The Oceana Echo - Volume 2, Issue 30, Dec. 20, 2024 by theoceanaecho

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

Shop with a Hero gives head start on Christmas

Local first responders take area kids on Walmart shopping trip

IBy Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Amid a seasonally appropriate backdrop of heavy snow, the Whitehall Walmart hosted its annual Shop with a Hero event Wednesday, Dec. 11, teaming local first responders with families in need to make it a merry Christmas for all.

The annual event, which takes place nationwide through participating municipalities, is intended to foster positive relationships between first responders and the communities they serve through holiday giving. The White Lake area’s event is funded through a Walmart grant and has taken place at the store each year since 2017.

invite you to enjoy the 82nd edition of our Echo and the 58th edition of our Mirror. We set out on this journey, not certain where it would lead us, but now the path is clear. We banded together and have been publishing the kind of newspaper our community was thirsting for. We deliver full-color county news to almost every mailbox in Oceana and part of the White Lake area - around 14,500 copies each week - for free. This edition celebrates our one millionth copy of The Oceana Echo and almost 850,000 of the White Lake Mirror.

Whitehall police officer Brandon Mahoney emceed the event. Kids were paired with participating first responders and chose gifts for their families. Walmart employees got in on the fun by serving as a gift-wrapping station once the children had selected their presents.

One million! I was always told the first million was the hardest. In my 69 years here in Oceana County, I have been blessed to have had many visionaries as role models. Men and women who took the time to lift me up and give me the will to carry on. When I was a boy growing up on Church Street in Hart, I carried the Chronicle door to door. I would pick those papers up at Lorenz’s and head to the west side of town. A 10-year-old with 73 papers on Route 3. A heavy load for a young lad through the snow and cold. I was the man of the house at that time in my life and did my best to make my mother proud. Everyone on my route knew me and took care to watch out for me. Living in Hart was a blessing.

veyor belt one summer. Those were the glory days of the cherry harvestfrom hand to machine. And I was fortunate to be a part of that history.

A Michigan State Police officer smiles in a photo after being paired up with a local student to go shopping during the Wednesday, Dec. 11 Shop with a Hero event at the Whitehall Walmart.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

“Many (of my fellow first responders) spoke of the joy they saw in the faces of the student participants and also advised that they could personally see the event was making a difference in their lives,” Mahoney said. “Several of the responders told me to sign them up for next year.

“Walmart has been a great community partner and we look forward to many more years of the White Lake Shop with a Hero program. “

Once formed, committee will consider ideas to make Playhouse sustainable

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall city council rejected mayor Steven Salter’s recommended list of eight people who would comprise a Playhouse sustainability committee at Tuesday’s regular council meeting. The meeting took place this week instead of next week due to the Christmas holiday.

My mother remarried, and we moved to the farm, and I was given a strong man to call my father. A veteran who knew what the call to arms was. One of the Greatest Generation. Through him, and my new brother, I learned what long days were and how to raise quality fruit. Ladders and lugs. One hundred migrants in the field. Hand harvesting cherries is a long-lost process, but we learned the transition to machines, and that is where we saw the one millionth pound of cherries go off the con-

The council voted 6-1 to decline Salter’s nomination slate, with the mayor the lone dissenting vote. Per the city charter, the council has the right to provide “advice and consent” to mayoral committee nominations. The council approved the creation of such a committee at its Nov. 26 meeting in lieu of

I worked my way through college on the farm and was fortunate to meet a woman by the name of Mrs. Paul M. Wiener. She was a widow and needed a manager for her Silver Hills Farm in Mears - a delightful summer home, rich in history, and a beautiful place to live. Her husband Paul died the year I was born, and we had a special bond. She was in the Muskegon social circles and active in the Frauenthal Theatre, as well as the Muskegon Community Foundation. This was my introduction to philanthropy. I ran her errands and worked with her trust department. I made a new friend in Patricia B. Johnson, President of the Muskegon Foundation, and she would play a role in my life in the coming years.

would stand the test of time. A daunting task, that through the help of my Muskegon friendship with Pat and a new friend, Dorothy A. Johnson, president of the Michigan League of Foundations. It was the culmination of these relationships that a new affiliate relationship was formed. Muskegon would facilitate the creation of the Oceana County Community Foundation and administer our funds. Being on that charter board is one of the highlights of my life. This was a community effort, and I only played a small role in that cast. But I knew that we would do good forever.

the right thing. I felt the need to become involved when my friends were being let go of their life’s love. Journalism. I saw pain and tears shed over dreams dashed. I knew I could step in and calm the storm. They needed a safe harbor to band together and create something larger than the sum of the pieces. This little paper. Our Echo. Our Mirror.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

What grew out of our vision of serving our friends and neighbors with a weekly newspaper is now being looked forward to with anticipation every Friday. We are celebrating our one millionth copy! And if my math is correct, at a dollar a piece, we have given a million dollars worth of news to our community.

Above, first responders and student participants in the Shop with a Hero program gather for a group photo at the Whitehall Walmart Wednesday, Dec. 11. Below, Walmart employees join the festive atmosphere to assist in wrapping gifts student participants chose.

Whitehall council votes down initial committee list

I left the farm for a new career at Muskegon Federal Savings & Loan, working at the Hart Office. There, I had the good fortune of befriending a little retired teacher from Walkerville. Julia E. Hager. She never married. Never drove a car. She rode the bus, and trains to Chicago and Iowa to teach. She was the last of her family and wanted to create something that

approving a loan the Playhouse requested.

The mayor’s nomination slate included himself, council member Tom Ziemer, local business owners Elie Ghazal, Amanda Kiefer, Kara Smith and Ryan Briegel, and Frank Bednarek and Laurie Audo from the nonprofit Friends of the Playhouse group. Ziemer and Tanya Cabala both expressed support for having fellow council member Scott Brown on the committee, believing he could bring ideas to generate revenue for the Playhouse. It was not clear if his omission was the only reason the council voted the list down.

During earlier discussion, the council seemed united in hoping to put the committee together as soon as possible, with meetings likely beginning in January. Despite the council turning down the mayor’s list, city manager Scott Huebler said he and Playhouse manager Beth Beaman are doing some

Coming back full circle in the non-profit arena, I have had the good fortune to lead the Oceana County Agricultural Society, as well as the Oceana County Historical and Genealogical Society. Both roles I cherish, and I know full well the importance of my role in these societies. I am one of the younger people, but now I do see the sands of time passing by. We are not promised tomorrow, so I try to give every day. These roles in life are most rewarding. And as Julia often told me, my reward would come in heaven.

And here we are today. Another role in another play - The Echo and Mirror. Little did we know we would grow to be so loved - good news, lives remembered, our children and their achievements. We strive hard to do

was

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

A nonprofit newspaper cannot be political, owned by a bank, or controlled by an elected official. I have been elected, twice, for County Commissioner. Therefore, when we formed this newspaper, I gave control to a board of directors. We operated under those guidelines to assure we are compliant. We saw the need for solid news reporting of the affairs of our county government. We are able to publish public notices for every governmental entity in the county. There is a pressing need for the public to receive notices on a weekly basis, delivered at no cost to every household in our county. An informed electorate is the basis for fair and equal

governance. I cannot let the rest of the story go untold. We are deep into a lawsuit with another publisher. We sought counsel and are acting as gentlemen and women should. We offer no malice and only want to exist on our merits. We do hope to see this put to bed soon. We meet the statute as to the definition of a newspaper and have every right to exist. We can publish public notices, as well as legal notices, and have a broad circulation. That was our mission in the beginning, and we have met that goal. Therefore, no contributions to our cause have been used for legal defense unless earmarked by the donor for such purpose. But that does come with a cost. We do have great ad revenue, and we do have subscribers, but it will take you - our readers to steady the ship. We have formed a non-profit. A 501(c)(3) charitable newspaper. And with your tax-deductible donation to Echo Publishing Inc., we can continue to print and distribute our newspaper. Newspapers are folding all over the country, and the nonprofit model is the future of print journalism. If you enjoy our paper and want to see it flourish, please consider a gift to keep this little paper showing up in your mailbox every Friday!

six city employees to be honored for milestone work

for his retirement after 21 years’ service.

- Paul Erickson President of Echo Publishing Inc.

preliminary work to give the committee a head start once its composition is determined. Mayoral nominations for the city’s regularly scheduled committees will be due for the Jan. 28 council meeting, creating a logical time for the new Playhouse committee to be formed as well. In other council business Tuesday, the council unanimously approved a resolution to commit to providing at

anniversaries, while Young

feted

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

On Jan. 1, the Shelby United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Third and State Streets in Shelby, will officially “close.” The faithful congregation housed there voted earlier this fall to withdraw its membership from the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC). Between declining membership, increased expenses caring for a historic church building and paying a pastor, the difficult decision was made. The entire community is invited to a final service of thanksgiving, Sunday, Dec. 29 at 11 a.m.

In the meantime, the present congregation is meeting as usual. This past Sunday, members mingled before worship, greeting one another, smiling and getting everything in place just like any other Sunday. Several were looking over a vast array of historical items set out on tables in the foyer. Everything, from the church’s original membership book to hundreds of photos and numerous directories, testified to just some of the church’s varied history. Once the church leaves the conference, most of these artifacts will be sent to the archives of the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church, located at Albion College in Albion, Mich.

Yet through it all, this body of believers is not without hope. They are already making plans to continue meeting together for regular worship in an alternate location beginning January 1, 2025. According to Chairman of the Administrative Board Dave Mitteer, the congregation is hopeful that once the building is sold, they will be able to lease a part of it back to be used for their worship services and activities. The congregation plans to rename itself the “First Methodist Church of Shelby,” a name used when the church was officially organized in 1872.

The church’s current pastor, Beverly Williams, has been co-ministering at both the Shelby and Mears UMC since 2022. Approximately one-third of her salary was paid for by the Shelby UMC. On Jan. 1, 2025, Pastor Williams will start full-time at the Mears church. She said she plans to be available for pastoral care until the group is able to secure another pastor.

A Centennial Booklet, compiled in 1972, recounts many historic details from construction projects, additions (the most recent in 1999), and parsonages, to remodeling, redecorating and infrastructure upgrades. At the end of a long list of accomplishments, the booklet humbly states, “But a church is more than a building, it is people.”

“This has been my family since 1968. My (blood) family lives eight hours away,” shared congregant Mary Ann Carey. She went on to say that it’s her church family who’s been there for her at every turn.

A plaque on the wall near the sanctuary lists 47 different ministers who have led the flock since its beginnings. The congregation itself has been part of numerous ministries to the Shelby community and beyond. From full-time missionaries in foreign lands to lay ministers involved in teaching, music ministries, youth programming and various committees, each focused on Christian service.

“I have been active in this church from the early 80s, having attended Sunday School with many excellent youth leaders, attending church camps and youth functions in my high school years to working on building improvement projects, leading the youth group and raising my kids in this church with my wife Pam. Over the years, it has been a fertile ground for service to others, supporting missions and being a part of a church family walking in lockstep in our faith journey with Jesus Christ. I have been fortunate to be in the service of this church as the administrative board chairman going on two decades. On a personal level, it’s difficult to be in a leadership role when something is dying…yet time and again God shows us that He has a plan. Everything happens for a reason – we don’t always know what that reason is, but we listen to our hearts, we listen to what God is telling us or calling us to do, and we respond. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of what once was, and I have faith that another door will be open to us,” Mitteer wrote.

Reflectively Pastor Williams shared, “Shelby UMC, in its long tenure, has given the light of Christ during some of the darkest times and also some of the brightest moments in the lives of this commu-

nity. Countless couples were married here, many were baptized and funerals performed. Through it all, Shelby UMC has believed the words of the Gospel of John, ‘The word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.’ (New Living Translation, 2019). This is not the end, but a new chapter in the life of the church.”

