The Oceana Echo - Volume 2, Issue 6, July 5, 2024

Hart Sparks fun, despite rain

Community spirit shines as storm recovery continues

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Oceana County residents and visitors awoke early Tuesday to strong winds and heavy downpour as a summer storm of epic proportions passed through West Michigan. The National Weather Service reported on their website, “A line of severe thunderstorms moved through Western Lower Michigan during the early morning hours of June 25, 2024. Extensive wind damage occurred along the Lake Michigan lakeshore, starting near Pentwater and Silver Lake in Oceana County, and spreading south-southeast through Muskegon County, where Whitehall and Muskegon were particularly hard-

hit by winds measured between 60 and 70 mph, estimated in some spots to be over 80 mph. Some hail ranging from dime to quarter size was reported as well, but the main impacts came from wind damage to trees and powerlines that then resulted in power outages affecting many thousands.”

“We had a heck of a storm,” said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. “There were strong pockets of damage across the county, with many roads closed due to downed trees and power lines. Many crews came from out of the area to help restore power. We had some calls here at the sheriff’s office from seasonal residents in the Silver Lake area who were without water and

Suspect in custody after police standoff in Shelby

According to Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast, at a little after 2 a.m. Monday, July 1, a Hart man came into the emergency room at Trinity Health Shelby Hospital after his throat had been slashed. Oceana County Sheriff’s Department Deputies responded to the hospital, where the victim reported that they had picked up a hitchhiker and that person had slashed them, and that information went out over the radio.

Upon further questioning of the victim, Mast said, deputies learned that “there was never any hitchhiker” and that the victim was at “their friend’s house.”

“This report of a hitchhiker did us no favors,” Mast said, as it prompted an area search by law enforcement. “We worked through that, though, and found out what the true story was.”

The suspect in the case is a 24-year-old Shelby man, Logan Duvall. The incident occurred at Duvall’s mother’s home near Fourth and Maple Streets in downtown Shelby. “He had his throat slashed from behind,” Mast said. “And then there was a short struggle, and the victim was able to flee the house.”

Once the victim told law enforcement who and where the suspect was, Mast said that suspect was very familiar to them and is very distinctive. “As soon as we got to the home, we could hear that there was a disturbance. This was almost 5 in the morning,” Mast explained. “The suspect came running out armed with edged weapons and said he was not going to jail, and then he ran back in the house. So we contained him within the house and tried to negotiate. Negotiations were not going well, so we gave him some gentle encouragement, and then all of the occupants came out of the home. The suspect was arrested on the attempted murder charge, and his brother was also arrested for obstructing (regarding the standoff).”

According to an email from Mast that was sent out Tuesday afternoon, “Duvall...was arrested yesterday morning in Shelby for attempted murder. His bond has been set at $1,000,000 cash. He remains lodged in the Oceana County Jail.”

Mast added that law enforcement contacted nearby Shelby State Bank during the incident, “because of the proximity and the threat” and told SSB management that it would be best if they did not open up right away. He added that law enforcement was also in full contact with the school the entire time. “Because of the hour of the day, because it was early enough, we didn’t feel that we needed to expand that,” Mast said. By 8 a.m., Mast said the suspect was in handcuffs and on his way to jail.

Duvall is currently a suspect and has not been convicted of anything to do with this incident at this time.

The victim has been treated and released from the hospital, Mast said, adding that medical personnel indicated that if the cut had been any deeper, the attack would have been fatal.

Mast also said the sheriff’s office was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby Police Department, Shelby-Benona Fire Department, and Life EMS.

A much smaller crowd than normal, due to inclement weather, was treated to a spectacular show over Hart Lake Tuesday, July 2. Children and families were dancing to the music played at Hart Commons, and enjoying sweet treats as the sun went down behind a cloudy sky. Thankfully, the rain stopped for the fireworks display.

Amanda Dodge/Echo

2 Pentwater nonprofits team up to support the arts

Skilled, civic-minded members of the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center (PALC) are often quick to step in when they see an opportunity to advance a community project. A recent example is the relocation of the “Water Maiden” sculpture from its temporary location on Second Street. The piece earned the “People’s Choice Award” in the Pentwater Arts Council’s (PAC) 2023 Sculpture Walk.

After the Arts Council purchased “Water Maiden” from artist Robert L. Barnum of Mecosta, Mich., the club generously donated it to the Village of Pentwater. But a dilemma presented itself: how to pay for pouring a concrete base at the new location along the Channel in Bridge Park, fabricating a sturdy pedestal to attach the sculpture to the base, and relocating and installing the piece?

That’s when Pentwater residents and PALC members Harry Brodbeck (20 years) and Darryl Massa (nine years) volunteered to lead the job, assisted by several other PALC members at times. Said Massa, “it took a total of about 50 man hours over 10 days to complete the job.” Added Brodbeck, “The base and pedestal were designed so that boaters can clearly see

the sculpture from the water. And it’s accessible to pedestrians from the end of Bridge Street.”

A bystander who watched the sculpture being installed on June 24 said, “This is the perfect location; it looks like the artist sculpted it with this exact spot in mind!”

“The Arts Council is in our third year of a three-year Public Arts Sculpture project,” PAC Co-President Judy Pazol said. “Residents and visitors have the opportunity to view a set of unique sculptures located within the Village of Pentwater, learn

about each artist’s view of their art piece, and vote for their favorite sculpture.’’

Each work is also available for purchase.  Four displayed in the first or second years were bought by generous donors and donated to the people of Pentwater. Five new sculptures have now been placed around the village until May 31, 2025, and each is available for purchase for either personal or donation purposes.

PALC board member Sue Hopp had this to say: “The Artisan Center fits Pentwater perfectly. Our members

are there for the needs of others, like the Arts Council! Caring and sharing was always Barb and Gene Davidson’s way when they founded the PALC more than 20 years ago.”

PALC volunteers Barry Freed and Jim Crumm have also helped support this PAC project by constructing and installing frames for place marker signs at each sculpture display location.

For more information about the Artisan Center, check out https://pentwaterartisan.org/. Currently,

it has reached 70 percent of its $250,000 fundraising goal. Contributions can conveniently be made at www. oceana-foundation.org > Give > Our Funds. Then, search for “Equipping the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center for the Next 20 Years Fund.”

For more information about the PAC or the sculptures, go to pentwaterartscouncil.org. Any piece now on display can be purchased by contacting Judy Pazol at jppazol@aol. com.

Each nonprofit also has a Facebook page.

Water Maiden on display in front of Pentwater Place on Second Street in 2023, above left. This is where the sculpture was temporarily located during the Pentwater Arts Council’s 2023 Sculpture Walk. The sculpture, above second from left, is carried on a Kubota by Harry Brodbeck to its new location on Pentwater Channel. Brodbeck and Darryl Massa align the connection points, above second from right. Massa, Brodbeck and Pentwater Arts Council Co-President Janet Nelson, above right, admire Water Maiden at its new location in Pentwater’s Bridge Park, at the entrance to the Channel.

Contributed Photos

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

Various tidbits from Oceana history

By Caleb Jackson

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Page’s History of Oceana is, much like its successor, penned by Hartwick and Tuller, full of interesting information pertaining to the early days of our county. Some of the tidbits, however, are a bit too short to dedicate to their own article, and yet I know they will be of interest to many of the readers. I thought I might collect a few of them here. In particular, there is a section where Page seems to have interviewed a few of the early pioneers still yet living in the early 1880s and gives “some of the early history in the language of the pioneers themselves,” and so it is from this section that I will be pulling a lot of my information.

William J. Haughey, whose biography we covered a few weeks back, claims that the Claybanks “were old Indian clearings, where they used to plant corn, and had a grave-yard on J. Hanson’s place.” He describes the graves by saying they “were covered with bark, with a sheet hung up inside, and tobacco, pipes, cranberries and other things placed at the head for the use of the dead.” He tells us that fishing was done in the fall by using seines, and that sometimes as many as 100 half-barrels of fish were taken at a time. Apparently, in the early days, the pioneers did not receive jail time for stealing pine. According to Haughey, “if they had, there would have been few settlers left.” Having said that, though, a U.S. Marshal did come to Oceana in the spring of 1853 and had what was described as a “rich haul.” Apparently only one settler, by the last name of Farrell, heard of his coming in time and went to the land office to secure a deed for his land, there-

by “saving his stuff.” The rest of the pioneers had their lumber seized, “leaving the inhabitants so poor that they were glad to load vessels at twelve and a half cents per hour.”

Another interesting bit details the growing county’s need for a jail:

As there was now a county and townships, there was a need for a graveyard and jail,—the latter first, as a Mr. Green had been shot. Two men had been stopping at Green’s house, and the next day he was found dead in the woods, with a bullet hole through him. The wife and two men were arrested and kept at L. D. Eaton’s house, as he was sheriff, but they were discharged. C. A. Rosevelt wanted a jail, and so one was built at Whisky Creek, and as there were no prisoners, Andrew Rector was sent up by Squire Dexter for ninety-nine years, for shooting a hog.

Speaking of Whisky Creek, we are given a bit more detailed story on how it was given its name. One of the early settlers was a man named George Stewart, who “lived in a house in the hollow, with a small creek running under it.” Apparently, Stewart opened up a kind of restaurant and sold, among other things, whisky. “In the fall of the year, he laid in a stock of one barrel, and in the course of the winter, he sold out five barrels and had two barrels left in the spring, and as the people were foolish enough to suppose the creek had something to do with it, it got the name Whisky Creek.” If the creek really had been the source of all this whisky, I am sure it would be a much more profitable creek today.

One John D. Brookshes lamented his decision not to buy land from Cobb and Rector of Pentwater. They offered to sell him “twenty-five acres where the village of Pentwa-

ter now stands, for one dollar an acre….” Unfortunately, he “could not see the value in their stripped pine land” and so he bought forty acres in Hart instead.

There was a man by the name of Medard Leraux who arrived in Pentwater in May 1855. He commenced to help Charles Mears’ mill in that same year. According to him, the old channel from Pentwater Lake into Lake Michigan was so shallow that he and his wife would frequently cross it barefoot on their way to the beach. This shallow channel was very promptly blocked by Charles Mears, and he carved a new channel, which was later widened and deepened, giving us the channel we have today.

Ongoing

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

Mondays & Fridays - “Chalk Talk” at Shelby Area District Library (June, July and August), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

M-F: Feeding America’s Gather 2 Grow summer meal program, Hart Area District Library, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Ladder Community Center:

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

Saturdays: Celebrate worship gathering, 6:30 p.m.

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

Retirement Open House - July 12 from 4-6 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m.

St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave. in Hart

Second & fourth Fridays, doors open at 4 p.m.

Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club - Feeding America West Michigan mobile food pantry, third Tuesday of the month, Pentwater Fire Department, 11 a.m.

