The Oceana Echo - Volume 2, Issue 35, Jan. 24, 2025 by theoceanaecho

Veterans honored by Quilts of Valor in Shelby

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

With the frigid temperatures this past week, wrapping up in a warm quilt has been one good way to spend these cold, winter days. For veterans touched by war, being wrapped in a quilt made just for them while being honored for their service is the sole mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) headquartered in Winterset, Iowa.

The QOVF was founded in 2003 by Catherine Robert, who came up with the idea for the organization when her son was deployed to Iraq. She had a dream where she saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in deep despair. In the next scene he was wrapped in a quilt, and his demeanor was changed from despair to hope. She felt the dream revealed to her, “Quilts = Healing.” Robert dreamed of quilters all across the country making quality quilts and awarding them to veterans who had been touched by war. Each quilt would include the

been “touched by war.” It’s different for everyone. For some people it may be mental anguish, for others it may be physical. I emphasize this is a ‘civilian award’; it’s not a gift. I always let veterans know they are getting it for a reason, not just from me, but on behalf of the citizens of America.”

Army veterans Darrell Hansen, above on the left in both photos, and Robert Willea, above on the right, display the beautiful, handmade quilts they were presented with by the Quilts of Valor Foundation this past November at the Gordon Bates American Legion Post #30 in Shelby. Below, Hansen’s military career was printed on fabric and sewn into the quilt to honor his service to our nation.

veterans service info recorded on it, along with the words, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation.”

The first Quilt of Valor (QOV) awarded was in November of 2003 at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. Since that time, over 400,000 quilts have been made and awarded to veterans all across the USA.

Two West Michigan veterans, Darrell E. Hansen of Orchard View and Robert Willea of Muskegon, were recently added to that list of 400,000, when they were honored at a ceremony Nov. 30, 2024, at the Gordon Bates American Legion Post #30 in Shelby, of which Hansen is a member.

The story of their military service and brotherhood connection is something only a veteran can truly appreciate and understand. However, because it was such an amazing experience, they wanted to share it and bring awareness to this wonderful program.

Hansen and Willea’s story begins when they were both assigned to A Company, 3rd Engineers, 24th Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. in 1979. While sta-

tioned there, they discovered they were not only both from Michigan, but from the Muskegon area. They lost touch after Willea was transferred, but in September of 2024, he put out a friend request looking for Hansen. They were able to connect and made plans to meet at Russ’ in Muskegon for lunch.

Proudly wearing their Army veteran caps, the two enjoyed catching up. “This was the first time we’d been together since our service in Ft. Stewart. After our lunch, out in the parking lot, a woman came up and politely

introduced herself as Rheasa Martin. She’d overheard part of our conversation; anyone who knows me knows I talk loud,” Hansen said with a chuckle. “She told us she was from the Quilts of Valor and was interested in hearing more of our story. Then she asked if we’d like to be presented with a quilt. To be honest we weren’t really sure. We’d never heard of the organization and wondered if it was legit. She gave us a pamphlet and instructions on how to fill out the paperwork. We eventually did submit the paperwork, but when we

• Contributed Photos

didn’t hear back from her; we thought we’d been scammed.”

Thankfully they hadn’t been scammed. After spending that time making their quilts, Martin contacted them and a ceremony was arranged for Nov. 30.

“At the ceremony, Rheasa gave a great presentation. She explained QOV and then wrapped the quilts around our shoulders and gave us a hug. Both of us aren’t used to that kind of attention,” Hansen said. The presentation was made more special by having family and friends in attendance to witness it, Hansen added.

“I always tell veterans when I present a quilt to them that my father was a WWII veteran airplane mechanic stateside and my husband served in the Air Force for 10 years, in Vietnam and other places. The only real requirement to receive a QOV is that the veteran ‘be touched by war.’ Now that I look back on my father and husband’s experiences, even though my father served on American soil, he was still touched by war. I don’t question a veteran when they share that they have

For a reasonable annual membership fee, quilters are welcome to start a group, join an established group or join individually, which is how Martin is involved. Martin has been a member of QOVF since 2016 and has personally presented over 200 quilts. “I keep pretty busy with it. I am working on six quilts for February. But I’m very much rewarded. I just love doing it,” she said. Since receiving his quilt, Hansen is on a mission to let others know about QOV. “Some (veterans) have heard of it, but don’t really understand how it works. I’m trying to get quilts for other veterans, there’s so many more deserving than me,” he said.

When asked if he was using the quilt as a bedcover, he said, “No, I’ve learned what a quilt hanger is. It’s a precious piece of art and I want it displayed. We are both so appreciative of (our quilts) and feel humbled. We sincerely thank all the folks who made this possible.”

For those interested in nominating a veteran touched by war, for a Quilt of Valor, please contact Michigan’s state coordinator, Lynn Lebeck at lynn.lebeck@ qovf.org.

Saturday, Feb. 1, the QOVF will gather in groups or at home for one of their annual “National Sew Days” to see and create “Quilts of Valor.” Those interested in registering or with other questions about the foundation may visit www.quiltsofvalor.org.

Spring Lake man rescued on Upper Silver Lake in blizzard conditions

On Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 9:40 p.m., deputies received a call for a missing person in the Upper Silver Lake area according to a media release from Oceana County Undersheriff Ryan Schiller

A team effort was key to rescuing the 40-yearold Spring Lake man.

At 9:40 p.m., Mason-Oceana 911 received a call for a missing person in the Upper Silver Lake area. The caller to 911 reported that their family member was last seen at approximately 7:30 p.m. and was on his snowmobile headed north across Upper Silver Lake.

One of the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office (OSCO) deputies arrived to speak with family and confirm the information. While our deputy was at the house talking with family, he went to see if he could still see any snowmobile tracks in the snow.

While he was out looking for tracks, he could hear someone yelling for help across the lake. Oth-

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Municipal - Hart

Per city charter the Hart City Council appointed the following city officers in November; City Manager Robert Splane; City Clerk/Treasurer Karla Swihart; City Attorney Mika Meyers Attorneys; City Assessor Edward VanderVries (V & V Assessing LLC); and Chief of Police Juan Salazar.

In December, the City of Hart announced the appointment of city council members to city boards and commissions for the coming year: Mayor Amanda Klotz –All Committees/Boards/ Commissions; Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Cunningham – Board of Review and Planning Commission; Councilor Cat Burillo – Cemetery Commission and HEART (Hart Economic and Redevelopment Team); Councilor Dean Hodges – Board of Review, Zoning Board of Appeals (BOA) and HEART, as well as the Boards of BioPure/Water, Hart Lake, Parks & Rec, Power/Light, and TIFA (Tax Increment Finance Authority); Councilor Andrew Mullen – BioPure/Water Board, Cemetery Commission, Planning Commission and HEART; Councilor Betty Root – Boards for BioPure/Water and Power/Light, Personal

er sheriff’s office personnel responded along with troopers from MSP Hart Post.

Once our deputy learned that the person was injured, they called for Life EMS and Hart Area Fire to respond. One of the OSCO deputies and one of the Michigan State Police troopers crossed the ice to locate the injured man. He told them that he ran into the island due to the poor visibility and weather conditions, saying he could not see his hand in front of his face. When the snowmobile struck the island perimeter, it ejected him from the snowmobile.

OSCO reported that all of these first responders were out in blizzard conditions, and that is not an exaggeration. It was 24 degrees with a wind chill

• Contributed Photos

of 14 degrees. The deputy and trooper took their winter coats off to try and warm the man up who had been lying out in the conditions for at least two hours.

The 40-year-old Spring Lake man was located by sheriff’s deputies on the man-made island on Upper Silver Lake. He needed medical attention for his injuries and was transported by Life EMS to Trinity Health.

OSCO stated that this rescue was successful because of many agencies working together. Responding to the incident were Mason-Oceana 911, Michigan State Police – Hart Post, Life EMS, Hart Area Fire Department and the Pentwater Fire Department drone team.

News and Notes

and Finance Committee, Planning Commission, and Zoning BOA. Community members interested in serving on any of the aforementioned committees are invited to visit the city’s website at www.cityofhart.org and click on the “Officials” tab or stop into the city offices.

Roesler and students of SPS teacher Tom Weirich’s Physical Fitness class for their coordination of shoveling for residents who have requested help keeping their sidewalks clear this winter. What a great show of community spirit. Well done!

Schools

The Oceana Echo wishes to give a public shout-out to Shelby Public Schools (SPS) School Resource Officer Tim Simon, Shelby Police Chief Dean

Community

MSU Extension has shared a list of its programs coming up in 2025. Many are available virtually, and most are free to attend. Courses from help with personal goals

and hobbies to growing your business, are available at the click of a button. Visit https://www. canr.msu.edu/oceana/ county-extension-office for more information. With the cold weather and illnesses everywhere, winter can be a confining time, especially for the area’s seniors. Whether housebound or in a care facility, there are many senior adults who would appreciate a visit this time of year. According to Deana Krise, RN at Cherry Blossom Manor, located at 611 East Main in Hart, more visitors are always welcome. Early afternoon, from 12:30-2 p.m., is the best time to just drop by. However, feel free to call ahead if another time works bet-

ter. At this time masks are not required.

Volunteers

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to spend more time volunteering? One needn’t look far for opportunities. Whether in your local government (boards, councils and committees), school (athletic boosters, reading tutors, chaperones), church

(kitchen, teachers, child care, music) or community (civic organizations, food pantries, senior centers/living) more people are needed everywhere, especially younger people. Find an area you are passionate about, seek out opportunities that fit your schedule, or maybe volunteer as a family. Helping others is a great way to beat the winter doldrums!

SUB-BIDS REQUESTED

Shelby Township

Tiger Athletic Community Center

Shelby Township, Oceana County, Michigan Request for Proposals (RFP)

EXCAVATING/EARTH MOVING ONLY

Proposal Due Date: February 4, 2025 at 5:00PM EST

Stovall Construction Inc. as the CM/GC, is requesting proposals from qualified excavating/earth moving firms for the proposed Tiger Athletic Community Center. This facility is only approximately 56,000 sf.

Proposal information is only available by contacting Randy Stovall with Stovall Construction Inc. via email at randy@stovallconstructioninc.net. No phone calls please.

NOTE: Bidder documents and civil drawings will be provided upon request to bid.

This page is brought to you by:

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

The irony of the lumber boom is that it resulted in a lot of wooden buildings during a time when heating with fire was still very common. Fires were a very real and persistent threat for most households in the 19th century, and Pentwater was no different. We’ve had our fair share of tragedies involving the unforgiving force of nature we call the flame, and yet each time Pentwater rebuilds and keeps on going. Let’s look back at the tenacity of our founders as they fought against this all-consuming force.

Probably the worst fire to hit Pentwater took place at 2:45 a.m. on Sept. 26, 1889. It was then, according to the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society’s history book, that “fire was discovered in the rear of George Warner’s Tobacco and Variety store, west side of main street between Fourth and Fifth streets (now named Third and Second), and soon spread to the roof of adjoining buildings.” This fire would then go on to destroy every building on the west side of Hancock Street for an entire block before jumping the street and destroying seven more stores on the northern end of the block. The total losses were estimated at $17,050. If you run those numbers through an inflation calculator, you get the modern equivalent as being $578,832. Luckily for us, Charles Mears had launched the Middlesex Brick and Tile Company not too long before. And so that’s how bricks made from the clay of Pentwater Lake itself helped to rebuild many of the buildings, make the town more fireproof, as well as giving us some of the most iconic buildings on Hancock Street today.

Another tragic burning took place on July 9, 1898, when an estimated 7 million feet of the Sands and Maxwell

Lumber Company’s lumber burned up, despite the aid of a “hose laid from the Huftile hydrant, a stream of water from the mill, help from the tugs Gaylord and Maxwell who were in port, and the Ludington fire tug….” If you run this through an inflation calculator, you are looking at a whopping $3,010,428 in lumber!

