The Oceana Echo - Volume 2, Issue 2, June 7, 2024

Winner of ‘Survivor’ season 46 has local ties

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

The recently-named winner of “Survivor” Season 46, Mackenzie “Kenzie” (Veurink) Petty, of Charlotte, North Carolina, has family ties in Oceana County. Mackenzie, who went by “Kenzie” for the competition, was not only named the winner during the season’s finale May 22, but received $1 million as a result. She is the daughter of former Hart High School graduates, Shannon (Rasmussen) and Steve Veurink, and the granddaughter of current Hart residents Dick Rasmussen and Sally (and the late Gary) Veurink, along with Kathy Rasmussen of the Grand Traverse area.

Veurink, who was single when filming for the show began in June 2023, was married to her husband, Jackson Petty, in September last year, which explains why she was referred to sometimes as Kenzie Veurink and sometimes as Kenzie Petty in the show.

For those who are unfamiliar with this wildly popular reality series that has been airing since May 2000, Wikipedia provides this description: “Survivor places a group of people in an isolated location, where they must provide food, fire, and shelter for themselves. The contestants compete in challenges that include testing the contestants’ physical abilities like running and swimming or their mental abilities like puzzles and endurance challenges for rewards and

immunity from elimination. The contestants are progressively eliminated from the game as they are voted out by their fellow contestants until only two or three remain. At that point, the contestants who were eliminated vote for the winner. Winners are given the title of ‘Sole Survivor’ and are awarded the grand prize of $1 million.”

“We didn’t know anything about Kenzie being involved, (with the show) until her dad (Steve) called us in January (2024) and said there was going to be an announcement on the Survivor show that night and we might want to watch,” Kenzie’s grandmother, Sally Veurink told The Oceana Echo. “We’d never watched Survivor, so it took us about halfway through (the season) to figure out what was even going on,” Veurink said with a laugh.

Once Kenzie was named a contestant, family and friends from Oceana County and Charlotte, S.C., were glued to their televisions every Wednesday watching the drama unfold. “I’ve watched Survivor since it started 24 years ago,” Rasmussen said. “We found out she’d won on the last episode like everyone else.”

The contestants were announced in January, and the show started airing shortly after. However, all filming had already taken place six months prior in June of 2023. Veurink recalls Kenzie’s husband, Jackson, telling the family she was on a trip, which didn’t seem out of the ordinary to anyone at the time, so

they didn’t think anything of it. Contestants compete as teams in the first part of the show and individually, as more and more contestants are voted off. According to Veurink, Kenzie won two individual immunity challenges. One involved standing on the top of a pole with one support step below. “She won that challenge, and I attribute it to all of the logs she climbed over at our family cottage on Lake Michigan,” Veurink said proudly.

“Out of 46 seasons, only 17 women have won the competition,” said Rasmussen. “She’s (Kenzie) been watching and studying the show since she was 15 years old. When that little girl sets her mind to something, she goes after it,” he said. “I believe her personality and honesty are what won this for her. She

worked with and made friends with everyone. That and her speech at the end, paid off in the final episode.”

Veurink shared that when Kenzie was named to the final three and each contestant was sharing what they would do with the money if they won, Veurink quoted Kenzie as saying, “To be completely honest, I am in this for me. I’m a small business owner, and I plan to invest this for my retirement so I don’t have to cut little girls bangs when I’m 70!” Petty is the owner of a salon in Charlotte, S.C. and her husband owns his own photography business.

According to Rasmussen, the final episode was viewed live by an estimated 800 people on three, 24-foot screens. “It was in an area of Charlotte where many new businesses, owned by young people, are located,” said Veurink. “When they announced Kenzie was the winner, the place exploded,” Rasmussen said.

Since being named the winner of Survivor 46, Kenzie has kept busy with various public appearances and celebrations. She’s had people recognize her on the street and has had fun signing autographs and taking selfies, but she is looking forward to her life returning to “normal,” Veurink shared. She also reported that her granddaughter and husband are looking forward to the next chapter in their lives. They recently announced they are expecting their first baby in September—a whole other form of “survival,” with its own challenges and rewards.

Lakeside Rehab awarded Michigan 50 Companies to Watch

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

From a field of over 500 nominations from across the state, Lakeside Comprehensive Rehab of 601 E. Main St. in Hart, was recently awarded one of the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” awards, presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) at a special ceremony in Lansing on May 21, 2024. Michigan Celebrates Small Business has been granting this award to small businesses for the past 20 years. Lakeside Comprehensive Rehab is the first Oceana County company to have ever received the designation.

The entire Lakeside Rehab family organized a lunchtime congratulatory send-off parade through downtown Hart on Monday, May 20 for Deborah Windell, the owner of Lakeside, the day before the award ceremony in Lansing.

“We are honored to receive this award!” said Deborah Windell, President and Owner of Lakeside Rehabilitation in a press release. “Lakeside Rehabilitation has been providing physical, occupational, aquatic, massage and speech ther-

apy to residents of Oceana County and beyond for over 20 years. Being selected as one of 50 Michigan Companies to Watch inspires us to provide the best service possible, keep growing and serve the community the best we can!”

Windell, along with HEART (Hart Economic and Redevelopment Team) Director Nichole Kleiner and a group of Lakeside employees, were honored to attend the award ceremony at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Over 800 guests, representatives from Michigan’s Economic Development Corporation and the governor attended the event.

“Your commitment to excellence, innovation, and service embodies what makes Michigan businesses thrive. Your team’s unwavering commitment to the community has made an invaluable impact on your customers, employees, and the state of Michigan,” read a letter to Windell from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The work that small businesses do grows our economy, creates opportunities for Michganders and makes our communities better places to live. I want you to know that Michigan has your back and we will keep doing everything we can to

make our state the best place to do business.”

According to a press release provided by MCSB, “Companies nominated for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award must be second-stage companies, defined as having six to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants. Additionally, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan.”

The complete list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch honorees can be found at https:// michigancelebrates.org

Lauren Sonin, Michelle McDonald, Erica Fenton, Deborah Windell and Marianna Frick.

K enzie and J ac K son P etty

asParagus reciPes

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

The 51st National Asparagus Festival will be celebrated Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 in Hart and Shelby. One of the most anticipated events on the Saturday slate is the Taste of Asparagus competition at the Hart Historic District from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many contestants will compete for awards and cash prizes, with their best asparagus dishes available for the public to try and vote on.

In the 40-plus years I’ve been cooking and eating asparagus, I’ve tried numerous dishes containing this prized vegetable. There’s no end to what you can do with it, and here in Oceana, we are fortunate to have Michigan-grown and handpicked asparagus available in every store and at every roadside stand all season-long. Support this important industry, buy fresh asparagus, eat it every day and enjoy!

ASPARAGUS FRIES WITH CITRUS AIOLI (MichiganAsparagus.org )

Ingredients:

1 lb. fresh Michigan asparagus, ends trimmed

½ cup flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 ¼ cups toasted breadcrumbs

1 tsp fresh lemon zest

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

Citrus Aioli:

½ cup mayonnaise

1 tsp olive oil

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Place three plates in the work area. On one plate, mix flour, salt and pepper. On the second plate, add beaten eggs. On the third plate, add breadcrumbs and lemon zest. Dip one piece of asparagus in egg wash, then in flour mixture, back in the egg wash, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat. Place asparagus onto the prepared baking sheet. Complete process with remaining asparagus. Bake asparagus in the oven for 13-15 minutes. The coating will be light brown and crispy. While the asparagus cooks, make the sauce by combining all ingredients and stir. Set it in the fridge while asparagus finishes cooking. Remove asparagus from the oven and serve with the citrus aioli.

LEMONY ASPARAGUS PASTA (MichiganAsparagus.org )

Ingredients:

8 oz. fettuccine

½ lb. Michigan asparagus, chopped

3 Tbsp. butter, divided

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 c. heavy cream

1 c. reserved pasta water

¾ c. grated parmesan cheese

Juice of one lemon

Zest of one lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the package, making sure to salt your pasta water. Once cooked, reserve one cup of pasta water. While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute or so. Then add the asparagus into the pan and sauté until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove asparagus from the pan. Add the rest of the butter into the pan. Add the heavy cream and simmer until it thickens. Once the cream thickens, remove the pasta directly from the pot (do not rinse) and place it in the cream sauce. Add reserved pasta water for your preferred consistency. Add parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest and toss. Stir in the asparagus. Season with salt and pepper to taste. As the pasta sits, it will absorb the sauce.

Entertainment

Roskam rides again for MS

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Pete Roskam will “ride again” when he takes part in his annual Ride for MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, as part of the Great Lakes West Michigan Breakaway Ride, starting and ending at Hope College in Holland. Roskam said that over the past 16 years, he’s been able to raise nearly $20,000 for the MS Society.

“There will be about 250 riders who will have the option of riding in four different routes (30, 50, 75 and 100 miles each). I’ll be riding the 100mile route on Saturday and the 75-mile route on Sunday,” Roskam said.

Roskam has set a personal fundraising goal of $5,000 and is asking for the community’s support in helping him meet that goal.

“Since retiring last year, I’ve been able to ride a lot more; I’ve put on 1,400 miles in 2024, and I’m feeling in good shape,” he said. “I have four rides planned in 2024. I rode in Hart Hills on May 4. In July, I’ll be riding in the ‘Ragbrai,’ a 470-mile ride across Iowa. It’s a week-long party on a bike. Then in August, I plan to ride in the ODRAM (One Day Ride Across Michigan), a 156-mile ride from Rothbury to Bay City. That’s going to push me to my limit.

I’m hoping for a nice tailwind that day since the most I’ve ridden in one

day so far is 110-120 miles.”

According to Roskam, there are many people in Oceana County currently living with MS. “Everybody’s case is unique, but the research and development has really helped,” he said. Roskam’s mother suffered from MS, but didn’t have access to the new treatments and financial assistance that are now available. MS is more prevalent in women than men, and summertime and stress are two things that can make living with MS more difficult. “Exercise is important,” Roskam explained. “It helps the body respond better (to the disease).”

Anyone interested in supporting Roskam’s 2024 Ride may contact him directly at 231-638-1035 or roskam24@ gmail.com. Checks should be made out to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Attention Peter Roskam, and mailed to Roskam at P.O. Box 364, Shelby, Michigan 49455, or use the QR code at left. More information and support can be found by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org.

Grandson Knox and Pete Roskam head out for a warm up ride recently.

This page is brought to you by:

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

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

The organization of Grant Township

By Caleb Jackson

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

In this column, we have talked quite extensively about the early days of our county and primarily about some of the key settlements such as Pentwater, Claybanks and Hart. Today, let’s take a look at Grant.

Claybanks is said to be the first settlement established in Oceana, with the earliest settlers arriving in 1849. In truth, Grant wasn’t too far away. The first settlement in the area took place on section 31 with the arrival of a man named Fernando Seaver in 1851. The only catch is that he wasn’t settling in Oceana at that time. He settled in what was then called the township of Claybanks, Ottawa County. It wasn’t until 1855 that the boundaries were readjusted, and this settlement was included within the bounds of Oceana County.

It is also interesting to read about the early history of Grant, for we are introduced to a whole new cast of characters. There are some pretty big names in Oceana’s history that come up again and again, regardless of which township you are reading about, but we see very few of these people mentioned when read-

ing about Grant. Following Fernando Seaver, two other settlers arrived, named William Winderknecth and John Brocker. A man named Alfred Pope showed up in 1856, and someone named Alonzo Green settled on section 30 in that same year. Then we had O.K. White arriving in section seven in 1857 “after opening nearly six miles of road.” 1857 was also the first year that an election was held for county officers.

