The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 13, Aug. 25, 2023

Gary Veurink remembered, Sally Veurink honored during harness racing at the Oceana County Fair

By Stacia Erickson The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Monday and Tuesday nights saw the Oceana County Fair once again host Michigan Harness Racing on its grounds. This fair is one of only a handful left across the state able to boast the honor of hosting such an event.

Former Board of Directors Treasurer, the late Jerry Spencer, was a longtime fan of harness racing and helped keep harness racing alive in this county. The Oceana County Fair also credits an additional long-time fan and Racing Superintendent for many years for his support and dedication: Gary Veurink.

Gary grew up in Sun, Mich., and attended Grant High School, where he was a star athlete as a running back on their winning football team and a state competitor in track. Gary, after his stint in the Army as a paratrooper, entered the Michigan State Police. After retiring from law enforcement, he began to follow another love—horse racing! In retirement, he spent 20 years raising, training and racing standardbred horses at tracks in Chicago, Detroit, Northville, Muskegon and also at fairs around the state. Gary oversaw the Oceana County Fair racing events for many years and was very much appreciated.

Gary’s wife of 60 years, Sally, (pictured below) was honored at Monday’s Racing Grandstand event with words of appreciation from Fair Board President Paul Erickson. He cited Gary and Sally’s service to the community and especially to the Oceana County Fair. Erickson presented Sally with a lovely bouquet of a dozen roses on behalf of the Oceana County Fair Board of Directors.

Gary and Sally had four children: Jon (Terri) Veurink, Gary (Shannon) Veurink, Julia (Kim) Loncar and Amy Veurink, along with eight grandchildren.

Birch & Blossom brightens up Hart, places 2nd at Pitch North

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

He’s only four months into his new business, and already Noble Graham-Lattin, owner of Birch & Blossom flower shop in Hart, is on his way to making a name for himself. The store is filling a void the city has had for a long time, bringing fresh flowers, plants, unique gifts and easy craft activities to the community, while sharing some of its business philosophy along the way.

In addition to getting this new business up and running, Graham-Lattin recently competed in the Pitch North competition, held in Fremont and hosted by the Right Place of Grand Rapids. He was elated to place second in the competition and receive $3,500 to expand the shop’s “Taste of Oceana” and “Taste of Michigan” gift crate product lines.

The annual competition takes place in conjunction with the Newaygo, Oceana and Lake County Economic Development Alliances. “It’s a ‘Shark Tank-like’ feel,” Graham-Lattin said. Out of the 28 applications, they selected five finalists. You have five minutes to give your (business) pitch and take five minutes of questions (from the judges).

This year’s finalists and their prize awards included: First Place: $5,000 Yatziry Ortega, Mi Tierra Mexico; Second Place: $3,500 Noble Graham-Lattin, Birch & Blossom; Third Place: $1,500 Jackie Dickinson, Straight Path Farms; Fourth Place: $1000 Ashley Agler, Mindful Trout and Fifth Place: $500 Brian Woods, Big Skinny’s of Hesperia.

Volunteer judges for the event included Andrea Simon, owner of A New Era of Crafting and the 2022 first place winner; Jennifer Armstrong, loan officer for Lake-Osceola Bank; John Buckley, president & CEO of Gerber Federal Credit Union; Larry Yachcik, general manager of Waters Edge Golf Course; and Scott Beal, executive director of the Hart-Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce.

Birch & Blossom offers a large assortment of gift items created and produced by small “Michigan-makers.” Graham-Lattin’s goal is to help as many up-and-coming business entrepreneurs as he can. By joining Birch & Blossom, these makers can keep their start-up costs lower and focus on creating and growing their brand. “We’re not just selling products,” Graham-Lattin said. “We’re invested in helping small Michigan makers grow their businesses. Our philosophy is that as we build our business, we want to bring others along. We want to be a platform and help them get their name out there. I feel we need both commerce and community. If we focus on commerce, we can support the community we live in.”

With his prize winnings, Graham-Lattin will have the funds needed to create one-of-a-kind gift baskets featuring a variety of small makers’ goods, along with some well-known Michigan brand items. “We’re finding that people put value on small batch production,” Graham-Lattin said. He is also working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to “soup up” his website with hopes of being able to eventually offer online retail sales across the country as well.

Graham-Lattin began his business career at McDonald’s at the age of 15, and by the age of 17, he was in the leadership program. After he graduated with a degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, which he added is a fancy name for knowing how to assess business data, Graham-Lattin ended up working in business and retail management for 12 years. However, he found it wasn’t feeding his soul, and he missed being creative. He’d always enjoyed gardening and floral design, sharing many of his creations with others. By chance, one day he was asked by a friend to make a funeral arrangement. Before he knew it, he was taking orders and making floral arrangements on a regular basis.

With this new business venture, Graham-Lattin wants people to feel welcome and at home, whether they are coming in for flowers, a gift, a craft activity or just to browse. “We want to be a place for gathering and a resource,” he said. “We offer items in a wide price range. We want to be accessible to everyone, no matter your taste or budget.”

The Pitch North competition is made possible through the support of many area businesses and organizations. For a full list, please visit https://www.rightplace.org/news/ pitch-north-announces-winners-2.

Birch & Blossom is located at 112 E. Main St. Suite 3 inside the Hegg’s Gallery of Fine Furniture building. For more information check out www. birchandblossomshoppe.com, Facebook and Instagram @birchandblossomshoppe or call 231-873-8588.

Noble Graham-lattiN

The 152nd Oceana County Fair’s track had another record-breaking year during the Mixed Colt Stakes Harness Racing event.

