The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 43, March 22, 2024

Reflexiones de nuestra comunidad

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Part III: A friendly face for the path to citizenship

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

“Citizenship: the status of being a citizen; membership in a community; the quality of an individual’s response to membership in a community,” Merriam-Webster. From America’s very beginning, immigrants have come to the U.S. seeking a better life in this land of opportunity.

Citizenship was a fairly simple process 250 years ago, when the U.S. was a young nation. However, since that time, numerous “Immigration Acts” have been imposed. While many of these acts were instituted as a way to protect the integrity of the citizenship process, many have created challenges for those wanting to become American citizens.

This article is not about focusing on all that may be wrong with our immigration system and citizenship requirements. But rather a local perspective into some of what is required in the process for those wishing to become U.S. citizens.

Penny Burillo, of Hart, spent her career as a caseworker with the Department of Health and Human Services, where she received a lot of training in immigration and citizenship.

Since retirement, Burillo has been using her past experience and many connections to provide resources, training and assistance throughout the seemingly long and detailed process.

“There’s a lot of hoops to jump through,” Burillo said. “The whole process can take anywhere from three to 10 years, or longer, and costs thousands of dollars. How long and how much really depends on each person’s individual situation.”

For any person wishing to become a United States citizen, they must first apply for “Permanent Legal Resident Alien” status. At one time, the identification cards resident aliens received were green; thus, the term “green card” was used. Now the identification cards are referred to as “resident alien” cards; both are for the same thing and are often used interchangeably. Once a person receives their resident alien or green card, they have “legal status,” which means they are no longer “undocumented” but allowed to be in the U.S. legally.

In order to even apply for this legal resident alien status, individuals must have a U.S. parent, spouse or child, 21 years of age or older, apply on their behalf. Birth certificates, marriage licenses, children’s birth certificates and other documents are usually required to establish the right to apply for this

legal status on someone else’s behalf. Once a person receives legal resident status, they are allowed to apply for U.S. citizenship.

“Some people were brought here as children and had no control of their future at the time,” Burillo said. If a person wishes to apply for citizenship and doesn’t have a 21-year-old child who can apply on their behalf or is not married to a U.S. citizen, they have to have a family member sponsor them. In an effort to prevent immigrants from being a burden on the government, sponsors have to prove they have enough money to support not only themselves but also the person(s) they are sponsoring.

“We have many people living in Oceana County who came here to work 20–30 years ago and do not have legal resident status. Their children are now turning 21, and they are applying for their parents,” Burillo said. “Each step costs money, usually $800–$1,000 each time. And just because a child applies on behalf of their parent does not guarantee the person will be granted legal resident status and the right to apply for citizenship.”

Once a person receives their legal resident alien status or green card, they are considered “documented”

Citizenship continued on page 9

Parte III: Un rostro amigo para el camino hacia la ciudadanía

Por Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Colaborador de la comunidad

“Ciudadanía: la condición de ser ciudadano; membresía en una comunidad; la calidad de la respuesta del individuo a la membresía en una comunidad”, Merriam-Webster. Desde los inicios de Estados Unidos (U.S.), los inmigrantes han llegado a los Estados Unidos en busca de una vida mejor en esta tierra de oportunidad. La ciudadanía era un proceso bastante simple hace 250 años, cuando Estados Unidos era una nación joven. Sin embargo, desde entonces se han impuesto numerosas “leyes de inmigración.” Mientras muchas de estas leyes fueron instituidas como una forma de proteger la integridad del proceso de ciudadanía, muchos han creado desafíos para quienes desean convertirse en ciudadanos americanos.

Este artículo no trata de centrarse en todo lo que puede estar mal en nuestro sistema de inmigración y requisitos de ciudadanía. Sino más bien una perspectiva local de algo de lo que se requiere en el proceso para aquellos que deseen convertirse en ciudadanos estadounidenses.

Penny Burillo, de Hart, pasó su carrera como asistente social en el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos, donde recibió mucha capacitación en inmigración y ciudadanía. Desde jubilación, Burillo ha estado utilizando su experiencia pasada y muchas conexiones para brindar recursos, capacitación y asistencia durante todo el proceso aparentemente largo y detallado.

“Hay muchos obstáculos que superar”, dijo Burillo. “Todo el proceso puede llevar a cualquier parte de tres a diez años, o más, y cuesta miles de dólares. ¿Cuánto tiempo y cuánto cuesta? Realmente depende de la situación individual de cada persona.”

Para cualquier persona que desea convertirse en ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, primero debe solicitar Permanente Estatus de “Extranjero Residente Legal.” Hubo un tiempo en que las tarjetas de identificación que recibían los extranjeros residentes eran verde, por eso se utilizó el término “tarjeta verde.” Ahora las tarjetas de identificación se conocen como Tarjeta de “Extranjero Residente,” ambas sirven para lo mismo y muchas veces se usan indistintamente. Ya que uno recibe su tarjeta de residente extranjero o tarjeta verde, tiene “estatus legal,” lo que significa que ya no está “indocumentado,” y se le permite estar legalmente en los Estados Unidos.

Incluso para solicitar este estatus de extranjero residente legal, las personas deben tener un padre estadounidense, cónyuge, o hijo de 21 años de edad o

más que presente la solicitud en su nombre. Actas de nacimiento, licencia de matrimonio, actas de nacimiento de los niños y otros documentos generalmente son requeridos para establecer el derecho a solicitar este estatus legal en nombre de otra persona. Una vez que una persona recibe estatus de residente, se les permite solicitar la ciudadanía estadounidense.

“Algunas personas fueron traídas aquí cuando eran niños y en ese momento no tenían control de su futuro,” dijo Burillo. Si una persona desea solicitar la ciudadanía y no tiene un hijo de 21 años que puede presentar la solicitud en su nombre, o no está casado con un ciudadano estadounidense, debe tener un miembro de la familia patrocinarlos. En un esfuerzo por evitar que los inmigrantes sean una carga para el gobierno, los patrocinadores tienen que demostrar que tienen suficiente dinero para mantenerse, no sólo a sí mismos, sino también a las demás persona(s) que están patrocinando.