Overall, the development of Grant seems to have been more gradual than that of settlements on the western side of the county. We see a few more settlers coming in over the ensuing years. Jason Carpenter settled on section five in 1859, Dexter Wheeler on section four in 1860, John Smith also on section four, but a year later in 1861. Some other early settlers include Milo H. Sweet, Henry W. Turk, Alonzo Smith and James Baker. Ultimately, though, the township of Grant wouldn’t be organized until Dec. 31, 1866. The first township meeting took place in Jason Carpenter’s house in 1867 where “O.K. White was elected Supervisor, Jason Carpenter, Clerk, and Henry W. Turk, Treasurer, each receiving twenty-seven votes—all that were polled.”

One thing that all of the early settlers had to contend with was wolves, and Grant Township was no different.

USS Sequoia exhibit to be unveiled June 23

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.

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.

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.

Hartwick and Tuller tell us a funny story concerning the aforementioned John Brocker.

At this time, wolves were thick and quite familiar, so much so that John Brocker tells us that when he had got his shanty so far completed as to move into it with a blanket for a door, one of the fellows pushed his head through the door and took a survey of the interior of the shanty. It was evidently satisfactory to him, for he trotted away with the utmost indifference when the family entered a protest against his company.

He’s not the only settler with a story about wolves, either. O.K. White had a run-in with some in November 1861. The story is recounted in “History of Mason, Manistee and Oceana Counties” by H.R. Page. “They were heard near the house in the afternoon, so near, indeed, that the children took to the house for fear of them.” White recounted that he was unable to scare the wolves away, although he tried, and that they would routinely approach the house and then retreat over the course of several hours.

“The music was fearful, and effectually prevented sleep in that house,” he had

said.

While we are on the topic of Grant, it is probably worth mentioning that it was named after Ulysses S. Grant, who at that time, was known simply as a general in the Union Army, not yet a President of the United States. Hartwick and Tuller claim that the early settlers of Grant “were admirers of him long before the people of the country at large had begun to fully appreciate his services.”

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.

Ongoing

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.

M-F: The Huddle for 6th-12th grade youth, 3-5 p.m.

Saturdays: Celebrate worship gathering, 6:30 p.m. Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

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.

Hart Historic District hosts 4th Annual Car Show

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Whether you consider yourself a car enthusiast or not, the 4th Annual Hart Heritage Car Show at the Hart Historic District is “the car show that has something for everyone.”

The event is set for Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hart Historic District, located at 570 E. Lincoln St., Hart. Cars may register from 8-10 a.m. next Saturday for $20 each. Those registered for the car show will have a chance to win a variety of prizes from Hart area businesses. Drawings will take place every hour.

The Grand Prize drawing for a 12-drawer mechanics tool chest from Larson’s Ace Hardware, valued at $1,000, will take place at 2 p.m. Registrants must be present to win.

Refreshments will be available for purchase. The Hart Area Public Library Friends of the Library will have coffee and desserts, while the Historic District will have hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, chips and drinks for sale.

Visitors to the car show can also take self-guided tours of the wonderful museums on site or sit back and enjoy the live music. Kids of all ages are invited to participate in a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, which will take place under the Heritage Hall canopy. All sidewalk artists will receive a prize.

Those with questions can reach out to event coordinators Russ Robbins at 231-747-5916 or Leigh Furgason at 231-869-2042.

New Ag Barn Grand Opening planned for June 15

The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society will officially open the Mears Museum Complex on Saturday, June 15. This day will also feature the dedication and grand opening of their new Ag Barn built by Blackmer Construction. This much anticipated celebration will take place from 1-3 p.m. and refreshments will be served. There will also be entertainment and guest speakers, so be sure to put it on your calendar to attend!

The complex and new barn are open on weekends throughout the summer months, from 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Annual Plant Sale in Pentwater set for June 15

The Garden Club of Pentwater will have their annual Plant Sale Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Water Tower Park in downtown Pentwater. They will have perennials and other assorted plants and small floral arrangements for sale.

Sharing Old & Interesting items at The Ladder

The next Share Our Stories (SOS) event at The Ladder Community Center in Shelby will feature the theme “Old & Interesting.” Adults are welcome to join us on Tuesday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. Please bring an interesting item from the past to share, perhaps an antique or a homemade item that your family values.

SOS is a monthly event held at The Ladder, where people gather and share memories, photos, and other memorabilia from Oceana County. There is no cost for this evening event, though donations to The Ladder are welcome. Events are subject to change. To inquire about an event or if you have ideas for future topics of interest for SOS, call The Ladder at 231-259-0211. Visit theladdercommunitycenter.com to view all our upcoming events.

June

June 3-14 - Sign-ups open for The Ladder Community Center’s Summer Break Out program, 67 N. State St., Shelby, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 8 - Melody Mates Square Dancing, Don and Margaret Knapp will be honored, Shelby Congregational Church, 7 p.m.

June 8 - 51st National Asparagus Festival in Hart: Ryan Walsworth Spear-It 5K, 9 a.m.; Arts & Crafts show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Farm Tour, 9:30 a.m.; Taste of Asparagus, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Joan Glover Royale Parade, 2 p.m., Kids Zone, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.

June 8 - Pentwater Community-Wide Yard Sale, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

June 9 - Annual NAF Fly-In Pancake Breakfast, Oceana County Airport, 1805 W. Baseline Rd., Shelby, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

June 10 - Little Sable Point Beach Clean up, 9 a.m.

June 11- Tech Hour, Hesperia Comm. Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

June 11 – New Era Farmers Market, entertainment by Smokin’ Dobroleles and Bike Rodeo, 4-7 p.m.

June 13 - Teen Night, Hesperia Comm. Library, 3:30-6 p.m.

June 14 - Story Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m.

June 15 - Garden Club of Pentwater’s annual Plant Sale, Water Tower Park in downtown Pentwater, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

June 15 - Hart Historic District opens for the season, Antique Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

June 15 - Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society New Agricultural Barn dedication, Mears Museum Complex, 5809 W. Fox Rd., Mears, 1-3 p.m.

June 15 & 16 - Pentwater Spring Fest Arts, Crafts & Antiques Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

June 15-16 Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society Mears Museum Complex opens for the season, 1-4 p.m.

Summer Youth Program at The Ladder

Starting Monday, June 17, The Ladder Community Center in Shelby will be offering “Summer Break Out,” a weekday youth program for sixth to twelfth graders.

Break Out shows our community God’s love in very practical ways, offering many great serving activities for youth. Break Out also takes youth on fun day trips once a week, called Escape Trips. Some upcoming Escape Trips include a ropes course, escape room, fishing, Michigan’s Adventure and tubing.

In addition to off-site activities, The Ladder offers on-site activities such as pool, air hockey, foosball and basketball. Youth are even developing the habit of reading, listening to and applying the Word of God. Food will be provided Monday through Friday by Shelby Public Schools through the Meet Up and Eat Up program.

Parents may register their teens for Break Out by visiting The Ladder at 67 N. State Street in Shelby from June 3-14 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (On June 4, hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The Ladder’s youth program is made possible by generous donors and volunteers, at no cost to youth, apart from Escape Trips. If you are interested in volunteering or donating toward the cost of the youth program, please visit The Ladder or call (231) 259-0211.

New Era Farmers Market kickoff on June 11

Come on out from 4-7 p.m. for a market like no other and see what is new this year. Markets are located in the parking lot of the New Era Christian Reformed Church at 1820 Ray Ave. in New Era. The Kids Power of Produce Club will take place from 4-5 p.m. featuring a bike rodeo, and storytime will be with Shelby Area District Library Director Tiffany Collins-Haight. Bring your bike and get fitted for a helmet. Free MDOT-approved bike helmets will be given away from Trinity Health Injury Prevention. There will be an obstacle course for the kids to ride, and it will wrap up at 5 p.m. with a bike parade down to the stage with a prize drawing including two bicycles. MSU Extension will be rolling out the Market’s latest venture: a Canning Lending Library, with hot water batch canning materials supplied by Michigan Farmers Market Association. There will be four available to check out from SADL, Hart Public Library, Pentwater Public Library and Walkerville Library. So far, 25 vendors signed up. The Smokin Dobroleles will entertain from 5-7 p.m. Dinner selections will include Sloppy Joes, wraps, burritos and pasties. They accept SNAP, DUFB, Senior Market Fresh and our own Senior Power of Produce ($5 in free produce tokens) and Kids Power of Produce ($4 in free produce tokens). Organizers hope to see you at the market.

o bituaries

Lee Roy DeHoff

July 23, 1960 ~ May 30, 2024

Lee Roy DeHoff, 63, of Montague, passed away at his home, Thursday, May 30, 2024. He was born July 23, 1960, in Ludington, the son of Lauren and Sharon (Pugh) DeHoff.

On Aug. 3, 1985, Lee married Robin (Strahl) DeHoff, and they spent 38 years together.

Lee graduated from Montague High School in 1978 and went on to proudly serve our country in the United States Navy in June of that year. He worked for Steamfitters Local 174 as a welder and retired in 2016.

Lee loved hunting, fishing and especially deer sea son. He loved watching Tiger’s Baseball and was a Detroit Lion’s fan. Spending time with his grandsons and teaching them how to fish brought so much joy to his life. Lee’s favorite role in life was being a father and grandfather. He was always there to offer his sons and grandsons his love, support, and encouragement.

Lee is survived by: his wife, Robin; sons, Daniel DeHoff and Dustin (Tori) DeHoff; grandsons, Hunter DeHoff and Dakota DeHoff; father, Lauren DeHoff; stepmother, Deloris DeHoff; sister, Linda DeHoff; and brothers, Lenny DeHoff, Larry DeHoff, and Frank DeHoff.

Lee was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon DeHoff.

In accordance with Lee’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com

Obituary Information:

Phillip Daniel Hickey Jr.

February 5, 1957 ~ May 30, 2024

Phillip Daniel Hickey Jr. 67, of New Era, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024. He was born Feb. 5, 1957, in Goldsboro, N.C. the son of Dan and Clara (Edmond) Hickey.

Phil served in the Air Force as a young man and then went on to sample several career fields before settling on truck driving. He enjoyed getting to travel all over the United States and the freedom of being on the road.

Phil is survived by: his sons, Phillip Daniel (Valerie) Hickey III and Dennis Hickey; grandchild, Malykai Glasen-Hickey; sister, Dorothy (Tom) Bastian.

Phil was preceded in death by: his parents, Dan and Clara; grandparents, Rex and Dorothy Hickey, and George and Marie Edmond.

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

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

Celebration of Life ~ William Dale Smith

William Dale Smith, 71, of Rothbury, passed away at home after a short illness on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. A Celebration of Life will take place at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 165 S. 180th Campbell Lake, Hesperia, MI 49421. The Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is handling arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Death Notice ~ Margaret “Peggy” Johanson

Margaret “Peggy” Johanson, 93, of Mears, passed away June 1, 2024. To read the full obituary or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.beaconfh.com Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

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.

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!

869-7351

Us For

at 10 a.m. joinus@stjamesepiscopalpentwater.org We Believe That God Loves You - No Exceptions

like an appointment with Pastor Cyd, please call 231-873-3516

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

W esleyan SHELBY CHURCH

Pastor Todd Deuling Celebrating 130 years

Tails of Hope

If you are looking for a resilient, spirted dog, Grayson is the doggo for you. Grayson is a 7-yearold pup who’s been through a lot but still has so much love to give.

Life has thrown Grayson a few curveballs, but he’s shown remarkable resilience. Despite his past, he’s full of love and trust for humans.

Walking with Grayson is a breeze! He’s an expert on a leash, and your walks will be smooth and enjoyable.

Grayson is a friendly soul and is always eager to make new friends. He believes in the goodness of people and looks forward to forming a deep bond with his forever family.

Grayson is seeking a calm and loving home where he can finally enjoy the stability and love he deserves. A patient and understanding owner would be perfect for him.

Grayson 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.

Meet Grayson

To request tags, send a text to 231-730-3906. Free tags are also available at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.

Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Bancroft June 13th, 2024 Michigan Man, Lewis Bancroft and Minnesota Woman, Janice Stevens, married in Santa Cruz, Calif., June 13th, 1964.

