The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 29, December 15, 2023

Volume 1, Issue 29 DECEMBER 15, 2023

Brian Woods

ex p a n d s

Big Skinny’s

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By Madison Lajewski The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

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Brian Woods’ Big Skinny’s pretzel company in Hesperia has done well enough that he needed more room, so he recently made a move to a bigger location in the village.

The operation has moved to 38 N. Division St. The new building gives Woods a larger space to produce his growing number of orders, with an approximate 1,770 square foot increase.

“I’ve got friends scattered around the country who want them shipped all the time,” said Woods. “Anyone will be able to place online orders to be mailed. I have a buddy who owns a sports shop in New York that he sells them out of. I also have a bit of a following in Alabama because a girl from here (Sky Milner) goes to school in Alabama. She introduced them to her sorority, and they love them.”

Similar to his previous location, the new space is not a retail store but more of a workspace for Woods to make and package orders. However, Big Skinny’s pretzels can be found at numerous locations throughout Oceana County and surrounding areas, stretching from Ludington to Muskegon. A full list will be updated and provided on his new website, bigskinnyspretz.com, which is set to launch in a few days and will be announced on his Facebook page. Customers will also be able to place online orders and have them shipped directly to them through the website.

During the past summer, Woods competed in the Pitch North competition in Fremont and advanced to the finals. He also made it to the finals of the MI New Favorite Snack competition in Port Huron.

“If anybody wants a fun weekend away, that was a lot of fun,” Woods said. “They put on a heck of a show. There are four different categories of snack foods; you name it, and there’s somebody making a snack out of it. That wasn’t anything I had done before. Both competitions were fun and interesting.”

With the growth Woods has seen in the last year and the new changes he’s made recently, he’s been playing around with some possible new flavors he hopes to perfect and introduce soon. Earlier in 2023, he introduced a dill pickle flavor, which quickly became his top seller.

“I’ve got a lot of ideas, but nothing has gotten to the point where I’m ready to start bringing it to people yet,” said Woods. “If it isn’t good enough for me, it’s not good enough for the public. A couple of them I get a bit mad at. I can’t figure them out. I get this part, but I can’t get that part of it right. You can only work on them for so long, then you have to put them down because everything starts tasting the same. I have a couple I think I’m getting close to, but we’ll have to see.”

A championship pedigree Jessica Jazwinski earns top 10 All-American National honors

By Stacia Erickson The Oceana Echo Community Contributor Becoming a household name as a high school athlete in Oceana County isn’t a feat often accomplished. For Jessica “Jessie” Jazwinski, however, that’s just another feather in the cap of her already accomplished athletic career.

Jazwinski is a star harrier in her junior year at Hart High School. She is also an intelligent, straight “A” honor student, who has excellent attendance, is articulate, candid, outgoing. Now, at the age of 16, Jazwinski is a two-time national All-American cross country runner.

This past Saturday, Dec. 9, found Jazwinski in sunny San Diego, Calif., running in competition with 40 other girls from across the U.S. She earned her way, for a second time, into the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championship by placing in the top 10 runners in the Midwest region of the country. She earned a ranking of No. 2 in the Midwest this year after placing fourth in the Foot Locker Cross Country Midwest Regionals. The runner who earned the top ranking finished just above Jazwinski in the nationals.

Last year, Jazwinski earned 11th place nationally; this year, she took 9th.

She is now ranked in the top 10 female high school cross country runners in the country. Her unofficial time for the 2023 national race was 17:45.9 for the 3.1-mile course.

Jessie hails from a family of runners. Both her dad, Bob, a Hart Middle School

Jessica Jazwinski special education teacher, and her mother, Katie, a Hart Public Schools physical education teacher, are acclaimed runners. According to Jessie, Bob ran for Western Michigan University, a school that was known for the success of its runners at the Division 1 level at that time. Her mother, Katie, ran for the University of Michigan, and later, as a mother of three, she was an Olympic qualifier in the marathon, 3K steeple, 5K and 10K. After a series of moves, with running kept as a priority, the Jazwinski’s landed in Oceana County. The family now resides on a farm where blueberries are ranked above all else. This family’s credo is “healthy body, healthy mind,” and they practice what they preach.

Jazwinski said that family meals are geared toward running, with a focus on protein in almost every meal, along with fruits and vegetables in their general diet. Jessie says she, as well as her mother, love to cook and bake.

Love is at the forefront of the Jazwinski family’s values: love of family, love of God and love of running.

The family has never pushed their kids to run. It’s a personal choice, and all sports are encouraged, with running as the example from day one.

When she and her brother, Bobby, were young and started running with their mother, Jessie said that they would lag far behind.

“She would kick our butts,” Jazwinski said, noting that they would cry and lament while their mother would calmly reply, “It’s okay, you’ll be up here some day,” and she’d keep on running. Now, the two oldest siblings are not only where their mother said they would be, but far past it.

Jazwinski is confident that Bobby, a freshman at Hart High School, will finish next year as a Midwest qualifier and run in that national challenge. He is also her training partner now.

Younger siblings Johnathan, fourth grade, and Samantha, fifth grade, are too young to run cross country competitively, but both enjoy various sports and do choose to run occasionally.

“I love the feeling running gives me, and I feel so great after running, communing with nature, and all that,” Jazwinski said when asked why she enjoys running. “It’s not so much about the running, but it is about the competition. It’s built my confidence a lot.”

She added that camaraderie was a big part of the national competition, particularly in the Midwest region.

“I know I will run smarter next year,” Jazwinski said.

She is keeping her eye on the top with a strong and vibrant focus.

WWC’s generosity surpasses $700K mark In June of 2012, several Oceana women founded an area chapter of a nationwide organization called Women Who Care (WWC). The concept involves area women meeting four times a year for an hour, during which they learn about the good work of several nonprofits serving citizens of Oceana County. Every attendee votes for one, and the highest vote-getter receives $100 contributions from each WWC member, regardless of whether or not they were able to attend the meeting.

Membership since then has hovered around 150 women, and the group met Dec. 5 at Farmhouse Kitchen and Market in Shelby. Those who could not attend in person were able to access the meeting via Zoom.

The group agreed that each member would

support the Oceana College Access Network (OCAN) with their $100 personal contributions, for a total of $14,800. OCAN is a collaborative effort between local schools and the overall community to promote continuing one’s education after high school. The presentation for OCAN noted that these funds would be used in a 3-to-1 match for the program. More information can be found at oceanacan.org.

This brings the WWC group’s total giving to nonprofit causes serving Oceana to $710,000 since its first meeting 11 years ago.

“That’s not chump change anywhere, but certainly not in Oceana County,” said Amy LaBarge of Pentwater. “We are so heartened that so many Oceana women have joined together to make a meaningful difference

to a variety of nonprofit organizations that serve the interests of area residents.”

On the first Tuesday in March, June, September and December, WWC members meet at an area restaurant from 5:30–6:30 p.m., learn about three worthy causes serving county residents, and choose one that everyone agrees to support with their personal checks. Socializing follows for those who have the time to stay. Membership, currently at 148, is open to any woman who wants to be involved in this unique, joint effort to support Oceana causes. The next meeting will be March 4 at a location to be announced. For more information, contact LaBarge at 313-268-2086, or check online at facebook.com/womenwhocareofoceanacounty.

2 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Community Foundation releases its annual Wish Lists Have you ever considered giving a holiday gift to our community? With the holiday season approaching, the Oceana Community Foundation recently released its annual Community Wish Lists!

The foundation invites area nonprofits to indicate which near-term projects and purchases can only happen with the financial support of the community as part of its philanthropic leadership framework. This season, 49 organizations serving Oceana County submitted 126 different gift requests, totaling $180,510! To learn more about our Community Wish Lists or to find a wish close to your heart, visit OceanaFoundation. org/Community-Wish-Lists or reach out to the foundation at 231-869-3377.

Wish List ideas span the county geographically and across interest areas – from education, recreation, environment, arts, community development, health and human services and more.

They are a great opportunity to support local organizations’ essential work. Each gift request is categorized into different funding levels, including under $499, $500 to $1,500, and over $1,500. Last year, 54 wishes were funded by foundation donor advisors, the Oceana Youth Advisory Council, and local community partners – totaling $60,921 for nonprofits, churches, schools, agencies and governmental units serving the greater Oceana County area.

For those interested in supporting a wish but unable to give the total amount, the Foundation can help support partial funding of wishes. Donors can pool their gifts to help make a collective gift to their favorite nonprofit or cause. Look up your

favorite organization or browse until you find a project you want to support.

If you have a donor-advised fund at the Foundation, contact us and recommend a grant from the fund to make an impact.

If you don’t have a fund, you can give us a call to assist you in being a wishmaker!

Other opportunities to fund Community Wishes include directing your charitable IRA (Individual Retirement Account) distribution or a grant from your commercial donor-advised fund to the foundation with a note listing which requests you’d like to support. For people over 70.5 years old who are required to take distributions from their IRA, our Community Wish Lists offer a special chance to make an immediate impact in Oceana County! They can turn them into gifts that benefit our community by taking advantage of a special tax provision that allows a direct rollover to the Foundation without having to report it as income. Since Charitable IRA Rollovers were established as a permanent giving option, more people are using their IRAs to support causes in their communities, including establishing charitable funds at the foundation. Your gift makes a tangible – and immediate - impact on Oceana nonprofits, schools and more by helping them expand their programs or support their day-to-day operations.

For more information about making a gift, now or through an estate plan, creating a named fund at the Foundation, or to learn more about our scholarship programs, call Tammy Carey at 231-8693377 or visit the Foundation’s website at www.oceanafoundation.org.

SMS 2023 Holiday Concert

The Shelby Middle School 2023 Holiday Concert took place this past Tuesday, Dec. 12, in the Shelby High School auditorium. The evening of festive music featured the 6th grade Beginning Band and 7th and 8th grade Cadet Band, both under the direction of Erin Ray, and the Middle School Choir, under the direction of Gustavo Morales.

• Amanda Dodge/Echo

Feliz Navidad

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THE OCEANA ECHO DECEMBER 15, 2023 3

Shop local for last minute Christmas gift ideas

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

• Gas Stations - Yes, that place you stop at daily or weekly has gifts besides gas and milk. How about picking up a few lottery tickets for someone’s stocking?

Find a variety of candy and snacks for that snacker on your list. With the price of gas these days, I can’t imagine anyone not being thankful for the gift of a gas card!

Tis the season of giving and Christmas is only 10 days away! I personally love to give gifts. I often make a list and purchase things all year long. But if the thought of buying gifts brings stress to your life, perhaps this column will offer a few ideas! You don’t have to go out of town or go online to find some great gifts right in your hometown. Here are just a few places I thought of in preparation for my own Christmas shopping this year:

• Hardware and Farm Stores - Another everyday store that many of us can’t live without has its share of giftable items. While there are always tools and paint, think outside the box. Similar to auto parts stores, hardware and farm stores often have special items available at Christmas time: bird seed for the bird lover, barbeque accessories for your grill chef and much more.

• Bakeries - Whether it’s for a special meal, the mail carrier or your neighbor consider the gift of something sweet. If you’re not a baker, or even if you are, check out your local bakeries and save time in your busy December schedule.

Ask what freezes or ships well. Another fun idea would be to purchase a baked goods gift subscription for someone.

• Dollar Stores - There’s no shortage of dollar stores these days, and inside you’ll discover a variety of simple gift options. Have an artistic grandchild? Pick up an assortment of inexpensive art supplies. Find a new word search or crossword puzzle book for grandma. You’ll also find reasonably priced home and car accessories for someone setting up their first apartment or getting their first car.

• Auto Parts and Services - Your local auto parts dealers should have plenty of helpful auto accessories this time of year. Make up a gift “bucket” filled with car wash or detailing supplies. Better yet, purchase a gift certificate to have someone’s car detailed or get their oil changed. Buy someone a new ice scraper or snow brush; the fancier, the better. When the winter snow and ice finally come, your recipient will think of you every time they use it.

• Resale Stores - Like dollar stores, Oceana is blessed with a number of nice resale stores. I love visiting them all year just to see what I can find. My philosophy is that if something used still looks great and is functional, it must be a quality item. Pick up a nice vase or basket for that gardener on your list, or a set of crystal goblets or wooden tray for that person who likes to entertain. Or how about a used book for the bookworm or a collectible for the collector on your list?

