A
of
County and surrounding communities early Tuesday morning, causing widespread
of trees down in Mt. Hope Cemetery, above left; trees and power lines down across Woodrow Road, above center; and an enormous tree fell over
a portion of the sidewalk with it, above right. Several businesses across the area closed, while emergency personnel, workers and residents cleaned up in
A “tremendous weather event with thunderstorms and widespread damaging winds” tore through Oceana County in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 25, leaving many without power, a number of roads impassable and causing damage to homes and vehicles.
The storm that morning moved across Michigan, causing damage and affecting over 150,000 Consumers Energy customers. Many of those were in Oceana County, as well as communities across the Lower Peninsula.
According to a press release from the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department, “There are more trees down than we can count, as well as power outages and damage to property. Thankfully, we know of no injuries as a result of the storm.
“As of noon on Tuesday, Mason-Oceana 911 had received 563 calls, 400 of them were from 5–8 a.m., many of them as a result of the storm. Our dispatch-
ers at Mason-Oceana 911 did a tremendous job fielding so many calls; prioritizing them; and sending units where they were needed most.
“Our Emergency Manager, Troy Maloney, has been in contact with us as well as the other public safety department heads throughout the county. Fire departments throughout Oceana County have been responding to wires down, transformer fire and trees across roadways all night long. We are fortunate to have fire departments with committed members who are always willing to serve.
“We are thankful for the great partnerships we have with all of the other public safety agencies including the Oceana County Road Commission, where deputies are able to communicate directly with our road commission supervisors and local municipality’s public works departments.”
Consumers Energy and Great Lakes Energy crews worked round the clock to restore power to those af-
fected. “This is a storm that continued to grow in intensity right up until it knocked over trees and power lines in several communities, especially in West Michigan,” said Chris Laird, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for restoration. “We have been assessing the extent of the damage and are moving every resource that we can into place, ensuring we can get the lights back on for our customers.
“The customers who remain without power are in our most challenging areas due to the severity of the storm damage, but we are determined to restore their service safely and as quickly as possible. Our crews are doing all they can to help the communities we care for in the hardest-hit areas of the state. We thank customers for their patience.”
Laird said lineworkers are prepared to work 16hour shifts at a time. As of press time Thursday, the majority of Oceana County homes affected by the storms had their power restored.
By Ross Field The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
The lines of traffic slowly streaming south on US-31 this past Monday signaled that the 2024 Electric Forest had come to an end. This year, Mother Nature may have displayed the biggest fireworks, as the festival grounds were evacuated multiple times over the course of the four-day festival due to extreme weather events.
Even with the evacuations, there were still hundreds of amazing shows over the course of the four-day festival. Thursday night, the mighty Dumpstaphunk from New Orleans performed an incredibly funky set to open the massive Carou-
sel Club. The horn players from Dumpstaphunk joined the following act, Lettuce, for another rocking set.
Friday night, The String Cheese Incident proved why they are one of the most popular acts on the jam band circuit
by ending their concert with a reading of John Coltrane’s “Impressions” that eventually segued into a cover of Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die” under the Ranch Arena’s massive display of lights. String Cheese Incident’s highly anticipated Sat-
urday night show was canceled due to extreme weather.
One of the joys of the Electric Forest is finding new acts on the smaller stages. Friday’s discovery was FireFlower at the Grand Artique where the Detroit duo
Electric Forest continued on page 9
By Phil Carter The Oceana Echo Agricultural Consultant
Many things are ripe in the Land of Oceana, so be sure to enjoy our local produce. Spring weather was much better than people in Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri and Kentucky have experienced lately. This may be due in part to the La Nina weather patterns changing to El Niña. Winds aloft are churning up colder ocean water thus the severe events that are happening. If that’s confusing –sorry.
Some new homes for asparagus, both fresh and processed, are appearing and couldn’t be more welcome. A USDA purchase has also kept demand up, and the weather has been very favorable for good quality.
Fruit crops are growing when there was fruit set. The snowball bloom we experienced has resulted in unfavorable natural thinning in addition to chemical thinning activity. Many growers will say the only way
to know how good a crop is depends on how many bins of apples or tanks of cherries they delivered to receivers.
Row crops are off to a good start, with some late planting to finish up. First-cutting hay is coming off in nice quantities due to the recent rains.
Bird flu is still with us, and millions of birds have been destroyed to combat the virus. A second farm worker has contracted the virus from dairy cows and is recovering. It is extremely important to remember that our milk and meat products are safe to consume due to pasteurizing and proper cooking temperatures.
To clarify last month’s comments on using streptomycin for firelight control: streptomycin is a very short-lived material. Only 1.5 pounds or less are applied per acre, and the fruit has not even formed yet when it is applied. There should be no concerns about resistance to human pathogens from this agricultural practice.
Again, please be observant on roadways for
In partnership with Rotary Charities of Traverse City, the Frey Foundation, and other northern Michigan community foundations, the Oceana Community Foundation invites local leaders to apply for the 2024-5 Leadership Learning Lab (LLL) program. The foundation welcomes leaders at all levels from nonprofit organizations, businesses, government agencies and Tribal Nations to apply. The application deadline is June 28, 2024.
LLL will combine monthly sessions, small groups, social media and cohort support as a 10-month program. While learning is focused on 11 session topics, participants will also network and develop connections with other community leaders. The LLL combines adaptive and collaborative leadership, time management and a suite of nonprofit and cross-sector capacity-building skills. It invests directly in leaders to strengthen local organizations and the communities they serve.
In the past, the LLL program has supported 31 leaders in a wide range of positions across Oceana County. Providing a trusted space for rising nonprofit leaders to develop their talents and a plan for the impact they wish to make within their local communities is invaluable. The lab is an investment into planting the seeds of open communication and support between different organizations, not only between the nonprofit leaders but also amongst the participating foundations. Selected Ocea-
na participants will join peers from Mason and Manistee counties for the upcoming session.
To learn more about the LLL program, visit the Rotary Charity website at this link: https:// www.rotarycharities. org/leadership-learning-lab. To learn more about past Oceana alumni and how to apply, visit the Foundation website at this link: https:// oceanafoundation.org/ community-impact/
leadership-learning-lab.
If you are interested in connecting with a previous Oceana LLL graduate or learning more
about the program from Foundation staff, contact Tammy Carey at tammy@oceanafoundation. org or 231.869.3377.
Our Mkt building is open as available We feature homemade jam, pie filling, honey, maple syrup and craft items Rhubarb as available Small potatoes 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
slow-moving farm equipment. There are reports of accidents due to careless driving activities around the area.
We grow it for YOU, and do gift baskets, too!
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
www.rennhackmarket.com Free Samples! In Season Now: Our Own Handpicked Black Sweet Cherries, Light Sweet Cherries, Zucchini, Summer Squash, & Burpless Cucumbers! West Michigan Blueberries! Locally frozen Blueberries, Tart Cherries, & Our Honeyberries! Country Dairy Ice Cream, Cheese, Moochies, & Chocolate Milk Pints. Locally handmade Pies & Strudels!
RINGS - JEWELRY - RELICS WE METAL DETECT FOR LOST HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS 1800s-1950s HOME-FARM SITES LANDOWNERS MAY RETAIN RECOVERED ITEMS JOIN IN WITH PROVIDED DETECTORS
114 Dryden St. in Hart, Mich. 49420 (231) 873-2600
By Caleb Jackson
The Oceana Echo Community Columnist
There are several theories about the origins of the name of Pentwater, but most likely is that it is a reference to the lake itself. Maybe it’s hard for us to imagine with the broad and beautiful channel we have today, but the meeting point between Pentwater Lake and Lake Michigan was once nothing more than a small stream. Meaning the waters of Pentwater were quite literally “pent up” waters. And believe it or not, this unique feature of our beloved lake was a bit of a stumbling block in the early days of our county.
One of the driving forces behind the development of Pentwater was the lumber trade, and one of the driving forces behind the lumber trade was Charles Mears. However, you can’t ship lumber down a tiny little stream, so in 1855, Mears set out to make a more navigable passage from Pentwater Lake into Lake Michigan and the broader market beyond. According to the history book put out by the Oceana County Historical Society in 1990, “Men worked with teams of horses
and crude scoops to dig the channel through the dunes….” The old stream was closed off, and the new channel was dug about half a mile to the south. But it would seem that Mears’ new and expanded channel was not quite as successful as he would have liked. Boats were not able to come into the channel to load and unload supplies, and so long wooden docks were constructed in Lake Michigan in order to facilitate them.