• Stacia Erickson/Echo

On Aug. 12, Pentwater Homecoming Parade attendees saluted the community’s 2023 Citizen of the Year (COTY), Joe Primozich. But many were surprised to see him riding in a fishing boat pulled by a pickup, because COTYs usually ride the parade route in a vintage, red Chevrolet Corvette.

Here’s the rest of the story: on May 26, Joe learned he was getting the honor, and that was the same

day he was told that Fred Cisler, his good friend, had passed away. The two had fished together on Pentwater Lake for 11 years and had a friendly little competition each year about who would catch the biggest Northern Pike. When they last fished together in 2022, they were almost evenly divided as to who had won over the years. “Fred won the 2022 competition on the last day of fishing that year,” Joe recalled.

So Joe chose to ride in this year’s parade as Citizen of the Year in Fred’s 16-foot Smoker Craft fishing boat. In Fred’s honor, Joe leaned Fred’s seat forward and laid his fishing rod nearby.

Two fishing buddies and two honorees for this year’s Pentwater Homecoming Parade day—one there in person and the other there in spirit.

Joe Primozich said the 37-inch Musky shown in the photo above is “the only Musky caught in the last 30 years in Pentwater Lake.”

Contributed

Joe Primozich

Fred cisler

Visit

OCH&GS

is open

There may be an expensive vinyl record hidden in your couch

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

For many Michiganders, Jack White is probably a familiar name. He was one of the frontmen of a wildly successful early 2000s indie rock band from Detroit, The White Stripes. Some of their more prominent hits include the songs “My Doorbell” from their 2003 album “Get Behind Me Satan,” and “Icky Thump” from their 2007 album of the same name. Their song “Seven Nation Army” opens with what is arguably one of the most recognizable bass lines of all time. Unfortunately, the White Stripes disbanded in 2011. However, this was truly just the beginning of the many contributions Jack White would make to the world of music over the years.

White started his own record label, Third Man Records, in Detroit back in 2001. While he is well known as a rock star, his legacy through this record label is probably what will prove to be the most enduring. The label operates two locations, one in Detroit and one in Nashville, Tennessee, plus a pressing plant also in Detroit where White pushes the envelope of the vinyl medium. His second solo album, “Lazaretto” came with a slew of groundbreaking features, including hidden tracks pressed beneath the label and even a 3-D hologram. Beyond that, Third Man Records has worked hard to preserve early American music culture with their American Epic series. American Epic is a PBS documentary series covering what is often referred to as the “big bang” of popular music. Jack White features heavily in the documentary, as he recreated the first electronic

recording studio and invited modern artists to record their own covers of traditional tunes on the original equipment. The label also released a series of associated vinyl records from unforgettable names, such as The Carter Family, the Memphis City Jug Band, Mississippi John Hurt, and many others.

However, what many people may not know about Jack White is his love for upholstery. That’s right, upholstery, like working on couches and other forms of furniture. In fact, Jack White’s record label, Third Man Records, is named after an even earlier business expedition of his called Third Man Upholstery, which started in 1996. The slogan for Third Man Records is “Your turntable’s not dead.” It is an echo of a much earlier slogan from Third Man Upholstery: “Your furniture’s not dead.”

White’s upholstery shop operated out of the Pioneer Building in Detroit, and the name of the business was a reference to the fact that White was apparently the third upholsterer to open up shop on that street. The second upholster was a man named Brian Muldoon, whom White apprenticed under as a teen. Well, Muldoon was also a drummer. The two of them formed a band in the early 2000s, which was very aptly named The Upholsterers. At some point, White began to realize that upholsterers could write each other little notes or messages inside the furniture. Nobody else would see it except them, because who is ever going to look inside their couch? This idea would eventually morph into them hiding copies of their own music in furniture, and the Upholsterers would do just that. In 2004, White and Muldoon pressed 100 copies of their newest

single to vinyl and used Muldoon’s shop to hide them in the furniture of unsuspecting customers. The name of this single was, “Your Furniture Was Always Dead… I Was Just Afraid to Tell You”.

For a long time, this was just a rumor, but it was confirmed to be true in 2014 when Third Man Records revealed that two copies of the vinyl had been found. One of the lucky recipients even shared photos of the album art, which can now be viewed online. But this still leaves 98 copies waiting to be discovered. Of course, the odds that reupholstered furniture in Detroit from 2004 has made it all the way here to Oceana are pretty slim. Still, as Michiganders, we stand a much better chance of finding one of these exceedingly rare records than most other Americans. If you have family in Detroit, it may be time to pay them a visit and spend an inordinate amount of time examining their furniture.

OCH&GS History Volumes for sale

By Sharon Hallack OCH&GS Recording Secretary

What a wonderful celebration the Mears 150th was this past Sunday! It was great to see everyone enjoy the museum and have a piece (or two) of homemade pie!

This is just a reminder that the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society Mears Museum Complex will be open two more weekends

this summer (Aug. 26 and 27; September 2 and 3). If you haven’t made it out this year, there’s still time, so please stop in!

Don’t forget that our society headquarters are located at the historic Chadwick-Munger House on Dryden Street in Hart every week of the year, each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We invite you to stop in there as well for a visit, to find that long-lost relative, or to volunteer!

Can’t get enough county history or need a gift for that hard-to-buy-

for person on your gift list? Consider one or all three of the Oceana County History Volumes. Volume I is our largest volume, published in 1990. In it, you can find county history and numerous family histories. Volume II, published in 1992, contains miscellaneous county history, anecdotes and photos, county school history and family histories. Volume III, published in 2005, features 150 years of Oceana County history, county tidbits, miscellaneous historical photos and advertisements, business histo-

ries, clubs and organizations, township and village updates, as well as additional family histories.

Because of its very limited supply, Volume I costs $25. However, Volumes II and III are available simply for a donation of any amount (and we mean any). We have several boxes from the last printing and would love to have them in the hands of people and/or organizations to be read and enjoyed. For further OCH&GS information, please visit our website at www.oceanahistory.org.