COMPLETE COLLISION SERVICE

We grow it for YOU, and do gift baskets, too!

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1274 W. Baseline Road, Shelby, MI 49455 Please text 231-638-8139 for more information on how to sign-up.

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!

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Spring at Shelby Acres!

As you drive on Oceana Drive, you might notice the progress of the much-anticipated homes in Shelby Acres. Shelby Acres hopes to help fill the void of our area’s housing shortage by providing quality, new construction homes at a reasonable market price. Shelby Acres has just listed their three model homes on the MLS and by early June, the three model houses will be available for viewing through a private showing or by attending one of our open houses. The new listings outline additional details about each model, such as the floor plan, the sale selection and approval procedures and the Association Bylaws.

THE TAMARACK: $214,000 - Enjoy the cozy yet open layout with spacious, fully-equipped kitchen with granite countertops, dining room, living room, and two main-level bedrooms, full bath, and plenty of storage. Downstairs, explore the additional well-lit space: recreation or living room, additional bedroom and bath, and laundry. The Tamarack has an attached, fully finished garage and could be your new home in Shelby Acres!

THE ELM: $224,000 - Here, functionality meets comfort in a home that is both light and open yet fully utilizes every square foot of space. The main level exudes natural light and functional living with two bedrooms, spacious kitchen, dining and living areas, and bathroom. The new appliances, granite countertops, abundant cabinetry, and ample storage radiates comfort and quality. The finished basement offers an expansive additional living area, another bedroom, bathroom, and laundry. Additionally, the attached fully finished garage, inviting neighborhood, and close proximity to Shelby Public Schools and downtown Shelby make this home the perfect place to set down some roots.

THE ASPEN: $249,000 - This home exhibits classic country charm from the moment you step onto the front porch. Enter into a bright living space with cathedral ceilings, equipped kitchen, separate dining area, two main-floor bedrooms and full bathroom. Designed for comfortable living: new appliances, quartz countertops, walk-in kitchen pantry, and bountiful natural light. As you head downstairs, it is well-lit and well-designed, offering additional finished living space for an entertainment or recreational room, as well as two complete bedrooms, a full bathroom, laundry and mechanicals. The Aspen also boasts a detached garage and is located in a neighborhood close to Shelby Public Schools and the welcoming downtown.

As a reminder, if you are interested in becoming a candidate for the lottery, the prospective buyer must attend one of our workshops. To be added to an upcoming workshop roster, please email one of the instructors: gabypetersonhomes@gmail.com, dfox@shelbybank.com or Mreyna@shelbybank.com

Saturday

Shelby Acres

Golden Township to consider future with Hart Area Public Library

By Steve Gunn The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Residents of Oceana County’s Golden Township have lost the ability to access electronic services through the Hart Area Public Library (HAPL) and will be cut off from all library services on Aug. 1 unless the township board and the library board hammer out a new financial agreement.

Golden Township is one of four townships that pays an annual fee to purchase services for its residents at the library.

The township paid the library $15,000 per year for several decades and agreed to increase that payment to $20,000 for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which ended on March 31.

But the library board wants the township to continue to increase its contribution by $5,000 per year for the next three years, culminating in a $35,000 annual payment beginning in fiscal year 2026-27.

The Golden Township board declined to take the next step in that process by paying the requested $25,000 for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which began on April 1, and the two sides have been at an impasse since then.

On May 15, Golden Township residents were banned from using electronic services provided by the library, which include access to electronic books, movies and other features.

Without a contract by Aug. 1, Golden Township residents will no longer have access to any library services, like borrowing books or other materials.

Many township residents are upset about the situation, according to Nancy Sterk, president of the HAPL board, and Carl Fuehring, the Golden Township supervisor.

“Oh my goodness, have we,” Sterk said when asked if the library had received complaints from Golden Township residents. “It’s been very tough on our staff. We feel for the residents who are library users. We know they feel like they are caught in the middle. They don’t know that we have been trying to work with the township on this for a year and a half.”

Fuehring said he’s also heard from a lot of residents, including one very angry grandfather.

“I have one person who told me his grandchildren were told they could not use the library,” the township supervisor said. “This man owns property in Hart Township and pays almost $1,000 per year in property taxes for just the library, then his grandkids were told not to use it. They asked them to leave. That’s what I was told.”

Sterk denied that anyone was asked to leave the library, saying, “I’m sure none of our staff did that.”

Sterk said residents of any community who own property in the City of Hart or Hart Township (and therefore pay property taxes to support the library) can show their most recent paid tax receipt and receive full library membership.

PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING ON PROPOSED 2024-2025 BUDGET

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 7:00 o’clock p.m., at 525 N. State St, Shelby, Michigan, the Board of Education of Shelby Public Schools, Oceana County, will hold a public hearing to consider the District’s proposed 2024-2025 budget.

The Board may not adopt its 2024-2025 proposed budget until after a public hearing. A copy of the proposed 2024-2025 budget, including the proposed property tax millage rate, is available for public inspection during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm at 525 N. State St, Shelby, Michigan.

The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.

This notice is given by order of the Board of Education. - Steve Vinke, Secretary

Fuehring said the grandchildren in the situation he cited were indeed asked to present a tax receipt to remain at the library,

“That’s absolutely absurd,” he said.

The HAPL is an independent district library that’s directly supported by local tax dollars.

The library district includes the City of Hart and Hart Township. Property owners in those communities pay a two-mill tax levy every year to support the library.

Four townships - Golden, Crystal, Weare and Elbridge – are clients of the library district and pay a yearly sum to purchase services for their residents.

In the fall of 2022, the library board took a close look at its finances, noted that the millage paid by property owners in the City of Hart and Hart Township covered 66 percent of its budget, and approached the four contract townships about incrementally increasing their contributions.

The library board has been able to hammer out agreements with officials in Crystal, Weare and Elbridge townships at increased rates for the past two years, but Golden Township drew the line at the latest proposed increase – from $20,000 to $25,000 - for fiscal 2024-25.

The issue boiled over when the library board sent a proposed new contract to the township and received a surprising response.

“We sent a contract to Golden Township, they altered the document by crossing out $25,000 and putting in $20,000, then sent us a check for $20,000,” Sterk said. “That’s not acceptable to us.”

The library board did not approve the amended contract and did not cash the check.

Sterk said that Golden Township residents are major users of the library’s services, and the amount of money the township pays has not kept pace.

“For 20 years, we have not increased the contract amount for any of the townships, while our budget has increased 77 percent over that time,” Sterk said. “Golden Township residents comprise about 17.4 percent of the total patrons of the library. The contribution we asked for this year was $25,000, which would be only 6.6 percent of our budget.”

Sterk said the library is in sound financial condition and does not have a budget deficit. She also acknowledged that the library board is eyeing future expansion because of a shortage of space, but said the increased dollars paid by the client townships would not go toward that eventual project.

She said the request for increased fees is simply a matter of equity. That’s particularly true for Golden Township, because its residents use the library at roughly the same rate as residents of the city or Hart or

PUBLIC AUCTION

June 15th, 2024 @ 10 AM

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Directions: From Hesperia take M20 east 8.4 miles, then turn left onto N Wisner, follow for 2 miles then turn right onto W 3 Mile Rd, follow for 2 miles then left onto Felch, follow north 1 mile then turn right onto W Bush St, follow for 1 mile then right onto W Locust St. to sale site. Watch for signs.

Beyer Auction has been commissioned to sell the following personal property at public auction. 2008 GMC Canyon w/175k miles 4x4, Sea Nymph sidewinder series SC170 50 hp 2 stroke engine EZ load, 20ft Pontoon boat w50hp motor(no trailer), 10’ Aluminum trailer, Cub Cadet LX46 547CC, Honda FourTrax 300 and much more! See our website for a complete list and pictures @ www.beyerauction.com.

Auctioneers Note/Terms: Cash or check with a positive ID. No out of state checks will be accepted. Credit/Debit Cards may only be available if there is viable service and a 5% charge will be added on any payments other than cash or check. An announcement on sale day will be made if cards can be accepted. All announcements on sale day take precedence over any printed material. Beyer Auction Service is not responsible for accidents or loss. No lunch available! Beyer Auction Service Inc. Hesperia, MI 49421 If interested in having an auction call Wade Schuberg 231-855-8555

Hart Township, where the property tax is levied.

As of January, 755 Golden Township residents were library cardholders. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, they borrowed 11,453 items from the library.

“It’s just payment for services that are being provided, and we are continuing to provide most of those services,” Sterk said.

Fuehring, on the other hand, said the Golden Township board is wary of how expensive library services could become in the future.

“Say it’s $35,000 for five or 10 years,” he said. “Then budgets change and demands change. A few years later, you end up in the same scenario. It puts a lot of pressure on our board.”

Fuehring said the township is exploring other possible options, including joining the Shelby or Pentwater libraries, or perhaps starting a library of its own.

The township board is expected to discuss the situation as a work session on Friday, according to Fuehring.

“We have a huge number of people who use the library and are interested in helping us and have reached out to us,” the township supervisor said. “We are still totally undecided.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HART 2024 SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT

The City of Hart is now accepting applications for residential sidewalk replacements within the City of Hart. Residents may voluntarily apply at Hart City Hall, at 407 S State Street, Hart, Michigan, 49420 until July 30, 2024. Owners are responsible for paying in advance 60% of the full cost of their sidewalk project. The City of Hart will pay the remaining 40% in accordance with Chapter 1020 of the City Code. The 2024 replacement cost for a standard 4” sidewalk is $8.40 per square foot.

First come, first serve – the program will be managed on a “first come, first serve” basis. The city will place the applications on a list in order of receipt and prioritize replacement on a worst first basis. Worst first” means that pedestrian safety issues will be considered over auxiliary issues. Pedestrian safety issues may include severely cracked, heaved, missing, spalled or crumbled sidewalks that is or could become a trip hazard. Cosmetic only projects are not eligible for 60/40 funding.

Note – Root structures are a common cause of sidewalk damage. If a tree causing damage is in the right of way, the city will incur the cost of removing. Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

Sidewalk Budget

Sidewalk projects will commence when sufficient sidewalk projects are accumulated to place a work order with the preferred contractor. Projects will continue until budgeted funds are depleted.

Property owners interested in requesting new sidewalks can visit www.cityofhart.org to apply. Questions, contact Nichole Kleiner at (231) 923-0920.

THREE-PEAT!

Hart’s girls track and field claim third straight MHSAA Division 3 State Championship

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

KENT CITY – A bit of uncertainty had clouded what was seemingly a clear path to a third straight MHSAA Division 3 State title for Hart’s girls track and field team. Nevertheless, the Pirates prevailed, riding a heroic performance from junior Addi Hovey to the threepeat.

Usually a team that dominates the distance running events, Hart was forced to look elsewhere for points with junior powerhouse Jessie Jazwinski missing the Regional qualifiers while recovering from mono. Adding to that was the fact that Jazwinski’s running mate, senior Alyson Enns, wasn’t at 100 percent for the majority of the season.

“This is a year for Hart that’s been different,” Coach Calvin Ackley said. “We’re usually a distance team. The sprint teams really stepped it up (this year) and that’s been a huge factor for us. I give (Kimes) the MVP this year. He’s our field events guy, a fantastic coach and he does a lot of sprints with the kids.”

Fortunately for Hart’s pair of head coaches, Ackley and Ken Kimes, the Pirates had a pretty dominant force that qualified for the 100-meter and 200 sprints as well as the high jump. That dominant force was

Hovey, an athlete Ackley said only comes around once every 20-25 years.

“(Hovey) works her tail off in everything she does,” Kimes said. “She’s always split some time with track and basketball, but next year we’ll get her (to focus on) all track, because the basketball stuff will be done. We’re gonna see what Addi Hovey is made of next year and I think we’re going to see even bigger marks and improvement from her.”

Hovey notched the fifth best time across all preliminary heats in the 100 (12.54), before stepping up her game in the finals and notching a personal record at 12.27 in a first place effort. Hovey’s win margin of .24 seconds was a significant mark, but nothing compared to her performance in the 200.

