The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 42, March 15, 2024

Reflexiones de nuestra comunidad

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Part II: Familiar faces in our community

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

In Part I of our “Many Faces, One Community” series, we focused on the history of the Oceana Hispanic Center (OHC), uniquely situated in Oceana County to serve the area’s Hispanic community (the next closest center providing similar services is located in Grand Rapids). From its humble and somewhat happenstance beginnings, the center has grown and served countless individuals and families since its start. Organized around common goals and dedicated board members, the center has become a beacon of hope and an example of what true community looks like.

Coincidentally, March is Women’s History Month, and this week, as we continue our series, we hear from two women who advocate for many of our county’s Hispanic residents.

After putting in a full day at her regular job in West Shore Community College’s (WSCC) Student Services Office, one can find the OHC current board chair, Irma Luevano Hinojosa, volunteering at the center from 6:30-9:30 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. During that time, she makes herself available to work with

Parte II: Rostros familiares en nuestra comunidad

migrants and local Hispanics looking for translation, financial help or other support. “We are called the Oceana ‘Hispanic’ Center, but we help the entire community. We specialize in the Hispanic population because we are bilingual and know what they need, but that’s not going to prevent us from helping others if we can,” she said.

“I’ve been involved with the Hispanic Center since 2003. I had attended meetings and participated in their events prior, but it wasn’t until 2020, when we reorganized and I became the chairperson of the center, that I heard the personal stories. When I saw the expressions on people’s faces, it finally hit me how much need there is,” Luevano Hinojosa said. “I do a lot of what could be called ‘grunt work’, but it’s not ‘work’ to me.”

Luevano Hinojosa grew up the daughter of migrants herself; in fact, she was born in Oklahoma, as her family made their way back to Texas following a busy harvesting season in Michigan. She knows some of what OHC clients are experiencing when they come to the center. Her family started migrating to Michigan from Texas back in the 60s when her parents worked for Miles and Lena Chase. In 1981, wanting a better life for his children, her father decided they would stay all year.

“We were the only Hispanics at Walkerville School that first winter,” she said with a smile. “But I appreciate my background and would never trade my growing up or experiences. I can remember Lorenzo Galvan (former OHC board member Frances Arangure’s father) coming to our camp with food and supplies. Now I’m part of paying it forward. It (the migrant life) has made me who I am today. It gives me an instant bond with our clients. I want to be a part of advocating. It’s a way to give back to my Hispanic community. If we don’t, who will?”

Luevano Hinojosa credits her father for her education. “He always said that he wanted all his kids to graduate from high school and go to college. He made sure we were always in school, regardless of where we migrated to,” she said.  “His quest to see all six of his children graduate came to fruition. He got to see all of us graduate, go to college and become professionals. When I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Ferris State University, I remember calling my parents in Texas and telling them I finally did it!”

Having been given the opportunity herself, Luevano Hinojosa is passionate about helping others finish

Familiar faces continued on page 9

En la Parte I de nuestra serie “Muchas caras, una comunidad” nos centramos en la historia del Centro Hispano de Oceana (OHC), ubicado de manera única en el condado de Oceana para servir a la comunidad hispana del área. (El siguiente centro más cercano que ofrece servicios similares se encuentra en Grand Rapids). Desde sus humildes y algo casuales comienzos, el centro ha crecido y servido innumerables personas y familias desde sus inicios. Organizado en torno a objetivos comunes y dedicados miembros de la junta directiva, el centro se ha convertido en un faro de esperanza y un ejemplo de lo que cómo se ve la verdadera comunidad.

Casualmente, marzo es el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer y esta semana, mientras continuamos nuestra serie, nosotros escuchamos a dos mujeres que abogan por muchos de los residentes hispanos de nuestro condado.

Después de dedicar un día completo a su trabajo habitual en el colegio comunitario de West Shore Community College (WSCC), Oficina de Servicios para Estudiantes, se encuentra la actual presidenta de la junta directiva de OHC, Irma Luevano Hinojosa, voluntariado en el centro de

6:30 - 9:30 p.m. todos los lunes a jueves. Durante ese tiempo, ella se pone a disposición para trabajar con inmigrantes, hispanos locales que buscan traducción, ayuda financiera u otro tipo de apoyo. “Nos llamamos Centro ‘Hispano’ de Oceana pero ayudamos a la comunidad entera. Nos especializamos en la población hispana porque somos bilingües y sabemos lo que necesitan, pero eso no nos impedirá ayudar a otros si podemos”, dijo Hinojosa.

“He estado involucrada con el Centro Hispano desde 2003. Asistí a reuniones y participé en sus eventos antes, pero no fue hasta 2020 cuando nos reorganizamos y me convertí en la presidente del centro, que escuché las historias personales. Cuando vi las expresiones en los rostros de la gente finalmente me di cuenta de cuánta necesidad hay,” dijo Hinojosa. “Hago mucho de lo que podría llamarse ‘trabajo duro’, pero para mí no es ‘trabajo’, dijo Hinojosa.”

Hinojosa creció como hija de inmigrantes; de hecho, nació en Oklahoma, cuando su familia regresaba a Texas después de una temporada de cosecha muy ocupada en Michigan. Ella sabe algo de lo que los clientes de OHC están experimentando cuando vienen al centro. Su familia comenzó a migrar a Michigan desde Texas en los años 60 cuando sus padres trabajaban para Miles y Lena Chase.

En 1981, deseando una vida mejor para sus hijos, su padre decidió que permanecer todo el año aquí.

“Éramos los únicos hispanos en la escuela de Walkerville ese primer invierno”, dijo Hinojosa con una sonrisa. “Pero aprecio mis antecedentes y nunca cambiaría mi crecimiento ni mis experiencias. Puedo recordar que Lorenzo Galván (padre de Frances Arangure, ex miembro de la junta directiva de OHC) venía a nuestro campamento con alimentos y suministros. Ahora yo soy parte del pago. Ella (la vida migrante) me ha hecho quien soy hoy. Me da un vínculo instantáneo con nuestros clientes. Quiero ser parte de abogando por ellos. Es una forma de retribuir a mi comunidad hispana. Si no lo hacemos nosotros, ¿quién lo hará?

Hinojosa le da crédito a su padre por su educación. “Él siempre decía que quería que todos sus hijos graduarse de la escuela secundaria e ir a la universidad. Se aseguró de que siempre estuviéramos en la escuela independientemente de a dónde migramos”, dijo Hinojosa. “Su búsqueda para ver graduarse a sus seis hijos llegó a buen término. Pudo vernos a todos graduarnos, ir a la universidad y convertirnos en profesionales.

Cuando recibí mi título de Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Universidad Estatal de Ferris, (Ferris State University) recuerdo haber llamado mis padres en Texas y les dije muy contenta que finalmente lo logré!

Habiendo tenido la oportunidad ella misma, a Hinojosa le apasiona ayudar a otros a terminar secundaria y cursar estudios superiores. Le encanta trabajar en WSCC donde trabaja todos los días ayudando a los estudiantes a continuar su educación. Durante los últimos tres años, OHC se asoció con Oceana College Access Network para ayudar específica-

Por Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Colaborador de la comunidad

Irma Luevano Hinojosa meets with the DeBlas family at the Oceana Hispanic Center. • Contributed

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Sap season came a little earlier than expected this year, but the weather has cooperated and Mother Nature has provided the ideal conditions needed for a good sap run; freezing nighttime temperatures with sunny daytime temperatures. According to industry experts, temperatures between 25 to 40 degrees are perfect.

Many Oceana County families and farms are making good use of the perfect conditions to capture this year’s “liquid gold.” The countryside is dotted with all forms of sap collection. From old-fashioned galvanized buckets and plastic five-gallon buckets to vinyl bags and vacuum tubing.

Sponhauer Farms, located in rural Hesperia, is a fourth-generation cattle farm that now includes maple syrup production. A Shelby grad, Zach Sponhauer, first got into making syrup while attending college at Michigan Tech in 2006. He, along with buddies Kevin Hallack and Chad Robinson, would go rustic camping over a weekend, tap a few trees and boil the collected sap in cake pans over a campfire.

In the mornings, they’d make a breakfast of pancakes and sausage to use up the syrup they’d spent all night making. “We only made enough to last the weekend,” Sponhauer said.

Sponhauer continued his syrup-making hobby throughout college, borrowing and refashioning equipment as needed. “We even boiled in an old keg on a truck frame,” he chuckled.

Sponhauer purchased the farm where he and his wife, Megan (Rose), live in 2018. “The maple woods were one of the reasons I bought the property. If you look at the woods on a GPS map, you can see definite rows of maple trees,” he said. The outbuildings on the property also give clues that it was possibly a sugar bush at some point in the past. Sponhauer had pictures of old plat maps showing someone by the name of Hazelton as the owner in 1876, while a plat of 1912 showed Thomas G. Pickel as the owner.

While holding down a full-time job during the day, Sponhauer gets help from Megan and his dad, Bill Sponhauer, who lives just down the road. “We collect sap using between 175-200 taps, tubing and a reverse-engineered vacuum pump,” he said. They prefer to cook the sap down into syrup using traditional wood heat, which keeps Sponhauer busy on boiling nights. Determining when the syrup is ready to be “drawn off” is a specialized process involving various equipment and measurements, and includes words like evaporation, gravity and the weight or “brix” of the finished product.

“Dad will get the fire started at about 2 p.m., then I’ll take over when I get home from work. We recently did a 600-gallon

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo

run, which, at 50 gallons an hour, took us all night,” he said. To keep the sap boiling at an even temperature, he must throw three to four sticks of wood into his firebox at least every five minutes. He started his operation by using a two-by-five flat pan evaporator and has since moved to a two-by-eight drop-flue evaporator. “It’s more efficient. Then I ‘rinse and repeat’ until the trees bud and the spring peepers come out,” Sponhauer said, flashing a smile.

Of course, there are plenty of other production tasks that need to be done throughout a sap season. Keeping the

News and Notes

Community

Municipal

Minutes of the Feb. 26 Shelby Village Council meeting stated the current balance of funds donated for the Getty Park Renovation Project through the Community Foundation of Oceana County totaled $126,755. The village is grateful for the community’s ongoing support of this long-awaited project, set to break ground this spring.

The “Walkerville Thrives” community improvement group, formed in 2016, recently met to determine how previous goals set in 2016 might be able to mesh with the newly forming Re-Building Community Committee, spearheaded by the Community Foundation for Oceana County. Walkerville Thrives was instrumental in bringing numerous events and amenities to the village, including building a website for greater communication and promotion of the area, a Resource Fair with School Spirit Days, a spring cleanup day prior to graduation and Memorial Day, a Memorial Day parade and service at the cemetery, the “Pioneer Days” celebration (renaming it “Farm Fun Days”), and hosted “Meet the Candidates” nights. The group was also instrumental in writing grants for many village improvements, including a ga-ga pit at the park, a fitness room at the school, the formation of three “Walk the Ville” walking trails and brochure, a new roof and windows for the historic Pioneer House, and supplies and manpower to have the village hall and welcome sign repainted. Walkerville Thrives is anxious to partner with others in the community to continue building upon the many good things happening in the village. Their next meeting will be Wednesday, April 10 at 2 p.m. at the Walkerville United Methodist Church.

wood stacked, scrubbing the sugar sand out of the evaporator, and canning the finished syrup for long-term storage. The Sponhauers enjoy spending the extra time together with family and friends during a part of the year when not much else is happening. Sponhauer likes knowing he’s continuing a tradition that was started on his farm years ago and hopes to be able to pass it on to his daughter someday.

More information about Sponhauer Farms and their locally produced beef, produce and syrup can be found at www. sponhauerfarms.com or on Facebook.

Versiti Blood of Michigan reminds the community of the importance of donating blood even during spring break! The upcoming March 25 and April 4 blood drives are taking place during spring break for many local schools. This is a historically difficult time of year to collect the blood products community hospitals need. While spring break is usually a time of rest and relaxation, accidents and emergencies can happen at any time and blood donations are needed to save lives. For those not traveling during spring break, regular daily routines usually change and blood donation appointments are not kept or are canceled. Area coordinator Kathy Roskam encourages all donors to make and keep their appointment for each scheduled blood drive taking place this year during spring break. Remember the thousands of patients in our community and state who need blood each day. If you are traveling for spring break, try to make an appointment to give blood when you return.

Miscellaneous

The Oceana Echo and White Lake Mirror would like to remind readers that the copy deadline for publication is every Tuesday by 5 p.m. That deadline may be able to be extended in certain circumstances. Please send any copy to the general mailbox at theoceanaecho@gmail.com.