Another fire broke out in March 1900 in the finishing room of the Pentwater Bedstead Factory. “Within an hour, both the four-story building and the three-story one also were in ruins.” There were 175 people employed at the Bedstead Factory at this time, and the chief stockholders were C.T. Sands, H.F. Sands and Alfred W. Newark. According to the OCH&GS’s book, the economic loss to the village was “difficult to estimate.” The Bedstead Factory would never rebuild.

Another fire that was instrumental in developing the Pentwater we all know and love today was the burn-

ing of the White Elephant in 1928. In 1891, a man named George A. Williams came to Pentwater from Chicago with visions of a bustling resort town. By 1892, he had begun construction on his grand hotel, the Valeria, which was to be named after his wife. But, by 1893, Williams had run out of money, and the hotel sat unfinished. It eventually garnered the name “The White Elephant.” Under this moniker, the incomplete building became host to several different functions. It held shops, theaters, restaurants, government buildings, a gym, etc. That is, until it burned down in 1928. However, the idea of a community space remained. Rather than rebuild, the space was left bare, and thus the Village Green was born.

Hopefully, through this little article, you get a sense of how two very powerful and natural forces worked together to shape our little town: the fire’s desire to consume unabated and

man’s unstoppable desire to survive and adapt. I also hope you remember to keep an eye on your candles and make sure your stove is off before you leave the house. Pentwater has seen enough fires for its lifetime.

• Contributed photo

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 and True North Housing Assistance satellite open by appointment throughout the winter months. Please call 231-861-4880 to make an appointment. Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 144 S. Hamon St.

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)

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

Wild Game Dinner at Walkerville Wesleyan Church

A wild game dinner will take place at Walkerville Wesleyan Church (144 S. Hamon St.) Saturday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m.

Appetizers will be served at 4 p.m. and will include venison sausage, queso dip, assorted cheeses and crackers, salmon dip, turtle soup, coyote chili soup and bear stew. Dinner will follow at 5 p.m. and will include deep-fried venison steak, venison steak with mushroom gravy, deep-fried fish, venison and coyote meatloaf, mashed potatoes, squirrel gravy, asparagus, green beans and wild rice with mushrooms. Dessert will also be served and includes blueberry and cherry slab pie with beverages including coffee, water and lemonade.

Ticket prices for this event are $20 for adults and $5 for children 4-8 years old. Children under the age of three are free. There are only 240 tickets available, and advance tickets must be purchased for entry. To reserve your spot, call (231) 873-5040.

Shelby High School Athletic Boosters fundraiser

The Shelby High School Athletic Boosters will be putting on an adult-only (ages 21+) Tiger Tailgate party and dance Saturday, Feb. 1, from 7-11 p.m. at the Shelby Optimist Building. The event is a fundraiser and will cost $20 to attend. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the SHS front office or at the door of the event. Attendees are should plan to bring their own beverages.

Michigan Dunes Chapter NSDAR to host celebration

The Michigan Dunes Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) presents a Patriotic Celebration Saturday, Jan. 25. This is an open house and reception to honor our patriots and will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the Hart Community Center, 407 State St. in Hart. This event is open to the public, and cake and punch will be served.

Upcoming Blood Drives set for Jan. 27 and Feb. 6

The Oceana community is invited to celebrate National Blood Donor Month by donating a pint of blood at one of two upcoming Versiti blood drives. Regular and new donors can donate either Monday, Jan. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or Thursday, Feb. 6 from 2-6:25 p.m. Both drives will take place at the West Michigan Research Station located at 5185 N. Oceana Dr. in Hart

“For 2025 we’d like to encourage any donor, new or regular, to consider donating double-red cells. A person’s one double-red donation provides two units of red blood cells, which could help multiple patients at once. And the best part is you only need to donate half as often!” said coordinator Kathy Roskam.

According to Versiti, every pint of blood donated at upcoming drives will go directly to Michigan hospitals for patients needing lifesaving blood.

Roskam can be reached at 231-861-6353 or krcmmom@hotmail.com. Interested donors can also register at https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/11599760 or by calling 866-642-5663.

January-February

Jan. 25 - K of C Spelling Bee, St. Gregory Catholic Church, 214 S. Peach Ave., Hart, noon

Jan. 25 - Silent Book Club, Shelby Area District Library, 1-2 p.m.

Jan. 25 - Patriotic Celebration, Michigan Dunes Chapter NSDAR, Hart Community Center, 1-3 p.m.

Jan. 27 - Versiti Blood Drive, West Michigan Research Station, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 - Tech Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Adult Book Club, 2-3 p.m. and Adult Craft Night, 6-7 p.m.

Jan. 31 - Sensory Play, Hesperia Community Library, 10-11 a.m.

Feb. 1 - Bring Your Child to the Library Day, HAPL, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Feb. 1 - Take Your Child to the Library Day, SADL, 9 a.m. to noon

Feb. 1 - Hart Winterfest, downtown Hart

Feb. 1 - Hart Winterfest Soup Walk, downtown Hart, noon to 3 p.m.

Feb. 3 - NAF planning meeting, Hart Community Center, 6 p.m.

Feb. 6 - Versiti Blood Drive, West Michigan Research Station, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, 2-6:25 p.m.

‘Band of Brothers’ Men’s Event at The Ladder

It has been said that a nation that fails to honor its heroes will soon have no heroes to honor. Let’s not allow that to be the testimony of the United States of America. Oceana County is blessed with many men and women who have served our great nation in the armed forces.

Men, don’t let Feb. 15 be just an average Saturday. Get out of bed and do something different and significant. Bring your sons and friends to The Ladder for a special morning of honor, titled “Band of Brothers.”

In addition to enjoying some coffee and donuts, you will hear powerful stories from local servicemen that will inspire and challenge you as a man. Your presence will honor them, and you will be tremendously encouraged as well. This no-cost event for men ages 12 and older is brought to you by HERO: Manhood God’s Way. No sign-up necessary.

Take Your Child to the Library Day At SADL

On Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, public libraries throughout Michigan and beyond will celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day with free events and activities for children and families.

Take Your Child to the Library Day celebrates the importance of the library in the lives of children and families. Children who are proficient in reading by the end of third grade are significantly more likely to graduate high school, opening doors to a bright future. Libraries help families build solid foundations of literacy and love of learning by providing access to books, early literacy storytimes, technology access, homework help, online resources and fun, safe spaces to explore and grow.

Shelby Area District Library will offer several activities on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon, including crafts, a penguin scavenger hunt, free books from Read Early Read Often, board games, snacks and a prize drawing. Parents will have the opportunity to register their baby, toddler or preschooler for the 1,000 Books before Kindergarten program. Children 8 years and older can also get their own Shelby library card.

Take Your Child to the Library Day is a free, fun, family-friendly event. Questions can be directed to 231-861-4565 or tifhaight@shelbylibrary.org.

Hart and Shelby seek feedback through surveys

It’s a new year of possibilities for everyone, everywhere, including the City of Hart and the Village of Shelby. Both entities are asking for the community’s input on two separate initiatives, and each has active surveys going on now!

The City of Hart is seeking input from the community regarding the Hart Historic District located at 570 Lincoln St. in Hart. As the city looks to more fully utilize this historic property, the community is asked to provide input and suggestions related to its building and property uses into the future.

The Village of Shelby is asking for input from community members in a survey related to downtown features and people’s possible involvement in future initiatives. Survey questions ask the public to rate the importance of such downtown elements as buildings, lighting, sidewalks, art, landscaping, gathering activities, festivals and the like.

Both surveys are open to the general public, and both have fields where people can write in suggestions and give comments. Both surveys can be completed in under 10 minutes. One can also visit https://www.takemetohart.org/survey to complete the Hart Historic District survey. Paper copies are also available at the City of Hart office, Village of Shelby office and The Ladder Community Center in Shelby.

Both municipalities emphasized that everyone’s input is valuable. Participation in either of these surveys will help leaders in the coming months as they strive to make positive impacts in their respective municipalities.

Downtown Shelby ViSion SurVey

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

‘Never Forgotten’

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

Forgotten is an intense word. A word that runs through scripture like a sad, poignant refrain: “My people have forgotten Me.” In the spiritual realm, forgotten expresses alienation from the divine; the last expression of a separated life. But to forget in the human realm has implications also. People are never really dead so long as they are remembered.

In the preface to my mother’s memoir are the words, “…may Ellen’s story never be forgotten.” In “Country Dairy: A Week with Hinie and Ellen,” I write, “Hinie and Ellen have gone to heaven; they’ve watched their last sunset. But, surely as the sun rises in the morning, their lives we will never forget.”

The last years of Ellen’s life were remarkable. As her body withered and faded, she was too weak to stand, yet her spirit waxed stronger. Her skin was as thin as an onion’s, but she glowed with an inner radiance, as though the light of God’s face shone through her, this humble, obedient, emptied pilgrim.

My siblings and I sat amazed as she lucidly carried on conversations with her loved ones in Heaven. One afternoon, as I sat by her bedside, she chatted with my dad, her beloved Henry, who had passed away some years before and now was standing at the foot of her hospital bed. When she returned to “reality” from these conversations, she was a bit dazed; it took her a few moments to establish her whereabouts, so fully had she “seen” the lights of heaven. Imagine my amazement when, some years later, I read an

article by Billy Graham in which he noted that God often sends an angel to earth to accompany a pilgrim across the danger-fraught Jordan River. I have no doubt that “angel” was my father. Over sixty years earlier, after pledging their marriage vows, Henry and Ellen processed down the church aisle; now, arm in arm, they would march triumphantly into the pearly gates. What a picture!

Death was not the end for Ellen; it was the beginning. She was dying, but her spirit was alive, so eager was she to enter the Promised Land. The moments I spent with her, during these years, were Kairos moments – moments lived in the present; moments of eternity. Being with her was like being on holy ground. I looked into her worn, wrinkled face and saw the face of God.

Watching her die is an experience etched forever in my memory, powerful and life-changing. It came to me that my mother’s peaceful, victorious death was directly related to the way she lived. I set out to discover the secret of her life.

The more I learned, the more determined I was that her story would never be forgotten; furthermore, I believed her story could serve as a candle in the darkness, lighting the way to hope and faith for others. With that conviction, I picked up the pen, struck the match, and began writing.

*Much of the content of this article is taken from “In the Garden”. More information about the memoir can be obtained from the author at janethasselbring23@gmail. com. “Country Dairy: A Week with Hinie and Ellen” can be purchased at the Country Dairy farm store.

Stay tuned for In the Garden: Ellen, An Ordinary Woman; An Extraordinary Life - Part VIII

Ellen Van Gunst with her daughter, Janet Hasselbring

Henry and Ellen Van Gunst’s gravestone

• Contributed Photos

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Margaret Ann (Peggy) Hallack

April 16, 1929 ~ January 16, 2025

Margaret Ann (Peggy) Hallack of Shelby passed away on Jan. 16, 2025. She was born in Grand Rapids, Mich. on April 16, 1929, to Claude A. and Jennie W. (Ganger) Near.

Peggy grew up in Shelby and graduated from Shelby High School in 1947. She then attended St. Mary’s Nursing School in Grand Rapids. On March 17, 1950, she married the love of her life, Norris N. Hallack, and together they shared 73 years of love and devotion while raising their family. Norris and Peggy attended nursery school together and were lifelong members of the Shelby United Methodist Church.

Peggy retired from the Oceana County Medical Care Facility, where she worked as a nurse aide before becoming a leader of Diversional Activities. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, where she enjoyed frequent dinners and gatherings with the ladies.