Maintenance of the harbor first fell on the citizens of Pentwater. Property owners paid a special tax going towards the upkeep of the harbor until 1867, when the federal government took over the responsibility. This was a relief to the citizens in two ways. Not only were they liberated from having to pay the tax for the upkeep of the harbor, but in 1868, the government also got to work improving the channel. It was widened to a width of 150 feet and dredged to a depth of 16 feet. Between 1880 and 1900, the yearly tonnage of the harbor was 87,000 tons. This was, of course, mostly lumber. By 1919, the annual tonnage had decreased to just 2,993 tons. In 1917, the government abandoned maintenance
of the harbor, and the channel began to gradually fill with sand. In 1931, the government sent a dredge, which removed 23,000 cubic feet of sand from the channel, but “instead of carrying it out into the lake to dump, they piled it high on each side of the piers. Then, in succeeding years, the sand gradually seeped back in.” Pentwater had a commercial fishing business at this time, not to mention other commercial interests such as resorts and leisure sailors. In order to protect these interests, the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce and the Oceana County Board of Supervisors appealed to Washington for aid, just two years after the government sent the dredge out. Their cries were heard, and maintenance of the harbor “was again restored to the good graces of the United States War Department.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversaw the dredging of the harbor just last year, in 2023. We may take it for granted, but it is a lot of work to maintain a navigable passage in a channel such as Pentwater’s. However, these are the necessary consequences in a chain of events set in motion when Charles Mears picked the site for his
By Mort Wiegand The Oceana Echo Volunteer Contributor
It is now summertime, and there were 21 guests and two inquiries for June at the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society’s Chadwick-Munger House and Mears Museum Complex.
Our open house for our new red barn in Mears was Saturday, June 15 and we had a big crowd.
Drinks, cake and cookies were served to all. OCH&GS President Paul Erickson commented on the building process and thanked the Bill Lathers Trust for the funds to construct the new barn. The open house also marked the official opening of the 2024 season for the Mears Museum Complex. All present had an enjoyable afternoon. Come over to Mears and visit us Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. all summer long.
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
lumber mill back in the mid-1800s. Besides, un-penning the waters of Pentwater Lake has colored our town in ways we may not even think about today. After all, if it wasn’t for the construction of the channel, we would have had no need for the Pentwater Pierhead Lights. And though they may no longer be around, the channel ferry and the swing bridge still exist fondly in our memories today.
by scanning the QR code at right or by sending a check made out to Echo Publishing Inc. to P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436.
Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, and third Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out.
Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, first and third Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out.
The Ladder Community Center:
M-F: The Ladder is open for adults (18+) 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
June 21 - General Assembly Band, Pentwater Village Green, 7 p.m.
Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, first and third Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out.
The Ladder Community Center:
June 21 - General Assembly
June 28 - Summer Reading, Adventure Begins (Day 4), Hesperia Community Library, all day
June 22 - Walkerville
Mondays & Fridays - “Chalk Talk” at Shelby Area District Library (June, July and August), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Huddle for 6th-12th grade youth, 3-5 p.m. thru June 14. Saturdays: Celebrate worship gathering, 6:30 p.m. Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com
Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m.
The Ladder Community Center:
St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave. in Hart
June 22 - Walkerville Pioneer House Museum Open, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
M-F: The Ladder is open for adults (18+) 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
M-F: The Huddle for 6th-12th grade youth, 3-5 p.m. thru June 14.
June 28 - Pentwater Chamber Golf Outing, Lakeside Links, 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. shotgun start
June 23 - Penn View Bible Institute concert, Shelby Wesleyan Church, 6 p.m.
Saturdays: Celebrate worship gathering, 6:30 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.
Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com
June 24 - Summer Reading Registration begins, Hesperia Community Library, all day
June 23 - Penn View
June 29 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 5), Hesperia Community Library, all day
Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m.
St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave. in Hart
M-F: The Ladder is open for adults (18+) 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Second & fourth Fridays, doors open at 4 p.m.
Saturdays: Celebrate worship gathering, 6:30 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.
June 24 - Summer Community
June 30 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 6), Hesperia Community Library, all day
Second & fourth Fridays, doors open at 4 p.m.
June 25 - Summer Reading, Adventure Begins, Hesperia Community Library, all day
Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com
Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club - Feeding America West
June 25 - Tech Hour, Hesperia Community Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Retirement Open House - July 12 from 4-6 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m.
Preschool Story Hour, HAPL, Fridays at 11 a.m.
June 25 - Summer Community
July 1 - “Fishing Troll” Sculupture commision ideas due to HEART board.
June 25 - Tech Hour,
June 25 - Book Club, Hesperia Community Library, 2-3 p.m.
Michigan mobile food pantry, third Tuesday of the month, Pentwater Fire Department, 11 a.m.
St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave. in Hart Second & fourth Fridays, doors open at 4 p.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.
July 1 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 7), Hesperia Community Library, all day
Preschool Story Hour, HAPL, Fridays at 11 a.m.
June 26 - Summer Reading, Adventure Begins (Day 2), Hesperia Community Library, all day
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), Hart Wesleyan Church, Tuesdays at 5 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.
June 27 - Summer Reading, Adventure Begins (Day 3), Hesperia Community Library, all day
June 25 - Book Club, June 26 - Summer Hesperia
July 2 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 8), Hesperia Community Library, all day
June 27 - Summer Hesperia
July 2 - Tech Hour, Hesperia Community Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Mondays and Thursdays through Sept. 2, Pentwater Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
June 27 - Craft Night, Hesperia Community Library, 6-7 p.m.
Preschool Story Hour, HAPL, Fridays at 11 a.m.
Second and Fourth Tuesdays, June 11 through Sept. 25, New Era Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m.
June 28 - Summer Reading, Adventure Begins (Day 4), Hesperia Community Library, all day
Second and Fourth Tuesdays, June 11 through Sept. 25, New Era Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m.
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), Hart Wesleyan Church, Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
July 2 - Hart UMC Bake Sale, in front of the church, 3 p.m. To donate baked goods, drop off at the church Monday, July 1 or Tuesday, July 2 at 10 a.m.
June 28 - Pentwater Chamber Golf Outing, Lakeside Links, 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. shotgun start
Mondays and Thursdays through Sept. 2, Pentwater Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Stage Left Theatre Company is hosting an “Intro to Acting” Workshop for age 16 and up with instruction by Thomas L. Phillips, a graduate of West Community College who acted in many theatre productions during his time
June 27 - Craft Night, June 28 - Summer Hesperia
July 2 - Family Night, Hesperia Community Library, 6-7 p.m.
June 28 - Pentwater p.m. registration,
July 2 - Hart Sparks Fireworks, downtown Hart, 6-11 p.m.
July 3 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 9), Hesperia Community Library, all day
Second and Fourth Tuesdays, June 11 through Sept. 25, New Era Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m.
The Stage Left Theatre Company is hosting an “Intro to Acting” Workshop for those age 16 and up with instruction by Thomas L. Phillips, a graduate of West Shore Community College who acted in many theatre productions during his time there.
Thomas then went on to receive Bachelor’s Degrees in both Theatre Directing Theatre Performance from Northern Arizona University and then received his Master’s degree in Film & Television Production from Chapman University. Since time he has directed, produced, and/or edited many film and theatre producmany of which have been nominated and won awards in various categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Editor, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Writer, Best Screenplay, Best Horror Film, Best Comedy, Best Horror/Comedy and Best Drama.
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.
July 3 - Pentwater Fireworks, Charles Mears State Park, 9:30-11 p.m.
Worship on the Green in Pentwater kicks off Sunday, June 23. This summer, Centenary UMC walks Scripture’s shorelines. Each week the services explore the waters that run through Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, you will find God’s love running through oceans, rivers, and seas. As a village built on the water, Pentwater, residents and visitors can listen for God in its soothing waves on the shoreline.
July 4 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 10), Hesperia Community Library, all day
The workshop will be held on Saturday, June 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts Performance Hall- 107 S. Harrison St. in Ludington. Pizza and beverages will be provided at lunchtime. Topics covered during workshop will include ensemble building, breath support & vocal techniques, character building, movement, improvisation, performance elements and much Participants are encouraged to bring a short piece that they’d like to work on performing but this is not required.
Thomas then went on to receive Bachelor’s Degrees in both Theatre Directing and Theatre Performance from Northern Arizona University and then received his Master’s degree in Film & Television Production from Chapman University. Since that time he has directed, produced, and/or edited many film and theatre productions, many of which have been nominated and won awards in various categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Editor, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Writer, Best Screenplay, Best Horror Film, Best Comedy, Best Horror/Comedy and Best Drama.
July 4 - Thunder Over the Dunes Fireworks, Silver Lake, 10:30-11:30 p.m.
Worship on the Green Centenary UMC walks Scripture’s waters that run through Scripture. love running through oceans, water, residents and visitors line.
July 4 - Hesperia Fireworks, downtown Hesperia, dusk
All are welcome to join Worship on the Green, a wonderful Pentwater Summer tradition in the heart of downtown with the scenic backdrop of the Pentwater Harbor. Come as you are, Sundays at 9: 30 a.m. on the Village Green, 327 S. Hancock St. (family friendly, pets are welcome). In case of inclement weather, services will be held at Centenary UMC, 82 S. Hanckock St.
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.
July 5 - Summer Reading - Adventure Begins (Day 11), Hesperia Community Library, all day
July 5 - Story Time, Hesperia Community Library, 10-11 a.m.