M egan , e sther and Z ach s ponhauer • Sharon Hallack/Echo

After almost four decades, Sandy Griffin retires from Oceana County Road Commission Information sought regarding vandalism in Shelby Township

By Mark Timmer Managing Director Oceana County Road Commission

Sandra (Sandy) Griffin started working at the Oceana County Road Commission (OCRC) in 1969. She worked there for a year and then went to work for MSU from the end of 1969 to 1976. After that, she returned to OCRC from 1981 to 1984. Following this, she went to work at the Oceana County Courthouse from 1985 to 1990. In 1990, Sandy returned to OCRC, where she worked continuously from 1990 to March 8, 2024.

Sandy had a work ethic and dedication that were second to none. She always came to work early with a smile on her face, ready to work. She rarely stopped working for lunch but instead ate at her desk while working on the computer. She was extremely helpful in printing reports or making spreadsheets for topics like brine or road projects, and would produce these things when they were needed without being asked. She always seemed to know the right time a document would be helpful.

Sandy was a walking encyclopedia of Oceana County. She knew seasonal roads, unimproved right of way, and could talk in detail about various road projects that were done even years ago. She was also like a librarian and historian and could find anything that was filed at the Road Commission. She was also very knowledgeable about road work and the various road treatments like crack pour, chip seal, overlays, wedging crush and shapes gravel upgrades and more.

She and I would often go on ride-alongs, and she could tell me different intersections where there were water issues, and I used that knowledge many times to make road improvements when doing projects. I doubt there are any Road Commission Board Clerks in the state that have the road knowledge and understanding that Sandy has.

Sandy performed her job at a high level. Shortly after I began working here, our payroll clerk resigned to spend time with family, and Sandy never missed a beat, taking over payroll, paying bills, doing trunkline and ACT 51 accounting by herself! She was a tireless worker who would come in on weekends if she needed to without being asked. I can never remember her

taking a vacation, even though it would have been well deserved.

Sandy was passionate about roads, the Road Commission and Oceana County. We got along famously and became good friends as well as coworkers. She supported me from day one and always had my back and helped me to do my job at a high level. All of our annual audits were given the highest reviews by our auditor. The Road Commission was always in good financial hands due to her honesty, integrity, work ethic, knowledge, professionalism and dedication.

Sandy never wanted any attention or glory for herself. She went about her job in the most professional manner without seeking any recognition. True to form, she chose to retire privately, after a career that spanned 39 years at the Road Commission, in addition to her time at the County and MSU. About a month ago, she expressed the desire to retire, spend some time with friends and travel. After working with our current office staff and training them in all areas of our specialized accounting, she was finally satisfied that she could leave and that the Road Commission would be in good hands.

On behalf of the Road Commission, I would like to congratulate Sandy Griffin on a well-deserved retirement. I, as well as the Road Commission and Oceana County, owe her a debt of gratitude for a life of professionalism, hard work and dedication that is second to none. Happy retirement, Sandy!

St Patrick’s Day Parade set for Sunday

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” Even though this well-known Irish blessing has never officially been said over the Oceana Center Grange’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, it well could be. Every year since 1997 or 1998, the annual parade has stepped off on March 17, no matter what day of the week it is and in ALL kinds of weather, praying the wind would be at their backs and the sun would be on their faces.

Community members and neighbors alike have enjoyed the camaraderie of decorating their entries and parading together toward the grange hall, while hold-

ing up traffic on York Road for 30 minutes. In the first two or three years, the parade route ran from Gale’s Pond to the grange. When spring weather often made 112th Avenue too muddy, organizers changed the route to its current location. The sun was definitely shining in 2012, when unseasonably warm weather allowed everyone to wear shorts and enjoy eating outside afterward.

Over the years, entries have included everything from festively decorated emergency and road commission vehicles, tractors, sideby-sides and motorcycles to horses, 4-H clubs and queens! The event is always followed by delicious food and lively music in the grange hall.

This year’s parade will begin at 6 p.m. at the corner of 116th Avenue and York Road and will proceed to the grange located at the corner of Scout Road and 112th Avenue.

Parade entries should be lined up by 5:45 p.m. Spectators are welcome anywhere along the route. Afterward, homemade soup and dessert will be available for a free will donation in the basement of the grange hall, while several West Michigan musicians will be on hand upstairs to play and sing. All are welcome! Please contact Gordon Merten at 231873-4459 for further information.

Your local professional realtors since

By Amanda Dodge The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Acts of vandalism continue in Oceana County, with Shelby Township now on the receiving end, according to Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. He said that an incident was reported to his office Tuesday, March 12. “At 2 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the Shelby Township Sports Park that is still under construction on West Buchanan Road near 72nd Avenue in Shelby Township.

“Township officials have discovered that sometime recently someone had vandalized the park by smashing out a brand new glass basketball backboard. It appears that something was thrown, hitting the backboard and smashing it.”

The sheriff’s office “has been approached by a very concerned resident of the township who would like to offer a $1,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction for the party who is responsible for this damage,” Mast continued. “This is a real shame, as this park is really going to be a gem for Oceana County, and the backboard is so new that I doubt that even one game of (basketball) has been played on it yet.”

Regarding the incident,

Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli said, “The township is disappointed as we have built a world-class facility for the entire county to enjoy, and its actions like this that ruin it for the good people that use the park.”

He went on to explain that new measures will be put into place to ensure the park’s safety. “Effective immediately, the park will be locked at 5 p.m. and closed over the weekends while we continue to finish the project. We were scheduled to install 20 cameras throughout the park in July, but have reduced the cycle time on camera installation and increased our order to 60. If the culprit or culprits are caught, the township will prosecute to the full extent of the law.

“I, for one, am tired of a few people making it difficult for the vast majority of good, honest people living in our community. If you don’t want to enjoy the park, then just leave it alone for others to enjoy.”

If anyone has information, please call the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office at (231) 873-2121.

M ark t i MM er and s andra g riffin

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Oceana County Schools: Otto

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Today marks week 17 of our rural school series and our secondto-last installment. This week’s article will undoubtedly be a little shorter than some of its predecessors as we take a look at Otto Township, a township with just six districts and only four schools.

In district number one, we have no school on record, so we’ll move on over to district two, where we can find the Williamson school. Unfortunately, we don’t have much information on this school. It can be found on the 1876, 1895 and 1913 county maps of Oceana, and we know that it was located “near Garfield and 148th.” Local school historian Mort Wiegand included a somewhat humorous newspaper clipping in her notes, dated from 1906. “Miss Dema Cargill closed a successful term of school in the Williamson district. She has turned into a nurse lately, we understand.”

Other than that, we have the names of a few teachers, such as Bernice Lankfer, Reverend Shoemaker, Irma Vanwickle and June Hitchcock.

Hart Note from The Oceana Echo Thank you to everyone that has called, stopped by, emailed and mailed further information about Oceana schools to us. It is so appreciated! Please also submit those items to the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society to expand their records on these schools.

In district three, near the corner of East Garfield Road and South 132nd Avenue, we have the Newman school. There was an earlier school house that burned down in 1855, along with the home of one S. B. Potter. This time, Wiegand included a note that is somewhat more terrifying. “In the History of Manistee, Mason and Oceana Counties, 1882, p. 151, it was told that wolves were quite numerous at first and Indians killed many of them. Children were afraid to go to school on account of the creatures.” The building was used as a chapel once the school was abandoned. Luckily, the building still

stands today, although the chapel has moved out. The old Newman school now serves as a private residence.

Up next is the Duke school, later known as the Cartwright school. “According to the 1895 plat map, the school was the Duke school— several Dukes families in the area.” Wiegand wrote. The land for this school was initially purchased from Jacob VanDyke, and by 1913, it would seem there were enough Cartwrights in attendance to warrant a name change. The school would continue until 1960, when it was consolidated with Lawson and Heitman. Some of the teachers who taught here over the years include Mildred Bensen, Esther Gillian, Alberta Cox and Mary Bartlett.

In district five, we again have no schools on record, and so that leaves us with our final school in district number six. Here we have

the Batten school. It is another landmark building that has survived to the present day. Currently, it is used as a private home. A 1908 newspaper clipping tells us the school was built almost five years prior, in 1904, on the corner of South 112th Avenue and West Garfield Road. Prior to that, “the children in that vicinity had no opportunity for schooling.” Wiegand also gives a very succinct descrip-

tion of the building. “A small sign below the bell tower and above the door (states) it was built in 1904.

Area carpenter Hiriam Madison built it for $200. The school sits on a knoll, three windows on each side, a double door in front. Bell tower in front peak and chimney on the rear.” There were also two outhouses, “one for the boys and one for the girls in the back lot.”

Among the teachers we see a familiar name, Swift Lathers, along with Rose Pickel, Marion Meyer, Cletus Crader and Eilzabeth Roth Porter. The Batten school closed its doors for good in 1957, when the children were all transferred to the school systems in New Era and Shelby.

THE

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 Huddle for 6th-12th grade youth, 3-5 p.m.

Tuesdays: Pit Stops for Men 12 & up, 6:30 p.m.

Thursdays: Recovery Support Group, 6:30 p.m.

Fridays: Open Jam Session, 10 a.m. to noon

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

Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m.

St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave. in Hart Second & fourth Fridays, doors open at 4 p.m.

Fish dinners at St. Joseph’s in Weare

Fridays in Lent, 5-7 p.m.

March 13- May 29 - Oceana Conservation District Knee-High Naturalist Forest School Program

‘Alice in Wonderland’ performances continue in Hart

HMS Drama Club students have been busy preparing for Lewis Carroll’s classic, “Alice In Wonderland” and will continue to present the show to the public through March 17. Join Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole and travels through Wonderland, meeting some wildly silly characters along the way! Will she find her way back home, before the Queen of Hearts orders, “Off with her head”? You’ll have to come and find out! Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16 performances will begin at 7 p.m. in the Hart Public Schools Auditorium. The Sunday, March 17 matinee performance will begin at 2 p.m. in the auditorium. Presale tickets are available online until March 15; $8 for adults and $4 for students. General admission seating is available at the door prior to each performance: $10 for adults and $5 per student.

Re-building Community meeting set for March 27

The Community Foundation’s (CF) Re-building Community Committee for Walkerville has set its first meeting for Wednesday, March 27, at 2 p.m. at the Walkerville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The focus of the meeting will be to discuss the purpose of the committee and what they would like to accomplish. The group plans to make a prioritized list of tasks from ideas generated at previous Walkerville Assessment meetings and develop a timeline for moving forward. All interested Walkerville residents and surrounding community members are urged to attend. Four other focus groups identified during the assessment: Housing & Structure, Business & Retail, Community Center and Human Services & Childcare, will be meeting in the near future to work out further action plans in those areas as well. For further information, please contact the CF AmeriCorps Member Cecelia Hopkins at cecelia@oceanafoundation.org or 231-869-3377.

SADL announces Community Survey

The Shelby Area District Library is seeking feedback in a community survey made possible in part by the University of Michigan School of Information, the Library of Michigan, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Library Services and Technology Act. Whether you never use the library or use it every day, the library wants to hear from you! Paper surveys will be available at the circulation desk. Surveys can also be completed by visiting https://tinyurl.com/ pppl-survey-b or https://tinyurl.com/pppl-espanol-b. The deadline is April 15. The Shelby Area District Library is located at 189 Maple St. in Shelby. Questions can be directed to 231-861-4565 or tifhaight@shelbylibrary.org.

OCCOA volunteers to host fundraising breakfast

Oceana County Council on Aging World Horizon volunteers Hannah Jünemann and Charlotte Uchtländer invite the community to an All You Can Eat Pancake Fundraiser on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the OCCOA located at 4250 W. Tyler Rd. in Hart. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, ages 2–12. All proceeds will benefit senior residents, such as the meal program, homebound picnics and other senior services. The World Horizon organization of Germany, partners with the OCCOA annually to provide volunteers who live and volunteer with OCCOA staff and clients during their term in the US. “Being here in Oceana County has so far been an amazing experience. I am so happy that World Horizon allowed me to find this place; otherwise, I would have never been able to meet so many amazing people. I am extremely thankful for everything,” said Jünemann. The OCCOA is a nonprofit agency that promotes and safeguards the independence and well-being of individuals 60 years of age and older by providing services, information and support to the residents of Oceana County. More information about this event or any of the center’s programming is available on their website, www.oceanacoa.com or by calling 231-873-4461.

March Echo

March 14-17 - HMS Drama, “Alice in Wonderland”, Hart Public Schools Auditorium, 14-16 at 7 p.m. and 17 at 2 p.m.

March 15-17 Oceana County #6128 Team M.O.T.O.R., FIRST Robotics Competition, Orchard View High School, all day

March 16 - Kasza Sugar Bush Open House, 2500 W. Buchanan Rd., Shelby, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festivities, Oceana Center Grange, 6 p.m.