Preschool Story Hour, HAPL, Fridays at 11 a.m.

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), Hart Wesleyan Church, Tuesdays at 5 p.m.

Mondays and Thursdays through Sept. 2, Pentwater Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Second and Fourth Tuesdays, June 11 through Sept. 25, New Era Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m.

In the Forest Camp set for July 8-11 in Hart

Base Camp and the surrounding woods of Doolittle County Park provide the ideal setting for explorations of forest flora and fauna. Highlights of Forest Camp include an introduction to wildcraft skills such as shelter building and fire starting, nature crafts and exciting Chill Out games and activities.

PLA announces July Board Meeting

The Pentwater Lake Association board of directors will meet Monday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Centenary Methodist Church at 82 N. Hancock St., Pentwater.

The public is invited to attend - enter on the Hancock Street Hall entrance.

Membership in the Pentwater Lake Association is open to all individuals interested in the lake, its natural resources and water quality. Members do not have to own lake property in order to join the non-profit organization.

More details and past meeting minutes are available on the Pentwater Lake Association website at www.pentwaterlakeassociation.com.

SOS: Oceana Cemetery walk of 1996 at The Ladder

The community is invited to The Ladder Community Center in Shelby Tuesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. for Share Our Stories (SOS). Featured will be the Oceana Cemetery walk of 1996, which took place in Mears and Round Lake cemeteries. Pictures will be shown, along with Betty Phillips’ book “Cemetery Potpourri.” Everyone is welcome to join and share memories, photos and other momentos.

Open House to honor local retirees

The Ladder Community Center in Shelby will host an Open House Friday, July 12 from 4-6 p.m. to honor individuals who have faithfully served the community. Appetizers and refreshments will be offered to show appreciation and thank the following people for their commitment to serving Shelby and Oceana County: Marilyn Glover (Shelby Township), Sandy Griffin (Oceana County Road Commission), Bob Beckman (Beckman Brothers), Pete Roskam (Gales Agency), Dan Roberts (Shelby Public Schools), Rhonda Zaverl Golden (Oceana County Medical Facility, Carol Waller (Shelby Public Schools), Scott Poort (Shelby Public Schools), Lisa Pranger (Helena Agri Enterprises) and Sharon Sponhauer (Shelby Public Schools). After years of hard work, headaches and dedication to area residents, these individuals have decided to retire. The event is sponsored by Shelby Rotary Club, Shelby Chamber of Commerce, Shelby Public Schools and The Ladder Community Center.

Taco Dinner at St Gregory Catholic Church

St. Gregory-Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church will put on a Taco Dinner Sunday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A free will offering of $10 is suggested with all proceeds going to benefit the building fund. Take out meals are available.

July Echo

July 5 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins, Hesperia Community Library, all day

July 5 - Story Time, Hesperia Community Library, 10-11 a.m.

July 5 - Tween Night, Hesperia Community Library, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

July 6 - Walkerville Pioneer House Museum Open, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

July 6 - Country Dairy Super Social, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

July 7 - Stony Lake Sparkler Run, 8 a.m. to noon

July 8 - Little Sable Point Beach Clean-up, 9 a.m.

July 8 - Starlab Planetarium, Pentwater Township Library, 10-11 a.m.

July 8 - “Squishmallow Party,” SADL, 3 p.m. (Registration required)

July 8 - “Stuffed Animal Campout,” Hart Area District Library, 6 p.m.

July 8 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 14), Hesperia Community Library, all day

July 8-11 - Agriscience Camp, West Michigan Research Station

July 8-12 - Scuba Adventures VBS, Trinity Lutheran Church, 5:307:30 p.m. Grades K-3, meal included.

July 9 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 15), Hesperia Community Library, all day

July 9 - Tech Hour, Hesperia Community Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

July 9 - Family Night, Hesperia Community Library, 6-7 p.m.

July 10 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 16), Hesperia Community Library, all day

July 11 - “Identify Animal Tracks,” SADL, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 11 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 17), Hesperia Community Library, all day

July 11 - Shelby Chamber of Commerce meeting, SADL, 4 p.m.

July 11 - Oceana County Probate Judge Candidate Forum, West Michigan Research Station, 6:30-8 p.m.

July 11 - Tween Night, Hesperia Community Library, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

July 11 - Thursdays on Main “The Hackwells” concert, Downtown Hart, 7 p.m.

July 12 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 18), Hesperia Community Library, all day

July 12 - Story Time, Hesperia Community Library, 10-11 a.m.

July 12 - “Silverado” concert, Hart Historic District, 7 p.m.

July 13 - Newman Community Church NC3 Community Carnival, 4075 S. 132nd Ave., Hesperia, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 14 - 73rd Annual St. Joseph Catholic Church Ox Roast, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

59th Annual Pentwater Juried Arts & Crafts Fair

Pentwater Jr. Women’s club announced its 59th Annual Pentwater Juried Art & Crafts Fair, Saturday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Pentwater. This juried art fair features all original work of the artist’s own creation, including painting, ceramics, jewlery, photography, weaving, clothing, sculpture and other media. Always a highlight of the summer activities, with the scenic backdrop of the Pentwater Harbor, the fair gets rave reviews from both artists and visitors alike.

“This will be our 59th Fine Arts Fair. It would have been our 60th however we didn’t hold one during 2020,” Barb Curtis said.

The Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club is excited to be back this year and welcomes visitors to shop the unique variety of art.

Admission to the art fair is free. Refreshments are available on the Village Green, provided by the Pentwater Service Club Duncan Wagon, along with several unique restuarants and bars within walking distance.

“This is a very popular art fair and this year we’ll have between 75-80 vendors. We only take high quality fine arts and crafts and the artists themselves must be there.”

O bituaries

Donald Wayne Taylor February 25, 1946 ~ June 26, 2024

Donald Wayne Taylor, 78, of Hart, passed away Wednes day, June 26, 2024. He was born Feb. 25, 1946, in Hart, the son of Earl and Beverly (Manke) Taylor.

Don was a passionate outdoorsman with a love of hunting, fishing, and camping. He spent many hours afield, sharing his love and knowledge with his children and friends. He also loved gardening and Native American history. He would spend hours searching for arrowheads and loved attending pow-wows. Another passion was his Irish drum (bodrun), playing and singing at The Ladder on Friday mornings. He also enjoyed woodworking and family time, especially the big Thanksgiving family dinners.  Don spent his entire life in the Hart area, continuing to support local athletes by attending many high school sporting events.

Don is survived by: his wife of 59 years, Marsha; children, Lorie Taylor, Donald II (Leilani) Taylor, Chad (Janet) Taylor, Cody Taylor and Seth (Heidi) Taylor; grandchildren, Remington Taylor, Elyse Taylor, Selem Dan Lake, Melodie Maile, Evan Lake, Kaden Taylor, Kamryn Taylor, Josephine Taylor and Cecily Taylor; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Earl and Beverly Taylor. A celebration of Don’s life will take place at a later date.

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

Obituary Information:

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

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

1820 Ray Ave. 231-861-5554

Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. John Medendorp www.neweracrc.org

Growing in Relationship with God, with Each Other, and with Our Community.

Timothy ‘Tim’ Allen Tate

September 15, 1967 ~ June 28, 2024

Timothy “Tim” Allen Tate, 56, of Hart, passed away on June 28, 2024, in Norton Shores at the Poppen Hos pice Residence. He was born Sept. 15, 1967, to Jack and Regina (Aerts) Tate, the firstborn of their two sons.

Tim graduated from Hart High School in 1985 and fondly remembered his year at Michigan State University, where he primarily took agricultural courses.

His passion for farming lead him to work for many years for the Ralph and Ken Oomen Farms. Tim then returned home to farm with his dad and brother. He was often thought of as a very good “field man,”  but he didn’t care much for the paperwork!

Tim’s life struggles here on earth are now over. He and Grandpa Frank can now enjoy talking about farming and fishing for as long as they please, without any of the pain or suffering that they both endured. Tim was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling with family and friends.

Tim is survived by: his mother, Regina Tate; his brother, Gary (Kimber) Tate; his nephew, Jaxon Tate; and his niece, Lindsey (Charles) Richardson, along with their three daughters. He also leaves behind several aunts and uncles who will miss him dearly.

Tim was preceded in death by: his father, Jack Tate; and his grandparents, Don and Alice Tate and Frank and Theresa Aerts.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, July 5, 2024 (the day in 1987 that his Grandpa Frank passed away) at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2380 W. Jackson Rd., Hart, MI 49420, with Father Phillip Silwinski presiding. Visitation will take place Friday, from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Interment will be in Elbridge Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box 451, Hart, MI 49420, or to Harbor Hospice, 907 S. State St. #102, Hart, MI 49420.

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

www.beaconfh.com

St. Peter’s-By-The-Lake Episcopal Church 8435 Old Channel Trail, Montague 616-894-0172

SUNDAY EUCHARIST – 10:00 am stpetersmontague@gmail.com stpetersbythelake.weebly.com Reclaim the Promise!

S. Wythe St. in Pentwater (231) 869-7351

Us For Worship

at 10 a.m. joinus@stjamesepiscopalpentwater.org

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church (LC-MS)

7410 W. Johnson Rd. Shelby, MI 49455 231-861-2952

Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. Summer Outdoor Service Everyone Welcome

8786 N. Business US-31

Pentwater Service Club volunteers at Pentwater Cemetery

By AnnaMae Bush The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

In April, the Pentwater Service Club (PSC) invited local groups to submit ideas to be supported by undesignated funds the PSC had available. Although far more ideas were received than the club could fund, they decided to provide an additional scholarship and to pay for two benches for the Pentwater Township Cemetery. The township purchased four more benches. On Friday, June 7, several PSC members met at the cemetery to assemble all six benches. The benches will be scattered in various places around the cemetery to enable visitors to enjoy a quiet space for reflection.

Volunteers included Lynn Cavazos, Pete Bush, John Faas, Mark Trierweiler, Steve Russell, Lee Hammontree and Township Trustee Dean Holub.  Pentwater Township Cemetery, itself, has an intriguing history. It was founded in November 1860, when local resident Jacob Brillhart’s young son died. Brillhart purchased a block of land for a cemetery outside the village limits at the time and later deeded the land to the town. His son, Willie, was the first burial at the cemetery, which existed in the space currently occupied by the Pentwater Historical Museum.

This location served as the Township Cemetery until 1870, when 40 acres of land were purchased for $5 per acre from the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad for a new cemetery. In the fall of that year,

use of the original cemetery was discontinued, and over the next nine years, many of the remains were moved to the present cemetery site.

In December 1879, E.H. Hutson was contracted to move the last 70 bodies to the new cemetery. At some unknown time, the eastern portion of the original 40-acre parcel was sold. The present cemetery contains some 20 acres of land.