“Tenemos muchas personas viviendo en el condado de Oceana que vinieron aquí a trabajar hace 20 o 30 años y no tienen estatus de residente legal. Sus hijos ahora cumplen 21 años y están solicitando sus padres”, dijo Burillo. “Cada paso cuesta dinero, normalmente entre 800 y 1,000 dólares cada vez. Y solo porque un niño solicita en nombre de sus padres, no garantiza que a la persona se le conceda estatus de residente legal y el derecho a solicitar la ciudadanía.”

Una vez, que una persona recibe su estatus de extranjero residente legal o tarjeta verde, se le considera “documentados” y pueden vivir legalmente en Estados Unidos sin temor a ser deportados. Hay una idea errónea, dijo Burillo, de que la gente sólo viene aquí para cobrar beneficios. Inmigrantes se han mudado a los Estado Unidos durante siglos para lograr una vida mejor para ellos y sus familias. En su mayor

The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services office in Michigan is located in Detroit. • Contributed photo

P enny B urillo

Oceana’s rich aquatic resources lauded at annual banquet

By Stacia Erickson The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Monday evening found a full house at the Earl and Linda Peterson West Michigan Research Station on Oceana Drive in Hart. The event hosting the crowd filled with local agricultural personalities and dignitaries was the annual Oceana County Agricultural and Natural Resources Banquet.

Master of Ceremonies, Norm Meyers, welcomed the crowd to an evening filled with good food and good company. Topics ranged from state and local agricultural news, Oceana Conservation District updates and some well-deserved awards. In addition, presentations were made by Michigan DNR Fisheries Biologist Mark Tonello and Trout Unlimited Project Coordinator Matthias Bonzo.

First to take the stage was Oceana Conservation District Executive Director Suzie Knoll, who gave an overall synopsis of the district for the last year. She reminded audience members of the district’s mission of promoting conservation, stewardship and the sustainable use of natural resources in Oceana County. She went on to speak of landowner assistance, the annual tree sale, USDA cost-sharing programs and education programs available, such as forestry assistance and school, “knee-high naturalists” programs for children, invasive species management, habitat restoration and more. She directed participants on where to find more information on those resources as well. Knoll encouraged everyone to take advantage of the resources available and said that by working together, everyone can help protect the water, soil, woods and wildlife, allowing Oceana County to continue to be the grand place to live that it is!

Mary Sheppard, board of directors treasurer/secretary, spoke briefly and informed the audience of membership events, the annual state-wide meeting in Grand Rapids last November, plans for another October “Tractor or Treat” at the Oceana County Fairgrounds and the approximately 250 people who attended the 2023 event. She also cited 2023 donations made, including $500 to the New Era Christian Farm Science Lab, $600 to the Shelby Public Schools Superintendent to attend the FFA National Convention to learn more and possibly start a chapter at Shelby, $3,000 in scholarships to high school seniors involved in “Ag’’ and the $3,000 spent to purchase an animal at the 2023 Fair. Sheppard noted the start of a bi-annual educational grant program to support teachers wanting to take their students on agricultural field trips or start agricultural projects in the classroom.

Awards presented included: a plaque to John Williams for “2023 Conservationist of the Year,” Paul Byl and Lakeview Orchards received the 2023 MAEAP (Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program) Award and Jamie Clover-Adams was given the “2023 Friend of the Oceana Agricultural Industry” award.

Tonello was the featured presenter, along with Bonzo. A relatively brief but informative program followed.

Tonello addressed a variety of topics. He showed maps of the vast region he, another biologist and two technicians cover, and it looks like well more than half the lower peninsula! He said, “Oceana County is incredibly rich in aquatic resources” and their small group does “a lot of fisheries management in Oceana

Oceana Center Grange Agricultural Report for March 2024

By Phil Carter The Oceana Echo Agricultural Consultant

The first harvest of the season is ripe in the Land of Oceana: maple syrup. It was an early start to this year’s season, and now it is about complete, thanks in part to some very warm temperatures last week. Heavy sap runs occur when nighttime temperatures are below freezing and daytime temperatures rise to the high 40s and low 50s. These conditions produce a light-colored product, while other conditions, including late-season runs, yield dark-colored syrup. There is little difference in taste.

Syruping is generally a labor of love, requiring many hours of work and is a generational activity for many producers. These improvements have eased the burden:

• Plastic lines collecting at a central point have replaced emptying individual buckets.

County!” That team of four, known as the Central Lake Michigan Management Unit, is responsible for managing all water—lakes, streams and Lake Michigan— much too much for such a small group.

His presentation was very educational. Who knew that Oceana County was originally filled with Arctic Grayling-filled streams (considered extinct since about 1900) or that fish scales have age rings like trees do? Glacial geography with lots of sand and gravel leads to very high groundwater discharge rates. Those lead to cold-water streams, which are very suitable for salmonids (salmon and their kin). In the late 1800s, Brook Trout were introduced, followed by Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. In the 1960s, Coho and Chinook Salmon were introduced. Since then, there have continued to be stocking sessions, but now many are considered self-sustaining populations. Surveying our fish population is one more service these guys provide, and co-speaker Matthias Bonzo attested to that. Waterways such as Flower Creek, the North Branch of the White River, Stony Creek and the North and South Branches of the Pentwater River were discussed in detail. Questions and comments can be sent via email  to tonellom@michigan.gov or by calling 231-444-8007.

Conservation and stewardship are not just for farmers and the agricultural industry; it’s for any and all who want to see our beautiful State of Michigan and particularly lovely Oceana County continue to be just that ~ beautiful! Volunteers are always being sought, too! Get involved and help our future for generations to come. More information on conservation, stewardship, forestry and lots more can be found by calling the conservation district at 231-861-5600. It is located at 1064 Industrial Park Dr. in Shelby, and the office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Vacuum pumps increase the amount of sap produced by the tree.

• Propane or fuel oil has replaced the wood heat source for boiling in many operations.