All are welcome to join tradition in the heart of downtown bor. Come as you are, Sundays St. (family friendly, pets are be held at Centenary UMC,
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.
Cost for the workshop is $25 for Stage Left Theatre Company Members (those have worked on a Stage Left production in the past) and for members of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, and $40 for non-members. Stage Left Theatre Company Members should use promo code “companymember” and LACA memshould use promo code “lacamember” at check out to receive the discounted price. Visit stageleftmi.com to register. Registration will close on June 20th when the 15 student limit is reached.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, June 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts Performance Hall- 107 S. Harrison St. in Ludington. Pizza and beverages will be provided at lunchtime. Topics covered during the workshop will include ensemble building, breath support & vocal techniques, character building, movement, improvisation, performance elements and much more. Participants are encouraged to bring a short piece that they’d like to work on performing but this is not required.
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
Cost for the workshop is $25 for Stage Left Theatre Company Members (those who have worked on a Stage Left production in the past) and for members of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, and $40 for non-members. Stage Left Theatre Company Members should use promo code “companymember” and LACA members should use promo code “lacamember” at check out to receive the discounted ticket price. Visit stageleftmi.com to register. Registration will close on June 20th or when the 15 student limit is reached.
The following are OCCOA events for July. All activities are held at the Oceana County Council on Aging located at 4250 W. Tyler Rd., Hart unless stated otherwise. Please call 873-4461 to sign up or make meal reservations.
Pie Auction: Wednesday, July 17; 12:30 p.m. Live auction during lunch. All pies are made by staff and volunteers.
Breakfast is available on Thursday mornings, 8:309 a.m. Cost: $3, reservations required.
The next New Era Farmers Market will be Tuesday, June 25 from 4-7 p.m. KPOP club from 4-5 p.m. will be celebrating the Dog Days of Summer. The fun begins with two puppet shows with Kati O’Grady and friends of Muskegon. There will be Amazing Dog Tricks and Feats with the Oceana 4H club. Wands will be given away and there is chance to enter a drawing for two certificates to Craigs Cruisers in Silver Lake. Each child will recieve two tokens valued at $4 to purchase produce. Seniors have their own tokens and will receive $5 to purchase produce. Tokens are also accepted for SNAP/EBT, DUFB and Senior Market Fresh Coupons. There will be an MSU Extension “Discover Michigan Fresh” cooking class from 5-6 p.m. featuring roasted asparagus. Take home bags that include the recipe and ingredients to prepare the dish at home will also be available. Entertainment for the evening will be Truck Driver with Frank Galante and friends of Pentwater.
All Michigan Quilt Shop Hop: Wednesday, July 24; 8 a.m. See Mary for more information.
long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, and VA aid & attendance.
The next New Era Farmers club from 4-5 p.m. will be with two puppet shows with Amazing Dog Tricks and and there is chance to enter Silver Lake. Each child will Seniors have their own tokens also accepted for SNAP/EBT, be an MSU Extension “Discover turing roasted asparagus. to prepare the dish at home will be Truck Driver with
Other Activities:
Mystery Trip 2025: Tuesday, July 9; 9 a.m.
Children, teens, and adults interested in registering for the summer reading program are encouraged to visit the library through June 22 to receive summer reading materials.
Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program - during Open Enrollment; call 873-4461 to schedule an appointment.
Birthday Party: Wednesday, July 3; noon.
Strength and Balance: Mondays and Wednesdays, July 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 and 31; 10 a.m.
Tai Chi: Mondays and Wednesdays July 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, and 31; 9 a.m.
Gentle Yoga: Tuesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; 11 a.m. (new summer start time).
Chair Volleyball: Tuesday, July 2 and 23 10 a.m.
Drum Fitness with Gwen: Friday, July 12 and 26; 10 a.m.
MDOT Highway Cleaning Adventure: Tuesday, July 16; 9 a.m.
Farkle: Mondays at 10 a.m.
Children, teens, and adults interested in registering for the summer reading program are encouraged to visit the library through June 22 to receive summer reading materials.
Shopping Trip: Friday, July 19; 9 a.m.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Shelby Optimist Club, the library will events for youth such as craft projects, chalk art, book giveaways, and scavhunts. A story walk will be held Thursday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shelby Township Park (weather permitting). Additional special events include squishmallow party and storytime honoring Smokey the Bear’s 80th Birthday. The library will offer Wednesday evening workshops for teens and adults at p.m. Registration will be required as space is limited. A Community Open will be held Monday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Those attending this will have a chance to learn about library services and community resources. community organizations, groups, clubs, and businesses interested in participating are encouraged to contact Tiffany Haight, Library Director, at tifhaight@ shelbylibrary.org.
Pickle Ball: Friday, July 5 and 19; 10 a.m.
Zumba: Friday, July 5, 12, 19 and 26; 9 a.m.
Kayak Trips: Thursday, July 11,18 and 25; 9:30 a.m.
Center Closed for 4th of July: Thursday, July 4
Mexican Train: Mondays from 9-11 a.m.
Pentwater Historical Society announces a special event Sunday, June 23, from 2-4 p.m. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the museum’s opening in its historic building at 1st and Rutledge, they have arranged tours of two historic cottages and will be unveiling their new exhibit for 2024, a scale model of the USS Sequoia.
Beltone: Wednesday, July 24; by appointment
Caregiver Support Group: Wednesday, July 17; 10 a.m.
Walk With Friends: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Shelby Optimist Club, the library will host events for youth such as craft projects, chalk art, book giveaways, and scavenger hunts. A story walk will be held Thursday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Shelby Township Park (weather permitting). Additional special events include a squishmallow party and storytime honoring Smokey the Bear’s 80th Birthday.
Art with Bradley Youngstrom: Monday, July 8 and 22; 10 a.m. Cost: $15, reservations required.
Board Meeting: Tuesday, July 23; 1:30 p.m. Location: Oceana County Council on Aging.
Bingo: Thursday, July 11, 18 and 25; 10:30 a.m.
Mahjong: Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Fitness at Hesperia American Legion: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9-10 a.m.
The Breezewood and Graynook, two cottages that date to the early 20th century, will be open for touring from 2-4 p.m. The cottages are at the westernmost end of the channel. At the same time, the exquisitely detailed scale model of the USS Sequoia, nicknamed “The Floating White house,” due to the many meetings and dinners that took place on the yacht, will be unveiled under the big tent at 165 Channel Lane. The USS Sequoia docked in Pentwater for two nights in 1984, where a small group dined on the boat and hundreds toured the boat the next day. Refreshments will be served in the tent at 165 Channel Lane.
Parmenter O’Toole Office Hours: Please call 8734461 for an appointment.
The Shelby Area District Library is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to Questions about the summer reading program and library services can be directed to 231-861-4565 or tifhaight@shelbylibrary.org.
Contact the front desk or Gwen at 231-873-4461 for a list of each week’s location and to sign up.
Euchre: Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
The library will offer Wednesday evening workshops for teens and adults at 5:30 p.m. Registration will be required as space is limited. A Community Open House will be held Monday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Those attending this event will have a chance to learn about library services and community resources. Local community organizations, groups, clubs, and businesses interested in participating are encouraged to contact Tiffany Haight, Library Director, at tifhaight@ shelbylibrary.org.
Lauren Eisenbarth, an elder law paralegal for Attorney Anna Urick Duggins, of Parmenter Law, will offer a half hour, no-charge introductory meeting, from 2-4 p.m. at Oceana County Council on Aging. Topics to discuss include elder law services such as estate planning,
Quilting: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Beltone Hearing Clinic: fourth Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 231-843-3039 for an appointment.
Bingo: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Tickets to the June 23 event can be purchased online at the Historical Society’s website. In-person tickets can be purchased at the museum, Jilly’s Gallery, and Roxann’s Bakery in Pentwater, or on the day of the event at the Channel Lane location.
Blood Pressure Checks: Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Bridge: Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.
Cribbage: Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
Kaffeeklatsch: daily at 10 a.m.
The Shelby Area District Library is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Questions about the summer reading program and library services can be directed to 231-861-4565 or tifhaight@shelbylibrary.org.
See the Historical Society’s website for more information on the event and other offerings, including the History Cruise offered in conjunction with the Pentwater Water Taxi. See pentwaterhistoricalsociety.org for more information.
Pentwater Historical Society 2-4 p.m. To celebrate the building at 1st and Rutledge, will be unveiling their new The Breezewood and tury, will be open for touring end of the channel. At the USS Sequoia, nicknamed and dinners that took place 165 Channel Lane. The USS where a small group dined Refreshments will be served Tickets to the June 23 website. In-person tickets Roxann’s Bakery in Pentwater, cation.
See the Historical Society’s er offerings, including the ter Water Taxi. See pentwaterhistoricalsociety.org
Cards & Games: daily following lunch.nitely worth the read.
Jeanette Mae Lipps, 98, of Hart, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, June 24, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born to Frank and Mattie (Reames) Fenton on May 11, 1926, at home in the Village of Mears. Jeanette attended Mears School through the 10th grade and then transferred to Hart Public Schools, graduating in 1944.
