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Thank you to this week’s donors towards our Lead this Legacy Fundraising Campaign

READER:

Joseph & Janis Chance Vicky Vandenheuvel

PHOTOGRAPHER: LaBarge-Beeber Family Fund

A personal Pentwater connection to a Christmas tradition for 125 Years

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Long ago, like so many other children across the globe, I watched The Nutcracker ballet. Afterward, the Sugar Plum Fairy danced in my head, and I dreamed of one day joining the Nutcracker dancers on stage. While my dreams have changed over the years, I am delighted to see my Pentwater neighbor living The Nutcracker dream.

Local Pentwater residents Dan and Susan Conley put me in touch with their daughter Catherine, whose ballet career began immediately after her high school graduation. She is currently a member of the Atlanta Ballet in Atlanta, Georgia.

Recently I had an op-

portunity to interview her, and I asked how old she was the first time she danced in The Nutcracker.

“I was 8 when I auditioned and turned 9 by the time of my first performance. I was part of the children’s cast, who were 8-14 years old. We danced the role of snow tree angels, and the children’s cast had two groups of 12 children each. I have danced in The Nutcracker for 16 years, missing only the year 2020 when Covid prevented live performances.”

The Nutcracker ballet was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Marius Petipa. It is loosely based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s fantasy story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” a fairy tale about a young girl who comes of age on Christmas Eve. Her nutcracker miraculously comes alive as a prince and wages war against the mouse king. The ballet made its debut in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia, and it has become a Christmas tradition of ballet companies around the world for more than 125 years. Its first performance outside of Russia was in 1934 in England, and the first performance in the U.S. was staged in 1944 by the San Francisco Ballet. Its popularity exploded after the New York City Ballet performed it in 1955.

To calculate how many performances she danced in 16 years was a bit challenging. The early years included 10 performances. But since she began her professional career in Milwaukee and moved to the Atlanta Ballet, she has danced in 24 performances each Nutcracker season, December 1-26.

When I remarked how exhausting that must be, Conley concurred. “Normally our work week is Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30-11 a.m. in class and 11:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. in rehearsals. But during show weeks, our schedule is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. To avoid dropping weight, it actually requires effort to eat sufficient calories during Nutcracker season because dancing the tough schedule burns off so many calories and causes fatigue.”

Does she have a favorite role she has performed? “Yes. Last year was the first year I danced the Arabian, which is performed by one female and three male dancers, and the woman represents a snake. I really liked it. I also like the role of Snow Queen. But even with 40 members in our professional company and about 15 members in our junior company, we all perform multiple roles in each show.” She proceeded to recite a list of 14 different roles she has performed.

Are there different choreographies for the Nutcracker? “Oh yes, there are many. Every company has

its own version. The music is the same, but there are variations in the storyline and in the dances. In 2016, the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago based a version on the story taking place at the 1893 World’s Fair and the different dances happening in different booths. I’m partial to the Atlanta Ballet version because it is classic ballet with contemporary touches and gorgeous sets.”

Conley’s interest in ballet began in childhood and grew through high school. During her high school years in Chicago, she attended normal classroom education at Walter Payton College Prep School in the morning and spent afternoons at the Ruth Page School of Dance. During the summer months she attended dance intensives in Boston, Los Angeles and London.

She had two options after high school graduation in 2016. She was accepted at the University of Michigan and could pursue dance there. But she was also the first-ever American to be invited to study at the Ballet School of Cuba in Havana, Cuba. She chose the “road less

traveled,” and U of M granted her a one-year deferment.

After one year in Cuba, she entered a competition that awarded her an apprenticeship that led to full membership in the National Ballet of Cuba. Study and performances were intense. She is convinced that her three years in Cuba were key to her professional career in the U.S. She may wonder what life would have been like had she gone to U of M, but she has never had regrets about her choice.

“You can take college classes at any time in your life. In fact, I am currently taking online classes at Georgia State University, one course a semester, in business economics. Did I miss out on the college life experience? I think not. Much of my time in Cuba was similar to college. I lived in a dorm and then moved into an apartment with a friend. I had to learn a second language, make my own meals, manage my own transportation and finances, and learn to be independent in a different culture, far from home. It was a real growth experience.”

I was curious what she likes to do in her free time now that she is in Atlanta. She reported, “I like hot yoga, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities, and I guess you could call me a ‘foodie.’ My friends and I love to enjoy different ethnic foods.”

So, you don’t worry about calories? “Oh no! We work it all off with our dancing,” she assured me.

The ballet company provides a modest amount of time off. It schedules five different shows a year: one in the fall, the 3–4-

week season of The Nutcracker in December, a show in February, a show in March and a show in May. The dancers are off contract mid-May through July. Conley normally comes home to Pentwater during the break they have after The Nutcracker, the free week in March and the free time in the summer. She loves relaxing at her parents’ home on the lake, biking and hiking, lounging on the pontoon boat and she loves teaching each summer at the Letha Fulton School of Dance in Ludington. “I used to study there each summer and now it’s fun to teach there. My fiancé Angel also teaches there.” She and Angel met in Cuba and have dated for eight years, becoming officially engaged in October of this fall.

Was there any advice she would like to share with young people who love to dance and want to pursue a career in dancing? Absolutely. “It is always good to have balance in your life. Work hard at what you love, but it is easy to burn out if you are not careful. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Have other interests. Have fun on weekends. Prioritize socialization. Keep a balance between ballet and other things. Have a ‘plan B’ in case a professional ballet career does not work out. Illness, injuries and family situations can all impact a dance career.”

Talented, bright, reserved and charming, Catherine is a rising star of whom we can all be proud. She is mature and wise beyond her years.

We extend our cheers and best wishes to you, Catherine!

Catherine Conley

• photo courtesy of the Atlanta Ballet marketing department.

Temps were frightful…but the party, delightful

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Santa Claus is coming to town

It may have been very chilly outdoors on Friday, Dec. 13, but inside Park Place, located at 310 N. Rush Street in Pentwater, a very cozy atmosphere permeated the Pentwater Women’s Club Christmas Party. More than 40 women gathered to enjoy the festive spirit, the fun presentations, and the great food. The audience heard a presentation planned by club member Claudia Ressel-Hodan and club President Kathy O’Connor on making holiday mocktails/cocktails, and guests were offered small samples of the beverages. Following lunch, the group witnessed Mary Ann Bush from “Flowers by Mary Ann” create a beautiful holiday table centerpiece and learned some helpful tips about preserving flowers and making floral arrangements.

In the past the club members have had a gift exchange and donated funds to a local charity. O’Connor reported, “This year instead of a gift exchange, the members decided to focus both gifts and funds on the Oceana Medical Care Facility. After discussing ideas with the activity directors at the facility, we reached a decision to donate materials for craft projects in the activity center and to donate items to the 2-bit store where residents can purchase any items for 25 cents.”

That created many possibilities for gifts to donate for a wide range of ages, since residents buy items at the store not only for themselves but also for their grandchildren or other family members at Christmas. Club members received a long list of suggestions from which to choose. At the event, a table with two baskets (one for craft activity materials and one for the resident store) was filled with the items purchased and donated, and a designated receptacle was available for cash gifts. O’Connor said, “The board was thrilled to learn from the treasurer that we would be delivering $606 along with all the items donated.”

The club is grateful to member Vicki Poplstein for the many years she hosted the Christmas party in her home. The changes in location and format this year required many hours of planning and work by the club’s Program Committee, who rose to the occasion. In response to the many positive comments received, committee member Sandy Werner remarked, “I’m very pleased, and we made an awesome team.” Other committee members were Jenny Lynn Girvan, Jodee Melse and AnnaMae Bush.

The Pentwater Women’s Club meets on the second Friday of each month from 1:30-3 p.m. at Park Place for a program, business meeting, and fellowship over refreshments. New members are welcome to come to any meeting. January’s program will be a presentation featuring Michigan authors by Mary Barker, director of the Pentwater Township Library. February’s program will be a presentation and activity related to Valentine’s Day by Roxanne Frame, owner of the local bakery Homebaked by Roxanne.

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Thanks to the commercialism of Christmas, Santa and his helpers can be seen everywhere - in yards, in stores, on Christmas cards, in movies or waving at them in a parade. And thanks to the 88-year-old CWH (Charles W. Howard) Santa Claus School in Midland, some people can actually “become” Santa. The school holds a “certification” course every October and this year volunteer Santa, Darrell Hansen of Orchard View, was finally able to attend.

Hansen, a very active Shelby American Legion member and volunteer Santa Claus over the years, said he first heard about the school from the Department of Veterans Affairs office in Hart. “I never realized there was a school until a couple of years ago. It took me two years to get in,” he said.

The Santa Claus School, founded in 1937, claims the title as the “oldest Santa School in the world” and is referred to by some as “the Harvard of Santa schools.” As stated on their website, their mission is, “To uphold the traditions and preserve the history of Santa Claus while providing students with the necessary resources to improve and further define their presentations of Santa and Mrs. Claus, allowing them to enter the hearts and spread the Christmas spirit to everyone they meet.”

“It (Santa School) was very interesting,” Hansen said. “There were 285 other attendees, from skinny to big people, and from all over the world!”

The Santa School curriculum includes three days of workshops and activities designed to help participants hone their Santa skills. Students get help with how to look like Santa, how to dress like Santa, how to take care of their beard, or where to find a good artificial one. They get a chance to “feel” like Santa by practicing their ho-hoho-ing, storytelling, singing and how to remember the names of all of Santa’s reindeer.

“I never sang as many Santa and Christmas songs as I did that weekend,” mused Hansen. “At the beginning of each class we had to stand and sing a song.”

Most importantly, attendees can learn how to “be” Santa to everyone, no matter their age, ability or background. “We had psychiatrists that came to speak about the different ways people perceive Santa and gave us tips on how to understand where people were coming from. High school students came and interviewed us and asked why we were there,” said Hansen. They even have a class on how to handle the financial aspect of being Santa if they were offering their services for a fee. “I’m a volunteer only. Everyone has their own niche or reason. But for me, I’m not in it to make a dollar. The only payment I need is seeing someone smile or maybe get a hug once in a while. It’s all about giving at this point in my life.”

At the end of three days, an actual graduation banquet is held where the students receive their certificates of achievement and have their photo taken with the school’s director, Tom Valent.

Since returning from Midland, Hansen has been studying other Santas and has made three visits to the salon to get his hair and beard ready. He was beyond excited to go to the Oceana County Medical Care Facility and Cherry Blossom Manor Christmas morning on Wednesday, where he and his sister planned to make a visit to every resident who wanted one, and bring them a little treat and an extra dose of Christmas cheer.

“As they told us numerous times in class, ‘It’s not the suit that makes you Santa; it’s what is in your heart,’” Hansen concluded. It was obvious after interviewing Hansen he has one thing no school could ever teach…a big heart, and our community is a better place because of it.

the White Lake area, and to help with Oceana County as needed. Flexible schedule and team atmosphere. Must have reliable transportation. Please send

Hart Knights of Columbus Council 2199 hosted the local level of the Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest. Winners were, above from left, Alissandra Moore, 1st place, 5th-6th grade; Josilyn Moore, contestant, 3rd-4th grade; Anna Hayes, 2nd Place, 3rd-4th grade; and Lyza Hopkins, 1st place, 3rd-4th grade. Contest coordinators John and Nathan Kroon are pictured behind the contestants. These winning posters will go on to compete regionally in the Grand Rapids Diocese.

• Contributed Photos

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

A man named Booth Perry first settled on Newfield before there was even a Newfield to speak of. Perry Settled in the area in 1856 or 1857, however, between the years of 1855 and 1858, the area was considered to be a portion of Stony Creek. In 1857, the name of Stony Creek township was changed to Benona, and in 1858 the township of Greenwood was organized out of Benona. But it wouldn’t be until 1866 that we see Newfield emerge, when it was formally organized out of Greenwood. Newfield, by the way, was very nearly not selected as the name for the township at all. Page’s History of Oceana County recounts the tale:

The origin of the name is explained by that pioneer settler, Joseph W. Sweet, as follows: A number of the settlers chanced to be in his house, and a proper name for the shortly to be organized town was discussed. Elbridge Green wished it to be called Greenfield; Alex

McLaren proposed Sweet-town, which was modestly declined on the part of Mr. Sweet, who, in turn, suggested Perrytown, in honor of old Booth Perry, the first settler in the town, but at last the name of ‘Newfield’ prevailed and was inserted in the petition. The meeting occurred in the summer of 1865. It would seem that each of the old settlers was quite conscientious, wanting to name the new township in somebody else’s honor, rather than their own. The Elbridge Green that was mentioned, by the way, is not the namesake for our own Elbridge township. That title goes to a man named Elbridge Farmer.