In the 1990s, four new blocks were developed, and a columbarium containing 48 niches was added as well as a maintenance building. Other upgrades included improvements to the entrance and the installation of irrigation systems in selected blocks.

In 2012, six additional blocks with underground irrigation were developed, adding over 600 new sites to the cemetery. Three blocks were specifically dedicated to the burial of cremains, and the columbarium was expanded to include an additional 96 niches. A Scatter Garden was made available for families who might prefer scattering ashes in a natural setting instead of confining them to space in a columbarium.

Currently, 2,687 people are buried in the cemetery.

Thank you to Township Clerk Maureen Murphy who provided facts from historical documents.

Our Mkt building is open as available

We feature homemade jam, pie filling, honey, maple syrup and craft items

Small potatoes and garlic available Zucchini coming soon

Self-serve open 24/7 for fresh produce

Located 1/2 mile E. of Crystal Valley on Madison Rd.

Please call to confirm product or to place orders (231) 873-4844 • Jill Whitaker

Outdoor Summer Art Show set for July 7 in Stony Lake

By Tom Rademacher The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Not so fast!

Just because you’re through running or walking or watching the Stony Lake Sparkler road race this coming July 7 doesn’t mean you have to head home right away.

Instead, mosey a half-mile up the road to the Stony Lake Depot that same Sunday, and take in the first annual Outdoor Summer Art Show sponsored by the Lake Effect Artists Collective.

Nearly two dozen artists hailing from Oceana County and as far away as Grand Rapids and Charlevoix will be showing and selling their wares at booths adjacent to the Depot, which is located at 4189 Scenic Drive, just north of the Sparkler starting line at the Stony Lake Inn, 4722 Scenic.

The Sparkler debuts at 8 a.m., and the art show will run from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“Our goal is to support artists from all over the lakeshore and beyond, and give them an affordable way to showcase their creations,” says Jan Jones, an artist helping to organize the event. “We’re hoping that by piggybacking on the Sparkler, we can draw more people to support and patronize artists and their art.”

According to Jones, the show will feature a variety of artists – painters, photographers, potters, metalworkers and those who make everything from jewelry to graphic art. “We’re trying to bring more art to this area, and the collection of artists we will have there is designed to appeal to a wide swath of people seeking something special.”For more information, text Jones at (616) 466-3699 or e-mail her at lakeeffectartistscollective@gmail. com

Handpicked Black Sweet Cherries, Light Sweet Cherries, Tart Cherries & Apricots! West Michigan Blueberries! Locally frozen Blueberries, Tart Cherries, & Our Honeyberries! Country Dairy Ice Cream, Cheese, Moochies, & Chocolate Milk Pints. Locally handmade Pies & Strudels! Local & Michigan-made Snacks, Grilling Sauces, Salsas, Pickles, Raw Honey, Maple Syrup, & Jams! Vidalia Onion® Salad Dressings, Relishes, & more!

Accepting Senior Market Fresh, credit cards & cash. Use EBT, get Double Up Food Bucks Tokens for fresh fruits & veggies! Open 8-6 Monday - Saturday

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE,

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

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• On July 15, 1838, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered the Divinity School Address at Harvard Divinity School, which was met with a negative outburst by many Unitarian theologians who considered his ideas radical and an attack on their faith.

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257

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20240701

NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20240701 FOR RELEASE JULY 1, 2024

By JoAnn Derson

• On July 16, 1979, Saddam Hussein became president of Iraq. His 24-year rule was marked by costly and unsuccessful wars with neighboring countries and brutal atrocities against his own people.

FOR RELEASE JULY 1, 2024

By Lucie Winborne

• On July 17, 1918, the ocean liner Carpathia, which had rescued the survivors of the doomed Titanic six years earlier, was sunk by three torpedoes from a German U-boat during World War I. Five people died, but the rest were picked up by the HMS Snowdrop.

• On July 18, 2013, the city of Detroit, Michigan, became the largest municipal entity in the United States to declare bankruptcy, with up to $20 billion in debt. The decision was made by Kevyn Orr, an emergency manager appointed by then-Governor Rick Snyder, and the filing revealed that the city’s largest creditors were its pensioners.

• On July 19, 1961, TWA became the first airline to begin showing regularly scheduled in-flight movies with the presentation of “By Love Possessed,” starring Lana Turner, to first-class passengers on a flight from New York to Los Angeles.

• On July 20, 2011, basketball player Yao Ming, one of China’s most popular athletes, announced his retirement from the NBA. Ming, who stood at over 7 feet tall, played with the Houston Rockets and had broken his foot the previous year. He had also missed a number of games in the last six seasons due to foot and ankle injuries.

• On July 21, 1987, Enzo Ferrari unveiled the Ferrari F40 at the factory in Maranello, Italy, to celebrate four decades of Ferrari production, telling assembled journalists that he had “expressed my wish to the engineers — build a car to be the best in the world. And now the car is here.” At the time, the F40 was the fastest road vehicle ever built, with a top speed of 201mph.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

• Fireworks can be a lot of fun for the kids, especially sparklers. To keep it safe, use a water bucket for spent sparklers. Another idea is to have an adult stationed at the bucket. The children must “turn in” a used sparkler to get a new one. The kids love to hear the sizzle, their feet won’t get burned on hot sparklers underfoot, and there will be no stray sparklers in the grass hidden for later. (Thanks, J.C.!)

• Keep in your living room or family room a globe or world map and a dictionary. This way, you can look up the meaning or spelling of a word if you hear it on television, and you’ll be able to reference the map for places mentioned. I consult mine often.

• “I use the large pails of kitty litter. They have a lid that can be removed completely but also has a pour spout. I save my empties to collect rainwater. I remove the lid and set them out to catch water when it rains, then put the lid on so that the water does not attract mosquitoes. I use it to water my flowers between storms.” — via email

• “Purchase a variety of wood frames from secondhand stores or tag sales, and paint them all one color. It makes a statement when you hang them all close together on a wall. We created a nice large display this way, and it was very inexpensive to do.” — E.M. in Arizona

• Create your own charging station: Find a wooden box large enough to hold a multistrip power connection and pretty enough to sit on the counter. Drill one hole in the side to fit the plug. In the top of the box, create holes through which you can fit your electronics connectors (cellphones, iPad, camera, etc.). All the cords will be stored in the box, out of sight.

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

By Lucie Winborne

• In October 1969, in a forest in the Palloneva region of Finland, farmer Heino Seppi split an aspen log and discovered its middle was rotten, forming a hollow that contained a dry fish around 1.3 feet long. No one knows how the fish got there.

• Christopher Columbus’ first transatlantic voyage traveled at a rate of around 2.8 miles per hour.

• Several of Aristotle’s writings have survived thanks to the men of a Roman army who invaded Asia Minor around 80 B.C., found a number of his manuscripts in a pit, and took the papers to their general, Sulla. It turned out that no other copies of many of them existed, and Sulla had them taken to Rome and recopied.

• Queen Berengaria of England, the wife of Richard the Lionheart, was the only English queen who never actually set foot on English soil.

• The Eiffel Tower in Paris, the City of Light’s best-known monument, was saved from demolition in 1909 only because there was an antenna of great importance to French radio telegraphy mounted at the top of it.

• Allergy sufferers will not be surprised (nor like) to hear that pollen is one of the few natural substances that does not deteriorate.

• British Rail’s engineering division applied for and received a patent for a flying saucer capable of carrying 22 passengers in 1972, but apparently lost faith in the feasibility of the project just four years later, and allowed the patent to lapse.

• Although “Shoeless Joe” Jackson was barred from baseball’s Hall of Fame for his alleged role in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal (he pleaded innocent), his spiked, black leather shoes can still be found there.

***

Thought for the Day: “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” — Muhammad Ali © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Community spirit

we were able to deliver some water to them. Our fire departments, road commission and local DPWs are to be commended; they worked long and hard cleaning up roads after.”

According to Pentwater Village Interim Village Manager Steve Brock, it took two to three days for power to be completely restored in Pentwater. “There were some isolated areas that took more time, and we appreciate everyone’s patience,” Brock said. “As people continue to clean up, the transfer station is staying open through the Fourth so people can bring their brush.”

“When I woke up at 3 a.m. (Tuesday) nothing was going on, but then I woke back up at 3:30 to hail hitting my windows from the south,” said Golden Township Supervisor Rob Draper. “We didn’t have any damage where we live, but we were without power for about 12 and a half hours. The real damage was from about the state park to Mac Woods. It took all of last week to clean up.”

“The storm was highly concentrated,” Great Lakes Energy Communications and Marketing Director Brent Streby reported. “We mobilized all of our crews and responded as soon as possible. Crews traveled from across our service territory to respond safely and efficiently to over 17,700 GLE members in Mason, Oceana and Muskegon Counties. The majority of those customers were located in Oceana County,” Streby said. “It was all hands-on deck and an impressive feat, to turn over service that quickly for our members who have come to expect it.” (Great Lakes Energy serves rural electrical customers from as far north as the Mackinaw Bridge to as far south as Wayland and all areas in between toward Lake Michigan.)

“I really feel for the citizens who suffered property damage and lost power; about half of the village was without power,” Shelby Village President Paul Inglis said. “I had a meeting in Hart Tuesday morning, and it took me a half hour to get to it. There was a huge maple across State Street in Shelby and numerous streets blocked in Shelby and Hart. I want to commend the Shelby DPW who did a yeoman’s job responding to the storm by removing brush and clearing streets. I don’t know how many hours they spent, but it was a super effort, especially since we have been down one employee for several months. And instead of complaining on social media, people were overwhelmingly concerned about their neighbors.”

Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli recognized many in the Shelby area, saying, “Shelby Township would like to commend the Oceana County Road Commission and Shelby Village DPW for developing a plan and executing flawlessly. We woke up to several road closures and went to bed with most of the roads open. We cannot forget Great Lakes Energy and Consumers, whose teams worked tirelessly to restore power. Finally…the local residents and businesses who took it upon themselves to clear roads and support the cleanup efforts. Events like this bring out the best in our community spirit, and our small community rose to the occasion.”

“Our DPW spent two full days cleaning up the town,” Hart City Manager Rob Splane said. “We only had one or two really big trees that blocked streets. Everything else was a lot of small brush, more than any storm in the past three years. Hart Energy does a lot of preventative tree maintenance, and all that trimming really saved us. DPW employees got their first call at 4:30 a.m. and within minutes were out in the storm. By 4 p.m., all city electrical services were restored and trees removed from our customers’ property.” Splane also shared that once city property is taken care of,

off-duty crew members are welcome to take a personal day and help with other local clean-up efforts. “We had our on-call crew remain in town while another crew went to the Montague-Whitehall area and worked for a couple of days with Great Lakes Energy. It’s something we actually do regularly. All employee and equipment costs are covered by the entity requesting assistance. It’s a feel-good opportunity, for sure. It never fails to impress me reading the Facebook posts after these types of events. People were letting others know they had electricity or freezer space if anyone needed it. That’s what makes it so great to live here.”