Even in this season of change for the Shelby Methodists, Christmas is being celebrated, carols are ringing out and people are looking forward. They are the embodiment of what their Centennial booklet stated in 1972, “... a church is more than a building, it is people.”

A First Methodist Church of Shelby Facebook page will be coming soon. In the meantime, individuals interested in learning more about future service times and locations can email fmcshelby@gmail. com.

This page is brought to you by:

114 Dryden St. in Hart, Mich. 49420 (231) 873-2600

The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment. oceanahistory.org

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Leavitt Township is one of the few townships in Oceana with a population less than 1,000, according to reports made by the United States Census Bureau in 2023. It was first set apart from Elbridge Township in 1866 and derives its name from its first non-native settler, Hazen Leavitt. Let’s take a closer look at the early days of this modest township.

Hartwick and Tuller claim that, “for many years, this has been considered a back town of the county….” This was written in their 1890 book, “Oceana County Pioneers and Business Men of To-Day,” the veritable bible for Oceana history. Even if we cross-check with Page’s History of Oceana County, an even earlier historical source, it seems to be true. He spends barely a page and a half discussing the early settlement of the township and the biographies of a scant seven settlers. Page does, however, heap a lot of praise on the township’s founder, Hazen Leavitt. “He is still hale and a man of powerful physique.” Leavitt was 77 years old at

the time of this writing. Page also claims that Leavitt’s good physical health at such an old age is indicative of “his original ancestry.” This may be an allusion to the fact that Hazen Leavitt was the descendant of Thomas Leavitt, one of the first English settlers of New Hampshire.

Page’s History of Oceana was published in 1882, and he spends much time lauding the farm of Mr. Leavitt, which seems to have been a crowning jewel of the county at that time. “In the second year, one and three-quarters of new land produced 1060 bushels of rutabagas, and when on the farm five years, he had seventy acres under culture and had money ahead.” Page goes on to say that Leavitt’s farm may have been the best farm in Oceana, Mason, and Manistee counties, claiming that $7,000 worth of produce was taken off in one season. If we adjust that for inflation, it is about $216,500 today.

But, as successful as Leavitt’s farm may have been, it was a different event that was the big break for Leavitt Township and which led to the exponential growth of Walkerville. Fayette Walker platted the village of Walkerville in 1883

because he operated a mill in the area. It turned out to be a very wise investment for him, because only a few years later the Butters and Peters Lumber Co. constructed a railroad that terminated in the area.

“Much has been said and much written regarding the wonderful growth of cities and towns in the West,” Hartwick and Tuller wrote, “but probably as remarkable a growth as many of those may be found in our own county,” they said of Walkerville. The village’s boom following the construction of the rail brought a fresh wind to the county. “The town has a very decidedly new aspect,” they wrote in 1890.

“As usual in new towns, many of the store buildings have residence rooms above.” Since the Mason and Oceana Railroad ran straight to Ludington, it facilitated a lot of trade in the region and allowed for the export of lumber without the rivers and waterways used by many of the other lumber towns in the area. By the time Hartwick and Tuller were compiling their history, Walkerville was hosting “two meat markets, two hotels, two general merchandiser establishments, two drug stores, a saw and feed mill, two

blacksmith shops, a hardware store, a barber shop, a shoe shop, a livery barn and a saloon.”

However, operations of the railway ended between 1906 and 1909. Had the world not evolved and abandoned many of her railways, Walkerville may now be rivaling some of the largest villages in the county, as Hartwick and Tuller predicted.

Places of Oceana County – Country Dairy: Looking Back… Part IV

Hiseyeisonthesparrow…

By Janet (Van Gunst) Hasselbring The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

March 1936. Ellen is in the kitchen on her first day in her new home, on the farm. She is fixing breakfast for Henry, who was off early to do the milking. Though a city girl, she is eager to prove that she can fix a proper breakfast for her new husband. Her mood changes as she looks out the window at the bleak landscape. She feels out of place, lost and alone. What am I doing here, she wonders?” Suddenly a flash of red flits past the window. A male cardinal is perched on a limb outside, his shebird a few branches up. A pair of cardinals, she thinks. A pair, just like Henry and me. Sighting the birds lifts her spirits. Henry will be home soon. She starts the coffee, sets the sausages sizzling, and whips the pancake batter into a froth. Ellen’s life on the farm has begun.” (“In the Garden,” p. 23)

I haven’t always been interested in birds. It wasn’t until my husband and I became snowbirds and spent our winters in Florida that I became intrigued with these feathered avians. The exotic nature of the birds I encountered along the gulf shore piqued my interest and inspired a series of books featuring the wild shorebirds of Florida and beyond.

Imagine my surprise and delight when, recently, I

picked up a copy of the memoir I’d written of my mother, “In the Garden,” and found that I had included encounters with birds in describing how the faith of my parents was strengthened through eking out a living on the farm.

Humans have always been fascinated with birds for the free-throated ease of their singing, freedom of flight, physical beauty, and migratory capabilities; however, my encounters made me realize that the fleeting happenstances we have with our avian friends produce feelings of serendipity and good fortune and are perhaps the most important lessons they teach us. (taken from The Aviary, Merritt)

But my dealings with birds, and the encounters I had described in the memoir, uncovered a deeper, spiritual import - encounters I attributed to divine inspiration:

“On a crisp spring morning, Ellen had just pinned her last bed sheet onto the clothesline, when a black-capped chickadee alighted on a branch nearby. ‘You beautiful little creature,’ Ellen breathed. Something about that plump little bird lifted her spirits. She felt a burst of hope, just as she had, when seeing the cardinals on her first day on the farm. She felt a deep longing within; a stirring in her soul; an awakening to nature and the magical randomness of birds singing… God was in a bird’s song, the budding of trees, the cool, refreshing breeze, and the tulips bursting out of their winter corms.” (ITG, p. 27)

“Henry listened to the birds singing as he guided the plow in the fields behind Maud and Daze. He watched the killdeer gliding about on its spindly legs. Hawks hovered

above the maple tree, and crows cawed raucously on its branches. Nature was as much a sanctuary for Henry as attending church on Sundays. He came to know his Heavenly Father through creation as well as through Scripture and prayer.” (ITG, pg 35)

Ellen was picking beans in the garden, feeling overwhelmed by the daily struggles of making ends meet on the farm. Her Lord found her there. “My dear Ellen, ‘you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice. Your joy no one can take from you.’ “Ellen felt a fluttering within, like a brace of birds longing to be free. Free! Oh, how she longed to be free. Free from lack of money, free from the dreaded wind blight that could destroy the cherry crop, free from sick cows and contaminated milk, free from lack of rain and parched earth, and accidents, just waiting to happen. Free! The flutterings increased until, like a wave, her fears nearly overwhelmed her. She could scarcely breathe. She felt her heart would burst. Then, with a surge, the flutterings burst forth, and like a bird on the wing, her soul felt light and free. A stab of joy pierced her soul. Despite everything, Joy! Just as her Heavenly Father had promised. Feeling refreshed, Ellen finished picking her beans, and went inside to fix supper.” (ITG, pp. 55-56)

“…for, His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

*Quoted material is taken from In the Garden (ITG). More information about the memoir can be obtained from the author at janethasselbring23@gmail.com

scanning the

Ongoing

MONDAYS: Free yoga, Lakeside Rehab Family Fitness, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

TUESDAYS: TOPS, Hart Wesleyan Church, 5 p.m.

3rd TUESDAYS: Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club - Feeding America W. Mich. mobile food pantry, Pentwater Fire Dept., 11 a.m.

WEDNESDAYS: Love INC satellite open, Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 144 S. Hamon St., noon to 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS: Good News Club, Faith Christian Fellowship, Hart, 4-5:30 p.m.

1 st & 3 rd

WEDNESDAYS: Free community dinner, all are welcome, 5-6 p.m., Hart Wesleyan Church.

1st & 3rd WEDNESDAYS: Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/ Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out.

Every other WEDNESDAY: Shelby Optimist Club meetings, Stony Lake Inn, 7-8 p.m., (September to May)

2nd & 4th WEDNESDAYS - True North Housing Assistance satellite open, Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

FRIDAYS: Preschool Story Hour, HAPL, 11 a.m.

1st FRIDAYS: Free Soup Supper, Ferry Community Center, 5-7 p.m.

2nd & 4th FRIDAYS: Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m., St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave. in Hart, doors open at 4 p.m.

1st Saturdays: Baby Pantry, Trinity Lutheran Church, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., 8:30-10 a.m. (note new date)

The Ladder Community Center:

M-F: The Ladder is open for adults (18+) 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

M-F: “The Huddle” for 6th-12th grade youth, 3-5 p.m. Tuesdays: Knitting Group, 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays: Celebrate worship gathering, 6:30 p.m.

2nd Saturday: Party Club for Kids ages 5-12, 1-2:30 p.m.

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

Functional Fitness Class at The Ladder

This January, The Ladder Community Center in Shelby is offering adults a sixweek class called Functional Fitness, which meets Jan. 7 through Feb. 13. Functional fitness involves exercises that mirror daily life and promote endurance, strength and balance. It helps you with everyday activities, such as getting up off the floor, the toilet or out of the bathtub; carrying heavy objects; climbing stairs; putting something up on a shelf; and taking walks. Participants will go throughout their day with greater confidence and a greater willingness to say “yes” to activities with your friends and family.

Most exercises can be done seated or standing. All fitness levels are welcome. It’s a great way to start off the New Year with a renewed commitment to health and wellbeing.

Class meets Tuesdays 12:30-1:15 p.m. and Thursdays 9:30-10:15 a.m. There is no cost for Ladder members; $10 for non-members. Class size is limited. Sign up by Jan. 6 by calling The Ladder at (231) 259-0211 or emailing Sue Beckman at sue@ theladdercommunitycenter.com.

The Ladder is also offering other fitness classes this winter, including line dancing and fitness walking. Visit theladdercommunitycenter.com/ fitness to see the full schedule of fitness options.

December

Dec. 20 - Story Time at Hesp. Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m., Night Before Christmas Read to a Shelter Cat, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 - Literacy Corner, OCCOA, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Santa will be there at 2 p.m. for cookies and to read a story.

Dec. 20 - Feeding America Food Truck, Walkerville School District, 145 Lathrop St., 5 p.m.

Dec. 20 - Flower Bunch 4-H Club Meet & Greet with Santastop in to learn about this new club, Shelby Floral, 5-6:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 - Winter Solstice Hike, Gales Pond County Park, 49 E. Filmore Rd., Hart, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 & 21 - Live Nativity, 2272 S. 96th Ave., Shelby, 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 21 - Pentwater Christmas in the Village

Dec. 21 - “All is Calm, All is Bright” Finnish Traditions Winter Solstice Celebration, Birch & Blossom, 112 E. Main St., Hart, 7 p.m.

Dec. 24 - “The Crippled Lamb” children’s movie, Pentwater UMC, 82 S. Hancock, Pentwater, 5:45-6:30 p.m.; Christmas Candlelight Service, 7 p.m.; A Festival of Lessons and Carols, 10:30 p.m.

Dec. 27 - Sensory Play at Hesperia Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m.

NAF to host community forum on Jan. 6 in Hart

The entire Oceana community is invited to a community input forum being hosted by the National Asparagus Festival on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at the West Michigan Research Station located at 5185 N. Oceana Dr. in Hart.