As we said, Perry settled in Newfield sometime around 1856 or 1857. He located on sections 12 and 13 but eventually sold his lands to Elbridge Green and returned east. Upon doing so, he managed to convince Alex McLaren and Patrick McFarland to locate out in Newfield, both of whom arrived in February 1858, landing in what Page’s History calls “the McLaren neighborhood.” They paid 75 cents per acre. The aforementioned settler,

Joseph W. Sweet, arrived the next year and settled in Hesperia. Hartwick and Tuller confirm in their book that Mr. Sweet was actually the first person to settle on the Oceana side of Hesperia. Page goes on to mention about every pioneer who settled the area between 1860 and 1868. One of the names in that long list is Dr. H. C. Hawley, who arrived in April of 1862 and located on section 34.

There are quite a few interesting stories recorded from the early days of Newfield. Some number of months ago I wrote about the death of one Mr. Barber, who was given what was supposed to be a medication called quinine from his sister-in-law. Not long after taking the medication, Mr. Barber passed away in a fit of convulsions. It was Dr. Hawley who successfully identified the substance he had taken as strychnine. But Mr. Barber was not the first death in the township. That honor goes to Patrick McFarland. Since McFarland’s wishes were to be buried in a Catholic cemetery, his body was “conveyed through the woods” some sixty miles by a team of oxen led by J. W. Sweet. There

once was a man named Mr. Brewer too who served as school assessor and mysteriously vanished one day. As Page puts it, “the old man, who was regarded as eccentric,” vanished in the woods one day and “was never afterward seen in Newfield.”

Lastly, Page mentions the names of some Newfield men who fell in service of our country during the Civil War. There were Ezra Roger and Christian Straight of the Third Michigan Infantry and one William Drake.

OCH&GS provides year-in-review, looks forward to new additions in 2025

By Mort Wiegand The Oceana Echo Volunteer Contributor

What a year we have celebrated for the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society (OCH&GS)!

Our headquarters in Hart is open and busy throughout the year, every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Swift Lathers Complex in Mears opens its doors from the middle of June through August, every weekend from 1-4 p.m.

A new barn known as the Agricultural Building was also added to the complex. The official opening for the barn was in June and featured cake and coffee. There were many visitors, making for great times. OCH&GS President Paul Erickson and his group handle the transportation building on Saturdays throughout the summer months. Jerry and Bruce handle the transportation

building on Sundays. Thank you, guys!

Many volunteers keep the Swift Lathers house and other buildings open. With the new barn across the street, we required another volunteer to help. We just acquired the Red Russell home next to Lathers’ house to the west. That is now being renovated for a possible schoolhouse and post office. The volunteer dinner was in October at the Mears United Methodist Church. So with the headquarters in Hart being the only building open for now, the OCH&GS is looking forward to 2025.

So what did Swift Lathers say 100 years ago?

“Sleigh Bells are ripe in the land of Mears”

- The Mears Newz, Dec. 26, 1924

“Storybooks are ripe in the land of Mears”

-The Mears Newz, Jan. 2, 1925

Happy New Year and onto 2025 from all of us at the OCH&GS!

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., Hart, doors open at 4 p.m.

Last FRIDAYS: Free Soup Suppers, Newman Christian Community Church, 4075 S. 132nd Ave., Hesperia, 5:30-7 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

Love INC announces winter hours for Walkerville

Love INC recently announced their winter hours for the Village of Walkerville. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, and for the winter months, Love INC will be available every Wednesday, by appointment only, at their satellite location, the Walkerville Wesleyan Church, located at 144 S. Hamon St., Walkerville.

Transformational Ministries Coordinator Kim Warmuskerken said the ministry still plans to be available for their clients in Walkerville, but due to winter weather driving concerns, they would like to make appointments to ensure they can make it out when the weather is good.

Walkerville residents can call with questions or to make an appointment to see Warmuskerken on any Wednesday this winter at the Walkerville Wesleyan Church by calling 231-861-4880.

Love INC is always looking for more ways to partner with local churches and the community to help transform the lives of Oceana County residents. The community is invited to visit www.loveinoceana.org or call 231-861-4880 for more information.

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-January

Dec. 16-Jan. 4: Silent auction bidding on Hesperia art exhibit, “The Night Before Christmas,” Hesperia Comm. Library.

Dec. 27 - Sensory Play at Hesperia Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m., Tech Time for New Christmas Technology, 1:30-3 p.m.

Dec. 31 - Versiti Blood Drive, West Michigan Research Station, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 - Story Time at Hesperia Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m., Tween Night, Community Room, 3:15-4:45 p.m.

Jan. 6 - National Asparagus Festival Community Forum, West Michigan Research Station, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 - Tech Time, Hesperia Community Library, 1:30-3 p.m.

Jan. 7 - Village of Shelby Redevelopment Ready Community celebration, The Ladder, 67 North State Street, Shelby, 6 p.m.

Jan. 7 - Shelby Downtown Stakeholders Assembly, The Ladder, 67 N State St, Shelby, 7 p.m.

Silent auction continues for Hesperia art exhibit

In Hesperia, 11 local artists volunteered their time and talents to illustrate the story of “The Night Before Christmas.” The artists include Julie Homan Aitken, Natalie Aue, Olivia Erlewein, Joe Frendo, Monica Grimard, Thom LaCount, Eric Michaels, Olivia Prado, Sher Scissons, Olivia VanAvery and Renae Wallace. On display at the Hesperia Community Library, located at 80 S. Division St., is a wonderful collection of original art in a variety of styles and mediums. One can see works created in glass mosaic, fabric, watercolor, acrylics, Prismacolor, oils, graphite pencil, wood carving and needlework.

The public will have an opportunity to bid on the artwork in a silent auction. The bidding began Monday, Dec. 16 and end will end Jan. 4 at 3 p.m.

This public art exhibit is open during regular library hours and is a project of Hesperia Beautification. It was funded by a grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund.

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 866-642-5663.

Registriation open for K of C spelling bee in Hart

Knights of Columbus Hart Council 2199 is set to host its annual countywide spelling bee, Saturday, Jan. 25 at noon. All spellers who place in local competition are eligible to compete at the regional level, with regional winners to proceed to the state level bee. Youth from grades 4, 5 and 6, and 7, 8 and 9 are eligible and will spell against others from their grade bracket. No school affiliation is required.

Oceana spellers have proudly carried the state championship title twice within the last five years. Please consider helping your child or grandchild pursue excellence.

Registration is free. Refreshments will be provided. Current word lists are available for study via the QR codes at right. For further information and to register your speller or spellers, please contact Nathan Kroon at (231) 845-5436. Level I Level II

The Oceana County Board of Commissioners is seeking two eligible veterans to serve on the Oceana County Department of Veterans’ Affairs Committee, due to end-term

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Charles Edward Eldridge III

July 26, 1978 ~ December 11, 2024

Charles Edward Eldridge III, passed away peaceful ly Dec. 11, 2024. He was born July 26, 1978, in Temple, Texas, the son of Charles Jr. and Deborah (Lambert) Eldridge.

Chuck was a positive, kind and independent individual despite the physical disabilities he was born with. Sitting in a wheelchair didn’t prevent him from living a full, adventurous life. He enjoyed fishing, going to the beach and hanging out with friends. He was an avid gamer and had many online friends who knew him as a brother, uncle, dad and caring listener. Chuck inspired many people with his positive attitude and en couraging words. He faced many physical challenges, many surgeries, back pain and infections...these were just something to deal with for him. Chuck was a “Warrior” in the sense that he didn’t give up on life and did the best he could.

Chuck is survived by his mother, Deborah Eldridge; and sister, Catie; many aunts, uncles and cousins in a large extended family.

Chuck is preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Phyllis (Hart) Eldridge, Dave and Mary (Kludy) Lambert; and his father, Charles E. Eldridge, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to help assist with burial expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/honoring-chuck-eldridg or please send your gifts to Deborah Eldridge, 3489 E. M20, Hesperia, MI 49421.

Service details will be determined at a later date.

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

Obituary Information:

We, at The Oceana Echo, offer our deepest condolences for your loss and are here to help you tell others about your loved one’s life and the plans you have made to honor, celebrate and remember them. If you would like to place an obituary with us, please tell your arrangement specialist or email us at theoceanaecho@gmail.com.

James L. ‘Jim’ Sikkenga

December 7, 1929 ~ December 20, 2024

With warm hearts, we remember our beloved Jim, who filled our lives with joy and warmth.

James L. “Jim” Sikkenga, 95, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 20, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on Dec. 7, 1929, to William and Sarah (Eckhardt) Sikkenga Sr. in Twin Lake, Mich., which was home most of his life.

He graduated from Muskegon High School, class of 1950. He was a proud veteran serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the war, he met and married Ruth Scheel on Nov. 25, 1955. She preceded him in death on May 10, 1987. Jim found love again, and on May 13, 1989, he married the former Kay Hoover in Muskegon, Mich. Together they shared a beautiful life for 35 years rooted in family, love and laughter.

He was a dedicated employee of Bennett Pump Co., where he worked as a final line assembler for 42 years before retiring in 1991. Jim then went on to dedicate his time for 23 years as a conductor with the Coopersville Railroad, volunteering and sharing his generous spirit with the community. Jim’s zest for life was evident in everything he did. He was an avid bowler, golfer, baseball player and cross-country skier who loved being active and embraced the outdoors. His routine bike rides with his neighbor were a testament to his adventurous spirit. Jim loved his weekly visits to McDonald’s with his buddies, where laughter and stories were always on the menu.

One of his greatest joys was watching his kids and grandchildren shine at their sporting events. His eyes lit up with pride at each game, and he was one of their biggest supporters, always cheering them on. Jim was the kind of person who made everyone feel special the moment they walked into a room. His hugs and kisses were legendary, and his smile could brighten the coldest of days. Jim’s warm embrace, supportive nature and the sunshine he brought into many lives will truly be missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kay Sikkenga; four children, Sharon Lewis, Suzanne (Bob) Doetsch, Kristi (Ken) Kriger and Doug (Tania) Hoover; six grandchildren, Jalen (Kelly) Hoover, Lucy Doetsch, Nathan (Johannah) Hoover, Amelia Doetsch, Karson (McKenzie) Kriger and Kaitlyn Kriger; five great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Karlee Watt, Ivy and Winston Kriger and Ayden Hoover; sister, Dottie Bishop; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Ruth (Scheel) Sikkenga; and two brothers, Raymond “Moe” Sikkenga and William Sikkenga Jr. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 4475 Henry St., Norton Shores, MI 49441 with visitation one-hour prior at church. A visitation with the family will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Memorial contributions in Jim’s honor can be directed to St. Mark Lutheran Church or Harbor Hospice. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.

Shelby Village Council adopts new fee schedule

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

SHELBY - At its Dec. 9 council meeting, the Shelby Village Council adopted a new fee schedule, set to take effect March 1, 2025. The last time village fees were updated was in 2021. Changes to the new fee schedule include these notable changes: business license fees have been removed, parking tickets were raised to $50 (formerly $10), some permits within the Planning and Zoning category increased and rental for the new Getty Park and Rail Trail pavilions has been raised from $25 to $50 ($100 for non-residents). Getty Field rental remains at $25.

While there are rental ordinance fees on the updated schedule, the village has been without anyone to enforce them for several years. Village Administrator Phil Morse is aware of the situation and has plans to work on filling the vacancy in the coming months.

In other business, the council approved a set-back amendment to the Shelby Acres PUD (Planned Unit Development). Now that Phases 1 and 2 are nearing completion, developers are looking ahead to Phase 3. It is estimated the amendment would affect approximately five homes in Phase 3 of the development.

Original engineer and architect plans were drawn up based on the land survey, said Morse’s memo to council. “The key is elevation. It doesn’t work when

it’s drawn,” he said. Changes in elevation weren’t taken into consideration. In order to construct the number of homes planned and maintain the design and feel of the development, setback adjustments are required.

An addition to the agenda involved a revote on a resolution, approved at the last council meeting, to divide lots on Elliot Street owned by Todd Fox. Council member Dan Zaverl moved to rescind the previously passed resolution of Nov. 25 and wished to abstain from a revote. After the Nov. 25 meeting, Zaverl thought perhaps his voting on the resolution could be seen as a conflict of interest. He said no one has said anything, but he doesn’t want there to be any conflict of interest, given Todd Fox is his boss, and Zaverl used to live in the house on the lot that was split. Councilor Mike Termer supported the motion. “Good to be on the safe side, be transparent,” said Village President John Sutton. Councilors Zaverl, Termer, Steve Crothers, Crystal Heykoop, Curt Trott and Sutton all voted in favor of rescinding the approved resolution. Council member Samantha Gottschalk was absent. The motion was rescinded.