Jeanette developed a strong work ethic at an early age, due to her father owning a hardware store in Mears, as well as being a fruit and produce buyer from local farmers. At age 13, she would be found after school in her father’s store, and at harvest time, a clerical worker weighing fruit and preparing checks for payment to farmers. After graduation, she worked for two insurance agents and then began working at the former Oceana Hospital as a receptionist, and later, getting involved with medical records and medical transcribing. She was also recognized by Ferris State University School of Allied Health for assisting medical record stu dents during their required internships.
and Past Chairperson of the Western Community Mental Health Board serving Oceana County, Mason County and Lake County; substitute secretary for the Oceana Hospital Association; advisory board member to the Muskegon College of Business and Technology; and a past consultant to area nursing homes and medical care facilities.
Following Jeanette’s time at Oceana Hospital, she then went to Paulina Stearns Hospital until 1994, and then came to work at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility, where she devoted her time and talents until her retirement at the age of 90.
A familiar face at the funeral home as well, Jeanette started her employment with the Tate Funeral Home in Hart in 1984 and continued to work at visitations for many of her fellow community members and friends until 2023.
Jeanette was also very involved in many local projects and was an unwavering proponent for change when it was needed. She truly had a passion and a love for Oceana County and was proud to support local neighbors and businesses, or provide support to anyone in need. She held many positions on local boards, such as: Past President and Charter Member of the Northwestern Michigan Association of Medical Record Librarians; 27-year board member
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.
Jeanette was a strong, stately, proud woman. She was known for her style, fashion, and the way that she carried herself and treated and respected everyone equally. Jeanette described herself as an “avid shopper” both on QVC and on shopping trips with her family and friends. She also noted that she had the opportunity to witness so many different seasons, and Christmastime was her absolute favorite. All who she opened her home to were able to enjoy her warm and unique holiday decorations and her hospitality.
Jeanette is survived by: her son, Bradley A. (Martha) Lipps; three grandchildren, Daniel Lipps, Cory Lipps, and Amanda Lipps; four great-grandchildren; and a host of caring friends.
Jeanette was preceded in death by: her husband, Lavern A. Lipps in 1982; her son, Gregory L. Lipps in 2014; her parents, Frank and Mattie Fenton; and her siblings, Clifton Fenton, Norman Fenton, and Violet Frost.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2380 W. Jackson Rd., Hart, MI 49420, with Fr. Phillip Sliwinski presiding. Visitation will take place from 5–8 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420, and also on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at the church. Interment will be in Hart Cemetery.
I have lived a long, wonderful, accomplished life. – Jeanette Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com
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By Sharon Hallack
The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
Over 40 community stakeholders attended an informational meeting, sponsored by Shelby Township Wednesday, June 19 at the Shelby Elementary School. The township, which plans to build an indoor sports facility, was seeking public input. Leading the meeting was Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli; other township representatives present were Trustee Scott Meyer, Clerk Cathy Anderson, Deputy Clerk Beth Schultz and Shelby Township Planning Commission members Sean Carey and Dave Sill.
“We were always planning to build a sports facility (at the new Shelby Township Community Park),” Raffaelli told those gathered. “But it’s going to be an economical endeavor.” He estimates construction costs to be about $3M and annual utilities to be about $30,000. The facility would not be air-conditioned, but instead would have large industrial fans installed for cooling.
Even though it was publicized as a discussion about two possible proposals, those in attendance received a packet with three possible options. Proposal 1: to build a 20,000-square-foot indoor sports facility at the new Shelby Township Community Park on Buchanan Road. Proposal 2: to renovate the former New Era Elementary School on Hillcrest Drive in New Era, as a community center and attach the 20,000-square-foot sports facility to it. Proposal 3: to renovate the former New Era Elementary School, but build the indoor sports facility at the new Shelby Township Community Park.
The former elementary school is located in the Village of New Era and Shelby Public Schools district. The township is proposing renovation of the former elementary school for a couple of reasons, Raffaelli said. “First, we don’t want a moth-balled building. We want to have a healthy community.”
The second reason the township is willing to get involved, Raffaelli said, is because they have been successful in writing and receiving several grants in the past few years. “Shelby Public Schools really doesn’t have the bandwidth to do this as a project,” Raffaelli said. “We’re not proposing a millage increase; it would be funded by grants and donations.”
According to Raffaelli, once an entity starts building and growing, they are looked on as a more viable option for grant dollars. He said he estimates a renovation of the building to be between $900,000 and $1M and annual utilities, including air conditioning in the daycare wing at about $20,000.
“We (the township) think this is right for the community. The school board has the option to demolish the building and turn it into green space. But you’ve paid for it. I would urge the board to get public opinion (before doing that). I would urge the community to get involved with (any) decision,” stated Raffaelli.
The 20,000-square-foot indoor sports facility would include an elevated mezzanine walking/ running track, with space below for batting cages, golf nets, office space and restrooms.
The proposed renovations at the vacant elementary school could include a daycare, pickleball courts in the former gym, small business start-up office space for rent and space for community education-type classes. “We’d really only be limited by our imaginations,” Raffaelli stated, referring to how the former elementary school could be reconfigured. “We’ve had a daycare architect walk through the building and confirm
The Oceana County Courthouse and Satellite Buildings will be closed on July 4, 2024 – July 5, 2024 in Observance of The Fourth of July
that six classrooms could be very easily converted to a daycare.”
As far as the current elementary building structure, Raffaelli said, “It’s a good little school. It’s got good windows, an alarm system and a Wi-Fi network in place. The terrazzo floors alone are worth a lot of money.” Major updates would include door replacement, furnace ($50,000), roof ($100,000) and a small amount of asbestos abatement ($100,000). If renovated, the property would receive new plantings, an upgraded parking lot, and a new, completely-enclosed daycare playground. He assured those gathered that the historic tubing hill would be preserved. “We haven’t addressed the soccer field or old playground yet, but they are both really nice spaces. On the flip side, demolition of the building would cost between $150,000-$175,000.”
Shelby Township is proposing that the township raise the money needed for the school remodel project, renovate the building and hand it over to the village to operate and manage. The goal would be to have both facilities managed by a third party. Raffaelli said this is the model used across the country.
Any renovation of the elementary school property would be subject to Shelby Public School Board and New Era Village Council approval. The decision of where to place the 20,000-square-foot indoor sports facility will be made by the Shelby Township Board.
Following the formal proposal presentation, the community was invited to ask questions and give comments. Many in the audience voiced their support of the various proposals and appreciation to Shelby Township for their foresight and their including the community in the process.
The questions asked and the comments made by the public were, for the most part, all positive.
Shelby School Board Member Karen Rice shared her own opinion, not as a board member, “Personally I’d like to see the school fixed up so it is available for the residents of New Era. But I’d like to see the indoor sports complex built at the township park to draw people to the park.”
Questions concerning the renovation of the former elementary building included the size of the indoor sports facility, sustainability and utilization by the community (daycare, community education/activities, trade school etc.), user fees and parking. Other comments voiced said that part of selling the Shelby bond proposal to voters in 2021 was that some bond dollars would be used to utilize the building in other ways. Shelby Public Schools Superintendent Mark Olmstead updated the group saying, “Unfortunately, the money set aside two years ago won’t go as far in today’s economy. The school is also bound by legal parameters with regards to how bond dollars are spent. They can’t sell it to Shelby Township, not even for $1.”
One thing several in the audience agreed on was that they didn’t want the building to sit vacant or be bought by a private entity and turned into something that might affect property values. “I don’t believe public property should be sold to a private entity,” Raffaelli said.
Local builder Scott Stovall spoke confidently when he said, “I’ve seen more improvement in the Village of Shelby in the last couple of years than I’ve seen in the last 30. I wrote this quick list while sitting here; water and sewer improvements, new streets, new elementary school, new housing development, Wesco investing in a new building, renovated Getty Park and new Shelby Township Park. These improvements will help bring a tremendous amount of people to our area and help put Shelby back on the map.”
Raffaelli asked people in attendance to raise their hands, indicating what area of the county they represented. Fourteen indicated they were from New Era, 15 were from Shelby and 10 were from other areas. Next, he took an informal vote to gauge where the community was with regards to the information that had been shared. Seven people voted for renovating New Era Elementary; 17 voted to renovate the elementary school and add the 20,000-square-foot indoor sports facility to the school building; 17 others voted to renovate the elementary school but build the sports facility at the new township park. Two people voted for a fourth option, to build the sports complex at the township park and have the school board decide how to proceed with the vacant elementary school.
Raffaelli stated that going forward, information about both projects would be shared in the Oceana Echo, as it reaches the most county residents. He encouraged local municipalities to communicate with the schools (Shelby and New Era Christian) and the local municipalities to communicate their thoughts with the Shelby School Board.
“I cut fruit for a living, but in my opinion the best scenario would be to have the village sell the elementary school property to the township for $1, hire us as the project manager for raising the funds and doing the renovation, then have the school give the township the amount from the bond they have set aside for the building (approximately $200,000),” said Raffaelli.