When asked how the county prepares for and executes recovery from emergency situations, Oceana Emergency Management Director Troy Maloney said, “It (the emergency) isn’t as overwhelming as you might think, emergencies happen more often than not. It’s all the calls that come in that really tax our local volunteers. It also affects our local businesses who lose their employees during that time.”

Maloney reported that over 500 calls were received within two hours at the 911 center during and following the storm. Hart Fire Department, which covers Hart and Golden Townships received the most calls in the county, with 38. “They usually receive one to two calls within a 24-hour period,” said Maloney. “Shelby received 28, Grant received 18; both would typically only receive one call every 24 hours. They were all busy!”

Probably the biggest takeaway from Maloney’s viewpoint was how these types of events affect the county’s local emergency systems. “Our systems are designed to handle 26,000 residents’ emergency needs on a regular day. They aren’t designed to handle the increase in calls with the current number of volunteers. We’re reaching a point in the county where some decisions are going to need to be made. The calls are going up, but the volunteerism is going down.”

As county emergency management director, Maloney says he is responsible for collaborating and coordinating all county systems so they’re “singing the same song.” “The plans worked well, and all handled it well. Everyone (including area utility companies and the road commission) did a great job of keeping people safe, identifying priorities and keeping things flowing, I’m proud of all of them,” he said.

Postscript: Great Lakes Energy Members are encouraged to enroll in outage notifications to stay informed throughout power outages and restoration processes. They can elect to receive updates by text or email by managing service notifications through their online account. Instructions for setting up outage notifications can be found at www.gtlakes.com/opt-in/.

This is Luna May, a spunky 2-year-old Husky/Lab mix with a zest for life and a heart full of love. Her name might sound fancy, but she is as down-toearth as they come. She combines the playful spirit of a Husky with the gentle nature of a Labrador. No messes here, as Luna May has her bathroom etiquette down pat. Your carpets and floors are safe with her around.

Luna May is a social butterfly. Whether it’s a fellow canine, a human of any age, or the mailman, she greets everyone with a wagging tail and a friendly bark.

Got kids? Awesome! Luna May is gentle and patient with the little ones, and she will gladly play dress-up, participate in tea parties, or be the trusty sidekick in any backyard adventure.

Luna May is looking for fun-loving home where she can be part of the action. Whether it’s an active family, a single person looking for a loyal companion, or a couple ready to add a furry friend to their life, Luna promises to bring joy, laughter, and endless wagging tails into their world.

Tails of Hope Meet

Luna May

Luna May 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.

AUCTION

Saturday, July 13, 2024 @ 10AM

Located: 4166 E Beyer Rd Fountain, MI 49410

Directions: From Fountain, MI head north on N Foster St, turn left onto fountain Rd head west follow for 1.1 miles, then turn right onto E Beyer Rd follow .2 miles, sale site will be on the left to sale site. Watch for signs.

Beyer Auction has been commissioned to sell the following personal property at public auction. Fountain Mi Historic/ collectible papers, ration stamps, 2005 f150 4x4 w/108k miles 2002 Chrysler van w/249k miles, quad runner 250, (Farmall H with plow non-running), rototillers, huskee supreme LT mower, 6 rolls of barb wire, 1256 Husky garden tractor w/Wisconsin motor, Spain muzzleloader matching rifle and pistol, 20 gauge single shot Winchester automatic, model 56 12 gauge Remington, 5 mm Stevens 22 long, short rifle Mossberg 22, Remington 22 long pistol, craftsman 3hp rolling air compressor, 100 psi pancake compressor, #4 vice, tool boxes, wood

SSB announces multiple promotions

Shelby State Bank has announced several promotions of bank staff throughout its West Michigan market area.

Janis Vanderputte adds the title of Senior Vice President to her title as Compliance Officer and Information Security Officer. She has been with Shelby State Bank since 2016 and was instrumental in the technology upgrades earlier this year.

Keely Moon was promoted to Vice President and Branch Administrator, upon the retirement of Sharon Blankenship. Keely started with Shelby State Bank as part of the initial staff in our Ludington Branch in 2008 and has held various positions during her time. As Branch Administrator, Moon will supervise and oversee all activities of the branch offices to ensure efficient and effective operations.

Michele Amstutz, Assistant Vice President and Branch Officer for our Shelby office, has added the title of Retail Trainer. Starting with Shelby in 2017 as Special Projects Coordinator and then Branch Officer, this experience will be beneficial with her added role of Retail Trainer.

Amanda Dahl, Assistant Vice President and Branch Officer for our Whitehall office, has added the title of Retail Sales Specialist. She has managed the Whitehall office since joining the bank in 2021, and along with her branch responsibilities, will focus on enhancing our customer relationships and employee experiences.

Joanne Stoneburner was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Branch Officer of the bank’s North Muskegon branch. Joanne has held various positions at the branch level since she started with Shelby State Bank in 2017. In addition to her branch responsibilities, she is also a Mortgage Loan Officer for our Muskegon County market.

Amanda Adams was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Branch Officer. Amanda joined the bank in 2008 as a teller, and has held various positions in the branch and now manages both the Hart and Pentwater offices.

Miriam Zuniga-Reyna was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Consumer Loan Officer. She was hired as a teller in 2016 and has held various positions both in the branch as well as lending areas. Her well-rounded background in banking serves well in her current position.

Kelly O’Neill was promoted to ACH Process Manager and Electronic Services Officer. She was hired in 2000 and has held various positions, from retail to operations. She also was instrumental and an integral part in the success of our recent technology upgrades.

Vicki Stoneman was promoted to Commercial Loan Operations Officer. She was hired in 2000 as a teller and quickly transitioned to the loan department, working closely with our commercial lenders and commercial customers. With her last promotion in 2020, she oversees our commercial processing area.

Carrie Genson was promoted to Loan Operations Officer. Hired in 2017 as an experienced loan assistant, Genson has many years of loan operations experience. She has also assisted in our compliance area. Her primary role is oversight of our Mortgage and Consumer processing areas.

“I would like to congratulate each of these individuals and wish them continued success,” said Mishelle Comstock, President and CEO. “These promotions reflect our commitment to excellence and recognize their dedication, commitment and the many contributions to our organization, striving to success for both our customers and fellow employees.”

New hires at Shelby State Bank

Shelby State Bank has announced several new staff members to its branches and leadership team.

Megan Samuels has been hired as Branch Officer in Ludington. Samuels has been in banking since 2018, with diverse business relationships in Oceana and Mason Counties. Born and raised in Hesperia, she attended Central Michigan University and is pursuing additional education. She is Director of the Western Michigan Fair Association and lives in Scottville with her spouse and three children.

Jeremy Swartz has joined the bank as Branch Manager of the Manistee office. Swartz has an extensive mortgage lending background and is a proven relationship builder. He graduated from Ferris State University, where he played football, and now resides in Manistee with his wife and one daughter.

Paul Williams has been hired as Chief Financial Officer for Shelby State Bank. Williams brings over 30 years of experience in financial management and accounting, and a deep familiarity with community banking. He is strongly committed to community engagement and development. He resides in Ludington with his wife.

Shelby State Bank was established in 1931 and has grown to operate ten branches in western Michigan, stretching from Fruitport to Manistee. Each branch offers a wide variety of consumer and business banking services. For more information about Shelby State Bank, call (231) 8612123 or visit www.shelbybank.com.

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RECENT HESPERIA GRADUATE INJURED IN ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING

One Shot Wonders

A recap of the best hole-in-one action on courses in Oceana County

Benona Shores

• June 20 - Brenda Mahoney on No. 6 from 103 yards out with a 6 hybrid.

Oceana Golf Club

• June 28 - Jeff Beckman on No. 9 from 244 yards out with a driver.

• Contributed

Last week’s strong winds produced plenty of storm damage around Oceana County. Oceana Golf Club was not immune either as downed trees and branches forced the course to close while clean up efforts unfolded. • Contributed Photos

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Brock Bolles – a Hesperia graduate in the class of 2024 –always put up a fight whether it was on the wrestling mat or the football field. Now, Bolles is facing a different type of fight as the 18-year-old faces a long road to recovery following an accidental shooting.

On Monday, June 24, at approximately 9:24 p.m., the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported shooting at the 8000 block of E. Filmore Rd. Several shots were heard before a call for help was made to 911.

Bolles was found at the scene with a gunshot wound to his abdomen and, after receiving initial treatment from Life EMS and Walkerville Fire & Rescue, he was flown via AeroMed to Corewell Health-Butterworth in Grand Rapids. Investigating deputies found that the shooting was accidental.

“Two friends were shooting guns when one thought the gun was unloaded and the other person picked it up when an accidental discharge occurred,” a media release from Oceana County Sheriff’s Office read.

After an initial CT scan at Corewell Health-Butterworth, Bolles went immediately into exploratory surgery to assess the extent of his wounds and fix any internal injuries. The bullet

– which entered Bolles’ left side – hit his left kidney, liver, right side diaphragm and spinal column, exploded his spleen and came just inches from his heart.

Surgeons removed Bolles’ spleen and gallbladder, but left the kidney in hopes it would recover given time. Bleeding from the liver was stopped as well and holes in the diaphragm were repaired before Bolles was closed up.

Now, Bolles is left with a chest tube in his left side, two drains coming from his stomach and a large amount of pain in both of his legs. Surgeons were not able to remove the bullet, as they felt attempting that would do more harm than good for Bolles. That ruled out the possibility of an MRI.

Upon further testing, Bolles was found to have a fractured T12 vertebrae, making more surgery necessary. Bolles underwent an operation to decompress that vertebrae, leading doctors to fuse from T11 to L1 with some damage and swelling to the spinal cord apparent.

The damage to the spinal cord limited movement in Bolles’ legs and, while he does have feeling and sensation in both, there were no reflexes present as of Thursday, June 27 according to a Facebook post.

“We are praying that with the reduction of inflammation, rest, pain management and physical and occupational therapy, (Bolles) will be back on his feet

Hesperia’s Brock Bolles takes in the applause after scoring a win in the 2023-24 wrestling Pink Out matches at Hesperia High School. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

in no time,” a Facebook post by MC Photography read. “Brock is a living miracle. The next 4872 hours are crucial and we just ask for your continued prayers for his pain management and speedy recovery.”

Hesperia’s annual 4th of July Family Fun Fest will also support Bolles and his family. The horse pull event which takes place Thursday, July 4 at 5 p.m., will donate all proceeds to the Bolles family.

The Oceana Echo will have more on this story as developments continue to unfold.