• Restaurants and Coffee Bars - Many realized how much we loved to go out to eat when we couldn’t do much of it during the pandemic. I’ve received many restaurant gift certificates over the years and have really appreciated them. A restaurant gift card is a chance to not only get out but also take a break from meal prep and clean up—my favorite part! Thankfully, our area has plenty of great options, from sit-downs to burger joints, breweries to coffee shops. A bonus gift • Floral Shops - For the person who has everything, you can’t go wrong with would be to set a date with the recipient and enjoy a meal together. a bouquet or basket of flowers. While floral shops are known for their real flowers I had no idea this column would go this long. It just goes to show the many and plants, many also carry silk arrangements for those who prefer not to worry options we have available. Not only does shopping local help our local economy, about watering or sunlight needs. Your local florist would also be happy to help but you save gas and time too! While a gift card to a big box store is easy, consider you put together a gift basket using several smaller items from their shop. taking some of the time you are saving and check out our local businesses for a • Furniture Stores - Maybe furniture is out of your price range with all the unique and local gift. Shopping locally also helps if you need to return someother gifts you need to buy, but furniture stores carry great accessories too. Look thing. Your local business owners know you and want to serve you not only at past the furniture, and you might be surprised at everything else you’ll find. Christmas but all year long. In closing, we often resort to a gift because we feel Check out the pieces of art on the walls, displays on furniture or perhaps some it is required or we want something quick. Yet sometimes the gift of time and of yourself is really all someone wants or needs. But that’s a whole other column! new linens or dishes. These items aren’t just for display; they’re for sale.

May your days be Merry and Bright and Happy Gifting!

• Farm Markets - Many farm markets are still open and will remain open throughout the winter. From fresh greens for decorating to local eggs, honey, and syrup to unique handmade goods and antiques, farm markets are getting more and more creative with their offerings. Bonus - just the drive to those off-thebeaten-path markets will give your spirit a little break during this hectic season.

Especially For You At Christmas

From all of us at Meyers Chevrolet, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to seeing you again in the new year!

At our favorite time of year, we’d like to acknowledge the many people who have helped to make our dreams come true, and wish all of you a truly miraculous and wonderful Christmas.

For your friendship, we feel deeply blessed. Thanks!

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4 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO This page is brought to you by:

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Oceana County Schools: Colfax

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Last week we covered the history of the rural schools in Crystal Township, which means this week we are moving on to Colfax Township. In district number one, we are looking at a handful of schools. First there is the Freeman school, the first school built in Colfax.

This log school house first opened in 1869 and was located on section 36. Next is the Woodworth school, which was built on leased land in section 26. This one cropped up a few years after the first, in 1872, and utilized frame construction. The third and final school in this district was Allen Creek school, which opened in about 1900 and was built a little bit south of the Woodworth school. This school building would later be used to house the Walkerville Gun Club.

The second oldest school in the township was the Baldwin School, located on East Minke Road and North 176th Avenue. This was the only school in district number two, and despite being one of the oldest in the township, we don’t have much information on it.

From Mort Wiegand’s notes, “School records show a teacher listed in 1940-42. It was closed off and on before the 1940’s.” We do have a list of some of the teachers who worked there, though. Their names include Cora North, Vera Stafford, Mabel Cummins, Ellen Babinec, Elaine Schmitt, Alvin Walker, Grace Landon, Helen Andreas and Maggie Walker. The building has since been torn down.

In district number three, we have the Kid-

der School, so named because it was organized by the Kidder family to help educate their growing children. “As the brothers, or boys as they were referred to, became schoolage, the Kidders instigated the help of neighbors to build a small log schoolhouse on a nearby crossroad.” This school was located on the corner of East Madison Road and North 168th Avenue, and it sounds like it was a pretty popular spot. “When the school was built, it was the meeting place of the neighborhood.

About once a month, they would push back the seats and desks and have a square dance or box social. These gatherings were the places where many young people met their future mates.”

Moving on to district number four, we have the Ruby Creek school. The school had its first classes in the house of William Fuller on Sept.

15, 1900. As a result, it is also occasionally referred to as the Fuller School. We have a pretty detailed timeline for the evolution of the building in Wiegand’s notes. There was a vote to construct a 22 by 28-foot school in 1903, followed by another vote in 1904, resulting in a seven-month school year. They also painted the building and secured a school bell. A fence was added in 1907, and 1909 brought two new outhouses and an enclosed porch, additions that came as a great relief to the students, I am sure. The last class of the Ruby Creek school was in 1948, but luckily the building still survives and serves as a privately owned cabin today.

Second to last is the Hillsdale school, located on North 176th Avenue, somewhere between East Jefferson Road and East Adams

Road. It was eventually consolidated with Walkerville High School. They moved the building to Walkerville, where it served as the high school home economics room. The class of 1935–1936 shows a total of 10 students, with nine of them bearing the surname Walker.

Finally, we have the Colfax Center School, “located on the SW ¼ of SE ¼ of Section 15 on Madison Road between 184th and 192nd.”

Unfortunately, this is another school for which we have very little information. Wiegand has simply written in her notes, “I think it was opened in 1910. When the school closed, the building was torn down.” Again, though, we do have a list of teachers. They are Vera Stafford, Bert Grove, Helen Grove, Anna Ternary, Belle Edmond, Anita Duke, Ethel Little, Flosse Riffal and Christine Helm.

Shelby State Bank announces Lisa Parker retirement SHELBY – Shelby State Bank has announced that long-time local banker Lisa Parker will be retiring Dec. 31.

Parker joined Shelby State Bank in December 1980. She progressed through several roles, from teller and customer service representative to loan clerk, before be-

coming a bank officer in 1991. She became the assistant branch manager of White Lake in 1996 and then the branch manager of the North Muskegon office in 1997.

Her duties continued to grow as she joined Loan Operations in 1999, became an internal bank auditor in 2000,

and added more branch responsibilities in 2003.

In 2009, Parker took on compliance oversight and, in 2014, became the Loan Department Manager. Since 2021, she has also been the Executive Board Secretary.

“We are extremely grateful for Lisa’s full career of contributions

with Shelby State Bank,” said Mishelle Comstock, president and CEO. “She has consistently given her best for customers and colleagues alike and done it with excellence.

We wish her a wonderful retirement.”

Shelby State Bank was established in 1931 and has grown to oper-

ate ten branches in western Michigan, stretching from Fruitport to Manistee. Each branch offers a wide variety of consumer and business banking services. For more information about Shelby State Bank, call (231) 861-2123 or visit www. shelbybank.com.

Lisa Parker

The Oceana Echo ©

is published weekly at P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436 • All rights reserved.

theoceanaecho@gmail.com • December 15, 2023 • Volume 1 • Issue 29 Office hours (Old Town Hall in Mears): Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Office phone: 231-301-8149, or for breaking news, please call 231-923-0751.

Consider donating to The Oceana Echo Donations in any amount can be made via Paypal at paypal.me/echopublishinginc, by scanning the QR code at right or by sending a check made out to Echo Publishing Inc. to P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436.

THE OCEANA ECHO DECEMBER 15, 2023 5

Shelby Township seeks feedback regarding intersection lighting

SHELBY - The Shelby appreciative of all the improve lighting at maTownship Board contin- residents who mow the jor intersections.” ues to look for opportu- front of their rural propPlease contact the nities to improve road erties and are mindful office with any feedback safety for township resi- of the safety concerns of on the direction the dents and visitors. With tall grass and wildlife,” board should be followthis goal in mind, in Shelby Township Super- ing.

2022, the Shelby Town- visor Richard Raffaelli If anyone would like ship Board executed a said. “Shelby Township to provide feedback to plan to hire a local farm- residents exhibit pride the township, please er to mow the right-of- in their homes and sur- contact the office at 231way twice a year. The rounding areas, and we 861-5853 or by email at Oceana County Road look forward to their info@shelbytownshipDoes anyone remember seeing Oakley in the newspaper be- Commission provides feedback on how we can oceana.com. fore? Well, he is still at the shelter, looking for a loving home and annual mowing in addifamily. Oakley is four years old and has reduced vision capabili- tion to this initiative.

Looking to 2024, ties, but he does amazingly well learning about his surroundings and navigating them. Oakley is very loving and gets along with Shelby Township is now larger dogs, but he does not like cats. He really, really deserves to looking at options for MONDAYS: street lighting at major have a loving furever home. ½ off Appetizers intersections. The townTUESDAYS: ship board is seeking Oakley is available for adopKids Menu $1.99 for kids 10 & under tion from the Oceana County Anfeedback from Shelby imal Shelter. If interested, please Township residents and WEDNESDAYS: call the shelter at 231-861-5395. surrounding residents All You Can Eat Shrimp $17.99 The adoption fee for cats is $35, to better understand the To simulate 5 y THURSDAYS: and you receive certificates for $25 township’s needs and All You Can Eat Perch $19.49 towards spay/neuter and $10 toproducts throu help it move in the right wards rabies if not already done.

FRIDAYS: direction. The board is SEET lab. We p The adoption fee for dogs is $95 All You Can Eat white fish $15.99 also looking at the imand you will receive a $50 certifipact of signs showing Prime Rib Fridays & Saturdays after through 4 p.m. anythi cate good for spay/neuter, if needthe major streets the ed. Every dog should have an ID motorists are approachtag. L.A.S.S.I. provides free dog Free ½ Foot To simulateing,5 years we put our similar of toenvironmental other ID tags to all Oceana County resiof Onionexposure, Rings with Purchase dents. To request tags, send a text townships in southern of 2 Dinners. products through fluctuations 2430 inside the to 231-730-3906. Free tags are also Michigan. extreme temperature N. 56th Ave., Hart Expires Dec. 31, 2023 available at the Oceana County openhearthgrille.com “The Shelby TownAnimal Shelter.

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6 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Ongoing Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, first and third Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out.

The Ladder Community Center: Tuesdays: Pit Stops for Men 12 & Up, 6:30 p.m.

Thursdays: Recovery Support Group, 6:30 p.m.

Fridays: Open Jam Session, 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays: Celebrate worship gathering, 6:30 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m.

St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave. in Hart Starting in January: Second & fourth Fridays Doors open at 4 p.m.

HAPL Friends offer silent auction fundraiser Friends of the Hart Area Public Library invite the community to their first “Winter Solstice Silent Auction Fundraiser” Thursday, Dec. 21, from 4–7 p.m. in the Hart Community Center. Enjoy soups and beverages, games, and crafts for the kids. Bid on a variety of gift baskets, with all proceeds going toward library programming. Gift baskets can be viewed in person at the library or on the Friends of Hart Area Public Library Facebook page from Wednesday, December 13 to Thursday, Dec. 21. Winners will be announced at the evening event.

December

Through Dec. 15 - Spitler Polar Express Canned Food Drive Through Dec. 18 - Hart’s Holiday Decorating Contest Self-Guided Tour and Public Voting, City of Hart.

Through New Year’s - Deater Family Light Show, 6344 E. Garfield Rd., Hesperia, shows run on the hour, 5-9 p.m.

Dec. 15 - Open House, Community Foundation, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dec. 15, Toys for Tots Distribution, 3-6 p.m.

Dec. 15 & 16 - “The Nativity Experience” live nativity, Hart Commons, by First Baptist Church of Hart, 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 16 - Pentwater Christmas in the Village Dec. 16 - Shelby Elementary School official ribbon cutting, 9 a.m.

Dec. 16 - Toys for Tots Distribution, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 16 - Shelby High School Jazz Band performance, Book Nook and Java Shop, Montague, 10 a.m.

Blue Christmas at Shelby UMC set for Dec. 21

Dec. 16 & 17 - Rothbury Village Holiday Light Competition judging

Shelby United Methodist Church will hold its second annual Blue Christmas Service, Thursday, Dec. 21, starting at 7 p.m. “This annual Christmas service of healing is for people who are missing someone or for whom the holidays are hard,” said Pastor Beverly Williams. The service will include a time of devotional reflection, music and candlelight. Part of the service will include lighting candles in memory of family and friends who are missed this Christmas. Pastor Williams started Blue Christmas following the death of Williams’ daughter shortly after Thanksgiving last year. Coincidentally, Dec. 21 would have been her birthday, Williams said. Everyone of all faiths is welcome to participate.

Dec. 17 - Kids Christmas Service, FBC of Hart, 9:15 &10:50 a.m.

Village of Rothbury hosts lighting contest Village of Rothbury residents are encouraged to decorate their homes for this year’s Holiday Lights competition. Decorated homes will be judged Dec. 16 and 17. First place will win $200! Second and third prizes will also be awarded! Winners will be announced the week of Christmas!

Home Decorating Contest going on in Hesperia All Village of Hesperia residents are invited to participate in this year’s Hesperia Chamber of Commerce Home Decorating Contest. Photo submissions are due Wednesday, Dec. 20, and should include the entrant’s name and address and be emailed to HACC1866@gmail or sent via Facebook message at HACC by Dec. 20.

Winners will be determined by the number of “likes” on the Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. The winner will receive a $50 cash prize!

Hart Wesleyan offers ‘A Night in Bethlehem’

Dec. 17 - Communitywide Christmas Caroling, Pentwater Village Green, sponsored by Centenary UMC, 4 p.m.

Dec. 18 - After School Movie, Hesperia Library, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 - Santa Claus Family Story Hour, HAPL, 6 p.m.

Dec. 19 - Tech Hour, 1:30-2:30 p.m., and Adult Book Club, 6-7 p.m., Hesperia Community Library Dec. 20 - Hesperia C of C Home Decorating Contest Deadline Dec. 20 - “A Night in Bethlehem”, Hart Wesleyan Church, 5-8 p.m.