Then Termer moved, and Crothers gave support to re-approve the stated resolution to divide lots on Elliot Street. Voting in favor of the motion were Termer, Crothers, Heykoop, Trott and Sutton. Zaverl abstained, and Gottschalk was absent. The motion was approved.

Pentwater High School National Honor Society inducts new members

Eight students from Pentwater Public Schools were inducted as new members of the National Honor Society in a ceremony that recently took place at the school. Members were selected by the chapter’s faculty council for meeting high standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character.

Students included are Brody Austin, Michael Carlson, Anaviolet Jeruzal, Margaret Jorissen, Abram Kieda, Bodey Lawler, Josephine Manor and Lila Merril.

“We are very proud to recognize these outstanding members of our student body. National Honor Society members are chosen for and then expected to continue their exemplary contributions to the school and community,” Chapter Adviser Carrie Jeruzal said.

The Pentwater High School chapter has been active since 1964. Each year the chapter sponsors several service projects for the school and community. In the last few years these have included blood drives, food drives, second-grade mentorship and many other community outreach projects.

The National Honor Society ranks as one of the most prestigious national organizations for high school students. There are chapters in more than 16,000 high schools, and, since 1921, millions of students have been selected for membership. Millions of dollars in scholarships have been awarded to senior members since 1945 by the sponsoring organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

In his village administrator’s report, Morse shared a brief slide presentation he gave at a recent Village of Shelby employee meeting highlighting the importance of creating a village culture that is safe and appealing to everyone. He emphasized that the way village employees interact with one another and other village residents will ultimately affect that culture. Morse went on to encourage a professional environment where every staff member goes above and beyond and believes the best in each other. He also said that all employees and council need to consider themselves educators when it comes to village procedures and protocols. Tone of voice, language and what is said are all important when working around or speaking directly with the public. He closed his presentation by challenging everyone with these questions: “Do you build people up or tear them down? Do you make them feel better?”

Postscript: The village’s Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) designation is already paying dividends. Morse was notified Monday, Dec. 16, the village had been awarded a Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Housing Readiness Incentive Grant totalling $36,000. More information on this award will be forthcoming, but for now Morse shared, “This approved grant will pay for our master plan and zoning ordinance update in 2025!”

TrueNorth’s Hygiene Drive receives great community support

TrueNorth Community Services held a hygiene item drive in Oceana County throughout November for Homeless Awareness Month. This drive collected essential hygiene items, raising awareness for individuals experiencing homelessness and working towards housing in West Michigan.

TrueNorth collected 4,919 items in the five counties where they provide homeless solutions, with 1,500 items coming from Oceana County alone.

Boxes were available to collect donations at partnering community locations, such as: Cherry Hill Super Market, District Health Department #10, Hansen Foods, Hart Area Public Library, Klotz Auto Parts in Hart and Shelby, Northwest Michigan Health Services in Shelby, Pentwater Township Library and Shelby Area District Library.

Items such as soap, razors, toothpaste, feminine products, deodorant, nail clippers and other personal hygiene supplies were collected. The Pentwater Township Library even held a “Community Cranking Event” where participants learned the basics of circular knitting, making 38 knitted hats to donate. All of the collected items will be distributed directly to individuals experiencing homelessness.

“Community involvement during Homelessness Awareness Month truly makes a difference. The donated hygiene items helped people feel seen, supported and respected during some of their hardest moments,” says Lisa Reinecke, TrueNorth’s Homeless Solutions Director. “It’s not just about meeting needs— it’s about showing compassion and reinforcing that everyone’s dignity matters. You all stepped up this year, and it meant so much!”

Thirty-eight knitted hats that were donated to TrueNorth’s Hygiene Drive from the Pentwater Township Library’s event. • Contributed Photos

• Contributed Photo

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• On Dec. 30, 1988, President Ronald Reagan and President-elect George Bush were subpoenaed to testify at the trial of Oliver North, a former White House aide implicated in the IranContra affair, in which arms were secretly sold to Iran while profits from the sale were diverted to guerrillas attempting to topple the Nicaraguan government.

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FOR RELEASE DEC. 16, 2024

By JoAnn Derson

• On Dec. 31, 1781, America’s first bank, the Bank of North America, received its charter from the Confederation Congress. It opened in Philadelphia on Jan. 7, 1782.

FOR RELEASE DEC. 16, 2024

By Lucie Winborne

• On Jan. 1, 2008, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins won the NHL’s inaugural Winter Classic, the first regular-season game played outdoors in the U.S. in the league’s history, at New York’s Ralph Wilson Stadium.

• On Jan. 2, 2004, the NASA spacecraft Stardust collected dust grains from the Wild 2 comet, whose material was later revealed to contain glycine, an amino acid that is an essential building block of life.

• On Jan. 3, 1973, Congressman James Abourezk became the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate, representing his home state of South Dakota.

• On Jan. 4, 1964, Mary Sullivan was raped and strangled to death in her Boston apartment, after which her killer, Albert DeSalvo (aka the Boston Strangler) left a card reading “Happy New Year’s” against her foot. Sullivan would turn out to be the final victim of DeSalvo’s notorious crime spree, in which he assaulted and murdered a total of 13 women between 1962 and 1964. Under a deal with prosecutors, he wasn’t charged with or convicted of those crimes, but received a life sentence for a series of other assaults, and was stabbed to death by an unidentified fellow inmate in 1973.

• On Jan. 5, 1643, Anne Clarke, of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was granted a divorce from her husband, Denis Clarke, by Boston’s Quarter Court. Denis confessed to abandoning Anne and their two children for another woman, by whom he also had two children, and refused to return to Anne. It was the first record of a legal divorce in the American colonies.

• “Save egg cartons for children’s painting palettes. It’s very easy to give kids a small amount of many colors, and they don’t spread them out and run them together as quickly when they are each in their own cup. Plus, they are easy to carry.” — O.L. in Utah

• Remove price tag residue off hard surfaces with hairspray. Or WD40 works well too.

• Make your own frozen dinners by purchasing divided trays and using them to store leftovers. Slip each into a plastic bag and label. On busy nights, you can take your favorite out and microwave it.

• “A beautiful but stained or worn tablecloth can find a new life at your dinner table. Cut into napkin sizes, and give any frayable ends a hemming.” — A.S. in Oregon

• A great winter tip that’s double purpose: After your dishwasher has done its job, open the door and let the dishes air dry rather than machine dry. You’ll save on energy, while you add warmth and humidity to your home’s air.

• Damp cloth plus baking soda should be your first weapon against stains in the kitchen and bathroom. It’s eco-friendly, and a mild abrasive, which works without scratching!

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By Lucie Winborne

• You’re more likely to have weirder, scarier and sexier dreams when sleeping on your stomach.

• The cymothoa exigua, a parasite that severs the blood vessels of a fish’s tongue and becomes a new functional tongue, is the only known parasite capable of replacing an entire organ.

•Are you a java junkie? Scientists found specific genes that are more caffeineloving than others, so addiction to it might be genetic. In other words, you can go ahead and blame your parents for your coffee obsession.

• “Family Feud” host Richard Dawson met his second wife, Gretchen Johnson, when she was a contestant on the show in 1981. And yes, he did kiss her.

• After four years of planning and two months of working nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., a team of hackers at MIT turned their Earth and Planetary Sciences Department building into a giant, multicolored, playable Tetris game.

• It is considered unlucky to clean your house on the Chinese New Year. You risk sweeping away the good luck of the coming year.

• “Gigi” author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette could only write after she had plucked fleas off her dog.

• If you pour cold water into a person’s ear, their eyes will move in the direction of the opposite ear. If you pour warm water into their ear, their eyes will move toward that ear. Used to test for brain damage, this process is called “caloric stimulation.”

• Some areas in Scotland and Japan switched to blue street lights at night and saw a decrease in crime and suicide rates.

***

Thought for the Day: “I realized that if I wait until I am no longer afraid to act, write, speak, be, I’ll be sending messages on the Ouija board, cryptic complaints from the other side.” — Audre Lorde

Tails of Hope

Looking for a pint-sized bundle of sweetness? Peppa is a 5-year-old Pit mix who proves that big love comes in small packages. This adorable girl is the perfect combination of cuddly and charming, with a heart as big as her appetite for treats.

Peppa’s sweet personality will have you falling head over heels in no time. Whether she’s flashing her adorable puppy eyes for a snack or snuggling up for some quality belly rubs, Peppa knows how to steal the spotlight—and your heart.

She’s just the right size for lap snuggles and car rides, making her a perfect partner for anyone looking for a loving, low-maintenance companion. And did we mention her love of treats? Training with Peppa is a breeze because this girl will do just about anything for a tasty reward!

Peppa dreams of a forever home where she can shine as the star of the show. Could that be with you?

Come meet Peppa and let her wiggle her way into your heart!

Peppa 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.

Volunteers place 360 wreaths in remembrance at Pentwater Cemetery

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

On Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon, volunteers held a short ceremony before placing 360 wreaths on the graves of veterans in the Pentwater Township Cemetery. The event was one of many carrying out the mission of Wreaths Across America: to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the value of freedom. Their efforts were repeated in cemeteries across the nation, including 77 locations in Michigan. This tradition of honoring and remembering has even reached into Europe in cemeteries where American WWII veterans are interred.

Becoming a participating cemetery in Wreaths Across America is a long process. “We started the process nine months before our inaugural event,” Township Supervisor Lynne Cavazos said. “After our acceptance, more extensive and time-consuming work followed. Shannon Larson (chair, Friends of Pentwater Township Cemetery, and member of the Michigan Dunes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution) spent countless hours scouring cemetery records to locate the graves of every veteran. Then she and other members of the Friends of Pentwater Township Cemetery went to each gravesite and marked each with a flag to enable the volunteers on Dec. 14 to find those graves easily. Some graves had large stones or monuments, while others had only small flat markers and would have been especially challenging to find in the snow.”

As many know, parking spots at the cemetery are sparse, and parking on the side of the road is risky. Snow further complicated these matters. So, volunteers were instructed to park at the VFW facility a short distance north of the cemetery. From that location a bus provided by Pentwater Public School shuttled them to the cemetery and later brought them back to their cars. There were volunteers of all ages and varying abilities, including some who came off the bus using walkers. Melissa Grondsma reported, “There were several students from Pentwater Public Schools who participated as part of their community service. Pentwater teacher Kelly Sisung encouraged student support and used the opportunity as a teachable moment. Wreaths Across America provides educational material.”

Cavazos estimated there were 93 volunteers who arrived by way of the shuttle bus. Some had personal reasons to visit particular graves, while others distributed the wreaths to honor veterans who were strangers to them. Cavazos shared, “Volunteers were instructed at each site to simply say, ‘Thank you for your service,’ and add the veteran’s name while placing the wreath on the site.” The wreaths were made with live greens and decorated with a single red bow. Their journey began in the state of Maine, where mil-

lions of them were constructed and packed into tall, hexagon-shaped cardboard boxes. The boxes were loaded onto semi-trucks and delivered across the nation by trucking companies that had volunteered their services for the task. The wreaths were delivered to Pentwater Township Cemetery one week before the December 14 event.

Detailed maps of the cemetery were duplicated for volunteer use, and multiple boxes of wreaths were strategically placed where many of the designated veteran gravesites were located. “It was a carefully organized event,” Cavazos said. “We tried to reserve gravesites close to the road edge and near the cemetery entrance for those volunteers with mobility limitations. We didn’t want volunteers with walkers to attempt climbing the hill or crossing uneven ground. We are also mindful of the snow and cold weather. We are providing temporary warmth in the cemetery office where we are offering chili to eat and hot chocolate to drink.”

Larson wanted to call attention to the exceptional community support and participation. Groups involved in the opening ceremony were VFW Post 6017 and Scout Troops #1155 and 8350. Taps were performed by Rodney Grondsma and Klayton Ruggles. Centenary United Methodist Church and Township Clerk Maureen Murphy provided refreshments. Funding for the wreaths, which cost $17 each, was donated by many local individuals, the Pentwater Service Club and the Michigan Dunes Chapter of the DAR (based in Pentwater). Larson said, “I am deeply grateful for the core group of dedicated Friends of Pentwater Township Cemetery volunteers who consistently show up and make things happen, ensuring the success of our efforts.”

Cavazos had high praise for Larson. “She really did the heavy lifting on this project.” Although the event is costly in terms of time and money, Cavazos expects that the event will continue. This year funds were found to cover the entire cost of the wreaths. “It was a good experience that we hope to make even better next year,” volunteer Grondsma commented. “I think we will run the shuttle bus more frequently next time around.” If that’s the only tweak to make next year, the leadership did a remarkably good job at their inaugural event.