Back-to-school time is here

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

In just a few days, students will be heading back to the classroom for the 2023–24 school year. Custodians are frantically trying to keep things clean as staff begins to return, while bus mechanics, building maintenance personnel, and technology staff finish the projects and updates they were tasked with over the summer. Teachers have been working a day here and there all month and are now preparing for backto-school training and open houses. Secretaries are answering a hundred questions from students, parents, staff and the public, all while trying to juggle a dozen other tasks in order to be ready for the first day. Kitchen staffs are planning menus and organizing their kitchens. Principals and superintendents are communicating with parents, staff and the community. Parents, guardians and caregivers are running to and fro shopping for back-to-school supplies and clothing, while trying to survive these last few crazy days of summer. What they are feeling is similar to what teachers feel the last week of school—it’s time for a different routine! It’s a hectic yet exciting time for everyone.

As a former school secretary myself, I am speaking from experience. There’s a lot happening in the weeks leading up to the first day of school each fall. Regardless of whether your child attends a public, private, virtual or home-based school, we’d like to share a few last-minute reminders.

1. Attendance is important. Think of school as your child’s work. The more they attend, the more they learn. In addition, be sure to send your child on the first day! Don’t think, “I’ll just wait until next week after everything settles down. Everyone is in the same boat on that first day - new schedule, new teachers, new friends. Many school procedures are talked through, and a lot of team building happens in those first few days. Don’t cheat your child out of the chance to get started on the right foot.

2. Being on time is important too. Everyone has those crazy mornings where nothing goes right and your child is late to school. However, being on time is a good life skill and helps your child’s entire day and week go so much smoother.

3. If your child is in elementary school, check their backpack every day. Lots of important information comes home in those fancy totes your child insisted you purchase. If your child is in middle or high school, be sure to check your school’s data system regularly for attendance records, class assignment and grades. This is one piece of technology that has saved parents and schools a lot of time!

4. Be sure to return all paperwork and keep contact information up-to-date! A quick phone call, email or text to your child’s teacher or school doesn’t take long and is so appreciated, no matter how many times information changes.

5. Stay in regular communication with your child’s teachers and school staff. Parents are the first and most important people in a child’s life. A school’s job is to come alongside you and offer instruction and other opportunities to help your children learn and grow. They are able to do a better job at that when parents stay involved and communicate regularly.

The Oceana Echo wishes everyone a great school year! We are anxious to report on the many good things happening in our Oceana County schools. Say hi when you see one of us at your games and events. Keep us posted. We want to be your local news source. Feel free to contact us at www.oceanaecho.com to share photos or submit ideas for stories.

Golden Township Parks Committee releases The Golden Township 2023 Parks Survey

Community input sought through new survey

MEARS - The Golden Township Parks Committee announced Aug.14, 2023 the immediate availability of The Golden Township 2023 Parks Survey, enabling the Golden Township community to provide their ideas on how to improve the township’s parks.

“We need the community’s input via this survey ahead of our preparation of our township’s five-year Parks and Recreation plan,” said Jake Whelpley, Chair of the Golden Township Parks Committee. “Community input is key to our success.”

Golden Township has five parks and recreation facilities: Golden Township Park at Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Johnson Square, Golden Township Park at Lake Michigan, Golden Township Park at Round Lake, and the Silver Lake Bike/Pedestrian Trail. The survey seeks to determine how the parks are currently being utilized as well as gather suggestions for improvements

to individual parks and the entire park system. The survey is estimated to take less than 10 minutes to complete.

The Golden Township 2023 Parks Survey is available for immediate response online at www.goldentownship.org/, www.surveymonkey.com/r/ B2DGBZY or by scanning the QR Code above.

Ongoing

Back-to-School Prayer Walk/Drive set for Aug. 28

The Ladder Community Center invites all to the annual Back-to-School Prayer Walk/Drive Monday, Aug. 28, from 4-5:30 p.m. Participants will gather at the Shelby High School parking lot at 4 p.m. From there, groups will walk or drive to one of the four area schools to intercede for our area students, teachers, staff and administrators as they start the new school year. Call (231) 259-0211 for more information.

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 Sept. 8-9, 2023. Join in as they 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, the 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 Dunes Visitor Bureau at (231) 873-2247 or visit www.applebbqfestival.com.

EnerG Fitness Pentwater to host upcoming events

EnerG Fitness Pentwater will offer Jazz Dance Fitness Pop-Up Classes Sunday, Aug. 27 and Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. This class is taught by Joely Burlingame. The class is $15 drop-in, or $8 drop-in for students.

Full Moon Restorative Yoga is set for Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 7-8 p.m. with Amanda Jagniecki, Registered Yoga Teacher. The class is $15 drop-in, or $8 drop-in for students. Current members can use their class passes and memberships. Sign-up on the EnerG Fitness Mobile App, or just show up.

Contact studio manager, Amanda Jagniecki, for

August

Aug. 25 - Pentwater Sidewalk Sales along Hancock Street, all day. Gallery Stroll in Pentwater, 4 p.m. Storybook Village Learn & Play, 9-10 a.m.

Aug. 26 - Pentwater Sidewalk Sales along Hancock Street, all day. Annual Wooden & Classic Boat Show at Pentwater Yacht Club, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aug. 31 - Civic Band Concert on the Village Green, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 3 - Heritage Days at Hart Historic District, 11 a.m.