March 18 - Red Cross Blood Drive, Shelby Congregational Church, 51 E. Third St., Shelby, noon to 6 p.m.

March 18 - Oceana Conservation District Agricultural and Natural Resources Banquet, West Michigan Research Station, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, Reservations required

March 20 - Conservation District Spring seedling orders due

March 22-29 - Oceana County Schools Spring Break

March 22 - Re-Building Community Committee Meeting, hosted by the Community Foundation of Oceana County, Walkerville UMC, 189 E. Main St., Walkerville, 2 p.m.

March 23 - All You Can Eat Pancake Fundraiser, OCCOA, 4250 W. Tyler Rd., Hart 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Share your birdwatching stories at The Ladder

The next Share Our Stories (SOS) event at The Ladder Community Center in Shelby will feature the theme “Are You a Birder?” Adults are welcome to join us Tuesday, March 19 at 1:30 p.m. A Historical Society member will explain how the robin became our state bird. Those in attendance will be invited to share their own birdwatching experiences.  SOS is a monthly event at The Ladder where people gather and share memories, photos and other memorabilia from Oceana County. There is no additional cost for registered adult members 18 and up. Please visit theladdercommunitycenter.com to view all our upcoming events. 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.

Shelby Congregational Lenten Luncheon March 28

The Shelby Congregational Church Women’s Fellowship will be hosting its annual Lenten Luncheon Thursday, March 28, beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Please call the church office at 231-861-4404 to make reservations. Tickets are $8 each. Lunch will include soup, salad, bread and dessert followed by a short program.

William “Bill” Landon Bluhm

June 8, 1933 ~ March 6, 2024

William “Bill” Landon Bluhm, 90, of Pentwater, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024. He was born June 8, 1933, the son of William and Katheryn (Klaiber) Bluhm.  Bill grew up in the community of River Rouge. After graduating high school, Bill enlisted and served a four-year tour in the US Navy. During his service, a portion was spent fighting the Korean War. After serving his country, Bill then attended the University of Michigan, where he acquired a master’s degree in education/administration. Bill had a long and rewarding career in education, including being principal and superintendent of Pentwater Public Schools and then su perintendent of the Oceana Intermediate School District.

Along the way, Bill discovered a love and passion for sailing. He became an avid sailor and racer during the summers, acquiring a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License and skippering a 12-metre America’s Cup sailboat, the Northern Light. Later in life, Bill acquired his own sailboat, named Condor. He raced competitively on the Great Lakes sharing his passion with his two sons, David and Stephen. Upon retirement, Bill and his wife sailed Condor to the Bahamas to enjoy long winters in the tropics. Aside from his love of sailing, he and Gail also loved to travel and had many adventures in their motorhome.

Bill believed in giving back and volunteered his time to many educational and community organizations throughout the Pentwater community and beyond. He was a founding member of the Oceana Community Foundation and served on its board. Bill served 12 years as an EMT on the Pentwater Volunteer Ambulance Service. He was Commodore of the Pentwater Yacht Club in 2000 and was inducted into the Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation Hall of Fame in 2016.

Bill is survived by: his two children, David (Kris) Bluhm and Stephen (Jennifer) Bluhm; six grandchildren, Derek, Alex, Jake, Courtney, Patrick and Brandon; his sister, Arlene (Ralph) Nicholls; along with sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces.

Bill was preceded in death by: his wife, Gail; and sister, Carol Bluhm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pentwater Historical Society, 85 S. Rutledge St., Pentwater, MI 49449.

Bill’s family will host a Celebration of Life this summer.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel www.beaconfh.com.

Mitchell (Mike) David Yates

Mitchell (Mike) David Yates, 70, of Buena Park, Calif. passed away Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.

He was born May 23, 1953, in Muskegon, Mich., the son of Paul and Bertie Lou (Santas) Oberlin. He was married to the love of his life, Edana Salisbury, for 39+ years.

Mike was raised in Shelby, Mich. where he graduated from Shelby High School in 1972 and entered the Navy, serving in the Western Pacific, Hawaii and Vietnam from 1972-1976. He worked as an electrician at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard in California from 1976-1985. He was a quality assurance specialist for the Department of Defense from 1985-2008. When he retired from government work, he spent three years as a customer representative on government programs.

Mike was an avid fan of Star Wars, Star Trek and John Wayne. He loved quoting Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Duke. Photography, friends, and spending time with his loving wife, Edana, and beloved Cocker Spaniel “Pigeon,” filled his retirement years.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Bertie Lou Oberlin and sister Dorothy (Gordon) Anderson.

He is survived by his wife Edana; his brothers, David (Mary) Oberlin and John (Catherine) Oberlin; his sister, Michelle (Mark) Baker; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He will be deeply missed, yet remembered lovingly for his great sense of humor.

Helen C. Lefler April 4, 1934 ~ November 25, 2023

Helen C. Lefler embraced the good in this world until she passed on to eternal life Nov. 25, 2023. Helen was born April 4, 1934, in Highland Park, Mich. to Helen G. and Covert E. Lefler.

Helen spent her early childhood living in a country home with a white barn on a small lake near Romeo, Mich. After leaving the corporate world, she sought, found, and embraced the bucolic setting and lifestyle of her youth, as expressed in the lyrics of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s song, “I’m Going To Be A Country Girl Again.” One of her retirement projects was drafting blueprints and serving as the general contractor for the construction of a remarkable white barn. She died in her country home with a white barn on Lake Michigan.

Helen was greathearted; she possessed a noble, generous and courageous spirit. She was a gracious and loyal friend. Helen was authentic, smart, insightful, creative, hardworking, diplomatic and patient. She liked to help others. Helen enriched the lives of those who knew her with her love, wisdom, humor and encouraging words. She mentored many. She was loved by many, and she will be missed by many.

Helen loved to entertain her many friends and extended families, cook Julia Child recipes, have fun and make others happy. She loved living on Lake Michigan, looking into her woods, and she loved to look at the blue sky.

After moving to Mears in 1989, Helen embraced the Mears community and touched the lives of many by serving on the Board of the Oceana County Community Foundation and on Golden Township’s Board of Review and Zoning Board of Appeals, and for a time as Chair of the Planning Commission.

Helen earned her Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University, her Master of Business from Michigan State University and an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Olivet College.

Helen retired from her position of Vice President and Treasurer of the KMART Corporation in 1988. She held many leadership positions, serving on the Board of Directors of the Wayne State Fund Board and as a Trustee for each of the following: Michigan Cancer Foundation, the Michigan Colleges Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of S.E. Michigan.

Helen was predeceased by her parents and brothers, Jerry Lang and Covert (Buzz) Lefler.

Helen is survived by her three nieces, Karin Lefler (David Savage), Marty (Nathan) Thompson, Jenny Lefler, and the members of her “adopted families:” the Marciniaks, Symons, Zenobis, Edingtons, Sanfilippos, Shines and Kathleen Badgley.

A private burial service took place at the Mears Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Helen’s name may be made to the Oceana Community Foundation (Community  Investment Fund)at 388 S Hancock St., Pentwater, MI 49449, (231) 869-3377, oceanafoundation.org, or Hillsdale College at 33 E. College St., Hillsdale, MI 49242 , (517) 607-2727, hillsdale.edu/donate,  by check, phone or online (gift designation under comments).

Joyce Arlene Kinstner

March 25, 1949 ~ March 11, 2024

Joyce Arlene Kinstner, 74, passed away March 11, 2024. She was born March 25, 1949, in Fremont, the daughter of George and Gertie (Monroe) McCastle.

Joyce had many working experiences over the years, most of which were in service to the elderly. Caring for and respecting her elders was instilled in her by her parents from a young age. Joyce had a deep love for her family, cherishing each relationship. She also enjoyed spending her time birdwatching, enjoying friends and flowers. Her most infamous pastime was thrifting and antique shopping. Joyce and Wayne found many treasures over their years of antiquing adventures; Joyce found and adored vintage dishes and jewelry.

Joyce is survived by: her beloved husband, Wayne Kinstner; son, Brian (Christine) Hren; six grandchildren, Madison (Jimmy) Hren, Caleb Hren, Olivia Hren, Cameran (Rachel) Hren, Logan Hren, and Kadence Hren; great-grandson, Theodore Hren; siblings, Marlene McCastle, George McCastle, Alvin McCastle, and Wayne (Darlene) McCastle; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joyce’s many nieces and nephews continued to be a constant source of love and support that she turned to often throughout her years.

Joyce’s faith in the Lord and her hope sustained her to never give up; she felt that she was a very blessed woman and was able to embrace the time she was given.

A Celebration of Life will take place later this spring on a date that has yet to be determined.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box 451, Hart, MI 49420.

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

Pentwater Women’s Club announces annual scholarship contest Group offers support for 57th consecutive year

The Pentwater Women’s Club (PWC) has announced that the application process for its annual scholarship awards is now open. The PWC Scholarship Fund began in 1967 and has awarded over 200 scholarships to graduating seniors from Pentwater High School. In addition, the club has offered an additional scholarship to support a returning adult female student at West Shore Community College.

This year, the club is offering $18,000 in scholarship dollars to deserving applicants, including West Shore and Pentwater applicants, to be used for posthigh school education, including college and trade/vocational education.

“Thanks to the tireless dedication of our members and the support of the larger community at our events, we are once again honored to help the young people of our Pentwater community pursue their post-high school education goals with well-deserved financial support,” Pentwater Women’s Club President Dr. Claudia Ressel-Hodan said.

Scholarship applications for the Pentwater High School Class of 2024 are available by contacting a Pentwater High School administrator. Applicants will be interviewed in early May, and scholarship winners will be awarded at the Pentwater High School Honors Night later in May. Students who meet the qualifications for application at West Shore Community College should contact the Financial Aid Office for more information. Actual scholarship amounts will be determined once the committee finalizes the number of scholarships it will award.

Each year, the PWC hosts multiple events to help fund this scholarship initiative. Up next will be the Pentwater Women’s Club 2024 Wine & Art Event, Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Park Place from 2–5 p.m. The event is open to all.

St. Patrick’s Day recipes

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

St. Patrick’s Day is Sunday! I once heard we’re all a little “Irish” on St. Patrick’s Day, so use it as an excuse to celebrate and beat the winter blahs! Our family enjoys attending the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade at the Oceana Center Grange. If you feel like being waited on, restaurants are already promoting their Irishthemed specials. But if you choose to stay in, here’s a couple of easy recipes you might want to try!

Avocado Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip from “Healthy Fitness Meals” blog

This dip sounds amazing; I can’t wait to try it!

Ingredients:

2 medium-ripe avocados, chopped

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or plant-based for a vegan option

2 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp dried dill

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp rice or apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Fine kosher salt to taste

Place all the ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape the sides a couple of times. Serve with crunchy veggies and corn chips, if desired.

Mint Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cheesecake from “Miss in the Kitchen” blog

This recipe sounds like the traditional Dirt Dessert with an Irish twist!

Ingredients:

8–10 Oreo cookies, crushed into crumbs

1 cup heavy cream

8 ounces softened cream cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-4 drops green food coloring

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped Andes Mints

For garnish: whipped cream, mints, cookies ~ optional

Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form and set in the refrigerator. Add softened cream cheese to the mixer bowl and beat for 1 minute. Add the powdered sugar and beat until combined. Next, add peppermint and vanilla extract, plus green food coloring. Mix until the cream cheese mixture is green with no white streaks, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Fold in chilled whipped cream, mini chocolate chips and chopped Andes Mints. Alternate layers of cookie crumbs and cheesecake mixture into desired glasses. Garnish with sweetened whipped cream, Andes Mints, Oreos and fresh mint if desired. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

PWC History: The Pentwater Literacy Club was founded on Jan. 27, 1898, and continues today to enrich the community of Pentwater. In the early 1970s, the club name was changed to the Pentwater Women’s Club to expand the area of involvement the club and its members could contribute to. The mission of the club is to promote civic welfare, to advance cultural and educational opportunities in our community and to financially assist students in Pentwater who wish to attend institutions of higher learning. Over the past 117 years, the Pentwater Women’s Club has supported and contributed to: hot lunches for schoolchildren, planting trees, scholarships, library books, the Pentwater Recreation Program and much more. Learn more about the group by visiting www.pentwaterwomensclub.org. For more information, please email pentwaterwomensclub@gmail.com.

Meet Mia

If you love to gaze into gorgeous green eyes, Mia is your girl! She came to our shelter very pregnant, almost exactly a year ago. Mia raised her four beautiful kittens, and even took in a foster kitten as her own. This kitty was from an outdoor feral colony, likely having many kittens a year and fighting for her life. Mia has become one of the shelter’s favorite house cats, and she loves to supervise everything that’s going on, especially sitting on windowsills. She loves pets, is quite playful, and gets along with other “chill” cats. Mia prefers everything quiet and calm, so a household with no small children would be ideal for her.