Finishing the 200 prelims with a qualifying time of 26.31, Hovey kicked in a new gear in the finals. Her mark of 25.60 earned another first place finish and showed a .44 second margin of victory over her nearest competitor.

“We talked about where we stood as a team coming into Regionals and we were expected to win that by like four points,” Hovey said. “I didn’t feel any extra pressure because I knew the girls around me were going to perform. Anything can happen at a State meet and knowing I had those girls around me, helped me to perform as well.”

Before the finals for her running events had even kicked in, Hovey had already all but wrapped up an individual state title in the high jump. Hitting a mark of 5 feet, 6 inches, Hovey was competing with herself to better that mark near the end. Hovey didn’t have to stand alone on the podium once the results from that event had been certified. As it turned out, Hart senior Imogene Brumbaugh worked her way into a tie for the eighth and final spot, leaping over the bar at 5-2 and taking home All-State recognition.

Apart from Hovey’s heavy lifting that included 30 of the Pirates’ 53 team points, Hart found plenty of success in the relay events.

The 400 relay team made up of Hovey, Addison Hain, Laura Bitely and Lilly Hopkins led the way, placing third and setting a new school record at 50.13. That wasn’t the only new school record set for Hart’s girls either. The 800 relay team of Hopkins, Bitely, Hain and LexieBeth Nienhuis finished at 1:48.85, earning AllState in seventh place.

Hopkins, Hain, Bitely and Nienhuis joined forces one final time, securing third place in the 1600 relay with a time of 4:11.11. In total, Hain

and Bitely took home three AllState awards while Nienhuis earned two and Hopkins took four.

Three of Hopkins’ were earned through those relay events, but the fourth came from the field events. Hopkins vaulted a mark of 9-6 which landed her in a tie for seventh place. Lilly’s younger sister Lauren was also a state qualifier in the pole vault, but the sophomore was only able to clear the 8-6 mark, landing her in 25th overall.

The aforementioned Enns had a successful day for Hart in the long distance events. Enns was Hart’s only competitor in the 1600 and 3200 events, but she didn’t need the extra motivation of a teammate

Hart’s girls track and field team hold up three fingers, as they show off their third straight MHSAA Division 3 State Title trophy. The Pirates placed first as a team with 53 points Saturday, June 1 in Kent City. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Three-Peat

alongside her. Enns placed sixth in the 1600 (5:09.90) and fifth in the 3200 (11:14.98), ending her career at Hart with two more All-State honors.

Rounding out Hart’s competitors at the State Finals was sophomore Shelbie Choponis. Choponis fell just shy of sliding onto the podium, nailing a ninth place mark in the discus with a throw of 109-11. Just ahead of Choponis was an athlete from Hudson who threw 111-8, sending Choponis home empty handed by two feet.

Choponis has been steadily improving throughout the year, relying on the knowledge of former Hart thrower, Kellen Kimes, who coached her during her freshman stint with the Pirates.

“Last year we had a thrower that just happened to be my son. He did a lot of coaching to these younger kids because we get spread a little thin,” Ken Kimes said. “This year, (Choponis) stepped up to the plate with Kellen gone. Now she’s out there coaching the kids. All winter, her parents took her to every track meet and she’s been to Ohio twice this spring to compete in the hammer. She shows that desire

continued from page 11

and she’s going to get better and better.”

Now with the 2024 season in the rearview mirror, a new trophy added to Hart’s crowded display and seven All-State athletes across nine events, Hart continues to cement themselves as a running powerhouse in Michigan. The expectations for Ackley, Kimes and company in 2025?

“We’re on a roll for a four-peat.”

Shelby, Hesperia boys show growth at State Finals

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

KENT CITY – Shelby and Hesperia each had qualifying competitors at the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals Saturday, June 1. While none from either team were All-State recipients, there was plenty of growth present.

Hesperia senior Bryce Billings was the lone qualifier for the Panthers, competing in the long jump. Billings had a rough go of things,

recording multiple scratches on his jumps. He did however, land a mark of 17 feet, four inches which put him in 23rd for his efforts.

Shelby sent a quartet of athletes to Kent City. Sophomores Isaac Garcia and Danyel White along with junior Trey Gauthier and senior Levi Cooley competed in the 800-meter relay.

The group took 27th among a field of 36 teams in contention. While that effort wasn’t good enough for the podium, it did mark a personal record for the group with a finishing time of 1:33.65.

Pair of Pirates sign

New school records propel pair of Hart boys relay teams to national competition

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

KENT CITY – While Hart’s boys track and field team didn’t experience quite the same success as their female teammates, there was still plenty to celebrate for the Pirates at the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals Saturday, June 1.

The boys didn’t send many athletes to Kent City compared to 2023, but the ones that did make the trip found success.

Freshman Bobby Jazwinski made his first State Finals appearance and, though he didn’t take All-State honors, he showed promise in the distance events. Jazwinski placed 12th in both the 1600-meter and 3200 runs.

Hart sophomore Jack Slotman posted a personal record (PR) in the 800, netting a time of 2:01.99 that landed him in 16th place overall. Senior Caleb Westerbeek and sophomore Lyric Fielder took part in the hurdle events. Westerbeek was unable to get out of the prelims, posting a 16.29 mark that land -

ed him in 29th in the 110 hurdles. Fielder landed 24th in the 300 hurdles at 42.78.

It was the relay teams that really impressed for Hart’s boys. Both the 400 and 800 relay teams set PRs and in the process, set new school records in the event.

A combination of Eman Hertzler, Payden Stone, Joseluis Andaverde and Hunter Chaffee took fourth place in the 400 relay, going All-State with a time of 43.35. The 800 relay, composed of Chaffee, Andaverde, Fielder and Chase Lorenz claimed All-State

honors as well, placing seventh at 1:31.24. Lorenz also competed in the 1600 relay alongside Westerbeek, Andaverde and Connor Edwards, though that group was only able to make it to 24th as a team. Individually, Lorenz placed 15th in the 400.

The 400 and 800 relay teams will be headed to Oregon for the 2024 Nike Outdoor Nationals, qualifying for the event with the times earned on Saturday. The Nike Outdoor Nationals is set to start Wednesday, June 12 and will run through Saturday, June 15.

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Pentwater’s boys track and field team had competitors in multiple events at the MHSAA Division 4 State Finals Saturday, June 1, but it was senior Abe VanDuinen who stole the show.

VanDuinen, a distance runner for the Falcons, claimed All-State honors in both of the individual events he competed in.

Starting his day off in the 800-meter run, VanDuinen posted a personal record (PR) time, taking seventh place with a finish of 1:59.10. That marked his first appearance on the podium, his second coming at the conclusion of the 1600.

VanDuinen finished the 1600 at 4:20.87, giving him his highest placement of the day, ending the race in third, and earning his second All-State honor of the day.

Pentwater sent several other ath -

letes to the State Finals in Hudsonville, but none were able to match VanDuinen’s success.

The 400 relay team made up of Mitchel Daniels, Chase McGuire-VanGills, Ben Merten and Logan Fatura finished in 24th with a time of 46.98. Daniels also ran the 3200, finishing in 18th with a PR of 10:13.34.

Hart’s Addi Hovey bends her back over the bar during the high jump. Hovey captured an individual state title in the event, along with the 100-meter and 200 runs. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart’s Joseluis Andaverde (left) receives the baton from teammate Hunter Chaffee (right) during the 400-meter relay. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

(Above, left) Shelby senior Levi Cooley sprints to the finish line in the final leg of the 800 relay at the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals. (Above, right) Hesperia senior Bryce Billings crashes into the sand after launching off the board during the long jump at the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Pentwater’s Abe VanDuinen stands on the podium after claiming third in the 1600-meter run. • Photo Courtesy of Erika Fatura

Hart had a pair of athletes sign on to continue their athletic and academic careers at the college level. Blake Weirich (pictured above, left with coaches and family) will be playing baseball at Davenport University. Tyler VanderZanden (pictured above, right with his parents) will run cross country and track for Kalamazoo College. • Contributed

DISTRICT CHAMPS!

Shelby soccer slays giants Shelby baseball battles back, defeats Hart in District Finals

Underdog Shelby girls soccer takes down McBain

Northern Michigan Christian in District Finals

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

LAKEVIEW – There was no secret who was favored to win the MHSAA Division 4 District Finals between Shelby and McBain Northern Michigan Christian Friday, May 31. The Comets entered that contest ranked No. 15 in the state in D4 and featured senior Jada VanNoord who had scored over 150 career goals – good enough for 10th all-time in the state of Michigan.

That didn’t stop Shelby from battling the Comets all the way through, ultimately taking a 2-1 win in a second overtime period.

“I’m telling our girls, ‘you’re in this game. You’re here for a reason. We were the two seed, (McBain NMC) was the one seed, the two teams that should meet are meeting. Don’t be scared,’” Shelby Head Coach Pete Peterson said. “Eventually we just wore them down and they had nothing.”

The outlook on the game wasn’t always the brightest for the Tigers. Senior keeper Biloxi Lee was honest when asked about her confidence level entering play.

“Honestly, I didn’t have the right mindset

coming in,” Lee said. “By the second half, I realized (McBain NMC) weren’t as good as I expected. We lost to them last year. You could tell that we wanted it more, especially once we got into that overtime period.”

McBain NMC got things rolling early as they dominated the pace of play in the first half. VanNoord found the back of the net 10 minutes into play, sending a palpable wave of nerves through Shelby’s bench. The Comets remained in control through the first 40 minutes, though Shelby’s defense did a nice job of limiting shots and redirecting balls.

A back line of Micaela Diaz, Ariana Garza, Brylee Friedman and Audrey Horton were crucial. Those four defenders kept Lee relatively clean on net, limiting the impact saves she had to make over the course of what amounted to 100 minutes of soccer.

The second half saw Shelby emerge with an aura of confidence as they were noticeably more aggressive. Battles in the midfield were often won by the Tigers which allowed them to push the ball down the field to speed threats like Kylie Brown, Luz Mendieta and Molli Schultz. With 16 minutes left in regulation, the latter of those three found the strike needed to even the game. Schultz pounded a shot into the net after a pass from Brown found her at the Comets’ back post. With a 1-1 tie, Shelby held all the mo -

mentum, searching for a way to close out an improbable victory.

“There was no opening, I just shot it and it went in,” Schultz laughed. “We all struggled with losing Kendall, but that made us work a lot harder for what we wanted. To come out here and beat a team that was better than us on paper, it means a lot.”

Despite finding several opportunities on offense, Shelby wasn’t able to connect on anything. McBain NMC had one extremely dangerous shot on the Tigers’ net that could’ve spelled disaster, but Lee made an exceptional play, diving in front of the shot and slapping it away.

As time ticked down in regulation, it became clear that overtime would be needed to decide a winner. With two mandatory 10 minute periods to be played, there was plenty of time for either team to pull out in front.

Neither team was able to do that through the first 10 minute period, though VanNoord did give the Tigers a bit of a scare. A penalty deep into the Tigers’ defense setup VanNoord with a free kick. VanNoord loaded up, swept her leg and watched the ball sail directly into the waiting arms of Lee.

“We’ve been practicing that shot,” Lee said. “I know (VanNoord) has made 150 goals, but it’s a weird angle and with four bodies in front of her, I had

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

HESPERIA – All signs pointed to a rivalry rematch between Shelby and Hart baseball when the MHSAA Division 3 District Tournament began Saturday, June 1. That’s exactly what unfolded as Shelby claimed a narrow 7-6 win over the Pirates.

Shelby started their day off defeating Hesperia in a 4-1 affair that saw DayDay Garcia only allow three hits while starting on the mound. Garcia also struck out nine batters while notching a double at the plate. That moved the Tigers into the District Finals where they met Hart, who had just dispatched Mason County Central 2-1 in their own semifinal game.