• 42 gallons of sap are required to make 1 gallon of syrup. A reverse osmosis machine greatly reduces the number of heat units required to boil out the excess water in the sap.

• Plastic containers have replaced glass and metal containers for the final product.

Those who grew up with real maple syrup relish the chance to consume it instead of the “other stuff.” It is also a non-GMO product for those with that concern.

Fruit growers’ earlier concerns with the high temperatures occurring too early in the season have been granted some relief lately, but they still know that frosts and freezes can occur at any time in the spring season. Some “natural thinning” by Mother Nature would help reduce the surplus fruit still in storage awaiting processing and sale.

Natural disasters seem to be more commonplace now. The latest wildfire (Smokehouse Creek) in the Texas panhandle burned over 1 million acres (about the area of Rhode Island) and apparently was caused by a downed power line. Livestock losses of 10,000 head of cattle hit many ranchers’ wallets very hard. Drought-stressed grass pastures may cause further liquidation of those cattle herds from a lack of feed. Farmers are a close-knit community, and already many caravans of semis hauling donated hay have arrived in that area to assist those ranchers who suffered heavy losses.

Hears to wishing everyone a prosperous spring and remember to become addicted to real maple syrup.

District Technician Adam Chandler, above left, presented John Williams with his Conservationist of the Year plaque. Garry McKeen, above right, presented Paul Byl and Lakeview Orchards with the 2023 MAEAP award. • Stacia Erickson/Echo

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

In case anyone has missed it, for the last 17 weeks we have been covering some of the historic, rural schoolhouses that once covered Oceana County. Today we cover our final township, Greenwood. Like the township before it, Greenwood will be another short article, with there being only five school districts, each one home to only one school. Luckily, though, we do have a school on record for every district. Let’s begin with the Phelps School.

The Phelps school was located on the corner of East Arthur Road and 200th Avenue, where the township hall stands now. The school was named after Ambrose Phelps, who built the school, and it appears on the 1895 and 1913 plat maps of Oceana; however, it cannot be found on the 1876 plat map.

Mort Wiegand’s notes point out that the school’s name seems to have changed at some point. “The 1895 plat map lists the school as Gottschalk School,” she wrote, “then later maps list the Phelps school.” Phelps is certainly a little less

of a mouthful. It also seems the school was built to serve as a township hall as well as an institution of learning. “The building had two big rooms,” Wiegand wrote, “one for school and the other for township meetings.” Whatever the case, the building has since been torn down, and a new one was erected to serve as the current township hall.

In district number two, we have the Cushman school, at East Wilke Road and South 184th Avenue. Unlike the previous school, this one appears on all three plat maps. Some of the teachers that worked here include Vivian Rose, Minnie Taylor, Sylvia Resseguie, and James Vauderveen. However, what exactly happened to this school seems to be a bit murky. According to Wiegand, “Cushman School burned or was moved. A new one was built north of Cushman Creek on 184th and Wilke Road. Closed, was a voting place years ago, stood vacant, and finally burned?”

We find our first survivor school house in district number three, the McCallum school. This school, too, appears on plat maps as early as 1876. The land for this school was leased by Paul Noble. The first school house was a log one, and then a frame one was

built to replace it on Roosevelt Road and South 200th Avenue. The school continued to run until it consolidated with Fremont schools around 1965. It was used as a chapel for a time, but now serves as a private home.

District four is home to a second survivor down where Skeels Road meets 180th Avenue. For this school, we have very little information. It appears on the 1895 plat map as Davie School but is later referred to as Hazel Grove School. It also appears on the 1913 plat map, but it is not to be found on the 1876 plat map. Some teachers who served at this school are Esther Moore, Ernest Noble, Lorna Bender, and Dorothy O’Neal. The building is a private home today.

And last but not least, we have the Woodward school on East Arthur Road and 168th Avenue. Evidently, the school burned down one day in February, 1885. A newspaper clipping had this to say: “The school house in District No. 5, Greenwood township, Oceana Co., was burned Wednesday night. No one, not even a man who lives within eighty rods of the ruins, knew anything of the fire until the next morning, so the origin is a mys-

tery.” The school was later rebuilt, and photos show A-frame construction. A 1939 newspaper clipping describes the end of a season. “The Woodward school closed Friday with a picnic at Pine Point. It was a fine day, and several people from Shelby attended. In the afternoon, they returned to the schoolhouse to play ball.” Finally, though, this school would also be torn down.

Pentwater Historical Society happenings

By Beth Russell Volunteer Contributor

It’s said that a community that doesn’t know about its history is like a tree trying to survive with too few roots. This is what drives the nonprofit Pentwater Historical Society (PHS) to continue learning about the community’s past and fulfilling its educational purpose by making this rich information easily available at no cost to everyone.

There are exciting things on the PHS’s horizon because it recently received financial support from three sources that also recognize the importance of a community’s history. The three grants will help the PHS maintain and improve its admission-free museum and services. The first is an Operations Support Grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, which works to increase and broaden the influence of arts and culture within Michigan communities. This grant helps pay for, essentially, keeping the lights and heat on, purchasing software subscriptions, and being able to handle the day-to-day maintenance around the museum. The grant enables the PHS to use more member dues and private donations to improve exhibits and maintain the artifacts.

Secondly, the PHS received a grant from the Historical Society of Michigan, the state’s oldest cultural organization. It helps connect Michigan’s past to its residents and organizations through the support of local history organizations. The HSM grant will help fund the archiving and storage of paper artifacts, which deteriorate with exposure to light and humidity. The funds will be used to purchase a new laptop, software to scan and digitize text, and archival equipment and materials that will make the scanned artifacts easily retrievable. Four volunteers to help with this scanning task have already come forward, and several more are needed.

“In several years, we hope to realize our goal of everyone being able to search and retrieve our documents on the Web,” said Elizabeth Russell, a PHS Trustee. “This scanning task is a really big job, but it will help to make Pentwater’s history more accessible to researchers and casual historians.”