Above all, Peggy cherished her husband, Norris. She had a passion for cooking, gardening, and caring for her family. She loved traveling, particularly to California to visit her brother-in-law Barney’s family, as well as enjoying annual trips to Florida. Peggy also had the opportunity to take special trips to London, Paris, and Edinburgh with her daughter, Tammy.

Peggy will be remembered for her fun-loving sense of humor, extraordinary kindness, and her genuine love of people. Visitors always felt welcome in her home, where her warmth and generosity made everyone feel like family.

Peggy is survived by her children: Jon and Carrie (Flores) Hallack, Jerry and Georgia (Felt) Hallack, and Tammy Hallack and her significant other, Michael Cousineau; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Norris Hallack; sisters, Leah (Near) Parmer and Nancy (Near) Porenta; brothers, Clifford Near and Marvin Near; stepsisters Beatrice (Near) Brown and Idabell (Near) Tinsley; and her parents, Claude A. and Jennie W. (Ganger) Near.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, MI 49455. Visitation will be held an hour prior to services at the funeral home with a luncheon to follow at the Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ, 51 E. Third St., Shelby, MI 49455. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Oceana County College and Career Fair seeks participants and sponsors

Help engage juniors and seniors in high-quality career and college exploration opportunities

The 10th Annual Oceana County College and Career Fair will take place Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at Shelby High School. The event will engage all juniors from Oceana schools to ensure they have high-quality career and college exploration opportunities. The Oceana College Access Network is currently seeking sponsors and participants at this year’s event. Please see their website to register or visit forms. gle/TPPrq8qiZ2b1Ddaj8

Each year, businesses and colleges join together to help guide over 220 local high school students as they choose their next steps after high school. Local businesses and organizations are able to showcase their company and demonstrate pride in their profession and career options while connecting with the upand-coming workforce.

Colleges and train-

ing centers can present diverse options for post-secondary training, such as apprenticeships, certificates, skilled trades training and degree programs. Students are able to hear from local professionals about careers, educational pathways,and desired skills as they make decisions about their unique path after high school. All of this leads to a stronger and more prepared workforce and community and more confident, enthusiastic young people who know that their community supports their goals for a bright future.

Financial sponsorship of this event supports the Oceana College Access Network, and ultimately this area’s stu-

dents and families, by building a career-ready and college-going culture within our community.

To provide support for the work of Oceana CAN!, they are offering the opportunity for sponsors to join at three different levels: $250, $500, or $1000.

To skip registering for a booth and just make a tax-deductible sponsorship, visit https:// oceanafoundation.org/ give/give-now/.

“We hope we can count on you as a sponsor of and/or participate at this year’s event,” Coordinator Alyssa Merten said.

For more information, please contact Oceana CAN! at (231) 301-2577.

Pentwater graduate named to Crain’s ‘40 under 40’ list

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Many people use early January to reflect on the previous year and think about what they may wish to change in the new year. That could be a change in activities, in relationships, in employment, in attitudes, in exercise routines or any number of other aspects. Change is not always comfortable, and sometimes it involves risks. Perhaps that is why few people succeed in following through with New Year resolutions for longer than a month or two.

Alexandra (Walker-West) Crow is a 2006 Pentwater High School graduate who took a risk in changing employment eight years ago. It was a change that has brought her so much success that she was named to the 2024 “40 under 40” list of the Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Journal. This list calls attention to promising leaders under the age of 40 whom the community should hold in high regard and for whom the community should have high expectations.

Alex attended Pentwater schools K-12. She was unsure of what she wanted to do after high school, so she did not go right into college. She moved out of state and worked in Tennessee, where she took classes for one semester at Middle Tennessee State University. A year later she moved back to Michigan and earned an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College. She recounts the story that changed her employment trajectory:

“About 10 years ago, I was managing a salon in Grand Rapids and was tasked with increasing our guest count. To achieve my goal, I decided to join the Forest Hills Business Association (FHBA) to build relationships with local professionals and get the salon’s name out there. A couple of months later, I filled a vacant position on the association board, leading me to become treasurer of the FHBA. The following fall, a fellow FHBA member shared that his employer, United Bank, was looking for a corporate receptionist, and he thought I’d be a great fit. Banking was never something I’d thought about, but I decided to throw my name in the hat in hopes of landing

the job. Fast forward eight years and three positions later, I was promoted to second vice president, branch manager of the corporate office. It all played out serendipitously, and I love that about my career story..“

Crow wants to be the best possible role model for her 11-year-old daughter Marley. She, and her husband David, want to show their daughter the importance of hard work, to encourage her independence and to instill the value of giving back to the community. “I want her to look beyond our four walls to see how she can help others.”

Crow’s example speaks loudly – she has volunteered for several years with Junior Achievement, she teaches financial literacy classes in schools and she volunteers with a non-profit called “Revive and Thrive,” a program that makes and delivers meals to people suffering a health crisis.

Professional growth and self-confidence feed each other. In a corporate environment where most executives have four-year degrees or more, it can be tempting for someone with only an associate degree to feel inadequate or insecure. “Confidence is built on how you look at yourself as an asset to the team or to your company.” Crow continued, “All I can control is doing the very best I can in my current position.” Each time Crow mastered the responsibilities of one position, she was challenged to tackle a new task. Selected to develop a training session for new employees that became a requirement, Crow showed her willingness to learn new things and demonstrated her work

ethic. She was rewarded with being selected to create an advanced training session. Through these challenges she says, “I’ve grown exponentially, and I’ve surprised myself.”

Offering sage advice to Pentwater (and other) high school students, Crow shares from her experience:

• “Be the best you can be wherever you are and in whatever position you hold, whether you’re scooping ice cream at AJ’s or completing your first internship. For me, it was never about how fast I could reach the top; it was about ensuring I was performing at the top of my game in my current position before applying for the next.

• Continue to challenge yourself. If you’re not experiencing some professional discomfort, it’s safe to say you’re not experiencing growth. Ask for more responsibility if you’re feeling unchallenged, and I promise you, positive things will follow. For example, I challenged myself by offering assistance to other departments within the bank. This benefited others and broadened my knowledge in different areas, making me more of an asset.

• Learn about a local non-profit that tugs at your heartstrings and explore volunteer opportunities they may have. Not only will you feel more fulfilled, but these hours will make your college and employer applications shine.”

Alex is the daughter of Catherine Walker of Crystal Valley and the late Gary R. West.

David, Marley and Alexandra Crow

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

• On Jan. 27, 1906, Norwegian speed skater Rudolf Gundersen set an impressive world record in a 500-meter speed skating event in Davos, Switzerland, completing the distance in just 44.8 seconds.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

257

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20250113

FOR RELEASE JAN. 13, 2025

By Lucie Winborne

• On Jan. 28, 1917, a maid named Carmelita Torres objected to the chemical delousing frequently given to Mexicans crossing into the U.S. by initially refusing to leave the trolley carrying her and other immigrant workers, then hurling whatever she and her fellow riders could find at American authorities in what became known as the Bath Riots, which lasted through the following day.

• If you’re expecting your first child, heed this bit of advice: Assemble and otherwise try out complicated items right away, while you have the time to learn how to work them. New dad Dan had a heck of a time trying to load bags into his brand-new Diaper Genie in the middle of the night.

By JoAnn Derson

• On Jan. 29, 1958, one of Hollywood’s most enduring marriages began in Las Vegas, Nevada, when actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward tied the knot. The union lasted until Newman’s death from lung cancer in 2008, at the age of 83.

• On Jan. 30, 1835, Andrew Jackson experienced the dubious distinction of being the first American president to be the victim of an assassination attempt. He clubbed the attacker, Richard Lawrence, several times with his cane and escaped angry but unscathed, thanks to both of Lawrence’s guns misfiring, and Lawrence spent the rest of his days in a mental institution.

• On Jan. 31, 1945, Private Eddie Slovik was shot and killed by a 12-man firing squad in eastern France, making him the first American soldier since the Civil War to be executed for desertion.

• On Feb. 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke up while entering Earth’s atmosphere over Texas, killing all seven crew members. Strangely, worms used in a study by the crew, that were stored in a canister aboard the shuttle, did survive.

• On Feb. 2, 1897, inventor and businessman Alfred Cralle, a porter at the Markell Brothers drugstore in Pittsburgh, patented the first ice cream scoop, which he called the “ice-cream mold and disher.” The Pittsburgh Press reported that the scoop could serve up “40 to 50 dishes of ice cream in a minute,” while avoiding “the soiling of the hands.” Cralle was the first Black man in Pittsburgh to receive his own patent.

• Bloodstains on clothing can be really tough to treat. The best way to get a bloodstain out of clothing is by dousing the stain with hydrogen peroxide and washing immediately as usual.

• “I love to refinish and paint furniture pieces and woodcrafts. I always check my local recycling center for small amounts of “recycled” paint. Usually, someone has gotten rid of good paint, and the people at the recycling center are happy to have it used.”

— B.B. in Virginia

• Toothpaste works well as a silver polish. Wet your silver, plop a little non-gel toothpaste on it and rub gently with a damp, clean rag. Rinse well with a separate rag, and buff dry. Then just step back and let it shine.

• If you’ve ever oversalted soup, don’t worry; here’s a great tip to recover your meal. Just cut a single potato into several large slices. Add them to the soup, and they will soak up the extra salt. Remove before serving.

• S.W. of South Carolina has this tip to share: “If you can’t seem to keep track of your keys, make an extra set for those mornings when you are running late and can’t spare the time to look for them. It has saved me a lot of stress, for sure.”

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

By Lucie Winborne

• In Switzerland, it is illegal to mow a front lawn while dressed as Elvis Presley.

• Have a yen for learning about things that go bump in the night? You can get a Ph.D in parapsychology at the University of Edinburgh.

• Red Bull energy drink was originally called Red Water Buffalo.

• There was a Russian game show that would have you steal a car, and if you didn’t get caught by the police within 35 minutes, you’d win the car. Otherwise, you would be arrested.

• Benjamin Franklin invented a mechanical arm for reaching books on high shelves.

• When English Romantic poet William Blake was only 4 years old he claimed to see God through a window. Throughout the rest of his life, Blake said he often communed with angels, and he incorporated these visions into his art.

• Sulfhemoglobinemia is a condition that causes a person to develop green blood.

• Translated literally, the Japanese words for wrist and ankle are “hand neck” and “foot neck.”

• In 2015, two brothers from Spain attempted to sell a fake portrait by Francisco de Goya to a sheikh for a cool 1.5 million euros, only to discover that he’d paid them in photocopied money. The pair were arrested when they tried to deposit their ill-gotten gains in a Geneva bank.

• A study done by the University of Glasgow found that dogs appear to prefer reggae and soft rock over other genres of music.

• The first mention of the word “pizza” was in a Latin text written in southern Italy in 997 CE.

• The eponymous character in Dolly Parton’s hit song “Jolene” was based on a bank teller who flirted mercilessly with Dolly’s husband.

***

Thought for the Day: “It ain’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to.” W.C. Fields

SPLKA expands mission with acquisition of Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse

The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA) is thrilled to announce the official acquisition of the historic Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse. This milestone marks an exciting expansion of SPLKA’s mission, as they now operate and preserve five iconic lighthouses spanning four counties along the shores of Lake Michigan. These include Big Sable Point, Little Sable Point, Ludington North Breakwater and the White River Light Station & Museum.

This acquisition is the culmination of a yearlong collaboration with the City of Manistee. This partnership reinforces their shared commitment to preserving and sharing the rich maritime heritage of West Michigan’s region.

“I am honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse,” said Jack Greve, Executive Director of SPLKA. “Our mission is to preserve and protect these historic beacons of the past, and we are excited to begin a new chapter with the Manistee community. We are deeply grateful to the City Council for their trust and support in naming SPLKA as the concessionaire of this treasured landmark.”

The Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse will undergo restoration efforts beginning this summer, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. These will include the installation of solar panels, a battery system, LED lighting on four floors, installation of handrails along the ladder system up to the lantern room, paint on the interior levels, removal of tripping hazards, installation

of a small gift shop and creation of a historical timeline.

“We would like to thank the Manistee County Historical Museum for their efforts before our recent agreement with the city, this includes fundraising efforts, limited tours, and repainting the lighthouse's exterior,” said Greve.

SPLKA plans to open the lighthouse to the public for tours and educational programming during the 2026 season, offering visitors an opportunity to explore its history and breathtaking views firsthand.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, SPLKA invites the community and lighthouse enthusiasts to join them in welcoming the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse into their family of lights. They look forward to continuing to illuminate the stories and history of Lake Michigan’s maritime legacy together.

For more information about SPLKA’s mission, upcoming projects, and how you can support the preservation of historic lighthouses, please visit their website at SPLKA. org or contact them at office@splka.org or 231845-7417.

Fat-tire biking season underway at SLSP

The latest fat-tire biking season is currently underway at the Silver Lake State Park ORV Area. The season runs from Dec. 15 to March 15 from 8 a.m. to dusk each day. Riders can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes.

Those interested should park in the pedestrian parking lot at 8890 W. Shore Dr. in Mears.

Rules and tips

• The annual fat-tire biking season takes place Dec. 15-March 15 from 8 a.m. to dusk.

• Open riding is permitted within the boundaries of the designated 450-acre ORV area. Please do not enter the area utilized by Mac Woods. View map.

• Riders must enter the dunes using the down ramp of the ORV area.

• No e-bikes allowed.

• No reservations or preregistration are required.

• A valid Recreation Passport is required on all vehicles entering the parking lot. A self-pay station is available at the ORV Area parking lot entrance.

• Alcohol is prohibited.

• No drinking water is available. Please plan accordingly.

• Vault toilets (or outhouses) are located in the parking lot and in the dunes.

• There is limited refuse service provided for trash.

• Gates will open every day regardless of conditions, and it is the visitor’s discretion to enter the dunes.

• Riders are asked to call 911 in case of an emergency.

NOTE: The dunes are an everchanging environment. Drifts and freezing conditions can drastically change the landscape overnight.

If anyone has questions about shoreline riding, please contact the park at 231-873-3083.

Oceana County

Animal Shelter

Looking for a gentle giant to fill your home with love and laughter? Meet Brutus, a 6-year-old Mastiff mix who might just be the world’s biggest lapdog. Weighing in at a whopping 140 lbs., Brutus is a big softie with an even bigger heart. Despite his name, he’s more of a gentle teddy bear than a tough guy.

If snuggling were an Olympic sport, Brutus would take home the gold. This lovable lug likes to be as close to his humans as possible. Forget personal space; Brute believes it’s his job to keep you warm and loved at all times.

Don’t let his size fool you—Brutus is as sweet as they come. He’s got a heart full of kindness and a calm demeanor that makes him the perfect companion for cozy nights in and lazy Sunday mornings.

Think your couch is safe from Brutus’ snuggles? Think again! This big boy has mastered the art of sneaking onto the furniture for some extra cuddle time. He might be 140 lbs., but he moves with the grace of a cat… or at least he tries. He needs a one-person household that is quiet.

Meet Brutus

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Shelby Township Planning Commission, Oceana County, will conduct a public hearing meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 7:00 pm at the Shelby Township Hall, located at 204 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, MI. The purpose of this Public Hearing is to obtain comments and input from the public regarding the new Master Plan for Shelby Township, Oceana County, MI. A copy of the proposed Master Plan may be viewed at the Township website: www.shelbytownshipoceana.com or may be viewed in person at the Township Office, during regular business hours. As an alternative, written comments may also be submitted to the Township Clerk by US Postal mail at PO Box 215, Shelby, MI 49455 or email: info@shelbytownshipoceana.com

Brutus is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Shelter. If interested, please call the shelter at 231-861-5395. 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.

Meet Lenny & Squiggy! Two boys that were taken into the shelter in August of 2023. Over 500 days ago, these two boys were brought into the shelter after being born in a dark garage filled with car parts and junk. They would not let anyone touch them, let alone be near them. It wasn’t until a year later that they finally started opening up and letting us socialize with them. While yes, they do allow us to pet them sometimes, they are still ones to keep to themselves. They are big boys that are full of mischief and will entertain. They are easy keepers who just need a patient family to love them and give them a space to call home.

If you would like to adopt Lenny & Squiggy, please fill out an application through the OCAF Facebook page: Oceana County Animal Friends or online at: oceanacountyanimalfriends. wordpress.com

Meet Lenny & Squiggy

MHSAA Multi-Sport Participation Rate

Holds Steady in 2023-24, Continuing Increases Found

Over Entirety of Study

The Michigan High School Athletic Association’s sixth Multi-Sport Participation Survey, conducted last spring for the 2023-24 school year, showed for the third-consecutive year that nearly 45 percent of athletes at member high schools participated in more than one sport, while the entirety of the study continues to show that percentages of multi-sport athletes for all four Classes (A-BC-D) have grown during the six years this topic has been studied in this way.

Early and intense sport specialization has become one of the most

serious issues related to health and safety at all levels of youth sports, as overuse injuries and burnout among athletes have been tied to chronic injuries and health-related problems later in life. In early 2016, the MHSAA appointed a Task Force on Multi-Sport Participation as part of a continued effort to promote and protect participant health and address the issues leading to early sport specialization. The annual Multi-Sport Participation Survey was among results of the task

Hart senior Alex Hicks posted his 150th career win during a wrestling meet in Reed City, Saturday, Jan. 18. Hicks also acheived his 100th career pin at the same time. Hicks became just the ninth wrestler to ever hit the 150 win mark in the history of Hart High School wrestling. • Contributed Photos Career Milestone

SPORTS

Miscues cost Pentwater girls in conference loss

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

PENTWATER – A fierce second half comeback attempt for Pentwater’s girls basketball team was cut short Friday, Jan. 17, as the Falcons ultimately cost themselves in a 34-26 loss to Big Rapids Crossroads Academy (BRCA).

There were little to no positive talking points for Pentwater in the first half. The team seemed disjointed, costing them pos-

sessions and allowing BRCA to gain a steady advantage that they turned into a 34-10 lead by the end of the second quarter.

Pentwater sparked themselves to a nice run in the third quarter, leaving the door open for a possible comeback. Taking control on offense, the Falcons out scored the Cougars for the first time all evening, piling 16 points onto their total, thanks in large part to the hot shooting of Aubrie Adams from three-point range.

A strong full-court press defense from the Cougars made things difficult at times for Pentwater, but with good passing and ball handling, the Falcons did enough to break it.

Cutting BRCA’s lead to just nine after that third quarter, the Falcons needed an even stronger push to keep things tight at the end. That wasn’t in the cards, however.

With time dwindling, Pentwater Head Coach Jeff Knapp encouraged his team to begin intentionally fouling the Cougars in an effort to make them earn their points the rest of the way. Miscommunication ruined that attempt as it seemed the Falcons were confused on just how aggressive to get when pursuing fouls.

A full two to three minutes ran

off the clock for Pentwater at that point, with just a few intentional fouls being called. That allowed BRCA to stall things out on offense and come away with a win in WMD play.

Pentwater fell to 3-4 overall with the loss and now sit at 3-2 inside West Michigan D League play. With nearly a week missed due to inclement weather, the Falcons will be back in action tonight, Friday, Jan. 24 for an away meeting with Mesick at 6 p.m.

Addition of Girls Wrestling Team Championship Highlights Changes as Winter 2024-25 Sports Begin

With the first wrestling matches of the 2024-25 season taking place Wednesday, and the first girls and boys skiing and Lower Peninsula boys swimming & diving meets able to be scheduled for this weekend, teams will be competing in all 13 winter sports for which the Michigan High School Athletic Association sponsors postseason tournaments.

Those sports are or will soon join competition already underway in girls and boys basketball, girls and boys bowling, girls competitive cheer, girls gymnastics, boys ice hockey, and Upper Peninsula girls and boys swimming & diving.

This season, for the first time, an MHSAA Finals team championship will be awarded in girls wrestling. After first introducing a

girls championship bracket to the Individual Wrestling Finals for the 2021-22 season, the MHSAA will honor its first team champion based on those individual finishes. The format will be similar to how MHSAA team championships were awarded for boys wrestling prior to the creation of the dual format Team Finals with the 1987-88 season.

Also on the wrestling mat, a competition rule change alters the penalty for using a wrestler at an ineligible weight class – dependent on when the ineligible wrestler is discovered.

Beginning this season, the use of an ineligible wrestler – if discovered during the involved match – will result in six team points being awarded to the opponent, plus the head coach of the team with the ineligible wrestler will be assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty resulting in a one-point team score deduction. If the ineligible wrestler is discovered after the involved match, any

points earned by the offending wrestler will be removed from the team score, along with the point for unsportsmanlike conduct, and six points will be added to the offended team’s total. In both instances, neither wrestler involved in the match in question may compete again in that dual. If the ineligible wrestler is discovered after the dual is completed, the teams have left the mat area and the scorebook has been signed by the official, the results and team score will stand.

A pair of wrestling playing rules changes also will be immediately noticeable. The number of match points awarded for a takedown was increased from two to three. Also, near-fall points will now be awarded based on the number of seconds during which the nearfall criteria are met – beginning with two points for two seconds, up to four points for four seconds.

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Pentwater’s Charlie Swanger elevates on a jump shot near the free-throw line in a 34-26 loss to Big Rapids Crossroads Academy. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Pentwater Head Coach Jeff Knapp speaks to his team during a timeout late in the second half. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

MHSAA

continued from page 10

Winter highlights

continued from page 10 force’s work.

The 2023-24 Multi-Sport Participation Survey received responses from 63.7 percent of member high schools and showed 44.8 percent of athletes at those MHSAA member high schools participating in two or more sports, a tenth of a percent increase from survey results in 2022-23 and half a percent increase from two years prior.

For 2023-24, 47.6 percent of male athletes and 41.4 percent of female athletes played multiple sports. Class D has enjoyed the highest percentage of multi-sport athletes over all six years of surveys, this time at 63.1 percent, followed by Class C (59.4), Class B (48.0) and Class A (38.2).

Over the six years of this survey, data also has shown slight increases in multi-sport participation in all four classes. Class A has risen from 35.9 percent in 2017-18 to 38.2 in 2023-24. Class B has risen from 46.7 to 48.0, Class C from 55.2 to 59.4 and Class D from 58.1 to 63.1 over those six years.

The MHSAA Task Force also recommended measuring multi-sport participation in MHSAA member schools to recognize “achievers” – that is, schools that surpass the norm given their enrollment and other factors that affect school sports participation.

Battle Creek Harper Creek, Detroit Cody and Grand Rapids Northview have appeared among the top 10 percent of their respective Classes five of the six years the survey has been conducted. Five more schools have appeared among the top 10 percent

of their Classes four of the six years: Decatur, East Grand Rapids, Manton, Parma Western and Warren Michigan Collegiate.

In Class A, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North (94.7 percent) and Battle Creek Harper Creek (72.4) posted the highest percentages of multi-sport athletes for 2023-24, with Grand Rapids Northview (68.1), Berkley (65.0) and Kalamazoo Loy Norrix (64.3) also reporting reaching at least 60 percent. In Class B, four schools reached at least 65 percent multi-sport participation – Parma Western (78.0), Constantine (75.4), Clare (65.7) and Reed City (65.4).