The 2023 Ladder Harvest Festival 5K and Fun Run to take place Oct. 7

The Ladder Community Center is hosting the second annual Harvest Festival 5K Run/Walk and 0.5K Fun Run/Walk during the morning of Shelby’s 2023 Harvest Festival Oct. 7. Gather friends, family members, and neighbors for a fun morning of running and walking together. Anyone who signs up with two or more generations in their group, you will receive a discounted entry price. Sign up online at theladdercommunitycenter.com/harvest-festival-5k1 or in person at The Ladder Community Center, located at 67 N. State Street in Shelby. Please call (231) 259-0211 for more information.

Hart High School class of 1956 reunion planned

The Hart High School class of 1956 will be having a reunion Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. at Open Hearth Grille in Mears. Reservations are not necessary. Those that come will order off the menu and pay for themselves. Attendees are asked to let Charlene Birkman or Lois Greiner know they will be there a few days before the reunion.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Saturday Sept. 2, 2023 @ 10AM

Located: (next to) 82 E. Madison Rd. Hart, MI 49420

Directions: From US-31 take Monroe Rd. E. to 112th Ave. then N. to corner of 112th and E. Madison Rd. then W. to sale site. (long driveway) Watch for signs!

Beyer Auction has been commissioned by Don & Sandra Sauser to sell the following 1994 Buick Road Master LT1 w/approx. 120K miles , 1958 IH 2400 A Industrial w/ Mower, Blower & Seeder, Hand tools, Vises, Metal Gates, Rolls of Chain Length Fencing & Post’s & more!

All Items sold with No Minimums and No Reserves!

Auctioneers Note: 1 Ring sale! See our website for complete list & pictures @ www.beyerauction.com Terms: No out of state checks will be accepted. No credit card available. Cash or check with positive ID. Announcements take precedence over printed material. Not responsible for accident or loss. No lunch available.

Beyer Auction Service Inc. Hesperia, MI 49421 Wade Schuberg 231-855-8555 Accepting Consignment Year-Round.

Late Summer Recipes

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Our gardens, farmer’s markets and roadside stands are overflowing with homegrown produce. I absolutely love this time of year. Put all that garden goodness to work, upping your antioxidant, vitamin and mineral levels, while enjoying these dishes, perfect for entertaining or adding to a quick weeknight meal. Each of these recipes comes to us from the “Cooking Up Memories” cookbook recently published by the Oceana County Medical Care Facility residents and staff. The cookbook is available for purchase at the facility’s main desk, Bakery on the Corner, Cup of Kindness and Hansen Foods. The cost is $15.

Spaghetti Squash Supreme

From the kitchen of Lois Crane

Ingredients:

1 large spaghetti squash (3 ½ lbs.)

4 bacon strips diced

3 Tbsp. butter

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

½ t. salt

¼ t. pepper

½ cup shredded Swiss cheese

Directions:

Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place one squash half cut-side down on a microwave-safe plate. Cover and microwave on high for 8 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork. Repeat with the second squash half. When cool enough to handle, scoop out squash, separating strands with a fork. Set aside. Cook and drain bacon. To drippings, add the butter, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Then, stir in squash and bacon, heat through. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese just until blended. Serve immediately.

Southwestern Sauteed Corn

From the kitchen of Michelle Crane

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. butter

3 ⅓ cup fresh corn or 1 (16 oz) frozen corn

1 plum tomato, chopped

1 Tbsp. lime juice

½ t. salt

½ t. cumin

½ cup minced fresh cilantro

Directions:

In a large nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add corn; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until tender, reduce heat to medium-low; stir in tomato, lime juice, salt and cumin. Cook 3-4 minutes longer or until heated through. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro.

Quick Berry Cobbler

From the kitchen of Sally Jo Miller

Ingredients:

½ cup butter

1 cup flour (can use gluten-free flour as well)

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

½ cup milk

⅓ cup sugar

2 cups berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or combo)

Directions:

Melt butter in a 10 or 11-inch long rectangle glass baking dish in a preheated 350 degree oven. Mix together flour, 1 cup sugar and baking powder in a medium bowl. Add milk to the flour mixture; stir until moistened. Spoon batter over melted butter. In a small bowl, gently mix berries with ⅓ cup sugar; pour evenly over batter. Bake 30-35 minutes. Crust will rise during baking.

• Contributed Photos

TLC’s annual event provides 225 free backpacks, school supplies to area youth

Parents with students of all grade levels showed up Wednesday evening, August 16, for Trinity Lutheran Church’s “Backpack Blowout.” The event, which took place at the New Era church on Stony Lake Road, resulted in the free distribution of 225 backpacks stuffed with school supplies—all purchased by TLC’s WHO (Women Helping Others) group. Attendees also participated in other free offerings, including a walking taco dinner, games for all ages, raffle prizes, books for all students, t-shirts, plus free tattoos and balloon animals. A bouncy house in the playground area drew a crowd, and attendees visited informational tables with handouts that were manned by Oceana LEADS (Leading Efforts Against Alcohol and Drugs), the Michigan State Police and United Way of the Lakeshore.

TLC thanks the 38 volunteers who coordinated this year’s Backpack Blowout. Special thanks go to Steve and Marty Burchfield, who provided the ever-popular balloon animals. Thanks also to Oceana Builders Supply for sponsoring the bounce house. Raffle prizes were donated by Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo, Weesies Brothers, Thrivent Financial, and TLC’s WHO group.

Thunder in the Creek

17th Annual Thunder in the Creek Disabled Veterans Benefit took place Saturday, Aug. 19 near Ruby Creek Tavern. The event included a parade, ATV run, kid’s games, chicken drop, duck race, dinner, band and fireworks. All proceeds raised at the event go to the Ruby Creek Disabled Vets Hunt Club.

• Jan Thomas/Echo

Oceana County schools ready for new year with open houses, staff announcements

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

It’s back-to-school time for area students. The Oceana Echo is pleased to list the following back-to-school open houses, first day and 2023–24 updates. Parents are encouraged to check their individual school websites and Facebook pages and attend any open houses to be sure they have all of the latest information for the start of this school year. Please note that all county district schools’ first day of school will be a half day.