Readers who wish to learn more about Wreaths Across America can do so by accessing their website, www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Marking period

Hart High School Honor Roll 1st

12th Grade High Honors: Devyn Adams, Brianna Arjona, AnnElise Bitely, Joseph Bizon, Joshua Bustos, Brooklyn Carter, Nora Chickering, Brody Clark, Aiden Coker, Kelsey Copenhaver, Alisya Cruz, Irelyn Cunningham, Jennifer DeBrot, Olivia DeBrot, Kailey Edenburn, James Galindo Lucio, Kevon Gray, Jacqueline Guerrero, Avery Guikema, Eric Hannan, Alexander Hicks, Brendan Hiddema, Lilly Hopkins, Addison Hovey, Harriet Kidder, Maryn Klotz, Kadie Koehl, Sarah Kranz, Kayla Kumzi, Tyler Larios-Mendez, Alexa Martinez, Julia McTaggart, Austin Merten, Amber Miguel, Kai Miller, Lexie Nienhuis, Mia Perea, Breslyn Porter, Lauren Pretty, Carter Ramseyer, Connor Riker, Andrew Riley, Clayton Riley, Hector Rodriguez, Marcos Roldan Galicia, Antonia Ross, Brynn Russell, Trisha Sauser, Ethan Schaner, Ty Schlukebir, Kuryn Simkins, Zaden Smith, Maxwell Stitt, Brooklyn Storms, Ty Thomas, Austin Thrantham, Faith VanderVlucht, Gideon VanderKooi, Beverly Wagner and Robin Walton.

12th Grade Honors:

Rhylly Brown, Adan Cruz, Carson Jensen, Addison Kokx, Gracie Malburg, Emmanuel Ortega, Jeremy Pearson, Alexandre Rieger, Rylee Ruggles, Tristan Smith and Deegan Symons.

11th Grade High Honors: Caleb Ackley, Elon Babbin, Rowan Best, Makenna Carrier, Shelbie Choponis, Aiden Cull, Owen Eisenlohr, Miguel Escamilla, Lyric Fielder, Ali Fleming, Dominic Fulford, Kyle Greiner, Addison Hain, Grace Hallack, Blake Helenhouse, Rosemary Hernandez, Lauren Hopkins, Wesley Kinsey, Kenai Kokx, Jagger Lenon, Payton Lindgren, Alivia Longcore, Abdel Lopez, Chase Lorenz, Joseph Osorio Espinoza, Destinee Perea, Hollis Rockwell, Addison Schiller, Renleigh Schiller, Chloe Simpson, Emily Steffens, Mia Suarez, Kennedy Symons, Blake Tanner, Christian Thomas, Kelly Torres-Uresti, Bryce Vander Kodde, Leah Walker and Leila Zamora.

11th Grade Honors: Halen Boos, Brendan Copenhaver, Martin Fetterhoff, Kera Hernandez, Jordan Holcomb, Emma Jeffries, Logan Jorissen, Allysa Meis, Maxwell Mull, Pablo Ortega-Rubio, Nicolas Ramirez, Heaven Rodriguez, Jack Slotman, Kiley Spinner, Abigail Studer, Fabian Vasquez and Adair Velazquez.

10th Grade High Honors: Carson Ackley, Allen Alcala, Sophia Andaverde, Jenna Babbin, Kassie Baker, Caydence Bateson, Naomi Bitely, McKenna Bromley, Aide Cruz, Kayla DeBrot, Cadence Deleon, Calyn Eisenlohr, Emiliano Escamilla, Samuel Escamilla, Nina Frick, Mauricio Galindo, Mason Guikema, Hagen Hansen, Jillabelle Hession, Austin Hosking, Ava Johnson, Wyatt Johnson, Bronx Jones, Joel Knobel, Gissel Lara, Hunter Loudermilk, Pascal Miller, Keaghan Monroe, Mason Opalewski, Rilynn Porter, Nevaeh Reyna, Macy Riley, Destiny Rodriguez, Natalie Rosema, Alayna Schiller, Reese Smith, Alexis Taylor, Kole Thomas, Kailey Trejo, Peter Tuinstra, Owen Vander Vlucht, Kyrsten VanDerZanden, McKenna VanderZanden, Caden VanGelderen and Abigail Weesies.

10th Grade Honors:

Alexia Arellano, Reise Bateson, Olivia Bradley, Larry Bromley, Alejandro Bustos-Vargas, Danielle Casillas, Michael Chavira Villarreal, Logan Dean, Trenity Gager, Sofia Garza Estrella, Nadia Gonzalez, Jaclyn Greiner, Kailyn Harmon, Rhet Johnson, Eduardo Martinez, Layla McCann, Madelon Munoz, Lilian Payne, Erick Perea-Hernandez, Josephine Rodriguez, Zoily Sarabia, Aiden Schaner, Luke VanderWilk and Noah Wolff.

9th Grade High Honors: Grant Ackley, Silas Ackley, Lucia Avila, Addison Barefoot, Elizabeth Barnum, Stephanie Cerna-Ramirez, Lydia Cory, Nick Eckles, Evalyn Flores, Joselyn Flores, Henry Galindo-Lucio, Rey Garza Perez, Ellie Gross, Clinton Hallack, Bailey Helenhouse, Izabela Hernandez, Emma Hopkins, Silas Jones, Taylor Kies, Baleigh Klotz, Karrisa Klotz, Taylor Metts, Marissa Moul, Maddox Mullen, Ryan Nienhuis, Axel Perea Alarcon, Jaidyn Reyna, Bryn Riley, Colton Samuels, Alaina Schaner, Rhezlynn Shafer, Cole Slotman, Braelynn Talmadge, Emma Thomas, Pedro Torres Rios, David Torres-Uresti, Grace Tucker, Leonard Udell, Liliana VanAgtmael, Viviana VanAgtmael, Trevor Vander Kodde, Luisa Vander Zwaag, Emery Velat, Lillian Wasson, Timothy Wolff and Asher Zost.

9th Grade Honors: Elijah Anastasiades, Harleigh Davis, Alexandra Fillips, Alexander Hernandez, Kora Hiddema, Prestyn Huck, Aubrey Loudermilk, Xavier Mendez, Beverly Miguel, Luis Oliveros, Kolton Rockwell, Jackson Schaner, Trinity Selig and Craven Viening.

• Contributed Photo

Opening Ceremony

• Contributed Photo

• AnnaMae Bush/Echo

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Shelby girls roll past Hesperia in lopsided win

In an effort to keep pace near the top of the West Michigan Conference (WMC) Rivers Division Wednesday, Dec. 18, Shelby’s girls basketball team dominated Hesperia, 65-11.

The Tigers took control of the game early, scoring 17 in both the first and second quarter, while limiting the Panthers to just five points. With a 34-5 lead at halftime, Shelby had the game comfortably within hand.

That didn’t stop them from keeping their foot on the gas, however. Shelby scored a combined 31 points in the second half to just six from Hesperia to claim a dominant win.

Shelby freshman Jayna Burmeister led the Tigers with 22 points, while sophomore Lydia Soelberg and freshman Annabelle Stark each had 11. Emma Stovall contributed four steals on defense.

The win pushed the Tigers to 4-1 overall on the season and they now sit at 2-1 in WMC Rivers play. Hesperia continues to struggle as they have lost their fourth straight game to start the year.

Shelby girls use balanced attack to earn road win over Manistee

The stat sheet was completely stuffed Friday, Dec. 20 when Shelby’s girls basketball team travelled to Manistee, coming away with a 53-22 win over the Mariners.

The Tigers battled through a slow start that saw them gain a narrow 9-4 lead in the first quarter. From there, Shelby took control and never looked back, scoring double digit points in each of the final three quarters.

Manistee’s best quarter was the second, where they scored eight points. Shelby’s defense held Manistee below double digits in every single frame.

Shelby freshman Jayna Burmeister led the Tigers with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while fellow freshman Michelle Peterson had 11 points and seven rebounds. Freshman Annabelle Stark recorded 10 points and senior Bailey Dickman had five blocks on defense.

SPORTS

Pentwater boys play spoiler to unbeaten Bear Lake

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

PENTWATER – Just days after suffering a loss to Marion that ended their perfect season, Pentwater’s boys basketball team did the same to Bear Lake in a 79-66 win, Friday, Dec. 20.

Entering Friday’s contest, Pentwater had fallen from the top of the conference pecking order, to third place behind the Lakers and Mason County Eastern (MCE). In need of a big win over conference-leading Bear Lake, the Falcons found plenty of motivation after that crushing Marion loss in the final seconds of that game.

“It started after losing in Marion,” Pentwater Head Coach Ashley Lubera said. “We lost right at the buzzer and I think game prep yesterday… they were locked in. Today it was all about

defensive stops. We just went on runs.”

A hard-fought first quarter of play saw Pentwater gain momentum quickly with an opening string of eight unanswered points. Bear Lake woke up offensively after digging an early hole, going on a run of their own, outscoring the Falcons 11-4 as time started to diminish. Pentwater found enough offense to maintain a 19-15 lead

heading into the second frame.

The Falcons distanced themselves in that second quarter, scoring 14 points of their own with eight sprinkled in from Bear Lake. Another major sequence of points allowed Pentwater to walk into halftime with a comfortable 42-26 advantage.

The Tigers improved to 4-1 overall with the win and will now take a break for the holidays before gearing up to take on Holton, Friday, Jan. 3.

Hart girls end 2024 with strong win over North Muskegon

Hart’s girls basketball team took on North Muskegon Thursday, Dec. 19, scoring an impressive 53-24 victory to wrap up the 2024 calendar year.

The Pirates’ defense set the tone early as they applied overwhelming pressure to the Norsemen. Hart generated eight steals and several dead ball turnovers in the first quarter.

On offense, Hart focused on getting the ball into the paint against North Muskegon’s zone defense. That strategy worked well, creating quality looks from three point territory and leading the Pirates to a 24-4 lead after the first eight minutes of play.

“Early in the game I felt the girls did a nice job executing our game plan,” Hart Head Coach Travis Rosema said. “Our effort on defense really stood out during the first half.”

Defensive havoc for Hart continued into the second quarter, leading to transition opportunities. When forced to play their half-court offense, Hart used good ball movement to add to their lead and take a 40-9 advantage into halftime.

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

For the third straight year, Shelby senior Jessie Jazwinski made the trip to San Diego, Calif. to compete in the Foot Locker XC Nationals, Saturday, Dec. 14.

Jazwinski finished in 24th place overall with a time of 18:37.3 which was good enough to crack the top 10 among qualifiers from the Midwest Regional who were in attendance.

The 24th place finish is the lowest placement at the national competition for Jazwinski. In 2022 as a sophomore, Jazwinski finished in 11th with a time of 17:43.4 and in 2023 as a junior she finished 9th with a time of 17:45.9.

Those that finished ahead of Jazwinski included several phenomenal athletes who

– like Jazwinski – are committed to run at the NCAA D1 level in 2025. Among them were Victoria Garces (Duke University), Zarriel Macchia (Brigham Young University), Sophia Bendet (Texas A&M University), Rosie Mucharsky (University of Notre Dame), Abby Faith Cheeseman (University of Virginia), Brooke Strauss (University of Connecticut) and Lilah Gordon (Penn State University).

Jazwinski is a North Carolina State (N.C. State) University commit.

In a post to Facebook on her parents’ account, Jazwinski said: “This was not at all the senior season I had hoped for or expected. Not being able to compete with a team was quite the challenge, but this makes me appreciate my training partner (brother, Bobby Jazwinski). Thinking about my last high school cross coun-

try race, it definitely was not without struggle. Although it was nowhere near the outcome I was looking for this year, it makes me take a step back and appreciate the journey so much more.”

Jazwinski struggled to return to form after being denied eligibility to compete for Shelby High

“Our goal is 40 (rebounds per night) and tonight we got 40 plus,” Lubera said. “We know if we win the rebound battle, we will probably win the game. I’ve got a lot of posts and height and offensive rebounds are my favorite. Kaleb just had some outstanding offensive putbacks down there. That’s just extra effort.

“Mikey (Carlson), Trey (Johnson) and Jonny (Arnouts) are a triple threat, but Kaleb is that hidden gem.”

As had been the case

A stalemate of scoring in the third quarter did nothing to hurt Pentwater’s chances of coming out on top. Each team notched 17 points in the third, but it was the Falcons who impressed with their ability to get second chance opportunities on rebounds. Senior Kaleb Brown was particularly active, converting on multiple put-back opportunities despite being one of the shortest guys on the floor.