Class C saw six schools reach 80 percent this past school year – Warren Michigan Collegiate (91.7 percent), Flint Beecher (91.3), LeRoy Pine River (89.5), Cass City (84.3), Decatur (83.3) and Manton (81.4). Four Class D schools responded at higher than 90 percent multi-sport participation – Gaylord St. Mary (92.9), Lake Leelanau St. Mary (91.7), Wyoming West Michigan Lutheran (90.9) and Deckerville (90.7) – followed by Marcellus Howardsville Christian (88.9), Morrice (86.8), Ewen-Trout Creek (85.7), Vestaburg (85.5) and Alanson (85.0).

The full summary report on the Multi-Sport Participation Survey is available on the “Multi-Sports Benefits” page of the MHSAA Website at https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/Administrators/Additional%20Resources/24multisportsurvey. pdf.

Weekly Wraps

Shelby girls down Muskegon Catholic Central

Shelby took control of non-conference opponent Muskegon Catholic Central, Thursday, Jan. 16 in a 49-23 win for the Tigers.

Brylee Friedman led Shelby with 12 points while freshman Jayna Burmeister notched a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Tigers improved to 9-1 overall with the win.

Hesperia boys fall to MCC

Hesperia’s boys basketball team dropped a West Michigan Conference matchup with Mason County Central Thursday, Jan. 16, falling 55-31.

MCC led by just five at halftime and the Panthers were able to close that to a two point lead in the third quarter. Unfortunately for Hesperia, MCC blew the game open from there.

The Panthers were led by Jared Tanner who scored nine points and Ethan O’Neil who pulled down 10 rebounds.

The loss for Hesperia dropped them to 4-9 overall on the year and

Postseasons for basketball and bowling also will incorporate slight changes. In basketball, entire District brackets will be seeded for the first time, instead of the previous top two teams receiving seeds only. Michigan Power Ratings (MPR) data will still be used to seed those full brackets. In bowling, Regionals may now take place as early in the week as Wednesday and Thursday, as long as the Team and Singles competitions are competed on consecutive days. Previously, those were competed only on Fridays and Saturdays, respectively.

The 2024-25 Winter campaign culminates with postseason tournaments, as the championship schedule begins with the Upper Peninsula Girls & Boys Swimming & Diving Finals on Feb. 15 and wraps up with the Girls Basketball Finals on March 22. Here is a complete list of winter tournament dates:

Boys Basketball Districts – Feb. 24, 26, 28

Regionals – March 4, 6

Quarterfinals – March 11

Semifinals – March 13-14

Finals – March 15

Girls Basketball Districts – March 3, 5, 7

Regionals – March 10, 12

Quarterfinals – March 18

Semifinals – March 20-21 Finals – March 22

Bowling Regionals – Feb. 19-22

1-4 in WMC Rivers play.

Hart girls dominate Holton

Hart’s girls basketball team earned a rather uncontested conference victory Thursday, Jan. 16, defeating Holton 64-31.

The Pirates were focused early on, executing well on offense and defense. The senior trio of Breslyn Porter, Addi Hovey and Kelsey Copenhaver led the way in the first quarter, combining for 14 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three assists to put Hart ahead 184.

Hart conitnued to push their lead out over the next few quarters.

After the second, the Pirates led 3614 and by the end of the game they had doubled the Red Devils total scoring.

“After a tough game Tuesday, I am extremely pleased with the response the team had tonight,” Hart Head Coach Travis Rosema said.

Hovey led the team with 20 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and four assists while Reese Smith and Porter each scored 13.

The Pirates improved to 10-1 overall and are still a perfect 6-0 in the WMC Rivers.

Thursday, Jan. 16:

Friday, Jan. 17:

Pentwater boys roll past Mesick

Pentwater’s boys basketball team dominated conference opponent Mesick Friday, Jan. 17, taking a 60-33 win.

Mikey Carlson led with 12 points while Trey Johnson had 11 points and eight rebounds.

The Falcons improved to 11-2 overall and are now 6-1 in the West Michigan D League, where they remain tied at the top with Baldwin.

Hart boys blow through Holton

Hart’s boys basketball team traveled to Holton Friday, Jan. 17, picking up an 83-33 win over the Red Devils.

Freshman Kolton Rockwell finished the night with a team-high 19 points while Caleb Ackley pitched in 13 points, 14 rebounds and three steals. Jagger Lenon had 14 points, including four three pointers.

The Pirates moved to 7-6 overall and 4-2 in the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division.

Girls Basketball

Thursday, Jan. 16:

Jan. 17:

Finals – Feb. 28-March 1

Competitive Cheer Districts – Feb. 14-15

Regionals – Feb. 22

Finals – Feb. 28-March 1

Gymnastics

Regionals – March 1

Finals – March 7-8

Ice Hockey Regionals – Feb. 17-26

Quarterfinals – March 1

Semifinals – March 6-7

Finals – March 8

Skiing Regionals – Feb. 10-14 Finals – Feb. 24

Swimming & Diving

Upper Peninsula Girls/Boys Finals –Feb. 15

Lower Peninsula Boys Diving Regionals – March 6

Lower Peninsula Boys Finals –March 14-15

Wrestling – Team Districts – Feb. 5-6

Regionals – Feb. 12

Finals – Feb. 21-22

Wrestling – Individual Districts – Feb. 8

Boys Regionals – Feb. 15

Girls Regionals – Feb. 16

Finals – Feb. 28-March 1

Go, Fight, Win!

Hart’s competitive

wins. The varsity (below) took first at Lakewood-Lake Odessa while the JV team (above) took first at GR West Catholic. • Contributed Photos

Hart 83, Holton 32

Hesperia 55, MCC

Pentwater 60, Mesick

Friday,

Pentwater 33, BRCA 43

Walkerville 15, BRCA 38

Walkerville 34, BRCA

Hart 64, Holton 31

Shelby 49, Muskegon Catholic 23

Hesperia 55, MCC 11

cheer team pulled in a pair of team

Reflections

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

HydroSharks robotics team makes history

Elementary school group makes first state meet appearance in program's 10 years

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

When Dillon Grimm's son decided to get involved in the White Lake Robotics K-12 program, he thought it would be fun to spend time together by volunteering to be an assistant coach and was intrigued by the program's use of Lego bricks in its work, as he enjoys the pastime. However, he was clear with Jen Jura, who coaches at the high school level and oversees the program, that he didn't feel qualified to be given the authority of a head coach, having no experience at all with the robotics field.

Yet when the team roster was revealed a few weeks later, there Grimm's name was, listed as the head coach for the fourth and fifth-grade HydroSharks team. Convinced there was a mistake, Grimm asked Jura what had happened and learned his inclusion was intentional.

the regional meet to qualify for the state meet, a first in program history.

•

"I said to her, 'You realize I know nothing about what's about to go down?'" Grimm laughed. "I had seven kids on the team that first year and I didn't know what I was doing, and my assistant coach didn't know what he was doing."

• Courtesy Photo

state meet in Mason, the HydroSharks placed 25th out of 48 teams.

Grimm eventually figured things out, and after a few years at the helm, the HydroSharks team made history this year, qualifying for the state meet for the first time in its 10 years of existence. Seven team members worked together, meeting twice a week starting in August, to earn a fourth-place overall finish at a regional event in Grand Rapids in December. At the Jan. 11

"It was amazing," Grimm said of the moment the team realized what it had done at regionals. "I don't think it really sunk in until the third or fourth time we told them that they were the first elementary school team to move on...I turned to look (after the announcement) and all the kids were whooping and hollering and the parents were excited and our coaches' jaws were on the floor. I think the kids were ecstatic. I hope they're proud of their accomplishment."

I hope they're proud of their accomplishment."

"It was amazing," Grimm said of the moment the team what it had done at regionals. "I don't think it really sunk in until the third or fourth time we told them that they were the first elementary school team to move on...I turned to look (after the announcement) and all the kids were whooping and hollering and the parents were excited and our coaches' jaws were on the floor. I think the kids were ecstatic. I hope they're proud of their accomplishment."

The HydroSharks are part of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics program, which encourages young people to get involved in STEM education.

The HydroSharks are part of the FIRST Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics program, which encourages young people to get involved in STEM education.

The HydroSharks are part of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics program, which encourages young people to get involved in STEM education.

"This organization, FIRST Robotics, starts with the preschool and kindergarten through third grade programs,

"This FIRST Robotics, starts with the preschool and kindergarten through third grade programs,

so most of the kids who were on our team had been doing robotics for a few years," Jura said. "The fourth and fifth grade level is a lot harder. At the K-3 level, they have a topic, they talk about the topic, they build a Lego project with movable parts, and they do some coding. At the 4-5 grade level, it becomes a competition."

Each year, teams compete in a robot game and an Innovation Project that fits a particular theme; this year's theme was Deep Dive, so the games related to the oceans. The FIRST Lego League (FLL) played a game called Submerged, which requires students to build obstacles and mechanisms related to underwater exploration.

To accomplish the objective, students constructed a robot using a Lego Spike Prime set, then coded it using a program called Python, which enabled

Each year, teams compete in a robot Innovation Project that fits a particular theme; this year's theme was Deep Dive, so the games related The FIRST Lego League (FLL) played a game called Submerged, requires students to and mechanisms related to underwater exploration. objective, students constructed a a Lego Spike coded it a program enabled

To accomplish the objective, students constructed a robot using a Lego Spike Prime set, then coded it using a program called Python, which enabled

the robot to perform various tasks. (Grimm noted that coaches talked to the students about how Python is the same coding system used to build many of the games they themselves play on their tablets or phones.)

The students also constructed attachments to help the robot complete these tasks. As part of the game, students have two and a half minutes to accomplish as many missions as they can - there are about 15 in total - each of which earns the team points.

You might not think of robotics as something that can be made accessible to kindergarteners, but Grimm said "word block coding" is simple enough to understand for kids that age, and over time in the program they grow more familiar with the concept. By the

Montague council parks and rec plan

Montague council approves parks and rec plan

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — After some discussion and an objection from one city council member, the Montague council voted 6-1 to approve the city's new parks and recreation plan at Monday night's regular meeting after putting it together since last summer.

The meeting was moved from the city council chambers upstairs to the library, with city manager Jeff Auch saying the furnace was not working and holding it in the library would be more comfortable.

and pickleball courts, that are already either plentiful within the city or near the city or could be made by repurposing existing facilities, such as the tennis courts at Montague Township Park. He added that 30% of the city's residents are senior citizens and felt nothing in the plan seemed designed to address their needs and desires.

The meeting was moved from the city council chambers upstairs to the library, with city manager Jeff Auch saying the furnace was not working and holding it in the library would be more comfortable.

Council member Paul Schultz, during council discussion on the parks and recreation plan, raised several issues after, he said, reviewing it the previous couple of weeks. His concerns were largely fiscally related; he felt the plan called for several things, including new playground structures

and pickleball courts, that are already either plentiful within the the city could be made by repurposing existing facilities, such as the tennis courts at Montague Township He added that 30% the residents are senior citizens and felt nothing in the plan seemed designed to address their needs and desires.

He added that in his view, the city's subcommittee process needs to be improved, noting he'd been approached by other council members in the past with questions about subcommittees he was a member of because they did not feel they had sufficient information.

He added that in his the subcommittee process needs to be improved, noting he'd been approached by other council members in the past with questions about subcommittees he was a member of because they did not feel they had sufficient information.

Schultz then made a motion to table approval of the plan for at least a month so the council could further examine it during a future work session. The motion was sent to the floor, but after Auch stated the city would be unable to apply for grants in the first half

of 2025 if the plan was not approved Monday, the council voted 6-1 against it. It then voted to approve the plan, with Schultz dissenting. It was stated during discussion that not everything outlined in the plan necessarily need-

of 2025 if plan was not approved Monday, the council voted 6-1 against it. It then voted to approve the plan, with Schultz dissenting. It was stated during discussion that not everything outlined in the plan necessarily need-

ed to or would be done, but simply outlined the processes under which they would happen if the city pursued them.