Hesperia Community Schools had its back-to-school open house Thursday, Aug. 24. The first day for students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be Monday, Aug. 28. Further 2023–24 school updates and the names of new staff members will be announced in a future edition of The Oceana Echo.

Hart Public Schools first day for kindergarten through 12th grade will be Tuesday, Sept. 5. All back-to-school information and student update forms are available online this year. No packets have been mailed. The high school is pleased to add the following new classes to its curriculum: Pre-Algebra, Creative Writing and Pirate Media. The high school staff and students are also excited that the former Hart Beat News will be returning. The middle school welcomes new teachers Kyle Weiler as Special Education Teacher and Abe Enns as Student Success Coordinator. The middle school open house will be Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 4:30-6 p.m. Spitler Elementary welcomes former high school principal Brandon Bruce as its new principal, Hannah Dodson as a new third grade teacher and Austin Enns as a new fourth grade teacher. Spitler’s open house and WSESD Book Bus will be Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 6-7 p.m. Diman-Wolf Early Childhood Center welcomes former Spitler teacher and principal Andrea Degan as the new center director. The ECC open house will be Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Oceana Christian School will have its first day of classes for students in kindergarten through 6th grade Tuesday, Sept. 5. The school (OCS) will host its backto-school open house Thursday, Aug. 31 starting at 5:30–6:30 p.m. for preschool and 6-7 p.m. for kindergarten through sixth grades. OCS is happy to welcome former 2nd grade teacher Sheri DeGraf as their new school administrator; Marissa Snider, STEM; Sarah J. Riley, paraprofessional; Krystal Vander Graaf, first grade teacher’s assistant; Krista Moul, Lunch Room Aide; Amy Ackley, two-day a week, 4-year-old preschool; and Marlies Bishop, four-day a week, 4-year-old preschool. The school is pleased to announce they will once again be offering a sixth grade for the 2023-24 school year. The newest addition to the school will be a “Friday Fun” class open to all 3-year-old through kindergarten students, enrolled as fulltime students or students from the community. This new program will run for 32 weeks and is tuition-based. More information is available by contacting the school at 231-873-2514.

New Era Christian School will host a back-to-school night Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 6-8 p.m. Further 2023-24 updates and names of new staff members will be shared in a future edition of The Oceana Echo.

Pentwater Public Schools will have its annual back-to-school open house Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The first day of school will be Tuesday, Sept. 5, from 7:50-11:30 a.m. The school is happy to announce the following new staff: Craig Barter, K-12 Assistant Principal; Troy Holstad, Junior/High School

Special section corrections

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

“Mistakes happen” or “nobody’s perfect,” may be phrases we say or hear when people goof up. That doesn’t mean we like mistakes or should ignore them. It’s amazing how reading a story on newsprint (that you’ve read and reread a dozen times) makes a mistake pop right out!

Sometimes pressing deadlines or miscommunication can be the cause of missed or incorrect details; however, rather than make excuses, we want to come clean. We want to be seen as your trustworthy news source, and we desire to honor those who’ve entrusted their stories to us. The following are a few misstatements the Echo wishes to clarify and correct from the past two weeks:

On page 6 of the August 18, 2023 “Oceana County Fair” special section, in the article “From “Little Buddy” to Grand Champion”, this writer stated that Mike and Audrey Herremans were past leaders of the Beef Bums 4-H club, when in fact they have led the group for a number of years and are the current leaders. This writer also wrote that Morgan Herremans was the granddaughter of Blanche (and the late David) Woller.

The article should have read, “Morgan is also the granddaughter of the late David and Blanche Woller.”

On page 8 of that same special section, in the article “Nearly Six Decades of Exhibits and Still Going Strong”, this writer incorrectly named Judy (Spencer) Eisenlohr as Judy (Spencer) Longcore.

On page 3 of the August 11, 2023, “150 Years of Mears” special section, the Echo wishes to identify the 1960 Golden Fair Queen pictured as Miss Ruth Ann Fenton.

On page 14 of the same insert, in a story about the late Ralph Fenton, as told by his grand-nephew, Dave Fenton, this writer incorrectly identified Frank Fenton as Ralph Fenton’s father. Frank Fenton was Ralph’s brother and Dave Fenton’s grandfather. The article also mentioned Ralph’s age at his passing as 92 in one paragraph and 93 in another. Fenton was 92 years of age upon his death.

We wish to acknowledge that all those affected by these mistakes and omissions have been extremely gracious and have not personally asked for a correction or reprint. Still, The Oceana Echo wishes to apologize and “set the record straight.” Thank you for your continued support of The Oceana Echo. We appreciate you all!

mathematics teacher; Chad Sampson, Junior/High School English/Social Studies teacher; Cindy Bengston, long-term guest teacher; Gary Doody, new bus driver; Lanora Jewett, bus driver/elementary paraprofessional; Rose Swanger, elementary paraprofessional; and Amanda Payne, School Resource Officer. The school staff is also pleased to announce that the gym floor was completely renovated this summer!

Shelby Public Schools will host its back-to-school open houses Monday, Aug. 28 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and students will start Tuesday, Aug. 29 with a half day. The district is pleased to welcome former student and Shelby resident Tim Simon of the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department as the new School Resource Officer for the district. Longtime teacher Abbie Gorton has also been named assistant principal at Shelby Elementary School. Other 2023-24 updates and names of new staff will be announced in a future issue of the Oceana Echo.  Walkerville Public School will have its back-to-school open house Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 5-6 p.m. with its first day of school being Tuesday, Sept. 5. The district is happy to welcome the following new teachers to its staff: Ashley Stadel, formerly from the area, will be a part-time administrator and the district’s RTI (Response To Intervention) coordinator; Asa Kramer, formerly of Arizona, has been hired as the new kindergarten through 12th grade physical education and health teacher; and Tim Barany, a retired California school teacher and military veteran, will serve as the district’s 3rd through 5th grade science and Social Studies teacher. The school’s preschool through 2nd grade students will all be housed in the lower elementary building beginning this year. The district is also very excited to announce they are fielding their first middle school football team ever this year!