“I’m confident we can raise the money. If we don’t get it (grant money), it’s going to Detroit. When the state sees you building something, they like it and give you more money. And any time there’s multiple governmental agencies involved and working together, they love it. It’s playing their game. I’m tired of other places getting our money. It’s our money. We want to be good community members. We have a vested interest in both villages because they are in Shelby Township.”
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FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
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• On July 8, 1918, Ernest Hemingway was working as an ambulance driver for the American Red Cross while serving on the Italian front in World War I when he was struck by an Austrian mortar shell as he handed out chocolate to soldiers in a dugout.
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STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20240624
NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20240624 FOR RELEASE JUNE 24, 2024
By JoAnn Derson
FOR RELEASE JUNE 24, 2024
• On July 9, 1993, British forensic scientists announced a positive identification of the remains of Russia’s last czar, Nicholas II, his wife, Czarina Alexandra, and three of their daughters. Mitochondrial DNA was used on the family’s bones, which had been excavated from a mass grave near Yekaterinburg two years earlier.
By Lucie Winborne
• On July 10, 1985, conservation group Greenpeace’s flagship, the Rainbow Warrior, sank in New Zealand’s Auckland Harbor after French agents in diving gear planted a bomb on the vessel’s hull. The ship had been preparing for a protest voyage to a French nuclear test site in the South Pacific.
• On July 11, 2005, Hurricane Dennis blasted onto the East Coast near Pensacola Beach with a storm surge of 15 feet, wiping out power for over 1 million in Florida and Alabama, with Mississippi also being declared a disaster zone along with those two states. The hurricane had already hit Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti earlier in the week, causing 21 fatalities and massive property damage.
• On July 12, 1967, race riots broke out in Newark, New Jersey, after a Black cab driver was arrested and beaten by police. The riots resulted in 24 deaths, 1,100 wounded, 1,300 people arrested and property losses in excess of $5 million. The violence was believed to have been triggered by a number of factors, including rumors that the cabbie had died and charges that the police involved were brutally racist, along with poor mayoral leadership.
• On July 13, 1920, the U.S. Post Office banned customers from mailing children and animals. While it’s hard to believe such a ruling would even be necessary, officials wisely decreed it so after several cases involving parents dispatching a child and one person posting a skunk!
• On July 14, 1953, Egyptian politician Rawya Ateya became the first female parliamentarian in the Arab world.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
• My best tip for the beach? A laundry basket and a bungee cord. I put my cooler, bags and sand toys in the basket and pull it along the sand using the bungee. It has worked for me many times — and it’s so convenient to keep things corralled in! Here’s more tips on beach vacationing. — JoAnn
• Must-haves at the beach: Zipper-top bags for trash and clothespins to clip a napkin down so it won’t blow away!
• “Freeze bottles of water (take out a sip or two to allow the ice to expand) and juice boxes or pouches before you head out to the beach (or anytime you’re taking a cooler). They will act as ice packs to keep food and snacks cool, and double as refreshing beverages along the way!” — A.A. in Florida
• “My eyesight started to falter a few years ago, and I had found that my glasses slipped and were uncomfortable during seaside trips. I dearly love to read, and have since discovered audiobooks, or books on tape. I download them to a digital music player and can listen all day if I like. It also allows me to people-watch and even doze off! I am almost 80, so I can do that if I feel like it!” — R.A. in Connecticut
• “I keep an empty gallon jug in the trunk of my car. When I go to the beach, if there’s no shower, I can fill it with water at a faucet and get a good rinse there before I leave.” — L.G. in Mississippi
• “I bring a thin nylon bag to the beach in case I go shopping or collect shells, etc. It folds and zips down really small, so it takes up no room, but has come in handy most times that I’ve gone to the shore.” — T.T. in New York
Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
By Lucie Winborne
• On July 4, 1776, King George III wrote in his diary entry, “Nothing important happened today.”
• A 5-month-old fetus has 200,000,000,000 brain cells, but by birth half of them have been lost.
• Superstitious folks understandably took note in Santa Clara, California, on Oct. 22, 1931, when the Gamma Eta Gamma legal fraternity was partially destroyed by fire: The house was located at 1313 Franklin Street, its phone number was Santa Clara 13, and the postman wore badge number 13! The damage sustained to the house was even estimated at $13,000.
• An AK-47 is depicted on the flag of Mozambique.
• Einstein’s ideas on relative acceleration were partly inspired by a guy who fell off a roof in Berlin. Surviving without injury, he told the physicist that he had not felt the effects of gravity.
• Until the 17th century, the word “upset” meant to set up (i.e., erect) something.
• The oldest recorded death sentence is found in the Amherst papyri, a list of state trials of ancient Egypt dating to 1,500 B.C. A teenage boy, convicted of “magic,” was ordered to kill himself by either poison or stabbing.
• Apart from humans, the Asian elephant is the only mammal that can stand on its head.
• In 2002, the Nevada state legislature authorized a license plate depicting a mushroom cloud from an exploding nuclear bomb to commemorate nuclear weapons tests conducted in the state’s desert between 1945 and 1992. The Department of Motor Vehicles, however, rejected it.
• Soviet craftsman Nikolai Syadristy carved a set of chess figures that were so small they could only be distinguished when magnified 2,000 times with a microscope.
***
Thought for the Day: “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” — Abraham Maslow
© 2024 King Features
Kona is a sweet and friendly pup with a heart full of love and a spirit full of playfulness. She is highly treat-motivated, making her a breeze to train and eager to learn new tricks. This playful girl has a lot of energy and adores playtime, whether it’s a game of fetch, tug-ofwar, or simply running around in the yard.
Kona has a gentle and loving nature, especially when it comes to children. She’s a patient and playful companion who enjoys the laughter and fun that kids bring. She also gets along well with cats, making her a versatile addition to a family with diverse furry members.
Kona 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 231730-3906. Free tags are also available at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.
mixed hip-hop beats, jazz trumpet and keyboards with sax and harmonica for a set that had the packed stage area calling for more.
enjoyed Gigantic Nghtmre.”
Flexadecibel rocked the Grand Artique stage on Sunday afternoon. The seven-piece rock and funk group from Muskegon enjoyed a home audience, calling out to family and friends in-between songs and thanking the promoters for booking them.
Many new installations and artworks could be found in the Sherwood Forest. The Library - a collection of structures and shelving containing thousands of books - was greatly expanded and included a sitting area with a fireplace.
Among the many Oceana County residents to attend the festival this year were Pete and Joan LundBorg of Pentwater. They first attended the festival six years ago and try to get back each year.
“I sat near the Ranch Arena and talked with people, especially those who were handicapped,” said Joan. “I loved the music but really enjoyed talking with people from all over the country and abroad. The music and light shows were amazing, and I really
Both Pete and Joan remarked about the interesting cross-section of people from all over the U.S. and other countries, and that there seemed to be more older folks in attendance.
“I walk around through the Sherwood Forest three or four times at night, taking in the sculptures and installations that are new each year,” said Pete. “It’s a very relaxing, very secure atmosphere and people go out of their way to help you.”
During the final evacuation on Sunday night, those qualities that Pete and Joan observed were exemplified.
“When the evacuation announcement was made, and the huge crowd started walking toward the gates, three good-sized gentlemen linked up and stayed behind us the whole way, protecting us from being run into,” said Pete.
“No matter what others may say, people are good,” said Joan. “I was helped by so many people last night, and I hope I helped others. I hope we can go back next year.”
- Pizza
JAMS Sweet Retreat - Frozen Yogurt, Boba Lemonade Snerf Shaved Ice - Shaved Ice
Other Fabulous Trucks Around Town Webster Park Near the Library and Art Fair (July 3&4) - #3 Big Mike’s - Kettle Corn, Lemonade
girls track and field team ended its 2024 season by claiming a third straight State Championship. •
Both Hart’s girls and boys track & field teams came away with multiple All-State athletes. The boys team was All-State in the 400-meter and 800 relays while the girls were All-State in the 400, 800 and 1600 relay teams along with individuals in the 100, 200, 1600, 3200, pole vault and high jump events. Junior Addi Hovey led the way with three individual state titles, claiming first place in the 100,200 and high jump. Abe VanDuinen was the lone All-State athlete for Pentwater, snagging top eight finishes in the 800 and 1600. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO
By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor
The final season of sports has wrapped up for the 2023-24 school year, and with it comes a bunch of offseason awards to be handed out to the cream of the crop.
In part one of the spring All-Conference tally, we took a look at a number of Hart athletes that made the cut, as well as one lone Shelby athlete in Titan Carter for the Tigers’ golf team.
Now, we turn our attention almost entirely to Shelby, as we highlight
the rest of their All-Conference athletes in part two.
Starting off on the baseball diamond, it should be no surprise that the Tigers fielded four first team selections on their district title squad.