Dec. 21 - Community Christmas Brunch, Park Place, Pentwater, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 - Matinee Movie, Hesperia Community Library, 1-3:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 - Winter Solstice Family Hike, Gale’s Pond County Park, sponsored by the Oceana Conservation District, 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 - Blue Christmas Service, Shelby UMC, 7 p.m.

Children can celebrate Jesus’ birthday at The Ladder

“A Night in Bethlehem” will take place Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Hart Wesleyan Church, located at 3757 Polk Rd., from 5-7 p.m. This open-house-style walkthrough event will be hosted by “angel” tour guides who will lead visitors through “ancient Bethlehem,” from the city gate to craft shops featuring pottery, leathermaking, a wood shop, a weaving shop and a scribe tent. A small craft will be available for attendees at each stop. There will also be a photo booth where families can pose for a family picture. The highlight of the evening will culminate at the manger, All children ages 5 to where everyone will have a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the birth of the 12 are invited to The Ladbaby Jesus. All activities will be held indoors, and refreshments will be served. der Community Center once a month for Party Club! Saturday, Dec. 16, The Oceana Conservation District and Oceana Parks Commission invite join us for the “Birthday everyone to celebrate the winter solstice Thursday, Dec. 21, from 4:30–5:30 Party for Jesus” from 1 p.m. with a candlelit half-mile hike through Gales Pond located on East Film- to 2:30 p.m. We will have ore Road between 116th and 112th Avenues. Prior to the start of the hike, OCD songs, Bible lessons, staff will share information about local nocturnal animals, Michigan forests, and games, and snacks. Parwetlands, as well as share readings to prepare attendees for this one-of-a-kind ty Club is sponsored by event. Flashlights and cell phones will be discouraged to let each hiker’s vision Child Evangelism Feladjust to the low light and be ready to enjoy winter in the woods. The glow of can- lowship, a Bible-cendlelight will line the trail and add to this magical experience. Because light will tered ministry serving in be minimal, it is recommended that hikers wear sturdy, non-skid shoes. Walking every region of the world. poles may be helpful as well.

All teachers and helpers have been trained and screened to ensure The next Share Our Stories (SOS) event at The Ladder Community Center your child’s protection. in Shelby will feature the theme “Book Reports—Part II.” If anyone belongs to a Parents are welcome to book club or simply loves to read, please join us on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m. attend. The Ladder is loAll are invited to bring a favorite non-fiction book to share, explain its contents, cated at 67 N. State Street in Shelby. facts about the author and other pertinent information.

OCD invites all to candlelit half-mile hike Dec. 21

Share your favorite books at The Ladder

Obituaries

THE OCEANA ECHO DECEMBER 15, 2023 7

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

Milton ‘Bud’ Carl Olson Jr. June 18, 1940 ~ December 8, 2023

Milton “Bud” Carl Olson Jr., 83, of Mears, passed away at home Friday, December 8, 2023. He was born June 18, 1940, to Milton C. Olson Sr. and Nora Ann Calcutt, in Bay City, Mich.

A gifted musician with a natural ear, he lived a life full of music and loved to share his musical gift with those around him. Whether that was playing for and with family, friends, or the wider community, he never missed an opportunity for a jam session or a private concert. He could often be found playing his accordion for hours in the evening, running through the enormous list of songs he knew from memory and his days playing in his own band.

He also loved working on all types of engines. Starting from owning his own gas station, then driving military vehicles in the Army, through his long work history at Sealed Power and later Engine Power Components, and continuing with working on his pet project of an MG Midget rebuild, he had an affinity for building and tinkering and always had a project on the go.

He was quick to laugh and share a joke, but he was also a quiet man who didn’t require the spotlight. Always there to support his four children and extended family when called. He regularly made up silly names for everyday items and loved to share old sayings that were not always entirely appropriate but will be used by his family forevermore.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Louise, for 57 years. Together, they traveled all over the country. Her taking photos of breathtaking landscapes, and him carrying camera gear, enjoying her company, and just trying to finally see a real-life moose.

He will be missed more than words here can express by the many family and friends that loved him.

He is survived by: his wife, Mercile Louise Olson; his children, Christopher and Shelby (Wood) Olson, Tim and Keli (Engel) Olson, Barbara and Luke Albright, and Kathy and Scott Nason; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his sister, Patricia Olson-Smits; and his brother, James Olson.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Ladder Community Center, 67 North State Street, Shelby, MI 49455; theladdercommunitycenter.com.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Nathaniel ‘Nathan’ Lee Hoffman November 18, 1998 ~ November 28, 2023

Nathaniel “Nathan” Lee Hoffman, 25, of Holly, was called home to the Lord on November 28, 2023. Nathan was born Nov. 18, 1998, to William “Bill” Hoffman and Cristine Ortwine.

Nathan had a love for his family and was always looking to help someone in need. He was always looking for a thrill or an adrenaline rush, and he was always taking chances. Nathan loved to drive fast; he was an avid and talented video game player; and he loved to ride his bike, always looking for his next adventure.

Nathan is survived by: his parents, Bill Hoffman and Cristine (Boyd) Ortwine; siblings, Taylor Hoffman, Alyssa Ortwine, Samantha Ortwine, and Wyatt Ortwine; grandparents, Steve Bowers and Judy and Mike Robinson; great-grandma, Dorothy Bowers; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Nathan was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Gerald Bowers.

All those who knew and loved Nathan are heartbroken, but we find comfort in knowing he lived his life to the fullest and would like to remind all of you that he would like each of us to do the same.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will take place in Holly after the New Year.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King- Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Dean Lydey

‘Turn it on, wind it up, blow it out!’

Remember the Pontiac GTO, a popular 1960s muscle car from GM? With Christmas right around the corner, try searching the three words “GTO and Christmas” on the web. Up pops an assortment of postings about GTO sweaters, ornaments, greeting cards, an album of Christmas music, and even a tabletop tree that emits the “rrrr” sound of a revving engine.

But Dean Lydey of Pentwater has created something even better: a wood bench that he built around an actual grille from a 1967 Pontiac GTO muscle car. Sitting down on it can make one start humming “Little GTO,” the 1964 hit tune by Ronny and the Daytonas.

Lydey’s creativity drew plenty of attention from fellow members of the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center (PALC) when he was creating it earlier this fall. He and his wife, Jennifer, joined the PALC two years ago after retiring to Pentwater from Ohio.

“I began doing mostly wood projects, like segmented bowls and projects for our house, because I had experience. But then I came across this front end of a ‘67 GTO that someone in Pentwater had posted on Facebook Marketplace.

I once owned a ‘65 GTO. I didn’t know what I was gonna do with this ‘67 grill. But then the bench

idea sorta came to me as a piece of art to display somewhere at home. The lumber I used was from a beech tree that had to be taken down last year in Scottville. So the tree now lives on as a bench.”

When asked what he likes best about joining the Artisan Center, Lydey quickly answers, “It’s the people, by far!

“I’m reasonably comfortable around woodworking tools, but last week I learned two brand new skills after I ran into problems and was scratching my head. Jim Crum and Barry Freed saw that I was struggling, and they made a couple of suggestions that ended up being problem solvers. That’s what’s so special about the Artisan Center. Members are so willing to share ideas with and teach each other.”

Added Freed, “Dean brought in this wood plank that was 8-feet long

and 1-inch thick, with a strip of the tree’s bark running along each side of the plank. We showed him how to cut the bark off cleanly by first screwing a straight board onto the plank and then running the plank along the guide of a table saw. That gave him a nice clean cut on one side, so he could then easily slice the bark off the other side.”

The nonprofit PALC is more than halfway to its fundraising goal to repair, replace, and add new equipment that’s needed for the next 20 years. For more information, call 231.869.5323. Contributions can be charged to a credit card by logging onto oceanafoundation. org/give/our-funds. In the “Search Funds” box, enter “Equipping the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center for the Next 20 Years Fund” and follow the prompts.

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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.

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8 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Celebration of the Trees raises $4,730 for SADL The Celebration of the Trees, hosted by the Friends of Shelby Area District Library, ended Dec. 2 with a great visitor turnout, which helped make this annual fundraiser a success. The silent auction of displays netted more than $3,200, the gift basket drawing brought in $730, and the Buy It Now Table brought in $780 for a total of $4,730. Some holiday items continue to be for sale near the circulation desk if patrons are still seeking a special gift or decoration. The Friends of SADL thank the many volunteers who spent hours creating displays, donating items, baking cookies, and helping with the auction and sale. Local businesses that donated gift certificates for the drawing were: Affordable Auto, Shelby Floral, The Artisan Restaurant, Images Salon, Blondies, The Pizza Factory, Stony Lake Market, Story Book Village, Lakeside Comprehensive Rehab and Family Fitness Center and Tri-County Feed. Special thanks go to Shelby Floral for also donating a beautiful rose bouquet for the auction and Oceana and Whitehall Veterinary Clinics for making 13 unique holiday-themed string art pieces for the sale.

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9 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Living Legacies: Carol Juhl

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor Although she may be the first to admit she doesn’t consider herself a “legacy,” Hart resident Carol Juhl is already creating a name and reputation for herself in Oceana County and beyond. She currently holds down four part-time jobs, working as a clerk for Storybook Village in Pentwater, as an independent contractor for the online platform English First, as a substitute teacher for Hart Public Schools and as a harpist playing at various events throughout the area.

While keeping track of her schedule sounds a bit overwhelming, Juhl admits, “My schedule is very flexible and customizable, which allows me to do the things I love.” She would tell you she enjoys each of her jobs for different reasons, but she also enjoys many hobbies as well, mainly travel. Recently, that passion took her all the way to Japan, a place she has always wanted to visit.

Juhl moved to Hart as a young child when her parents relocated here from California to be closer to her mother’s parents. Growing up, she remembers her family hosting young women from Japan two different times through the 4-H LABO program. It was during this time that Juhl started to develop an appreciation and love for Japanese culture. Then, after graduating from high school, Juhl attended West Shore Community College for a year before transferring to Moody Bible Institute, where she majored in TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages).

As a college student, she enjoyed spending time getting to know the Japanese and Chinese students and even attended a Japanese church. In 2011, she took a college spring break mission trip to Thailand, and then in 2013, she did her college internship in Beijing, China, where she taught English to high school students during a summer English camp. And in 2016, she went to Kazakhstan on a mission trip with the Armitage Baptist Church of Chicago, where she helped with a kids Vacation Bible School and English camp for high school and college students.

Currently, Juhl is an independent contractor for English First (EF), an online program for English language learners. “Students taking various on-

line courses come to a checkpoint in their class where they need to book a lesson with a live English-speaking teacher. I let EF know when I’m available, and they schedule me with students making requests. I currently teach one-hour classes just a few times a week. The EF curriculum includes five levels and various topics.

It’s very individualized. I can teach general or business English, or a student can request a certain topic,” Juhl said.

Not only is Juhl providing English instruction, but she is also making friends along the way. Recently, when working with one of her online students from Shiga, Japan, the student, when finding out Juhl was from Michigan, said, “You know what? We have a ferry boat on our lake called ‘The Michigan.’”

“I thought that was interesting,” said Juhl. “So after class, I googled it, and sure enough, on Lake Biwa, the largest inland lake in Japan, there is a ferry boat named ‘The Michigan.’ I thought it was very interesting as well that the ferry is located on a large inland lake because our state, with its large freshwater lakes, is known as the Great Lake State.”

In reading more about Shiga, Japan, Juhl discovered that Shiga and the state of Michigan have had a “Sister State” relationship for the past 50 years. Part of the programming that has fostered this half-century relationship are the regular visits each country makes every year. “On the odd-numbered years, Michigan sends a delegation to Shiga, and on the even-numbered years, Shiga sends a delegation to Michigan,” Juhl said.

Having always wanted to go to Japan, Juhl quickly set about finding out when the next delegation would be going to Japan. She found the application online one day after it was due. But she took a chance and called to ask if she could still apply. Soon she was accepted and began to make plans for the October 18–28 trip with 30 others from Michigan. “(The time frame) was appealing to me because it wasn’t a very long trip and the cost, under $3,000, was very attainable,” Juhl said. “The whole idea (of Sister City relationships) is to promote friendship and build relationships. It’s really a beautiful program. You get to build relationships with people you might not ever have the opportunity to meet.”

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Carol Juhl of Hart, above, back row first from left, joined the Grand Rapids delegation to travel to its Sister City in Japan this past October. Her group is joined by a member from each of their host families., along with the mayor of Omihachiman. Juhl and the mayor are also pictured at right. • Contributed

One of the main focuses of the trip is staying with a host family and spending time getting to know them and learning about one another’s culture. Because Grand Rapids is the city closest with “Sister City” connections in Shiga, Juhl joined their delegation and was paired with a family from the city of Omihachiman.