“It’s been a few years since we’ve done something like this, but we would like to give the community an opportunity to share what they enjoy about the festival and what they want to see at next year’s NAF,” said current NAF Chairperson Michele Amstutz. “We’ve got the basics, and we’re already rolling into 2025, but we want to give the community a chance to meet the board and provide constructive feedback.”

“Not having a queen last year got a lot of people talking. We were hearing, ‘If I’d known, I would have helped,’ shared Amstutz. This is an opportunity for the community to come out and find out what is being planned and how they might be able to help going forward.

More information about the NAF can be found on their website www.nationalasparagusfestival.org or by following the National Asparagus Festival on Facebook.

Versiti New Year’s blood drive set for Dec. 31

As the holiday season approaches, the need for blood donations becomes more critical. With winter weather and holiday travel often causing donation numbers to drop, hospitals rely on the generosity of local communities to ensure they have enough blood for patients in need. We urge everyone to consider donating at the upcoming Versiti community blood drive at the West Michigan Research Station in Hart on Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All attempting donors will receive a $25 e-gift card as well as a limited edition holiday crewneck sweatshirt as a thank you for their life-saving contribution. Your donation could make all the difference this holiday season—please join us and give the gift of life. To make an appointment, please visit Versiti.org/mi or call 866-6425663.

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Kathy

Ann Miller

September 13, 1951 ~ December 8, 2024

Kathy Ann Miller, 73, passed away Dec. 8, 2024. She was born Sept. 13, 1951, the daughter of Everett and Maxine (Darcy) Eagle.

Kathy is survived by: her husband of 39 years, Robert; children, Kyle (Stacey) and Tim (Robin); grandchildren, Dakota (Maranda), Angelina (Devin), Candice (Ryan), Dakota (Katie), Hannah, Mathew, Desteny and Christen; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters; one brother; many nieces and nephews; aunts; uncles; sisters-in-law; and brothers-in-law; along with many friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by: her parents, Everett and Maxine; sister, Diane; daughter, Angie; and nephew, Chad.

Per Kathy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. harrisfhome.com

Charles ‘Chuck’ Anthony Priese

June 29, 1943 ~ December 17, 2024

Charles “Chuck” Anthony Priese, 81, of Rothbury, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. He was born June 29, 1943, in Shelby, the son of John and Catharine (Thornton) Priese.

Chuck was a great father and family man who loved his children and grandchildren greatly. He was a caring person who was always happy and encouraging. He will be greatly missed by many.

Chuck is survived by: his children, Timothy (Rene’) Priese, Charles (Jamie) Priese II and William John Priese; and grandchildren, Tonya, Austin, Elisabeth, Adrianna and Ashleigh Priese.

Chuck was preceded in death by: his parents, John and Catharine; wife, Anna; and grandson, Alex.

Per Charles’ wishes, cremation has taken place, services will be scheduled in the spring.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. harrisfhome.com

William Wirt ‘Bill’ House March

13, 1955 ~ December 12, 2024

William Wirt “Bill” House passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 12, 2024. Bill was born on March 13, 1955, in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up with his parents, Jack and Nancy House, in Fremont, Ohio. Bill graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1973 and married the love of his life, Sharon Ann Martin, on Dec. 7, 1975, in Fremont, Ohio.

Wishing to settle in a home in the country, Bill and Sharon moved from Ohio to Ferry, Michigan, in 1976. Bill and Sharon soon welcomed their sons, Jacob David House and Levi James House, into their lives. As a family, they enjoyed boating on local lakes and on Lake Erie and visiting the Martin family farm in Ohio.

Bill began working for UPS in 1978, and he spent most of his time in the Pentwater area, where his giant personality and strong work ethic created many lifelong friendships along his route. Bill retired in 2010.

Bill had a big heart, and he was a tireless volunteer. He could be counted on to show up when asked to lend a hand, and everyone who worked alongside him knew that he would tell them exactly what he thought and do his best to make good things happen.

Soon after moving to Oceana County, Bill and Sharon became members of the Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ. Bill spent countless hours serving in leadership roles in the church, including the Board of Trustees and Men’s Fellowship.

The Oceana Old Newsboys & Goodfellows was an organization that was especially important to Bill, and he served as president of the group for the last 23 years. Exemplifying that group’s motto – “Let No Child Be Forgotten” – Bill was actively working on the 2024 campaign at the time of his passing. Bill relied on his vast network of friends to help the group, and he personally oversaw raffles and other fundraising events.

Bill enjoyed being a member of the Oceana Eagles and the Shelby Optimist Club, and he was certainly one of the biggest Ohio State fans in Oceana County. When the Buckeyes were rolling, Bill let everyone know!

Bill is survived by: his sons, Jake House (Alicia Christensen and her daughter, Chloe Christensen) and Levi House; granddaughters, Lola House and Winnie House; brother James (Ann) House; his sister-in-law, Gail Martin; nieces and nephews; and innumerable friends, including his lifelong friends, Steve Fry and Ted Kreilick.

Bill was preceded in death by: his wife, Sharon Martin House, and his parents, Jack and Nancy House.

Visitation for family and friends will take place on Friday, Dec. 20, between 4-7 p.m. at the Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Mich. 49455. Memorials may be sent to the Oceana County Council on Aging, the Oceana Old Newsboys & Goodfellows, or the Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.harrisfhome.com

Darwin ‘Doc’ Heykoop

June 22, 1933 ~ December 13, 2024

Darwin “Doc” Heykoop, a beloved patriarch, success ful businessman and avid outdoorsman, passed away peacefully on Dec. 13, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on June 22, 1933, Doc lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, love and dedication to his family.

Doc was the proud father of three children: Steve, Cathy and John. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Steven Joseph II, Stephen, Alyssa, Adam, Amy, Andrew and Amanda, along with 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was married to the love of his life, Eleanor (Priese) Heykoop, for 58 wonderful years until her passing in 2010. Their love and partnership served as the foundation for the family that brought him so much pride and joy.

Doc was preceded in death by: his beloved wife, Eleanor; brothers, Gordon and Gerold (Jerry) Heykoop; and parents, Joseph and Hilda (DeVries) Heykoop.

A man of many talents, Doc achieved great success in business, yet he always considered his role as a family man to be his most important accomplishment. He cherished time spent with his family, whether it was sharing stories, celebrating milestones, or enjoying simple moments together.

Doc had a passion for hunting and the great outdoors, often finding solace and connection with nature. Even in his later years, he remained active and engaged, continuing to live life with energy and enthusiasm.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, resilience and a commitment to those he held dear. Doc will be deeply missed by his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of Doc’s life will be held at a later date.

Rest in peace, Doc. Your life was an inspiration, and your memory will forever be cherished.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Joseph ‘Joe’ Mack

January 25, 1929 ~ December 6, 2024

Joseph Norman Mack, lovingly known as Joe, passed peacefully from this world into the next on Dec. 6, 2024, reuniting with the love of his life, Jean. Born on Jan. 25, 1929, in Hamtramck, Mich., Joe’s life was a testament to his devotion to family, hard work and an adventurous spirit.

As a young man, Joe played basketball for Hamtramck High School. He was bitten by the urge to explore and serve his country, so he joined the Merchant Marines at the age of 16, claiming to be 18. His first journey aboard a tanker from New York City to Brownsville, Texas, culminated in a dramatic fire that graced the front pages of newspapers—a tale he recounted throughout his life.

Joe’s seafaring chapter was brief, as he soon realized his destiny lay closer to home. Upon returning, he began courting Jean Thompson, a romance that endured despite his deployment to Japan with the U.S. Army of Occupation following World War II. Stateside once more, Joe and Jean’s love story blossomed, leading to a marriage that spanned over six decades and was blessed with six children.

Taking advantage of the GI Bill, Joe trained as a printer and dedicated himself to the trade until his retirement. He and Jean shared an unshakable sense of adventure and resilience, as seen in their move from Detroit to rural Milford, Mich. There, they built a home from scratch, complete with a variety of animals and their growing family. Their home was a lively haven filled with energy, excitement and unconditional love.

Joe and Jean’s adventurous spirit led them to Pentwater, Mich., where they boldly launched several businesses, including M & M Associates and Sassafras Tees. Alongside their son David, they expanded these enterprises to include Craze, Rip Girl & Bonez, becoming an integral part of the Pentwater business community. Joe also gave back to his hometown through service on the Pentwater Village Council, the Pentwater School Board and the board of St. Vincent’s Catholic Church. His commitment to community mirrored his devotion to family.

In retirement, Joe and Jean traveled extensively across the United States in their RV, cherishing time with friends and family. Gatherings around campfires, filled with laughter and stories, became treasured traditions.

Joe’s life was a story of courage, quiet faith and love of his family. His stories, humor and warmth touched the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Joe is preceded in death by Jean, his loving wife of 65 years.

He is survived by six children: Linda Case (Daryl) of Pentwater, Mich., David Mack (Liz Miller) of Pentwater, Mich., Aimee Engle (Gerry) of Denver, Co., Joel Mack of Pentwater, Mich., Beth Sturr (Tomas) of Pentwater, Mich. and Teresa Lundberg of Denver, Co.; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a family rooted in love, determination and joy he exemplified throughout his life.

In accordance to Joe’s wishes, a private family remembrance will be held.

The family requests that any memorials be directed to Muskegon Rescue Mission (info@Muskegonmission.org) or Our Friends’s House in Hart, Mich.

Joan Louise Van Domelen

December 11, 1943 ~ December 14, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joan Louise Van Domelen, a cherished wife, aunt, and friend, who departed this world peacefully on Dec. 14, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on Dec. 11, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, Joan lived a life filled with love, adventure and generosity. She resided in the close-knit community of Hesperia, Mich., where she spent her retirement years with her beloved husband, Fred Van Domelen, as they celebrated over 54 years of marriage since their union on Feb. 14, 1970.

Joan’s career in banking customer service showcased her dedication and kindness to others. Her warm smile and helpful demeanor were a testament to her caring nature, which won the hearts of many clients and colleagues throughout her professional life. Her hobbies were a reflection of her vibrant spirit; she had a special fondness for tending to her flower garden, expressing her creativity through oil painting, and exploring the wonders of the world with her husband, Fred. Together, they visited all 50 states, with Alaska and Hawaii holding a special place in Joan’s heart.

Her memory will be forever cherished by her husband, Fred; her niece, Jill Taylor; and numerous cousins, as well as many dear friends she made throughout her lifetime. Joan was preceded in death by her loving parents, Nicolas and Martha Peters; her sisters, Beverly Taylor and Phyllis Buchner; her nephews, Bradley Taylor and Wayne Buchner; and her stepson, Raymond Van Domelen.

A funeral service in honor of Joan’s life will be held at Hesperia United Methodist Church in Hesperia, MI, on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at noon. The service will be officiated by Rap Posnik. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the church from 11 a.m. to noon prior to the service to pay their respects and share memories of Joan. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hesperia United Methodist Church.

The arrangements have been entrusted to Crandell Funeral Home in Fremont.

Shelby Township advances

alternative energy with new solar streetlights and park lighting

Shelby Township is proud to announce the successful installation of its third solar streetlight as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable energy solutions. The newly completed solar streetlights are located at strategic points throughout the township: one at the new development on Oceana Drive, another at the intersection of Buchanan Road and Oceana Drive, and the final installation on Buchanan Road at the entrance to the new Shelby Township Park.

In addition to the streetlights, the Shelby Township Park now features 22 solar-powered bollards, which illuminate walking paths and common areas. These cutting-edge solar lights are equipped with advanced technology that adjusts light output based on weather conditions, extending illumination throughout the night and into the morning hours.

Shelby Township has also embraced eco-friendly equipment for park maintenance, having recently invested in several pieces of lawn equipment powered by lithium batteries. This shift not only reduces emissions but also aligns with the Township’s broader goal of integrating renewable energy into its infrastructure.