Things didn’t smell much like roses for Shelby for the major-

ity of that game with Hart. In fact, the Tigers struggled to get much going offensively early. Through three innings, Hart held a 4-0 lead and owned all the momentum.

The Tigers cut into that lead, picking up key runs batted in (RBI) from Garcia and Evan Waller. Then, in the sixth inning, Shelby knotted things up at 4-4 with yet another RBI from Garcia on a hit that landed him on second base.

“We were down and the momentum was all with (Hart), but then we got one and then we got another. We just kept chipping at them,” Shelby Head Coach Brian Wright said.

Hart found a way to reclaim the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, notching a single run to jump back in front, 5-4.

Drama unfolded in the seventh and final inning. With a lead,

Hart seemed to have an imminent win with Carter Ramseyer on the mound and one out remaining. A fielding error by Hart’s outfield saw a ball hop out of the glove on a pop fly, scoring a Shelby runner in the process. Now tied at 5-5, Shelby’s Trevor Weiss delivered in a big spot. Weiss found contact on a single, bringing two runners across home plate in the process. Shelby left their final at-bat with their first lead of the game, on top 7-5. With three outs to work with and a two run deficit, Hart did its best to battle back. Mitchell Slade knocked one run in on an RBI single, but the Pirates wouldn’t be able to get any closer. Garcia came in to close the game, sitting down two hitters.

Eli Kelley was key for

Shelby’s girls soccer team poses with their MHSAA Division 4 District Championship trophy after defeating McBain Northern Christian 2-1 Friday, May 31 in Lakeview. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Shelby’s baseball team poses with their MHSAA Division 3 District Championship trophy Saturday, June 1 in Hesperia. The Tigers defeated Hesperia in the semifinals and Hart in the Finals to claim the title. • Amanda Dodge/ECHO

Hart softball claimed their fourth straight District Title Saturday, June 1. The Pirates had to defeat Shelby (14-0) and Mason County Central (7-3) to claim the title. Hart will now advance to Regional Tournament play Saturday, June 8 where they’ll take on Pine River in Kingsley at 12 p.m. • Photo courtesy of Tara Eisenlohr

Shelby baseball continued on page 14

Shelby soccer

a lot of confidence. There was no way that ball was going in unless it bounced off (one of our girls), which happened to us in a previous game. I kne w I could get it.”

With a second overtime period upcoming, both teams were feeling the effects of the heat. That didn’t seem to apply to Friedman and freshman Lydia Soelberg.

Friedman earned a corner kick and sent it flying to a crowd of bodies about 20 feet in front of the net. A scrum of players made attempts at clearing the ball, but Soelberg saw the ball land directly in front of her. Taking a swing at it, Soelberg watched the ball sail into the net with just 54 seconds ticking off the clock.

Being a young player who earned a starting position partly due to a late-season injury to Alyse Erickson, Soelberg admitted there wasn’t much going through her mind at that moment. She just knew there was only one thing to do.

“I’m just thinking ‘kick it.’ I just wanted it so bad. I knew I had to kick it, get it up there and on frame and see what happens,” Soelberg said. “I’m extremely happy and proud of our team.”

New energy surged through Shelby who now owned their first lead of the game. The Tigers rode that wave right to the end, hoisting a District Championship trophy high above their heads.

The win advanced Shelby to the Regional Semifinals where they met Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian. Peterson’s outlook on that game?

“Another giant to chop down.”

That giant stood a bit more tall than McBain NMC. Ranked No. 7 in the state of Michigan for D4, NorthPointe featured a lot of speed and plenty of good ball handling.

continued from page 13

Both of those things burned the Tigers early and often when the two teams met up Tuesday, June 4 in Big Rapids. The Mustangs walked away with a shutout 4- 0 win over Shelby.

“We ran into a team that’s a very good passing team,” Peterson said. “They have four or five girls in the center that are awesome with the ball. They outshot us probably 15 to three or four.”

NorthPointe’s tactics were clear, pass the ball back to the defense and swing the ball around. That forced Shelby to chase the Mustangs when they had possession and effectively tired the Tigers out, opening up more opportunities for scoring.

After the first half, NorthPointe owned a 2-0 lead, the Mustangs added two more in the second half, dominating the game from start to finish.

Shelby ended their year with a 9-10-2 overall record.

Benzie Central ambushes Shelby early, end Tigers’ season

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

KINGSLEY – Scoring got out of hand quickly in a Regional Semifinal baseball game between Shelby and Benzie Central. Unfortunately it wasn’t in favor of the Tigers, as they fell 18-8 in Kingsley Wednesday, June 5.

With DayDay Garcia on the mound, the Huskies jumped all over Shelby early. By the end of the first half inning, Benzie Central owned a 5-0 advantage. The Huskies added five more runs in the top of the second and another two in the top of the third to own a 10-0 advantage in the blink of an eye.

Garcia, whose pitching was not the problem according to Head Coach Brian Wright, was pulled in favor of Eli Kelley. That seemed to spark the Tigers to a hopeful comeback effort in the

third inning. Shelby’s bats got going in the bottom of the third after three runners reached base, two on walks and one after being hit by a pitch. Evan Waller took advantage of the runners on base, hitting a single to left field that brought two runs in.

The Tigers’ third run was scored by Garcia on a wild pitch.

Benzie Central used their at-bats to answer the Tigers the remainder of the way. The Huskies added three more runs to their lead in the top of the fourth, effectively nullifying Shelby’s previous efforts to score.

The same happened to Shelby in the top of the sixth inning. After scoring three in the bottom of the fourth to cut back into the lead, Benzie Central came back with three more runs to extend their advantage to 16-6.

in Big Rapids. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Shelby baseball

Shelby, pitching in relief and only allowing four hits while striking out four as well.

“(Hart) had a couple miscues just like we did, and all of a sudden we had the momentum,” Wright said. “It was fantastic to see. I’m so proud of the boys.”

In disbelief, Hart ended their season at 16-14.

“We hold our heads up, proud of the season we have had,” Hart

continued from page 13

the same time, I am heartbroken for the boys that it had to end the way it did. While difficult to process now, the 16 win season was the best in the program dating back almost two decades. With growth comes stumbles, but we plan on staying the course and doing the work together to continue progress.”

Shelby advanced to the Regional Semifinals where they matched up with Benzie Central in Kingsley.

The Tigers finished their season at 17-13 with their first District title since 2019.

“This team just fights,” Wright said. “They never give up and I’m proud of them for that.”

After adding two runs in the bottom of the sixth and staving off a mercy rule loss, Shelby had just one half inning to recoup eight runs. Instead, Benzie Central scored two more, bringing the game to an end at 188.

Shelby’s Lydia Soelberg battles with a Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian player near midfield. The Tigers lost to the Mustangs 4-0 in the Regional Semifinals Tuesday, June 4

Shelby’s Evan Waller stands at the plate as a pitch comes his way. • Brendan Samuels/ ECHO

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Rockets send out grads in style

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer High School sent out its Class of 2024 Tuesday night with a fireworks display after a festive graduation ceremony.

The ceremony began at 8:24 p.m. (20:24 military time). Superintendent Steve Edwards opened the evening with brief remarks, invoking (as he did in 2023) his favorite quote, in which Muhammad Ali declares the word “impossible” to be an invention of people afraid of taking chances. He noted the four-minute mile, once thought by educated scholars to be an unachievable feat, has been done by over 1,800 people - 22 of them high school runners - since Roger Bannister famously eclipsed the mark 70 years ago.

“Impossible is not a declaration. It is a dare,” Edwards cited part of the famous Ali quote, imploring the Class of 2024 to do things thought impossible. “Everything is impossible until it’s not.”

Edwards was followed by addresses from valedictorian Alexandria Kuerth, salutatorian Megan Adams and elected class speaker Emerson Buzzell.

Kuerth focused her remarks on the importance of community, noting, “It’s the very foundation that’s gotten us here. Community is all about embracing each and every person.”

Adams discussed the importance of service, saying, “We can shape the world through service” and defining it

students present the school colors prior to Tuesday’s graduation ceremony at the football stadium.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

as doing something for someone when you know it cannot be repaid.

Buzzell reminisced about many notable moments the R-P class has shared over its time from kindergarten and beyond, and declared whether these students spent their whole childhood in the district, moved here before high school or just spent this year as a foreign exchange student, “We are all Rockets.”

Principal Jennifer Anderson gave the final speech and implored the graduating Rockets to take risks and embrace vulnerability and new experiences. She added that every Rocket in front of her “brings something unique and imperfect that adds to the community.”

Heat doesn’t stop Feet on the Street

WHITEHALL — The arrival of summer temperatures provided the backdrop for the second annual Feet on the Street, hosted Sunday by both cities of Montague and Whitehall as well as the White Lake Area Chamber and Visitors’ Bureau.

Live music, food trucks and various attractions entertained visitors to the Whitehall downtown district behind Fetch Brewery. The White Lake Fire Authority had a bounce house on hand, and a water mister allowed visitors the chance to cool off.

Reeths-Puffer

The new Reeths-Puffer graduates fling their caps into the air after Tuesday’s graduation ceremony at the football stadium. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Feet on the Street guests explore the many offerings on hand at Sunday’s event.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Young Feet on the Street visitors cool off with a walk through a water mist provided as a respite for the hot temperatures Sunday. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Water from the White Lake United Methodist Church’s dunk tank douses an unfortunate participant during Sunday’s Feet on the Street. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Fireworks go off following Tuesday’s Reeths-Puffer High School graduation ceremony at the football stadium. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Above, a young Feet on the Street visitor bravely pets a snake from Tip the Scales Exotic Animals. Below, the WLFA showed off a fire truck and a bounce house.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall opens social studies honor society

High school names chapter in honor of city manager Scott Huebler

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

WHITEHALL — On Wednesday, Whitehall High School officially inducted its first members into the new Scott K. Huebler Social Studies Honor Society. Inductees were chosen who have been active participants in the social studies program, as well as other school activities and clubs in the past.

“Both of these terms, Rho and Kappa, symbolize our firm belief that knowledge without service is useless,” said WHS teacher Brian Milliron. “We decided to name the chapter after Mr. Scott Huebler due to his work in the Whitehall community. Mr. Huebler has been city manager in Whitehall since 2001 and has helped make what Whitehall is today.”

Members who are part of the chapter will have the opportunity to participate in various field trips and local activities. They intend to start with voter registration drives at home football games in the fall. They will be working on other activities throughout the year alongside Huebler.

“We wanted to focus on having stimulation throughout our community with politics and government, and while this is gained from achievement in social studies, what really matters is how we use this in our community,” said recent Whitehall graduate Landon Spoon, who spoke at the ceremony. “For example, our voter turnout in

2020 was extremely low among 1829 year olds. One of the driving forces behind that was just because a lot of students simply don’t know that much about our government and how it works.”

Spoon and Milliron worked together in discussions to start the new honor society chapter. Unfortunately, with Spoon graduating this spring, he will not be a member, but he looks forward to seeing what the first inductees will accomplish.

Inductees include eight different rising junior and senior students: Kate Beda, Drew Buckner, Emma Decker, Blake Dennis, Payton Hams, Brady Tate, Tyler VanAntwerp and Emily VanDam.

“I’m certainly honored that this chapter has been named after me. It’s humbling as well,” city manager Scott Huebler said. “I’ve spent a career working in local government, but it isn’t just a career. It’s been a passion, and I hope these eight inductees pick up the passion of being involved in their community.”

Huebler shared a story of his recent experience, having Whitehall fourth graders come to city hall for a tour, where he asked them questions about

their knowledge of government. He said all of them knew who the president, Joe Biden, was and most of them knew who the governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, was, but none of them knew who the mayor, Steven Salter, was.

“Local government, we’re the ones who plow the streets. We take care of the parks, the splash pad, the police, the fire authority, the ambulance,” Huebler said. “Your local community affects you so much more than the state or the national government. You’re affected daily by it, the moment you walk out of your door, or even if you don’t.”