Jessie Jazwinski competes in 45th annual Foot Looker XC Nationals Weekly Wraps

School by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. With her high school career coming to a close, Jazwinski has remained adamant that she’ll focus her efforts on being the best version of herself when the joins the Wolfpack next season.

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Pentwater senior Kaleb Brown plays tight defense on a Bear Lake defender. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

File Photo: Jessie Jazwinski competes for Hart High School during the 2023 season. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Falcon Upset continued on page 11

Falcon Upset Weekly Wraps

With such a large lead, Rosema chose to mix up the lineup in the second half in an effort to give other players valuable experience.

Senior Addi Hovey finished the night as the top scorer with 15 points, adding eight rebounds, six steals, three assists and one block to her stat sheet as well. Leah Walker chipped in nine points and nine rebounds, while Reese Smith had eight points and five steals. In total, nine different Pirates made their way into the scoring column.

“It’s always great to win conference games,” Rosema said. “I was pleased with how well we played in the first half. We lost a little focus in the second half, but overall it was a great night.”

Hart improved to 5-1 overall with the win and now owns a 2-0 record in the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division.

Pentwater girls stay perfect in conference with win over Marion

On a night that featured less than ideal weather conditions, Pentwater’s girls basketball braved the storm to claim a 32-27 win over Marion, Thursday, Dec. 19.

“Marion came out in man (defense), which we expected and we struggled in our half court offense,” Pentwater Head Coach Jeff Knapp said. “We came out really good to begin the game, leading 16-5 after the first quarter. We were forcing turnovers which led to layups, but were outscored 2216 after that.”

Despite having to fight off a push by the Eagles, Pentwater was able to claim their third conference win of the year. The Falcons sit atop the West Michigan D League at 3-0 with a 3-2 overall record.

Junior Aubrie Adams led the Falcons in scoring with 13 points. Emma Werkema-Grondsma and Lauren Davis each added six points of their own.

Shelby boys earn first win of the year with rout of Hesperia

After dropping five straight games to start the season, Shelby’s boys basketball team etched their first tally in the win column with a 61-38 win over Hesperia, Friday, Dec. 20.

The Tigers used tight defense, pressuring the ball and causing turnovers that led to points the other way. Pairing that with a successful threat from beyond the arc, Shelby had a rather easy night against the Panthers.

“It was our best effort of the season thus far,” Shelby Head Coach Rick Zoulek said. “We worked really hard on defense and fought for loose balls. It was a good step in the right direction for us tonight. We still had too many mistakes on offense, but we battled for four quarters.”

Shelby had several key contributors, but were led by Griffin Olmstead and Trevor Weiss, with each scoring

continued from page 10

12 points. Leighton Belasco added 11 points, five rebounds and four assists while Evan Waller had 10 points and seven rebounds. DayDay Garcia played well with five assists and two steals.

Hesperia was led by Ian Fox who scored 12 points while Ethan O’Neil added a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

The Tigers improved to 1-5 overall on the season with the win, also notching their first victory (1-3) in the West Michigan Conference (WMC) Rivers Division.

Hesperia fell to 2-4 overall and now sit at 1-1 in the WMC.

North Muskegon dominates conference matchup against Hart

Hart’s boys basketball fell to a formidable conference opponent Friday, Dec. 20, dropping a 72-32 game to North Muskegon.

The Norse showed why they’re defending conference champs, overwhelming the Pirates both on offense and defense. North Muskegon put up 67 points through three quarters, putting a running clock in play.

“(North Muskegon’s) Adam Dugener…the kid is a player. He was in an absolute flow,” Hart Head Coach Nick Bronsema said. “They understand his importance and it’s obvious he puts time into his craft. That’s on me and this game is on me. I (needed) to better prepare us for this game. We did not play our brand of basketball.”

Hart senior Brendan Hiddema led with nine points while Caleb Ackley chipped in 12 rebounds.

The Pirates dropped to 5-2 overall with the loss and now fall to second place in the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division. Hart is 2-1 in conference play.

Shelby boys fall to Manistee before holiday break

Shelby’s boys basketball team finished out their pre-Christmas schedule with a 51-43 loss to Manistee on the road Saturday, Dec. 21.

The Tigers had a few too many empty possessions on offense and a few breakdowns on defense in the loss to the Mariners. Turnovers on offense caused breakdowns to happen on defense. Shelby had 17 turnovers to Manistee’s 11.

“(I’m) proud of how we fought, but we must take better care of the ball and box out on rebounds more consistently,” Shelby Head Coach Rick Zoulek said.

Leighton Belasco led the Tigers with nine points, followed by Trevor Weiss with eight, Zaiden Harris with seven and Evan Waller with six. Waller added seven rebounds while Weiss had six.

in nearly every quarter before, Pentwater continued to play fast which allowed them to extend their 59-43 lead in the fourth. Eventually, Bear Lake had to resort to fouling and hoped the Falcons would go cold from the free throw line. Pentwater did enough to keep the Lakers behind, shooting 70 percent from the charity stripe in the final quarter of play.

The victory for Pentwater looms large in the West Michigan D League (WMD). Knocking off one of the top teams in the conference could prove to be important when the season winds down in February. Even more impressive than the win for the Falcons was the fact that they did it despite dealing with some injuries. Will Werkema-Grondsma has been sidelined recently and Wyatt Roberts went down during the win. That’s two out of 10 players on the varsity roster that have been shelved.

“We’re dealing with injuries like everybody

else,” Lubera said. “We’re just working through it and we’re having fun.”

Pentwater was led in scoring by Carlson who put up 23 along with seven rebounds. Trey Johnson followed up with 16 points, six rebounds and two steals while Arnouts and Brown each had 14 points. Arnouts also had seven assists, six rebounds and three steals, while Brown had seven rebounds.

continued from page 10

The Falcons improved to 7-1 overall with the win and are 3-1 in the WMD which has them situated in second place behind MCE (3-0 WMD).

Pentwater will head into the holiday break with plenty to celebrate. The Falcons will not be back in action until Friday, Jan. 3 when they host Big Rapids Crossroads Academy.

The Tigers fell to 1-6 overall with the loss. Tigers

Pentwater senior Trey Johnson extends his right arm for a contested layup with Bear Lake defenders in front of him. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Shelby’s boys varsity basketball team. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Shelby’s wrestling team went 2-0 at the Montague Quad, Thursday Dec. 18. The Tigers took down Holton 59-18 before dispatching Manistee 78-6. Pictured above is Axel Moritz scoring a 22-16 decision over Holton’s Austin Clay. Pictured below is Cesar Cadena who fell to Holton’s Kole Nichols by pin. • Andy Roberts/ECHO

Reflections of our community

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Whitehall students take eventful visit to D.C.

Shop with a Hero gives head start on Christmas

Trip gives students a closer look at U.S. capital and government

Local first responders take area kids on Walmart shopping trip

By 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.

WHITEHALL — A group of 24 Whitehall High School students became the latest to have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. in November through the Close Up Foundation, which furnishes trips such as that one to students nationwide.

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.

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.

Mid-November isn’t usually the first time frame that pops to mind when one considers a trip to D.C. However, Whitehall teacher Jen Dennis, who made a school trip herself while she was a Viking junior, thinks it’s an ideal time to go - less so for the weather (though it’s certainly better there than in Michigan), but for the timing, coming right after the United States elections. When Dennis went as a student in 2000, it happened to be during the lengthy period in which no one yet knew whether George W. Bush or Al Gore had won the presidential election. The first time Dennis took students in 2019, it happened to coincide with impeachment hearings in progress against President Donald Trump.

• Courtesy Photo

“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.

nis said. “All three times I’ve taken students, we’ve been there on Veterans Day, which is a cool thing to see the memorials there. It’s a great opportunity for the students.

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

“Any time I can take our students outside the classroom and get to be a part of it and immerse ourselves into learning about history and the government, I want to do that.”

meetings in order to go on the trip.

The experience of being near history actually unfolding is one Dennis can’t get enough of.

Once formed, committee will consider ideas to make Playhouse sustainable

“Even if it isn’t a presidential election year, they get to see the process of senators coming in and staff people looking for new jobs, which the students didn’t realize was a thing,” Den-

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.

approving a loan the Playhouse requested.

Whitehall District Schools was able to partially fund the week-long trip through a grant worth “about $6,000,” fellow Whitehall teacher Brian Milliron said, from the Gerber Foundation. Dennis and Milliron chaperoned the students on the trip, staying just outside of the city.

about funding trips biannually.

It’s the third time Dennis has taken students to D.C., having also gone in 2022. The Close Up Foundation doesn’t limit schools on how many trips they can take, but teachers have found it easier to only need to worry about funding trips biannually.

“We bend over backwards,” Milliron said. “We help them raise that money, because I know stuff’s tough. We all know that. That’s why we do itraising aspect, and it takes a little

Whitehall council votes down initial committee list

In addition to doing some fundraising of their own for the trip, students were required to attend a few

“We bend over backwards,” Milliron said. “We help them raise that money, because I know stuff’s tough. We all know that. That’s why we do it every other year. We have the fundraising aspect, and it takes a little while to raise money.”

Kate Beda was among the students who attended - she said her older sister Molly enjoyed it when she went, which piqued her interest - and one experience she found memorableington’s gravesite at Mount Vernon, which she did alongside fellow student Kaiden Sylvester. She also found the Holocaust museum a memorable experience; Dennis said that is a consistently popular choice for students. Many students who go on the trip have career goals in mind that might

Kate Beda was among the students who attended - she said her older sister Molly enjoyed it when she went, which piqued her interest - and one experience she found memorable was laying a wreath on George Washington’s gravesite at Mount Vernon, which she did alongside fellow student Kaiden Sylvester. She also found the Holocaust museum a memorable experience; Dennis said that is a consistently popular choice for students. Many students who go on the trip have career goals in mind that might

It’s an experience, though, that the students find worth the investment.

trip continued on page 2

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

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

WHITEHALL — The White Lake Community Fund distributed its latest round of grants Monday, Dec. 9 at the White Lake Community Library, giving away nearly $44,000 to local nonprofit organizations.

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.

White Lake Community Fund distributes grants

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

— 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 largest gift was $10,195.37 to the Muskegon Conservation District. The MCD is using the grant money for a revitalization of pollinator habitats at local parks, which will include Svensson Park, Covell Park, the Slocum Switchback and the pocket park next to Napa Auto Parts. The program will target invasive species that have found their way to the area and will plant native seeds and seedlings. Andi Kantola of the MCD said the Dirt Dauber Club has volunteered its time to assist with the plantings. The project will last two years, which Melanie Knapp, executive director of the MCD, said will allow time to nurture the plants and also ensure that the plan to keep invasive species from the area is working.

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

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

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 Montague High School Band

Boosters were given a $10,000 gift, which will be used to facilitate an upcoming visit from Dr. Matthew Arau, the founder of Upbeat Global, which aims to inspire leadership through music around the world. Emma Greenwood, MHS band director, said Arau is “maybe the most sought-after person in this field.” Arau, she said, will visit the area for two days in June. He will offer a presentation to which any local student is welcome on the first day of his visit before focusing his attention on the Montague and Whitehall high school band students on his second day. Greenwood said she wanted to bring in Arau because she believes students are not being pushed into leadership positions in recent years; “It’s a lot of work, and they’re just too darn busy,” she smiled. She hopes a visit from Arau can change that. She and Whitehall band director Abby O’Connell, who was not at Monday’s event, both look forward to the opportunity.

preliminary work to give the committee a head start once its composition is de termined. Mayoral nominations for the city’s regularly scheduled committees will be due for the Jan. 28 council meet ing, creating a logical time for the new Playhouse committee to be formed as

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

“I am giddy excited for this,” Greenwood said.

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 library itself received a $7,000 grant for the construction of a ‘teen library zone.’ Beth Wise Hall, youth program coordinator at the library, said in a year-plus on the job, it’s become clear that teenagers are the most difficult age

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.

group to draw to the library. The library already hosts teen nights, where teenagers have provided feedback on what

Whitehall High School students gather for a photo in front of the United States Capitol building while on their trip to Washington, D.C. in November. Two dozen Whitehall students went on the trip, which was furnished in part through the Close Up Foundation.

Grant recipients gather to celebrate their awards after the Dec. 9 White Lake Community Fund presentation at the White Lake Community Library, From left are Stacy Farmer of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Beth Wise Hall of the library, Montague High School marching band director Emma Greenwood, Andi Kantola and Melanie Knapp of the Muskegon Conservation District, Erin France and Sean France of the Michigan Youth Ballet Theatre and Erin Peyer of the Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center.

Whitehall students Kate Beda and Kaiden Sylvester were able to lay a wreath at the tomb of George Washington while on a visit to Washington, D.C. in November.