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

Area continues to recover from storm

State of emergency declared in county as cleanup continues

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

The White Lake area continues to pick up the pieces after last Tuesday morning’s storm, which saw wind speeds of 70-90 miles an hour and rendered much of the area’s roads impassable in the early hours of recovery. Many properties remain affected, with 28 homes currently marked as unsafe to occupy, according to White Lake Fire Authority chief Pete McCarthy, but luckily, as far as the city of Whitehall knows, there have been no major injuries reported as a result of the stormremarkable given the scope of the dam-

age to some homes.

“That’s nothing short of miraculous,” McCarthy said. “There’s a lot of vehicles and belongings that need to be replaced, and a lot of work to be done on homes, but you have to (at least) put that in the win column.”

McCarthy estimated about 80% of the area has returned to mostly normal and hopes to bump that number to 90% in the coming days. The remainder, the families whose homes were most damaged, will likely be dealing with the aftermath for months.

If there’s a silver lining, it’s how much the community has delivered for those in need. McCarthy marveled

Chen’s Restaurant closes after nearly 27 years

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

After nearly 27 years of ownership, Marcia and Guolin Chen, and their son Kyle, closed down Chen’s Chinese and Thai Restaurant in Whitehall Saturday, selling off most of what remained of their inventory.

Wanting to keep the restaurant’s end quiet so they were able to serve those who did come in, the Chens did not publicize it, and it was only when a Facebook post popped up on local pages in tribute to the restaurant Saturday morning that many in the area became aware it was happening.

“No one really heard about it until that morning,” Marcia said. “The regular customers, I told them as they came in, but I didn’t tell everybody, that way we could have not too busy a closing. It was plenty busy (Saturday). We never ate lunch or anything that day.”

On the last day of business, as has been the case for several years, only three people - the Chen family - worked the restaurant. Running the entire business themselves has been a demanding gig for the family; Chen’s was open five days a week from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. However, it never “felt like a hassle” to come to work, Marcia said.

“It’s been an enjoyable time,” Marcia said. “We’ve enjoyed our work here. We loved what we were doing.”

Chen’s once had a buffet and indoor dining option, but after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, that shut down and never returned, with the restaurant moving to a strictly take-out model with just the three Chens working the restaurant. Marcia said a lack of available workers was the chief reason for that change.

Chen’s came to be after Marcia and Guolin (Marcia said many in the area know him as Andy) met and got together while he was a cook and she

a server at the former Dah Hu restaurant in North Muskegon. The two went around the Midwest working at different restaurants - Guolin picked up Thai

cooking to go with his native Chinese food while they were in Springfield, Il-

Chen’s closes continued on page 7

ADA complaint against Pekadill’s resolved

Restaurant changes end complaint from local resident

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

An Americans with Disabilities Act complaint brought last year by Whitehall resident Frank Hollister against Pekadill’s Restaurant in Whitehall will not progress to a legal filing after Pekadill’s recently made changes to its property to accommodate wheelchair users.

Hollister originally worked with the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative at the University of Michigan Law School on the complaint, which sought the changes Pekadill’s recently made.

According to a CRLI press release, Pekadill’s addressed the complaints by widening a side entrance to the restaurant, which made it possible for a wheelchair user to enter there, and added a grab bar in the bathroom, as well as removing cabinetry under a bathroom sink to make it more accessible. The City of Whitehall also responded to a CRLI request by adding a handicapped parking space adjacent to the revamped rear entrance.

“Judging by the pictures the Dillivans (owners of

A recently revamped side entrance to Pekadill’s has resolved an ADA complaint brought to the restaurant by local resident Frank Hollister.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Pekadill’s) sent through their attorney to our attorney, they’ve taken many of our suggestions,” Hollister said. “I’m hopeful other businesses that aren’t compliant might make changes.”

Hollister said he has not yet seen the changes himself, but is pleased with them and noted people who use walkers or even baby strollers, in addition to

•

wheelchair

could see

users,

benefits. Jack Dillivan said in addition to the changes

Pekadill’s restaurant recently resolved an ADA complaint from resident Frank Hollister by making several changes that made it more accessible to wheelchair users.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

The now-vacated Chen’s Chinese & Thai restaurant building is shown in Whitehall Monday afternoon. The restaurant, which operated in this location for about 25 years, closed its doors after Saturday. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

An uprooted tree remained in a precarious position Friday afternoon after the storm that hit the White Lake area last week. The city of Whitehall has returned to mostly normal operations, but many homes remain damaged.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Catholic Heart work camp returns to area

Campers complete several local service projects

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

For the fourth year in a row, the Catholic Heart work camp came to Montague this June to participate in several community service projects in the Muskegon area.

The camp is a nationwide effort with 20 service weeks this year spread throughout the country. Jacob Peterson helped lead the Montague camp again; during his college days, he participated in the camp as a staff member.

This year, the campers, more than 350 of them, concentrated many of their community service efforts in the McLaughlin neighborhood of Muskegon Heights, working with the Give Me Five initiative; Peterson estimated that about 30 of the 52 small teams of workers were in Muskegon Heights throughout the week. The Give Me Five group, started about a decade ago by resident Helen Anderson Williams, hosts periodic cleanup efforts, each in a different five-street area of the city.

“It was a good mix of everything,” Peterson said. “We definitely did a lot of trash pickup. The Give Me Five (group) even rented a large dumpster that they dumped halfway through the week and

we refilled again. We helped empty out a lot of trash from people’s homes and did a lot of yard work around people’s homes. There was an awful lot of painting and repair to people’s front steps, windows and doors.”

Other campers went to Holton and teamed on construction of an access ramp at an elderly couple’s home, helping ensure they are able to stay in their home going forward. That project brought Catholic Heart together with the Disability Network of West Michigan.

Another project the campers completed during the week was dissembling various tables, chairs and desks that the Montague schools are no longer using. The materials were donated to the Samuel Omogo Foundation, named in memory of St. James Catholic Church pastor Fr. Peter Omogo’s brother, to be used in soon-to-open new school buildings in Omogo’s native Nigeria.

Most of the week’s campers were from either Michigan or surrounding states, but there were some visitors from Minnesota, South Dakota and Pennsylvania among the group.

It was a tough week of work amidst the hottest week of the summer so far, though Peterson said it ultimately made the service even more fulfilling for the campers.

“It felt so good to have that fulfillment,” Peterson said. “It was a particularly difficult year because it was so incredibly hot that week and there was all that construction at Montague High School, which was still gracious enough to host. Having 350 week-long guests probably didn’t help them. It was really spectacular to see some of the incredible stuff that got done.”

The St. James youth group, numbering about 15, and Peterson will participate in another Catholic Heart work camp next week, traveling south to Huntingburg, Indiana. He said he

feels fortunate that Montague has been able to host a Catholic Heart camp four years in a row, with a fifth tentatively scheduled for June 15-21 next year.

“There have been quite a few that are not able to keep doing it year after year,” Peterson said. “Back when I was in college and participated as a summer staff with them, they used to have close to 60 cities on the schedule. There were quite a few cities that probably did a camp for more than 10 years. After the pandemic, they’ve dropped down to maybe 20-something cities that have been able to host.”

Whitehall council discusses emergency response

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

WHITEHALL — Whitehall City Council met last Thursday, rescheduling their original meeting date earlier that Tuesday due to the storm and lack of power at City Hall.

Council member Debi Hillebrand thanked Consumers Energy, White Lake Fire Authority, Whitehall Police Department and Department of Public Works, who have helped with storm damage cleanup and who have been working as quickly as possible to restore residents’ power. Tanya Cabala followed this up, stating she wants to

use this as an opportunity to talk about future emergency protocols within the City of Whitehall. She wants council to talk about what the city thinks went well versus what to improve on, as well as her desire to partner with other municipalities in the future. She used the City of Montague as an example, talking about their new program, TextMyGov, that residents can opt into. This text program allows the City of Montague to send mass texts to participating residents about a variety of things, including emergency weather. Cabala hopes adopting this same program or something similar will help improve communication and safety in

Storm cleanup

that of the families displaced by home damage, he only knew of one that had to utilize help from the American Red Cross to find a new place to stay. Everyone else was given shelter by a family member or neighbor. So many people came out to help, McCarthy joked, that it almost became a hindrance as power companies and public agencies also came to the area. Several local businesses, unprompted, offered help to the city or WLFA through free lunches, water, Gatorade or other goodies.

“This is the type of time when a small town like ours really shines,” McCarthy said. “It was heartwarming to see the community come out the way it did.”

Whitehall city manager Scott Huebler said the community handled everything extremely well. There were “some frayed nerves,” he said, understandably so, in the early aftermath, but all told city residents were very accommodating to public agencies.

The storm was the worst Huebler said he can ever remember here. The only analogue McCarthy had was a similar storm in May 1998, when he was in eighth grade, but he said that storm did not cause as much residential damage as this one.

“The last time we had a storm like this, the worst thing for me was not being able to play GoldenEye on Nintendo 64,” McCarthy chuckled. “My responsibili-

Whitehall. Cabala also wants to look at replanting some trees in areas that lost many.

Whitehall resident Tamara Horne requested the emergency weather sirens be tested. She said she can’t recall the last time they were tested and wondered why they did not go off during the storm. She got a weather alert on her phone that said to take immediate shelter, but didn’t hear any sirens.

White Lake Fire Authority chief Pete McCarthy spoke during the public comment portion about updates on the storm damage. He thanked local city groups, as well as fire authorities from surrounding areas who have

damage.

• Katie Clark/Courtesy Photo

ties were a little bigger this time around.”

Huebler said responders from local agencies as well as power companies did “a phenomenal job” getting things closer to normal. By last Wednesday evening, the Colby Street downtown area had regained power, and most area businesses reopened the next day.

Muskegon County made a declaration of a state of emergency late last week. Huebler and McCarthy both said they are hopeful the state will follow suit, which would enable funds to be funneled to the area to help cover potential future budget shortfalls that could result from the extra work that was needed. Huebler said early estimates had the city on the hook

helped. At the time of the meeting, there were a total of 18 homes severely damaged to the point where they are uninhabitable. The Fire Authority has been working with DTE to cut off any dangerous gas lines to those homes, along with others. Council member and former firefighter Jeff Holmstrom shared his concern for more rain to come in the near future to White Lake. He urged community members to be cautious of any remaining hanging tree branches that could break before they are manually removed. He, along with the rest of city council, is grateful there have been no reported deaths or injuries.

for about $300,000 of cleanup expenses; the city’s Department of Public Works has begun brush pickup for those who need it.

“If the governor declares (a state of emergency), it allows the federal government to possibly declare it,” Huebler said. “But talking to representatives from the state police who were on the scene...they’re not overly optimistic. Any assistance would be awesome, but we’re taking the position now that the city of Whitehall has to dig ourselves out of it. That’s not to cast negative shadows on the state or the feds, but if we do get some assistance, that would be awesome.”

McCarthy added despite it feeling “vulgar” to be concerned about money when some families are displaced from their homes, from a practical standpoint it’s a matter that needs to be addressed.