The PHS was also awarded a grant from Michigan Humanities, which seeks to bring people together through stories, histories, cultures, and conversations. Its grant will help fund the completion of a scale model of the presidential yacht USS Sequoia, which was in service to the nation from 1935 until 1977, when it

was sold by the U.S. Government as a cost-saving measure. Some in Pentwater and the surrounding area may recall when the retired “floating Oval Office” visited Pentwater in 1984 and was met with much fanfare. Numerous private boats escorted the arriving vessel down the channel to dock at the Pentwater Yacht Club, where more than 1,000 people toured it.

The late Fred Wolff of Milford, Mich. worked for 12 years building the 9-foot scale model of the USS Sequoia but passed away before completing it. It was stored for years, awaiting completion. The Michigan Humanities grant enabled the PHS to retain a skilled model builder in Coopersville to complete the task. This extraordinary model will be unveiled on June 23 at a PHS event at Pentwater’s Channel Lane Park, after which it will be displayed in the museum as part of a new exhibit.

“We are extremely grateful for this financial help, which enables us to make such progress,” said Russell. “Our nonprofit is solely funded by members, private donors, foundations, and cultural organizations that want to preserve Pentwater’s history and make it accessible. Together, we bring an appreciation for our past into the present.”

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

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. 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.

Free community breakfast in Shelby March 30

The Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ, 51 E. Third St., invites all to its fifth Saturday community breakfast Saturday, March 30 from 8-10 a.m. Stop in for either a hot or cold breakfast, conversation and fellowship before heading to one of the local Easter egg hunts! The next breakfast will be served June 29. There is no charge.

Claybanks UMC sets Holy Week schedule

Claybanks United Methodist Church, 9197 56th Ave. in Montague will be offering the following services for Holy Week. Palm Sunday Worship will be at 10:30 a.m. March 24. The Good Friday Service will be at 2 p.m. March 29. Easter Sunday, March 31, will include “Visit To An Empty Tomb” at 9:30 a.m., Easter Breakfast at 9:45 a.m. and an Easter Worship Celebration at 10:30 a.m.

March Echo

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

March 23 - Outdoor Egg Hunt, Ferry Wesleyan Church, 10 a.m., three age groups: 0-3, Preschool-1st and 2nd-5th

March 25 - Versiti Blood Drive, West Michigan Research Station, 8 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

March 25 - Full Moon Owl Prowl, Otto Nature Preserve, 3001 S. 16th Ave., Shelby, 7:30-9 p.m.

March 26 - Red Cross Blood Drive, Hart VFW, 802 S. State St., Hart, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

March 27 - Re-Building Community Committee Meeting, Walkerville UMC, 189 E. Main St., Walkerville, 2 p.m.

March 28 - Lenten Luncheon, Shelby Congregational UCC, 51 E. Third St., Shelby, 12:30 p.m. Reservations necessary.

March 29-30 - Oceana County #6128 Team M.O.T.O.R., FIRST Robotics Competition, East Kentwood High School, all day.

March 30 - Hart/Silver Lake Community Easter Egg Hunt, noon

March 30 - Free Community Breakfast at Shelby Congregational UCC, 8-10 a.m.

Mar. 30 - Walkerville Area Easter Egg Hunt, 9 a.m.

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.

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 UMC 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 231-869-3377.

EASTER BUFFET

Sundance Saloon & Grill at the Double JJ Resort

Sunday 03.31.24 | 11am – 5pm last seating 3:30pm Reservations (231) 894-3900

Adults $32.95 | Kids 4-10 $16.95 | 3 & under FREE

Chef’s prime rib carving station, honey glazed ham, delicious selection of sides, pastries and desserts.

o B ituaries

Wanda Ellen Bradford

July 24, 1941 ~ March 6, 2024

Wanda Ellen Bradford, formerly of Ludington, passed away peacefully March 6, 2024. She was born the daugh ter of Dwight and Clair Bradford, in Muskegon, on July 24, 1941.

Wanda spent her early years in Hill City, South Dakota. The family returned to Michigan, and Wanda attended Hart High School. Wanda was very strong in her faith. She loved nature and took many long walks in the beautiful countryside around Hart. She loved visiting Ludington State Park, especially in the fall. In December, touring the Christmas lights in Ludington was a special joy for Wanda.

She is survived by: her son, Craig (Mary) Wheeler; daughter, Joni (Gary) Sims; granddaughter, Amanda (Yusuke) Imasaka; and former husband, Eugene Wheeler.

She was preceded in death by: her brother, Ron Bradford; and sisters, Karen Reed, Marilyn McLain and Beverly Oldham.

Catholic funeral liturgy will be conducted at 11 a.m, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420, with Fr. Phillip Sliwinski presiding.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Bread for the Poor by mail, with attention to the Development Office, St. Anthony Shrine, 100 Arch St., Boston, MA 02110, or online at https://stanthonyshrine.org/ministries/stanthonys-bread-for-the-poor.

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

www.beaconfh.com

Sandra Lynn Purdy

November 17, 1966 ~ March 17, 2024

Sandra Lynn Purdy, 57, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Corewell Health, Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, surrounded by family. She was born Nov. 17, 1966, the daughter of Norman and Beatrice (Clark) Carrier, the youngest of five children.

Sandra, affectionately known as Sandy, was a 1984 graduate of Hart High School. Her senior year, she met the love of her life, Terry Purdy Jr., whom she went on to spend the next 40 years with. The two enjoyed many things together, such as going for scenic drives, camping and side-by-side riding.

Anyone who knew Sandy could tell you that she had a huge heart when it came to animals, but she shared a particularly special bond with her dogs. She was an avid crafter, always looking for a new project; her favorite being the “she shed” she built as her crafting space.

Sandy is survived by: her loving husband, Terry Purdy; their two dogs, Bailey and B; mother-in-law, Norma Purdy; brother, Bruce Carrier; sisters, Cindy Ustick and Linda VandenBosch; sisters-in-law, Karen (Darryl) Coss and Tammy (Dennis) Sonneburg; several nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Sandy was preceded in death by: her parents, Norman and Beatrice (Clark) Carrier; brother, Brian; father-in-law; Terry Purdy Sr.; and brothers-in-law, Guy Purdy, Pat Ustick and Roger VandenBosch.