Please consider bringing this green-eyed beauty into your life. Mia is spayed, up to date on vaccines, flea treated, and dewormed. Adoption fee is $75, which helps pay for the cost of treatments. If you would like to adopt Mia, you can fill out an application through the OCAF Facebook page: Oceana County Animal Friends or on their website: oceanacountyanimalfriends.wordpress.com

Tails of Hope

Max is an exceptionally friendly dog with a heart of gold. Despite his young age, he exhibits a gentle and affectionate nature towards everyone he meets. He thrives on human companionship and loves nothing more than cuddling up with his favorite humans. Max has an innate sense of loyalty and is eager to please, making him a joy to have around. Max has a moderate activity level and enjoys both outdoor adventures and indoor relaxation. He would be a great companion for walks, hikes, and playtime in the yard. However, he’s also content to curl up on the couch with his family for some quality downtime. Max is a smart pup who is eager to learn and please his humans. While he may not have received formal training in the past, he is responsive and shows great potential for obedience training. With positive reinforcement and consistency, Max is sure to excel in basic commands and even some fun tricks.

Max is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Shelter. If interested, please call the shelter at 231-861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35, and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and you will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/neuter, if needed. Every dog should have an ID tag. L.A.S.S.I. provides free dog ID tags to all Oceana County residents. To request tags, send a text to 231-7303906. Free tags are also available at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.

Meet Max

WEEKLY SERVICE,

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

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

• On March 25, 2017, the world’s largest banana split made its debut in Innisfail, Australia. Concocted with 40,000 bananas, it stretched for an astounding 5 miles long. No word on the number of calories it contained.

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11, 2024

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FOR RELEASE MARCH 11, 2024

By JoAnn Derson

• On March 26, 1971, East Pakistan declared its independence from Pakistan, forming Bangladesh, which started an eight-month-long war between Pakistan and the newly-formed state. As many as 3 million people lost their lives in the conflict.

FOR RELEASE MARCH 11, 2024

By Lucie Winborne

• On March 27, 1989, the groundbreaking soap opera “Generations” aired on NBC-TV, making it the first U.S. African-American show of its kind. Focusing on the relationship between two Chicago families, one white and one Black, the series tackled difficult subjects, including sickle cell anemia, racial bias and hate crimes, but failed to find a wide audience and was canceled in 1991.

• On March 28, 1949, English astronomer Fred Hoyle coined the term “Big Bang” during a BBC radio interview, though he also refuted the scientific theory, remarking in a later interview with the network that “the reason why scientists like the ‘big bang’ is because they are overshadowed by the Book of Genesis. It is deep within the psyche of most scientists to believe in the first page of Genesis.”

• On March 29, 1984, the city of Baltimore refused to replace its antiquated stadium, so the owner of the Baltimore Colts decided to up and leave the state. The team loaded up all their equipment into 15 trucks, moved to Indiana, and renamed themselves the Indianapolis Colts.

• On March 30, 1842, inhaled sulfuric ether was used as an anesthetic for the first time, by American surgeon Crawford Williamson Long, the first obstetric anesthetist, in Athens, Georgia. Long was also a cousin of Western legend Doc Holliday, and may have operated on Doc’s cleft lip.

• On March 31, 1923, the first dance marathon took place in New York City, with dance instructor Alma Cummings setting a new record at the Audubon Ballroom by hoofing it for 27 hours with six different partners. In just three weeks, her feat would be surpassed at least nine times across the U.S.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

• “I had to pick up a bunch of BBs that spilled in our garage. It was very aggravating, until I decided to get out my vacuum. I put a very thin sock (didn’t have any panty hose) on the end, and tucked it into the hose. I secured it with a zip tie. I was able to suck up most of the BBs, and they went right back in the container.” — E.L. in North Carolina

• If you make your own broth, you can freeze cubes in easy-to-measure amounts by using your muffin tin. Measure out broth in half cup or cup amounts, then freeze. When done, pop them out into a freezer-safe baggie.

• Try this trick to increase the volume when listening to music on your phone (without earbuds, that is): Place it in a deep bowl. The bowl amplifies and directs the sound.

• Chrome is easily cleaned and shined up with vinegar. Keep a misting bottle in the bathroom to give handles a quick swipe after getting ready in the morning or evening.

• Ice cream cones with a flat bottom make a great container for cupcakes. Fill cones two-thirds full with batter, bake as directed, and you have cupcake cones! Frost and go!

• I sew looped tags onto the corner of our family’s wash cloths. My husband installed several hooks in the shower, and when we are finished with our wash cloth, we hang it up by the tag after rinsing it out. They do not mildew this way, because they are allowed to dry.

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

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Lucie Winborne

• In a process called rice-fish culture, Indonesian farmers introduce fish into their rice fields so the fish droppings will act as fertilizer. In turn, the fish also eat harmful insects and improve oxygen circulation, increasing crop yields by up to 10%.

• Anuptaphobia is the fear of being single forever.

• The people who falsely claimed the copyright to the “Happy Birthday to You” song made $2 million a year for decades, until the song was ruled to be in the public domain.

• A man who had received the transplanted heart of a suicide victim married the donor’s widow and took his own life in the exact same way as the donor did.

• After two thieves in England broke into a man’s house and made off with his laptop, they found child abuse material on the device and took it to the police. The pedophile received a sentence of three years in prison, while the thieves were given 12 months of community service in light of their “good deed.”

• During his presidency, John F. Kennedy refused to take his salary of $150,000 per year, instead donating the entire amount to charity.

• Hundreds of people die each year from shoveling snow.

• Who says cats don’t care? After one feline owner survived a series of strokes, he tried to train the animal to dial 911. While he wasn’t sure at first that the attempt would pay off, after he fell from his wheelchair following a seizure, police received a silent emergency call from his home and arrived to find him incapacitated and his cat next to the phone.

• Loneliness poses a greater risk to one’s health than obesity.

***

Thought for the Day: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

Friedrich

Nietzsche

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Phil is the father of Andrew White of New Era.

Familiar faces

high school and pursue higher education. She loves working at WSCC, where she works every day helping students further their education. For the past three years, the OHC has partnered with the Oceana College Access Network to specifically help sophomore, junior and senior Hispanic high school students and their parents understand their options and follow up to ensure they are set to start college after graduation if that is what they desire.

Eva Berumen-Reyna, former director of OHC, knows migrant life as well. Born in Texas, she remembers traveling back and forth, then moving to Michigan when she was nine. As she and her siblings got older, her parents became concerned about possible learning gaps and education credits not transferring. They wanted more for their children, but her father wanted to find a permanent job first. In the spring of 1984, he was hired full-time at a local Christmas tree farm, where he would stay until he retired. “I feel like Oceana County is my home,” said Berumen-Reyna.

Berumen-Reyna’s “day job” is as an Early-On Coordinator for the West Shore ESD. In addition, she also operates her “Semillas de Esperanza” (Seeds of Hope) consulting business for clients of the OHC. In

this role, she may work anywhere from three to ten hours, or more, each week, helping area Hispanics and their families navigate various challenges. She is also a Success Coach with the Lakeshore Employer Resource Network for nine hours a week, connecting employees of local businesses who are facing a personal crisis or challenge at home with the resources or education they need to be successful.

“The clients I work with are humble, hard-working people. Very seldom is someone just looking for a handout. They know how to budget, make their money stretch. It’s usually a medical situation or family situation they fell into and are looking for assistance,” said Berumen-Reyna.

Berumen-Reyna shares that many individuals do not qualify for any assistance, either because they are undocumented or they make too much money. “It’s about being strategic and finding what they do qualify for,” she said. “It has to do with pride. They (migrants) didn’t come here to get something for free. They came to work hard to get something better.”

When asked how best the greater community might help the center, Hinojosa said the Oceana Hispanic Center is willing to give presentations in the community to help inform and collaborate for the great-

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er good. Because they are a non-profit, they rely solely on grants, gifts and other donations from the community. They have “wish list” items on the Community Foundation Wish List page and would gladly accept monetary donations at any time.

But more than money, Hinojosa hopes the community can overcome its biases and be accepting of all people. She would like to encourage the community to reach out to the local Hispanic/Latino population. “They come seeking a better life for their families. Parents say Oceana County is safer, and their children can get a better education in the smaller schools. They want the same family life and opportunities that others have. They own homes, pay taxes, and are involved in the community. They want to be productive, contributing citizens and live peacefully, but many live in fear a lot of the time,” she said. “If people took the time to get to know some of these people, I believe it could be a real life changer.”

Part III of our series will go into more detail about the lives of undocumented migrant workers in Oceana County and the challenges to pursuing citizenship.

The Oceana Echo wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Irma Luevano Hinojosa for her translation of the articles in our series.

mente a los estudiantes de segundo, tercer y cuarto año, y los estudiantes hispanos de último año de secundaria y sus padres comprender sus opciones y realizar un seguimiento para asegurarse de que estén listos para comenzar la universidad después de graduarse si eso es lo que desean.

Eva Berumen-Reyna, exdirectora de OHC, también conoce la vida de los inmigrantes. Nacida en Texas, ella recuerda viajar de un lado a otro y luego mudarse a Michigan cuando tenía nueve años. Como ella y sus hermanos crecieron, sus padres se preocuparon por posibles brechas de aprendizaje y créditos educativos no transferibles por su vida migrante. Querían más para sus hijos, pero su padre quería primero encontrar un trabajo permanente. En la primavera de 1984 lo contrataron a tiempo completo en un finca de árboles de Navidad local donde permanecería hasta su jubilación. “Siento que el condado de Oceana es mi hogar”, dijo Berumen-Reyna.

El “trabajo diario” de Berumen-Reyna es el de coordinadora inicial de West Shore ESD. Además, también opera su negocio de consultoría “Semillas de Esperanza” para clientes del OHC. En este puesto, puede trabajar de tres a diez horas, o más, cada semana, ayudando a los hispanos del área y sus familias a superar diversos desafíos. Ella también es un éxito entrenador con Lakeshore Employer Resource Network, conectando a empleados de empresas locales que están enfrentando crisis o desafío personal, con los recursos o la educación que necesitan para tener éxito.

“Los clientes con los que trabajo son personas humildes y trabajadoras. Muy rara la vez alguien simplemente mira para un folleto. Saben cómo hacer un presupuesto y cómo sacar provecho de su dinero. Generalmente es una situación de médico o situación familiar en la que cayeron y están buscando ayuda,” dijo Berumen-Reyna.

Berumen-Reyna comparte que muchas personas no califican para recibir ninguna asistencia, ya sea porque son indocumentados o ganan demasiado dinero. “Se trata de ser estratégico y en-

contrar lo que necesitan para que califiquen”, dijo Berumen-Reyna. “Tiene que ver con el orgullo que ellos cargan. Ellos (los inmigrantes) no vinieron aquí para conseguir algo gratis. Vinieron a trabajar duro para conseguir algo mejor.”

Cuando se le preguntó cuál sería la mejor manera en que la comunidad en general podría ayudar al centro, Hinojosa dijo que El Centro Hispano de Oceana está dispuesto a realizar presentaciones en la comunidad para ayudar a informar y colaborar por el bien mayor. Debido a que son una organización sin fines de lucro, dependen únicamente de subvenciones, obsequios y otros donaciones de la comunidad. Tienen elementos de “lista de deseos” en la pagina de Deseo de la Fundación Comunitaria de Oceana y con mucho gusto aceptaremos donaciones monetarias en cualquier momento.

Pero más que dinero, Hinojosa espera que la comunidad pueda superar sus prejuicios y ser aceptante de todas las personas. Le gustaría alentar a la comunidad acercarse a la comunidad local población hispana/latina. “Ellos vienen buscando una vida mejor para sus familias. Los padres dicen que el condado de Oceana es más seguro y sus hijos pueden obtener una mejor educación en las escuelas más pequeñas. Ellos quieren la misma vida familiar y las mismas oportunidades que tienen los demás. Son dueños de casas, pagan impuestos, y están involucrados en la comunidad. Quieren ser ciudadanos productivos y contribuyentes y vivir pacíficamente, pero muchos viven con miedo la mayor parte del tiempo”, dijo Hinojosa. “Si la gente se tomara el tiempo para llegar a conocer algunas de estas personas, creo que podría cambiar la vida de verdad.”

La Parte III de nuestra serie entrará en más detalles sobre las vidas de los trabajadores inmigrantes indocumentados en el condado de Oceana y los desafíos para obtener la ciudadanía.