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.

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

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.

WHITEHALL

• Courtesy Photo

Whitehall students Kate Beda and Kaiden Sylvester were able to lay a wreath at the tomb of George Washington while on a visit to Washington, D.C. in November.

D.C.

Playhouse celebrates Jane Austen’s birthday

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

White Lake residents celebrated Jane Austen’s birthday Saturday, Dec. 14 at The Playhouse. Attendees were invited to bring their favorite novel by the esteemed British author, along with quality discussion points on why the book they selected is their favorite.

D.C. trip

Austen was born in 1775 and died in 1817. Her four famous literary works have become well known to the following generations globally and have not only received their own movies, but have also inspired other stories with

take them to D.C. Beda wasn’t one of them, but the educational value of the trip still stood out to her.

“I think it’s an important experience that everyone should experience,” Beda said. “It’s really cool to see how your own government works. There’s no way to really understand it until you go and see it the way that we got to.”

As part of the jam-packed trip - Milliron halfjoked that the students “average about 22,000 steps a day” over the course of their time in D.C. - the Whitehall students met with congressman John Moolenaar and senator Gary Peters, as well as a representative from the office of outgoing senator Debbie Stabenow. Students also sat in the Senate chamber and witnessed votes.

“It was the day after Congress went back into session,” Dennis said. Capitol Hill was bustling and it was crazy, in a good way, to see all the people. To have the students be able to say, ‘That’s the senator from New Jersey’ and ‘That’s the senator from here’ (is great). We got to sit in the Senate and watch it happen in the gallery up there. For the students to see it in session, it was interesting to hear that perspective.”

WLCF grants

they’d like to see in a teen zone, and the library hopes to implement some suggestions. Hall said the new zone will be near the existing kids’ zone but will provide “a more inviting area” and will include a divider that will give teenagers their own space at the library. Hall hopes in the future for the creation of a “teen advisory board” that could assist in the creation of future library events.

The Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center received a $5,000 grant in support of the in-progress pocket park mural project. ACWL-Niuveen director Erin Peyer said the grant will support the artist’s commission once they’ve been chosen. Peyer noted that a committee of community representatives has narrowed down a field of 42 applicants to paint the mural to three. Those artists will be submitting drafts of their ideas to the committee by Jan. 15, at which time it will decide how many of the three artists will present their ideas directly. More community engagement will follow, including one session the finalist will be required to participate in.

Peyer hopes the finalist will be inspired to have more such sessions. The plan is for the mural to be completed by the end of summer 2025.

An additional $5,000 grant went to the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, which will fund scholarships for students to attend. Development coordinator Stacy Farmer said families often reach out to the camp in hopes of some financial support, and this grant will help “invest in those families.” Camp attendees can choose from several different focuses, in-

similar, more modern plotlines.

The popular 1995 romantic comedy “Clueless” was inspired by Austen’s “Emma.” In 2007, a film was made honoring Austen’s life, titled “Becoming Jane,” which starred film legends Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy.

Additionally, the event featured a traditional British tea serving, and education on types of tea and what is included in a serving.

The popular movie rendition of “Pride and Prejudice” with Keira Knightley was shown during the celebration.

The Whitehall students were also joined by other groups from around the country. Dennis said groups from New Hampshire, Texas and Puerto Rico were among those Whitehall students got to spend time with. Getting the perspective of people from different parts of the country, she noted, was valuable.

“When they’re having debates and hot topic and current topic conversations, this is our West Michigan lens and our view of this issue, but what does someone from Puerto Rico think of the 2024 election, since they can’t even vote in it?” Dennis said. “Students can realize, ‘This might be my lens, but other people might look at the same issue or concept and look at it differently.’”

Widening students’ worlds figuratively is a favorite part of the trips for Dennis, but so too is widening it literally.

“So many of them had never been on a plane,” Dennis said. “So many of them had never been to a city the size of D.C., let alone riding a metro and navigating that. It’s great to show them that the world’s a little bit bigger than Whitehall. So many of them weren’t ready for it to end. When you’re hear-

continued from page 1

ing, ‘When can we go back?’, that’s always a good feeling. You know it was successful.”

Dennis is looking forward to continuing to lead the trips going forward. Milliron said Dennis has even floated the idea of expanding the program and trying to make a Europe trip happen at some point.

“They came back and they were hungry for more,” Dennis said of the students. “They want to be citizens. They want to be knowledgeable. They want to know, ‘Why are we voting for this person? What is their platform?’ They know the process. They want to become more active citizens, and that’s what we want to see.”

cluding art, band, choir, theatre or a musical instrument.

The Michigan Youth Ballet Theatre received a $4,050 gift, which will also fund scholarships - 20 of them, said Erin France, executive director. The scholarships will be open to any child who has not previously taken a class at MYBT. France said she reached out to the WLCF because fewer children have enrolled in classes this year. Eleven people - including three boys, France happily noted - have already reached out about taking

advantage of the scholarships.

An additional $2,500 gift was given to the White Lake Music Society to fund the White Lake Music Series, a schedule of local performances. Bob Swan was scheduled to attend the WLCF presentation but was unable to make it.

WLCF vice chair Jen Hain expressed appreciation to all those who applied for grants this year and said it means a lot to the fund administrators to be able to help local area missions.

Whitehall student Jason Sheaffer sat in a mock-up of the Oval Office at The People’s House Museum during a November D.C. trip that 24 students took.

Courtesy Photo

Saturday, Dec. 28

Justin Avdek and a plus-one to be announced perform @ Fetch Brewing, 7 p.m.

Gabrial James performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Montague’s The Smiths perform @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

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

Sunday, Dec. 29

White Lake Ukulele Club meets @

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

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Steve Thielman performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 10 a.m.

Family Storytime @ MADL Mon-

Echoes of History: The Homestead (Part 1) Community Calendar

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

The following is based on notes taken from a family journal.

My dad was a hard worker. He did many different kinds of work from making deliveries for a local market, to being a clerk in his uncle’s grocery store and a brick layer. He wasn’t especially fond of bricklaying, however, because it made his hands rough. A friend of his suggested he go to dental school. So, Dad enrolled in Northwestern University Dental School where he graduated in June 1914. He got his dental license in December 1914 and went to work for his friend in his dental office for several years. Later, Dad bought the practice of another Chicago dentist who was retiring.

Dad’s friend would read the newspapers a lot and was always looking for property to buy for back taxes, etc. He had purchased several parcels in the White River Township area around 1913, and over time he would sell them off to his friends. One summer the friend invited my family to come to White River and check out a piece of property that he had for sale.

In September 1925, we drove up to Michigan to look at the property. It was a big open space with two very large pine trees. There were a few other trees on the west perimeter of the property with a small view of Lake Michigan. Dad and Mom liked the property, so they bought the two-acre parcel on a five-year land contract.

In 1926, my folks packed up the family car and we headed north to our property at “the lake”. At the time, my brother was 6 years old, and I was 10. The first two summers we spent camping in a tent under the two big pines which at the time were the only thing to provide any shade or shelter from the elements. We called the place “Joylin”, after me and my brother.

Eventually, my mom decided that she wanted a little house instead of a tent under the trees. So, in the summer of 1928, we camped under the pines for the last time. Dad contracted Mr. Sauer, a local carpenter, to start work on building a house. Mom spotted the highest spot on the land and that was where the house was built. It was a 24x24 square structure with a fireplace, small kitchen area and a storage room. This provided a large living and sleeping area. We each had a camp cot in a corner of the room with a folding screen for privacy. As there was no indoor bathroom, the outhouse was built in the yard to the south of the house.

An electric pump was installed in 1935 and we got an inside bathroom, which was installed in the storage room, in 1941. At some point a basement was built under the house as I remember looking through some of

the cracks between the floorboards to see the men as they were working.

Since my dad worked in his dental office during the week, he would leave the car for Mom and take the S. S. Carolina back and forth from Chicago to White Lake. He would leave Chicago after work Friday afternoon and arrive at the Montague dock on White Lake Saturday morning. Then he would return to Chicago Sunday evening from Montague and arrive back in Chicago Monday morning. After the steamers stopped running to White Lake, my dad would take the train that ran between Muskegon and Chicago.

In 1930 a wooden and canvas-covered canoe was purchased from Pitkin’s Drug Store in Whitehall. It might have cost around $100 at that time. Mom even made a sail for it. I think we probably had that canoe for a good thirty years. During that time, it made a lot of trips up and down the “old channel”, in and around Indian Bay, and across White Lake to Murray’s Inn for ice cream. The next year we bought a gaff rigged C Scow sailboat from Harry Pillinger. We named the sailboat “Scamp”. We didn’t have “Scamp” as long as we had the canoe, but I think it was long enough for my brother to get bitten by the sailing bug. During his lifetime he had several sailboats and even a trawler. (“Algae” (C-Scow), “Widgeon” (O’Day), “Mariah” (Alden), “Nimbus” (Bristol) and the Trawler “Sojourn”.)

A garage was built to store the sailboat in the winter. There were two sets of double doors, one at each end of the garage. Dad would drive the car through the north end of the garage until the sailboat was in the middle, leave it there, and then drive out the south end.

In spring 1931, the cottage became a bit larger with the addition of two 10x10 bedrooms on the East side of the house. My brother had the north room, and I had the south. An open porch with screens was built in 1932. My grandmother came that summer and she slept in my room while I slept on one end of the screen porch.

When I got married in 1945, my folks converted the garage into a one-room “guest house” with a kitchenette at one end and a sleeper sofa in the living area. There was a small 3-burner kerosene stove in the kitchen for cooking and a small wood-burning stove was installed for heating. A lean-to style addition was constructed on the east side of the garage for the car and general storage. We had sold the sailboat some time prior to this.

In 1950 Dad was able to purchase the beach property that we had been looking over for the past 25 years. That gave us direct access to Lake Michigan. Now we no longer had to go to Lloyd’s Landing or to

New device? Library apps can help

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

tague branch, 11:15 a.m. For kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Mike Snell performs @ Hanson Hill Waterfront Grill, 5 p.m.

White Lake to swim. We always referred to this area as “the Island”. That’s because at one time the old channel used to empty into Lake Michigan on the north near the Old Channel Inn, before the new channel was built on the south. So that sort of made this area like an island.

After my brother got married, a second story was added to part of the house in 1954, to provide sleeping quarters for him, his wife and their three girls. That’s when the cottage became known as the “Big House”, and the garage “guest house” became the ”Little House”.

Speaking of the “guest house,” while there was running water in the kitchen sink, we were still using an outhouse. Two small bedrooms, one for me and my husband and the other for our daughter, had been created in two-thirds of the storage area by means of hanging several shower curtains as partitions. Later, permanent walls were built. Then in 1956 a small bathroom was built in the remaining area of the storage space. The outhouse was moved to its final location in the yard and was used mostly for the storage of rakes and shovels and other things for dad’s garden. The kerosene stove was eventually replaced by a 4-burned apartment range with an oven that ran on bottled gas.

Over the years, a lot of trees were planted in the once-open space to provide some cooling shade to sit under and enjoy the quiet surroundings after the hustle and bustle of big city living. There was a huge Box Elder tree planted in the middle of the yard with a rope swing for the girls to swing on. Unfortunately, it blew over one year during a storm. There was also a group of trees where the girls had their hammocks. There was also a “porch” swing that hung between two maple trees in the yard.

make the most of it!

Did Santa bring you a shiny new tablet, phone, or video game console? The library can help you make the most of that gift! Borrow all kinds of downloadable and streaming stuff, all without ads or fees. You’ll find ebooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, newspapers, magazines, music, and more, all available with your White Lake Community library card. Handy apps like Libby,

Hoopla, and Kanopy make it easy to get the titles you want right on your device. Visit wlclib.org/digital-library to find more information, handy links, and a few short getting-started tutorials.

The library also has a collection of games for the Nintendo Switch that are available to borrow. If we don’t have the game you are looking for, you can order it from another library and pick it up here. It’s easy to browse video games in the online catalog - just put the name of your console in the search bar, and then choose “video games” as the format on the left side of the screen. Pro tip: If you aren’t finding the game you want in the LP2 catalog, use the drop-down menu at the top of the screen to switch to the Lakeland catalog.

FUN FACT: There are 30 games in the White Lake library’s video game collection. They have been borrowed 284 times altogether in 2024. Considering nearly half the games were just added in November, that’s a lot of check-outs!

Mario Kart Tournament Jan. 3

Speaking of video games, there are still a few seats left for the Mario Kart tournament at the library Friday, Jan. 3! Racers age 12 and up are invited to put their racing skills to the test and compete for the title of White Lake Community Library Mario Kart Champion. The event will be held from 2-4 p.m. and is limited to 12 competitors. Register online at wlclib. org/calendar. Light refreshments will be served.