“Our hope is to gather more data from the above installations and continue the alternative energy journey as well as share the resources and information with the other villages, cities, and townships in Oceana County,” said Richard Raffaelli, Shelby Township Supervisor. “It’s a small step but an important one.”

These developments mark a significant milestone for Shelby Township as it strives to promote sustainability and energy efficiency throughout the community. By implementing these solar-powered solutions, the Township is setting an example for neighboring municipalities and showcasing the benefits of alternative energy technologies.

For more information, please contact Shelby Township at (231) 861-5853 or info@shelbytownshipoceana.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Ordinance # 142025-1, Ordinance # 121724-1

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Shelby Township Planning Commission, Oceana County, will conduct a public hearing meeting on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Shelby Township Hall, located at 204 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, MI. Ordinance # 162025-1

Notice is hereby given that Shelby Township Board, Oceana County, will conduct a public hearing meeting on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 6:00pm at the Shelby Township Hall, located at 204 N. Michigan Ave. Shelby, MI.

The purpose of the hearing will be to obtain public comment and input regarding Shelby Township’s intent to adopt Ordinance # 142025-1 a Text Amendment to the Compatible Renewable Energy Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance # 121724-1 a Text Amendment to the Shelby Township Zoning Ordinance, and Ordinance # 162025-1 Dog Leash Ordinance. A copy of the proposed plans can be accessed on the Township website or by visiting the Township Hall where the proposed plans are on display.

Interested parties are invited to attend and contribute any comments related. As an alternative, written comments may also be submitted to Shelby Township at PO Box 215 or you may use our drop box located at 204 N. Michigan Ave, at any time up until 10:00 am, Saturday, January 4, 2025.

By JoAnn Derson

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

257

• On Dec. 23, 1982, Chaminade University of Honolulu, a school with only 900 students, beat the top-ranked University of Virginia by a mere five points in one of the most stunning upsets in American basketball history. As ESPN’s Chris Berman remarked, “We can’t tell you what happened, but the No. 1 team in college basketball has lost to — we don’t even know who they are.”

• On Dec. 24, 1851, a fire at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., destroyed approximately twothirds of its 55,000 volumes, including most of Thomas Jefferson’s personal library.

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20241209 FOR RELEASE DEC. 9, 2024

By Lucie Winborne

• On Dec. 25, 1962, the film adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” opened in Los Angeles. It was nominated for eight Oscars and won three, and the American Film Institute rated lead character Atticus Finch as the greatest movie hero of the 20th century.

• On Dec. 26, 1820, Moses Austin, a merchant turned mine owner, met with Spanish authorities in San Antonio to ask permission for 300 AngloAmerican families to settle in Texas, in the hope of recovering from bankruptcy via the establishment of a new colony. His request was approved, but he died before he could carry it out, so the task was completed by his son, with more than 20,000 arrivals eventually succeeding in making Texas an independent state.

• On Dec. 27, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered his secretary of war to seize properties belonging to the Montgomery Ward company after it refused to comply with a labor agreement, announcing that the government would “not tolerate any interference with war production in this critical hour.”

• On Dec. 28, 1908, the worst earthquake in recorded European history struck the Straits of Messina in southern Italy, leveling the cities of Messina and Reggio di Calabria and ultimately causing the deaths of an estimated 100,000 people.

• On Dec. 29, 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by four of King Henry II’s knights, apparently on his orders. Four years later, Henry was forced to do penance at Becket’s tomb, and his efforts to end the separation between church and state came to an end.

• To stretch your laundry budget, cut fabric softener sheets in half. They work just as well. Also, save them after they come out of the dryer. They make excellent dusters in the home.

• Love Sudoku? M.K. of Montana suggests that you might love it even more if you color code your grid. Each number 1-9 is assigned a color, and you solve the puzzle as normal, except you color in the box to denote your answer. When it’s all finished, she says, “It looks like a colorful quilt.”

• If the vegetables you are cooking give off an unpleasant smell, grab a small saucepan and simmer a bit of plain vinegar while cooking. It will negate the smell, and leave your house smelling pleasantly like mealtime afterward.

• “Cornstarch is great for itchy, rashy skin. This is true for babies’ bottoms and for doggy bellies, which is what I use it for. My pup is allergic to grass but loves to romp. Sometimes his belly gets red, and I clean it with a mild soap and water, then give him a cornstarch rub. It sure helps.” — T.W. in Ohio

• Want to keep your cut flowers fresh longer? Add a teaspoon of chlorine bleach to the water and change it out every few days.

• Spruce up indoor greenery with a little mineral oil. To get your green plants’ leaves shining and healthy, wipe them down with a clean cloth dipped in mineral oil. Rub off any excess.

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

By Lucie Winborne

• Montana’s Flathead Lake looks shallow due to its crystal-clear water, but is actually 370 feet deep.

• The expiration date on bottled water is for the bottle, not the water.

• In 2004, farmers in India used Pepsi and Coca-Cola instead of pesticides because they were cheaper and got the job done just as well. Not surprisingly, Pepsi and Coca-Cola strongly disagreed.

• After eating a large meal, lions can sleep for up to 24 hours straight.

• People used to use bread to erase pencil marks, until Edward Naine accidentally picked up a piece of rubber instead of breadcrumbs in 1770 and — voila! — decided to start selling rubber erasers.

• Two Bosnians had been talking in online chatrooms for a while when they decided it was time to meet in person. They discovered they were a married couple who had been cheating on each other with each other. They ended up divorcing.

• One French cafe, La Petite Syrah, charges 7 euros for a coffee to rude customers but only 1.40 euro to patrons who are polite to the waitstaff. The cafe is located, perhaps unsurprisingly, in Nice.

• Penguin egg whites turn clear when they’re boiled.

• Michael Jackson was said to request that his wine be served in Diet Coke cans whenever he was on a flight. He didn’t want his kids to see him drinking alcohol.

• Saudi Arabia once held a Women’s Rights Conference that didn’t include a single woman attendee.

***

Tails of Hope

Are you looking for a furry friend who’s got the charm of a politician but with none of the speeches? Look no further! Julius, our 3-year-old Cur Mix, is here to win your heart and maybe even negotiate extra treats with just one wag of his tail.

Julius is the definition of “friendly.” If there were a Nobel Prize for friendliness, this guy would have a shelf full of them! Whether you’re a human, another dog, or even the mailman, Julius believes everyone deserves a warm welcome (and maybe a lick on the face).

He’s got a smile that could melt the hardest of hearts and a personality that says, “Life is a party, and I’m the host!” Julius is an expert at turning any ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure. Want to binge-watch a series? Julius is in. Need a buddy for a walk? He’s already grabbed the leash. This guy is ready to be your best friend, sidekick, and happiness guru, all rolled into one.

Julius is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Shelter. If interested, please call the shelter at 231861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35, and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and you will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/neuter, if needed. Every dog should have an ID tag. L.A.S.S.I. provides free dog ID tags to all Oceana County residents. To request tags, send a text to 231-730-3906. Free tags are also available at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.

Weirich steps down after two decades

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – After 21 years at the head of the Shelby High School varsity volleyball program, Tom Weirich has officially decided to step down following the 2024 fall season.

Weirich had a bevy of success coaching the Tigers, compiling an impressive record that included several high points over the last 10 years in particular. Over that span, Weirich and the Tigers claimed seven district championships and three regional titles – including back-to-back state quarterfinal appearances in 2016 and 2017.

After getting the chance to coach his own daughter Morgan at the high school level, Weirich aided in the development of Navea Gauthier. Gauthier will undoubtedly go down as one of the most dominant hitters in the history of Michigan High School volleyball.

While it is still uncertain who will take over for Weirich in 2025, his plans after coaching are simple. With son Parker in the midst of his freshman year at Shelby, Tom plans to be on the cross country course to watch his son run for the Tigers next fall.

Burmeister spurs Shelby girls to win over Ravenna

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – It’s been all systems go for Shelby freshman Jayna Burmeister in the early goings of the 2024-25 girls basketball season. Burmeister recorded her second double-double in three games in a narrow 38-37 win over Ravenna, Friday, Dec. 13.

Another low scoring affair saw the Tigers score less than 40 points for the second consecutive game. Shelby scored 53 in a win over Whitehall in their season opener, but the points have been limited since then.

Still, Burmeister took control early, combining with junior Brylee Friedman for seven of Shelby’s 10 points scored in the first quarter. Ravenna was able to

answer the Tigers nearly pointfor-point over the first eight minutes, but Shelby did enough to carry a 10-9 lead into the second quarter.

“(Our defense) was really critical. Ravenna was out rebounding us and they had more energy than we did tonight, which should never happen in our own gym,” Shelby Head Coach Sarah Wolting said. “I’ll use the excuse that we’re young, but we need to figure that out. We’re so athletic and quick that our defense is going to win games for us.”

Scoring opportunities were few and far between in the second quarter. Shelby found just six points on offense in that frame, finding some success from the three-point line via freshmen Michelle Peterson and Jordan Wolting.

“Connecting on three pointers was huge. That takes a little bit of pressure off our inside game,” Coach Wolting said. “We’ve been focusing more on that and even came in during the week on snow days just to get some shots in. They’re still shooting really hard, they’re just a bit nervous.”

Though it was a minimal increase, Shelby pushed their lead from one to two points heading into halftime.

Shelby’s best scoring output of the night came in the third quarter and was courtesy of multiple athletes. Kylie Brown scored four straight points before Burmeister and Lydia Soelberg tossed in nine combined points. Friedman added one lone point at the free throw line, helping Shelby take their biggest lead at 30-25 heading into the final quarter of play.

Ravenna surged in the final quarter of play, going on a 5-0 run to start to eliminate any advantage Shelby had constructed. Burmeister took control for Shelby, adding seven points on her own, with four coming from the charity stripe and her lone make from the field striking from threepoint range.

Those free throw makes, along with another from Peterson, proved to be the difference. Ravenna knocked down back-toback deep shots to end the game, leaving Shelby’s win differential at a single point, 38-37.

Burmeister was the catalyst for Shelby, leading the team in scoring with 16 and rebounding at 11 to go along with five steals.

Shelby improved their record to 2-1 on the year and now sits at 1-1 inside the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division.

Hesperia hosts Hart for annual Toys for Tots meet

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Shelby freshman Michelle Peterson finishes a drive through the lane with a left handed layup. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Shelby freshman Jayna Burmeister contorts her body to get around a Ravenna defender in the paint. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hesperia hosted its annual Toys for Tots wrestling meet, Wednesday, Dec. 18. The Panthers were joined by three other teams in grappling action - Hart, Sparta and Whitehall. The first action of the night was between the Panthers and Pirates with Hart taking a decisive 62-12 team victory. Taking home victories for the Pirates in that dual were Aiden Schaner, Kole Thomas, Caden VanGelderen, Julian Vazquez, Halen Boos, Logan Jorissen, Haegan Hansen, Kai Miller, Alex Hicks, Eman Hertzler, Abdel Lopez and Adrian Lara. Hesperia was able to take home two wins with Carter Fuentes winning in the 106-pound bout and Skyler Stalbaum in the 150-pound weight class. Hart also narrowly lost 34-32 to Whitehall in a dual between top 10 teams in Division 3. Hesperia couldn’t notch a team victory in their second dual of the night, falling to Sparta 55-24. • Brendan Samuels/ ECHO

• Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Unsung heroes lead Hart girls to non-conference win over Spring Lake

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

HART – After a tough non-conference loss to Fremont last Friday, Hart’s girls basketball team looked to play spoiler to a previously unbeaten Spring Lake Team, Monday, Dec. 16. The Pirates did just that, taking a 46-42 victory on a night where the usual suspects struggled early.