“This is a small community and we have limited budgets,” McCarthy said. “We do the best we can with what we have. I don’t need anyone from the state cutting trees or making action plans...I just need them to cut us a check to fill the gaps this created in our budget that we might have later. After we get back to normal, it would be nice if the state can step up and funnel some funding our way to stave off the potential financial impact of everything.”

The WLFA staff earned praise from McCarthy for their work in the early hours. He said 14 firefighters responded last Tuesday to help, with many of them calling in at their day jobs and delivering aid even as they themselves were without power.

“I can’t thank my staff enough for stepping up,” McCarthy said.

Catholic Heart work campers show off a completed access ramp installed at a Holton home during their June work week in Montague. Campers, who were hosted at Montague High School, completed a variety of community service projects locally during their visit.

• Courtesy Photo

A local home’s front yard is littered with branches and brush after last week’s storm. Over two dozen homes have been rendered uninhabitable by storm

Echoes of History: White Lake’s war memorial

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

The following was written in observance of the local war memorial’s 80th anniversary, which was July 4.

The Royal Neighbors of America was started in 1888 by Marie Kirkland of Council Bluffs, Iowa. She placed an ad in her local paper asking the wives of Modern Woodmen of America members to meet for a social gathering. Eight women responded and organized what became Royal Neighbors of America. Since then, the organization has spread across the country. Their mission encompasses three core pillars: insuring lives, supporting women, and serving community.

In 1942, the local group of the Royal Neighbors of America called “Onward Camp No. 166” were holding regular meetings in town and electing officers. Notices of meeting were printed in the paper, but rarely was there follow-up with mention of officers or what they were working on.

In March 1943, it was noted in The Montague Observer that the Royal Neighbors and the Onward Club were celebrating their 48th anniversary with a potluck at their hall. That would imply that the group had been around since 1895. Their hall was the Kern Hall, which was located over Kern’s White Lake Grocery on Colby. Today that would be over where Posh is located.

In October 1943, it was announced that a plaque or roll of honor bearing the names of all the men and women of the cities of Montague and Whitehall who were in service or who have served in the armed forces in the present war (WWII) was to be erected by the Royal Neighbors at “Tunnel

Park” in Whitehall. The plaque was to be known as the “Twin Cities Honor Roll.” Members of the committee in charge of procurement and erection of the plaque were Mrs. Walter Houseman, Mrs. George Zatzke, and Mrs. Nelson Lyon. The group was having a series of card parties, rummage sales and dances among other things to raise funds to purchase the plaque.

Plans for the plaque indicated it would be about 18 feet wide and 10 feet high, set in an ornamental brick frame topped with a brass eagle with a concrete approach.

Originally intended as a service plaque for the members of the organization, the idea quickly expanded to include the names of all the men and women of the area in service. The dedication was scheduled for Memorial Day 1944.

In December 1943 some additional names of the RNA appeared with the election of officers for the group. Mrs. James Connell was elected Oracle. Mrs. E. D. Todd was the retiring Oracle. Other officers were Mrs. Nelson Lyon, Vice-Oracle, Mrs. Edward Hall, past Oracle; Mrs. G. W. Zatzke, Recorder; Mrs. E. D. Todd, Receiver; Mrs. I. J. Lyons, Chancellor; Mrs. Edmund Quackenbush, Marshall; Mrs. Harry Sikkenga, Inner Sentinel; Mrs. Elmer Buttleman, Outer Sentinel. Mrs. Theodore Petter was elected manager for a term of three years. Installation of the elective and appointed officers was to be performed in January by the installation officer, Mrs. Nonnie Funnell.

As the plaque did not arrive on time, it was instead dedicated July 4, 1944, with 275 names on it with an additional 30-50 names to be added later.

In August 1998, the condition of the dilapidated monument was brought to the attention of then Whitehall Mayor Norman Ullman, and a committee was formed to look into its restoration. As the RNA was no longer in existence in the area, the city sent letters to service clubs, veterans associations and businesses to try to raise funds to make the necessary repairs.

In September 1998, with the help of Norm Ullman, Al Harris from the Legion, Walter Gibbs and others, extensive work began to restore the tarnished nameplates, replace the three non-working fluorescent lights, and repair the broken glass on the front. Some of the nameplates had fallen off the wooden backing, which had

to be replaced before they could be reattached. Those named on the Honor Roll were service personnel from Rothbury, Montague, Whitehall and the surrounding townships. Those who had died in the service were indicated by a gold star. After the restoration was completed, a rededication took place Aug. 17, 1999. Since then, the City of Whitehall has funded the new steps that were recently built by Morden Construction. Greg Johnson and Bill Chamberlain have worked to keep up on the maintenance of the Memorial as well as Dick Connell and Ron Arnson. Hopefully, with their help and others like them, the Memorial will last another 80 years or more.

Chamber to celebrate caboose’s 100th birthday

The historic 90702 Caboose, located behind the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau in Whitehall, is turning 100 years old this year. With a century of a history, the Chamber will be throwing a “Caboosentennial” party in September.

The caboose has been parked in its spot since

1987 and has become the backdrop for many special moments. From senior portraits to wedding shoots, engagement sessions to family gatherings, the caboose has witnessed and enhanced cherished memories for generations.

To celebrate its centennial, the Chamber is invit-

ing individuals to contribute their caboose-themed photographs to help create a compilation of 100 images for 100 years. These photos will be showcased both online via social media and displayed at the Caboosentennial event in September.

A rainforest adventure comes to the library

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Adventurers of all ages are invited to join our tour guide Alejandro for a live virtual tour of Cahuita National Park in Costa Rica at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13. We will adventure through one of the world’s most beautiful and biodiverse ecosystems, including both rainforest and pristine beaches. Along the way, we’ll try to catch a glimpse of monkeys, sloths, birds, and other rainforest creatures! Questions are encouraged!

This event is free and no registration is needed if you’re watching with us on the library’s big screen. If you’d prefer to join us from home, please register to receive the Zoom link before the event.

The visitcostarica.com website has this to say about the park: Cahuita is a unique national park in Costa Rica because of its close relationship with the community. It’s an example of shared management for sustainable development between the community and government. Discover the most pre-

served coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean and enjoy the scenery, culture and cuisine offered in the area. White sand beaches, a turquoise sea and diverse marine life are some of the attractions that await you in Cahuita National Park, in the province of Limón. In this ecosystem, embedded in the Caribbean but with a forest environment, you will find species like raccoons, coatis, sloths, iguanas and lizards. You can also find snakes like the eyelash viper and the rainforest hognosed pitviper, and birds like the common blackhawk.

charge an admission fee. It relies on donations from visitors instead.

More Adventures All Week

There’s a lot going on at the library all week long! For the kids we have the weekly story time, crafternoon, Outdoor Play & Learn, and Teen Hangout. Then there’s the monthly Cookbook Club and Pick Your Own Book Club. Find all the details on the library calendar at wlclib.org/calendar. Check out these two extra special events as well:

FUN FACT: Cahuita is a 2,711-acre national park that was first designated as a national monument in 1970 before being declared a national park in 1978. It is the only national park that does not

Wednesday, July 10, 11-12:30, watch a 2024 movie on the big screen. This PG-13 film (for some strong language and scenes of peril) is about an adventure racing team and a dog named Arthur. Desperate for one last chance to win, Michael Light convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. As the team gets pushed to the outer limits of endurance, a dog named Arthur comes along for the ride, redefining what victory, loyal-

ty and friendship truly means. Light refreshments will be provided, and you’re welcome to bring your lunch to enjoy while watching.

Thursday, July 11, at 5:30 p.m., join us for an exciting Family Night with White River Rock Club! Families will learn about the formation and history of geodes and will even have the opportunity to crack open their own and examine the insides. There is no charge to attend, and registration is not required.

The White Lake war memorial stands on Thompson St. in Whitehall.

• Courtesy Photo

DeMumbrum

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community

A new opportunity awaits for R-P’s boys spikers

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The Reeths-Puffer boys volleyball program got some welcome news this spring, learning that starting in 202526, the MHSAA will sponsor its postseason tournaments. The sport will continue to be played in the spring.

Boys volleyball is a rapidly-growing sport nationwide; a Sportico article from 2023 said participation has increased by over 40% since 2017, making it the fastest-growing high school sport in America. Over 200 colleges and universities have men’s volleyball programs, including nearly 50 total at the Division I and II levels.

The Rockets’ boys program has been in existence as a club for several years, but enjoyed something of a resurgence this year under first-year head coach Riley Hughes, winning nine matches. Hughes is also an assistant to girls coach Justin Birr, who helmed the boys program in its infancy as well before stepping down due to time constraints.

“They played a lot more than they had in the past,” Hughes said. “In previous years I think we were (around) three or four wins, playing about 12 matches. Playing 28 matches this year was a huge accomplishment for the

boys. It was an adjustment for us, navigating such a quick schedule.”

The boys volleyball governing body, MIBoysVB, applied for MHSAA certification last summer, and Hughes said there was always confidence among the group that it would go through at some point, if not necessarily this year.

“I’m very excited it happened as soon as it did,” Hughes said. “I don’t know if people thought it would happen as soon as it did. There’s so much buzz around the game right now and more boys are having interest in the game.”

Hughes said she’s noticed in her time coaching the boys that they are “scrappy” and that while it’s the same

sport the girls play, there are clear differences.

“Without having been taught since early elementary or middle school age, they’re more comfortable being uncomfortable,” Hughes said of the boys. “They make plays I don’t see at the girls’ level. Sometimes it leaves me speechless seeing some of these things.”

The Rockets had 10 players on the team this year and will need to add more next year; only five players will be back, as four graduated and another

will be on a foreign exchange program in Italy. The pending MHSAA sponsorship should only help in bringing in more players.

“The biggest thing is to get boys more touches on the ball and to make it available to them,” Hughes said. “If that means spending every Sunday in the gym in the winter to get boys touches, that’s what we’ll do.”

Boys volleyball continued on page 5

Mady Snyder’s all-state honor highlights softball awards

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Reeths-Puffer’s softball team earned just rewards for its greatest season in program history this spring with a whopping five all-O-K Green Conference first team awards. The success R-P had, which included several program records, most notably for single-season wins (34), turned heads on a state level as well. Rocket junior Mady Snyder was awarded first

team all-state honors, only the second time that has ever happened at R-P.

Snyder enjoyed an outstanding all-around season and picked up the all-state honors at the utility position.

A first baseman, outfielder and pitcher, Snyder contributed to the Rockets’ setting an all-time program record for season earned run average (1.57) and was one of the lineup’s most feared bats to boot. Rock-solid defensive-

ly, Snyder was a contributor in every facet of the game and joined Brittney Cannavino (1991) as the only Rockets to ever be named all-state.