The city manager then challenged the students to raise $500 in the next school year, promising to match the amount raised if they succeed.

“You’re going to learn your entire life,” said Huebler. “You’re not always

going to have these awesome, dedicated teachers that are going to help guide you. You’re going to be doing it on your own. From my perspective, learning and being involved doesn’t mean sitting in your moms basement at 2 a.m. on social media telling the world what you think of the roads in Whitehall. When I come to city council meetings and pull into the parking lot, far too often these chairs are empty. The lack of involvement is disheartening. Civic involvement isn’t just voting, paying taxes and doing what you’re required to do. It’s also being involved, whether that be at the splash pad, volunteering at the local food bank, or coaching youth sports. Don’t do it for the pats on the back or for recognition; do it because you’re getting involved in the community and are making it a better place.”

Montague council discusses budget for 2024-25

MONTAGUE — The Montague City Council met Monday to discuss the new budget proposed for the upcoming fiscal year, set to start July 1.

City manager Jeff Auch reminded council members the main goal is always to reduce the millage. Other priorities include utilizing the fund balance to stabilize cash flow for the current year, allowing for the position of future projects, and utilizing the

fund balance to continue park projects and improvement or deferred maintenance. The city intends to continue to closely monitor the fund balances.

Auch mentioned the 3% cost of living increase anticipated within the next year. The primary funds include the major street and local chip-andseal projects. The streets affected by the major street fund will include Cook Street (with a $346,500 state match) and Wilcox Street (with a $168,365 state match). Local projects include

the Sheridan Street and Meade Street sidewalks, the digital radar speed limit maintenance and storm drain cleaning. Others include the water fund, launch ramp fund, sewer fund, campground fund, and garage and equipment fund.

One of the most expensive funds will be the plow truck replacement, running $260,000. Auch mentioned with this being such a large purchase and with them having to purchase separate parts, it is likely to happen over a

two-year span.

Another pricey payment will be toward Maple Grove Park. The shoreline fund is $243,375, playground fund is $192,000 and the dog park fund is $75,000. The high price of the dog park sparked controversy at the last city council meeting Monday, May 20. The budget will be voted on at the regular city council meeting Monday, June 17 and will be sent to the state when approved.

Veteran local pastor working to launch new Hope Bible Chapel

New church to serve area residents who currently travel to Christ Church in N. Muskegon

By Jerry Mattson White Lake Mirror Contributor

A new church is being planned for the White Lake area. Pastor Jeremy Wegner, currently in his eighth year with the Christ Church in North Muskegon, is leading this effort. Prior to his current assignment, he attended and served on staff at Life Change Church on Whitehall Road for a total of 13 years.  He is no stranger to the area, growing up here and graduating from North Muskegon High School in 1998.

People from Oceana County and northern Muskegon County regularly drive to North Muskegon to attend services at Christ Church. With this in mind, the church opted to establish a

new location farther north. Final decisions on a location and whether to build or select an existing building have yet to be determined.

“Ideally, the new Hope Bible Chapel would be in a central location for residents of both Whitehall and Montague,” he said.

These people will be able to attend church closer to home later this year. Five Sunday night services will be held at the Montague Band Shell starting June 9 at 7 p.m. Later, beginning Sept. 15, they will be held at 10 a.m. Sundays in The Playhouse at White Lake.  Everyone will be welcome to attend these services.

The Wegner family has lived in

are Whitehall High School graduates and are now attending Michigan Technological University and the University of Michigan, respectively.

Early on, the new church will be assisted by staff from North Muskegon. The Hope Bible Chapel will be in partnership with Christ Church and the Great Commission Collective. Churches in The Collective are committed to building a culture that is thoroughly biblical and vibrantly growing.

“We (Hope Bible Chapel) should be fully autonomous, with our own elder board, after a year,” Wegner said.

Whitehall for 20 years. “We love the area,” he said. Jeremy and Melissa have two children, Avery and Madison, who

There are about 100 people in their core group who are working to establish the different teams needed to make the new church successful.

Additional information is available at HopeBibleChapel.com.

Local pastor Jeremy Wegner is bringing a new chapel to the area after noticing a number of White Lake area visitors to his Christ Church in North Muskegon.

• Jerry Mattson/Mirror

New Whitehall social studies honor society members, from left, Emily VanDam, Tyler VanAntwerp, Brady Tate, Payton Hams, Blake Dennis, Emma Decker, Drew Buckner and Kate Beda receive their certificates as the first members of the Scott K. Huebler Social Studies Honor Society at Whitehall City Hall Wednesday.

• Madison Lajewski/Mirror

Huebler

By Madison Lajewski

White Lake Mirror Writer

Saturday, June 8

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

White Lake Area Sportfishing Association kids’ fishing contest @ Goodrich Park in Whitehall. Registration 7-10 a.m., weigh-in at 12 p.m. Fishing, fun and prizes for age groups 3-6, 7-10 and 11-16.

Kayak Adventure Series festival @ Covell Park in Whitehall, 2-5:30 p.m. Food, games, a kids zone, merch tents, kayak demos and more. Followed by closing ceremony and awards @ Playhouse at White Lake, 6-7 p.m.

Nate Dill performs @ Sawyers Brewing, 6-9 p.m.

Community Calendar

Monday, June 10

Adaptive sports and universal accessibility event @ Muskegon Luge, 1-7 p.m. Zip line, rock climbing, wheel luge and archery available. No cost, but registration requested at https://msports.org/open-houseRSVP.

Tuesday, June 11

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.

Pick-Your-Own-Book Club @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30-7 p.m. Monthly discussion group where participants report on a book

of their choice in the preset genre.

ACWL-Nuveen Free Summer Concert Series kicks off with Eric & Karen Smith @ Montague Band Shell, 7-9 p.m. Free crafts for kids at each concert.

Wednesday, June 12

Lunchtime guitar with Eric Michaels and Chris Kennedy @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Thursday, June 13

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

Bluey Party @ Montague Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Crafts, activities and

games based on the hit TV show. Registration required, visit library website.

Exotic animal experience @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Interact with animals like the Columbian Red Tail Boa, a Sulcata tortoise, and a burnt sunburst bearded dragon. Event scheduled for the library lawn, weather permitting.

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

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

Friday, June 14

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

Echoes of History: The Ohrenberger Block (pt. 1)

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

The original Ohrenberger Block that sat on the northwest corner of Dowling and Water streets in Montague was built sometime after 1877. Based on a city map from that year, there was no building on the corner at that time. Ernest Smith is credited with building the structure for Joseph C. Ohrenberger at that time. However, records indicate Ernest Smith, who was born in England, did not immigrate to this country until 1881 or 1883.

On an 1883 city map, the building appears to be only about two-thirds the size of the one in the picture. The two-story building contained a saloon on the corner and a grocery store next to it on the first floor. Indications are that the rooms on the second floor may have been used as a hotel. In 1892 the saloon was still on the corner, but the grocery store had changed to a hardware store. By October 1896 the saloon and hardware remained, and a cold storage building had been added next to it. By January 1902 the cold storage area had been changed to a barber-

shop. A map from July 1910 showed the area where the saloon was had become a jewelry store and small dwelling. The saloon had moved to where the hardware had been, and the barber shop remained in place.

Joseph C. Ohrenberger was born in Wurttemberg in 1840. He made his way to the U.S. and settled in Wisconsin. In 1863 he married Wilhelmina “Minnie” Streich. They had nine children during their marriage, three of whom survived to adulthood: a son, Charles A. (1867-1959), and two daughters, Minnie (1878-1917) and Annie (18801955). They made their first home at Sand Lake. In 1865 they moved to the Mouth, where Joseph started a saloon in May 1867.

Two years later, they came to Montague, where Joseph worked in the mills for a while. By the 1880 census, he was back in the saloon business. His son Charles A. eventually joined him in the saloon as a bartender, and he took over the business when Joseph Ohrenberger died Aug. 11, 1897.

City directory listings from 1900 indicate Charles was working in a saloon

and he, his family and his widowed mother were living in the rooms above the saloon. By 1922 Charles was in the meat business and his son William was operating a general store. There was no saloon listed at that time.

On Wednesday morning, March 26, 1930, at 1:15 a.m., a fire was discovered which completely wiped out one of Montague’s largest business blocks and contents. Three stores oc-

cupied by a grocery store, meat market and hardware, establishments of Charles Ohrenberger & Son and the barbershop of Robert Blackburn were destroyed. The wooden two-story structure was owned by Mr. Ohrenberger, who suffered a loss of more than $15,000. The origin of the fire was undetermined and had gained much headway before being discovered.

Libary’s Cookbook Club meets Monday

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Do you enjoy trying new recipes or sharing recipes with others? The library’s Cookbook Club meets the second Monday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. Participants select a recipe from each month’s theme. It can be a new recipe they want to try or a favorite that they want to share. The theme chosen for June is breakfast. Previous themes have included salads, potatoes, cheese, cookies, and breads.

At the monthly meeting, each person brings a copy of the recipe and a portion of the dish for everyone to sample. Participants sample each other’s dishes and discuss the cookbooks, dishes, and cooking techniques used.

New members are always welcome! Please bring your own plate and silverware; the library has water/coffee and napkins. You may also want to bring a dish with a lid for any leftovers.

Summer Reading Events for All Ages

There are 11 different library programs happening this week! In addition to the Cookbook Club, there are two yoga classes and a book club, plus seven summer reading events for kids, teens, and adults. With the exception of the yoga classes, there is no charge to attend these programs.

Here are a few of the highlights, but be sure to check out the complete list on our shiny new website at wlclib.org.

Tuesday at 11 a.m. is the first

of several offsite storytimes planned for this summer. The Fairy House Tour and Storytime will be held at the home of Patti Townsend and will feature stories and a guided tour of the host’s fairy house gardens. Space is limited and registration is required.

ery Monday at 9:30, Crafternoon craft projects every Monday at 2 p.m., Outdoor Play & Learn sessions every Friday at 10 a.m., rain or shine, and Afternoon Hangouts for teens Fridays at 2 p.m.

FUN FACT: Whether you are 1 or 101, you can earn prizes for spending time reading, learning and doing this summer. Be sure to pick up your Adventure Begins at Your Library welcome pack and start logging your reading online at wlclib.beanstack. org.

Thursday at 5:30 is the first Family Night of the summer season. Tipping the Scales Exotic Animal Experience will be bringing a variety of live animals to the library for kids and families to observe and learn about.

Saturday at 11 a.m., we’re hosting Troy Graham in concert. Pack a picnic and a lawn chair for this outdoor concert sure to please music lovers of any age. Bluegrass, indie, folk, gospel.

Weekly summer programs for kids include Family Story Times ev-

Coming Soon: Household Tool Collection

We’ve been working on this project for months, and we are nearly ready to launch a collection of household tools you can borrow with your library card. Watch this space next week for more information about how you can take home a laser level, stud finder, cordless drill, and other common tools you might need occasionally but don’t want to purchase. We are really excited to begin offering this new service to the community.

From left to right in this photo circa 1914 are Ripley Block, Hartwig’s Market, Ohrenberger Block and White Lake Inn. • Courtesy Photo

DeMumbrum

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WHITEHALL

Spring Lake tops district champ Vikings in regionals

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Whitehall faced a difficult task in Wednesday’s regional semifinal game. In the other dugout was Spring Lake and star junior pitcher Zane Stahl, a top prospect in the state who’s committed to pitch at the University of Louisville.

The Vikings, though, didn’t appear overmatched at any point and battled with the Lakers for four scoreless innings. In the end, as is the case in so many baseball games, it came down to the little things as Spring Lake fought out a 4-1 victory to earn a date in Saturday’s Petoskey super regional.

“When you lose a game, you’re going to get caught up in the few plays you didn’t execute,” Whitehall coach Warren Zweigle said. “I can’t wait until tomorrow, and I can look back and reflect on the season and realize how great of

Whitehall’s Brock Morningstar reels in a pickoff throw at first base during Wednesday’s regional game against Spring Lake. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

careers these kids have had and how great a season they had.”