Members of the White Lake area's HydroSharks robotics team use their robot while practicing the Submerged game at a practice. The team had its robot complete tasks, which earned points in the regional meet. • Courtesy Photo

The HydroSharks robotics team members display the awards they received at the regional competition. The team finished 4th at the regional meet to qualify for the state meet, a first in program history.

• Courtesy Photo

Hydro Sharks

The Montague city council meeting Monday night took place in the library rather than its usual location in the city council chambers due to furnace issues.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

The HydroSharks robotics team members display the awards they received at the regional competition. The team finished 4th at

The Montague city council meeting Monday night took place in the library rather than its usual location in the city council chambers due to furnace issues.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

• Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

The Montague city council meeting Monday night took place in the library rather than its usual location in the city council chambers due to furnace issues.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Rothbury raises community center rental rates

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

ROTHBURY — The Rothbury village council increased the rental rate for the Rothbury Community Center at its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night.

After treasurer Deb Murphy stated it had been at least four years since the community center's rates had increased, the council voted 5-0 (trustees Autum Drake and Jim Fekken were absent) to bump the rates from $650 per event to $800 per event. The $200 security deposit remains the same. The rate to rent the members-only room also increased slightly, from $75 to $100 per event, with a $50 deposit remaining the same. The community center is a significant revenue generator, and Murphy said rentals account for about $15,000 in annual revenue. Clerk Brandy Williams, who also works at the

Hydro Sharks

time kids get to fourth grade, they are a little more advanced.

"The first month we meet is just, 'This is the (competition),' and we explain what's going on and we gauge where the kids are in their understanding of engineering, programming and research," Grimm said. "We guide the kids into groups where they're at similar levels and pair them together."

Also part of the competition is the interview process. After a strong performance in the FLL game - the students placed fifth of 32 teams - judges interviewed the students about their robot's design, and the students gave a short presentation about how they solved the missions, including problem-solving techniques used when the first plan didn't always work.

For the Innovation Project, students choose a problem that's related to the Deep Dive theme, then develop innovative solutions to the problem. The project includes a presentation and a Q&A session with judges.

For the HydroSharks' presentation, they used a Jeopardy format, using the famous game show to describe to the judges their solutions to the mental health challenges faced by submariners while doing their research in submersibles. Their solution was a tablet with apps like Hydro-Breathing and Hydro-Music for relaxation, and Hydro-Call to alleviate loneliness. The team solicited feedback from a Trinity Health social worker for the apps and did a test run of its Jeopardy presentation at the U.S.S. Silversides museum in Muskegon in the

Double JJ Ranch, said similar-sized rooms there cost significantly more to rent than the community center does.

The council also voted 5-0 to accept a letter from the state department of natural resources outlining some future steps regarding the recent grant the village received. The grant will provide funds to support improvements at Czarny Park. The DNR will issue a contract agreement for the grant sometime this summer, with vendor selection scheduled to take place next January and construction to begin in May 2026.

The council approved Murphy adding a separate line to the current fiscal year's budget to account for $1,500 that the state has sent to the village. The funds are an advance as part of a state Continuing Professional Education initiative that provides in-service training for police officers, and the budget addendum will make it easier for the village to

keep track of the money so it is used as intended. Trustee Mike Harris delivered a planning commission report, saying a certified letter has been sent to the Greenlawn mobile home park regarding zoning violations it's committed. The letter has not been returned and it's not been confirmed the letter was received despite it being sent over a week prior to the meeting. The council discussed the possibility it would need legal representation to take any further steps regarding the mobile home park. The council also discussed the possibility of hiring former village clerk Carol Witzke as deputy clerk on an as-needed basis in case Williams is unavailable. Witzke indicated her willingness and interest in helping out under those circumstances. There was some discussion on whether such a move was necessary, and no action was taken on the matter.

City council

weeks leading up to the state meet.

Grimm credited the students on the team for coming up with and executing the Jeopardy theme and the tablet/ app presentation; the team received a rating of Outstanding at the state competition for their communication of the theme.

At regionals, the HydroSharks received a perfect 3/3 score in each category of the rubric for the design interview portion of the project and all but one category of the Innovation Project, with judges noting their use of the program's core values: Teamwork, inclusion, impact, fun, discover and innovation. Those strong scores earned them the fourth-place overall finish.

"We assisted them with some ideas and reeled them in when they went way overboard with their ideas, but the kids took it to heart," Grimm said. "It wasn't like a school project where the teacher said, 'This is what you research and

this is the curriculum.' It was their idea to focus on mental health for submariners and it was their idea for the Jeopardy game. To see them find that their solution was an incredible solution, I think they took away the excitement of, 'We came up with this idea.'"

The thing that perhaps most excites Grimm, Jura and others involved in the robotics program is its application of skills kids can use to pursue successful careers later in life. A FIRST Robotics credo is that this is a sport of the mind, "and everyone can go pro." Jura said past students she's worked with have gone on to work at NASA, intern at the NSA, work on building satellites, or in the case of Jura's daughter, earn full scholarships to the University of Michigan to study mechanical engineering. Jura even relayed a story about a student of hers who was essentially homeless, living on friends' couches, but after their time in the program ended up join-

ing the U.S. Navy to be a submariner.

Some HydroSharks team members got so into what they were doing, said Grimm, that they received Arduino or Raspberry Pi robots as Christmas gifts so they could continue diving into coding.

And it isn't just practical skills kids pick up in the program, but maybe just as importantly, life skills too.

Following the plan approval, the council unanimously approved Kristi Bortell's appointment to the city's board of review as a second alternate.

townships looking into the idea.

During the work session that followed the council meeting, the council discussed the Downtown Development Authority's in-progress redevelopment plan, which will be revisited again during he February work session as it is not yet finalized. Council member Susan Newhof expressed her approval of being deliberate in the process of approving the new plan; "we only get one shot at this," she said. continued from page 1

"One of the biggest things kids learn in robotics is how to fail," Jura said. "How many times did things not go the way they wanted? Either the presentation was too long and they had to shorten it, or the robot was supposed to push this lever and it missed. So one of the things they learn is how to try again. Often with little kids we let them win at games and (after we decide) we can't let them win, they realize life isn't so much fun. But when you're doing something as cool as robotics, it's a different type of environment."

During the city manager update, Auch said that the area fireworks committee would like to again use the boat launch as the site for the July 4 fireworks show. Approval could be on next month's agenda. He also said that there is growing interest about extending the Hart-Montague bike trail to Medbery Park, with citizens from both Montague and White River

Saturday, Jan. 25

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

Distracted performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 26

White Lake Ukulele Club meets @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 1 p.m. Penny Rushing will teach on stage, and all are welcome to play with friends.

Community Calendar

Monday, Jan. 27

Paper Tube Decoration @ MADL Montague branch, 10 a.m. Learn to create a beautiful design with carboard tubes, glue and creativity. Free event, but registration required @ madl.librarycalendar.com.

Tuesday, Jan. 28

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

Family Storytime @ MADL Montague branch, 11:15 a.m. For kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Lazaro Vega lecture @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m. Part of the White Lake Music Series. Vega will share thoughts on great jazz solos of the past, with emphasis on the 1920s and 1930s. Free event, but suggested donation of $10.

Wednesday, Jan. 29

Eric Michaels and Chris Kennedy perform @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 10:30 a.m.

Raising Chickens for Fun & Food @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Lori Lundell of Lundell Farms offers tips for, and advantages on, raising your own barnyard chickens. Register @ wlclib.org/calendar.

Echoes of History: The Maples Motel & Lodge

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

An ad from September 1941 indicated you could get a well-furnished modern room for rent for $2.50 up per week at the Maples.

Albert Helble and his wife Josephine moved from Muskegon to Whitehall in 1945 and opened the popular Maples Motel. In 1949 it was mentioned that Helble had added two new motel units, forming an “L” with the original units. The new units had lavatories, full baths with shower, hot and cold water, innerspring mattresses and new furniture. In March 1950, the establishment was referred to as The Maples Motel & Lodge. Arthur Helble died in December 1950.

A 1950s advertisement for The Maples Motel & Lodge indicated it had large rooms with tile floors and rugs, private bath and dressing room, automatic oil heat, hot water, twin or double and single beds with box springs and innerspring mattresses, desk, lounge chairs, reading lamps and tables.

Walter D. Upman owned the Maples in 1951. According to a history of the Maples that appeared in the local newspaper in 1999, when Upman owned the large home, he built six rental units (pictured) alongside the house to become the area’s first mo-

tel-style lodging.

In 1956 Upman sold the Maples to Walter and Erna Delaney. Walter became known as “Mr. Christmas” after founding the White Lake Christmas Parade along with Russell Klinefelter. Delaney added another unit around 1960 and built a beautiful home and office behind the old building. The original house was razed in early 1961. The site of the old building became additional parking and a garden spot. Delaney owned The Maples for about 15 years.

On May 1, 1972, Bob and Virginia Payton of Grosse Ile became the next owners of the Maples Motel. Bob suffered a heart attack and died July 26, 1973. Virginia continued to operate the motel with the help of two of the couple’s five children until Oct. 30, 1976. Ginny then moved to Palm Beach, Florida.

In November 1976 it was announced that Bruce Kendorski and his wife Pennie from Dearborn Heights were the new owners of The Maples Motel. Bruce had been employed by Interstate United Vending for over 10 years before they made the move along with their two daughters Kellie (age 12) and Kim (age 9). They had always hoped of someday having a business in a small town and were very excited when they found The Maples Motel. In November 1983 their daugh-

at The Maples.

Shop at the motel.

Some additional information from the 1999 article mentioned that several dignitaries such as former Governor G. Mennen Williams, Senator Phillip Arthurholtz and the entire 1980 Detroit Lions football team were guests

In 2005, Brent and Gwyn Kellis moved their family to Whitehall and bought the Maple Tree Inn, which they operated until Brent’s sudden death in March 2023.

In 2024, Sally Schrock became the new owner of The Maple Tree Inn and will continue to add to its long history.

Library kids' activities resume Feb. 3

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

We are excited to announce that storytimes and other kids’ programs will begin again the week of Feb. 3. The lineup includes a weekly Family Storytime, Baby Time, and Play & Learn, plus an Afternoon Hang for teens and tweens. A fiveweek session of our 1-2-3 Play With Me workshops is slated to begin Feb 27, and there will be a Family Night program at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13 featuring a valentine craft suitable for all ages. Family Storytime is held every Monday at 9:30. Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, music, and movement. Baby Time is Tuesdays at 9:30, and is a brief program of songs, rhymes, and movement intended for children from birth through age 2. Play & Learn is held Fridays at 10 a.m.. This one is

a full hour of stories, songs, art, and playtime for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. These programs are all free, and registration is not required. Just join us whenever you are able!

Register now to reserve your spot in the next 1-2-3 Play With Me workshop series, which will be offered every Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. from Feb. 27 through March 27. This five-week program is designed for children aged 0-5 and their caregivers, and features an early childhood specialist available at every session to answer any parenting questions you may have. Please plan on attending every session. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, visit wlclib.org/calendar. Youth aged 10 and up are invited to the Afternoon Hang every Friday from 2-4 p.m. Make new friends, do some crafts, play some games, eat some snacks, or just hang out. Each week we'll have the Switch and the VR headset out for gaming as well. This program is free, and registration is not required.

For more information on any of

these programs, give us a call at 231894-9531 or visit us online wlclib.org.

FUN FACT: More than 980,000 items were shared through the statewide MeL loan system in 2024. The most-borrowed title was Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. The second most popular was Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Is there a title you’ve been looking for but can’t find in our catalog? Visit mel. org to search other libraries all over the state, including college libraries!