Oceana Echo desea expresar su más sincero agradecimiento a Irma Luevano Hinojosa por su traducción de los artículos de nuestra serie.

sh o.ot just it. o.o

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – In what proved to be the best game they had played all season, Shelby’s girl basketball team was up to the task despite falling to Holton 4139 in district finals action on Friday, March 8.

The Tigers were feeling good, having climbed their way to the top of the food chain throughout the district tournament. Dispatching White Cloud in the quarterfinals – their second win over the Indians in the 2023-24 season – was just the tip of the iceberg. Shelby also got over the hump that was North Muskegon, defeating the Norsemen in the semifinals after failing to record a win over them in two regular season meetings. The same could be said about Holton.

Holton had handled Shelby rather easily in the regular season, winning by a 13 point margin in early January before completing the season sweep in February. A big part of that was the play of Red Devils senior Ryann Robins.

Standing at six-feet tall, Robins towers over most of the local competition. Shelby’s girls down low feature skill, but plenty of inexperience with senior Biloxi Lee holding down the fort alongside Brylee Friedman and Bailey Dickman. Dickman, a 6-foot-2 sophomore, is the logical option to defend Robins, but having been sidelined with

a wrist injury for the last month, the Tigers and head coach Sarah Wolting were forced to pivot.

The defensive plan became clear in the game’s early going. Holton, as expected, attempted to feed the ball to Robins in the paint. As soon as the ball hit her hands, Robins was smothered by a double team consisting of Lee and Friedman. As it turned out, that plan proved extremely fruitful.

“We knew the last time (Holton) beat us with (Robins) inside. That was our focus because she’s a great player – I wish I had her on my team every year. She’s so good at getting putbacks and moving to the ball, we just had to focus on her,” Wolting said. “I knew Brylee and Biloxi were up for it and they wanted it. That hurt us at times because it left a three-pointer open, but we have to pick our battles at that point.”

Robins took her fair share of shots in the first half, but only two of them resulted in points. Holton maintained a 13-10 lead heading into the locker room, but Shelby’s defense had held the Red Devils’ star to just five points at that point.

Unfortunately, the Tigers’ offense wasn’t quite as sharp through the first 16 minutes of play. Shelby struggled getting good looks at the basket and when they did find those looks, missed shots and poor free throw percentage hurt them.

That shifted the moment the third quarter started. After allowing Rob-

ins to score the opening points of the quarter, Shelby went on a 13-2 run on the back of Schultz and freshman Lydia Soelberg. Each girl hit a three pointer at the end of the quarter, propelling them to a six point lead.

“That’s promising for me. For (Soelberg) to have that confidence in herself to shoot in a close game like this as a freshman, that’s huge,” Wolting said. “In the first half she forced (shots) a little bit and I had to talk to her. I want her to shoot when she’s open, but don’t force stuff. She did better in the second half and she’s so coachable. She wants to get really good and I couldn’t have better people to show her the way in Kendall and Molli. Hopefully that rolls into next year.”

Robins really got going in the fourth quarter, much to the dismay of Shelby. The first five points of that frame came from Robins in the paint and drew the Red Devils back within one. Holton bounced the ball back to the outside, nailing two three-pointers in the final six minutes, giving them the lead back. Fortunately, Shelby was in the bonus and got a chance to tie the game late with Schultz at the line. Both free throws dropped for the Tigers and forced an overtime period.

Soelberg hit another big time shot from beyond the arc to put Shelby in front by three in the early going of extra minutes. Robins responded for Holton with three points of her own. Six points combined between the teams was all they could muster in the

first overtime, pushing the game into a second four minute overtime.

“That’s what the postseason is all about right there – double overtime with a team that we lost to twice. I’d rather play in a game like that any day than blow a team out or lose by a lot,” Wolting said. “We were pretty evenly matched up and we just went back and forth the whole game and battled. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

The second overtime period was much more entertaining in terms of scoring. Holton scored six straight points to start, capitalizing on free throw attempts. With time waning, Shelby needed a response.

Zaverl and Schultz answered the call, getting Shelby right back in the game late. Zaverl drew a foul and hit both of her free throws to cut the lead to four and though the Red Devils attempted to run a stall offense, Shelby found a way to get the ball back. Schultz found herself with space in deep three point territory and released the shot, watching the score tick three points closer in the process.

“I couldn’t read (our team) at timeouts, it was tough. They almost looked through me at that point and I couldn’t tell if they were focused or just done,” Wolting said. “Obviously they were focused and listening. I know with Molli and Kendall especially that they can kick it in offensively at any time and

Shelby’s girls basketball team competed in the district finals on their home court Friday, March 8 against the Holton Red Devils. (Above left) Molli Schultz takes an uncontested shot in the paint. (Above, middle) Biloxi Lee let’s go of a jump shot near the free-throw line. (Above, right) Kendall Zaverl takes a transition opportunity to the hoop. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

District finals

they know what to do and what we need from them. It didn’t surprise me, but it was awesome to come back and be in that spot.”

With a one point lead, Holton got back to the free throw line with inside a minute left. Luckily for the Tigers, the Red Devils only hit on one of those shots, making a comeback more than doable with ten seconds left to play.

As is often the case, Shelby put the ball in the hands of Schultz. Unfortunately, Schultz simply couldn’t get free as Robbins and her teammates poked the ball free and forced Schultz to fire a backwards underhand shot that didn’t come close to falling.

The Tigers finished their year at 8-17

and were just short of claiming their first district title since 2017. Now, attention shifts to resting and getting right for 2024-25, a season they’ll play without the leadership of Schultz, Zaverl and Lee.

“(The seniors’) leadership, knowledge and effort are huge. That’s one reason why we were winning games and keeping it close. We were outworking people. Those three are a big reason why and they get the team going,” Wolting said. “I keep telling the younger girls that ‘these old ladies are going to be gone next year and you’ve got to lead that way in effort.’ We’ll be fine, as long as we come with that effort that the seniors are leaving.”

Kolenda signs

continued from page 10

Shelby’s Molli Schultz let’s go of a floater over the outstretched arm of a Holton defender. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Pentwater senior Alivia Kolenda made her college decision official on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Kolenda signed on to play women’s golf for Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI next fall. • Contributed

Reflections of our community

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Sharing their foreign exchange experience

R-P student Kyoka Tomoyama, Rotary coordinator Kristi Pawlak share past and present foreign exchanges

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — It was only a coincidence that Muskegon Rotary Club exchange program coordinator Kristi Pawlak was able to connect with Japanese Reeths-Puffer exchange student Kyoka Tomoyama this year, but it was a happy one.

The trajectory of Pawlak’s life changed as a result of her being sent to Japan through the Rotary exchange program when she was a Mona Shores student; “I didn’t choose to go to Japan. Rotary chose Japan for me,” Pawlak said. The same was true for Kyoka this year. She said she would have chosen to go to Europe - her older sister did a year abroad in France - but it worked out that she was sent to the U.S.

Pawlak became immersed in Japanese culture on her visit. Her first host family didn’t live in Tokyo, but in a small countryside home where the bathroom was an outhouse. The family didn’t speak any English. She loved every minute of it.

“There were no cell phones or computers back then,” Pawlak said. “I had to face the challenge and meet the challenge. That made me a stronger person and more confident. I saw the world differently.”

When Pawlak came back, her mind was made up; she would study Japanese in college. Japan wasn’t yet the

global economic force it is today, so there were hardly any such programs available in the Midwest. The only one of significance at the time, Pawlak said, was at the University of Michigan, but just as she had loved her time in the Japanese countryside, she didn’t want a big-school experience. Pawlak ended up at Wittenberg University, a small liberal arts college in Ohio. She later got her master’s and a Japanese teaching certification at Ohio State, which she said was the only school around at the time that certified K-12 Japanese education.

By the time Pawlak got that master’s, it was 1998 and Japan had become a known factor in business and

Dalton Twp. hires first full-time staff firefighters

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

For the first time ever, Dalton Township will have full-time firefighters starting April 1.

The township board approved the hire of three firefighters at its Monday meeting, and Anthony Cooley, Michael Colborn and Drue Bouwman took their oaths to serve. Each of the three was already working for the fire department as part of a 14-person part-time staff.

The addition of three staffers was made possible by the passage of a millage request last August. Dalton voters approved an additional 0.85 mills for the fire department with 58 percent of the vote. Previously, chief Alan Styles was the only full-time employee.

The trio will man the firehouse 24 hours a day. Each will stay there for two full days before being relieved by the next firefighter - Styles called it a “48/96” schedule, with 48 hours (two days) on and four days off.

“It gets very tiring with 14 people trying to cover this service to guarantee

•

someone will show up,” Styles said. “As the calls have gotten more and more (frequent) - we’re sitting in the 800 to 1,000 range (annually) - it’s getting challenging to staff for me, being the only full-time person, doing what a chief has to do and then doing all of this besides.”

on page 2

economics in America. Learning Japanese was now a marketable skill. Pawlak benefited from the lack of supply of Japanese teachers, scoring a job offer before she even finished her education. She taught in Columbus, Toledo and the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel before accepting a position as a professor at the University of Toledo. She’s since moved back to the Muskegon area, teaching at both Grand Valley State (in person) and Toledo (online).

Pawlak joined Rotary after moving back, wanting to help facilitate others receiving the life-changing opportunity she got. While there are for-profit entities that are in the for-

eign exchange business as well, she appreciates Rotary’s offerings.

“We take care of them,” Pawlak said of exchange students. “We have host families open their homes. The only thing the kid pays for is their plane ticket and insurance. It’s an amazing program based on world peace and connections with youth. I also oversee American kids here in Muskegon and all the high schools here who want to do what I did and go abroad for a year.”

Among the things that make Rotary’s program different is that students are sent to three different host families

Foreign exchange

continued on page 3

By Madison Lajewski White Lake

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall Department of Public Works has begun painting over all “art” on the art wall, near Goodrich Park. After the city council

to

Reeths-Puffer foreign exchange student Kyoka Tomoyama (left) and Muskegon Rotary Club exchange coordinator Krisit Pawlak enjoy dinner at Wendy’s Wednesday. Pawlak was inspired to join Rotary after her own foreign exchange experience led to her becoming a teacher of Japanese. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

New Dalton Township full-time firefighters, from left, Drue Bouwman, Anthony Cooley and Michael Colborn celebrate their appointments at the Dalton firehouse.

Courtesy Photo

voted

allow the art wall last

concerns were voiced at multiple city council meetings regarding displeasing and vulgar images and language painted on the wall, and what the definition of “art” is.

Mirror Writer

Reeths-Puffer foreign exchange student Kyoka Tomoyama unloads food for a Muskegon food pantry earlier this school year. • Courtesy Photo

The former Whitehall art wall is shown painted over Wednesday. The Department of Public Works removed the art after the city council decided to end an experimental program allowing the community to paint on it. • Madison Lajewski/Mirror

experiment ends as Whitehall DPW paints over it

Montague school board approves bus purchase, new scoreboards

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

MONTAGUE — The Montague school board approved the purchase of a new school bus from the Holland Bus Company during their meeting on Monday. The bus will cost $23,429. In the past, the district has purchased buses that were coming off of two- or three-year leases, but there “aren’t many of those options out there,” it was noted during discussion. The current spare buses are from 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The board would like to begin replacing their current buses with new ones, and the current buses will replace the spares.

The board also approved a bid from CatchMark Technologies to install new digital scoreboards on the football and

soccer fields as part of their new sports complex that is currently being built. Two bids were put out - one for digital scoreboards and the other for fixed digit, which is what Montague has had in recent years. Digital scoreboards, similar to that of a television screen or projector, are more expensive but have become increasingly popular and have more uses. Installation is scheduled to take place Aug. 1.

The Montague Area Childhood Center will receive new resurfacing on their playground. A previous bid supposed to include a specified shredded rubber base, but instead included foam matting, which is why the topic came up a second time. The board approved a new bid and the playground will be resurfaced.

The snowmobile trail near White Lake Community Library sustained damage this winter despite mats being laid out to provide a path for those who choose to drive on it.

• Madison Lajewski/Mirror

City council

The council voted to officially revoke and remove the art wall a few months ago, but had to wait for DPW to paint over everything until the weather got warmer. DPW started painting Tuesday and finished Wednesday.

During Tuesday’s meeting, concerns were raised about damage being done to the trail near White Lake Community Library from inappropriate snowmobile use this winter. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources permits the use of snowmobiles on certain trails and paths in the winter, if requested by the city. Mats are laid out before the first snowfall and snowmobilers are expected to ride on the mats to try to prevent any possible damage to the ground. Damage can also be done from the metal hinges, if snowmobiles are driven on the path with too little snow on the ground. This can cause damage to pavement and divots in wooden parts of the paths, making it potentially unsafe for bikers, runners and walkers during the warmer months of the year.