Holiday Closing One last reminder that the library will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1, in observance of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and safe 2025!

Circa 1931 - The pines where we camped and the house which provided an actual roof over our heads.

• Courtesy Photo

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Rockets, Mona Shores play to high-energy tie

Late penalty shot save preserves deadlock for Rockets in rivalry

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — In front of a big and loud crowd Saturday at Trinity Health Arena, Reeths-Puffer and Mona Shores played a high-intensity game that ended in a 5-5 tie.

It was a Sailor home game, and their home arena is Lakeshore Sports Center, but the game was moved to R-P’s home arena to accommodate the crowds.

The final period featured five goals, two lead changes and three tying scores, but the biggest play of the game was a save; goaltender Huck VanDyke turned back a penalty shot by Shores’ Eli Habetler in the final minutes of regulation to preserve the tie.

It was sweet redemption for VanDyke, who earlier in the period gave up an unexpected goal on a long shot from the blue line by Cullen Conrad to tie the game 4-4.

“Huck is always lights out,” R-P coach Dustin Langlois said. “One bad goal here, but as soon as that went in, he knew that was on him, and he knew that we had his back. We knew that we were going to get another one. We weren’t panicking at all. We knew that they were going to come our way and we just had to keep doing our job. “

True to their word, the Rockets (5-21) did get another one with 2:20 to go, ty-

Reeths-Puffer’s Kaeden Benner and Mona Shores’ Cullen Conrad duel for a loose puck along the boards during Saturday’s game.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

ing the score again after the Sailors took the lead just over a minute prior. Jordan Benkert put in the tying score. That preceded VanDyke’s dramatic penalty shot save; the Sailors were awarded the penalty shot after officials ruled a Rocket defender inhibited a breakaway.

VanDyke’s save was just the last piece in a very impressive overall performance by the Rockets’ penalty-kill unit, which did not allow any goals despite seven Shores power plays.

“When you take as many penalties as we have in the past year and a half, you’ve got to tighten that up,” Langlois said, noting that excessive penalties were a problem for the team last season. “We put in a new system last year... and we changed it up a little bit this

Rivalry tie

continued on page 5

Reeths-Puffer goalie Huck VanDyke

Anderson

a Mona Shores

stops the puck as

from getting a

A penalty shot was awarded on the

turned back that attempt as well, preserving a 5-5 tie. Below, Reeths-Puffer’s Ayden Hartzell and Mona Shores’ Jackson Beezley race up the ice during Saturday’s rivalry game at Trinity Health Arena. Hartzell scored a goal and had an assist.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague fades after solid start at Fremont

‘Cats led 19-13 in 2nd quarter before Packers took control of game

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

FREMONT — Montague got off to a great start in Friday’s West Michigan Conference Lakes game against Fremont, dominating the offensive glass and playing tougher en route to a sixpoint second-quarter lead. After that, though, it was all Fremont; the Packers took over the game, finishing the quarter on a 21-4 run and rolling to a 71-40 win.

Wildcats coach Nick Thaler was frustrated after the game that his team did not take advantage of the good early start - Montague led 19-13 at one point - and instead seemed to play with low energy as the game wore on.

“I thought they played with a lot more energy and intensity,” Thaler said of Fremont. “They were just tougher than us. I thought that they just wanted it more than our guys did. That effort clearly showed in the game.

“Credit to them for playing hard and having that intensity. They earned this win tonight and they should be excited.”

Redick Powell spearheaded the Fremont explosion, drilling three of the five three-pointers his team hit in the sec-

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

ond quarter to turn the tide of the game. He hit five treys in all and led all scorers with 27 points - 16 in the first half.

Montague made a brief push back in the third quarter when Jack Degen hit a three-pointer and Kellan Francis knocked down a free throw to get the lead back down to nine points at 40-31.

But Fremont ripped off the next eight points and Montague only scored nine more the rest of the night.

“We just get too comfortable,” Thaler said. “In basketball, you can’t be comfortable. You’ve got to have a chip on

your shoulder. You’ve got to play with some grit. You’ve got to play with some intensity. If you don’t do that, especially at the varsity level, you’re going to see scores like this.”

Thaler said he and his staff are constantly coaching high energy play, but added his belief that at the high school level, such things shouldn’t need to be coached.

“You should be giving your best effort and putting forth your best effort, not only for yourself, or for your teammates, but for the people that support

you, that want to see you succeed,” Thaler said. “That’s something we’ve got to get better at. We’ve got to get better at working together and being together as a team. For these guys that are seniors, one-fourth of the season is already gone. I know they’re not satisfied with what their production is right now.”

Despite the frustrations of the first few weeks, the Wildcats are still convinced they have it in them to deliver the

Fremont’s Logan McLain (left) blocks a shot by Montague’s Kellan Francis during Friday’s WMC Lakes game at Fremont. The Wildcats lost, 71-40. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Above,

(left)

teammate Connor

impedes

opponent

shot off during Saturday’s game

Trinity Health Arena.

play, but VanDyke

Fremont’s Logan McLain (left) defends a shot by Montague’s Cole Herremans during Friday’s game at Fremont.

Wildcats sputter early in loss to Fremont

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

FREMONT — Friday’s game between Montague and Fremont seemed on paper like a key one early in the season, a battle for the top spot in the West Michigan Conference Lakes. Unfortunately, a very poor start by Montague took the air out of the clash, and the Wildcats could never recover, losing a lopsided 68-23 game.

Fremont completely dominated the first quarter and a half, building a 25-1 lead before Gentry Knop finally hit the Wildcats’ first field goal of the game. The Packers, who boast impressive athletes and smart players, repeatedly forced Montague (4-1, 2-1 WMC Lakes) to move faster than it wanted to in the full-court press, and that forced rushed shots and turnovers.

“We didn’t play our basketball,” Montague coach Jess DeBruin said. “We came out slow and sluggish, and then they got that big lead, and it was almost like we just didn’t go after it like we usually do.”

DeBruin acknowledged that the slow start - Montague had some decent looks at the basket early in the game and was unable to connect - wore on the team mentally and contributed to

Fremont’s Ariana Tanner bats the ball away from Montague’s Adilynn Peterson during Friday’s game at Fremont. Montague lost the game, 68-23.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Fremont’s big lead.

“It definitely snowballed after that,” DeBruin said. “This is a team that needs that confidence and needs those buckets right from the beginning, and they weren’t falling. They had good shots and they had good takes, but... there was a lid on the basket.”

Montague did finally get some offense going late in the second quarter and trailed 31-11 at halftime. Any hope that momentum would carry into the second half, though, quickly evaporated as Fremont again forced several turnovers out of the break, forcing a timeout by DeBruin after the Packers

built their lead to 42-16.

Montague’s best offense has been shown to be attacking the basket, but in part due to Fremont’s athleticism and effort on defense, Montague was unable to do so effectively.

“Fremont definitely dictated to us how this game was going to be played,” DeBruin said. “We played how they wanted us to play.”

Addison Pranger led Montague offensively with 10 points, eight of them in the second half. Riley Chase paced a

potent Fremont attack with 24 points.

The ‘Cats now get a couple of weeks to regroup before returning to game action. DeBruin is confident her team will deliver better results the next time.

“This is a game that we’re going to learn from,” DeBruin said. “We’re going to learn from what we did and what we need to work on over break...I know this group wants it. They’re hungry. I know that we’re going to come out and we’re going to come out strong.”

Montague wins dramatic Assembly Dual

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Montague certainly gave its student body an exciting match Friday in the program’s first-ever Assembly Dual, rallying from a huge early deficit to defeat Grant 42-41.

Maverick Osborne delivered the dramatic final pin in the last match of the dual, sending a huge crowd into a frenzy and swinging the dual Montague’s way.

The Wildcats, who were shorthanded by illness, lost the first six matches to fall behind 35-0, but the coaching staff, said coach Kris Maddox, saw an opening for a comeback when Toby Heykoop was

able to avoid a pin in the sixth of those matches. That set the stage for Montague’s top wrestlers to start a rally.

Gavyn Maddox led off a run of four consecutive pins for the ‘Cats, and Kaiden Jeffery, Fletcher Thommen and Michael Jones followed with their own pins. After a Grant win at the next weight class, the ‘Cats needed three more pins to win the dual. Mason Bassett, Isaac French and Osborne delivered.

Wildcat boys fall

results they want. They will have a couple of weeks’ break to regroup before another difficult game Jan. 3 against North Muskegon.

“I still think that we’re a good

team and a competitive team,”

Thaler said. “Once we start believing in that, I think that the results will change, but we’ve got to put forth more of an effort. These

Rivalry tie

year. This year, not being as aggressive, clogging up the middle more, has definitely been helping keep pucks out of the net.”

Part of the reason for all the penalties could’ve been the emotionally charged physicality of the game, not unexpected given the rivalry.

“Most of these guys had never played in front of a crowd like that, so they’re gripping their sticks a little bit harder and not really going with the flow of the game,” Langlois said. “They’re always a tough team, but it’s that crosstown rivalry. It doesn’t matter how good each team is, each team is going to show up to play each other 100 percent.”

Rocket star Ayden Hartzell was injured in the second period on a hit the R-P bench deemed excessive, which likely did nothing to douse the emotion. Luckily, after

having to be helped from the ice, Hartzell did return to play in the third period.

The Rockets responded well to the play, scoring a goal within a minute of it to take a 2-1 lead, with Eli Cuti credited for the score.

“That’s the big thing with our boys. As soon as he went down, they were like, ‘This one’s for you, Hartz. We’re going to get it back for you,’ and they did,” Langlois said. “This team’s coming around, and to see them have each other’s backs like that, and then retaliate in a way that put the puck back in the net, (was great). Retaliation, going out and headhunting and all that, that’s not going to get us anywhere. We would have been long gone if we didn’t have good composure.”

While the game was the second straight one the Rockets did not win after a tough loss to Kenowa

“Having the opportunity to wrestle in front of the entire school was a great experience, and it was amazing how into the dual the students were,” coach Maddox said. “I think starting off in a deep hole and starting to pin our way through really got the students excited. I have to hand it to our guys as we are young and need to learn that sometimes just not getting pinned can be very beneficial.

“I’d like to personally thank our administrators and the students for the opportunity today. Hopefully many of them who have never seen a dual can continue to support the sport at our many home events.”

Sports in Brief

Boys Basketball

Reeths-Puffer 60 Sparta 59

continued from page 4

scores that are getting like this, it’s just effort. That’s all.”

Francis led Montague with nine points, and Cole Herremans added eight.

continued from page 4

Hills in which R-P outshot the Knights by a huge margin, Langlois is not concerned about a negative trend. The Rockets now get a break before facing Caledonia Jan. 3.

“There’s a lot of things that we did right,” Langlois said. “I think it was a good week. Sometimes a loss and then a tie gives you a little kick in the butt. We’ll use this as fuel. We had a loss and a tie doing the right things. It is what it is. Hopefully we can use this as momentum and fuel to go ahead and push us over that little hump.”

R-P had five different players score in the game - Hartzell, Benkert, Cuti, Hayden Taylor and Sheldon Frederick. Hartzell and Cuti each had an assist as well, and Tyler Cuti and Hunter Fritz had two assists each. VanDyke made 23 saves.

Brayden Mitchelson led the Rockets in their first win of the season, scoring 18 points. Marvin Moore had 14 points. Grand Blanc 78 Whitehall 67

The Vikings were efficient on offense, led by Camden Thompson’s 30 points and Kal Koehler’s 24, but the Bobcats proved too much. Thompson also had 15 rebounds.

Whitehall 71 Forest Hills Central 66 Camden Thompson and Kal Koehler led an efficient Vikings offense with 23 points apiece. Thompson also had 15 rebounds and 8 assists.

Girls Basketball

Ludington 50 Whitehall 24

A slow start doomed the Vikings, who trailed by 10 points after a quarter. Clare Westerlund led Whitehall with 8 points.

G.R. Christian 58 Reeths-Puffer 50

Ashlyn David was a bright spot for the Rockets, scoring 22 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Raquel Walker had 13 points and 6 steals.

Reeths-Puffer 58 Grand River Prep 20

Raquel Walker led the Rockets to their 2nd win in 3 games, scoring 13 points. Trinity Moore and Ashlyn David each added 10 points.

Wrestling

Whitehall 3-2 at Martin Invite

The Vikings beat St. Joseph, Otsego and Bronson, but lost close matches to Division 4 No. 5 Clinton and to Stevensville Lakeshore. Gavin Craner and Wyatt Jenkins each went 5-0 with 5 pin victories, and Blake English also went 5-0, with 2 pins and a technical fall.