Four other Rockets were first team all-league, including Lainey McDaniel, who set some records of her own. McDaniel eclipsed program legend Makayla Thompson’s single-season ERA record,

set in 2016, by the narrowest of margins, setting a season mark of 0.831 to Thompson’s 0.832. McDaniel racked up 204 strikeouts on the season. She was also excellent at the plate, hitting for a .518 average and a .588 on-base percentage.

A trio of seniors - Kaylee Jones, Megan Barmes and Natalie Kunnen - were also all-conference first team. Jones

and Kunnen were both outfielders and usually hit backto-back in the lineup, with Kunnen hitting ninth and Jones first. Jones broke the Rockets’ single-season stolen base record and was a force out of the leadoff spot, and Kunnen was a defensive ace. Barmes played

Softball awards continued on page 5

Cederquist

Barmes

Kunnen Jones

Fogus

Kevwitch

Ke. Johnson Ka. Johnson

McDaniel LeaTrea

Reeths-Puffer players Landon Kuberski (left) and Erik Trulsen stay prepared for play during a match this season. The Rockets’ boys team is preparing for a new era, as boys volleyball becomes an MHSAA sponsored sport in spring 2026.

• Courtesy Photo

Reeths-Puffer setter Linkin Westra winds up to make a serve during a match this spring.

• Courtesy Photo

Reeths-Puffer’s Mady Snyder takes a big swing at a pitch during a May contest. Snyder earned only the second all-state nod in program history this spring. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Boys volleyball

While there is considerable competition for high school athletes’ attention in the spring - baseball, track, golf and lacrosse all play boys seasons then - Hughes is optimistic the Rockets can continue to grow as a program.

“We find boys that aren’t runners or would just enjoy an indoor sport,” Hughes said. “I think the more options we can provide kids in the spring, the better. Volleyball is a sport almost anyone can learn if they’re willing to give effort. We can get any kid to a spot where they can play.”

In part because of how young the sport of boys volleyball is in the state, growth and development can happen quickly. The Rockets have an example of it, in fact, on their own roster - rising senior libero Erik Trulsen, who joined the team for the first time this spring and was named an honorable mention

continued from page 4

all-conference performer. (The state’s 69 teams this year were divided into 11 leagues by geography; R-P played in the Lakeshore league along with Fruitport, Grand Haven, Holland Christian, Mona Shores, Spring Lake and West Ottawa.)

Trulsen said he was recruited to the team by now-graduated teammate Linkin Westra, the Rockets’ setter. He was a natural fit for the libero position because of his athleticism and quickness, though also, in Trulsen’s words, because he’s “short and small.”

Trulsen was thrilled with his experience playing for the Rockets this year and credited Hughes with creating a positive atmosphere on the team; Westra gave him the impression that the mindset of the team was much healthier than the previous year.

“She was always positive when

Softball awards

shortstop and, like Kunnen, was strong defensively. She also hit in the middle of the order.

Power-hitting second baseman Abbie Critchett and first baseman Kyleigh Bilek each received honorable mention in the league.

Whitehall first-teamers in the WMC were Megan LeaTrea, Bella Fogus and Annabel Kevwitch. As three of the Vikings’ most veteran players, they were the centerpieces of the team, with LeaTrea usually doing the pitching while Kevwitch played catcher and Fogus was at first base. They ended the season in the top three spots in the batting order as well, and Kevwitch and Fogus

continued from page 1

in particular were among the Vikings’ top power bats.

Montague also had three first-team picks on the roster: Kennedy Johnson, Reagan Cederquist and Kayden Johnson. Kennedy Johnson, a Muskegon Community College signee, was the Wildcats’ most consistent player, delivering great results at shortstop and from the #3 spot in the batting order. Kayden, her double play partner at second base, emerged over the course of the year as a strong performer in her own right. Cederquist, playing first base, was the Wildcats’ cleanup hitter and helped bolster a high-scoring offense.

we made a mistake,” Trulsen said of Hughes. “She wouldn’t bark at us. She’d walk us through it. I didn’t even know how to pass when I started playing, but I became a really good passer. She took the time with me.”

The ability to “fully envelop myself in the game,” Trulsen said, was a big draw. He had previously played volleyball in gym classes, but the higher level of playing as a team against other schools sharpened his competitive edge. He is hopeful he’ll be able to recruit other boys in the school to join the team this coming season.

R-P occasionally faces scheduling difficulties; the Rockets were in fact the northernmost team in the state this year. Hughes is hopeful increased interest will result in more opportunities to play closer teams so the Rockets don’t have to venture to Grand Rapids for most of its non-league games.

“It is what it is for now,” Hughes said. “Our goal is to play as much as possible. I’m excited to have more schools up north add teams.”

The Rockets were able to see some of the best of the best this year, as two conference opponents made the state final four. Grand Haven finished as runner-up in Division 1, and Holland Christian reached the semifinals in Division 2. Trulsen said the Buccaneers were easily the toughest opponent he went against this year.

Trulsen and Kaden Marshall will be the two Rockets taking on the circumstance of leading the program as the Rockets play their final season prior to boys volleyball being an MHSAA-sponsored sport. Hughes said it will create an unusual situation for the duo, but she knows they and other Rockets who will have graduated by then will always have an important place in the program.

“It’s tough for the kids who won’t be here for that to come to be, but (it’s important) for them to know that their being here and their commitment are a huge factor in our success,” Hughes said.

Six Flags takes ownership of Michigan’s Adventure

Michigan’s Adventure amusement park, a fixture in the southern end of the White Lake area, officially has new ownership after a merger between park owner Cedar Fair and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation was completed Monday, the companies announced.

The planned merger was announced by Cedar Fair last November.

The new company will operate under the Six Flags banner, but the release said no visual or name changes are planned for any of the Cedar Fair parks coming aboard. The company’s logo was tweaked to more closely resemble Cedar Fair’s branding, particularly the

use of a flag as the dot in a lowercase I.

“We believe that by combining the best ideas and most successful entertainment practices of both Six Flags and Cedar Fair, the new Six Flags can deliver a superior level of joy and excitement that has yet to be experienced by regional park guests,” Selim Bassoul, executive chairman of Six Flags’ board of directors, said in the release. “We are excited to unite the Cedar Fair and Six Flags teams to capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunities and operational efficiencies of our more extensive entertainment portfolio.”

Gators, other reptiles visit Montague library

Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary made its first visit to the Montague branch of the Muskegon Area District Library Monday, giving local kids and adults alike a chance to learn more about, and even get up close with, alligators and other reptiles.

Presenter Bryce Alpers, known as “Bayou Bryce” at his several public stops, showed off several creepy crawlers, including a snapping turtle, a snake, a bearded dragon, and of course an alligator, all while delivering important facts about the creatures and the work done by the sanctuary, which takes care of reptiles that have been surrendered by humans or that it finds in need of help.

Community Calendar

Saturday, July 6

Montague Farmer’s Market open every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday, July 7

Steve Thielman performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop for brunch, 10 a.m. to noon.

Monday, July 8

Bingo @ MADL Montague branch, 10:30-11:30 a.m. A mini hanging tent lantern that has 3 different lighting modes – high, low, and flashing - will be the grand prize.

Tuesday, July 9

Steve Thielman performs @ Book

Nook & Java Shop, 10 a.m. to noon.

Playtime Power Hour @ Montague Library, 11 a.m. to noon. Informal literacy-based program for children to explore play stations at the library.

ACWL-Nuveen Free Summer Concert Series continues with Asamu Johnson & Associates of Blues @ Montague Band Shell, 7-9 p.m. Free crafts for kids at each concert.

Wednesday, July 10

Snacktivity @ Montague Library, 3-5 p.m. Games, crafts, Lego and more. Snacks provided.

What Does a City Clerk Do? Pre-

sentation at MADL Montague branch, 5-6 p.m.

Thursday, July 11

Fetch Cycling Group meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. All levels welcome.

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

Free yoga @ White River Light Station, 6:30 p.m.

North Grove Brewers summer concert Thursdays features Craig Smith, 7-9 p.m. Outdoor concert in the biergarten.

Friday, July 12

Community Yoga @ Fruitland Twp. Hall, 10-11 a.m. Free to participate, open to all ages and skill levels.

Sweet Lou & the Savages perform a free concert @ White River Light Station, 7-8 p.m.

Free concerts @ Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Blue Lake International Symphony Band at Stewart Shell, Blue Lake International Jazz Band at Bartlett Shell and Blue Lake International String Orchestra at Miller Theater.

Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary presenter Bryce Alpers shows off a snake during his visit to the Montague library Monday morning.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

A young visitor pets Alligator Sanctuary resident Elvis Monday morning during the Sanctuary’s presentation at the Montague library.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Dalton Twp. officials examine treatment of weeds in lakes

By Steve Gunn White Lake Mirror Contributor

Dalton Township officials are trying to decide just how much chemical treatment is necessary to fight excessive weed growth in four popular lakes – Twin Lake, North Lake, Middle Lake and West Lake.

This summer the focus is on West Lake, where some residents have complained a lot of fish have died and blame it on what they believe is too much chemical treatment.

The issue is even more pertinent this year because the township will soon have decisions to make about hiring a company for chemical weed treatment in the future.

The PLM Lake and Land Management Corp., based in Alto, Michigan, currently has separate contracts with Dalton Township  to treat all four lakes for weeds during the summer months.

The contracts for each lake are staggered, and this is the final year of PLM’s contact to treat West Lake. The contracts for Twin Lake will expire in 2025, followed by Middle Lake in 2026 and North Lake in 2027.

Because of that, as well as the number of complaints he’s had regarding fish death in West Lake, Dalton Township Supervisor Jeff Martin is trying to determine whether the weed treatments in that lake are appropriate or excessive.

He has reached out to one other private company and was told the lake has been treated with too many chemicals, resulting in a lowered fish population.

Now Martin has a call in to the Grand Valley State University Water Resources Institute, asking them to test and  determine how effectively the lake is being treated.

He has also reached out to several private companies who do similar work, hoping GVSU or one of those firms can give the township the answers it needs at a reasonable cost.

“That contract (for West Lake) is up this year, and we have to see if it makes sense to have someone other than PLM do it,” Martin said. “I don’t know if they are doing it correctly or well. I am not an expert in the field. That’s why I reached out to Grand Valley to see if they will do testing for us. Hopefully

they will. That would be excellent. If they don’t, I will work on finding someone else.”

Homeowners who live along all four lakes pay a special property tax assessment every year for chemical weed treatment.

The costs vary from year to year, depending on the amount of treatment, but overall it’s quite moderate. Last year the township spent $7,849 to treat Twin Lake, $3,722 for North Lake, $1,344 for West Lake and $1,269 for Middle Lake.

PLM does inspections once a month during the summer months on all four lakes and “treat as needed for exotic plants,” Martin said.