The turning point was in the fifth inning. The Lakers took advantage of four hit-by-pitches, a botched rundown and a bloop two-out, two-run single to score

Whitehall baseball continued on page 5

Ready runner-up in pole vault at state meet

Whitehall’s Ca’Mar Ready tries to clear the bar on a pole vault attempt during Saturday’s Division 2 state finals meet in Hamilton. Ready posted a 14-4 mark, the best a Viking has ever done at a state meet, to finish in second place. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

HAMILTON — The one-day nature of the state finals meet means every point counts, or, as Whitehall coach Kirk Mikkelson put it, “do you have the right day on the right day?”

For the Vikings, Saturday was not what they hoped for; entering the day with dreams of maybe getting in the race for the team title, they instead caught several bad breaks and ended up scoring 16 points, settling for an 18th-place tie.

Things started out terrifically for Whitehall, with Ca’Mar Ready taking second in pole vault, marking the third straight year a Viking did that (David Conrad did it in 2022 and ‘23). Seeded just eighth coming in, Ready delivered a clutch vault on his final attempt

at 14-1 to stay in the fight and ended up in a one-on-one matchup with defending champ Sam Vesperman of Grosse Ile trying to clear 14-7. Ready couldn’t do that, but his 14-4 mark was the best a Whitehall vaulter has ever cleared at a state meet - all the more impressive considering, Mikkelson said, he struggled with his footwork throughout the day.

“He had a little issue with his steps,” Mikkelson said. “It was too late to figure it out once the jumping started so he was stuttering and losing a little speed, but he still vaulted great today. He had a couple coaches approach him afterwards and ask him what he’s doing next year, so we’ll keep an eye on him. He did himself some favors.”

continued on page 5

‘Cats baseball stuns #1 Norsemen to win district

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

MONTAGUE — Montague shook up the Division 3 state bracket Saturday, defeating top-ranked North Muskegon 4-1 in the district championship.

Montague lost to the Norsemen 15-0 and 10-2 in an April 10 doubleheader, but turned the tables Saturday.

“We felt great as a team every day at practice that week,” said Wildcats’ coach Jeff Moss. “We talked about the new season starting Saturday. Everyone is 0-0 and if we do the small things right, we could be there at the end. Control the controllable and good things will happen. We put one game all together on both sides of the ball and knew we were capable of being the team that showed up on Saturday.”

The ‘Cats scored twice in the second inning on a bases-loaded hit batter and a bases-loaded walk. They added a third run in the third when courtesy runner Jimmy Thommen circled the bags after pitcher Eli Petersen’s single.

Moss explained he was proud of his team as a

whole, but stayed impressed with the progress of many of his players.

Moss credited sophomore Eli Petersen and his outstanding pitching performance on Saturday. Petersen struck out seven and allowed six hits and a walk. He added a double and scored Montague’s final run in the fifth.

“I’m really impressed by the team as a whole, from day one to the district final,” Moss said. “They improved dramatically. We were constantly plugging different lineups in weekly just trying to figure out who worked where. We are so young and the future looks very promising. Bryton Belinger, Ryver Jarka and Kellan Francis were big-time players this season with outstanding support from the rest of the starting roster.”

North Muskegon scored their first and only run in the final inning and loaded the bases with two out, but Petersen induced a pop-up to secure the win.

Moss credited North Muskegon coach Garret Moyer for leading the Norsemen to great heights.

“Hats off to Coach Moyer and his North Muskeg-

on team on the great season they had,” said Moss. “They faced such adversities all year with no home

Whitehall’s Ryne Christensen (3) tags Spring Lake’s Oliver Smies out at the plate in a rundown during Wednesday’s regional semifinal game at Oakridge. Unfortunately for Whitehall, the umpire is shown awarding Smies home plate due to interference on the play, the first run in a 4-1 Lakers’ win. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague’s baseball team admires its district championship trophy after defeating North Muskegon 4-1 in the finals Saturday.

• Madison Lajewski/Mirror

Whitehall’s Malcolm Earvin crosses the finish line behind Petoskey’s Sam Mitas in his 100-meter heat during Saturday’s state finals meet in Hamilton.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

State finals

Concurrently, Whitehall came close to some big points in high jump. After previously being thought out for the state meet with a severe ankle injury that’s dogged him all year, junior Camden Thompson talked his way into competing, with his trainer telling him he could have three jumps. Thompson passed until the bar hit 6-6 and gave it a shot, hoping to score some team points, but was unable to clear that height. Teammate Ayden Mendoza cleared 6-3, which tied his season best, and finished ninth.

Unfortunately, that solid effort was the last thing that went Whitehall’s way. Fairly heavy rain fell during many of the remaining events, and the Vikings, who were the #3 seed in the 800-meter relay, endured handoff difficulties during the race and finished 23rd. Like Mikkelson said, “it’s a crapshoot.”

Whitehall’s Trannon Aylor takes off from the starting blocks in the 400-meter event amidst the rain during Saturday’s state finals meet in Hamilton.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

continued from page 4

“If Corunna or Berrien Springs bobble a handoff instead of us in the 4x200, it’s a whole different day,” Mikkelson said, referring to two of the top teams in that race; Berrien Springs won it.

In the 400 meters, Trannon Aylor was the favorite as the defending state champion, but raced out too quickly to start the race, clearing the first 200 meters in under 22 seconds. (Ironically, that would’ve placed him very highly in the 200, but he withdrew from that event to focus energy on the 400 and the 1,600 relay.) He ran out of gas late and finished third with a time of 49.62 seconds - a fabulous time for a mortal, but over a second slower than Aylor’s PR from two weeks prior at the regional meet. Coincidentally, it was that same PR time (48.49 seconds) that Notre Dame Prep’s Zachary Mylenek ran to win the race.

Whitehall baseball

continued from page 4

“It’s hard because you want to run a faster time, so you say, ‘Oh, I’ll do this in the first 200,’” Aylor said. “It obviously bit me in the butt. It wasn’t what I’m used to doing, so I probably shouldn’t have tried something new, but it’s a learning experience.”

In the 200, Malcolm Earvin entered the day as the top seed and cruised to a win in his preliminary heat, but disaster struck in the final as he pulled up towards the end of the race with a hamstring injury, finishing seventh. Trainers told Earvin not to run in the 1,600 relay, where the Vikings were also seeded first, so the team was forced to withdraw from the event.

It was an unfortunate end to spectacular athletic careers for Earvin and Aylor, who each enjoyed remarkable individual and team achievements

playing football and track (Aylor also played basketball). Aylor maintained perspective even amid the disappointment.

“I’m obviously very grateful for everything,” Aylor said. “It’s easy to say, ‘I didn’t do this,’ or ‘I didn’t do that,’ but also, a lot of things as a team and me personally that I’ve accomplished, and honestly you’ve just got to look at that stuff and be proud of it. Not a lot of people even get the opportunity to do stuff like this.”

Also for the Whitehall boys, Earvin was 10th in the 100 meters, Kal Koehler finished 16th in the long jump, and Stewart Waters was 26th in the 1,600 meters.

Cami Kraai placed 18th in the 800 meters for the Viking girls, and Arianna Black was 19th in the high jump.

four times and make the difference in the game.

Whitehall pitcher Ryne Christensen, who looked sharp early, battled with his command in the fifth, leading to the four plunked batters. However, he still looked to be in position to get out of it unscathed when, with two in scoring position and one out, Whitehall got Spring Lake’s Oliver Smies into a rundown between third base and the plate. However, Smies ended up being awarded home plate when a Whitehall defender interfered with him during the rundown. After a pop fly out, three straight hit batters followed, the last of which drove in a second run, and then Zach Schlepp lofted a short fly into right center that Nate Betz fell just short of coming up with. Two more runs scored.

“I don’t feel like he had his best stuff today, but I feel like he just battled and battled and battled,” Zweigle said of his starter, who allowed only three hits in 6 1/3 innings before hitting the state pitch count limit of 110. “It’s 0-0 in the fifth, and I think that things could have been different if we got a bunt down earlier, if we got the rundown out, things we normally do.”

Whitehall (26-11) had an early chance in the third inning when Myles Welch led off with the game’s first hit for either side, but the Vikings couldn’t bunt him over to second, which loomed large when Kyle Stratton delivered a single that might have scored Welch had he been on second instead of first.

“You expect kids to get that done, but you question, should we have practiced a little bit more on those things?” Zweigle said. “I wish we would have, in

hindsight. But I don’t want that to take away (from the season).”

Whitehall briefly made some noise after Stahl was lifted in order to be available to pitch Saturday, getting two on base and scoring one of them on a Noah Meinert single. With the tying run at the plate, though, Whitehall couldn’t rap out any more hits that inning, and Spring Lake hung on for the win.

It marked the end of four-year varsity careers for Christensen and Stratton, mainstays in the Whitehall lineup for so long that it’s hard to believe they won’t be right back out there in 2025. However, Christensen will be playing at Muskegon Community College and Stratton, the state’s all-time stolen base leader, will be playing football at Taylor University.

“We’ve been playing with each other, me and Kyle, for a long time,” Christensen said. “A lot of guys in that dugout were with us when we went to the Little League state (meet). We’ve been fighting together since we were about this big (he gestured to his hip). It’s fun seeing it come all together, and it sucks how it ended, but I love those guys.”

“When it’s all over, it goes so fast,” Zweigle added. “Your last game’s probably always going to be a loss and you’re just never prepared for that. You always think you can win one more game and keep battling. It’s sad when you have kids that have played for so long. They’ve given so much to the program.”

Vikings win district title

Whitehall delivered one of its best days of the year at the perfect time Saturday, defeating Big Rapids, 7-3,

and Ludington, 6-4, to earn the district championship, the school’s first in baseball in seven years.

The Vikings’ Nate Betz got the offense going in the second inning of the semifinal against the Cardinals, which entered the tournament with a 25-7 record. Betz ripped a two-out, two-run double to tie the game at two, quickly giving Whitehall a response to the Cardinals’ two-run first inning. Another clutch two-out, two-run double came flying off the bat of Noah Meinert in the third inning, which put the Vikes ahead for good. Whitehall extended the lead to 7-2 later in the game, with Meinert and Kyle Stratton each delivering run-scoring hits.

Ryne Christensen continued his strong work on the mound, striking out six and allowing only six hits and two earned runs. The Vikings played good defense, with just one error.

A five-run second inning sparked Whitehall to the championship win. The first six Vikings reached base in the inning, and Christensen, Brock Morningstar and Eli Winters all had RBI hits after

Whitehall’s Noah Meinert connects with a pitch during Wednesday’s regional semifinal against Spring Lake. Meinert had the Vikings’ lone RBI in a 4-1 loss. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

that to give Whitehall a 6-2 lead. Evan Thomas worked out of a bases-loaded, two-out jam in the sixth inning to preserve the win. He struck out four and allowed five hits in five innings before Morningstar came on to earn the save. As in the semifinals, Whitehall made only one error.

“The kids knew that if we played good defense and good situational baseball that we would have a great chance to win, and that’s exactly what they did,” Whitehall coach Warren Zweigle said.

Whitehall’s Ayden Mendoza clears the bar during the state high jump competition, part of Saturday’s Division 2 finals in Hamilton. Mendoza finished in ninth place in the event.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall’s Myles Welch (left) tags Spring Lake’s Dayton Clark out at third base during Wednesday’s regional semifinal at Oakridge. Teammate Kyle Stratton celebrates the out. The Vikings fell to the Lakers, 4-1. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague sets 800m relay school record at state meet

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

While Montague did not score any points at Saturday’s Division 3 state meet in Kent City, the Wildcats did go out with a flourish in one respect, setting a new school record in the boys 800-meter relay.