“On our first day, we visited ‘Ninja Village,’ a local museum. It was one of my favorite things of the whole trip,” she said. “It’s like a forest amusement park. You can borrow a ninja costume, take ninja training, throw a ninja star or climb a wall.”

The next four days Juhl spent experiencing Japanese culture with her host family, where she was able to eat authentic Japanese food, including a bento lunch and a pickled food and fish buffet restaurant. Besides experiencing the local food, Juhl and her host family visited “Hikone Castle.”

According to Juhl, Shiga is a rural, mountainous region of Japan. Its homes are built very close together, and the roads are very narrow. Even though the country is densely populated, she said, “Japan is extremely clean. I can’t begin to describe how clean everything was. There’s so much history everywhere. It feels like everything is a very well-preserved old village. It’s magical. Living history is all around you.

“You’re not required to speak the language. My host mom knew what

I would consider beginner English.

The giving of gifts is very important in Japanese culture, so we each brought gifts to our host families as well as a group gift for the city. My family had three children under 10 years of age, so I gave them a photo album of my family, a story book and finger puppets, some little games, locally made maple candy, and some visitor brochures from our area. I was given some chopsticks, a towel, scarf and magnet. I also bought plenty of souvenirs,” Juhl exclaimed. “It was a very packed schedule. There was so much to see and do in eight days. It’s amazing how much ground we covered.”

Since her visit, Juhl has connected via video calls with her host family and has enjoyed sharing her experiences with friends and family back here in the States. Someday she would love to be a host family for Michigan’s “Sister City” herself. Until then, she will continue to impact our community and our world with her unique gifts and talents as she builds her own “living legacy.”

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10 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Pentwater Lake Association to offer scholarship

By AnnaMae Bush The Oceana Echo Community Contributor Education is an important part of the Pentwater Lake Association’s mission. It seeks to educate the community about matters related to the health of Pentwater Lake and the larger watershed of which it is a part. The PLA also partners with local schools to inspire the interest and participation of students in the work of the PLA. Involving the next generation now is crucial to their future leadership in the preservation of a healthy lake environment.

For these reasons, the idea of offering a scholarship was suggested by a PLA Board member last year. The criteria for awarding the scholarship would be less about academic achievement than about

M. Suzanne Richey a demonstrated concern for clean water resources and participation in environmental projects.

A scholarship committee was appointed to formulate a proposal and a process for awarding the scholarship. Committee members were Joe Primozich (chair), AnnaMae Bush, Betty Pleva, Pat Hooyman, Joan Menke-Schaenzer and Rich Pugsley.

At the PLA Board meeting in November, the Scholarship Committee presented a proposal, and the Board

approved the establishment of a PLA Water Resource Scholarship program. The purpose of this scholarship is to support post-high school education (a degree or certification program) that promotes clean water sources here and around the world.

The initial scholarship will be the Mary Suzanne Richey Memorial Scholarship, funded by Board Member George Richey. Regarding his late wife, George told the board, “Suzanne was an ardent educator, leader and craftsperson who believed that everyone benefits from learning new skills. This scholarship will be a great tribute to her belief in the

value of lifelong learning.”

Initial funding will provide a $500 scholarship for 10 years. The PLA will encourage additional donations to expand the original funds.

The goal is a self-sustaining endowment that will provide annual scholarships of $1,000. The board also hopes that this scholarship may be the catalyst for additional PLA scholarships to be offered.

Eligibility is extended to high school seniors of any high school in Oceana County and to high school seniors outside of the county whose parents or grandparents are current members of the PLA. Homeschool stu-

dents are included. The application will require a list of the student’s volunteer activities related to environmental and clean water concerns.

The applicants will also be asked to write an essay explaining how our lakes, streams and other water sources are important to their future, identifying ways to improve lake health, and

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listing specific steps to develop cleaner water.

Applications for the 2024 scholarship will be accepted this spring.

Betty Pleva will be the PLA scholarship committee contact for county high schools. Watch for applications to be available at the schools and on the PLA website, www.pentwaterlakeassociation.com.

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11 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

WRWC celebrates progress in 2023 This was another busy year for the White River Watershed Collaborative (WRWC). Initiated in 2019 by Trout Unlimited (TU) and the White River Watershed Partnership, with support from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the WRWC is comprised of local communities and governments, state and federal agencies, non-profits, local business owners and White River enthusiasts. The WRWC is working to facilitate collaborative, data-driven restoration and protection of the White River Watershed.

In 2022, the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) collaborated with local partners to secure funding from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, the Community Foundation for Oceana County, and the Fremont Area Community Foundation to contract with Grand Valley State University to conduct an economic impact study of the White River. The need for this study was identified by the WRWC Economic Opportunity sub-committee, led by Newaygo County’s Economic Development Director, Julie Burrell. Completed in 2023, the study results demonstrated just how impactful the White River is as an economic driver. The study found that the White River has an overall economic impact of $20 million, drawing over 35,000 visitors from outside the region each year. It was estimated that the river increased home values by a cumulative $25 million.

This study serves as a baseline to gauge progress, and the information gathered will be leveraged to target opportunities to improve the quality of the White River and serve as justification for future investments in the watershed.

In 2023, WMSRDC also collaborated with the Oceana County Road Commission, Grand Valley State University, GEI Consultants and private landowners to replace two culverts on Swinton Creek with more appropriately sized structures that sup-

port fish passage and increase flood resiliency.

These projects were made possible by funding from the Lake Michigan Rivers and Coastal Wetlands Regional Partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This project will continue in 2024 with two additional culvert replacements on Swinton and Cushman Creek and the restoration of over 1,000 feet of instream habitat.

In recent years, the WRWC has invested a lot of effort into collecting the necessary data to make informed decisions on project priorities in the watershed, including temperature monitoring, fish passage assessments, habitat assessments and fisheries surveys. In 2023, they began to leverage those datasets to identify additional projects that would have the maximum benefit to the watershed and its fisheries. Ten culverts that block fish from accessing upstream habitats were identified and prioritized for future replacement. New fish-friendly structures will also be more resilient to flood damage and reduce maintenance costs for local communities. Additional habitat enhancement and erosion control projects were also identified, aiming to improve instream habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms.

The WRWC is now fundraising for these well-justified projects. Already, TU has obtained funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support culvert replacement and habitat enhancement work. These funds will be leveraged for additional support, such as funds available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Schrems West Michigan Chapter of Trout Unlimited (SWMTU) has invested in four Salmon in the Classroom (SIC) programs in the local area.

Through SIC, students raise salmon from eggs, learn about their life cycle and habitat needs, and eventually release them into the White River. SWMTU also had its third annual White River stream cleanup, where volunteers removed trash from the river and

cleaned up river access locations.

Through ongoing collaboration, data collection and fundraising, the rubber is starting to hit the road for the implementation of restoration projects in the White River Watershed, ultimately benefiting not only the aquatic ecosystem but also the communities that enjoy and depend on a healthy White River.

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12 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

By Lucie Winborne

• On Dec. 25, 1868, President WEEKLY SERVICE, AndrewWEEKLY Johnson offered amnesty to FROM KING FEATURES SERVICE, all Confederate soldiers with ProcFROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, do, FL 32803 179. was the fourth order 628 Virginia Drive,lamation Orlando, FLIt 32803 of its kind, with earlier agreements re628 VirginiaEXT. Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 establishing legal rights to Confeder800) 708-7311 CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800)if 708-7311 EXT.of loyate soldiers they signed oaths alty to the United States.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. • On Dec. 26, 1991, Jack Ruby’s 257 38-caliber Colt Cobra revolver, which 257 45_20231211 the nightclub owner used to kill J.F.K. STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20231211 assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, sold for NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20231211 $220,000 in a Las Vegas auction. The 2023 original asking price was $1 million.

FOR RELEASE DEC. 11, 2023 • On Dec. 27, 2019, Valerie Sneade FOR RELEASE DEC. 11, 2023 and Jason Roy got married at their

By Lucie Winbornelocal Dunkin’ Donuts in Worcester,

By JoAnn Derson Massachusetts, after ending their relationship at the same shop nearly three decades earlier. The reunited couple attributed their long separation to misunderstandings and “words that didn’t come out right.”

• On Dec. 28, 1967, American businesswoman Muriel “Mickie” Siebert became the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. She also became the first female superintendent of banking for New York State.

And after her death, the New York Stock Exchange named Siebert Hall for her, marking the first time a room at the stock exchange was named for a person.

• On Dec. 29, 1852, Emma Snodgrass was arrested in Boston for the crime of … wearing pants. Mocked by one newspaper as “the foolish girl who goes around in virile toggery,” she was sent home to her police officer father in New York but went on to repeat the act a number of times.

• On Dec. 30, 1940, California’s first freeway, Arroyo Seco Parkway, also known as the Pasadena Freeway, officially opened to traffic. Now considered narrow and outdated, though still in use, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

• On Dec. 31, 1970, Paul McCartney, after struggling through the summer of that year with the idea of having to bring legal action against his bandmates in order to be released from Apple Records and business manager Allen Klein, filed a lawsuit in London’s High Court of Justice to dissolve the Beatles. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

• My personal holiday rule is simple: When in doubt, leave it out. There is so much to do, and we want to cover it all, but my best memories of holidays involve the people who I spend time with, not the place setting or the exact perfect gift. Happy Holidays, JoAnn • Commit to spending one or two unscheduled nights per week during holiday break, just hanging out with your kids. You can enjoy the toys they might have gotten for Christmas, read, play games or just relax in each other’s company. They will return to school (and you to work) less stressed.

— E.G. in Massachusetts • Try this chef’s trick for a juicy bird: After seasoning, cover the bird with cheesecloth or muslin secured with string. Baste over the cloth every 15 minutes. In the last 20 minutes, remove the cloth so that the skin can crisp.

• P.S.G. from South Carolina writes: Delegate table tasks that are ageappropriate to your children for any holiday gatherings that you host.

Place setting, condiment delivery, refilling water glasses at scheduled intervals, etc. Children like to have a job, and they are better behaved when they have a focus and make a contribution.

• Plan now for leftovers: Have small plastic containers and zip-top bags in case your guests or family would like to take some home. This is an especially smart thing to do if you are looking to eat healthier. Send Grandma home with a turkey plate and a big slice of chocolate cake! It’s better to share.

• Wondering what wine to serve at your party? Order a case of mixed wines. You might get a hit on your hands! — C.C. in Oregon Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

• Sweden has a ski-through McDonald’s.

• The world’s most expensive perfume, Clive Christian No. 1 Passant Guardant, will set you back a cool $143,000 for a 30 ml bottle. Of course, it does come in a flask studded with 2,000 diamonds.

• A 2018 psychology study found that millionaires who earned their wealth are moderately happier than those who inherited it.

• George Washington moved his slaves in and out of Pennsylvania every six months to avoid their taking advantage of a law whereby slaves residing in the state for longer periods could claim their freedom.

• One billion hours of video are watched on YouTube every day.

• When Peter Benchley had trouble coming up with a title for his novel “Jaws,” his dad suggested “What’s That Noshin’ on My Leg.” • Bored with your limited supply of cuss words? Try learning Latin, which contains about 800 obscenities to English’s approximately 20 (depending on how we define the latter).

• In 1924, half of the world’s cars were made by Ford.

• Folks who have difficulty recalling someone else’s name shortly after they’ve met can blame it on the “nextin-line-effect,” or having too much anxiety about themselves and what they’ll say next to focus on the name of someone to whom they were just introduced.

• A cyberchondriac is someone who scours the internet looking for details about their illnesses.

• Actor Frankie Muniz, who starred as the titular character in the TV series “Malcolm in the Middle,” doesn’t recall his time on the show, due to multiple concussions and TIAs (transient ischemic attacks).

• Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote “The Gambler” to pay off his gambling debts. *** Thought for the Day: “Don’t confuse your path with your destination.

Just because it’s stormy now doesn’t mean you aren’t headed for sunshine later. Don’t lose faith.” — Trent Shelton © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

13 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

SPORTS

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Early lead enough to lead Hart boys in rivalry win over Shelby By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor SHELBY – Everything looked easy in the early going for Hart’s boys basketball team on Friday, Dec. 8 when they made the short trip to Shelby for a 59-49 win over their rival.

From the jump, Hart seized control of momentum. The Pirates built themselves a double digit lead in the first quarter with Shelby struggling to gain any sort of consistency on either side of the ball. That led to a 19-8 advantage for Hart.

“Right now we’re pretty mechanical,” Shelby head coach Rick Zoulek said. “We’re looking for things that we think are going to be open and we

Hart junior runner Jessica Jazwinski announced her committment to North Carolina State University (N.C. State) on Thursday, Dec. 14.

N.C. State is a Division 1 program located in Raleigh, NC. • Contributed Photo

try to throw it there no matter what. We’ve got a lot of learning to do in terms of just playing basketball. When teams play a zone or a zone press, sometimes your offense isn’t going to go the way you draw it up on the board. You’ve got to play and find gaps.”