“We’ve kind of struggled with our defense and offense all year,” Hart senior Breslyn Porter said. “This gave us a lot of confidence knowing that Spring Lake had previously beaten Fremont. We were hungry to get this one.”

The Pirates have been no strangers to low-scoring affairs in the first few weeks of the season. Monday night was no different as both teams seemed to limp through the opening quarter on offense. After trading blows in the first quarter, Spring Lake owned a narrow 10-7 lead. Hart sophomore Rilynn Porter hit a critical shot from three-point range to end the quarter, keeping the Pirates within striking distance.

Rhythm continued to elude Hart’s offense to start the second quarter. After Hart senior Kelsey Copenhaver scored the opening points of that frame, Spring Lake scored five unanswered points to extend their lead to 15-9 with nearly two minutes left until halftime.

Copenhaver was a bright spot for Hart’s stagnant offense, finding a reliable stroke from the baseline and

doing a majority of the dirty work down low.

“I love that shot right in the short corner. That’s my shot,” Copenhaver said. “We call that Kelsey Corner. We needed people to step up when other people can’t right then. I feel like not just me, but a lot of other girls did that too.”

“I believe people underestimate (Copenhaver) and what her ability is and how important she is to our team,” Hart Head Coach Travis Rosema said. “Obviously teams want to stop Rilynn, Addi and Reese. (Copenhaver) and Breslyn are both kind of under the radar. Kelsey does a good job of getting open spots and her teammates find her.”

Rosema shifted to a more aggressive brand of defense to close out the quarter, sparking the Pirates to a run of their own. Addison Schiller and Macy Riley found paths to the rim, earning free throw chances while Rilynn knocked down another three and Reese Smith converted from down low to close out the first half. Hart jumped in front with a 17-15 lead heading into the locker room.

“Right before the half we were down four,” Rosema said. “I put four girls in and said we’re gonna change the pace, press and go to a zone defense. That really gave us a spark and led us to a good team win.”

The third quarter saw Hart focus on exploiting favorable matchups to get quality opportunities on offense. Smith got things going early, posting up on a smaller guard to give the Pirates the first points of the

quarter.

In addition to finding those favorable matchups, Breslyn was able to snag two offensive rebounds in the waning minutes of the third quarter. Breslyn turned both of those boards into putback points, extending the Pirates’ lead to 30-27 heading into the final stanza.

After finding her first points of the game in that third quarter, Hart senior Addi Hovey took control in the fourth.

Spring Lake tested Hart early, scoring eight unanswered to take a five point lead in the fourth quarter. Hovey took it upon herself to respond, notching seven straight points of her own to put Hart back on top.

“I’d like to see (Hovey) do that more in the first, second and third quarters,” Rosema said. “It’s nice to know that she can step up and get those points. It’s great to have players like (Hovey), Rilynn and Breslyn who can be clutch in those moments.”

Hart slowed the tempo at that point, forcing Spring Lake to foul Pirate shooters in order to regain possession. The Pirates didn’t blink at any chances for free points, going a near-perfect 9-for-10 from the line to ice the game.

Hovey shook off her slow start to lead Hart with a double-double, scoring 15 points and adding 12 rebounds. Copenhaver had eight points and three rebounds while Rilynn scored eight and added two steals. Breslyn and Smith each chipped in six points as well.

The Pirates improved their record to 4-1 overall with the win.

Ravenna’s three-point attack dooms Shelby boys

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – Stealing wins in high scoring games has not been the strong suit of Shelby’s boys basketball team in recent years. That same struggle haunted the Tigers in a 61-48 home loss to Ravenna, Friday, Dec. 13.

Shelby and Head Coach Rick Zoulek won a total of five games in the 202324 season. In all five of those victories, the Tigers held their opponent to under 50 points scored. That recipe for success will be the same this year.

On Friday, it became clear that holding Ravenna would be near impossible. The Bulldogs unleashed a lethal attack from beyond the arc, connecting on three triples in the first quarter.

The Tigers were able to answer Ravenna with a consistent offensive attack of their own. Four different Shelby players found the bottom of the net in the first quarter, spearheaded by junior Trevor Weiss. Weiss scored seven for Shelby in the opening frame, bringing the Tigers to within a single point, trailing 14-13.

“I think everybody that watches basketball could tell we played harder and were a little bit more fired up than we have been in the past,” Zoulek said. “Not the outcome we wanted tonight, but we’re headed in the right direction.”

Shelby’s scoring slowed a bit in the second quarter, allowing for Ravenna to distance themselves. Bulldogs’ junior Dylan May upped his scoring total to 12, scoring 10 in the second quarter.

May took control of the game for Ravenna in the second half. Standing at 6-foot-6-inches, May was a problem in the paint for an undersized Shelby team. May also began to heat up from outside in the second half, knocking down a pair of triples in the third quarter and finishing as the game’s top scorer with 24 points.

“It’s very difficult to guard (May), but that’s an adjustment our guys have to make,” Zoulek said. “You’ve got to guard tighter on the perimeter with-

out going up, because you’re not gonna block him. If you guard him close though, he’s not going to take that shot.”

Trailing 31-23 at halftime, Shelby attempted to make a push in the third quarter. Weiss, Eli Kelley and DayDay Garcia each knocked down a shot from three-point range to match Ravenna’s shots from deep. The Bulldogs still proved to be too much, pushing their lead to 48-38 heading into the final quarter.

Ravenna started the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run, which proved to be the final nail in Shelby’s coffin. The Tigers scored 10 in the fourth, but were outscored by Ravenna in that final frame.

Shelby was led by Weiss with a team-high 17 points. Freshman Leighton Belasco had nine points, three assists and two rebounds while Garcia had eight points and two assists. Senior Nathan Miller led the Tigers in rebounds with four.

“(Weiss) was big tonight and we needed that,” Zoulek said. “Trevor has some other areas he has to work on. At times he can struggle on offense and defense, but tonight he really helped us on that offensive side.”

The loss to Ravenna brought Shelby’s losing skid to four straight to start the year. The Tigers are now 0-4 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

Friday, Dec. 13: Shelby 48, Ravenna 61 Hart 74, Fremont 50 Pentwater 66, Muskegon Catholic 62

Monday, Dec. 16: Pentwater 47, Brethren 35

Tuesday, Dec. 17: Shelby 31, North Muskegon 61 Hesperia 56, Holton 26

Wednesday, Dec. 18: Walkerville 3, Bear Lake 72 Pentwater 55, Marion 57 Hart 59, Ravenna 33

Friday, Dec. 13: Shelby 38, Ravenna 37 Hart 52, Fremont 53 Hesperia 14, North Muskegon 50 Pentwater 35, Muskegon Catholic 49

Monday, Dec. 16: Hart 46, Spring Lake 42 Pentwater 49, Holton 50 (OT)

Tuesday, Dec. 17: Hesperia 26, Oakridge 62 Thursday, Dec. 12: Walkerville 25, Marion 38

Shelby senior Nathan Miller tries to battle through Ravenna’s Dylan May, despite a large height disadvantage. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

(Above, left) Hart

sophomore Macy Riley defends a Spring Lake guard on the perimeter. (Above, right) Hart senior Addi Hovey drives around a Spring Lake defender as she prepares to find a path to the hoop. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE Reflections

Shop with a Hero gives head start on Christmas

Local first responders take area kids on Walmart shopping trip

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

event at the Whitehall Walmart.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

•

“Walmart has been a great community partner and we look forward to many more years of the White Lake Shop with a Hero program. “

Whitehall council votes down initial committee list

Once formed, committee will consider ideas to make Playhouse sustainable

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

approving a loan the Playhouse requested.

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WinBerg to repair

Whitehall

Whitehall school bus garage

WinBerg to repair Whitehall school bus garage

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall school board unanimously voted to accept a quote from WinBerg Construction to fix the leaking school bus garage roof at its regular monthly meeting Monday.

The quote was for an amount not to exceed $51,223, though interim su-

perintendent CJ Van Wieren said it is unlikely the price tag will be that high. Van Wieren said he had spoken with company president Brad VanBergen, who agreed that the roof is “an emergency situation and needs to get done as soon as possible.” The board has discussed at previous meetings that the

The quote was for an amount not to exceed $51,223, though interim su-

School board continued on page 2

•

In other council business Tuesday, the council unanimously approved a resolution to commit to providing at

Whitehall council continued on page 2

Rothbury approved for DNR grant worth $150K

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

ROTHBURY — The Village of Rothbury has been approved for a $150,000 Recreation Passport grant from the Department of Natural Resources, village clerk Brandy Williams announced during Tuesday’s village council meeting.

The grant will help fund a renova-

tion of Czarny Park. The village applied for the grant earlier this year in hopes of revitalizing the park. The Passport grant was the less lucrative of the two grants the village applied for; they also applied for a Trust Fund grant that would have generated even more money.

Rothbury grant continued on page 2

Whitehall

A Michigan State Police officer smiles in a photo after being paired up with a local student to go shopping during the Wednesday, Dec. 11 Shop with a Hero

Whitehall mayor Steven Salter (right in both photos) presents certificates to police officer Derek Sova (left) and Department of Public Works employee Paul Young during Tuesday’s city council meeting. Sova was one of six city employees to be honored for milestone work anniversaries, while Young was feted for his retirement after 21 years’ service.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

A Michigan State Police officer smiles in a photo after being paired up with a local student to go shopping during the Wednesday, Dec. 11 Shop with a Hero event at the Whitehall Walmart. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

A Michigan State Police officer smiles in a photo after being paired up with a local student to go shopping during the Wednesday, Dec. 11 Shop with a Hero event at the Whitehall Walmart.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

New Czarny Park sign dedicated by Rothbury council

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

ROTHBURY — Several members of the Czarny family were on hand Saturday morning, Dec. 7, as the village of Rothbury dedicated a new sign at Czarny Park, which served as an Eagle Scout project for Shelby High School junior Jaden Furman.

Furman, whose family owns and operates Ray’s Automotive next door to Czarny Park, said he noticed over the years while working at the shop in the summers that the original park sign needed a refresh, and since he needed an Eagle Scout project idea, he thought it would be a perfect fit.

“I started with making a proposal to take to the village to get it approved, and then they offered to pay for the whole project,” Furman said. “I got the sign done at Windridge in Shelby. Everything else I got at Lowe’s and made it with my grandpa at his shop and brought it here and put it up.”

Furman said the village paid $550 for the materials needed to build the sign, which looks virtually identical to the previous one, just newer. With the

village having submitted a grant proposal to the state department of natural resources to renovate the park, that was no accident.

“I wanted to keep it near what it looked like, because I knew they would be renovating the rest of (the park),” Furman said. “I wanted to keep the blue with it because I knew the dugouts were still blue.”

Furman added that he enlisted friends of his father to help him with the construction and placement of the sign, with four or five people involved in all.

The original sign, said village trustee Mike Harris, was donated along

School board

roof is well beyond its useful life, and its leaking is causing damage to interior ceilings.

Board treasurer Jimmy TenBrink added that the roof was a reminder to the board that it needs to let the community know how important bond proposals are to a healthy school dis-

continued from page 1

trict. He said replacing the roof was on a bond agenda that did not pass three years ago, and its current failure is a result of not being able to accomplish that.

“The ceiling is falling in on our people’s heads and now we’re having to make changes,” TenBrink said.

Rothbury grant

The approval is only the first step in the process, which will require the village to work with Prein and Newhof and ensure all land requirements are met. The village will also provide $166,000 in matching funds.