The team of Devlin Dean, Talan Degen, Paul Olson and Isaiah Atchison ran to a time of 1:32.4 in the 800 relay, finishing 13th. Isaiah’s father, Mark, noted on X that it’s the fourth school record Atchison will have to his name as he moves on to Central Michigan University this fall.

Atchison also competed in the 100 and 200 meters and the high jump. He placed 14th in the 200 meters and 17th in the 100, and took 18th in the high jump.

Isaac French set a new personal best of 44 feet, 5.5 inches in shot put, placing 27th. Wyatt Fairchild partici-

pated in the 400-meter adaptive race and notched a time of 1:26.9.

In the girls meet, Annelyse Schnei-

der was Montague’s top finisher, coming in 13th place in the long jump. Trisha Beckman (discus) and Amanda Cederquist (100-meter hurdles)

each took 20th

The

Montague goes out with its best in district defeat

Wildcats push top seed Fremont to overtime before falling in 2-1 thriller

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MANISTEE — Every sports team’s season ends sometime, and for all but the most elite teams, all they want is to go out playing their best.

There’s no question Montague did that Friday night at Manistee, pushing top seed Fremont to its limit and getting the district final to overtime before being eliminated, 2-1.

The Packers scored the game-winner less than four minutes into the first of two overtime periods on a Riley Chase goal. That score came less than 30 seconds after Fremont’s keeper denied Montague’s point-blank shot at the net, the clearest scoring chance either team had had through most of the second half and into overtime.

The hotly contested battle drew a sharp contrast to the 9-4 Fremont win just a couple of weeks prior to Friday’s game and showed how far the Wildcats had come in a short time.

“The coachable ladies that are on this team, I can’t even describe what that’s like, to have a group of girls that are willing to go out there, study some film, go on the field, try new things and execute, and come out and do this,” Montague coach Chris Aebig said. “Sure, we wanted a different result, but I told them after the game how proud of them I was.”

While Fremont controlled the pace of the first half, Montague (12-7-2)

proved equal to the task of keeping the Packers out of the goal, as keeper Addison Pranger ran the defensive side of the ball with authority and made a few impressive saves. Fremont got on the board first on a great shot by Mia Clemence just five minutes after kickoff - and shortly after a Montague shot deflected off the post and back into play. However, Montague got it back 21 minutes later off a Braylyn Bultema corner kick when a traffic jam at the net resulted in the ball going in. Zaniya Meza Wilson was credited with the goal.

“It was a heat of the moment kind of thing, because you wouldn’t think that it was going to go in, but it barely just crossed the line over there,” said Montague senior Ella King, who played defensive midfield most of the game. “We were very happy that happened and

Montague title

field to play at and every game on the road. Moyer kept them dialed in, and focused all year and deserves a ton of credit for North Muskegon’s success. As for our community, I can’t thank them enough for showing up and supporting the team. The place was packed, and I know the team and myself appreciate it.”

Moss is looking forward to what the future holds for Montague baseball and its players, as the entire starting lineup from Saturday’s games will be back next year.

“We’re losing three seniors; Thommen, James Cloud and Ben Mischler,”

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Moss said. “We will miss them, but we have a great team coming back loaded with talent and all the experience needed to continue our quest for a long state title run. The sky’s the limit for Montague baseball if we put the work in. Don’t count us out, for sure.”

Despite there being standout players throughout the entire season as a whole and the district championship game, Moss appreciated the team’s adaptability and coachability.

“I’m thanking the team for trusting us as coaches and the decisions we made,” said Moss. “Not one player on this team is selfish and will do whatev-

that we had our wingers crashing at the net.”

Montague came out in the second half looking even more cohesive defensively and never allowed Fremont a clear shot at the goal. Whenever a Packer, especially Clemence, got close to the net, Montague was able to apply defensive pressure and force her to the center. Fremont had to settle for several low-percentage shots from outside the goalie box. (The Packers, for their part, provided similar attacking defense against Wildcat star Ava Pelton and kept her from getting clear .)

“Going into the second half, before we had the kickoff, we definitely talked about who we were going to cover, how we were going to communicate when we got beat to the ball, and stuff like that,” King said. “I feel like that, and

er is asked of them to help the team’s success. They know I love them and only want the best for them.”

Moss described the feeling the moment he accepted the district championship trophy on behalf of the team.

“I have been coaching for a long time, mostly as an assistant and have grabbed a mitten or two with my other previous coaches,” Moss said. “But to grab one as a head coach, and hand it to your team, there was no better feeling in the world to see the look on all of their faces.”

The Wildcats beat Ravenna in the semifinals, 8-3, paced by two hits and three RBI from Cole Moss. Bryton Belinger also had two hits. Ryver Jarka struck out five and allowed one earned run in 6 2/3 innings.

just working on our spatial awareness going into the second half, helped a lot.”

King joins Anna Woller as starters who played their final game Friday. Woller credited her teammates with inspiring her to remain on the team for her last season and also appreciated Aebig for pushing a positive atmosphere when he became head coach in the middle of the campaign.

“Coach Aebig brought (that) to us and really encouraged us, and helped us get our love for soccer replenished,” Woller said.

With so many stars set to return for the ‘Cats next spring, the stage will be set for what could be a special season.

“These ladies are awesome and they’ll be back next year,” Aebig said.

Montague falls in regional semis Montague couldn’t repeat its sparkling district performance in Wednesday’s regional semifinal, dropping a 12-1 decision to Clare in a road game.

The Pioneers jumped on Montague (16-22-1) with a two-run first inning highlighted by Ryan Louch’s RBI double. The score stayed at 2-0 until the fifth inning, when Clare ripped off four hits and scored six runs. Cole Moss stole home in the bottom of the inning for Montague, but the Wildcats were unable to score again.

The ‘Cats had five hits, including a Bryton Belinger double.

place in their event.

Wildcats’ 800 relay team of Jenna Erickson, Cederquist, Schneider and Britta Johnson finished 18th.

Montague’s Isaiah Atchison rounds the turn ahead of McBain’s Caleb Miller during his 200-meter heat at Saturday’s Division 3 track finals in Kent City. Atchison placed 14th in the event. • Brendan Samuels/Mirror

Montague’s Paul Olson tries to chase down a Union City runner during the 800-meter relay at Saturday’s Division 3 track finals in Kent City. Olson and his teammates set a new school record in the event and placed 13th. • Brendan Samuels/Mirror

Montague’s Abby Dyer keeps up the pressure on Fremont’s Mia Clemence during Friday’s district finals game in Manistee. The Packers won, 2-1 in overtime. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague’s Adilynn Peterson and Fremont’s Madi Dunbar duel for a loose ball during Friday’s district finals game at Manistee. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

district finals, 5-2.

• R-P Softball Facebook Page

Rockets storm past Grand Haven to earn district title

Reeths-Puffer kept its dream season going over the weekend with a district championship win over Grand Haven, 5-2. It was the Rockets’ school record 33rd win of the season and put a district trophy in the case for the first time in five years.

The title game was rained out and moved to Sunday after the Rockets downed Muskegon 13-0 in the semifinals. The extra wait didn’t harm R-P, which scored four times in the first three innings and held on late for the title.

Abbie Critchett provided the winning margin for the Rockets, smashing a three-run home run in the third inning after Kaylee Jones and Lainey McDaniel got hits in front of her. That made the score 4-0 after R-P’s second-inning run, which Tessa Ross drove in with a bunt single.

The Rockets only got one more hit in the game, a fifth-inning McDan-

iel single. She later came around and scored on a Grand Haven error.

The host Buccaneers got a two-run homer from Bri Borgman to get within three runs in the seventh, but that was their last baserunner. McDaniel struck out 11 and allowed seven hits in the win.

R-P had no trouble with Muskegon in Saturday’s district semifinal. Kyleigh Bilek stepped into the circle and threw a five-inning no-hitter, striking out eight and walking two. R-P scored in every inning, including five-run tallies in the first and third innings. Jones had three hits and scored three times, and Emme Buzzell two hits and also scored three times. The Rockets took advantage of nine Big Red errors.

The win advanced the Rockets to Saturday’s Hudsonville regional, where R-P will face Byron Center in the semifinals. A win could give R-P a date with #2-ranked Hudsonville.

R-P track races twice at state

Reeths-Puffer competed in two events at Saturday’s Division 1 state meet at East Kentwood.

The Rockets’ 1,600-meter relay team of Marvin Moore, Caiden Bolduc,

Tate Bradley and Mason Darke finished in 10th place, and the 400 relay team of London Rankin, Moore, Brody Johnson and Bolduc finished 31st.

R-P loses thriller to Mona Shores in baseball district

Mona Shores got the best of Reeths-Puffer in another hard-fought game between the rivals, scoring twice in the final inning to win 2-0 in the district semifinals Saturday. The loss ended an impressive Rocket season at 22-7.

It was the fifth matchup between the teams this season, with only onea 7-3 Rockets’ win in April - decided by more than two runs. Grand Haven later routed Shores in the district finals, 13-2.

Senior pitcher Jaxson Whitaker threw a terrific game, allowing only three hits and striking out 10. Unfor-

tunately, two of those three hits came in the decisive seventh inning. After a single and sacrifice bunt, Whitaker issued an intentional walk. He struck out the next batter to move within an out of escaping the jam, but on a 1-1 pitch, Shores’ Jaden Thomas delivered a game-winning double into the outfield.Cayden Theisen singled to lead off the bottom of the seventh for the Rockets, but his teammates couldn’t sustain the rally. Trevor Cunningham limited R-P’s bats to four hits for the game to pick up the win, two of them by Theisen.

Viking softball bows out to Fruitport in semis

Whitehall’s season came to an end Saturday with an 8-5 district semifinal defeat against Fruitport. The Vikings’ final record was 18-17-1.

The Trojans, who fell to Oakridge in the finals later Saturday, grabbed a 5-0 lead by scoring once in the second inning and four times in the third. Fruitport recorded three doubles in the pivotal third-inning outburst.

Whitehall did not go quietly, scoring three times in the fourth inning on

a two-run single by Harper Leon and a run-scoring groundout by Lianne Fagan. However, the Trojans’ Madyson Prout hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning to give her team some breathing room, and the Vikings could not get any closer.

Taylor Ottinger led the Whitehall offense with three hits, and Annabel Kevwitch and Janie Fagan had two each. Kevwitch and Leon each drove in two runs.

Kent City rallies past Wildcat softball in district semis

A five-run ambush by Kent City in the sixth inning of Saturday’s district semifinal was too much for Montague in a 5-4 district semifinal defeat. With one run already in the books in the sixth, Kent City’s Kenzie Freeland laced a two-run triple to tie it at 3-3, and a hit and an error brought in two more runs. Montague’s Kennedy

Johnson doubled and scored in the seventh inning, but the ‘Cats couldn’t extend the game.

Johnson had an outstanding game to end her Montague career, collecting a home run, a double and a single. She scored and/or drove in all four Montague runs. Abby Thommen added two hits.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to take advantage of “Three Free” Weekend – Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. It’s two full days when Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations — all free of charge.

“We’re excited to celebrate ‘Three Free’ Weekend, a time when everyone gets to enjoy and take part in some of Michigan’s best outdoor recreation opportunities: fishing, off-roading and exploring Michigan’s award-winning state parks,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “Whether you’re an avid outdoors-person or someone just discovering all that our beautiful state offers, ‘Three Free’ weekends make it easy to visit a new park, try a new nature experience or spend time with friends and family in a place you love.”

These two days include: Free Fishing Weekend. Fish for all

in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. To get more details or find a local event, visit Michigan.gov/ FreeFishing.

Free ORV Weekend. Legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Visit Michigan. gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.

Waiver of the Recreation Passport. To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000plus state-managed boating access sites and many other outdoor spaces. Learn more about Passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.

Free Fishing and Free ORV weekends each take place on back-to-back days twice a year, but the “Three Free” Weekend happens only in June.

Reeths-Puffer coach Sarah Bayle celebrates with her Rockets after they defeated Grand Haven Sunday in the