Sandy never wanted the ones she loved to see her in her worst days, and as such a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contributions be made out to The Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box 451 Hart, MI 49420, in Sandy’s honor.

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

www.beaconfh.com

Mark Charles Smith

October 16, 1969 ~ March 17, 2024

Mark Charles Smith, 54, passed away March 17, 2024, at home, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters, following a 20 year battle with a rare liver disease, and a liver transplant in November; he ultimately succumbed to a hard-fought battle against liver bile duct cancer. He was born October 16, 1969, in Muskegon, the son of Dale and Linda (Reyna) Smith.

After graduating from Hart High School, Mark went on to play college basketball, where he met the love of his life and best friend, Beth. They left school and married, starting a family right away; his family was everything to him. He was overjoyed by being able to sup port his daughters’ school activities and life adventures; when his grandchildren came into the picture, Mark couldn’t wait to do the same for them. His grandchildren meant the world to him.

While growing up in Hart, Mark spent his time farming with his father and then moved on to work in a lumber yard for many years, later building pole barns. Mark was a hardworking man, from working on cars to building pole barns; he was truly a jack-of-all-trades. When Mark’s health began to present him with challenges, he decided to start his own business. Mark and Beth would travel around Michigan during the summers as aquatic weed harvesters, restoring lakes to their proper ecosystem; he also started a tire recycling business.

Mark is survived by: his loving wife, Beth Smith; daughters, Tori (Jeremy) Schreur of Kentwood and Erica (Mike) Freund of Allegan; grandchildren, Eli Schreur and Fiona Schreur; father, Dale (Mari) Smith of Hart; sisters, Kristine (Kevin) Keck of Ludington, Karmen (Scott) Dupree of Miramar Beach, Fla., Kori Smith of Spring Lake and Kolleen (Ron) Lenon of Hart; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Belle Smith of Hart.

Visitation will take place from 5–7 p.m. today, Friday, March 22, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420.

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

www.beaconfh.com

Pam Walker McGuire

May 8, 1948 ~ March 15, 2024

Pam Walker McGuire of Mears, Mich., was born May 8, 1948 to John and Donna Walker. Pam left her body on March 15, 2024.

She was a retired level three tax assessor for Golden, Pentwater and Benona Townships. She was co-owner of Ziffel Farms and Pam’s Kitchen, where she made Aunt Pam’s tincture and miracle salve and Pam’s World-Famous Baked Beans. Pam helped many people in many ways, but her favorite activity was being Nana.

Pam is survived by: her husband, Tom McGuire, and her VW Hippy Bus; sister, Kathy Walker; children, Jamie Hendrixon, (Frank) and Jennifer Partington, and Terry and (Dee) Corliss; grandkids, Dillon Hendrixon Beatty, Jake Corliss, Taylor Corliss, Adam Hendrixon and many friends and family.

Her brother, John Walker Junior, preceded her in death.

There will be a celebration of happiness and good times for Pam at the Pentwater VFW on May 11, 2024 starting at 2 p.m. BYOB.

Never say “goodbye” just “color me gone” - Love, Pam

• Sharon Hallack/Echo

New Era Farmer’s Market announces new funding and 2024 lineup

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

This year marks the eighth year for the New Era Farmer’s Market, which takes place throughout the summer at the New Era Christian Reformed Church (NECRC) in New Era. Market manager Sandy Whitaker recently shared this year’s market dates along with many exciting additions for this season. “The 2024 market will be held a total of eight times instead of the traditional six, with the first market on Tuesday, June 11, in hopes of having asparagus available. The last market is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24, in hopes of offering the season’s first apples as well as other Oceana fall produce,” Whitaker said.

With a grant received from the “Food Safety at the Farmer’s Market” program (sponsored by the Michigan Farmers Market Association) the market, in collaboration with the MSU Extension, will be offering a “Canning Lending Library” this year. “We don’t want to give away all the details, but you will be able to check out a tote from one of our three local libraries with everything needed to hot water bath can in your home.” According to Whitaker, New Era was one of only 20 markets statewide whose project was selected for funding.

Markets will be the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month on the following dates: June 11 and 25; July 9 and 23; August 13 and 27 and September 10 and 24 in the parking lot of the NECRC located at 1820 Ray Ave., New Era, one block east of downtown.

“This year also includes a parking lot expansion. The church will be adding 45 more spaces for parking or for additional vendors,” Whitaker said. “New signs and banners will also start popping up around June 1.”

While the Kids Power of Produce (KPOP) and Senior Power of Produce (SPOP) are not new to the market, a new three-year grant was awarded to fund the programming. A Community Impact Grant from Trinity Health for the market’s “Growing Health in Oceana County’’ initiative will provide $10,000 each year for the next three years to fund the market’s KPOP and SPOP programs, the Community Garden and the MSU Extension classes, Whitaker said.

In the KPOP program, children ages 4-14 can take part in free activities from 4-5 p.m. and receive $4 in tokens to purchase produce or vegetable growing plants at each market. Kids can also enter drawings for larger prizes, such as tickets to Michigan Adventure or Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo

The SPOP program distributes $5 in tokens to anyone 62 years of age or older, attending any farmer’s market throughout the summer; a $40 value if they attend all eight markets.

Continuing this year, outdoor concerts will feature a number of well-known groups, as well as new artists, at the church’s outdoor concert venue. “We are currently booking concerts as we speak,” said Whitaker. She was excited to report that 15 vendors have already signed up for the market this year, and all but one are planning on setting up at all eight markets.

The market operates under the umbrella of the NECRC as an outreach ministry and will again offer SNAP - the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Double-Up Food Bucks - a federal program that matches SNAP card holders expenditures of up to $20 to help stretch their fresh food dollar. The market also participates in two state programs: Produce Connection - formerly WIC Project Fresh, and Senior Market Fresh - providing coupon books for qualifying senior individuals 60 and older. The market’s grant-funded programs include KPOP and SPOP. Between all of the market’s programs, the New Era Farmer’s Market was able to give away a total of $5,386 in food in 2023. “That’s almost $1,000 at each market,” Whitaker exclaimed.