Household Hazardous Waste Day

The Oceana Conservation District hosted Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Aug. 19 at the Department of Public Works building in Hart. There are three collection sites for the event, with one each in Mason, Manistee and Oceana Counties. Pharmacist Joni Morse, above, and Deputy Dave Gregwer were on-hand to take in materials from area residents • Kevin VanDyke/Echo

Living Legacies: Mears 150 and Pleasant Afternoon

• Stacia Erickson and Alan Moul/Echo

JaN lathers, above ceNter, surrouNded by the exteNded lathers Family, breaks GrouNd For the New barN that will be Part oF the mears museum comPlex.

Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors•

Wanda Jean Lake

September 30, 1936 ~ August 18, 2023

Wanda Jean Lake, 86, of Shelby, Mich., passed away Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. She was born Sept. 30, 1936, as the eldest of seven children, to Herbert and Veronica McMurtrie. She was raised in the Tekonsha and Marshall/Charlotte areas, where she met and married her husband of 62 years, Jack Dale Lake. They lived in Adrian, Monroe, East Tawas and Edmore before settling in Shelby to raise their four children.

Wanda so loved Oceana County and enjoyed their small farm to grow her gardens, raise horses, and, in her later years, while living in town, to grow as an artist. Her main career was taking care of her family, but over the years she also worked as a nurse’s aide, picked fruit, sold antiques, did secretarial work, and did housekeeping/gardening at Double JJ Resort. A true jack of all trades.

Ever the avid reader and learner, she shared her knowledge and was active in her community as a 4-H leader, teaching sewing, horsemanship and arts and crafts. She was also a Master Gardener, member of the Gourd Society, and taught painting classes at The Ladder.

Wanda is survived by her children, Jeanne (Michael) Abbott, Gill Lake, Christa Swain and Nannette Lake; her grandchildren Brett (Mary) Abbott, Christian Abbott, Jacob Swain and Olivia Lake; two great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Claris Shook, Robert McMutrie, Donna Kosier, Gary McMurtrie and Vicky Taylor; and preceded in death by her husband, Jack Dale Lake, her sister, Bonnie Stayner and her parents.

There will be no public service, but those wishing to honor her memory may contribute to a memorial fund being established at Shelby Area District Library or The Ladder Community Center in Shelby.

Richard “Dick” Allen Johnson

December

9, 1946 ~ August 21, 2023

Richard “Dick” Allen Johnson, Sr., 76, of Shelby passed away peacefully Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 at his home, sur rounded by his loving family after a brief battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 9, 1946, in Shelby, Mich. to Albert and Edna (Kinder) Johnson.

Dick was a lifetime resident of Ferry Township and attended Shelby High School. He was a woodworker by trade, retiring from OJ Briggs Lumber Company in White Cloud. In his retirement years, Dick enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, gardening, and working in his own wood shop.

Dick is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 24 years, Fran of Shelby; his children, Dicky (Michele) Johnson of Shelby, Cathi Abbatoy (Jeff Malignity) of Grant, and Heather (Jeremy) Hallack of Hart; Fran’s children: Shanna (Ross) McDonald of Chicago, Ill. and Shane (Karie) Purcell of Colton, Calif.; twelve grandchildren: Brandon (Meika) Baron, Brittney Johnson (Steven Wilson), Jarrod Abbatoy, Jakob Abbatoy (Kendra Westerhouse), Lillian, Grace, Clinton, and Isabella Hallack, Kate and Jack McDonald, Tyler (Jessica) Purcell and Ryn Purcell; six great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; son Jarrod Johnson; sister Judy White; and brother “Bud” Johnson.

There will be a casual celebration of life Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ferry Community Center.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is assisting with arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Obituary Information:

We, at The Oceana Echo, offer our deepest condolences for your loss and are here to help you tell others about your loved one’s life and the plans you have made to honor, celebrate and remember them

If you would like to place an obituary with us, please tell your arrangement specialist or email us at theoceanaecho@gmail.com.

Beverley June Hansen

October 13, 1929 ~ August 20, 2023

Beverley June Hansen, 93, of Hart, passed away Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. She was born Oct. 13, 1929, in Muskegon, the daughter of William and Mildred (Whitaker) Smith.

In 1966, Beverley and her husband, Don, moved to Hart and founded Hansen Foods, previously the Hart Thrift Way. Together, they grew their business into a community staple, and Beverley continued to be involved until 2021, well into her 90s. Beverley was a strong businesswoman who knew how to keep everyone on task, but also how to bring a fun time to work. Her humor, dedication, work ethic and friendship will be remembered by employees and customers alike.

Beverley likewise had many hobbies, including bowling, various puzzle books, computer games, and her nightly requirement of watching Wheel of Fortune, or “Vanna,” as she would refer to it. She also had a very strong connection to her family. She and Don enjoyed many themed parties over the years, and were also blessed to travel to many different countries and sites around the United States. Beyond all, she loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Beverley is survived by: her loving husband of 74 years, Donald Hansen; children, David (Leslie) Hansen, Brenda (Larry) Seguin, Diane (Ron) LaPorte, and Goeff (Tami) Hansen; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Walter Hansen Jr.; sisters-in-law, Joyce Hansen and Jayne Hansen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Beverley was preceded in death by: her parents; grandson, Collin Hansen; siblings, Russell (Lela) Smith, Shirley (Cliff) Jablonski, and Gale (Twyla) Smith; brothers-in-law, LeRoy Hansen and Verne Hansen; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Hansen.