“We’ve had complaints since I have been here about overtreating and killing off the fish,” Martin said. “Some people say all four lakes are overtreated, others say they are treated just right, but most of the complaints for overtreatment come from West Lake.

“Some people there collect money from residents to buy fish and have the lake stocked for fishing, and have seen a lot of fish die off, (allegedly) because there aren’t enough natural plants left

in the lake for them to feed on and build their beds.”

Some other residents who live around West Lake don’t like weeds and approve of the level of chemical treatments, Martin said.

“We have residents with weeds around their docks and want them gone,” Martin said. “There are people with boats who basically want the lake to be like a swimming pool. All the weeds could be gone and they would be fine with that.”

Martin said he recently toured West Lake with officials from another weed control company and was told West Lake is overtreated. He said they took him to various parts of the lake, noted a lack of fish beds and suggested that was the result of chemicals.

Now Martin is hoping to get some answers from an impartial source with expertise on the issue, so he can make a recommendation to the township board about future chemical treatment contracts.

“Hopefully testing results will be available by July or August,” he said.

Area musicians to be part of Chamber festival

The White Lake Chamber Music Festival engages approximately 18 musicians throughout the nine-day Festival, running Aug. 2–10. Throughout the Festival’s 14-year history, professional musicians from the Chicago Symphony, the Detroit Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Vermeer String Quartet, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chicago’s Music of the Baroque, plus major universities, and more have come to the White Lake area to perform.

This year, in addition to Chicago-area musicians, the following West Michigan performers will be performing: cellist Alicia Sawyers, violist Arturo Ziraldo, flutist Jill Brown, percussionist David Hall, and pianists Bryan Uecker and Steve Thielman.

Alicia Gregorian Sawyers is the principal cellist of the West Michigan Symphony. A diverse musician, Sawyers has performed with famous artists ranging from Itzhak Perlman to Stevie Wonder. Living in Grand Rapids, Sawyers performs with several orchestras throughout the area and around the state. A dedicated teacher, Sawyers currently teaches for the String Academy of Grand Rapids.

American violist Arturo Ziraldo is an engaging performer who believes deeply in the power of art to change the world for the better. Ziraldo has performed across North America, Europe and Asia as a soloist, chamber

musician, and orchestral leader. Ziraldo is the Principal Violist of the Kalamazoo and West Michigan Symphony Orchestras. He is also Professor of Viola at Hope College and maintains a private studio as well.

A native of West Michigan, Jill Marie Brown has been principal flute in the West Michigan Symphony for over 30 years. Jill also plays with the Grand Rapids Symphony and Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. She enjoys teaching and is presently the flute instructor at Calvin College, having also taught at Hope College.

David Hall has been Assistant Principal Percussionist and Assistant Principal Timpanist with the Grand Rapids Symphony since 1987. As one of America’s leading marimbists, David has been delighting audiences with his virtuosity and musical sensitivity. In addition to his many recitals throughout the Midwest, David often solos with the Grand Rapids Symphony and oth-

Rock club launches scavenger hunt

er West Michigan arts organizations. He has toured as a soloist in Taiwan, in Guatemala, and together with the North American Choral Company.

Pianist Bryan Uecker was raised in Grand Rapids and received his Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance from Hope College and a Masters of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. Bryan has been performing at the Ischia Chamber Music Workshop on the island of Ischia in Italy.

Pianist Steve Thielman has over 20 years of professional experience which includes performances with the WMU Symphonic Band and tours across the Midwest with bands such as Archipelago and La Famiglia, sharing the stage with international acts like Umphrey’s

McGee and The Wailers. Bryan and Steve are regular performers at the daily 4 p.m. Salon Concerts Aug. 2–10.

This year’s nine-day festival is packed with many offerings: no cost daily 4 p.m. Salon Concerts at the Book Nook & Java Shop, two Family Concerts, a children’s recital, meet and greets, and Cabaret Night “Broadway Comes to White Lake” and concerts each evening. There will once again be the world’s greatest music wonderfully played, combined with the soft summer weather, beaches, and spectacular sunsets.

For a schedule of this year’s Festival events, please visit www.whitelakemusic.org. Please contact Director Sondra Cross at 231-329-3056 for more information.

Brown Ziraldo

Uecker Hall Thielman Sawyers

Pekadill’s

enumerated in the press release, the restaurant installed a new door by the revamped rear entrance, as well as a ramp leading to the door that rises less than an inch of grade per foot, per regulations.

Dillivan said the handicapped parking spot was actually the most difficult part of the process, as the city and the restaurant had to figure out a good place to install it. Putting such a spot in front of the restaurant, in the comparatively heavier traffic on Mears Avenue, was ruled out, and there were difficulties finding a place that allowed the 10 feet of offloading space the ADA requires. Ultimately the city was able to place a spot near the new entrance to maximize the benefit for wheelchair users.

It was a relief, Dillivan said, to complete the changes and put the ADA complaint behind the restaurant.

“We didn’t want people unloading from handicapped spots in the front, or on the side,” Dillivan said of the handicapped spot issue. “We were left with that as the best option. We definitely did what we could within reason. We pulled it off.”

Hollister said any citizen or business owner concerned about compliance with the ADA can reach out to Disabil-

continued from page 1

ity Network West Michigan, a nonprofit based in Muskegon that oversees Muskegon and Oceana counties, as well as Mason, Newaygo and Lake counties.

“I find nobody knows about that, even though it’s a tax-supported thing,” Hollister said. “They get federal and state money, and they have a $1.2 or $1.3 million budget.”

Hollister hopes the attention brought by the Pekadill’s complaint can spark interest in other businesses ensuring ADA compliance. He said there are motels and bed and breakfasts in the area that are not compliant. He added that he’s approached the city in the past about passing an ordinance granting all local businesses a time frame to become ADA compliant, but the request never went anywhere.

“Frank Hollister is an incredible advocate for the disability community and it was great to work with him,” said Hannah Juge, a student attorney with the CRLI, in the press release. “We are happy that we were able to resolve this case without litigation. But, in the future, we hope that other restaurants and businesses open to the public will make their facilities accessible without the need to threaten a civil rights lawsuit.”

linois - before settling back in Whitehall and opening up their own place.

“It was too hard working for somebody else,” Marcia said. “We decided to do it. We opened the small one at the strip mall by the old Plumb’s for two years, and then George Dean sold the building we’ve got now and we bought that.”

The decision to retire was a pretty simple one, Marcia said - she and her husband have both surpassed retirement age and are interested in pursuing new things. Guolin’s cooking for so many years has taken a toll on his shoulders, and the time has come for a break.

The Chens first hoped to pass the business along to members of the extended family, but none were

White River Light Station concert season underway

Chris Kennedy and Eric Michaels perform at the summer’s first White River Light Station concert at the lighthouse. Four more concert dates are scheduled for the free series. • Madison Lajewski/Mirror Photos

Chris Kennedy and Eric Michaels opened the White River Light Station concert series Friday evening with a free performance.

The concert series continues July 12 with Sweet Lou & the Savages. More dates are scheduled for July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23.

interested. Marcia said Guolin plans to travel to New York in the coming months - he has family near Chinatown there, including two grown sons and grandchildren - and spread the word about the business to see if anyone of Chinese descent is interested in taking it over. If there is no interest, the Chens will simply sell the property.

It’s important to the family that if the business continues, that it continues to be run by a native Chinese person.

“We’d like to see (a Chinese restaurant) in this area,” Marcia said. “People tell us (without us) they have to go to Ludington or Muskegon, and that’s too far.”

Marcia said she’s grateful for the customer support over the years, noting that the Chens had regular customers from not just the White Lake area, but also Shelby, Hart, Pentwater and even Grand Haven, especially when the buffet was part of the restaurant.

“We’ve been blessed by all the people from the

White Lake community,” Marcia said. “I’ve always said, you don’t have a business if you don’t have customers. This area has been super for that.”

Kyle, who is 25, will take some time, Marcia said, to determine his next move; she said their son, who assisted Guolin with the cooking, has earned a brief respite after all his hard work keeping the restaurant going, which he fully jumped into right out of high school.

The Chens will likely travel more, especially to visit Guolin’s family in New York, now that they have the time. Guolin also has a pair of “bucket list” destinations - Hawaii and Japan - that are likely in the couple’s future.

“He was really devoted to his restaurant,” Marcia said of Guolin. “(Now) it’ll just be a nice, relaxing life. I’m already 70 years old, and you don’t know how much longer you have...We’re really happy for this adventure we had here.”

Award-winning Michigan authors to visit Montague

Friends of the Montague Library is partnering with The Book Nook and Java Shop to bring four popular and award-winning Michigan authors to Montague. Each will speak in person at The Book Nook and Java Shop, and will talk about their books and their lives as authors. All presentations are free and begin at 7:00 p.m.

On July 10, Warren VanOverbeke will launch this year’s summer series with a presentation about his novel “Tholocco’s Wake.” This lyrical and moving love story opens in Bemidji, Minnesota with a budding high school romance, and chronicles two lives changed forever after the United States enters World War II. “Tholocco’s Wake” is the first in a three-part series. VanOverbeke left his Minnesota

hometown and enlisted in the United States Air Force after high school. He completed 29 years of military service, including several combat missions in Afghanistan and now lives in Michigan.

On July 17, Donald Levin, a favorite of West Michigan readers, will return to The Book Nook to talk about his Detroit trilogy, which includes his non-fiction thriller “The Arsenal of Deceit.”

The author’s books are woven with key moments in Detroit’s history, where Levin lived as a child. He will also read from his third book, which will be released this fall. Levin is a poet, a retired English professor and dean of faculty at the former Marygrove College in Detroit.

On July 24, Maureen Dunphy will

talk about her award-winning book “Divining: A Memoir in Trees.” This collection of sixteen essays, each named after a species of tree, explores the nature of human-arboreal relationships and how trees can serve as emotional refuge, confidante, sources of intellectual enrichment, and a boon to our physical, mental, and spiritual health. The book is a 2024 selection by the Sierra Club and a finalist for the Midwest Book Awards.

Readers remember Dunphy, who has charmed audiences when she previously came to Montague and talked about her award-winning book “Great Lakes Island Escapes: Ferries and Bridges to Adventure.”

On July 31, Dana Precious will talk about her life working in the film in-

dustry in California and her move back to her beloved hometown of Muskegon. Returning to West Michigan gave Precious time to write books, including her first novel “Born Under a Lucky Moon,” which takes place in Muskegon and is peppered with perfectly-timed comedy. The story of family, love, murder, sex scandals and new beginnings has been described by critics as “intelligent, endearing and delightfully quirky.”

Precious will also talk about her book “Murder in Malibu: A Miss Merry Mac Mystery,” the first in a comedic murder mystery series.

For more information about the presentations, call the Montague Branch Library at 231-893-2675 or The Book Nook at 231-894-5333.