The New Era Farmers Market is a 501(c)(3) run completely by volunteers. Any grant funding or donations received goes directly into programs or marketing. The market is currently accepting private and business donations for their Friends of the Market sponsorships, which help fund the market every year. To make a donation or find out more information about vending at the market, contact Whitaker at 517-242-0041.

Friends of SADL welcome local author Barbara Bull April 18

The Friends of Shelby Area District Library (SADL) are delighted to welcome Barbara Bull, local award-winning author and owner of Cherry Point Farm & Market, as a speaker on Thursday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. Bull is the author of 12 books: one for children (“Benjamin’s Gift”), two on the history of our area (“A Point in Time and A Point of View”), and the very popular Katherine MacLeod novel series, which centers around a family cottage on Lake Michigan. Several of those novels have been recognized for their excellence by the Independent Publisher Book Awards and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The 10th book in that series will be available this summer.

“Many of our summer visitors and locals in Oceana County will recognize Barbara as the owner of Cherry Point Farm & Market, where they have toured the Lavender Labyrinth and Herb Garden, tasted fudge, or purchased her yummy cherry strudel,” said Cindy McKinnon, president of the Friends of SADL. “This is an opportunity to discover her extraordinary talent as a writer, ask questions, and request an autograph. Barbara loves sharing her passions for horticulture, history and writing so this should be a delightful presentation!”

The Author Talk will be at the Shelby Area District Library, 189 N. Maple St. in Shelby. The Friends of SADL will have their quarterly meeting at 5 p.m. prior to the Author Talk. The public is invited to attend either or both events, and refreshments will be served. Her books are available at the Shelby Library for checkout and may be purchased at the Author Talk.

More information can be found at barbaraebull.com, cherrypointmarket.net, and on her Facebook pages, Barbara E. Bull, Author and Cherry Point Farm & Market.

Tails of Hope

Milo is a 2-year-old poodle mix who was surrendered by his previous owner. Despite this change, Milo has maintained his friendly and outgoing nature.  Milo would thrive in an active household where he can receive plenty of exercise and attention. A family or individual who enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, jogging, or playing fetch in the yard would be perfect for Milo. He would also benefit from regular mental stimulation to keep his bright mind engaged.  Milo is friendly and sociable, making him potentially suitable for a home with other pets, especially if they match his energy level and temperament.

Milo 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 Milo

One of last year’s New Era Farmer’s Markets featured a scavenger hunt for children.

WEEKLY SERVICE, Orlando, FL 32803

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FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE,

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18, 2024

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NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20240318

FOR RELEASE MARCH 18, 2024

By JoAnn Derson

• On April 1, 1988, a federal judge in Little Rock, Arkansas, dismissed a sexual harassment case against President Bill Clinton, stating it had no “genuine issues” worthy of a trial. Although Clinton had denied any wrongdoing, a unanimous ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in May 1997 allowed the case to proceed, establishing a precedent permitting sitting presidents to be sued for personal conduct that allegedly occurred before they took office.

FOR RELEASE MARCH 18, 2024

By Lucie Winborne

• On April 2, 1863, a bread riot occurred in the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, when angry people demanded bread from a bakery wagon before wrecking nearby shops. The mob only dispersed after Confederate President Jefferson Davis made a personal plea and threatened to use force to break it up.

• On April 3, 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8 to 1 that African Americans could not be barred from voting in the Texas Democratic primaries. The court stated that discrimination against Blacks violated the 15th Amendment and that political parties were not private associations.

• On April 4, 1802, American social reformer Dorothea Dix was born in Hampden, Maine. Dix founded a home for girls in Boston while she was still just a teenager and later passionately campaigned for humane conditions in jails and insane asylums.

• On April 5, 2008, actor Charlton Heston, who won an Oscar for his starring role in “Ben-Hur,” died of Alzheimer’s disease at his home in Beverly Hills. Heston notably played Michelangelo, El Cid, and other heroic figures in Hollywood movies of the 1950s and 1960s.

• On April 6, 1917, following a vote by Congress approving a declaration of war, the U.S. entered World War I in Europe. Four days earlier, President Woodrow Wilson cited Germany’s violation of its pledge to suspend unrestricted submarine warfare in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean, as well as its attempts to entice Mexico into an alliance against America, as his reasons for requesting the declaration.

• On April 7, 1712, a rebellion of 27 Black slaves took place in New York City, with nine whites shot as they attempted to put out a fire started by the slaves. The state militia was called out to capture the rebels, and 21 were executed while the remaining six committed suicide.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

• Have stubborn stains in the toilet? Put some teeth in your cleaning job by dropping in a denture-cleaning tablet and letting it sit overnight. In the morning, scrub and flush. It just might do the job.

• “Lighten blemish spots on your skin with lemon juice. Just dab on several times per day.” — O.M. in Georgia

• “Collect small bits of soap into a cup or jar. When you have several, add a tablespoon or two of water to the cup to soften the soap pieces. When they are moderately soft, pour out the contents on a washcloth, fold it over and press into a bar shape with your hands. Peel away the cloth to reveal what should be a reasonably solid new bar of soap.” — C.T. in Pennsylvania

• Save power with this tip: Use cold water to wash towels and jeans. Then hang them to dry — preferably outside, but on an inside line is OK, too. When they are mostly dry, pop them in the dryer on air dry to fluff up. Towels and jeans take the longest to dry in the clothes dryer, and use a lot of electricity.

• Take soap scum right off your shower curtain — spray with vinegar and water mixture, then throw it in the washer. Hang it right back up, and those mildew stains are gone!

• “When canning or doing another job, always do the thing you hate first, then the rest will be easier.” — L.D.W. in Illinois

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

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Lucie Winborne

• Using high-pressure, hightemperature techniques that mimic Earth’s diamond-forming conditions, scientists can transform the carbon in peanut butter into sparkling gemstones. Chew on that!