A big part of Shelby’s struggles stem from a general inexperience in their starting lineup. Sophomore Eli Kelley was the Tigers’ starting guard and conducted the offense while role players like Lalo Garcia and Phillip Hayes are now counted on as starters. Wyatt Dickman and Treyjin Waller are the two players that have the most reps under their belts with both seeing significant playing time last year.

Shelby’s lone bright spot in that initial eight minutes was the shooting of Hayes (16 points, five assists). Between scoring runs from Hart’s offense, Hayes found ways to keep the door slightly ajar for the Tigers, scoring all eight of his team’s points in the first quarter.

Poor execution and an inability to stop Hart’s shooters bled into the second quarter. The Pirates went on an 11-2 scoring run to start that period, with senior Blake Weirich (24 points, 10 rebounds) doing a majority of the heavy lifting. By halftime, Hart owned a 22 point lead and exuded confidence while Shelby entered their locker room with questions swirling.

A bit of a spark ignited for Shelby in the second half as they found ways to take advantage of Hart resting starters at different points. The third quarter saw Hart extend their lead to 25, but it was obvious that Shelby was starting to find cracks.

“We weren’t trying to think so much, we were just playing,” Zoulek said. “We were moving better defensively and we stopped worrying about being in the right spot. Sometimes that doesn’t matter.

You have to adjust to what the other team does and we did that in the second half.”

That carried over into the fourth quarter where five different Tigers were able to find ways to score.

Shelby also limited their counterpart to just eight points, even with starters re-entering the game to prevent the Tigers from clawing back in.

Shelby made it to within 10 points before the clock ran out on them, but Hart head coach Nick Bronsema was still impressed with the effort his opponent displayed.

Tigers

continued on page 16

Hart senior Blake Weirich rises toward the rim in a 59-49 win over Shelby. Weirich led the Pirates with 24 points on the night. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Chase scores 28 as Walkerville falls to Baldwin By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor WALKERVILLE – Senior Collin Chase has been the engine that makes the offense go for Walkerville’s boys basketball team in the early part of 2023. That remained true on Wednesday, Dec. 13 when Chase notched 28 points in an 8052 loss to Baldwin.

Chase wasn’t the focus of the Wildcats’ offensive attack early on, sinking just

one shot in the game’s first quarter. Instead, it was fellow senior Zeontae De La Paz who started hot. De La Paz did well finding holes in Baldwin’s defense and turning them into easy buckets despite a slight height advantage down low.

De La Paz had four points in the first quarter, leading Walkerville to a narrow 14-10 deficit early.

Only trailing by a few possessions was a win for the Wildcats. After all, Baldwin was the West Michigan D League (WMD) champion

last season, going a perfect 17-0 in the conference.

“We prepared for (Baldwin) and knew coming in that they were a good team,” Walkerville head coach Lee Oomen said.

“I told the boys before the game that we were going to have to play a good 32 minutes and limit turnovers.”

The second quarter saw Walkerville score the

first points on a shot from Chase, but the Wildcats would struggle mightily after that. Baldwin went on a 12-0 run following Chase’s score, pushing their lead into double digits.

The Wildcats responded with a run of their own as Abdel Lopez, Jordan Oomen, Chase and De La Paz scored in succession to pull back within four points. A few more

traded buckets left the Panthers in front 29-22 heading into halftime.

Fast ball movement from the Panthers kept Walkerville scrambling on defense, leaving Baldwin sharpshooters wide open for several corner threes. Baldwin made three from beyond the arc in the second quarter alone, totalling six total in the first half. “(Baldwin) plays good defense with that full court press,” Lee Oomen said.

“Their defense dictated what we did. They pushed

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us to wherever they wanted and we didn’t adjust to it.

It’s a physical game and we weren’t ready for it.”

The third quarter unfolded almost identically to the second. Once again, Chase hit a big shot to start the frame before Baldwin took off on another big run. The Panthers scored 11 unanswered before Connor Shafer and Oomen were able to take the lid off the basket. Chase added five more

Wildcats

continued on page 14

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14 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Shooting woes plague Falcons in loss to Fruitport Calvary By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Walkerville senior Collin Chase blows by a Baldwin defender with his eyes on a two point basket. Despite losing 80-52, Chase had a big scoring night, finishing with 28 points. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Wildcats

continued from page 13

points to end the third, sending him into the fourth quarter with 15 points, but trailing Baldwin 53-37.

Dramatics highlighted the fourth quarter with two of Baldwin’s players riding the pine after receiving technical fouls. That also sent Chase to the free throw line where he went 8-for-10 in the final eight minutes of play. Those points helped him stop just shy of 30 on the game, but wasn’t enough to elevate Walkerville past the Panthers. “(Chase) is our backbone and he’s been our leader for the past couple of years,” Lee Oomen said. “He’s played with me since eighth grade and I’ve been coaching him ever since.

He’s just a great competitor and a great kid to have around.

He’s ready for any challenge, but when he gets that much pressure on him when he’s handling the ball, it’s tough. He shot very well today though.”

Walkerville (2-4, 2-2 WMD) is already off to a better start than they were in 2022 when they lost six straight to start the year. While a loss isn’t what they wanted, it’s encouraging to see the team compete with the conference’s elite.

“We played with them for 24 minutes,” Lee Oomen said.

“That last eight minutes we just got tired and kind of lagged.

We’re able to play with the best of the best, we’ve just got to finish a whole game and limit turnovers.”

PENTWATER – Shooting nine percent from three point range is not something Pentwater boys basketball is used to and certainly was a big reason the Falcons fell 55-46 to Fruitport Calvary Christian on Monday, Dec. 11.

Finding the bottom of the net didn’t appear like it was going to be a problem in the first quarter as Pentwater was able to snag a six point lead out of the gate. Trey Johnson and Mikey Carlson got off to quick starts, but it was Carlson who ended the quarter with eight points to keep the Falcons knotted up with Eagles at 1212.

From that point on, it seemed as if someone had nailed a transparent lid to the top of the hoop for Pentwater. The Falcons missed shot after shot through the remaining three quarters, resulting in a 27 percent shooting

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clip as a team.

“We didn’t shoot our best, yet we were still in the game,” Pentwater head coach Ashley Lubera said. “At halftime we were down three. If I could take everything else away, I’d say we just have to get back in the gym, keep shooting and keep our heads high. We kept ourselves in the game and just couldn’t knock some shots down.”

Still, Carlson managed to keep his strong night going. With another seven points in the second quarter, Carlson almost single-handedly kept his team within reach as they trailed just three points at halftime.

Frustration continued to mount for Pentwater in the second half as the scoring drought continued. That allowed the Eagles to find their centerpiece Bradley Richards to the tune of 10 third quarter points.

“They’re a good seasoned team and Bradley is tough,” Lubera said.

“We held him to the best of our ability, but he’s just a great athlete. We tried

to double team him at times, but he was still able to hit some good buckets.

His shots were falling and ours unfortunately were not.”

With a seven point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Falcons started to gain

a bit of momentum. Carlson, Johnson and Jonny Arnouts all got involved early in the game’s final frame, outscoring the Eagles 11-7 through the first

Pentwater

continued on page 15

Pentwater junior Mikey Carlson lines up a shot from three-point territory in a 55-46 loss to Fruitport Calvary Christian. Carlson ended the night with 23 points and 16 rebounds. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

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Pentwater

four minutes. That brought Pentwater to within three points of knotting things up.

Once again, the shots stopped falling, forcing Pentwater to intentionally foul the Eagles and hope for some misses at the free throw line. To the Falcons’ dismay, the Eagles went 5-for-6 to end the game, putting a cap on the night.

Carlson finished the night with a double-double, putting up 23 points and bringing in 16 rebounds as well.

Johnson was the next highest scorer for Pentwater, recording 13 points. No other Falcon scored more than three points on the night.

The loss marks the first for Pentwater this year as

THE OCEANA ECHO DECEMBER 15, 2023 15 continued from page 14 they now sit at 4-1 overall with a 4-0 record in the West Michigan D League. The Falcons will play their last game of 2023 tonight (Friday, Dec. 15) when they travel to Big Rapids Crossroads Academy with their eyes on continuing their perfect record in the conference.

“We just need to bounce back,” Lubera said. “We’re a

quality team and we’re going to have a couple of losses.

I can take a loss off a poor shooting percentage. We just need to refocus and bring that same spark we had in our first few games.”

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Pentwater juniors Jonny Arnouts (above left) and Trey Johnson (above right) elevate off their plant leg on layup attempts. The Falcons were plagued by poor shooting percentage in a loss to Fruitport Calvary Christian. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

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HART – Not for a single moment did it appear Ravenna’s girls basketball team stood a chance against Hart on Tuesday, Dec. 12 as the Pirates steam rolled the Bulldogs in a 72-24 affair.

For a team that finished last season with an appearance at the Breslin Center, it likely wasn’t too shocking for fans to see the Pirates dominate. What did come as a shock however, was seeing them do it without star forward Addi Hovey in the starting lineup.

Hovey stayed on the bench for the first four minutes of the contest, watching her teammates build a 12-6 lead before head coach Travis Rosema inserted her into the game. That created a problem for Ravenna as the Pirates used suffocating defense to stall the Bulldogs, leading to transition baskets and free throws at every turn.

“We try to have an aggressive mentality whether it’s getting out and running the floor, attacking the drive or using our athletic ability when we’re attacking the rebounds,” Rosema said.

“Tonight I felt like we were quicker and every player we had was getting by their defender. We were focused on getting to the basket.”

Hart exited the first quarter with a 22-8 lead, riding strong starts from Abby Hicks and Breslyn Porter. A host of Pirates got involved in the second quarter and by halftime, seven dif-

ferent players had buried a shot for Hart. Hicks (20 points, six steals, five rebounds) and Hovey (14 points, five steals, four rebounds) led all scorers at

Pirates

continued on page 16

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Hart junior Addi Hovey focuses on the hoop as she drives down the lane for a layup. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

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16 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

2023 All-Conference selections

Pirates

continued from page 15

the break, something that’ll likely be the status quo this year with both maintaining strong presences as leaders on the court.

“With Aspen (Boutell) gone – we were both mainly point guards – I had to step up a little bit. She was an amazing defender,” Hicks said. “Being the first game, we still have some work to do to work better together.

Coming back as returning starters, we definitely have to show these younger girls how varsity works.”

“We have to show (the younger girls) what it’s like and how to control the game,” Hovey said. “Younger girls get nervous and maybe don’t know what to do so we have to show them how it’s done so that they can fall into that leadership role when we’re gone.”

Entering the third quarter with a 42-11 lead, it was all gas and no brake for the Pirates. Hicks appeared even stronger in that quarter, doubling her scoring output while going 5-for-6 at the charity stripe.

The young girls also continued to play well as sisters Breslyn (8 points) and Rilyn Porter (6 points) each got involved. Freshman Reese Smith also increased her role in the second half, scoring seven of her nine points in the fourth quarter to help Hart to the win.

Kelsey Copenhaver notched a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Hart improved to 2-1 with the win and now own a 1-0 start in the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division. They’ll look to continue that good start when they travel to North Muskegon tonight (Friday, Dec. 15) for a meeting with the Norsemen.

Tigers

continued from page 13

“Credit to Shelby, they never give up,” Bronsema said. “Rick Zoulek has been coaching for a few years and they continue to get better year in and year out. Although I was upset (with the second half ), I was still happy with the fact that we played with a lot of energy in the beginning and showed some sort of resilience.”

While Weirich will get a lot of the attention for his contributions on the stat sheet, Ty Schlukebir and Kaden Bond played key roles that allowed Hart to maintain their lead. Both finished with eight points and played complementary basketball alongside Weirich.

Hart snagged their first conference win of the year in the win over Shelby and now sit at 2-4 overall on the season. The Pirates will have two games left before the holiday break as they travel to Big Rapids tonight (Friday, Dec. 15) before hosting Ravenna on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Shelby (1-4) now starts its season off 0-1 in the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division. The Tigers will play a bit deeper into December as they travel to North Muskegon on Tuesday and then return home to host Manistee on Thursday, Dec. 21.

Takedowns for Toys Hesperia Wrestling held their annual Toys for Tots dual on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Hesperia High School.

The program asks any fans that attend to offer up a toy as their price of admission rather than buying their way in like usual. Above is the team pictured with all the collected toys from 2023. • Photo courtesy of Mia Milner

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THE OCEANA ECHO DECEMBER THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR DECEMBER15, 15,2023 2023171

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Art wall to be removed MDOT takes over tunnel after controversy about Whitehall wall’s content

Members of the White Lake VFW present the national colors prior to last Thursday’s Whitehall/Montague girls basketball game. The teams commemorated the Pearl Habor anniversary with a special tribute to local veterans.

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer WHITEHALL — The public art wall that became available in Whitehall last summer will officially be removed once weather permits. After facing a lot of controversy due to profanity and inappropriate art being painted on the wall since the beginning, the Michigan Department of Transportation contacted the City of Whitehall stating that the tunnel belongs to them and the art is required to be removed as soon as possible.