Second Week of January Series

It’s not too late to catch a January Series lecture or two! There are some great presentations scheduled for this week, and each one will be livestreamed at the library at 12:30. You can also register to watch them at your convenience on your own internet-connected device. Monday’s speaker is NPR’s Peter Sagal, with a talk entitled “Front Seat at the Sideshow: What I’ve Learned After 25 Years of Making Fun of Everything”. For information on the rest of the speakers, or to register for the streaming link, visit calvin.edu/january.

Silent Reading Club Starts Tuesday

Escape the winter chill and unwind with a relaxing evening of silent reading at our new Silent Book Club. Join us for the first meeting this Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m. Set aside an hour just for yourself and indulge in the pleasure of a good book. Wear your comfiest clothes, find a cozy seat by the fireplace, and settle in with the book of your choosing. Blankets are welcome, and the coffee, tea, and cocoa are free. The silent reading hour will be followed by an optional 15 minutes of socializing to chat about your latest reads, if you’d like.

ter Kelli opened a Chocolate and Gift

DeMumbrum

Circa 1946 - Originally built by August Nelson as a rooming house until it was turned into a motel by Mr. Helble and enlarged by the Upmans. The house, which later served as the office, was razed in 1961. • Courtesy Photo

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community

Whitehall takes top spot again at GMAA

Reeths-Puffer's Ian Cook joins exclusive club as 4-time champ

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — It was a little closer than it usually is at the GMAA tournament Saturday at Orchard View, but in the end the result is what it almost always is - Whitehall bringing home a trophy.

The Vikings outscored runner-up Reeths-Puffer 209-184.5 to win another GMAA title, their 18th in the past 19 years. Only the 2020 Rockets have interrupted Whitehall's hegemony over the event. (Montague placed sixth, with 93.5 points.)

Half of the 14 weight classes saw local wrestlers ascend to the top, including two Vikings. Gavin Craner and Wyatt Jenkins, unsurprisingly, continued their dominant seasons with easy titles. Jenkins only had to wrestle twice at 285 pounds, pinning both his foes, while Craner took the 215-pound title with two pins and a technical fall win over the Rockets' Sage Secrest in the finals.

"Gavin and Wyatt (each) bumped up a weight and were super dominant," Whitehall coach Justin Zeerip said.

The individual highlight, though, belonged to R-P senior Ian Cook, who joined a very exclusive club by winning his fourth GMAA championship, at 144 pounds. Cook pinned all three of his opponents and flashed four fingers on both hands as he was declared the win-

Reeths-Puffer's Ian Cook flashes four fingers on both hands after being declared winner of the 144-pound GMAA title Saturday. Cook joined an exclusive club as a fourtime GMAA champion.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

ner. He's not the first Rocket to achieve that milestone - Tyler Stenberg did it in 2013 - but very few have achieved his rare air.

"Finally accomplishing this is like a weight lifted off my shoulders," Cook said, noting his mind was on this moment as soon as he won his first title as a freshman. "There was always that shadow in my head that was thinking a little bit of negative thoughts. There was also that positive bright side of me that was just pushing that out of the way saying I could do it. After actually accomplishing that, they're both gone, and it's a good feeling."

Two of Cook's freshman teammates may someday join him as four-timers

after earning championships Saturday. Travis Henderson took the title at 113 pounds, and Tanner Cowles did it at 132. Henderson beat Whitehall's Kassie Sapp, who became the first girl since Heidi Haughn in 2003 to make the finals in the GMAA boys bracket, in his final, while Cowles scored a pair of major decisions and a pin on the day.

R-P coach Brad Cowles, Tanner's dad, said both freshman wrestlers, particularly his son, have benefited from seeing Cook put in the work he does.

"(Cook) pulls him in the practice room and he's constantly working with him," coach Cowles said. "He's not a kid that's stingy with who he wrestles with because he knows he's going to improve on his own. He's constantly

improving others at the same time."

In the preseason, Cowles said Cook, who placed third at state a year ago and has been all-state all three years so far, should be a state championship contender. With the postseason approaching, the coach said he can't really see any particular weaknesses in Cook, though for his part, Cook said improving on his feet will bolster his chances at making a run.

"I've got to move my feet a little more," Cook said. "I know I can ride anybody out and that I can get away from anybody, I've just got to get better at taking people down."

Rockets build big lead, hang on to beat Jenison

Moore, Mitchelson carry R-P to win

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer struggled to close out Jenison Friday night, but in the end the Rockets had enough in the tank to pull out a 62-56 victory, halting a four-game losing skid.

R-P built a 22-point lead in the second half behind great play from Marvin Moore and Brayden Mitchelson as well as solid team defense, but the Wildcats were undeterred and fought back with an effective press defense. The visitors made R-P sweat a bit down the stretch, though they never had the ball with a chance to tie it up.

"It was a really ugly last three minutes of the fourth quarter, but we ended up getting the win, and an ugly win is better than a pretty loss, as Coach said in the locker room," Mitchelson said. "That's huge for us."

Mitchelson and Moore have been the heartbeat of the Rocket offense all season, and that was no different Friday night, though how they went about it was. In the first half, it was all Moore, as the junior scored 14 points on his way to 20 for the game. He sparked the team early by hitting a three-pointer, then stealing the inbound pass and convert-

Reeths-Puffer's Brayden Mitchelson is fouled by Jenison's Seth Ondersma during Friday's game at R-P. Mitchelson had a huge second half, helping his team hold off the Wildcats. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

ing an easy layup to put the Rockets ahead 9-8. His assist to Drew Brooks moments later on a three-pointer extended the lead. He ended the first half with a buzzer-beating jumper, making it 26-21 for R-P.

In the second half, Mitchelson took over. In contrast to Moore's crisp ballhandling and smooth jump shot, the senior likes to get loose for open three-pointers and attack the basket, both of which he did well in scoring 19 second-half points to end the game with 22.

"It's huge for both of us," Mitchelson said of his dynamic with Moore.

"We know we can trust each other to go get a bucket whenever we need, run sets with each other, run pick-androlls, and trust each other to find an open shot with a drive and kick."

The Rockets (3-8, 2-2 O-K Green Conference) got four straight points late in the third quarter by hitting two free throws before Brooks was fouled in the lane while battling for position in the paint. He then sank two charity shots of his own. R-P's scoring run was up to 27-8 before the Wildcats began pushing back, thanks to their defense

and shooting by Preston Ginzer, who scored 14 points in the fourth quarter alone (23 overall).

Coach J.R. Wallace said he joked to his team that they were attempting to break the Jenison press "like my eightyear-old out there...throwing bounce passes out front and doing things that we don't do against the press break."

"What a press does for you is, it gets you lathered up and gets you revved

Rockets hang on continued on page 5

Reeths-Puffer's Marvin Moore (2) drives to the basket while Jenison's Connor Householder (34) and Levi Clason defend during Friday's O-K Green game at R-P. Moore's quick start helped the Rockets to a 62-56 win. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall’s Max Krukowski (right) battles Fruitport's Zachary Aardema during the 120-pound finals of Saturday's GMAA tournament. Krukowski's second-place finish helped Whitehall earn the top spot. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Four Vikings finalists for Scholar-Athlete Award

Out of just 32 Class B finalists for the statewide MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award announced Tuesday, four of them were Whitehall students.

Vikings Ryan Goodrich and Brady Tate were among the boys finalists, and Cami Kraai and Grace McDowell were girls finalists. In its 36th year, the Scholar-Athlete program honors high-achieving student-athletes from all over the state. Eight of the 32 finalists will receive $2,000 scholarships underwritten by Farm Bureau Insurance. Class B scholarship recipients will be announced Feb. 11.

Three of the four Vikings come from education families: McDowell's father Jerry is the retired former superintendent of Whitehall District Schools; Tate's father Brad is an NBC Middle School teacher, Montague's high school golf coach and a former Scholar-Athlete winner himself (Brady's sister Allison also won an MHSAA scholarship in 2023); and Goodrich's parents, Dave and Carrie, are both

GMAA meet

Cowles added that his son's fitness enthusiasm makes him a better wrestler, and Henderson's athletic gifts make him a budding star as well.

"Tanner is big into CrossFit, so he gets up at 6 in the morning every day," coach Cowles said. "Travis is the same. He's a natural athlete. I haven't seen a natural athlete like him in a long time. He's got what it takes to be a state champ."

Two Montague Wildcats - Fletcher Thommen and Isaac French - earned championships, Thommen at 150 and French at 190. Thommen edged R-P's Hunter Eek 14-10 for his championship after scoring a technical fall and a pin in early rounds, and French rallied from a big late deficit to pin Whitehall's Parker Mott in the semifinals, then dominated the finals by technical fall. Maverick Osborne added a second-place finish at 285.

"All three of these kids wrestled with a lot of passion and desire today," Montague coach Kris Maddox said. "Issac has been really stepping into his own lately and we look forward to watching him continue to lead. The GMAA is a very tough tournament which pushes our team. When you look at school sizes, we did fairly well, but still have improvements to make heading towards the final stretch of the season."

Whitehall's depth was strong, as usual; in addition to Craner's and Jenkins' titles and Sapp's history-making run to the finals, the Vikings put Tommy Leeke, Cody Manzo, Max Krukowski and Liam Leeke in the finals at 106, 120, 126 and 157 respectively, each taking second. Mott and Blake English (150) finished third, and Kolten Weiler (132) and Hunter Peterson (144) took fourth.

Zeerip was particularly impressed with Peterson, who wrestled up from his normal spot in the lineup to maximize team points.

"Hunter stepped up to the plate and wrestled at 144 for the team," Zeerip said. "He showed such a great effort. It takes a lot to bump up weight classes like that. He weighed in at 138 and bumped up to 144. I couldn't be prouder of him.

"When you get to this point in the season, the Greater Muskegon tournament, you know the post-

Whitehall High School employees and coaches, with Dave a teacher and Carrie a counselor.

Goodrich is a threesport athlete for the Vikings, playing football, wrestling and baseball. His senior sports season was cut short this year by a knee injury during the football season, but he was still named an all-state first team performer at linebacker by the state coaches' association.

Tate is a leading golfer and tennis player for the Vikings. Tate played No. 2 singles for the Whitehall team that qualified for state this fall and was one of Whitehall's top scorers last spring on the course.

McDowell plays golf, basketball and tennis for the

Vikings. She qualified for state as a senior in golf and finished in 21st place, and was No. 1 singles player for the tennis team last spring.

Kraai is a cross-country and track star for the Vikings. Kraai is a three-time state qualifier in the 800-meter run in track and also qualified for state in cross country in 2023.

season is near, so that's good to start clicking and firing off on all cylinders."

Eek and Secrest were R-P finalists to take second place, as was Andrew Corradin at 175. Max Knowlton (106) and Aiden Neal (165) placed third, and Arin Maynard (120) and Cory Judd (126) were fourth.

The injury bug bit both teams during the meet; senior Caden Varela had to drop out of a consolation match with an injury, and Jake Rozycki was unavailable for the Rockets.

Coach Cowles said he was very pleased with his team's performance Saturday and all season so far.

"The improvement from last year to this year is amazing," Cowles said. "The kids are willing to put in the work on the mat in the summertime. It's good to have a team that's as motivated as the coaches are."

Cook added that the bright young freshmen on the team make him confident in the future, even as he celebrated the present.

"They have a lot of athleticism and a lot of talent," Cook said of his teammates. "I think (when) I'm gone and as years go on, we're going to become a really strong team. I think we could be a state-contending team. We've got a lot of freshmen and a couple sophomores, and we're not losing many seniors. That's why I'm so confident in the team."

Rockets hang on

up," Wallace said. "That's what you don't want to be. You want to be calm and collected and knowing your attack spots."

Wallace did note that the team has not performed as well in second and fourth quarters this year, and he's been looking at ways to keep his players fresher in the back half of each half.