• And speaking of chewing, snails have thousands of tiny teeth on their radula, the tongue-like organ they use for grinding up food, making them one of the earth’s toothiest creatures.

• Mary, Queen of Scots, was history’s youngest monarch, ascending to the throne at a mere 6 days old. Coming in at second place was Emperor Shang of China’s Han Dynasty, who in 105 A.D. assumed his royal position at 100 days old.

• If stored correctly and not contaminated, honey can last for thousands of years without spoiling.

• A piano’s frame is made of iron.

• Though T-shirts have existed since the late 1800s, the plain white version gained popularity as a wear-alone garment thanks to Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in the movie “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

• One out of every seven American jobs is related to transportation.

• Some architectural structures, known as whispering galleries, have unique acoustics allowing a whisper at one end of the gallery to be heard clearly at the other end, due to sound waves following the curved surfaces.

• The “United States Postal Service Anthem,” a unique song composed by (appropriately) Jack Stamp, is an official musical salute to the USPS, its employees, and its role in American life.

• In some WWII POW camps, the Nazis would allow Allied soldiers to play board games like Monopoly, even providing the games. The British exploited this opportunity by using compasses, banknotes, and real-world maps in place of standard boards and pieces, as a means of helping prisoners to escape.

***

Thought for the Day: “If no one ever took risks, Michelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor.” — Neil Simon © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Phil is the father of Andrew White of New Era.

Citizenship

and can live legally in the U.S. without fear of being deported.

There’s a misperception, Burillo said, that people only come here to collect benefits. Immigrants have been moving to the U.S. for centuries to make a better life for themselves and their families. For the most part, undocumented workers living in Oceana County want to work, raise their families and be law-abiding citizens like everyone else.

For persons living and working here without legal resident status, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) does issue them an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), not a social security number. This ITIN is what they use for filing their annual income tax. Even though undocumented residents hold jobs, own homes and pay taxes, because of their undocumented status, they are not eligible to receive state or federal benefits, including income tax refunds, Medicare or Social Security.

Many people think that because they are

living and working here, they have access to all of the same benefits as citizens, but they do not.

According to Burillo, most people are eligible to apply for benefits after five years as a legal permanent resident alien.

Once an individual’s paperwork has been approved to move forward with citizenship, the applicant must successfully pass a 100-question test at the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Field Office in Detroit. This is the point where Burillo is most involved with helping residents attain citizenship. “They must know how to read and write in English to take the test. It includes a lot of questions about the U.S. government and its history,” Burillo explained. Along with the test, applicants have a criminal background check, and their moral character is determined. After that, individuals are usually eligible to participate in a swearing-in ceremony within 90 days.

As we stated up front, the path to citizenship has become more chal-

continued from page 1

lenging over the years. But for those going through it, it is worth all of the challenges. “We all want good-paying jobs, better homes and an education for our kids. People want to contribute to their communities and want to live in safety and security. That’s what America has offered immigrants from the beginning,” Burillo said.

We know this series has probably raised more questions than it has answered, but our hope is that it starts a conversation and will build bridges instead of dividing our community. There is no doubt that there are people living as our neighbors right now who are in the process of adjusting their status or applying for citizenship. Let’s continue to work together, ask questions, seek to understand and get to know each other better. Only then can we truly be “Many faces, but one community.”

For further information about the path to citizenship, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/.

parte, los trabajadores indocumentados que viven en el condado de Oceana quieren trabajar, recaudar sus familias y ser ciudadanos respetuosos de la ley como todos los demás.

Para las personas que viven y trabajan aquí sin estatus de residente legal, el IRS (Internal Revenue Service) les emite un Número de Identificación Individual (ITIN), no un número de seguro social.

Este ITIN es lo que utilizan para presentar sus impuestos anual. A pesar de que los residentes indocumentados tienen empleos, poseen casas y pagan impuestos, debido a su condición de indocumentados, no son elegibles para recibir beneficios estatales o federales, incluidos reembolsos de impuestos, Medicare o Seguridad Social.

Mucha gente piensa que porque viven y trabajan aquí tiene acceso a todos los mismos beneficios que los ciudadanos obtienen, pero no es así. Según Burillo, la mayoría de las personas son elegibles para solicitar beneficios hasta después de cinco años como extranjero con permanente residencia legal.

Una vez que se ha aprobado la documentación de un individuo para seguir adelante con la ciudadanía, el solicitante debe aprobar con éxito una prueba de 100 preguntas en la Oficina de Ciudadanía y Inmigración de Estados Unidos localizada en Detroit. Este es el punto donde Burillo está más involucrada en ayudar a los residentes a lograr ciudadanía. “Deben saber leer y escribir en inglés para

realizar el examen. Incluye mucho de preguntas sobre el gobierno de Estados Unidos y su historia,” explicó Burillo. Junto con la prueba, los solicitantes tienen una verificación de antecedentes penales y se determina su carácter moral. Después, las personas suelen ser elegibles para participar en una ceremonia de juramento dentro de los 90 días.

Como dijimos al principio, el camino hacia la ciudadanía se ha vuelto más desafiante a través de los años. Pero para quienes están pasando por esto, todos los desafíos valen la pena. “Todos queremos empleos bien remunerados, mejores hogares y una educación para nuestros hijos. La gente quiere contribuir a sus comunidades y quieren vivir en seguridad y protección. Eso es lo que Estados Unidos ha ofrecido a los inmigrantes del comienzo”, dijo Burillo.

Sabemos que esta serie probablemente ha planteado más preguntas de las que ha respondido, pero nuestra esperanza es que inicie una conversación y construya puentes en lugar de dividir a nuestra comunidad. Sin duda, hay personas que viven como nuestros vecinos en este momento y que están en el proceso de ajustar su estatus o solicitar la ciudadanía. Sigamos trabajando juntos, haciendo preguntas, buscando entendernos y conocernos mejor. Sólo entonces podremos ser verdaderamente “Muchos rostros, pero una sola comunidad.”