The council discussed using the grant as a starting point for other future renovations to the park that it could take up itself through general fund usage.

The village also reported that the new police radi-

with the park’s land around the time the village was incorporated in 1966.

Harris conceded the park has “seen better days,” but noted the village has “big plans for it” with its grant proposal, which would provide several updates to the park.

Harris added a recognition of Furman’s achievement, noting that only four percent of Boy Scouts of America members earn Eagle Scout designation.

Van Wieren said the district’s goal is to get the roof replacement done during the winter break, pending availability of materials.

The board also approved a budget amendment for the current school year. Adjustments were necessary because increased state funding the district expected did not come through, though the district is still seeing a bump from last school year due to the increased enrollmnt in the district. It

“He demonstrated that he has community spirit by doing this,” Harris said of Furman.

Furman expressed pride in seeing his work on display and being honored by the village.

“I’m more proud of it now than I was when I was building it,” Furman said. “I knew it would be good, but it’s way better actually seeing it completed.”

was also noted that the budget reflects the end of American Rescue Plan Act funds which by law needed to be spent by the end of the school year; the district has nearly exhausted those funds anyway. There’s also a slight uptick in administrative costs due to temporarily having two superintendents on the payroll; Jerry McDowell is retiring at the end of the year and Van Wieren was appointed interim superintendent prior to the school year.

continued from page 1

os it ordered have arrived well ahead of schedule. They were not expected to arrive for several months, and because of their arrival the village had to move some funds around in order to pay for them this fiscal year.

Between the radios, equipment, bulletproof vests and uniforms that were ordered, $63,000 in funds were unanimously approved to be moved as necessary to pay the bills.

Whitehall council

least $35,676 toward the cost of resurfacing the boardwalk south to Lake Street in 2027. The approval was necessary to secure additional funding from the state Department of Transportation, which is providing money through its Carbon Reduction Program.

The council also unanimously approved a request from Walk the Beat White Lake to use the lawn area west of the veterans wall and flags in Covell Park as one of its venues for next year’s event, which is slated for July 19.

Several city employees were honored for milestone work anniversaries during the meeting as well. Police officer Derek Sova was honored for 25 years of service, police officer Travis Bolles

and Department of Public Works employee David Silk for 20 years, and Beaman, city clerk Bren-

da Bourdon and treasurer

Alyssa Seaver for 10 years. Additionally, Paul Young was honored for his re-

continued from page 1

tirement after working for the Whitehall DPW for 21 years.

Shelby student Jaden Furman (in green) and members of the Czarny family celebrate the dedication of a new sign at Czarny Park in Rothbury Saturday, Dec. 7. Furman constructed the sign as his Eagle Scout project. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

A small plaque affixed to the new Czarny Park sign in Rothbury notes that it was the Eagle Scout project for Shelby student Jaden Furman. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Saturday, Dec. 21

Mike Snell performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

Dave Burel performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

BonFire Rose performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 22

White Lake Ukulele Club meets @

Book Nook & Java Shop, 1 p.m. Penny Rushing will teach on stage.

Planets & Pints @ Fetch Brewing, 7 p.m. Astronomy instructor Mika Smith will join social district participants with her two high-powered telescopes at the top of the Hanson Street sledding hill. Fingers crossed for a good view of Jupiter and Saturn.

(Event will also take place Monday, Dec. 23 at the same time.)

Thursday, Dec. 26

Free general admission every Thursday @ the Muskegon Museum of Art, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ruben Torrez & the Monkbirds perform @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

Echoes of History: Parking and parking meters Community Calendar

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

Colby Street is not your average small town main street. Around 1913 it was part of a pioneering tourist road known as the West Michigan Pike. In the 1920s it was part of M-11. As a part of the state highway system, it had to follow certain rules. In 1932, the state paved Colby street at an estimated cost of $45,000, with Whitehall paying $11,132.88 as their share. At the time, diagonal parking was allowed.

Parallel parking went into effect in Whitehall on Friday, September 29, 1939. The decision was made in conformity with the new uniform Michigan State traffic law. The state regulation prohibits parking on all state trunk lines. Parallel lines were drawn on the pavement about 5 feet from the curb to show motorists where the parking lane was. A number of residents were pleased with the change because the extra width gave the appearance of the street being wider. But merchants and other residents pointed out that the parking was reduced by half.

In June 1943 a one-hour parking limit on Colby and First streets and Mears Avenue went into effect. Parking hours were from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Checking was conducted by the Marshall from time to time as ordered by the city council.

In August 1945, two parking spaces in front of Pitkin’s were designated as a “non-parking area”. This space allowed the Greyhound bus to stop without interfering with the south-bound traffic.

In May 1948 came the possibility that parking meters might be tried as an answer to the Whitehall business district parking problem. It was estimated that 87 meters would be needed on Colby from the tunnel to Division Street and from Hanson to Spring streets. No immediate action was taken.

In July 1949 the same meter salesman who sold the Whitehall city fathers on the parking meter idea also came to Montague. However, the representative was not even allowed time to present a proposal to the Montague Council. Mayor Scharmer and the Council members informed him it would be a waste of his time and theirs.

In 1952 off-street parking was created by the Kroger store off Division. At the time, Kroger was located where Hunts/ Gil-Roy’s Hardware is now located.

December 1953 some parking solutions were suggested: Marking cars at irregular intervals; hard surfacing one block along Mears & Division and have it marked out in regular parking spaces; cut out every other tree along Division for half a block south of Colby in order to provide more space; remove old city garage to provide for a public parking lot.

In October 1954, talks continued about meters. It was thought they would discourage merchants and employees from parking on the streets all day, but it might also encourage shoppers to go elsewhere.

At issue – all day parking by clerks working in local stores; all day parking by people working in Muskegon who drive here to catch the bus and leave their cars parked on the street.

An item from July 1955 indicated that $2,000 of Civic Fund money would be used for a downpayment on the house and lot owned by the Gee Estate on Mears south of Connell’s Market. The total cost to move the house and convert the lot into off-street parking, connecting with Kroger parking lot, and creating a parking belt across the full width from Mears to Division was $10,000.

In June 1956 the issue of parking meters came up again in Montague with a request by the Park-o-Meter Co. which installed the meters in Whitehall and

was soundly defeated. At the time, there were three off-street parking lots which would park 70 to 80 cars. While the parking lot next to the Post Office was limited to one hour, there was no limit in the other two lots. It’s unclear where those other two lots were located.

In January 1961, ‘Freeloaders’ who park their cars all day in so-called loading zones become the target of a city survey. Two of the four loading spaces in the city lot off Mears were replaced with 12-minute meters.

In March 1961 the heads of the parking meters were removed and all during the month parking was available anywhere in the downtown area without paying.

On September 28, 1961, Free Parking was planned in the downtown. A new parking area was created on the north side of Colby street behind Klinefelter’s Variety and Dowker’s Drugs. The meters in the municipal lot south of Colby Street behind Modern Appliance, Parsons and A&P were removed from the present lot for a period of one year. Meters, however, were not taken off of Colby street.

December 1961 was designated Free Parking month and meter heads were covered with jackets. During the first couple of days, eight jackets were stolen off the meter heads. Jim Hill, Sgt. of the Whitehall Police Department at the time reminded the pranksters that it would be considered more than just a prank if they were caught, and they would be charged with stealing public property. Customers complained to merchants about the parking meters when they should have taken the complaints to the city.

Finally, in June 1973, the meters on Colby Street and Mears Avenue were removed and a 2-hour parking limit was placed on all vehicle parking spaces.

Meanwhile, over in Montague, a proposed $650,000 parking deck was

Friday, Dec. 27

Dave Burel performs @ Danny’z Rothbury Tavern, 6 p.m.

Silverado performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

Group Therapy performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.

Whitehall City Manager John E. Kane deposited the first nickel in a parking meter, which went into use for the first time Friday, June 29, 1956.

• Photo in Whitehall Forum July 5, 1956

shelved in May 1983. The proposal was to create a parking deck in the former Miller’s Thrift-T supermarket parking lot. This deck would really not have been of any help to the business. In fact, Miller’s would have to be closed during the estimated 3 to 6-month construction period and the deck would shield the store from the view of passing motorists.

An alternative was a lot on Water Street from Miller’s lot to Ohrenberger’s Service Station near the light. This plan necessitated the relocation of the former A&P auto parts and Meyer’s Well Drilling. The east side of the Ferry Street buildings would need to be rehabbed also. In the end, neither plan was approved nor carried out.

* For those too young to remember some of the places mentioned in this article, or for those who will read it in years to come, the current businesses as of today have been identified. Connell’s Market is now Northland Insurance Company. Klinefelter’s Variety and Dowker’s Drugs is now Bell’s Clearance Center and ACWL-Nuveen. Miller’s Thrift-T supermarket is now North Grove Brewers.

Library wins Community Foundation grant

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

see them enjoy their newly furnished space in just a few short months!

We are excited to announce that the library was recently awarded a grant from the White Lake Community Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County! A huge thank you to the Community Foundation for this generous grant, which will play a vital role in sprucing up our teen zone. We’re thrilled to revamp this space, adding a dedicated booth for focused work and a cozy couch for relaxation and reading. This upgrade will provide our teens with a comfortable, inviting area to study, unwind, and connect. We can’t wait to

FUN FACT: In 2021, an unexpected gift of $1.86 million from the estate of Lois Ekstrand doubled the amount of grants that could be awarded by the White Lake Community Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The all-volunteer advisory board of the White Lake Community Fund uses a competitive grant program to support the community efforts of local nonprofits.

Holiday Reminders

Just a quick reminder that the library will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

There will be plenty of interesting things to do at the library on the days we are open, though! Whether you are looking for a quiet place to read by the fire or a place for the kids to burn off some energy during the long hol-

iday break, we are here for you. Special events include scavenger hunts, a New Year’s Noon party, a Mario Kart tournament, and an Open Play day in the meeting room. Check out all the details on our website at wlclib.org/ calendar.

Free COVID Test Kits @ Your Library

The library once again has a supply of free at-home COVID tests available for anyone who needs them. Public libraries all over the state began offering the tests back in 2022 through a program administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The free tests have been so popular that MDHHS was temporarily unable to meet the demand, and our library ran out of tests earlier this fall after handing out more than 2,300 kits over the last two years. We are pleased to have a fresh supply that anyone in our community can use.

We only ask that you limit yourself to a maximum of five kits at any one time. Keep your family and your community safe and healthy by testing if you have symptoms, especially during this holiday season of parties and family gatherings. (And keep our staff safe and healthy by requesting an easy and convenient locker pickup of your test kits if you are currently symptomatic, please and thank you!)

DeMumbrum

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community Montague turns up speed in 2nd half

Wildcat offense comes alive out of break in win over Whitehall

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — For the first half of Friday’s rivalry battle at Montague, the game was unfolding as visiting Whitehall would’ve preferred, with a deliberate pace and low scoring. However, the Wildcats turned up the speed in the second half and pulled away to score a 47-34 win to remain unbeaten on the season.

The Vikings led 9-7 at halftime after scoring the final seven points of the second quarter on a three-pointer by Lexi Daggett and buckets from Peyton Schultz and Clare Westerlund. Out of halftime, the Wildcats appeared much more decisive and determined to attack the basket with their superior size, and were also very effective with their full-court press on defense.

“That frustrated them big time,” Montague coach Jess DeBruin said. “They didn’t know what to do. That’s how we play basketball. We pressure them. We make passes. We move the ball. When we play together and move the ball around, and we make baskets, you see what happens.”

Amanda Cederquist was a big part of Montague’s early third-quarter run, scoring six points in the frame. Addison Pranger scored a pair of quick baskets as well, forcing a Whitehall timeout as the lead ballooned to 23-14.