"We brought up one young guy and tried to let him play some of the second quarter and tried to figure out some things that way," Wallace said. "We've got a couple guys missing with the flu bug. That all plays a part in it."

Wallace, who previously coached at Grand Valley State and hasn't worked closely with high school players since his stint coaching the girls team at Wyoming Rogers, said he's been energized by working with the Rockets.

"They're great kids, and it's always nice to have great kids that you can pour into," Wallace said. "It's not just basketball. We're trying to figure out where Brayden is going to go to school next year and figuring out how Marvin wants to be recruited and where he wants

to go."

continued from page 4

For the rest of this season, though, the emphasis will continue to be improvement, and R-P has shown a lot of that early in the season, with hopes of giving the best teams in the district its best shot in March.

"I feel like if we can knock down the open shots, and me and Marvin can play like we did, I feel like we can compete with anyone at this point, and compete in the rest of the conference (season) to get more wins," Mitchelson said.

Kraai

Goodrich McDowell Tate

Whitehall's Parker Mott (right) battles with Montague's Isaac French during a semifinal bout at Saturday's GMAA tournament. Mott led most of the match, but French rallied to pin Mott on the way to a 190-pound championship. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Kassie Sapp (left) tangles with Muskegon's Rodney Addison during Saturday's GMAA tournament. Sapp became the first girl in over 20 years to reach the finals in the GMAA boys bracket.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague 3rd, Whitehall 4th at Hart jamboree

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Montague finished third and Whitehall placed fourth Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Hart jamboree. Hart and Mason County Central earned the top two positions, scoring 720.06 and 667.62 points respectively.

The Wildcats posted a score of 648.92 points, highlighted by their impressive third round. Montague had 285.6 points in the final round, which was the second-highest score of the round, only 4.4 behind Hart. However, the Wildcats were hampered by lower scores in the first

two rounds, as well as 10 penalty points in round two.

Whitehall scored

617.42 points and was one of only two teams (Shelby the other) not to be assessed any pen-

alty points in the competition. The Vikings had a solid opening two rounds, outscoring Mon-

tague in both of them, but were left behind in the final round.

Winter storm affects sports schedules this week

The winter storm that swept through the White Lake area this week wreaked havoc on local sports schedules, causing a slew of postponements and cancellations.

Following is a list of known reschedule dates for the games affected:

Muskegon Heights @ Montague boys basketball - rescheduled from Monday 1/20 to Wednesday 1/29, 7

p.m.

Shelby @ Montague girls basketball - rescheduled from Tuesday 1/21 to Saturday 2/22, listed start time 6:30 p.m.

Reeths-Puffer @ Grandville boys basketball - rescheduled from Tuesday 1/21 to Saturday 1/25, listed start time 5 p.m.

Grandville @ Reeths-Puffer hockey,

which was scheduled for Wednesday 1/22, will be rescheduled per a school announcement, but no date has been set yet.

Events that were canceled with no apparent plans to reschedule included Reeths-Puffer @ Holland girls basketball; Whitehall @ Rockford boys basketball; the West Michigan Conference cheer jamboree at North Muskegon;

the O-K Green Conference cheer jamboree at Muskegon; a West Michigan Conference wrestling quad at Montague in which Whitehall was also scheduled to participate; as well as all bowling matches scheduled for Monday 1/20 and Wednesday 1/22.

Margaret's Recipe Box debuts: A Twist on Bread

By Margaret Heaton Volunteer Contributor

Brrrr! It’s cold today! It was 18 degrees this morning when we went outside. A perfect day to indulge myself in one of my very favorite things to do…bread making.

I made my first bread standing next to my mom when she showed me how to make bread the way her mother taught her, with no recipe and using an old plastic bowl. I was hooked as I saw the bread rise. To this day, the smell of yeast and bread dough takes me right back to my mom and that old bowl.

Making bread with Mom, without a recipe, sent me on a quest. I wanted to know how others made bread. I started searching for and collecting recipes. This was well over 60 years ago. While I learned to make bread without a recipe like Mom, I always wanted to try other recipes.

Finding recipes wasn’t always as easy as it is today. As a young wife, I needed to find recipes for a picky husband who only wanted “meat, potatoes and corn.” Searching for the perfect recipe for him led me to explore all types of recipes, expanding my search to much more than just bread. While growing up in a large family, I learned to cook what my mother cooked. It was only when I became engaged and met my future mother-in-law that I learned different styles of cooking and my husband's family favorites. Cooking and recipes became my lifelong passion. Finding recipes nowadays is much easier than all those years ago. Then, I needed to clip recipes from magazines, or ask office staff to make a copy if I read one of the magazines in a waiting room. I would ask for recipes and copy them down as I spoke on the phone or would have someone give me one in their own handwriting. I’d write to companies for recipes and clip recipes everywhere. The problem was where to store these odd-shaped recipes, some of which were cut from flimsy newspaper, from cardboard boxes, or written on scrap paper pieces. And it wasn’t only storing the recipes that became problematic; it was finding the one particular recipe I wanted when I wanted it.

Today, my computer is a much easier place to store recipes. In seconds, I can go to my files or the internet to look up a particular recipe (sometimes getting over 100 options). I have my files labeled and organized. A few of my file categories: "Breads," "Freezer recipes," "Make for 50 or more," "Kids,"

"Prepping for surgery," "Someday," and even one for "Strange ingredients I’ve never seen before."

My recipe box might have changed in the last 50 years, from a small tin box given to me as a bridal shower gift, growing to a cardboard box, then a plastic bin, spiral notebooks and binders kept on my bookshelf. But today? Today, my recipe box is as big as the cloud. Tell me, what does your recipe box look like? I’d love to hear about it. You can contact me at loveandflours@yahoo.com.

From my recipe box to yours, I hope you enjoy this old recipe of mine.

With love and flours, Margaret

ENGLISH MUFFIN BREAD

1 2/3 cup milk

2 ½ tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon yeast

4 teaspoons sugar

1/3 cup warm water

1 large egg

2 teaspoons salt

1 ½ teaspoons vinegar

5 cups all-purpose flour

Cornmeal, semi-coarse grind

Heat milk and butter enough for the butter to melt, bring back to about 110 degrees, or just a bit warmer than room temperature.

Combine yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let yeast bloom for 5 minutes.

Combine milk and yeast mixture in mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of flour, then the egg, salt, and vinegar. Mix until combined, then add remaining flour. Mix for a total of 5–6 minutes.

Cover and put bowl in a warm area, covered with a towel. Check after 45–60 minutes or so. If the dough has doubled, it’s ready to put onto a hard surface that

has been covered in a light dusting of cornmeal. The dough will be sticky. (You may want to flour your hands before touching the dough.)

When the dough is ready to be panned, spray two bread pans and lightly dust with cornmeal. Don’t work the dough; just cut the dough with a sharp knife, getting it as even as possible. Pick up the dough, give it a gentle twist, roll in cornmeal, then place in bread pan.

This twist is what makes this English muffin bread unique!

Set the pans aside until the dough has about doubled in size. Bake at 350° for 27 minutes or until done. Bread should reach an internal temperature of 190° when it is finished baking.

Montague and Whitehall's cheer teams perform routines during last Wednesday's WMC jamboree in Hart. The Wildcats finished in third place, while the Vikings took fourth. • Brendan Samuels/Mirror

bread. • Margaret Heaton/Courtesy Photo

Police activity this week

Behind the Badge

Whitehall Police Report

Jan. 15

Three people suffered minor injuries in a crash at the intersection of White Lake Drive and Warner Street. A vehicle driven by a 17-year-old Whitehall man was on southbound Warner, attempting to turn left onto eastbound

White Lake. It was 7:29 a.m. and there were several vehicles on White Lake Drive turning right onto Warner, and the driver of the first vehicle did not see a second vehicle that was westbound on White Lake. The first driver pulled into the path of the second vehicle, resulting in the crash. The second car was driven by a 41-year-old Muskegon woman. Both drivers and a 14-yearold passenger in the first vehicle complained of pain but no one was taken to the hospital, largely due to seat belts and air bags. No citations were issued.

Jan. 17

Whitehall Police were called to a business in the 200 block of E Colby St. after a customer had shoplifted a bottle of alcohol. The clerk initially became suspicious of the activity of two men who entered the store and left shortly after without making a purchase. The

clerk recorded the license plate and reviewed the viewed video before calling police at 3:22 a.m. Using the plate information, the investigating officer contacted a family member, who positively identified the suspect and companion. A warrant was issued by the Muskegon County Prosecutor for a 24-year-old Twin Lake man and officers are seeking to arrest the suspect.

Jan. 18

A citizen stopped by the police office for assistance because the lowbeam headlights on their car did not work. The officer handling the 6:29 p.m. call inspected the car and noted that the high-beam did work and suggested that both low-beam lights needed to be replaced. The driver then left for the auto parts store.

Jan. 19

Whitehall Police were called at

12:51 p.m. to check the well-being of a resident of the 1200 block of Colby St. The caller reported the resident had recent medical issues and now was not answering the phone or door. The responding officer found the patio door was unlocked and found the 78-yearold woman lying in her bed. Fortunately, she woke when the officer shook her. She said she was tired from recuperating from her medical condition.

A mother concerned about her adult son called Whitehall Police to the 1000 block of S Division St. The caller told the officer the man was struggling with grief over his brother’s death and then started drinking. The officer, assisted by a Montague officer, spoke with the man, who eventually agreed to be transported to Trinity Health for an evaluation.

Playhouse hosting family movie night Jan. 24

The Playhouse at White Lake will host a family movie night Friday, Jan. 24 at 6:45 p.m. The Playhouse will show the

The movie follows two polar opposite families who are forced together at a summer camp as they compete for the camp's

Tickets for the event are $3 and include soda, popcorn and candy.

WLACAC celebrates 2024 successes at endend-of-year meeting

The White Lake Area Climate Action Council (WLACAC) is on the move, touting many local accomplishments and offering opportunities for like-minded activists in the coming months.

At its end-of-year meeting in December, WLACAC enumerated the following successes:

WLACAC recycled 2.7 tons of batteries - the weight of 1.3 Chevy Bolt cars - since fall 2023. The council has spread recycling receptacles throughout the community.

The City of Montague has implemented seven solar projects in their parks since 2022 and has six more solar projects planned for 2025. One project will be the first microgrid in West Michigan, a pilot program. Upcoming projects will power the City's water well houses, which is expected to lower water rates. Montague's existing solar projects have already saved the city $28,961.

CEIC (Chemours Environmental Impact Committee) completed a successful community visioning series about the degradation and anticipated remediation of Sadony Bayou in White River Township.

“We’re awaiting the release of the Corrective Measures Study Report from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy,” CEIC member Claire Schlaff said. “Then Chemours (a spin-off of DuPont) selects their cleanup method,

which EGLE will review to see if they meet requirements of the law.”

The Climate Action Council has its own action items and collaborates with other local and state organizations on environmental issues, said WLACAC steering committee member Tamara Horne. The WLACAC looks forward to maintaining momentum through the following opportunities.

Local, handbound zines on digital security, anti-authoritarianism, and community building are available.

Sugarbush (the tapping of maple trees) starts Feb. 1 at the Trailway Campground in Montague. Montague Commoners hosted an informational meeting about the tapping, boiling and production of maple syrup using the biochar production heating method Jan. 15 at White Lake Community Library.

More Opportunities

MI Homegrown Power - The WLACAC is looking for folks to attend municipal meetings and write supportive messages about renewable energy.

A WLACAC member has a new electric chainsaw. The chainsaw will be displayed, with information shared, at the WLACAC table at the Montague Farmer's Market next year.

“As you can see from this list, we ended the year with a bang,” said Horne. For more information about WLACAC and upcoming projects, email wlacac@gmail.com.

movie Family Camp, starring The Skit Guys.

trophy.