Montague,

Cheer

teams fall to Fremont

Montague’s Gentry Knop comes up short in her bid to take the ball away from Fremont’s Ariana Tanner during Friday’s WMC Lakes game at Fremont. The Wildcats lost, 68-23.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Young Vikings hope to improve through season

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — It became a bit of a running joke with the Whitehall coaching staff that no matter what happened last season, the Vikings placed fifth each time out in the West Michigan Conference.

Now that Karlee Sika has had a full offseason to prepare her team for year two of her time as coach, she isn’t interested in “jinxing” her hopes for the team by guessing where they might finish in the standings, but she is hopeful the scores will improve throughout the year.

“I really want my girls to focus on improving every single competition in their scores, because if they do that, by the end of the season, they should be peaking at exactly the right time,” Sika said. “We want to improve every practice. I would say that’s our big goal right now, because we’re definitely building a program and building a foundation.”

Whitehall lost a lot of talent to graduation last offseason, leaving them with only two seniors that will be on the mat consistently this year. A third senior, Ausha Matthews, is out with an injury, though she continues to be part of the team, and the Vikings also have a foreign exchange student senior on the roster.

That leaves Gracie Peterson and Dani Lear to lead the team on the mat.

“Dani and Gracie have been excellent in all three rounds, leading the girls and working with them on developing leadership as far as in huddles

The Vikings won, 74-34.

• Courtesy of Radium Photography

and things like that before the competition,” Sika said.

The coaching staff has also been impressed with junior Izzy Gould, a three-round athlete, and sophomore Morgan Wade.

“We have a lot of freshmen that are really skilled,” Sika added.

The staff has seen the results of having a full offseason of preparation after Sika took over late in the process leading up to last season. They’re confident those results will show up in competitions as well.

“It was nice to have girls coming in during the summer and doing conditioning and things like that this year, but also just to know the girls and know the parents made the transition a lot smoother going into this season of sideline and competitive (cheer),” Sika said. “I think we’ve been able to prepare a lot more for competitive (cheer) as far as the other things that we want to be doing with the girls, as far as bringing people in to do yoga with them or whatever that looks like.”

Wildcat girls wrestle at Plainwell

Ava Pelton highlighted Montague’s performance at Sunday’s girls wrestling tournament in Plainwell, earning a firstplace finish.

Pelton scored pins in every match she wrestled, the second week in a row she has accomplished that feat after doing so in the previous week’s Kent County championships.

Taylor Moore finished second for

This Christmas season, with the community’s assistance, the White Lake Giving Tree was able to provide food and gifts for over 315 households who live in the Montague and Whitehall school districts. This ministry comes together through the cooperation of many area churches, schools, businesses, groups, and individuals to help brighten Christmas for many of our neighbors who are struggling at this time of year. The recipient families consist of senior citizens, single peo-

Wildcats eyeing run at WMC title

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Montague doesn’t have as many athletes to put on the mat this year as some other teamsseven Wildcats are set to compete - but that isn’t stopping the team from setting ambitious goals.

“We’re going after the conference championship,” Montague coach Penny Grinage-Guy said. “I wouldn’t say it otherwise. Every year we’ve creeped up a spot. Last year we ended up third. We’ll take second, but we’re going for first. We know Hart is the defending conference champion who also puts out a small team, so it might be a little easier for the judges to compare apples to apples.”

The small roster means Montague can’t throw several stunt groups on the mat for the pivotal third round, but also alleviates the difficulty in synchronizing those stunts among large groups.

“They’re great kids and we love having them,” Grinage-Guy said. “We just wish there were triple of them.”

Montague ended last season just below the cutoff line for regional qualification, too, so there is no shortage of motivation for the young Wildcats’ roster, which only includes one competing senior, Paige Ramthun. Kiley Miller, another senior, is out for the season due to injury, but has been coming to every practice, Grinage-Guy said, and serving as a de facto assistant coach.

“She’s been very valuable to us as a coach, because she can relate to the kids and approach them differently than getting yelled at by us,” Grinage-Guy joked, referring to herself and fellow coach Ally Scott.

Although Ramthun is the only competing senior, five of the athletes from last year are back, counting Miller,

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

which provides some continuity from a year ago. The newcomers bring great skill to the team, with first-time competitor Selina Pruitt being a strong tumbler and freshman Kaitlyn Leatherman a flyer. Grinage-Guy said Leatherman “knows no fear” and the coaches are working with her on being more assertive with her teammates when needed.

“We are just trying to get her to be a little more vocal about when she needs something corrected, because she’s just a great kid who enjoys everybody,” Grinage-Guy said.

Rounding out the roster is fellow daredevil Allee Eppard, who also competes in motocross, as well as Emma Trevino, Lauren Wright and Novalea Cannon.

The team has great chemistry, say Grinage-Guy and Scott - “If you see them attacking each other, that’s a love attack,” Grinage-Guy said - which should help it achieve its ambitions.

“With a lot of female sports, you get petty drama, and we don’t have that,” Scott said. “It’s a really great group.”

ple, families with children of all ages, and some of the residents at SHAWL Apartments and SKLD Nursing Home.

The White Lake Giving Tree received donations of toys, clothing, handmade hats, scarves, pillowcases, quilts, and afghans which were included in several families’ gift boxes. Canned goods and other nonperishables were collected by Montague’s Oehrli Elementary and St. James Catholic Church. The students from Whitehall’s Shoreline Elementary made Christmas cards that were distributed to the recipient families. Ferry Memorial Church donated 110 turkeys. Nestle Gerber (Fremont) donated baby food and toddler snacks valued over $3,000. Food was also purchased at a discounted price from Montague Foods and Feeding America (Grand Rapids).

Montague High School, Whitehall High School, Lebanon Lutheran Church, St. Peter’s by the Lake Church, St. James Catholic Church, Faith Lutheran Church, Our Lady of the Assumption Church (Rothbury),

White Lake United Methodist Church, St Mary of the Woods Chapel (Lakewood Club), White Lake Congregational Church, and Hilite International took tags to purchase gifts for children. Coldwell Banker, White Lake LEAD Group, a local Girl Scout troop, New Beginnings Church, and Hope Bible Church adopted families providing all food and gifts for them. St. Mary of the Woods and White Lake Eagles hosted turkey dinners and donated the proceeds.

Monetary donations were received from St. John the Baptist Chapel (Claybanks), Knights of Columbus and the Knights Auxiliary, St James Lutheran Church, Greenridge Realty in Montague, White Lake VFW, American Legion Auxiliary, Dirt Dauber Garden Club, and several individuals. The

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.

Whitehall’s Hunter Osborne tries to maneuver among Montague defenders to get to the basket during Friday’s game at Montague.

the Wildcats in her weight class, and Zaniya Meza placed fourth.

Montague’s Ava Pelton (far left) celebrates her first-place finish at Sunday’s Plainwell girls wrestling tournament.

• Courtesy Photo

Volunteers gather donations to the White Lake Giving Tree prior to the Dec. 14 distribution day. • Courtesy Photo

Food donations to the White Lake Giving Tree were plentiful at St. James Catholic Church in Montague. • Courtesy Photo

Whitehall’s competitive cheer team (pictured above) is ready for another year of success led by second-year head coach Karlee Sika.

Montague’s competitive cheer team is young and limited in numbers in 2024, but head coach Penny Grinage-Guy know that won’t stop the Wildcats from competing.

Police activity this week

Behind the Badge Whitehall Police Report

Dec. 13

A man on his way to seek medical

Giving tree

White Lake Eagles also donated monetarily and provided gift cards for some families to shop for their children’s gifts. West Michigan Family Dentistry donated over 1000 toothbrushes. Montague’s NBC Middle School held a penny war which raised over $700. Montague Foods provided a discount on laundry soap, dish soap, shampoo, turkeys, ham, potatoes, butter, cheese, eggs, bread, oranges, and various canned food. Country Dairy supplied milk at a low price. Menards provided

treatment lost control of his car in the 600 block of Spring St. and struck a tree. The 68-year-old told the officer he was not feeling well and decided to go to the outpatient clinic on Colby Street when the crash occurred. The man continued to the clinic before calling police. There was minor damage to the vehicle, but the Whitehall man was not injured by the crash. The driver was later transported to Trinity Health by Trinity Health EMS.

Dec. 19

A vehicle driven by a Whitehall woman exiting a driveway was struck by a westbound vehicle in the 700 block

of Colby St. The crash occurred about 12:42 p.m. when the 70-year-old failed to see the car driven by an 81-year-old Montague man. The first vehicle sustained functional damage and the second only minor damage but no one was injured. No citations were issued in the crash.

A resident of the 200 block of S Division St. reported a trash cart had been stolen overnight Monday evening. The can, which is used by the church across the street but belongs Chester’s Sanitation, was discovered missing from the church lot Tuesday morning. He had placed it there for pickup. The case re-

mains under investigation.

A single-car crash was reported at 11 p.m. on Delaney Road where it intersects with Peach Street. The driver, a 37-year-old Muskegon man, was westbound on Delaney but due to snow and slippery conditions, was unable to negotiate the turn. The car jumped the curb and stopped after hitting a utility pole and knocking out power to homes and businesses in the area. The driver was not injured and the vehicle was driven from the scene.

continued from page 4

a discount on laundry baskets which were gifted to families.

There were many individuals and groups that worked tirelessly for months to pull all this together. Their goal was to share their time and talent to ease the stress and brighten Christmas for others in our area.

Everyone who contributed to the White Lake Giving Tree - be it food, gifts, time, money, or prayers - earned thanks from the Giving Tree team.

Partnering location staff with donations for TrueNorth’s Hygiene Drive.

• Courtesy Photo

TrueNorth celebrates November hygiene drive

TrueNorth Community Services announced last week that its November hygiene item drive in Muskegon County yielded 634 items, and 4,919 in all from the five counties its item drive comprised.

Items such as soap, razors, toothpaste, feminine products, deodorant, nail clippers and other personal hygiene supplies were collected. The collected items will be distributed directly to individuals experiencing homelessness.

“Community involvement during Homelessness Awareness Month truly makes a difference. The donated hygiene items helped people feel seen, supported and respected during some of their hardest moments,” said Lisa Reinecke, TrueNorth’s Homeless Solutions Director. “It’s not just about meeting needs. It’s about showing compassion and reinforcing that everyone’s dignity matters. You all stepped up this year, and it meant so much.”

Whitehall students participate in leadership initiative

About 40 students recently gathered for the Michigan Middle School Leadership Initiative, a youth empowerment program at Miniwanca in Shelby, Michigan. In four days, they built a community and discussed how to create positive change at home, all through play, fun, and reflection in the outdoors.

MMLI returned to Miniwanca this October for the first time since 2019. Students from four schools participated: Notre Dame Preparatory School in Pontiac, OJ DeJonge Middle School in Ludington, Pentwater Public School in Pentwater, and Whitehall Middle School in Whitehall.

Miniwanca’s Michael Harter, who serves as Director of Conferences, Community, and School Programs, said the goal of MMLI is to teach middle school students how to be active participants and agents of positive change in their local communities.

“By bringing together students from different schools in Michigan, our goal is to create an active community of middle school-aged leaders who are equipped with concrete leadership tools and ready to act should the opportunity present itself,” said Harter.

Miniwanca is one of two outdoor education facilities owned and operated by the American Youth Foundation, a youth development nonprofit. MMLI is funded through a combination of generous donations from local community partners like the Oceana County Community Foundation, individual school funding, and the American Youth Foundation.

Whitehall teacher Aaron Boyd returned to Miniwanca for his 11th MMLI. “It’s a great opportunity for

schools to get outside of their walls and explain how to go about student leadership,” he said.

Miniwanca staff facilitate four days of community building and leadership development activities specifically developed for children in grades 6-8. Advisers from each school observe the activities or partner with Miniwanca staff to aid in the curriculum, tailoring it to meet their students’ needs.

“The favorite moments are definitely watching the kids laugh and engage in their positive communities,” Boyd said.

MMLI lays the foundation for continued leadership opportunities when the students return home.

“During MMLI, each school group creates a plan to address a community need,” Harter said. “The Miniwanca team meets with each school quarterly to follow up on those projects, debrief, and reconnect on lessons learned at MMLI.”

To learn more about MMLI, contact Harter at mharter@ayf.com.

Leadership exercises brought youth empowerment to life for Whitehall students at the Michigan Middle School Leadership Initiative at Miniwanca in Shelby this fall.

• Courtesy Photo

The Michigan Middle School Leadership Initiative at Miniwanca in Shelby hosted several Whitehall studentsthis fall. • Courtesy Photo