Sophomores Chase Simon, DayDay Garcia and Evan Waller highlight the core of Head Coach Brian Wright’s team, and each earned their own nod. Joining them was one of the team’s most impactful seniors in pitching ace and shortstop Lalo Garcia. Despite missing time with injury in 2024, Lalo still impressed enough to reel in the award. Lalo also ended his season with an invitation to play at the West Michigan All-Star game
at Marsh Field in Muskegon.
Staying on the diamond, but jumping over to softball, Shelby had two selections to the West Michigan Conference (WMC) Rivers All-Conference team. Makailyn Meyers was one of the brightest spots on a Shelby team that struggled this season. Meyers was impressive in the pitcher’s circle in particular, helping her pull in a first team selection. Joining her is teammate Emma Stovall who was named honorable mention.
For Shelby’s District title-winning girls soccer team, two Tigers were named All-Conference selections.
Kylie Brown took over as Shelby’s top offensive option, earning her a
place on the list of first team selections while senior Hannah Frees earned an honorable mention nod at midfield.
To round out part two, we’ll include the lone Hesperia Panther to be named to the WMC Rivers baseball All-Conference team.
Hesperia junior Blake Sayer pulled in an honorable mention nod for his contributions at catcher. Sayer also serves time on the mound as one of the Panthers’ top pitchers.
In next week’s edition of The Oceana Echo, we’ll take a look at some other Hesperia athletes that made their respective teams with coverage of Pentwater to come later.
Houses damaged, many left without power in aftermath of storm
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
The normally idyllic summer life that typifies the White Lake area was interrupted by a vicious storm early Tuesday morning that sent sustained winds pushing 70 miles per hour through the area, causing a slew of damage and briefly making large chunks of Whitehall impassable for drivers.
The storms surged through between 5:30 and 6 a.m., knocking down trees and power lines throughout the area, which in turn damaged homes, knocked out electricity and made it nearly impossible to travel. The Michigan State Police said in the early hours of the recovery effort that about half of the roads in Muskegon County were impassable, and the White Lake Fire
Authority posted to Facebook early Tuesday morning that the entirety of Whitehall, and Fruitland Township, were not navigable.
Recovery efforts continue, and by Thursday most (though not all) local roads had been cleared out enough to drive through. Social media posts indicated Colby Street regained power Wednesday evening, and multiple businesses announced plans to reopen Thursday.
At press time, the Michigan State Police had reported three injuries in the Muskegon area due to the storms. Not all homes in the area have regained power.
Friends and neighbors throughout the area spent much of their days Tuesday and Wednesday helping assess and clean up damage where they could.
Attempts to reach the City of Whitehall for comment on Tuesday’s events had been unsuccessful at press time.
Restaurant slated to close in August unless buyer can be found
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
WHITEHALL — The White Lake Area Historical Society paid tribute to Big John’s Pizza, and previous businesses to occupy its current 104 Thompson St. address, during last Thursday’s monthly meeting. The occasion was a bittersweet one from the Historical Society’s perspective; the restaurant is set to close in August after 54 years in business. The property was sold to the city of Whitehall late last year and is scheduled for demolition so the land can be incorporated into the planned West Colby Promenade, which will be completed sometime in 2025.
Big John’s struck a deal earlier this year to move its operations to a spot in the old Plumb’s plaza on Colby Street, but Neal Martell, who owns and operates Big John’s along with wife Amy, said last Thursday that if that plan does come to fruition, the Martells will not be the ones making the move. They are now seeking to sell the business in an effort to devote more time to ministry work. Neal said he and
his wife have done work for Samaritan’s Purse and Eight Days of Hope, both Christian nonprofits, and want to step up their involvement. Neal also said he will continue to drive for Verplank Trucking out of Ferrysburg, which he does part-time.
Neal said “it didn’t come easy” to make the decision to step away from Big John’s, but the Martells felt it wouldn’t work out if they attempted to undertake the move themselves.
His focus during his time speaking at the meeting, though, was on the original Big John’s owners, Gloria and Jack Miller, and particularly Gloria. Formerly Teresa’s Pizza, the restaurant opened as Big John’s in September 1970; Neal said Jack traded with his business partner, the original Big John, by teaching him to fly planes (the two had a business together that operated out of the Muskegon County airport) while Big John taught him how to run a restaurant.
Only a few years later, in 1974, Jack Miller passed away, leaving Gloria, as the story goes, to run the place herself despite also having six children to raise, one of whom - Gerrie - was in diapers at the time. She eventually sold Big John’s to her oldest son, also named Jack, in 2002, and Jack ran it un-
By Steve Gunn White Lake Mirror Contributor
The Dalton Township board has finally rid itself of an old problem by selling off the site of the old Twin Lake Civic Center. The proceeds of the sale will not be used as a scholarship fund for local students, which was the intention of the original owner.
For years the Civic Center, owned by the Twin Lake Civic Association, was a community meeting place that was used for various purposes, including wedding receptions and other social gatherings.
In 2009, the Civic Association donated the building and lot at 5988 East St. to a religious group called the Unity of Faith Community Church, based in Dearborn.
One stipulation of the transfer specified if the property were ever sold, the first $50,000 in proceeds would be donated to create a college scholarship fund for students of the Reeths-Puffer, Whitehall and Holton school districts.
As the years went by, that stipulation lost its legal standing because Muskegon County took possession of the property due to a tax foreclosure, and eventually sold it to Dalton Township.
The township board recently voted to sell the now-vacant site for only about $12,000 - less than the $16,000 the building’s demolition cost after it fell into disrepair, let alone the $50,000 originally earmarked for the scholarship fund - but the board still considered the possibility of turning over the proceeds to create the scholarship fund.
However, at their June 10 meeting, the board of trustees rejected that idea by a 7-0 vote, citing the fact that the township had lost tax money on the property. The proceeds from the sale will go back into the township’s general fund instead.
“A good thing, of course,” Dalton Township Supervisor Jeff Martin wrote about the scholarship idea. “However, the township has spent more on the purchase of the property and the demolition of the building than what it was sold for. So the township has lost money on the property and therefore the scholarship would add more to that loss.”
The fate of the old Twin Lake Civic Center took some unfortunate turns in the years after it was deeded to the Unity of Faith Community Church.
It was not used for anything, fell
By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer
The Muskegon Area District Library (MADL) has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting the community by providing essential personal hygiene items for free. The Community Wellness Drive is seeking donations of personal hygiene products, which will be made accessible to the public at several library branches. The program is initially set to start at the Norton Shores, Muskegon Heights and Muskegon Township branches. The branches may be expanded after evaluation later this year.
“Some individuals may be experiencing difficult times and be in great need of personal hygiene items,” said MADL Director Ron Suszek. “With this Community Wellness Drive, MADL hopes to build a community network of support and safety at the library. Ideally, this will be a program supported by Muskegon County communities and can be expanded to additional locations.”
As part of this initiative, MADL is collecting items such as socks, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products and more. The idea is for these items to be made available in discrete locations at select branches, allowing community members to access them as needed, and avoid feeling stigma or embarrassment.
Donations are being accepted at all 11 MADL branches, including White Lake Community Library and Montague Branch of Muskegon Area District Library. The collected items will be sorted and distributed to the three initial branches in mid-July, depending on community participation. The program will be re-evaluated in the fall to assess its impact and determine the feasibility of expanding it to more branches.
For additional information and questions, contact White Lake Community Library at 231-894-9531 or Montague Library at 231-893-2675.
The first of three planned ‘visioning’ sessions on the road to restoring Sadony Bayou will take place Wednesday, July 10 at the White Lake Community Library.
The sessions - later ones will take place in September and in December - are the result of a grant awarded to the Chemours Environmental Impact Committee from the Lois M. Ekstrand Fund, under advisement of the White Lake Community Fund.
A 2023 grant, given by the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, gave CEIC the resources to conduct an evaluation of the bayou, which is in progress.
During the July 10 session, facilitators will invite participants to share
their recollections of the bayou in the past (wildlife, water quality, plant life, recreational use) and mention their aspirations for what the bayou could look like in the future. Facilitators will be drawing designs as people speak.
Session #2, in September, will bring these ideas together to begin developing plan options, and session #3, in December, will present plans that could be presented to engineering and design professionals to prepare for restoration of the bayou.
The event is free to attend, but organizers request registration in advance due to limited capacity. To register, send an email to makeitrightchemours@gmail.com.
into extreme disrepair and eventually collapsed, according to Martin. After several years, Dalton Township officials gained the legal right to demolish the building for public safety reasons, and that occurred in 2014.
“That’s the biggest thing I remember about it,” Martin said about the collapse of the structure. “I was living in Twin Lake at the time when it collapsed, and then it sat like that for a while. I think it collapsed partially because of snow.”
The cost of the demolition was tacked on to the property tax bill, but the religious group fell several years behind on the taxes. Muskegon County eventually foreclosed in 2018, and Dalton Township purchased the single-lot site from the county not long after that, Martin said.
Within the past few years, representatives from the Unity of Faith Community Church came back and demanded the return of the property, claiming that as a religious organization it did not have to pay property taxes, Martin said.