A Celebration of Life will take place from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at the Oceana Eagles, 4535 North Oceana Drive, Hart, MI 49420. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hart Lions Club, PO Box 586, Hart, MI 49420, or the Crystal Valley Care Fund, PO Box 451, Hart, MI 49420. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Board of Realtors donates to Hart VFW

A donation of $1,000 was made to the Hart Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1329 by the Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors. The VFW was first established in 1932 and currently serves 96 Veterans. Veterans utilize this post for medical support including bloodwork, immunizations, counseling and support for those struggling with PTSD. They also host blood drives through the Red Cross every other week. MOM Board representatives Evelyn, Janet & Katie presented the check to the VFW. Pictured above, from left, is Senior Vice Commander John Varenhorst, Public Relations Committee Member Evelyn Vinke, Quartermaster Steve Fell, Vice President Janet Dodge, Commander Michael Wilson, Commander Ray Helmer and Oceana County Director Katie Arnouts. • Contribtued Photo

Pirates experience growing pains in home opener

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

HART – The wind that filled the sails of Hart’s boys soccer team following a win over Muskegon Catholic Central to start the year, quickly dissipated when Suttons Bay trounced the Pirates in a lopsided 7-0 loss on Monday, Aug. 21.

Inexperience is something that head coach Joe Gilbert has seen plenty of during the offseason. After a strong campaign last year, Hart graduated nearly their entire starting roster. The Pirates were able to offset the struggles that came with that in their first action of the season, due in part to strong communication. But in their second game, there was hardly any talking among the starters on the field.

“You can see (the inexperience) all across the pitch,” Hart head coach Joe Gilbert said. “Guys aren’t understanding where they need to be and we only have four defenders right now. On top of that, our only senior didn’t have his physical done by the time the

season started. I did more conditioning for them in the summer than I’ve ever done before and only five guys showed up which means we have to make soccer a priority now rather than in the summer and do a lot more work during the season.”

Suttons Bay took advantage of Hart’s young roster, pushing the tempo early on and forcing the Pirates to play from behind for the match’s entirety.

Junior keeper JJ Bizon was the last line of defense for Hart and in his first career start at the varsity level, Bizon was called on early and often. The Norsemen sliced through the defense three minutes into the game and found a quick goal, then repeated the process again two minutes later. Bizon, despite his best efforts, was caught out of position on both occasions.

Things slowed down for 20 minutes as the scoring screeched to a halt and both teams fought for possession in the midfield. Junior captains Adan Cruz and Tyler Larios-Mendez were both a large part of that, making Suttons Bay fight for any scoring opportunity.

The Norsemen found their groove once more late in the first half, netting their third goal on Bizon inside the ten minute mark. In need of a change, Gilbert called on sophomore Miguel Escamilla to finish the day in net. Escamilla recorded seven saves on the night and looked comfortable, but that wasn’t enough to stop Suttons Bay from knocking in their fourth

goal of the half with Escamilla only seeing 60 seconds of playing time.

“They were at least talking when we beat Muskegon Catholic Central, but today we were flat footed and not talking. We got shell shocked in the first five minutes,” Gilbert said. “The way we played

Hesperia cross country gets first test at annual baker woods invitational

Pirates Soccer

continued on page 16

Teeing ff

BenonaShores:

• Craig Gurr (8/14) Hole in one on No. 9 from 180 yards with a six iron.

• Marc Needham (8/15) Hole in one on No. 5 from 184 yards with a driver.

• Titan Carter (8/17) Hole in one on No. 12 from 128 yards with a gap wedge.

• Brant Cohn (8/19) Hole in one on No. 10 from 172 yards with a five iron.

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Hart junior Adan Cruz uses quick feet to slide past a Suttons Bay opponent near midfield. Cruz was a bright spot on the field for the Pirates, despite a largemargin loss for Hart. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

Hesperia’s boys and girls cross country teams kicked off the 2023 season on their home course at the annual Baker Woods Invitational, Wednesday, Aug. 23. Baker Woods is notoriously one of the toughest courses to run, with plenty of obstacles to hurdle including steep hills, uneven terrain and tree roots that are visible on the track. Pair that with humidity and nearly 90 degree temperatures and it made for a long day for everyone in attendance. The Panthers performed well, though they weren’t able to snag one of the team trophies as Grandville Calvin Christian and Mason County Eastern had strong showings as well. Individual times were not posted at press time.

• Brendan Samuels/Echo

The top shots from local golf courses

Pirates Soccer

continued from page 17 in the first, we should’ve been mercy ruled in ten minutes.”

A halftime huddle full of adjustments became a wake-up call for the Pirates. The final forty minutes saw them shift their effort level and attack the ball on a consistent basis to start the second half. Gilbert was happy to see his team show some fight, after watching them limp to the end of the half.

“We told them, we’re at home and these fans are showing up for us. We need to show up for them and at least make it hard for Suttons Bay,” Gilbert said. “We wanted a response and they showed it to start. We saw a better team performance in terms of stopping goals.”

That shifted mindset for Hart was quickly overshadowed by the fast feet and precise passing from the Norsemen. Any hopes of a comeback were put to bed when Suttons Bay struck again, two minutes into the second half.

Then, 13 minutes later, two more goals were added. The first was a routine strike, but the second came on an own-goal from Hart junior Carter Ramseyer after a ball bounced off his leg and in.

With the opposition up 7-0 and less than 10 minutes remaining, the clock worked its way to all zeros and Hart found itself with a 1-1 record and plenty of learning to do.