“I think we went into the locker room and we said, ‘We want this.’ We decided we wanted to win,” Cederquist

said. “We came out and we hustled. We worked together and played as a team. That’s the big difference.”

Montague (4-0, 2-0 West Michigan Conference Lakes), already getting regular scoring from Addison Pranger and Braylyn Bultema early in the season, added Cederquist to the scoring parade Friday, as Cederquist joined her two teammates in double figures. She had 10 points, with Pranger scoring 13 and Bultema 11.

“When you have three different players that you’ve got to guard, it’s hard for any high school team to guard them (all),” DeBruin said. “Usually, Bray and Addison are the ones that have been scoring the points for us the last couple games, but Amanda stepped up big time tonight. She rebounded the crap out of the basketball and got tons of putbacks, and she was diving after loose balls.”

The Wildcats were very efficient after shifting their focus to attacking the hoop, which DeBruin said is a point of emphasis this year due to the experience and height they have.

“Attacking the basket is definitely where we want to be, especially on the free throw line,” DeBruin said. “Free throws win games, and that’s going to help us big time.”

Montague probably would’ve enjoyed a much larger scoring margin but for the shooting of Daggett, who drained four three-pointers in the second half and five overall, going for a game-high 21 points. Coach Brian Milliron would’ve liked to see Daggett take

Montague wins

continued on page 5

Quick start boosts Vikes to rivalry win

By Andy Roberts

MONTAGUE — It’s difficult to beat a team as good as Whitehall is under any circumstances, but even more so when the Vikings start quickly out of the gates. Whitehall scored the first 10 points of Friday’s rivalry game against Montague and never looked back, surging to a 74-34 win over the Wildcats.

Camden Thompson opened the game with a throwdown - he added a high-flying dunk in the second half when teammate Hunter Osborne threw him an assist off the backboard - and followed that with an offensive rebound, which became a Kal Koehler three-pointer. The Vikings (3-1, 2-0 West Michigan Conference Lakes) didn’t slow down and built their lead up to 29-9 early in the second quarter.

Whitehall focused on using its superior size and athleticism - Thompson, Koehler and Corde Anderson chief among those advantages - and did so to great effect.

“We play with some length and we play with some aggression,” Whitehall

coach Christian Subdon said. “We talk about (how there’s) no such thing as a 50/50 ball. They’re 100/nothings. You can’t bend over at the waist. You’ve got to get on the floor. We did that early, and it gave us some easy buckets.”

Whitehall’s advantages weren’t only clear on the offensive end; they also led to a few short-armed shots from Montague (1-4, 1-1 WMC) as the Viking defenders contested every shot they could reach.

Getting to the basket was again a focus point against Montague as well. The Vikings were extremely efficient on long-range shots in an early-season win over Spring Lake, but they know the simplest path to success with the ball is to be closer to the hoop.

“Everything was cool and we looked like the best team in the state,” Subdon said of the win over the Lakers. “Then if we cool off a little bit, then what? Do you want to just keep jacking up treys or do you want to use your size and get inside? We’re really trying to work on going inside out more.”

Koehler was the main beneficiary of that strategy, shooting an effective 10-of-18 from the field and scoring a

game-high 21 points. He also had seven rebounds and three blocked shots. Thompson chipped in 19 points, 12 boards and six steals.

Montague, knowing it would be overmatched if it tried to outmuscle the Vikings, hoped to force White-

hall to settle for long-range shots, but wasn’t able to do so. Whitehall grabbed 12 offensive boards in the game. “They’ve got a lot of size and a lot of

White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall’s Hunter Osborne tries to maneuver among Montague defenders to get to the basket during Friday’s game at Montague. The Vikings won, 74-34.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague’s Addison Pranger drives past Whitehall’s Clare Westerlund to get to the hoop during Friday’s rivalry game at Montague. The Wildcats attacked the basket relentlessly in the second half of a 47-34 win.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall wins

Montague’s Amanda Cederquist tries to rip the ball away from Whitehall’s Janie Fagan during Friday’s game at Montague. The Wildcats won, 47-34.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Sholes sparks Montague to dual sweep

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Montague coach Kris Maddox thought his team might be in for a dogfight against Holton Wednesday in a West Michigan Conference match when the Red Devils ripped off three early pins, pushing the match to a tie. Luckily for him, sophomore Gibson Sholes provided a spark.

Sholes battled back from an early deficit against Gabe Helms to pull out a thrilling two-point win, sparking a run of Wildcat pins that helped Montague down Holton 60-18 to complete a 2-0 night. The Wildcats also beat Manistee, which only wrestled four athletes, by a 78-6 margin.

The Sholes win, which ended in a 17-15 final score, clearly galvanized the Montague bench, which was invested in his comeback win and cheered with gusto when the first-year wrestler com-

pleted the victory. The next three wrestlers - Alex Breed, Gavyn Maddox and Kaiden Jeffery - pinned their Red Devil opponents, and a Fletcher Thommen technical fall and a Michael Jones pin polished off the win.

“Some things you don’t see in practice, you see in matches,” Maddox said. “It’s exciting to see him fight through (those things). The kid doesn’t give up. That’s really what we’re looking for in all our kids, that little fight where you’re just not going to give up position, you’re not going to give up a pin, you’re going to fight for the team. That’s all you can ask for, really. It’s exciting to watch.”

Sholes said his mindset every team he takes the mat is to go hard and push for pins.

Montague Quad

continued on page 6

Montague wins

even more shots.

“One of the things we have to work on is, when someone is hot, whether it’s Lex or whoever, we can’t go then, after she hits a couple, three or four times down the court without her getting a touch,” Milliron said. “That’s something where we got a little tunnel vision. You’ve got to go find that kid that’s hot, because she might go hit another one.”

The Viking coach also noted that Montague starts five seniors this season, comparing the advantage of such an experienced lineup to when his own team did so in 2022-23 en route to a district championship.

“Jess has got a good team,” Milliron said. “When you start five seniors, like what we had a couple

years ago, there’s little things that having that experience with five seniors...just makes games run a little bit smoother. I thought Montague did a great job with that.”

At the same time, Whitehall (1-2, 0-1 WMC Lakes) felt there were positives it could take from the loss. Although the Montague press certainly affected the Viking offense, it didn’t completely shut them down the way Shelby’s press did in the season opener. The young Whitehall roster is quickly gaining in experience.

“A lot of times, the ball was being handled by a sophomore or a freshman. They didn’t play like sophomores and freshmen,” Milliron said. “We did pretty well with it in the first half...I think we got a little tunnel vision, and those are

Whitehall wins

physical guys down there that can do a lot of things to hurt you down low,” Thaler said of Whitehall. “We didn’t match that physicality and that’s why we struggled on the rebounding.”

In addition to the issues with Whitehall’s superior size, Montague also allowed, in Thaler’s view, too many transition points.

“When you’re getting beat in transition and you’re giving up easy baskets, you’re not clearing possessions,” Thaler said. “Transition points were probably in the 20s for them, and I don’t know if we got more than four. That’s tough to battle when you’re losing transition, you’re losing rebounding, you’re losing free throws. You’re not going to win many games doing that.”

The Wildcats adjusted their offensive strategy in the second half, trying some more dribble drive motion offense rather than their usual ball movement-based attack. It did yield some results, enough that it might be a more regular part of the playbook mov-

Sports in Brief

continued from page 4

things that are easily correctable. I was very proud of how all the girls fought today.”

Montague considers itself a strong contender for the WMC Lakes title this year, and it’ll have a big early test on its way to that status this week when it travels to face Fremont, which already has wins over Ludington and Hart under its belt. Montague, however, doesn’t appear to be a team easily intimidated by any matchup.

“We have to keep working together...We’ve got to lock in on game days,” Cederquist said. “I think this year we have a good team dynamic. We all want to win for each other and that’s a big part of it. Our shots are falling right now and I hope they keep falling.”

continued from page 4

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

ing forward. Riley Mulder led the team with eight points.

The Vikings have another stern test coming up with a Friday trip to face Grand Blanc in a showcase game, but Subdon continues to be impressed by his team’s desire to live up to the standards it expects for itself.

“I’m just looking for us to play at our level every game,” Subdon said. “I don’t care who it’s against...The biggest thing is that we want to play to our capabilities at all times.”

Boys Basketball

Grand Haven 75 Reeths-Puffer 70 (OT)

The Rockets came the closest they’ve come yet to victory, but fell just short. Brayden Mitchelson scored 28 points, and Marvin Moore had 25. T.C. Central 75 Reeths-Puffer 67

R-P played well offensively in a close loss. Marvin Moore scored 24 points for the Rockets, and Brayden Mitchelson added 19.

Ludington 84 Montague 46 Montague led 16-11 after one quarter, but things went south quickly. Cortland Schneider and Cole Herremans each had 9 points.

Whitehall 47 Manistee 34

The Vikings had to overcome 20 turnovers to get the win. Camden Thompson had 18 points and 18 rebounds to lead the team.

Girls Basketball

Grand Haven 54 Reeths-Puffer 11

The Rockets scuffled offensively throughout the game. Raquel Walker had a team-best 6 points, but the Bucs dominated. Whitehall 43 South Haven 40

Whitehall overcame a 32-point performance by the Rams’ Ly’Nique Cunningham to win the game. Lexi Daggett scored 18 points for the Vikings, and Clare Westerlund aded 12

Reeths-Puffer 51 Sparta 18

The Rockets took over the game from the start to score their first win. Raquel Walker had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the team.

Wrestling

Reeths-Puffer 4th at Gull Lake tournament

Ian Cook was again the top Rocket performer, going 5-0 to win the 144-pound title. He had 3 technical falls and a pin. Andrew Corradin (175) and Sage Secrest (215) each went 4-1 and placed 2nd.

Montague 3-2 at home invite

The Wildcats beat Covert, Muskegon Catholic and East Kentwood on the day. Four wrestlers had 4-1 records: Gavyn Maddox, Kaiden Jeffery, Fletcher Thommen and Brock Hunter.

Reeths-Puffer 52 Caledonia 18

R-P wrestlers Ian Cook (150th win) and Sage Secrest (100th win) each hit career milestones in the “Under the Lights” Dual, which saw lights over only the mat to create a theatrical atmosphere.

Whitehall 4th at Jenison Invite

The Vikings were 4th out of 5 Division 3 teams to compete. Whitehall had solid scores throughout, but also took 15 penalty points in the meet.

Bowling

Montague boys defeat Orchard View

Montague did well in the singles rounds, led by Ethan Hite’s 192 and two singles wins. Logan Hunter also won both singles games. The Wildcat girls fell 30-0, and Kaelyn Ross had the high game with a 124.

Whitehall boys beat Ludington

The Vikings did well in singles play to overcome a 10-0 deficit in Baker points. Max Scheider rolled a 212, and he and Jeffrey Hackey each scored a pair of singles wins. Felicity Dingman scored a 168 to lead the girls, who fell to the Orioles 25-5.

Montague teams drop matches to Fremont

Montague’s boys team lost to the Packers 20-10 and the girls dropped a 27-3 decision. No individual stats were reported at press time.

Hockey

Reeths-Puffer 5 Midland 4

Ayden Hartzell had 2 goals to lead the Rockets in a thrilling first game of the Bay City Showcase. Tyler Tindall had a goal and an assist.

Reeths-Puffer 8 Saginaw Heritage 1

R-P closed the Bay City Showcase in style. Hayden Taylor had 2 goals and an assist for the Rockets, and Leo Kretschmar and Eli Cuti each had a goal and 2 assists. Huck VanDyke mad 18 saves.