Whitehall performed well at last weekend’s Business Professionals of America state competition in Grand Rapids, including qualifying one team to May’s national competition in Chicago.

Natalie Conners, Ryan Goodrich, Allie Van Antwerp and Tyler Van Antwerp took second place in the Financial Analysis field at the state event, punching their ticket to the national competition (top-3 finishers qualify). The quartet previously won the regional championship.

Another foursome - Ryne Christensen, Chloe Jensen, Nolan Taranko and Lucy Zamojcin - also placed, finishing fourth in the Small Business Management portion of the competition.

Whitehall’s financial analysis team of, from left, Ryan Goodrich, Natalie Conners, Allie Van Antwerp and Tyler Van Antwerp celebrate their second-place finish at the state BPA competition Saturday.

• Courtesy Photo

Firefighters

continued from page 1

Usually, it is recommended there be at least 12 inches of snow on the ground for snowmobile use. However, given the low snow accumulation and unusually warm winter this year, it is suspected that some snowmobilers have ignored the recommended amount of snow and driven on the trails regardless. The council and city manager Scott Huebler are exploring different options on how to fix or improve this issue.

The council also approved a bid for Bob’s Asphalt Paving Inc. to redo the basketball courts in Funnell Park this summer. Since the bid was lower than the amount expected, any remaining funds are anticipated to be put towards parking lot improvements at Funnell Park. As of now, no start date has been set yet.

This spring’s leaf pickup will take place April 14-28. The City of Whitehall reminds participants to remove any sticks and to leave their leaf bags on the curb or edge of the pavement.

The opportunity to bump up to fulltime was an enticing one for those who applied, maybe none more so than Cooley, who said he is a third-generation Michigan firefighter. Prior to his service to the fire department, Cooley spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy; for the past five years, his day job was as a truck driver for a local lumberyard.

“My grandpa and my dad were both firefighters in Muskegon County,” Cooley said. “Growing up, that was life, visiting Grandpa or Dad on a shift. It always stuck with me that someday, that was the goal, to become a full-time firefighter and live that life.”

Cooley said he and his colleagues will be able to do a much better job now

continued from page 1

that they’ll be staffing the firehouse fulltime.

“Now that we’re at the station 24 hours a day, our call response times will greatly improve,” Cooley said. “The ability for someone to be there when someone from the public wants to stop in and look at the fire truck with their grandson or granddaughter. We’ll be there to give that tour and show them the fire trucks and the gear we use every single day. How much more public interaction we’ll have within our community, that will increase greatly.”

While Cooley, Colborn and Bouwman will staff the firehouse for two days at a time, they will still be able to see their families during that time if they visit. Styles said he welcomes that as a way to help maintain a home-work balance, which can be a difficult task for a first responder.

“This is a lifestyle change,” Styles said. “Being away from your family is hard. It can be hard for spouses and families to understand. We invite families to come have dinner with them if they want. It’s a huge lifestyle change if you haven’t been exposed to it. My wife is a pro at understanding it.

“We believe you have to have a great home life to have a great work life. It’s beneficial for agencies my size.”

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Styles said five of the 14 part-timers applied. He said he’d have happily hired any of the applicants, but to limit any bias in the proceedings, the process was outsourced to an outside company. The four applicants who ultimately participated in the process were graded on written, practical and scenario exams, as well as an oral interview, and those with the top three scores were offered the positions.

“That’s how you typically do a testing process,” Styles said. “We followed big-city programs and just catered it to Dalton specifically.”

Echoes of History: Hotels - Cottage Grove Hotel

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

In 1875, Charles C. Thompson owned Block 28 Lots 1-3 & 10-12 in Whitehall. A city directory listing for 1875-76 indicated C. C. Thompson was involved in real estate and at that time operated his business from the Foster Block. His residence was listed as being at the corner of Slocum Street and Mears Avenue.

A map from 1877 showed that there was a building on Block 28 Lot 12 at the southwest corner of Slocum St. and Mears Ave., where the Playhouse now stands. There was also a building on Lot 10, which would later become the location of the Cottage Grove Hotel.

From 1876 to 1878 John C. Lewis and George Eliason owned Block 28 Lots 7 & 8. John C. Lewis sold the two lots to George Eliason in June 1876 and Eliason sold the lots back to Lewis in December 1877. John C. Lewis built his house there in 1878. It is now the Lewis House B&B.

In January 1888, C. C. Thompson closed all his business affairs, resigned as postmaster, sold Block 28 Lots 1012 to E. M. Ruggles for $1,500, and moved out west. He died at his daughter’s house in November 1891.

By 1897 William Flinn, his wife Mary and their four children - Dove Mary (1873-1938), Willa Anna (1878-1930), James William (1979-1950), and Minnie (1882-1921) - were living in the former Thompson house listed at 117 Slocum (Block 28 Lot 12). William Flinn was a local area blacksmith. Mary Flinn died in 1902. Shortly after Mary died, William moved in with his married daughter who was living in Cheboygan. He died there in 1907.

In April 1903, E. M. Ruggles sold Block 28 Lots 10-

12 to E. M. Duttenhofer for $1,500. One of the lots contained what was referred to as the old William Flinn house, which Duttenhofer used as his residence until 1904. By September 1904, the house was moved to face Mears Ave. and remodeled into a modern, first-class, up-to-date hotel, which became the Cottage Grove Hotel. When it was finished, Mr. & Mrs. A. W. Veal moved in to operate the hotel.

Arthur William Veal was born in Oxford, England around 1840. He came to the United States around 1865 and settled in New York for a number of years before coming to Whitehall. His first wife Sarah had died in England, and he married Margaret Sutton May 4, 1874 in Rome, New York. She took over the mothering of A. W.’s three children, Fredrick (1860-1928), Sarah (1864- ) & Harriet (18681960), who arrived from England in 1873. Fredrick stayed in New York when A. W. and Margaret came to Whitehall with the girls in 1881.

Veal was a shoemaker by trade and had several boot and shoe stores in Whitehall over the years. In November 1889, Veal closed his store and sold his stock of boots and shoes to a dealer in Big Rapids. Shortly after, he headed to Tampa, Florida. After a short time there, they moved to Chicago for a number of years, returning to the Whitehall area by 1900. He joined with J. C. Hazeltine to form the Whitehall Shoe Store in January 1901. He became proprietor of the Cottage Grove Hotel in 1904.

An ad in December 1907 advertised Christmas dinner at the Cottage Grove Hotel and to call A. W. Veal for reservations.

In February 1910, Mr. Duttenhofer was arranging to have an addition built on the hotel, as soon as the weather

Foreign exchange

during their stay whenever possible, to give them a broader view of American culture than if they only stayed with one. This created a brief period of uncertainty for Tomoyama when it took some time to find a third host family, but eventually the club procured one.

Pawlak’s role is to regularly check in with Rotary’s exchange students in the county, and Tomoyama is one of four this year (two are at North Muskegon and one is at Shores). However, despite the obvious commonality created by Pawlak’s Japanese experience, Pawlak has restrained herself from being as much help as she perhaps could be. After all, the whole point of the Rotary program is to fully immerse exchange students in a foreign culture. For example, Pawlak is not supposed to speak Japanese with Tomoyama, even though she’s obviously fluent and said she’d love to do so.

Tomoyama has certainly done her

permitted. The plans included a more accommodating dining room and additional bedrooms, which were greatly needed.

Mrs. Celia Brooks purchased the furnishings and took charge of the Cottage Grove Hotel from Mr. Veal in the fall of 1911. Mr. & Mrs. Veal were going to be leaving for St. Petersburg, Florida shortly.

In 1912, Charles H. Watkins then became landlord of the Cottage Grove Hotel. Mrs. Brooks sold the hotel furnishings to Charles Watkins, who then turned it over to George Gabrielson.

In February 1913, George Gabrielson was successful in negotiating the purchase of the Cottage Grove Hotel. Plans were in the works to enlarge the dining room to seat 50 guests, add an upstairs bathroom, and redecorate. However, due to the health of Mrs. Gabrielson, George returned ownership back to A. W. Veal in November 1913. After A. W. Veal took over the Cottage Grove from Gabrielson, he had a shoe shop arranged in the rear of the Hotel. In July 1914, Veal sold the Cottage Grove to Mrs. Mary Ahlgren of Chicago. Veal retired and he was planning a trip to Flor-

continued from page 1

part to learn American high school life and has come across several differences she enjoys. In classes, she’s a fan of the more interactive style of learning that takes place in America. She said in Japan, high school classes are more like college classes are here, where the teacher gives lectures and students take notes. Here, she enjoys giving presentations and displaying her knowledge of the subject matter outside of tests.

Out of the classroom, Tomoyama is the captain of her softball team in Japan. She wanted to play the sport here from the start, but with softball not taking place until spring, it was necessary to find other activities. Despite having never done either before, she picked two other sports - JV sideline cheer in the fall and basketball in the winter. Playing on the freshman team in the latter, Tomoyama learned one piece of American culture she very

much likes.

ida when the weather turned cooler. A. W. Veal died Nov. 23, 1915.

In July 1915, Emanuel M. Duttenhofer and his wife sold Block 28 Lot 12 and the north half of Lot 11 to Julius J. Nuffer for $925. These lots are where a new opera house was constructed in 1916, just to the north of the Cottage Grove Hotel. That opera house was the Nufer-Adams Playhouse, now The Playhouse at White Lake.

In June 1917, an ad appeared in the paper announcing the newly opened Lake View Hotel. This was the name that Mrs. Albert Winkler (Laura) had given the establishment when she took it over. She had moved to Whitehall from Blue Lake in 1914. However, Mrs. Winkler did not operate the hotel for long as she became ill and died in April 1918.

By May 1918, several ads appeared in the Whitehall Forum advertising the Cottage Grove for rent, so it appears to have reverted back to its’ original, well-established name.

In May 1919, it was reported that Mrs. Frank Weiler of Muskegon leased the Cottage Grove Hotel, which had been vacant for about a year.

“When I made a mistake (in) basketball or softball, like if I can’t catch a ball...My teammates always told me, ‘Good job.’ or ‘You’ve got it,’” Tomoyama said. “It’s very different...Japanese people, most of the people, are shy. They don’t like cheering.”

Tomoyama finally got to participate in her favorite sport this week with softball tryouts opening, and she was pleased to learn she’d made the Rockets’ JV team.

Perhaps more importantly, Tomoyama, who said she did not have a future career in mind when she came to America, said she has discovered a passion for world history, especially enjoying those classes, and would love to learn more about it going forward.

That sort of thing is exactly what Rotary hopes to hear. Pawlak said she consistently hears from students who get a taste of world travel from their exchange experience and itch for more after. Count Tomoyama’s sister among them; after her year in France, Kyoka said, she later spent six months

However, a short time later it was advertised as being available for rent again. Then E. D. Skeels, agent for E. M. Duttenhofer properties, advised through a news item in the Muskegon Chronicle that the Cottage Grove Hotel and a large boarding house were going to be wrecked and the doors and windows and other material from them would be sold. Perhaps Duttenhofer was planning on tearing down the hotel because he wasn’t getting any renters.

In August 1920, A. T. Llewellyn and family of Chicago rented the former Cottage Grove Hotel until they could find other suitable housing in the area.

In October 1920, Mr. & Mrs. E. A. Rolph rented the Cottage Grove Hotel from Duttenhofer and expected to furnish rooms with or without meals to their guests. Ernest Alfred Rolph was a locomotive engineer on the Santa Fe railroad, but in May 1924 he began working for the Eagle Ottawa Leather Company. In February 1928, they bought the former Briggs house on Livingston Street with plans to move there in the spring. In addition to working at the Tannery, he was also assistant manager and operator of the Playhouse for a number of years. Ernest died suddenly at his home on Livingston Sept. 2, 1934.

There was a short line item in the paper in August 1921 indicating that a Dr. Frank had his office at the Cottage Grove Hotel, so perhaps he was renting space from the Rolphs. This was the last newspaper item that seemed to mention the Cottage Grove Hotel by name.

It appears that sometime between February 1928 and August 1944, the Cottage Grove Hotel was torn down and the space was used as a parking lot for the Playhouse.

traveling the world by herself and visiting over 30 countries.

In an additional coincidental twist, Pawlak will be meeting Tomoyama’s family when she visits Tokyo in June. She said she is taking a Toledo student she’s long privately taught to the country for a few days and asked Tomoyama if her family would be willing to host them.

“While she’s here in the Reeths-Puffer area, I’ll be in her town in Japan meeting her parents,” Pawlak said. “(My student) will go to Kyoka’s high school for two days. It’s a small world.”