The township disputed that claim, because the building was not being used for religious purposes, and maintained ownership of the lot, according to Martin.
“They emailed and essentially said, ‘You stole our property, give it back,’’’
Martin said. “It was very accusatory. I said I would look into it, since I wasn’t here when it all happened. As it turned out, religious organizations can’t just buy anything and not pay taxes on it. They have to use it for religious purposes.”
More recently, church officials expressed a desire to buy the lot from the township, according to Martin, but nothing ever came of it.
“They came to a board meeting, or several board meetings, and they finally decided they would be willing to purchase it,” Martin said. “They said they just had to get permission from their organization. I had a good talk with them after one of the meetings, they left, then we never heard from them again.”
Several parties recently expressed interest in the site, the township put it out for bid and it was sold to an individual for a little more than $12,000.
That revived the issue of the initial deed stipulation that called for the creation of the scholarship fund with proceeds from the sale of the building.
Board members, though, decided given the stipulation’s loss of legal standing, that the top priority was limiting the loss for township taxpayers.
first become part of the business when Neal was a driver for the Waruszewskis.
The Millers still maintain some local roots, as Gerrie Miller owns and operates Miller’s Oil & Lube Express on Colby Street in the plaza that also houses The Homestead restaurant and Bill’s Lakeshore Golden Cards and Collectibles.
Despite the stresses of raising six children by herself and running a business, Neal said Gloria was well-known for her patience. She passed away this past February, and funeral attendees could only remember one time in the entire span she ran the business where she got upset with anyone; he jokingly added that he wished he could say the same for himself.
“My hope is that their story doesn’t get lost in the shuffle after this (building) is gone,” Martell said. “We’re proud to own it, but their story runs a little bit deeper.”
Martell said he is “not a poet,” but on his way to pick up his daughter from a church function around the time of Glo ria’s passing, he found himself moved to come up with something and dictated a poem, written from the perspective of the building itself, into his phone. He shared that emotional poem
with the historical society.
The Martells don’t know the future of Big John’s - multiple media reports say they are seeking a $300,000 sale price for the businessbut whatever is next, the restaurant has made its mark in the White Lake area.
“It’s been an adventure,” Martell said. “We’ve been proud and humbled to run this business in the time we had it.”
The Historical Society also discussed the previous businesses that have operated out of the current Big John’s address. A pamphlet handed out at the meeting ran down the property’s history, which dates to 1877, when a building owned by an A. Hood, as well as E. T. Slocum’s livery stable, occupied the land. Those buildings eventually burned down in the great Whitehall fire of 1881, and the land was later occupied by multiple blacksmith shops. In the 1930s, a service station took over operations there, and later a motor company. Liberty Loan Corporation operated out of the building from 1956-64 and was the last business to be there before it became Teresa’s Pizza, and later Big John’s.
By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor
Andrew Flagstad was born in Grimstad, Norway Oct. 16, 1837 to Morten Tostensen Flagstadt and Anna Erlandsdatter. He began sailing on the ocean when he was only 13 years old and had very interesting experiences as a sailor. He sailed all over the world and was shipwrecked twice, once off the coast of Ireland and once off the West Indies.
Captain Flagstad became a sailor on the Great Lakes in 1854. In addition to owning the Ella Ellinwood at one time,
he also owned the “Swallow” and the M. T. Greene, a lumber barge, which was the largest of its kind at the time. People even laughed at the idea of the Captain imagining such a large boat could ply the inland lakes. Andrew sold the Ellinwood to his older brother, Captain Thomas Flagstad, in 1900. Another vessel that he briefly owned was the I. M. Weston.
On Sept. 10, 1866, Andrew Flagstad married Rosanna Keilty in Chicago. They had six children: Richard (1865-1876); Annie (1869-1876); Ella (18711876), Andrew (1874-1935)
and Mathew R. (1876-1937). Three of the children died within weeks of each other from scarlet fever. One died as a newborn.
Rosanna died Dec. 5, 1900. She is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery along with her children. Andrew died July 29, 1916 at the home of his son Mat in Maple Grove. He had been living there for the preious 10 years. Flagstad was the oldest Mason, having been initiated in 1863. Andrew was also buried in Oak Grove Cemetery next to his wife and children.
By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor
Tuesday morning’s storm caused devastating damage and widespread power outages in our community. It’s been a difficult and scary time for many. But as Mr. Rogers liked to remind people, it’s important to look for the helpers. Our community was full of helpers, from police and firefighters to utility repair crews and tree services; from friends and neighbors helping each other to total strangers pitching in to do whatever was needed.
Local businesses were generous with their help, as well. Just one example is The Gnarly Heifer restaurant, which didn’t even have power yet still managed to prepare and serve free burgers Tuesday to more than 150 first responders working tirelessly to keep us all safe and to repair the damage.
The library was without power for a few days and we lost a lot of trees, but fortunately the building was unscathed. The worst damage was to the parking lot, where a 60-foot oak tree was uprooted and lifted some of the pavement as it fell. We will wait patiently for a tree service to help us remove the tree, as there are certainly bigger priorities right now than freeing up those parking spaces.
We would like to say a special thank-you to Tracy Krcil and her daughters who showed up on Wednes day, rakes in hand, to ask if we needed any help clearing the lawn and sidewalks. We did, and they did, and we are so grateful for their help!
FUN FACT: There’s really nothing fun about it, but it is still a fact that wind speeds Tuesday were as high as 70 mph, and that downed trees and power poles were blocking nearly 50% of the roads in Mus
Join in on the fun at the annual 4th of July Parade, presented by the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau, taking place Thursday, July 4. Beginning at 10 a.m. at Whitehall City Hall, the parade will travel along Colby Street / BUS-31 over the bridge to Downtown Montague and end at Montague City Hall on Ferry Street.
The honorable American Legion and VFW will lead over 75 festive entries, including the parade’s Grand Marshal, Virginia DeMumbrum of the White Lake Community Library.
CatchMark Technologies will be livestreaming the parade for those who are not able to attend in person. Hosted by Matt and Stacy Shepherd, the parade will be streamed right outside of CatchMark’s office in downtown Whitehall.
Stay in town for the parks, shops, and restaurants, then enjoy fireworks over White Lake at dusk, put on by the White Lake Fireworks Committee. For more information or to register for the parade, contact the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau at 231893-4585 or www.whitelake.org.
kegon County.
July 4 Parade and Fireworks
Don’t come to the library Thursday, July 4 – we’ll be closed all day. Instead, be sure to watch for the library’s book bike at the annual Independence Day
parade! Library Board Treasurer Norm Kittleson will be pedaling the bike, with Clifford coming along for the ride. Save a big wave for this year’s parade grand marshal, too - she’ll be riding in a convertible instead of riding the book bike this time around. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and will go from the Whitehall City Hall on Colby Street to the Montague City Hall on Ferry Street. This annual family-friendly event is organized by the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and is sponsored by RE/MAX West. Can’t get into town for the parade? Watch the CatchMark livestream, sponsored by Manpower, from wherever you are! You can top off your day by watching the annual fireworks display over White Lake. This year’s show is being put on by the White Lake Fireworks Committee. It will start at dusk, as always.
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
WHITEHALL — Whitehall High School’s Vikings First initiative staged the first of what’s intended to be an annual event last Thursday evening, throwing a summer kickoff party at Goodrich Park.
The new initiative is headed up by Stacy Shepherd, a former Whitehall teacher. Stacy’s husband Matt is a Vikings boys basketball assistant coach, and their children Graycen and Sidney have competed for Whitehall teams; Sidney is a rising senior and Graycen plays football for Northern Michigan University.
“It was actually her idea,” Whitehall athletic director Christian Subdon said; attempts to reach Shepherd were
unsuccessful. “We’re trying to bring family fun events together rather than just typical fundraising. We’re trying to make it fun things to do with your family for a good price. We provided a lot of those things at no cost. It gets everybody involved. We really want to show we’re one community.”
The idea behind the fundraising event, and Vikings First as an initiative, is to prevent a cycle where parents and athletes need to participate or donate to fundraisers, such as selling discount cards, on a regular basis during the school year. The group is also planning a golf outing July 20 as an additional fundraiser, replacing what was previously a football-specific event.
By Andy Roberts
White Lake Mirror Editor
Whitehall seniors Ryne Christensen and Kyle Stratton capped off remarkable Viking careers this spring by earning Division 2 first team all-state honors.
For Stratton, it’s his second consecutive all-state award. The shortstop and pitcher hit over .400 for the season with an on-base percentage in excess of .500. Most notably, he broke Whitehall legend and Major League All-Star Nate McLouth’s MHSAA career record for stolen bases, running his total up to 199 (McLouth’s old record was 180). He swiped his final base, which also tied the Vikings’ single-season mark of 72, in the last inning of his team’s regional semifinal defeat to Spring Lake. Former teammate Cayden Ritchie set that standard in 2021.
Likely the sweetest achievement of all for Stratton, though, was being able to help lead the Vikings to a district championship, their first since 2017, with wins over Big Rapids and Ludington June 1.