Kenowa Hills 3 Reeths-Puffer 2 Ayden Hartzell and Trenton Hanks each scored a goal, but a shorthanded tally by the Knights proved the difference.

Cheer

Whitehall’s Nolan Napier is defended by Montague’s Cole Herremans during Friday’s rivalry game at Montague. The Vikings won, 74-34.

Montague’s Gibson Sholes keeps Holton’s Gabe Helms on the mat during Wednesday’s WMC quad at Montague. Sholes’ comeback win galvanized the Wildcats in a 60-18 win over the Red Devils. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Trevino, Bluhm bring home hardware

WHITEHALL — Montague senior Trevor Trevino and Reeths-Puffer senior Rowan Bluhm were among the honorees Saturday, Dec. 7 when CatchMark SportsNet handed out its fall sports player of the year awards.

Trevino was named CatchMark’s area soccer player of the year, while Bluhm brought home the golf player of

and

at White Lake.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

the year award. Both awards were determined via a combination of a CatchMark panel and fan voting.

Whitehall senior Camden Thompson was one of the three finalists for the football player of the year award, which went to North Muskegon’s Bryce Colbert.

• Brendan Samuels/Mirror

for near-fall points against Hart’s Julian Vazquez

Whitehall edges Hart, goes 2-0 at Hesperia Quad

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall squeaked by Hart in a hotly contested West Michigan Conference match Wednesday, 34-32, as part of a 2-0 night at the Hesperia Quad. The Vikings also defeated Sparta 50-28.

Emotions ran high throughout the match, with each team assessed a point penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, one on a Viking wrestler and the other on the Hart bench.

Tommy Leeke

clinched the match for Whitehall with a 6-1 decision over the Pirates’ Sawyer Boos at 106 pounds, the final weight class to wrestle.

The Vikings got key bonus points from Parker Mott and Liam Leeke, who earned pin victories, as well as a forfeit win for Gavin Craner. Kolten Weiler and Blake English scored major decisions, and Cody Manzo and Max Krukowski won by decision.

English, Craner, Weiler and Krukowski posted 2-0 records on

Montague Quad

“My matches are (about) strength and I go out 100 percent,” Sholes said. “That’s what matters. I want to walk off the mat knowing I did my best and there’s nothing more I could have done.”

Isaac French and Brock Hunter also earned pin victories against Holton, and a couple of forfeit wins rounded out the scoring.

Things were not so dramatic in the night’s first match against Manistee, which had no one at most of the weight classes. French, Sholes and Jeffery each earned pins on their way to 2-0 nights, and the rest of the Wildcat victories came by forfeit. Zaniya Meza, Ethan Bassett, Mason Bassett and Maverick Osborne each went 2-0 as well.

The inexperienced Wildcats - several first-year varsity wrestlers, Sholes included, are in the starting lineup - have had to deal with early chances to get on the mat being wiped out by snow, but Maddox said the team is displaying the gritty, hardworking qualities he values most.

“We had multiple kids do well and It’s good any time we can get on the mat and be able to get a gauge for what we’ve got to work on in practice,” Mad-

Jenkins wins 100th career match

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall placed third at Saturday’s Mark Bosse Invitational in Hart, scoring 223 points to come in behind Three Rivers and Hamilton.

Whitehall’s Cody Manzo is declared the winner of his match against Hart’s Kole Thomas Wednesday.

• Brendan Samuels/Mirror

the night with wins over Sparta opponents; the first three won by pin, and Krukowski scored a technical fall.

The Vikings put eight wrestlers in their weight class’s final, including two champions - Gavin Craner and Wyatt Jenkins.

Jenkins had the day’s individual highlight, scoring his 100th career victory on his way to the 215-pound championship. Jenkins went 4-0, with two pins and a technical fall. Jenkins’ accomplishment is especially noteworthy given the neck injury that limited him to three matches as a junior.

Craner was his usual overwhelming self at 190, scoring three pins and a technical fall to secure

the title.

Six Vikings placed second at their weight classes: Blake English (157), Liam Leeke (165),

dox said. “You can obviously only see so much in practice with our limited numbers, so it’s good to see what’s working and what’s not and what we’ve got to build on.”

With so many wrestlers still learning the finer points of the sport, Sholes said the team has great camaraderie that’s helping them motivate each other in practice.

“We have great sportsmanship and we’re all in it together,” Sholes said. “It’s just great that we’re all in the practice room. We’re all at it together. We’re going hard, and it’s a great experience overall.”

The Wildcats will have plenty of chances to grow in the coming weeks. Friday, the school will host its first Assembly Dual against Grant during the final school day before winter break, allowing a packed house of students to witness Montague wrestling. Maddox said the dual was not planned prior to the season, but after the team’s opening night of competition was snowed out, he and Grant coach Ryan Schultz threw the idea together. The plan is for Montague to do a return visit to Grant for a future Assembly Dual.

In addition to the obvious bene-

fits of the match, Grant is in the Wildcats’ individual district this year, so it will give Montague’s athletes a look at some of their postseason competition.

“I know they’re about like us,” Maddox said. “They have a couple of upperclassmen and then they’re fairly young throughout as well. It’ll be interesting to see how things work out.”’

From there, the ‘Cats will have their traditional home holiday tournament, the Jan. 4 Ravenna invitational, and

maybe even some rest at some point.

Having some wins already under their belt has given the Wildcats confidence that belies their inexperience, which could serve them well moving forward.

“Every time we go up against a new team, I’m ready and I’m focused on our past wins,” Sholes said. “(It gives me) courage. ‘I’ve done this before. I can do it again.’ I don’t get too bad of anxiety, I would say, because I know I can do this.”

Tommy Leeke (106), Cody Manzo (120), Max Krukowski (126) and Kolten Weiler (132).

Whitehall wrestler Wyatt Jenkins (center) celebrates his 100th career victory at Saturday’s Hart Invitational. With Jenkins are his dad Tom (left) and coach Justin Zeerip • Courtesy Photo

Montague senior Trevor Trevino

Reeths-Puffer senior Rowan Bluhm were among the big winners at the Saturday, Dec. 7 CatchMark SportsNet fall player of the year banquet at The Playhouse

Montague’s Kaiden Jeffery (right) looks for instructions as he battles against Holton’s Kaiden Mural during Wednesday’s Montague Quad. The Wildcats won both their matches. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall’s Kolten Weiler (top) goes

during Wednesday’s Hesperia Quad. Weiler went 2-0 on the night.

Whitehall Twp. tables approval of new development

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall Township planning commission tabled the decision of whether to approve the Hickory Knoll Estates planned urban development (PUD) following a public hearing Wednesday evening and will revisit the issue at its next scheduled meeting Feb. 5.

David Schultz, who spoke as a representative of developer Prime Ventures LLC, was present at the hearing to answer more questions and get more ideas from community and planning commission members. The housing project plan, if approved, will unfold in five phases and it is still in the planning phase, with no estimated start or finish date at the moment. The complex, set to be on Durham Road, will consist of 72 units, some with detached garages, attached garages and basements. There are 22 possible plans currently

in the process of being designed. With there being so many proposed units, it is unknown how long the project will take to build and complete.

The main concerns presented by other residents of Durham Road were how the construction will affect their daily lives, how traffic will be affected and how the township and development will handle water for surrounding residents. A few years ago, residents were required to switch to the City of Whitehall’s sewer, which “blindsided” many of those who were affected. The township anticipates Hickory Knoll tapping into the city’s water, and residents are now wondering how the township will handle water for others living on the same road. The township officials and attorney will be in contact with city officials to get more details, along with the Michigan Department of Health. They hope to report back with more information at the Feb. 5

Montague city council approves

new ordinance governing management of Business 31

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — The Montague city council unanimously approved a new ordinance regarding highway access management for Business US-31 at its regular monthly meeting Monday.

The ordinance, which had been placed before the council at work sessions a few times earlier this year, will govern the Business 31 corridor throughout the city limits, said city manager Jeff Auch, and largely revolves around sidewalks, entrances and exits, and frontage. The ordinance states its intention is “to promote safe and efficient travel” within the city limits, minimizing traffic conflicts and potential crashes. The ordinance further intends, in pursuit of that goal, to limit the number of access points to the Business 31 corridor to “the fewest needed to allow motorists reasonable access to” local businesses and homes.

During board discussion, Auch was asked if business owners had weighed in on the proposed ordinance, and replied that only one had. He added that the owner in question would not be greatly affected by the ordinance. Council member Susan Newhof later

thanked city staff for its work putting together the ordinance.

The council also approved mayoral appointments to the planning commission and the zoning board of appeals, all renominations of existing members of those groups. ZBA appointees David Schultz, Thomas Eilers and Glen Naughtin were all approved unanimously apart from council member Paul Schultz (who is also on the ZBA) abstaining from the vote on David Schultz.

Planning commission nominee Misty Jaekel was also approved unanimously, and James Lippert was approved by a 4-3 vote. Paul Schultz, one of the dissenting votes, said he would prefer finding a commissioner who could attend more meetings, noting that Lippert, whose work often takes him out of town, “has missed about 33% of the meetings” over the past year.

Auch said during the city manager’s update that by popular request, the city has compiled a list of organizations available for contact to help those in need this winter, and is compiling a list of churches who are willing to serve as warming centers in the event of a power outage. Both lists will be available at city hall.

meeting.

Going forward, the developer and township plan to get in contact with the Muskegon County Road Commission and Michigan Department of Transportation to do a traffic study on Durham Road. With the planned complex having a large amount of units, the number of cars regularly on that road is expected to at least double. Residents and township officials hope to see how an increase in traffic will affect the speed limit, traffic flow and more.

Schultz said the project aims to address the lack of housing within the White Lake community and to add to the quality of life in Whitehall Township, while disrupting the surrounding land as little as possible. One of the many examples used to illustrate that goal was a discussion about paving a sidewalk along Durham Road outside of the complex without clearing any legacy trees that might be in the

way. The representative also reminded commission members and attendees that the township has the power to set permissible construction hours when the time comes, to control noise for surrounding residents who may be affected.

The Hickory Knoll proposal is just one recent example of an attempt to add housing units to the White Lake community. The Harwood Flats building in Whitehall, set to open in January, and the proposal of a large residential unit near downtown Montague are others. With the recent announcement of a Howmet plant expansion that the company said will create 300 new jobs, a rise in demand for housing is expected to come with it.

Schultz said the group plans to start a virtual map and blueprints of the project that will be updated regularly for the public to access.

White Lake Congregational United Church of Christ extends a warm invitation to all to join in celebration of Christ’s birth Christmas Eve at 7:30 p.m. This joyful service will include familiar carols in candlelight and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, where everyone is welcome at the Lord’s Table. For additional information and updates, visit the church’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ uccthebikepath.

Ferry Memorial Reformed Church in Montague ran a Thanksgiving box distribution event over the holiday weekend in November. Dozens of Ferry and community members volunteered Friday night and Saturday morning, Nov. 29-30, to organize and pack boxes with food for 226 Thanksgiving meals. These boxes also included food for the entire holiday week and household items. Some recipients picked up meal boxes at the church, while many had the items delivered to their homes. This event was made possible by the donation of time from Ferry Memorial Reformed Church members, recipients and area schools. Donations of time and funding came from Dave and Beth Pickard and their Charitable Fund. Contributions of funding came from Ferry members, other anony-

mous donors and grant donations. One gift that made this possible was from the White Lake Area Women. Another grant came from the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce in Muskegon.

Jim Sytsma (left) and Ross Cudney keep items stocked on the assembly line during the Thanksgiving weekend box distribution at Ferry Memorial Reformed Church. • Courtesy Photo