For Kyoka, whose mom and sister had to talk her into going abroad in the first place, the experience she’s had in the U.S. has inspired her, and she hopes it can inspire others to pursue ambitious goals too.

“If you (are thinking that you want to) do something, you should do it,” Tomoyama said. “If you want to do something you should do it now...If you’re waiting, it’s too late.”

An illustration of the old Cottage Grove Hotel, located in Whitehall.

• Courtesy Photo

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WHITEHALL • MONTAGUE • REETHS - PUFFER

Rockets end run with semifinal defeat

Powerhouse

Detroit Catholic Central too much for Rockets at USA Hockey Arena

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

PLYMOUTH — Reeths-Puffer’s dream season came to an unfortunate end Friday night at USA Hockey Arena, as state powerhouse Detroit Catholic Central beat the Rockets by mercy rule, 8-0, in the semifinals en route to its fifth straight state championship.

There was no doubt the Rockets faced a tough hill to climb Friday; DCC is the top program in the state across all divisions; while a couple of out-ofstate foes have occasionally beaten the Shamrocks, they have not lost to a Michigan team in over two years, since De La Salle beat them Feb. 16, 2022.

True to their hype, the Shamrocks came at R-P (21-8) with an offensive barrage early on, firing nine shots on goal in the first 2:45 of play. However, Rockets’ netminder Huck VanDyke and the R-P defense were able to keep DCC at bay for the first half of the first period, making some sparkling defensive plays.

Had Rockets’ coach Dustin Langlois had his way, the game wouldn’t have been nearly so exciting early on; Reeths-Puffer’s strategy against the potent Shamrocks was to keep the puck near the middle of the ice and basically minimize the action as much as possible.

“They chip the pucks off the glass and they fly guys (up),” Langlois said. “We were basically trying to do the same thing - clog up the middle, keep them to the outside. Essentially, it would be a boring game to watch. It’s just back and forth like a tennis match if executed correctly.

“It’s tough to wrap your head around a new system when you’ve got the shining lights, you’ve got the big (amount of) fans, you’ve got a game of this magnitude weighing on your shoulders too. It’s hard to keep your mindset straight and actually still execute the X’s and O’s of it.”

Detroit Catholic Central has a way of keeping opponents from executing, and R-P getting whistled for three early penalties didn’t help. Eventually the Shamrocks broke through on a slap shot by Reese Hemme with 8:28 to go in the first. Shamrocks’ coach Brandon Kaleniecki said he was impressed with the way his team kept attacking even after VanDyke turned back several chances.

“We didn’t get rewarded right away,” Kaleniecki said. “Their goalie made a couple really good saves...That can kind of start to wear on guys when you feel like you’re doing everything right and nothing’s going in, so it’s nice to finally get one. That kind of calmed everybody down.”

Still, it took another four minutes

•

•

for DCC to get a second goal, this one on the power play. The Shamrocks added a third before the period break, but considering the circumstancesand the 26-7 DCC lead in shots on goal - it could’ve been far worse.

However, the floodgates had opened, and the Shamrocks turned the second period into a coronation, pouring in five more goals and ending the game after 34 minutes due to the eightgoal mercy rule. They ended the game with a 44-13 edge in shots on goal.

Seven different Detroit Catholic Central players scored, most of them on the team’s nominal fourth line, showcasing the remarkable depth of the state champs’ program.

It was a tough way to go, but playing on the USA Hockey Arena stage was still a dream fulfilled for Jaxon Stone, a three-year varsity player.

“Last year, me and a couple kids came to watch the finals game, and we were joking but maybe serious, ‘It’d be cool to be here on the final four stage and the atmosphere it has,’” Stone said. “Going into the season, I felt confident in our team. Obviously it didn’t start as planned, but as the year went on we started buzzing at the right time. The run we made, I couldn’t be more proud of the team.”

Stone began his career playing at Kenowa Hills - Fruitport did not join the Reeths-Puffer co-op until last sea-

Hockey semis

continued on page 5

Reeths-Puffer’s Dewey Modaff battles with Detroit Catholic Central’s Sebastiano Iavasile for a loose puck in the corner during Friday’s state semifinal game at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth. The Rockets fell to the Shamrocks in the semifinals, 8-0.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer’s Tyler Cuti (21) and Detroit Catholic Central’s Peter Sanin try to win a face-off during Friday’s semifinal game in Plymouth. The Shamrocks won the game, 8-0.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer goaltender Huck VanDyke (right) tries to make a save amid heavy traffic at the net during Friday’s semifinal game at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer’s Connor Stawski (2) tries to field the puck while being pressured by Detroit Catholic Central players during Friday’s semifinal game at USA Hockey Arena.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer fans display their support for the Rockets prior to Friday’s semifinal game against Detroit Catholic Central.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

Hockey semis

son, his junior year. He said he learned a lot about how to lead during his first two seasons.

“I was more focused,” Stone said of his final season. “They’re all looking at me, and I was just trying to help them as best as I can so they can be the leaders when they’re juniors and seniors.”

R-P was a young team, with several underclassmen playing big roles, so

continued from page 4

the hope is the Rockets won’t have to wait another 10 years before returning to this stage. Kaleniecki, who coached at the smaller Dearborn Divine Child program before taking over at his alma mater for the 2015-16 season, remembers what it was like leading a non-power program. His advice for teams like R-P as they try to pursue the Shamrocks was simple - keep pushing.

“Just keep knocking on the door, and eventually, hopefully, things will line up,” Kaleniecki said. “Every program has got their own goals...Not every team is going to make it here. Sometimes that might not be what you have to determine as a successful season, For every program, it’s finding what their end goal is and kind of shoot towards that.”

Those goals will be there again next year, though star seniors like Stone and Croix Klint will not be as they move

on to the next step. However, the accomplishments they leave behind will set the standard for the next group of Rockets.

“I always looked up to the previous team that won the regional championship, and I always wanted our team to beat them,” Klint said; his brother Navarre was on that 2020 squad. “To be able to win a regional and win another game, make it to the final four, is just awesome because now those guys coming up will look up to ours.”

Holmstrom receives award for lifesaving actions

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

WHITEHALL — Whitehall deputy and mayor pro-tem Jeff Holmstrom received a lifesaving award at the Feb. 22 Muskegon County Commissioner’s meeting. This is his second such award, after receiving his first in 2019.

“Every year, we as a sheriff’s department, have been wanting to make a conscious effort to recognize our staff and some of the work that they do,” Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office Captain Matthew Smith said. “We have a criteria that has to be met for them to be issued and awarded. We as an ad-

ministrative group review critical incidents of such and then we issue an award for those who are deserving of it. It’s not just that they’re there when it happened, their actions had to be the result of a life being saved.”

Holmstrom, along with some of his deputy colleagues, have received many compliments from other first responders and are recognized for their efforts to save lives and keep people safe.

“The day he was issued the award was at our county board meeting, and that was actually the same day we had a very critical incident,” said Smith. “A lot of staff said, ‘If something were to

happen to me, I’d definitely want Holmstrom there.’

“It comes with a lot of experience, as far as dealing with trauma and crit-

ical incidents, like the ambulance at one point in time, and he does a really good job in those circumstances. The award he was issued, our medical staff actually reviewed everything that occurred with all the medics that arrived on the scene, commended our staff including Deputy Holmstrom. Our medical provider was very impressed with how well-rounded our staff is, and how well they’re able to handle such an incident and be of assistance. We lead a lot of life saving efforts in a particular situation. It’s nice to see the work that they do pay off in that regard.”

Pancake breakfast, business expo on March 23

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Come see the library book bike at the 11th Annual White Lake Community Business Expo Saturday, March 23, from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. We will be among more than 50 exhibitors in the gym at Whitehall High School on White Lake Drive. Come visit the various booths, collect cool swag, and enter to win all sorts of great prizes. The library is handing out free books to the first 100 kids, and adults can enter to win an autographed copy of Cross River Rivals by Daniel Yakes and Steven Demos. We will also be launching our community survey at this event – read on for more information about the survey and our strategic planning process.

While you are there, be sure to take advantage of the delicious pancake breakfast being offered by the Montague-White Lake Rotary Club. This active service group supports a variety of important programs both locally and abroad, and the pancake breakfast is one of their biggest fundraisers. The breakfast will be served in the

The

Bookworm Bul letin

high school cafeteria, right next to the business expo space, from 7:30 a.m. until noon. Tickets are available from any Rotary member or at the door.

FUN FACT: The first Rotary Club was founded in Chicago in 1905, and by 1911 there were more than 30 clubs across the U.S. following the motto of “Service Above Self”. The first service project of the first Rotary Club was the installation of public toilets in Chicago in 1917.

Strategic Planning at Your Library

We are working on a new strategic plan for the library, and we want

your input. We are putting the finishing touches on a community survey that we plan to launch at the Business Expo March 23. The online survey will also be available soon on our website, and paper copies will be available at the library.

stakeholders and community members, followed by the board drafting goals and objectives to guide the library’s efforts in the next few years. So, plan to attend the Business Expo and be among the first to provide your feedback!

PaleoJoe and Other Upcoming Programs

We encourage every interested community member to take the survey and let us know what the library is doing well, what needs work, and how the library can grow or change to better serve the needs of White Lake area residents and visitors. Your input about your preferences, interests, and priorities will help us tailor our services, programs, and resources to better meet the diverse needs of our community.

Additional steps in the strategic plan process include focus group sessions with staff, board members, local

PaleoJoe will be doing a presentation on fossils of the Michigan Basin at the library Saturday, March 23. It starts at 10 a.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to eat your pancakes and walk through the expo before the program starts! This event is for all ages, and there is no charge to attend.

Other events this week include A Bird in the Hand with birder Terry Grabill at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, and a Great Michigan Read book discussion about Angeline Boulley’s debut novel, The Firekeeper’s Daughter, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 20. Registration is appreciated but not required, and there is no charge to attend. For more information, visit the library calendar at wlclib.org/calendar.

DeMumbrum

Jeff Holmstrom

Reeths-Puffer’s Hayden Taylor moves into the offensive zone while being pursued by a Detroit Catholic Central foe during Friday’s semifinal game in Plymouth.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer’s Eli Cuti looks across the ice to make a pass while Detroit Catholic Central’s Reese Hemme pressures him during Friday’s semifinal game in Plymouth.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

White River Twp. commits $106K to repair Hancock Rd.

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — The White River Township board unanimously approved committing $106,000 to repair Hancock Road Tuesday night at its monthly meeting, following up on a February discussion about the four high-priority roads it said needed repairs in the township.

There is no timeline for the project yet, as the township will now have to check in with the Muskegon County Road Commission about the next steps. However, with the 2024-25 budget now set - the budget meeting took place just prior to the board meeting Tuesday - the board determined that the funds were there to move forward with such a project. The $106,000 will come out of the township’s general fund.

“We were just trying to get some action happening while we knew we could,” supervisor Ron Bailey said. “We have a need there. Without a doubt, it’s probably the most high-priority road because of its high use, and if you travel down it, you would notice a lot of divots and patches. It’s time to try to get things leveled out and straightened out.”

Over the course of discussing potential road repairs during the last month, the board noted some township roads the township does not have to pay money to maintain, as they are under the county’s jurisdiction - Bailey mentioned Chase Road and Old Channel Trail as examples. Other roads, like Hancock, fall to the township to maintain. (Lau, Indian Bay and Lamos roads were also discussed at February’s meeting.)

The $106,000 sum is no small amount - in fact, it represents about a quarter of the township budget for

2024-25, approved just an hour or so prior. Clerk Debbi Sargent jokingly hesitated prior to making the vote unanimous, noting she is perhaps more frugal than her colleagues on the board. However, the approval makes clear the importance of the issue in the township, as did the small round of applause that came from the crowd in the township hall after the vote.

“Now that we’ve been through the budget hearing, we understand we do have some funds available, and we want to start making some progress toward having our roads get to the level they should be,” Bailey said.

Also Tuesday, the township noted the successful primary election. Over half the votes cast in the township were absentee ballots, though only one voter, Sargent said, took advantage of the early voting site in Muskegon.

The board also discussed the Sports ‘n Shorts program scheduled to return to local municipalities this summer. Townships pay for the program, which offers sports and other activities free to local children during the summer, and the board said unless the city of Montague becomes involved, the cost to the township will increase from $1,700 to $2,200. Board members noted their approval of the program.

Two public comments focused on solar issues. Lauren Wackernagel noted the July court date in the Lakeside Solar suit against the township is coming up and encouraged the board to continue following local ordinances and remain strong. Melissa Lorenz noted the statewide Citizens for Local Choice group is attempting to collect 500,000 petitions in order to force a referendum on the statewide alternative energy bill passed late last year, which would disallow local ordinances on the issue that are more restrictive than the state’s requirements.