“We’re going to be conditioning throughout this week,” Gilbert said. “We’re going to hammer defense and learn how not to stab. We have a tough conference, it’s no joke. If we show up like this against Ludington, Montague or Whitehall, we’re not going to play a full game.”

The Pirates will hope to improve before they begin their conference schedule. They’ll face last year’s West Michigan Conference champs, Ludington at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28.

Hart junior Tyler Larios-Mendez watches the ball sail through the air after launching it away from Hart’s side of the field. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

On Saturday, Aug. 19, The Oceana County Fair hosted a unique form of entertainment. The Micro Wrestling Federation (MWF) is akin to the WWE brand of wrestling with the biggest difference between the two being the size of their competitors. The MWF is made up of more than 20 cast members that all stand under the five-foot mark. The grandstands were jam packed as the wrestlers fought for supremacy and to dethrone Syko as the champion of the MWF belt. Apart from Syko, those in attendance got high flying performances from Pinky Shortcake, Lil’ Chola, Chief Little Foot, Ivar the Micro, Micro Tiger and Rico Suave.

• Brendan Samuels/Echo

SHELBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Tiger Pride — Hear the ROAR

District Newsletter — August 2023

Welcome

Back from Superintendent Mark Olmstead

Hello! Like many of you, I find it hard to believe that fall is right around the corner. I look forward to students being back on campus and the buzz that comes with active student-learning taking place. The staff of Shelby Public Schools are taking steps to be prepared for the return of students Tuesday August 29th. The intention behind our actions is to ensure our students have a great start to their school year!

We have many exciting events we are looking forward to this upcoming school year. The traditional open houses for elementary and middle school students will take place Monday August 28th. Our annual Homecoming Week will be the week of October 2nd culminating in the home varsity football game October 6th and the annual Shelby Harvest Festival that weekend. Of course, there is a lot of planning, anticipation and excitement surrounding the upcoming transition for elementary students to the new Shelby Elementary building mid school year! Stay tuned for more detailed information as the time for that transition draws near.

We look forward to your family engaging with our school community in the upcoming academic year. We encourage students to find opportunities to participate in the various opportunities offered within their school and in the community as well. We strive to be the educational resource in the community and relationships with our families is key to being informed on how best to do so. Thank you for your efforts to be a partner with us in these areas. Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Summer Learning Aboard the Aspire Express

Summer Aspire provided essential expanded learning opportunities to over 180 students in grades K-12 this year. Aspire’s 2023 summer theme was all about trains and railroads which included an actual ride aboard the Coopersville/Marne Railway for our Thomas Read students. Aspire staff and students enjoy decorating the halls of Shelby Middle School each year and were fortunate to have been loaned a train prop from New Era Bible Church which greeted students each morning upon arrival. Dozens of students sat in the train for pictures and everyone who visited commented on how amazing it was to have it as part of the decor. The Aspire program is fortunate to have such wonderful support from our community and appreciates how our partnerships benefit the students we serve!

Summer Aspire students spent the summer reading, doing fun math games and participating in several hands-on activities including making origami trains, rice krispie treat trains, peanut butter pies and learning about bees from a beekeeper! These experiential activities help make learning fun and keep students engaged. Enjoyable and engaging summer learning programs, such as Aspire, have higher attendance rates which is essential for student growth and achievement.

Aspire is funded through a federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant and serves students living in the Shelby Public Schools District. After school programming will resume at the end of September. For more information on Aspire, please contact Kolleen Lenon, Aspire Project Director at lenok@shelby.k12.mi.us.

Shelby Middle School News

Shelby Middle is ready for an amazing 23-24 school year! Along with so many great things going on in Shelby Public Schools, you will notice a few new faces this year at Shelby Middle School. Ms. Liana Maitland will be joining our staff as our 7th grade ELA teacher. Liana recently graduated with her degree from Northern Michigan University this year with a Masters degree in Educational Instruction and has a Bachelor’s degree in English Writing. She cannot wait to meet her students!

Another new face will be Dorene Jacobson who will be joining our special education department. Also, not new to SMS, but new to our 8th grade math will be Ms. Josie Dorman. Josie was with us last year and will be a great addition to our teaching staff.

“We Educate High Achievers” is our philosophy here at the Middle School and we are excited to welcome students back into our classrooms. This school year we will continue to ROAR (Respect, Ownership, Actions, Rise) with our Positive Behavior Expectations daily and our anti-bullying, citizenship programs: No place for Hate and Positivity Project. Great things are happening in Tiger Country!

New Michigan Law for Drivers

What is Michigan’s new distracted driving law?

Since June 30, it is now prohibited in Michigan to use a cellphone while driving, unless it’s being used via a hands-free program or device, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a physical phone mount for those driving vehicles without connectivity features.

This means drivers cannot text, scroll through social media apps, hold their phones up to make calls or do anything else that requires them to physically hold the device while driving. This includes while being stopped at a red light or stop sign.

How is this different from before?

The new distracted driving law expands on Michigan’s existing ban on texting and driving. Advocates for the new law say it brings the state’s policy closer to modern technology standards.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes — there are exceptions for making emergency calls or reporting a crime taking place. Emergency responders, like police officers and ambulance drivers, are also excluded from the new law, so long as any device use pertains to their actual work responsibilities. Additionally, utility workers are also excluded from the distracted driving law with the same caveat.

Know the penalties

Someone caught violating the law for the first time will have to pay a $100 fine or serve 16 hours of community service, according to HB 4250. A second violation will cost $250 or 24 hours community service. Fines double if the driver is involved in a crash. A third violation in three years means a court can order the driver to take an improvement course.

Under Michigan law, anyone who passes a school bus with flashing red lights and its arm out can face a fine of up to $500.