At previous Whitehall city council meetings, council members and citizens voiced many concerns about the art

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

The public art wall under the Colby St. bridge in Whitehall will be painted over after controversy regarding content displayed on the wall. • Madison Lajewski/Mirror

wall. A main concern has been the appearance of the art wall and the possible effect it would have on the new Harwood Flats apartments currently being built directly across from the art wall and how it would make future possible tenants feel.

Avery Jura, recent Whitehall graduate, pitched the idea of the art wall in July. He felt it was

important that youth and Whitehall civilians of all ages have the opportunity to explore their creativity in a unique fashion. Jura was not present at the council meeting to comment.

“Initially we got exactly what Avery presented,” Whitehall city manager Scott Huebler said. “As with almost every piece of art, there are people that love it and people that hate it. Then

it just got out of hand.

Two weeks ago, there was painting outside the tunnel, and it had some vulgar and derogatory words.

“It was a great idea and great effort by Avery but it just spiraled out of control...Some people will be mad we pained over it, but at least we won’t have to worry about criticism on the content.”

Whitehall honors vets on Pearl Harbor Day

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor WHITEHALL — Whitehall commemorated the Pearl Harbor anniversary that fell on Thursday’s game day by honoring local veterans prior to tip-off.

The ceremony, part of a National Honor Society legacy project for current Vikings Taylor Ottinger and Lianne Fagan, saw each player, plus assistant coach Emily MacArthur, escort a local veteran onto the court for a warm ovation.

Viking players wore special warmup shirts with the names of local veterans on the back. Members of the White Lake VFW also presented the national colors as Whitehall student Landon Spoon performed the national anthem on trumpet.

Tales told from 50 years fishing the White River Longtime Montague resident Cliff Minton published book this year

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor Cliff Minton, of Montague, has been writing his book, “The White,” for 50 years; he just didn’t always realize that’s what he was doing.

Minton, 85, completed his book in April and had a book signing at the Book Nook in Montague in October; the store bought 10 of his 100 printed copies. (As of Monday, the store said, it was down to two of those copies remaining.)

It was his daughter, Cliff said, who convinced him to publish the book, a collection of short stories chronicling his time fishing the river.

“I just started writing stories, typing them up and getting them on paper,” Minton said. “My daughter read some of the stories along the way and asked me, ‘When are you going to publish the book?’ I had, over the years, given people copies of stories and they’d been enthused about it, and my daughter was enthused about it. I said, ‘I don’t know. It’s 50-60 percent done.’ She said, ‘Why don’t you finish it and we’ll

get it published?’ She did the work, I did mine and three people proofread it over months, and we finally got it published in Grand Rapids.”

Minton has kept meticulous logs of his fishing trips over the years - his book contains a short story about his 1,000th fishing trip on the river, which took place in October 2013. However, his book is not a how-to manual; the fishing trips merely serve as the backdrop for his many stories.

“I’ve had a positive response, and I think it’s because it’s not about how to catch fish,” Minton said. “It’s about the river and the people on the river at that time and the interactions.”

One of the more dramatic stories in the book revolves around the sinking of a boat, the Play Pen, not too far off the shore of Lake Michigan, that Minton and one of his most common fishing companions, the late John Mussman, witnessed while out on a fishing trip in 1977.

“People on the lake even saw the smoke, called the Muskegon sheriff’s department, and they came down,”

A copy of Cliff Minton’s book, The White.

Minton published the book this year, and it contains dozens of stories from the 50 years he’s spent fishing the White River in Michigan. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Minton said. “It was a grandfather, son and grandson. It was quite a story of how they got there. The grandson couldn’t get on the boat until he learned to swim. It was a good thing he did, because he jumped out of the boat to abandon the raft, and then came back to evacuate the boat.

“I talked to a guy in the Coast Guard once about the odds of swimming that far through rough water, and he said it

almost never happens.”

Of course, Minton could’ve written a how-to fishing book if he’d wanted to. He is certainly well qualified, given his many years on the river. He and Mussman, who Minton said is known among anglers as one of the best steelhead fishermen to patrol the White River, took many trout out of the White during their frequent trips onto the river. Minton said he joked that his goal after retiring was “to eliminate trout in Oceana County.”

“We caught a lot of fish,” Minton said. “We caught trout by the tons, and that’s not an exaggeration. I went through and checked the records. The fishery was unbelievable here in the White, and the state as a whole never found that out.

“What I was looking for was how much natural reproduction was going on in the White system. What I found was that trout are in just about every feeder creek in the White River system...They hide under edges, under logs and stuff, and you don’t catch any.

You go back on the rainy days and it’s amazing what’s in these creeks, the

Fishing book

continued on page 2

2 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR THE OCEANA ECHO DECEMBER 15, 2023 18

White Lake Community Fund distributes grants

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor WHITEHALL — The White Lake Community Fund distributed a new batch of grants Monday afternoon at the White Lake Community Library.

The grants were given to four different recipients: Whitehall Township, the Arts Council of White Lake, the Michigan Youth Ballet Theatre and the White Lake Free Store.

Whitehall Township received a $15,000 grant as part of the ongoing efforts to create a pickleball complex at the township park. With significant support from the township’s pickleball club, which has contributed over $80,000, the park already has six courts, and an additional six courts are being constructed. Once all the courts are completed, according to the township, the complex will be the largest pickleball complex in the county.

The township hopes to stage large tournaments at the park once all the courts are completed.

Township supervisor Arnold Erb thanked the Community Fund for the grant, noting that the enthusiasm for the pickleball project has spread throughout the township.

The ACWL received a $10,000 grant, which will be used to repair sculptures

and replace signs along the Art Walk in Whitehall and Montague. The ACWL noted that, according to the Chamber of Commerce, the Art Walk is the White Lake area’s third-biggest tourist attraction. The Art Walk began in 2005, with support from the WLCF. Of the 18 sculptures on the walk, four will be repaired with the grant money, and five signs will be replaced. There will also be new signage placed in the Marilyn Voss Garden in Montague.

The MYBT received a $6,000 grant to boost its community outreach efforts. Executive director Erin France said the ballet has planned outings to schools throughout the area as well as White Lake Assisted Living. One of those includes, she said, a full-school assembly at Ealy Elementary School in Whitehall.

“So many people here have no idea what ballet is,” France said. “We want to show people in the community what we are.”

She added that the MYBT distributes vouchers in the community for free dance lessons and tickets to performances.

The White Lake Free Store, run by Ruth Grenell out of the local United Methodist Church, received a $5,000 grant. Grenell said the grant will help pay for diapers and other bathroom

Fishing book salmon and the steelhead.”

Minton has fished the White River since moving to Montague in 1973. He and wife Mary came to Montague from West Virginia by way of Detroit when Cliff got a job at Teledyne Continental Motors in Muskegon and bought a home on Fruitvale Road. Cliff and Mary left West Virginia, their home state, in 1959 when a rapid downturn in the coal industry turned what was a nationwide recession into, at least in the Mountaineer State, a full-blown depression.

“I had $54, and I got a train to Detroit and got a job for $81.10 a week,” Cliff said. “I couldn’t even get a resume accepted in West Virginia. I was going to college, but there were no jobs. They became ghost towns overnight, so I knew I had to leave.”

Minton, a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, “couldn’t stand Detroit” because of the lack of nearby outdoor opportunities, so he sought out an area where he

continued from page 1

could find some. That’s what led him to Teledyne Continental Motors and to Montague. Outside of a 16-month work stint in Alabama, he’s fished “The White” ever since.

Minton said when he first began fishing the river, it did not have a reputation as providing a bountiful collection of prospective catches. That was just fine with Minton, as it meant he would largely have the river to himself. Minton has enjoyed being a lone outdoorsman going back to his West Virginia childhood. His dad would not only permit Minton to hunt by himself, he encouraged it for safety reasons.

“My dad would let me hunt alone at 12,” Minton said. “He’d say that the most dangerous gun when you’re hunting is yours, and the next-most dangerous is your buddy’s. I learned early that if I wanted to hunt in West Virginia, I had to do it myself. It carried over to fishing and everything else.”

Minton has fished the White a ton,

The grant recipients at Monday’s meeting of the White Lake Community Fund celebrate their grants at the library. Recipients were Whitehall Township, the Arts Council of White Lake, the Michigan Youth Ballet Theatre and the White Lake Free Store.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

items for distribution to needy families in the area. As the name implies, the Free Store gives donated items of all kinds away to those in need. The Free Store is open Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons, each time frame of which includes a free meal. Grenell said the Thursday evening dinners usually attract 60-70 visitors and the Saturday afternoon lunches bring in 40 to 45.

“This money will keep us going another year and a half, I hope,” Grenell said, noting a donation by the White

Lake Area Women was quickly exhausted by the numerous items she brought in for the free store.

Grenell added that the free store accepts donations of “almost anything,” but is especially in need of baby and toddler clothes right now.

White Lake Community Fund chair Beth Pickard concluded the gathering by reminding those present that the next grant cycle for the WLCF begins New Year’s Day, with applications due

by Feb. 22.

of course, but he’s also taken trips to indulge his love of the outdoors. His book includes a story about him and Mussman taking a hunting trip to Idaho that included a venture into the Salmon River, also known as “The River of No Return” because of how sparsely populated the area is.

“Three hundred square miles, no roads,” Minton said of the area. “That Indiana boy (Mussman) went up there and saw those mountains and threw up for two days, but he got by alright.”

The fish Minton has caught over the years have largely been used as meals, whether for him and his family or for others. He said in their younger days, he and Mary would donate some of their catches to the elderly, or to friends who liked to eat fish but just didn’t catch them. At one time, he used frozen catches and launched a free fish fry in the spring to encourage people to help get Stony Creek, a White River tributary in Benona, to clean up the river to get it ready for the fishing season.

“The attendance jumped from seven or eight to 40,” Minton said with a chuckle. “We had three deep fryers go-

ing simultaneously...We’d try to keep cooking so we could feed them and let them take fish home with them.

We froze a lot of the fish we kept with ideas of giving them to people for the fish fry.”

The White kept calling Minton after he accepted a work transfer to Alabama, and he and his wife returned to the White Lake area after 16 months because they both decided that was where they wanted to be. Minton retired in 2000, opening up even more time for fishing.

Health has kept Minton off the river for much of this year; he said his last fishing trip was in January. He needs a hip replacement and hopes to return to the White after that’s done.

In the meantime, he hopes locals are interested in his stories of his many, many times up the river. If he gets enough interest, he said, he’ll order another round of books.

“I’m at the point where I have to make a decision about whether to get more printed or just be satisfied with what I’ve done,” Minton said. “I think it’d be a good seller at Christmas if people knew it was available.”

Echoes of History: History Dunbar & Sun Ray Cabins

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor In February 1940, Dale Dunbar purchased a 160-acre stretch of property, south of Whitehall, intersected by US31, that once belonged to the Covell Estate. His plans for the property were to build overnight tourist cabins there.

His plans included construction of a scenic drive leading to the cabin development on his property. He offered to donate the cut timbers from that roadway to the American Legion for their building on White Lake, if they were willing to cut the trees.

In 1947, Dunbar sold his cabin property to Joseph Nast of Chicago and the wooded part of the property on the other side of US 31 to Walter Hunt.

Dunbar was born in Convoy, Ohio,

Oct. 29, 1905. He died in Homer, Michigan in September 1976.

Mr. Joseph Nast and his wife Madelyne changed the name of Dunbar Cabins to Sun Ray Cabins and operated them for many years. They featured hot and cold water, inner-spring mattresses, oil heat and a private bath in each cabin.

Joe Nast was born in Chicago June 17, 1895. He married Madelyne Schaefer in Chicago Aug. 31, 1918. While living in Chicago, Nast worked for the Eversharp Pen and Pencil Company.

They moved to Michigan around 1946.

Madelyn died Jan. 14, 1968 in Muskegon at the age of 71. Joe remarried June 18, 1970 to Florence Hayes in Hart. He died in Grand Rapids Aug. 13, 1971 at the age of 76.

Dunbar Cabins, later to be known as Sun Ray Cabins, as pictured in the 1940s.

• Contributed

THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR DECEMBER15, 15,2023 2023 19 3 THE OCEANA ECHO DECEMBER

Candy canes, snowflakes and songs - oh my!

By Virginia DeMumbrum

The

Volunteer Contributor Looking for fun things to do with kids over the long school break? Check out everything the library has to offer! In addition to a play corner, plus STEAM kits, books, movies, puzzles, and even musical instruments you can borrow, there are four special events planned for the holidays. A candy scavenger hunt begins Monday, Dec. 18, and continues through Jan. 6. A family holiday movie sing-along is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 29, join us for a New Year’s Noon celebration. The fun starts at 11 a.m., and includes games and crafts and a balloon drop at noon. Last but not least, a take-and-make paper bag snowflake craft is being offered the first week of January. Visit wlclib.org/calendar for more details on each of these events.