Montague presents Clue as this year’s spring play

Montague High School is proud to present its spring play, “Clue,” based on the popular board game and 1985 film.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Tickets can only be pur-

chased at the door; they are not available for purchase in advance. All performances will be held at Montague High School. The show will run Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 24 at 3 p.m.

Rotary invites public to annual pancake breakfast March 23

Breakfast will take place alongside White Lake Business Expo at Whitehall HS

The community is invited to enjoy a tasty breakfast and help support White Lake area projects by attending the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club’s Pancake Breakfast Saturday morning, March 23 at Whitehall High School, 3100 White Lake Drive.

. The fundraising event is being held in conjunction with the popular White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo. White Lake area merchants and services will have booths in the gymnasium. Rotary is encouraging guests to walk through the expo before or after breakfast.

“The pancake breakfast is such a great community event that brings so many people together. We are thrilled to share the date with the Business Expo again this year,” said Steve Krupp, president of the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club.

The breakfast menu will include freshly made pancakes, sausage, applesauce and beverages. The pancake breakfast is set to take place from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Proceeds from the pancake breakfast will be used to support Rotary projects in the White Lake area.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for kids age 6-12. Children under 5 are served free. The Whitehall Walmart Supercenter is a sponsor of the pancake breakfast.

Tickets are available at the door. They can also be purchased in ad-

vance at White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Whitehall City Hall, Shelby State Bank’s Montague and Whitehall branches, and HarborLight Credit Union in Whitehall, as well as directly from Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club members.

Since 2020, the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club has donated $10,000 to the City of Montague for the construction of a concession/maintenance/warming building at Buttermilk Creek Park, $10,000 to the City of Whitehall for the construction of a gas fire pit in the North Mears Avenue parking lot, $25,000 for $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors, and nearly $7,000 to send high school juniors to leadership training.

The club also received a matching Rotary District 6290 grant to fund the installation of a bench and sunshade at the splash pad at Goodrich Park in the City of Whitehall. The splash pad opened in 2022.

This year, the club and its Interact youth club, donated $5,000 to the Samuel Omogo Foundation to drill a water well in Nigeria, and funded an informational kiosk at the Duck Creek Natural Area in Fruitland Township.

The club has also served financially challenged members of the community by raising over $5,100 through a raffle to buy food for the White Lake Food Pantry.

White Lake Area Chamber announces window for Live White Lake merchandise

The White Lake Area Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau announced this week that screen-printed Live White Lake items are available for online purchase through March 24. Items can be viewed at trophyhousebrands.chipply.com/ livewhitelakeby clicking the “Limited Time Items banner.

The items are available through

TH Brands in Muskegon. Items can be picked up the week of April 15 at TH Brands or at the White Lake Chamber offices. They can also be shipped to the home.

The store is also available year-round for items that are not screen-printed.

Grammy nominee Hoover named new artistic director for White Lake Chamber Music Festival

The White Lake Chamber Music Festival announced this week that Chicago cellist Marina Hoover is the new artistic director, starting in the 2024 season.

Robert (Bob) Swan, retired principal violist of the Chicago Symphony, was the Festival’s artistic director since 2010, guiding the evolution and advancement of great classical music in the White Lake area. Bob will continue to serve on the White Lake Music Society’s Board, bringing his expertise and talent to benefit the Society’s endeavors.

A two-time Grammy nominee, Hoover was the founding cellist of the St. Lawrence String Quartet, which rocketed to international prominence after winning both the Young Concert Artists auditions and the Banff International String Quartet Competition. In her 13 years with the St. Lawrence, Hoover performed at The White House,

Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 92nd Street “Y,” The Kennedy Center (for the Emperor of Japan,) Wigmore Hall (London,) Concertgebouw (Amsterdam) and Theatre De Ville (Paris). In addition, the quartet made regular appearances at Tanglewood, the Newport Festival, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, as well as over one thousand other appearances throughout North and South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and Vietnam. The St. Lawrence quartet, with Marina Hoover as the cellist, was the resident quartet at Spoleto USA for seven years. The quartet’s recordings can be heard on EMI, Angel Records and Naxos.

Following her time with the SLSQ, Hoover held the position of Visiting Professor of Cello at the University of Toronto, Artist-in-residence at the Banff School of Fine Arts and Distin-

guished Artist at the University of Alberta. She has coached chamber music as part of the Chicago String Quartet at Northwestern University and coached quartets at the Music Institute of Chicago Academy. Her piano trio, Trio Voce, released two CDs on the Con Brio label - In a New Light and Inscapes. Hoover was a member of the judging panel at the Banff International String Quartet Competition, Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Association Stranger Young Artists Auditions, The Jules M Laser Chamber Music Competition, and in Canada, National Music Festival, The Shean String Competition, and collaborating quartet for the Honens International Piano Competition.

As the Festival’s new artistic director, Hoover plans to take the Festival to new heights with her background, experience and passion for great chamber music.

This year’s eight-day festival is

packed with offerings: No-cost daily 4 p.m. Salon Concerts at The Book Nook and Java Shop, a children’s concert, a children’s recital, meet and greets, and a “Cabaret Night.” There will once again be the world’s greatest music wonderfully played, combined with the soft summer weather, beaches and spectacular sunsets. All of this makes the White Lake Chamber Music Festival a vacation destination for an ever-growing audience from near and far.

The generous support of individuals and businesses makes it possible to bring great artists and great music to the White Lake area. For sponsorship opportunities, contact director Sondra Cross (231-329-3056).

For a schedule of this year’s Festival events, please visit www.whitelakemusic.org.

Police activity this week

Behind the Badge

Whitehall Police Report

March 6

Whitehall Police responded to the middle school for a student that was reported to be aggressive. When the officers arrived on the scene of the 9:58 a.m. call, they located the student near the VAC, sitting on the ground and refusing to stand. After speaking with the student for a few minutes and the 13-year-old still refusing to cooperate, the officer assisted the boy to his feet and assisted him in walking back inside the school. The student was then turned over to staff.

A caller reported a man could be seen standing naked in the backyard of a home in the 300 block of Lewis St. Officers responding to the 11:27 a.m. call found the man as described and recognized him from several previous contacts. After speaking with the 60-year-old, it was determined he needed to be evaluated at the hospital. The subject was transported by Trinity EMS to Trinity Health and HealthWest was also informed of the situation.

At 11:54 a.m. Whitehall Police, with the assistance of Montague Police, responded to a family dispute in the 1100 block of Colby St. The mother called police after her 12-year-old son became angry about the medicine she had purchased for him. The boy had stayed home from school claiming to be ill, resulting in the mother buying the medication. While officers were speaking with the young man, he said he wanted to go to school now. The boy was transported to school, where he was turned over to staff.

Officers responded to a child custody dispute in the 400 block of Elizabeth St. The responding officer spoke with a woman, who told him she had scheduled visitation for the child but her ex had arrived ahead of her and was not releasing the child to her. When speaking with the father, he did not believe the child would be safe with the mother. Both were told it was a civil matter that would need to be decided in court and that neither should use the school as a venue to have custody disputes. No further action was taken on the 2:17 p.m. call.

March 7

Whitehall Police were called to the 300 block of Mears Ave. after a man found that his phone was displaying Central Time when he woke. The caller reported to the officer responding to the 6:12 a.m. call there had been other suspicious things happening recently and was concerned and wanted a report made. There was no further action taken.

At 10:14 a.m. the SRO investigated a possible “sextortion” case at the high school after receiving a tip on OK2SAY. The tip indicated a student was threatening another student by saying they would find a nude photo on the internet and send it to friends of the second student unless they paid cash. The tip also claimed this had happened to other students in the past. The SRO spoke to a suspect but was unable to substantiate the claim.

The SRO was called to the high school to assist on an investigation of threats being made to a student. During the 1:20 p.m. investigation the SRO learned a text was sent to a family member of the student indicating the threat. The SRO also found a current boyfriend made the threat toward his girlfriend’s ex. The current boyfriend does not attend the same school as the threatened student and he and his parents were warned against any further such actions.

March 8

The high school principal called the SRO after a student made a threat against the principal. The SRO responded at 10:23 a.m. and was told that the day prior, the principal had discussed the student’s attendance with him but when the 16-year-old returned to the class he said to the teacher, “I’ll take her life,” referring to the principal. The student was suspended from the school and the SRO is working with staff on an assessment.

An officer on patrol noted a shipping container was in the yard of a home in the 400 block of Warner St. As it would be an ordinance violation, the officer contacted the resident at 4:37 p.m. and informed him of the issue. The resident was directed to City Hall if he had further questions about the matter.

March 9

Officers dispatched to a disturbance at 1:11 a.m. arrested one of the residents for domestic assault. An officer, with the assistance of Montague Police, responded to the 1000 block of Colby St. and could hear an ongoing argument coming from inside a room there. Officers knocked and spoke with both parties, a boyfriend and girlfriend who had recently moved in together there. During the inves-

tigation, they were told the girlfriend learned the man was communicating with an ex-girlfriend, which led to an argument. When the woman attempted to leave to “cool off,” she was pushed away from the door by her 27-year-old boyfriend. The man was arrested and lodged in the Muskegon County jail for the assault.

At 8:54 p.m. an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for driving with no license plate. The officer spoke with the 26-year-old driver, who said he knew he shouldn’t be driving the vehicle. Also during the investigation, the officer learned the car had been being driven for several months without proper plates, title or insurance. The Muskegon man was cited and the vehicle was impounded after a family member arrived to take the passengers home.

March 10

A caller reported hearing someone screaming in the 300 block of Division St., which led to an officer responding to that location at 12:15 a.m. Montague Police also responded with the Whitehall officer to the area, where they found fresh tracks in the snow leading to a nearby house. When the officer checked with the residents there, it was learned a teen was upset over a recent breakup with a boyfriend leading to the disturbance. No further action was taken.

At 12:35 a.m. Whitehall Police were called when a resident of Leland Drive noticed lights on in an upstairs room of a nearby house under construction. The witness reported to the responding officer that after the call, he saw three teens exit the house and walk away. At that time the officer was unable to locate the suspects.

A woman running for exercise on the bike trail called police after a person repeatedly offered her a ride. The police were called at about 10:19 a.m. to the 100 block of Lake St. The 28-year-old reported a red vehicle approached her and offered her a ride. She told the officer despite telling the man, who was wearing a cowboy hat, several times that she did not want a ride, he repeated his offer. When another vehicle approached, the woman waved them down and the suspect left the scene. The responding officer was unable to locate the vehicle.

A building in the 600 block of Lake St. was damaged sometime during the overnight. Officers were called at 11:14 a.m. after a window was found broken by a large rock. The rock was located inside the building, but there were no other clues found at the scene. The case remains under investigation.

At 3:03 p.m. Whitehall Police were called to the 400 block of Leland Dr. for a report of damage to property.

The officer responding to the call was shown where damage was done in an upstairs room of a house under construction. There was evidence a fire had been started on the carpet, but it extinguished before involving the room or home. Whitehall Police officers investigated this incident and gathered some evidence including Ring camera video. Juvenile suspects from Montague were identified and the report of all the related incidents will be sent to the juvenile court for charges.

March 11

A car-versus-deer crash was reported on Benston Road near Peach Street. Police were called at 7:10 a.m. to investigate the crash, which occurred when a deer ran in front of a car traveling west on Benston. The driver, a 26-year-old Grand Rapids man, was not injured but there was some functional damage to the car.

March 12

A business in the 300 block of Lake St. reported damage to some property that occurred over the weekend. Police were called at 8:06 a.m. when a broken window was discovered, and shortly after it was discovered a work truck had two broken windows. The investigator found a large piece of broken asphalt inside the truck that was apparently used to break the glass. This case was also related to other damaged property reported over the weekend.

Whitehall Police investigated a domestic assault on a Rothbury woman that occurred in the 700 block of Colby St. Police were notified of the assault by a relative of the victim at 1:47 p.m. The investigator located the victim at her residence and was told she and her boyfriend had been arguing all day and later came to Whitehall to do laundry. When the laundry was finished, the argument resumed when the victim was grabbed by the hair and punched by the Muskegon man. The officer was unable to locate the 23-year-old suspect and the case remains under investigation pending a report being sent to the Muskegon County Prosecutor.

An officer on patrol at 6:54 p.m. checked a license plate to find the registered owner did not have a driver license. The officer then stopped the vehicle in the 800 block of Lake St. and contacted the driver, who said she at one time had an instructional permit but it was lost and expired and the Muskegon Heights resident had never secured a full license. After citing the 31-year-old for no license, she and the vehicle were released to a licensed driver.