“Just like (in all his) sports, he’s such a competitor,” Whitehall coach Warren Zweigle said of Stratton in May; Stratton will be playing football at Taylor University this fall. “He just wants to go out there and compete at the highest level, and most of the time that helps separate him from other kids.
“It’s always hard to compare kids from other eras, but when you look at how complete an athlete he is, his strength and his speed, and his hand-eye coordination, it’s easy to see that he’s one of the best athletes to come out of here.”
Christensen earned the utility spot on the all-state team after a stellar season pitching and
Andy Roberts/Mirror
playing the infield for the Vikings. It was Christensen’s complete-game win over district favorite Big Rapids that propelled Whitehall to that district championship. Christensen continued his strong postseason work in the regional semifinals by throwing 6 1/3 innings and allowing four hits to a Spring Lake team that went on to the state championship game. Christensen also pitched three shutout innings against the Lakers during a regular-season Whitehall win and shut out Ludington over 6 2/3 frames in a standout effort during West Michigan Conference Lakes regular-season play.
“Every minute we get to spend with them is a good minute,” Christensen said of his Viking teammates after the season. “I’ve enjoyed all those times through the ups and the downs. We’ve had plenty of downs, but we’ve had some ups (too).”
The senior duo headlined a large group of postseason honors for Whitehall. Nate Betz and Brock Morningstar added their own all-WMC Lakes first team awards, Betz as an outfielder
and Morningstar in the at-large spot. Betz provided strong defense in center field throughout the season, and Morningstar was a mainstay in the middle of the order and at first base all year while also contributing on the mound when needed.
Whitehall coach Warren Zweigle earned district coach of the year honors and, along with his coaching staff, helmed the Blue team to victory in the Marsh Field high school all-star game June 10. Stratton, Christensen and Morningstar joined teammates Ryan Goodrich, Nolan Taranko, Isaac VanAmberg and Noah Meinert on the academic all-district team as well. The Vikings picked up all-state academic honors in Division 2 as well.
Montague all-conference first team honorees were Bryton Belinger as an infielder, Ryver Jarka as an outfielder, and Kellan Francis as an at-large player. Jarka emerged as a constant late in the season, taking the pivotal leadoff spot in the Wildcat line-
Vikings First’s second annual steak fry is slated for February, and the group is selling $100 raffle tickets on an ongoing basis. (If enough people purchase them, the cash grand prize could get as high as $10,000.) More ambitious long-term goals include eliminating the costs to participate in sports team summer camps and, ideally, eliminate pay-to-participate fees as a means to fund athletics.
“It can be a drain for families, and we want to make athletics something everybody can do no matter their situation,” Subdon said of the tangential costs of sports participation.
As Subdon said, most of the available entertainment at last Thursday’s party was provided at no cost due to
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event sponsors. There were inflatable bounce houses, face painting, and live musical performances. Dinners for adults and kids were sold and served as the main financial draw for the athletics group.
Subdon said the turnout for the event was around 500 people, and 120 chicken dinners were sold, numbers that exceeded the group’s expectations.
“The community has been great with it,” Subdon said. “They’ve been very supportive of what we’re doing.”
Subdon emphasized Shepherd deserves the credit for the success of the event.
“Stacy put in an incredible amount of work on this, an incredible amount of time,” Subdon said.
up for a team that picked up a district championship by upsetting top-ranked North Muskegon June 1. Belinger enjoyed a big year at the plate from the start of the season onward, homering in the team’s sea son opener at Reeths-Puffer and continuing to belt line drives from there. Francis, the Wildcats’ second baseman, spent much of the season in the #2 spot in the order and was awarded for his work at the plate.
Eli Petersen, who pitched a six-hit complete game gem in that district finals game and also had two hits and scored a run in the game, received honorable mention for his work during the regular season.
Reeths-Puffer enjoyed a successful season of its own, highlighted by a GMAA championship. The Rockets placed four players onto the O-K Green Conference first team, three of them - Cayden The isen, Trent Reichert and Jaxson Whitaker - being seniors. Whitaker and Reichert anchored the Rock ets’ pitching staff throughout the season, delivering terrific performances time and again. Left fielder Theisen was one of the more reliable bats in the R-P lineup, hitting in the middle of the order much of the season. Junior Holden Earnest, also a first-team pick, took on the demanding shortstop position and also hit in the middle of the order. He was an explo sive bat at times, including a 4-for-4 showing against Holland and two doubles in a win over Oakridge.
The White Lake Juniors allstars began district play Wednesday with a 12-6 loss to Tri-City North.
The White Lake team, which hosted the game at the Whitehall High School varsity field, led 5-4 before Tri-City had a huge fourth inning, taking advantage of some walks and fielding miscues to take the lead for good.
White Lake was scheduled to continue its district slate with games against Roosevelt Park Thursday and Oakridge Friday, both at the Whitehall field.
Saturday, June 29
Montague Farmer’s Market open every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fruitland Twp. Senior-Palooza, 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Activities, informational vendors and friends. Free admission.
Project 90 performs @ Big Shotz, 8-11 p.m.
Sunday, June 30
Steve Thielman performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop for brunch, 10 a.m. to noon.
Mar in Color performs @ Big
Shotz for brunch, 12 p.m.
Free concerts @ Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Blue Lake Festival Band at Stewart Shell and Recital Series at Blodgett Recital Hall.
Monday, July 1
Alligators coming to the MADL Montague branch from Critchlow Sanctuary, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 2
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 Beth Bombara @ Montague Band Shell, 7-9 p.m. Free crafts for kids at each concert.
Wednesday, July 3
Snacktivity @ Montague Library, 3-5 p.m. Games, crafts, Lego and more. Snacks provided.
Thursday, July 4
Fetch Cycling Group meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. All levels welcome. Free yoga @ White River Light Station, 6:30 p.m.
North Grove Brewers summer concert Thursdays features the Bootstrap Boys, 7-9 p.m. Outdoor concert in the biergarten.
Friday, July 5
Community Yoga @ Fruitland Twp. Hall, 10-11 a.m. Free to participate, open to all ages and skill levels.
Pianists Andrea Swan and KuangHao Huang return to perform in the 15th annual White Lake Chamber Music Festival. From Aug. 2–10, excellent programming, world-class artists, and inspiring classical music performances will take place in the White Lake area. What once was mostly found only in metropolitan cities is now a yearly experience in the White Lake area.
Pianists Andrea Swan and KuangHao Huang perform throughout the festival, presenting music by Schubert, Schumann, Shostakovich, the Mozart Clarinet Quintet, plus the children’s classics Peter and the Wolf and the Sorcerers Apprentice, plus so much more.
Acclaimed chamber musician, collaborative pianist, orchestral keyboardist, soloist, and teacher in the Chicago area, Andrea Swan plays with the Grant Park Music Festival and the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra. In addition to frequent appearances on
the Chicago Symphony chamber music series and live WFMT radio broadcasts, she has performed recitals throughout the United States and the Far East. She regularly accompanies instrumentalist auditions for the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera orchestras and serves as official pianist for local and national music competitions, including the Stulberg International String Competition, held annually in Kalamazoo.
Commended for his “perceptive pianism” (Audiophile) and “playing that is sensitive and wonderfully warm” (American Record Guide), Chicagoan Kuang-Hao Huang is a
Muskegon Community College is hosting its first STEM Camp this summer for Muskegon Area Intermediate School District students entering first through eighth grades. The camp is intended to provide experiences related to science, technology, engineering and math to get county kids excited about the STEM fields. Each session will take place at the MCC Sturrus Technology Center.
The camps begin Monday, July 8 and consist of eight three-hour sessions: July 8-11 from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-4 p.m., and from July 15-18 at the same times. Groups are divided into three age groups: Kids entering first or second grade, those entering third through fifth grade and those entering sixth through eighth grade. There are multiple classes for each age group to choose from.
Cost to participate in the camp is $80 per session, with lunch provided for all students. Registration is open through Monday, July 1. A link to register can be found on the Montague Area Public Schools Facebook page.
highly sought-after collaborative pianist whose performances have taken him throughout North America, Europe and Asia. He has performed in New York City’s Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Merkin Hall; in Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center and NPR’s Tiny Desk; and at every major venue in the Chicago area, including the Harris Theatre and Symphony Center. He is often heard live on WFMT and has also performed on WQXR and on Medici.tv. Mr. Huang has recorded for Aucourant, Cedille, Innova and Naxos.
This year’s eight-day festival is packed with many exciting 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, evening concerts, and Cabaret Night “Broadway Comes to White Lake”. There will once again be the world’s greatest music wonderfully played, combined with the soft summer weather, beaches, and spectacular sunsets. All of this makes the White Lake Chamber Music Festival a vacation destination for an ever-growing audience from near and far.
For a schedule of this year’s festival events, please visit www.whitelakemusic.org. The generous support of individuals and businesses makes it possible to bring great artists and great music to the White Lake area. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Director Sondra Cross (231-329-3056) for more information.