FUN FACT: The popular January

Bookworm

Bulletin

Series lectures through Calvin University reach over 78,000 people each year, including through its remote site viewing locations all over the world. The library is pleased to be one of those 60 remote sites again this year. The series is scheduled for Jan. 15–Feb. 2 this year.

Visit calvin.edu/january to see a full list of 2024 speakers.

Holiday Hours The library will be closed for the

holidays Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 25 and 26. We will be open again Wednesday, Dec. 27. For New Year’s, the library will be closed Saturday, Dec. 30, and Monday, Jan. 1. We will open again TuesDeMumbrum day, Jan. 2.

Whether you are staying home or traveling this holiday season, be sure to stock up on library books and movies to keep you entertained on these long winter nights. And remember, our digital books and movies are available for downloading and streaming anytime. Digital audiobooks are perfect for long trips, too – nothing to carry except your phone and maybe your earbuds! Need help getting started with Libby or Hoopla? Stop in or

give us a call – we can get you all set up in just a few minutes. Better yet, read on for information about an upcoming Libby Basics class!

Libby App Beginner Workshop Would you like to listen to audiobooks on your phone or read ebooks on your tablet—all with your library card? White Lake Community Library is hosting a Libby app beginner workshop Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

This free event features an opportunity to get help setting up and using Libby on your own device to borrow and read ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines.

Please bring your phone or tablet and your library card. You will need to download the Libby app onto your device, so bring your Apple or Android login and password information. If you’re a Kindle user, bring your Kindle login and password. Find more information and registration at wlclib.org.

Alley named Weathervane Lane The work never stops Montague grad wins contest

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer MONTAGUE — The Montague Downtown Development Authority introduced a contest in August that allowed Montague locals the opportunity to name the downtown alley located between Lipka’s Old Fashion Soda Fountain and Wicker Chicken. Both Naomi Randazzo and Chelsae Brush submitted the same name that won; Weathervane Lane.

Randazzo could not be reached for comment.

Brush is a Montague graduate, but moved out of the area with her family in 2014. Though she no longer lives in White Lake, Montague remains close to her heart.

“I lived in the area most of my life,” Brush said.

“I was thinking of some of the big monuments in Montague. There was the Montague Wildcats, but obviously Weathervane Inn was right there on the corner. I thought of Weathervane Lane. It just stuck with me.”

This downtown Montague alley has been named Weathervane Lane after a naming contest among Montague community members.

• Courtesy of City of Montague

DTE Energy workers performed some maintenance work on the Thompson Street hill last Wednesday, showing that even in the frigid winters, a road maintenance crew’s work is never done.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Police activity this week

Behind the

Badge Whitehall Police Report Dec. 7 At 3:55 p.m. a Whitehall man reported a crash that happened at about 4:30 a.m. The 60-year-old driver said he was heading east on White Lake Drive in the 3300 block when a deer ran into the driver’s side of his truck. There was only minor damage and the deer ran off.

Dec. 8 Two vehicles had minor damage as they sideswiped each other 50 feet north of the Thompson and Colby curve. The first vehicle was traveling south and was driven by an 18-yearold White River Township man. He told the officer the other vehicle, traveling north and driven by a 37-year-old

Montague woman, crossed the center line, causing the crash. He also told the officer the other driver was using their phone at the time of the crash. No citations were issued.

Dec. 9 A man was cited for DWLS after a routine check of a license plate showed the owner to have a suspended license.

An officer on patrol checked the plate and made the stop at 6:48 p.m. in the 1300 block of Colby St. The 36-year-old White River Township driver said he got behind on payments for a citation and that got his license suspended.

The driver was released and his vehicle left at the scene.

Dec. 10 Two duck hunters reported they had each lost their shotguns when their kayaks capsized during their morning hunt. The Whitehall officer was dispatched to Lions Park at 8:02 a.m. and spoke with the 22 and 19-year-old sportsmen. One of the shotguns belonged to a third hunter who did not capsize. The older man was from Whitehall Township and the others from Gowen. They reported they would attempt to relocate their lost items with a fishing magnet once they got dry and warm.

At 7:47 p.m. Whitehall Police were

called to a business in the 200 block of E Colby St. for a shoplifting report. The incident occurred the night of the 8th at about 11:55 p.m. when two underaged men came into the store. While one chatted with the clerk, the other walked about the store and entered a cooler. The clerk became suspicious and reviewed in-store video and could see the suspect take something and an inventory check identified the specific item. An investigator reviewed the video and recognized the 17-year-old suspect. He was contacted by the investigator, admitted to the theft and made arrangements to pay for the item. No further action was taken.

Dec. 11 An officer on patrol recognized the driver of a vehicle and knew from prior contact that the Whitehall resident had a suspended license. A traffic stop was then made in the 400 block of Hanson St. The 65-year-old suspect was cited for DWLS 2nd Offense and released after the 12:13 p.m. stop.

The SRO was called to the middle school after a student there broke a phone and punched a staff member in the office. The incident happened at about 11:29 a.m. when the student was trying to call home but the call did not go through. The student ended up

throwing the phone receiver, which resulted in the damage. When the student started hitting the office window, a staff member stepped in front of the 13-year-old and the student began to punch them in the stomach. The student was sent home after the incident.

Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Elizabeth St. on a fraud complaint. The caller reported he was contacted by a person offering to sell a PS5 for just $100 and so he sent the money using CashApp. Immediately after paying for that and a second item, the suspect blocked further contact by the victim. Officers investigating the incident, which was reported at 3:18 p.m., were able to identify the suspect and make contact with family but were unable to contact the suspect himself.

The suspect has a Greenville address but the family did not know where he was living at this time.

Dec. 12 A resident of the 1400 block of Warner St. reported a plastic baby Jesus was stolen from their nativity set in the front yard. The victim noticed the theft when they went to check the mail at 9:56 a.m. There are no suspects or leads in the case, but such thefts are sometimes considered a prank by a certain age group at this time of year.

community 4 15, 2023 WHITE LAKE MIRROR 20DECEMBER DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE THE OCEANA ECHO

e Mirror

SPORTS WHITEHALL • MONTAGUE • REETHS - PUFFER

Montague Vikes in latest showdown NONPROFIT NEWStops SOURCE ‘Cats avenge 2023 district upset

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor WHITEHALL — Jitters were understandable last Thursday night as Whitehall and Montague, each fresh off their season openers, took the court for a rivalry battle.

It took until the second half, but the Wildcats in particular shook off those jitters and got their offense going, scoring a 47-27 win.

It was a bit of a revenge game for Montague (1-1, 1-0 WMC Lakes), which was upset by the Vikings the last time the teams tangled, in March’s district finals. Adding to the game’s context was Kendall Osborne, a former all-state star at Montague, transferring to Whitehall in the offseason. Osborne led the Vikings (0-2, 0-1 WMC Lakes) with 12 points in defeat, and also had six steals.

“We wanted it, especially after what they did to us in districts (last year),” Montague coach Jess DeBruin said.

“These girls wanted it. Kendall transferring was tough on the girls. It was tough on her. I understand that she’s in a tough position. We wanted that way more than them.”

Montague’s offensive struggles in an opening loss to Newaygo carried into the first half Thursday, but luckily for the Wildcats, the same was true of Whitehall. The two teams only scored two points each for the first 6:28 of the game before Montague added four more prior to the first quarter’s end.

Though Montague began pulling away in the second quarter, halftime saw the score still sitting at just 16-5 in

Whitehall’s Allie Van Antwerp tries to get a shot up over Montague’s Amanda Cederquist during last Thursday’s game at Whitehall. The Wildcats won the game, 4727. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague’s Braylyn Bultema (with ball) tries to power past Whitehall’s Lucy Zamojcin

favor of the visitors. for a layup during last Thursday’s game at Whitehall. The Wildcats won the game, 47-27.

That was when the ‘Cats began • Andy Roberts/Mirror employing a more fast-paced, transition-style attack, turning defensive stops into easy points at the other end. That seemed to ignite Montague’s shooters, particularly Addison Pranger, who had 13 second-half points on her way to a game-high 16.

It probably helped that Pranger went into the gym prior to school Thursday to get some extra shots up.

She said she was joined by the rest of her team after school Thursday prior to the game, too.

“It bothered me that much,” Pranger said of the Wildcats’ struggles against Newaygo. “I just knew that I needed to find my shot, and going in this morning, I think, really helped to build my confidence for today.”

Whitehall’s struggles haven’t been Whitehall’s Kendall Osborne (1) and Montague’s Kennedy Johnson battle for a loose ball

last Thursday’s game at Whitehall. Osborne was playing her first game against the Rivalry game during Wildcats after transferring from Montague in the offseason. • Andy Roberts/Mirror continued on page 5

Montague improves to 4-0 at home quad

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor MONTAGUE — Montague improved to 4-0 on the season and 2-0 in the nascent West Michigan Conference campaign with victories over Oakridge and North Muskegon in Wednesday’s home quad meet.

The Wildcats romped over Oakridge, 60-16, and defeated the Norsemen, 54-30.

Montague benefited from neither of their opponents being able to field full lineups, but caught a break when North Muskegon accidentally checked the wrong wrestler in for the 113-pound match. The wrestler in question had weighed in at 120, so he couldn’t wrestle at 113, but since he had already checked in, he was unable to wrestle at 120 either.

“We were confident coming in, but we were nervous,” Montague coach Kris Maddox said. “A couple different scenarios played out and worked in our favor, so that helps.”

The Wildcats dominated Oakridge, picking up several wins by pin. Those

Montague’s Emma Pendell (right) goes for a takedown of her North Muskegon opponent during Wednesday’s Montague Quad. Pendell earned a pair of wins on the night. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

winners included Brock Hunter, Chris Aebig, Fletcher Thommen, Ayden Everett and Tyler Risch. In addition, Isaac French, Trisha Beckman, Zaniya Meza, Jimmy Thommen and Chris Evans won by forfeit.

However, one of the most telling matches wasn’t a win at all, but a hardfought 8-6 defeat taken by sophomore

Montague’s Chris Aebig (right) allows North Muskegon’s Emerson Buikema to get up so he can take Buikema down again during Wednesday’s Montague Quad. Aebig earned a pair of wins as the Wildcats moved to 4-0 on the season. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Mike “MJ” Jones. Maddox said wrestlers who are willing to fight for the whole six minutes are encouraging to witness at this early point of the season.

“That was good to see him fight to the end there,” Maddox said. “That’s

what we’re looking for out of all our guys, just being able to fight, be in the right position, do the right things, don’t make the same mistakes over and over

Montague quad

continued on page 5

Montague quad again.”

The matchup with the Norsemen was closer, but the ‘Cats came out on top on the strength of their full lineup.

Beckman, Meza, Jimmy Thommen and Landon Wood scored forfeit wins, and Aebig, Pendell, Fletcher Thommen, Risch and French scored pins.

Montague was favored to win the matches, of course, but accomplishing the goal still marks a checkpoint in the team’s development.

“You want to win the matches you’re supposed to win,” Maddox said. “You don’t want to lose those or come in overconfident and end up doing something to lose a match you shouldn’t.”

THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR DECEMBER15, 15,2023 2023215 THE OCEANA ECHO DECEMBER continued from page 4

Montague’s home quad was just the first of several home events for the Wildcats this year. The boys team will be right back on its home mat Saturday for a tournament. Both the boys and girls teams are hosting Mat Cat dual meets over the winter break, and the annual Randy Jacobs Duals again highlight the late-season schedule.

“Our administration’s really good to us,” Maddox said. “They allow us to have so many home events. It’s nice that our parents don’t have to travel.

We’re right here. That helps us with community involvement. We love that the community gets behind us and Montague’s Fletcher Thommen battles North Muskegon’s Donovan Porter during supports us with that.”

Wednesday’s Montague Quad. The Wildcats beat both the Norsemen and Oakridge to open WMC action with wins. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Wildcat girls excel at season-opening tourney Team finishes 2nd at East Jackson event

By Andy Roberts

Despite the Buccaneers running a stall offense, R-P was able to get enough points to win. Marvin Moore hit a tiebreaking three-pointer with 1:30 to play as part of his game-high 15 points for the night.

Montague 52 Orchard View 31 Whitehall 66 Sparta 58 Camden Thompson had another huge game for the Vikings (3-0), with 26 points, 19 rebounds and five assists. Ca’Mar Ready had 19 points.

Montague 61 Fruitport 48 Isaiah Atchison led the Wildcats with 17 points, 12 rebounds and seven steals. Paul Olson added 14 points and nine boards.

Girls Basketball Grand Haven 55 Reeths-Puffer 32 Brooklynn Tornes led the way for R-P with 16 points, but Grand Haven built a big lead early and the Rockets were unable to keep up.

Manistee 63 Whitehall 47 The Vikings had their strongest offensive performance of the season so far, led by 20 points from Lexi Daggett and 16 from Kendall Osborne.

