reason at all — unless, perhaps, they’re merely having a bad day.

• A flight data recorder, aka black box, isn’t black at all, but bright orange. The heat-resistant paint hue makes it easier to spot in the event of an accident.

• The most expensive guitar ever sold, a Martin 1959 D-18 acoustic, changed hands at auction for a staggering $6 million. Formerly owned by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, it was used by the singer-musician during the band’s 1993 MTV Unplugged performance.

• Including television, theater, film and radio, Charles Dickens is the most adapted author of all time.

• Oh, my aching feet! In an average day of walking, those appendages at the ends of our legs experience forces totaling hundreds of tons — the equivalent of a fully loaded cement truck! ***

Thought for the Day: “The question isn’t who’s going to let me, it’s who’s going to stop me.” — Ayn Rand © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.