Ludington 43 Montague 28 Montague’s Trisha Beckman is declared the winner of her first-round match against Olivet’s Brianna Preston during Friday’s East Jackson tournament. Beckman, a first-year wrestler, was one of three Wildcats to win her weight class.

• Courtesy of Montague Wrestling

place and ended up building all the way to first there for a second,” Maddox said. “We got a pin in the finals (to take the lead), I think, and they came back the next round and got a pin.”

The ‘Cats got their usual terrific performances from Pendell and Savannah Winkleblack, who both won their weight classes, but the breakout star of the night was heavyweight Trisha Beckman, who scored three pins in a row to claim the top spot in her weight class as well. After earning two forfeit wins in Wednesday’s home quad, she’s up to 5-0.

“I surprised myself a little bit,” Beckman said.

“I’ve always known that if I wanted to (wrestle), I

Rivalry game that surprising, given how little experience the team returned. All five starters were among the seven to graduate from last season’s Vikings, so some fits and starts as the new players build an on-court rapport were to be expected.

The good news for the team and coach Brian Milliron is the Vikings know they can turn around a slow offensive start. They just did it last year, scoring seven points in an early loss to Ludington but ultimately winning the district title.

“The winter sports, basketball especially, is a long season,” Milliron said. “There’s going to be ups and downs and as long as we can stay together during these downs

Boys Basketball

Reeths-Puffer 38 Grand Haven 34

Owen Raeth exploded for a career-high 24 points, and the Wildcats dominated the 4th quarter to pull away from the host Cardinals.

White Lake Mirror Editor Montague’s girls wrestling team has had a remarkable amount of success in just a few years of existence, including a 2022 state championship by Emma Pendell. Up until this season, though, the Wildcats did not really have the ability to compete as a team in events due to having only a handful of wrestlers.

Those days are over, as Montague signaled Friday night with an impressive second-place effort at the East Jackson girls tournament.

The Wildcats took second place with 116 points, checking in only behind Hastings, which had 132, but also had 14 wrestlers to Montague’s seven.

The tournament was something of a war of attrition; Maddox said the final match didn’t take place until well past midnight. He wasn’t on site at East Jackson because he was taking the boys team to the Hemlock tournament the following day, but joked that the late night following the tournament on the TrackWrestling website made for a short night’s sleep before going to Hemlock.

“I don’t think anybody really thought about us being in a team competition going into East Jackson,” Montague coach Kris Maddox said after Wednesday’s home quad meet. “They’re really getting behind each other and building that kind of team camaraderie, and hopefully more girls in our school see that and want to be part of that process.”

Andrew Nold, the girls coach, led the Wildcats in the tournament. As the night went along, Maddox began texting Nold, the girls team’s group chat, and wrestling parents about the team’s progress.

“I think they started the tournament in eighth

Sports in Brief

at the beginning, hopefully the ups will come and we’ll be able to knock some shots down. Having that fresh in our memory, and the banner put up this week, hopefully will reiterate the fact that, no matter where we’re at now, if we work in practice and mentally get ourselves prepared, anything can happen.”

Montague did lose senior Braylyn Bultema to a knee injury during the game, briefly forcing DeBruin back into her prior role as head athletic trainer for the team.

She said she checked on Bultema several times during the game but otherwise focused on her new role coaching.

Girls wrestling

continued on page 6

continued from page 4

Pranger said Montague’s defense focused on limiting threepoint opportunities for Osborne and Lexi Daggett, knowing both could fill it up from beyond the arc. Mission accomplished, as neither hit a long-distance shot until Montague had built an insurmountable lead in the fourth quarter. Daggett did lead Whitehall with eight rebounds.

“I think that’s the main thing, is that we have a lot to prove, and I think we did,” Pranger said. “I think we showed everybody what kind of team we can be, and this is something we can just build off of.

I’m really proud of how we played tonight.”

Montague was able to limit the offense of an explosive Orioles squad but struggled with its own offense. Addison Pranger led with 13 points.

Spring Lake 42 Reeths-Puffer 35 Brooklynn Tornes scored 22 points, but the Rockets were unable to get much going around her on offense as the Lakers held on for the win.

Wrestling

Whitehall wins title at Grandville Invite Eight Vikings are tops in their weight class Whitehall champions were Cody Manzo (106), Kolten Weiler (120), Nolan Taranko (132), Caden Varela (138), Ryne Christensen (150), Darnell Mack (157), Gavin Craner (175) and Trenton TenBrock (215).

Reeths-Puffer goes 4-1 at Optimist Invite Six Rockets earn perfect 5-0 records Perfect wrestlers for Reeths-Puffer were Cory Judd (126), Jake Rozycki (132), Ian Cook (138), Nathan Reeves (165), Sage Secrest (190) and Nathan Stafford (285).

Montague finishes 8th at Hemlock Invite Chris Aebig earns 1st place at 132 pounds Aebig had a pair of pins and a technical fall in a dominant performance.

Landon Wood (215) and Brock Hunter (106) each placed third.

Whitehall has perfect night at Manistee Quad Vikings don’t lose a match in 2 duals Whitehall rolled to a 77-0 win over Orchard View and an 84-0 win over Manistee. Every Viking to wrestle won, but those to earn two pins were Nolan Taranko, Ryan Goodrich, Gavin Craner and Blake Morningstar.

Reeths-Puffer wins twice at Holland Quad The Rockets beat Holland, 44-30, in a key early O-K Green match, and rolled past Unity Christian, 60-18. Rockets to go 2-0 included Nathan Reeves, Owen Schab, Nathan Stafford, Arin Maynard, Jake Rozycki, Ian Cook and Hunter Eek.

Hockey Sparta 5 Reeths-Puffer 1 The Rockets dropped the first game of the Northview Tournament.

Connor Stawski scored R-P’s lone goal. Huck VanDyke made 15 saves.

Kalamazoo 4 Reeths-Puffer 3 (OT) Connor Stawski, Eli Cuti and Connor Anderson each scored a goal for R-P in a tough overtime defeat. Jaxon Stone had two assists.

Reeths-Puffer 7 Fenton 0 R-P won its finale of the 3-game Northview Tournament. Bucky Aney and Tyler Tindall each had 2 goals. Huck VanDyke earned the shutout.

Reeths-Puffer 9 Caledonia 5 Cole VanDyke scored the first two goals of his career and had an assist as R-P’s offense dominated. Avery Freeland scored and had 3 assists.

Bowling Orchard View bests Whitehall The Viking girls lost a tough battle, 16-14, to OV. Ava Garcia bowled high games of 170 and 157. The boys fell, 23-7, despite a 216 from Phoenix Hoffmeyer and a 181 from Mason Slaughter.

Whitehall teams beat Montague The Viking girls dominated, 26.5-3.5, behind games of 164 for Ava Garcia and 148 for Morgan Garcia. Marie Ross led the ‘Cats with a 132. In the boys’ match, Whitehall won 21-9. Mason Slaughter had Whitehall’s high game, a 183, and Carson Johnston rolled a 191 for Montague.

22 DECEMBER15, 15,2023 2023 THE THEWHITE OCEANA ECHO 6 DECEMBER LAKE MIRROR

Wrestling team celebrates R-P’s Whitaker surpasses academic state championship 1,000 career points

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Montague’s wrestling team celebrated Teacher Appreciation Night Wednesday at its home quad meet by unveiling its academic all-state first-place banner. The 2022-23 Wilcats posted the state’s highest grade point average across all divisions.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Girls wrestling could. I joined the wrestling team because I wanted to live without regrets, and this was just a big positive in my life.”

Winkleblack also earned a trio of pins to win her 110-pound weight class, and Pendell scored two tough decisions at 145 after a first-round pin to secure her place atop the podium.

Abby Thommen and Ava Pelton contributed third-place finishes for the team.

The senior Beckman hadn’t been on the team before, but took a suggestion from football coach Justin Dennett, who teaches her in a weightlifting class at Montague, to join up.

However, the clincher to her being part of the Wildcats was good friend and now-teammate Winkleblack.

“She really pulled the trigger,” Beckman said. “She provided me my shoes and my headgear and she brought me to practice, and she really just gave me the hook and led me in. That was a big factor in why I joined.”

To a person, the girls team has long

continued from page 5

been effusive in praising the supportive environment within the team, from boys and girls alike. Now that the Wildcats can put forth competitive team scores in tournaments, it’s hit another level.

“It’s a positive environment,” Beckman said. “There’s always encouragement, everyone’s lining the mats at every match. It’s always fun.”

“The school in general is just a supportive community. It just keeps coming and...providing for us. It’s just a wonderful place to be.”

There’s a long way to go between now and Ford Field, but Beckman’s emergence gives the Montague girls squad one more reason to dream of big things in 2023-24.

“I think the biggest goal is to just make it as far as we can and have fun,” Beckman said. “I know a couple of my girls are planning on making it to state.

You can’t think that far ahead - God has a plan - but it’s always going to be fun and we’re always going to support each other, and that’s the biggest thing.”

First Cookie Crawl set for Saturday

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor The first White Lake Area Cookie Crawl will take place this Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration for the event closed Dec. 8.

Participants will receive a cookie tin that morning from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber offices, as well as a cookie to get started and a list of participating businesses, and will be able to go to as many of those businesses as they like to collect a cookie from each one.

White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce director of events Stephanie Ware said a local business that had been part of Cookie Crawls before ap-

proached the Chamber with the idea.

“We’re excited,” Ware said. “The timing of it is good. So many people have last-minute holiday shopping, so it’s a good time to go into our local businesses, support small and see what they have to offer, so they don’t have to order online.”

Ware added that registration was already close to half full just a couple of days after it opened in November. The event was limited to 100 registrants.

“If we have 15-20 businesses participating, of those 100 (people), it’s almost a guarantee they’ll go into places they’ve never been before,” Ware said.

“A few of the businesses will offer special deals for people who are participating.”

Reeths-Puffer senior Jaxson Whitaker etched his name into Rocket history Tuesday night, becoming the program’s sixth 1,000-point scorer in a 78-71 win at West Ottawa.

Whitaker posted a double-double in the win, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, on his way to the milestone. He and classmate Travis Ambrose were the clear focus of West Ottawa’s defense, but both managed strong games anyway; Ambrose had 23 points and eight boards.

“He has faced just about every type of defense throughout his career and through hard work and dedication, Jaxson has put his name amongst the R-P greats,” Rockets’ coach Nate Aardema said of the Ferris State signee.

Sophomore Marvin Moore continued his impressive start to the campaign with a game-high 25 points,

Reeths-Puffer’s Jaxson Whitaker celebrates surpassing the 1,000-point mark for his career following Tursday’s 78-71 win over West Ottawa. • Contributed

including three three-pointers in the pivotal fourth quarter. The Rockets (30) made 17-of-23 free throws, many of them down the stretch, to overcome 12 treys by the Panthers.

White River Twp. swears in new zoning administrator

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor MONTAGUE — White River Township swore in William Schmiege as the township’s new zoning administrator at Tuesday night’s board meeting.

Schmiege was announced as the new administrator at November’s meeting, replacing township trustee George Dufresne, who has been out the past few months while dealing with a health issue. Trustee Laura Anderson was also absent Tuesday due to illness.

The meeting was the first for new supervisor Ron Bailey, who was elected to the position via recall and sworn in last month before officially taking office Nov. 20.

Tuesday’s meeting was otherwise less eventful than most this year, though the board did discuss a new zoning enforcement officer position. The final wording of the position’s responsibilities is not yet finalized pending consultation with township attorney Clifford Bloom, but the board unanimously approved posting the position once that is completed.

William Schmiege is sworn in as the new White River Township zoning administrator by township clerk Patti Sargent during Tuesday night’s meeting.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror The board also discussed posting an hourly maintenance position that would take some of the constable duties mostly upkeep of township properties. Township clerk Patti Sargent noted that the current highest hourly wage for a township employee is $18 per hour, so the maintenance position would be paid in that range. The board encourages anyone interested to get in touch with the

township, with the goal of having the position filled prior to February’s board meeting.

In financial business, the board unanimously approved a budget change, with $2,110 being moved from the roads budget to cemetery and tennis courts upkeep. The change was made because the township had budgeted for road brining expenses that did not end up being spent this fiscal year.

The White Lake Mirror © is published weekly at P.O. Box 194, Mears, MI 49436 • All rights reserved.

whitelakemirror@gmail.com • December 15, 2023 • Volume 1 • Issue 5 Office hours: Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Office phone: 231-301-8149, or for breaking news, please call 231-923-0751.

THE OCEANA ECHO DECEMBER 15, 2023 23

24 DECEMBER 15, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Thank you to all our customers!!

We are celebrating 80 years in Hesperia, and we will be celebrating all year long! Watch our ads, and follow us on facebook, for 80th Anniversary deals and events coming soon!!

We sincerely appreciate your patronage, and hope to be here for many years to come.

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