Para obtener más información, visite https://www.uscis.gov/.

Fighting the clock Winter All-Conference selections announced

Should MHSAA become the latest state to require shot clocks in high school basketball?

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Athletes in the game of basketball are constantly fighting against the clock.

Apart from the big, bright numbers that appear on the scoreboard and signal the end of periods and the game as a whole, referees keep count in certain situations as well. 10 seconds are given for teams to bring the ball past mid court on the start of possessions. If an offensive player spends more than three seconds in the lane, the other team receives possession. Most rules remain consistent throughout all levels of the game, but there is one that fluctuates by state when it comes to high school basketball.

A 35-second shot clock has become all the rage in over half the country as 27 states have implemented the rule as of the 2023-24 season. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is one of the 23 governing bodies that has yet to do so.

So, what makes a shot clock worth implementing and what are the challenges in doing so? I’m glad you asked. Let’s dive in.

The case for shot clocks is simple. Teams who hold a lead have no repercussions should they decide to dribble the ball down the floor, cross the half court line and simply hold or pass the ball around while ticking multiple minutes off the game clock.

That tactic, more commonly known as a stall offense, allows a team to essentially deny their opponent the chance to score. The negatives of this are obvious. Holding onto the ball slows the pace of the game and often results in frantic defense from the opposing team that can make things really messy.

I’ve witnessed two games this past season where the stall offense was used, both involving the Shelby girls basketball team. The first being a rematch between Shelby and Hart on the Pirates home floor with the second happening more recently in a district finals matchup between Shelby and Holton.

When Shelby took on Hart, the Tigers were giving their rival a run for their money. In the second half, the Pirates were able to reclaim the lead and opted to run time off in a stall offense. The same thing happened to Shelby just a few weeks ago when they hosted Holton in the district finals.

The argument for the implementation of the 35-second shot clock is effectively eliminating that style of play and making for a fast paced game that is more entertaining for fans in attendance. While I agree that the shot clock has benefits for the game of basketball itself, there are plenty of hurdles that make it unlikely this will happen.

The first and most glaring problem is funding for

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

The All-Conference rosters have been released for most winter sports in Oceana County.

This week, we will feature athletes from the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division in boys basketball, girls basketball and competitive cheer. Results for wrestling have yet to be announced, but we will feature those athletes in a future edition of The Oceana Echo.

As has been the case in recent years, Hart dominates the selections across the board. The Pirates

earned two first team selections in boys basketball (Blake Weirich and Caleb Ackley), three in girls basketball (Abby Hicks, Addi Hovey and Rilynn Porter) and Kelsey Copenhaver also snagged an honorable mention. Six Pirates earned first team in competitive cheer as well (Lexie Beth Neinhuis, Kadie Koehl, Nora Chickering, Jasmyne Villanueva, Nina Frick and McKenna VanderZanden).

Shelby had two first team selections in Molli Schultz and Hannah Frees, along with two honorable mentions in Phillip Hayes and Wyatt Dickman.

Hesperia rounded out the selections with one first team selection (Bryce Billings) and two honorable mentions in Nicholas Guarnieri and Sarissa Conkle.

HART

Above are the All-Conference selections for the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division for boys basketball. Selections for girls basketball and competitive cheer are on page 15. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Basketball shot clocks Winter all-conference

shot clock installation. Not every high school in the state of Michigan has the extra wiggle room to upgrade their technology in order to run a shot clock. Even if there was a way to secure funding for every school, there is a question as to who would be in charge of running it.

High schools rely on volunteers to run the scoreboard, announce and keep the books. Shelby’s new scoreboards this year require multiple people in order to keep all aspects of the technology running. Adding a shot clock would necessitate yet another volunteer to ensure that the shot clock runs smoothly and resets at the start of

every possession.

One thing of note that I found interesting when going through the positives and negatives of a potential shot clock mandate is the effect that would have on teams and athletes themselves.

Yes, a shot clock would most definitely increase the pace of play and make things more exciting, but how long would that last for smaller teams? Some teams struggle with participation numbers, resulting in a very short bench. That means, with an increased pace of play, starters are more likely to run out of steam quicker, necessitating more substitutions. That just isn’t in the cards for several teams.

continued from page 10

It appears that – despite more and more states installing shot clocks –MHSAA is unlikely to budge at the moment. In 2018, MHSAA released a podcast as part of their “Be the Referee” series, addressing the topic of shot clocks.

“One of the more hotly debated topics in (the) world of high school basketball over the last six or seven years has been the topic of the shot clock,” read an excerpt from Be the Referee: Why No Shot Clock posted to MHSAA’s official website. “There are some parts of the country that advocate the use of a shot clock. However, Michigan along with many of the other Midwest

continued from page 10

states, have opposed adding the shot clock to high school basketball.

“One reason is the feedback we get from our basketball coaches that the shot clock is not needed or necessary. That by adding this new rule, it would not improve or increase the level of play at the high school level. Plus, there are logistical considerations at all schools, that if used, the shot clock would have to have personnel to run that equipment correctly.”

Conversations and debates regarding shot clocks will continue for years to come but it appears MHSAA has made its stance clear. Don’t expect to see that change made any time soon.

Above are athletes from girls basketball and competitive cheerleading that were selected to the All-Conference teams for the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division during the 2023-24 winter sports season. Hannah Frees of Shelby was also selected for competitive cheer and will be featured in next week’s edition of The Oceana Echo, along with athletes from other sports and the West Michigan D League conference. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

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Montague FFA brings home statewide honors

Montague chapter named best in Michigan; Blake Herremans earns statewide individual award as well

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Montague High School’s FFA chapter is consistently among the best in the state, and the students and advisers in the chapter proved it again in February by earning the Top National Chapter award for Michigan.

Montague FFA members Anna Woller and Aurelia Ambriz led the presentation at the FFA state convention in Lansing to secure the award. The top three chapters in the state are invited to the convention each year to present their case for the chapter award - Montague was joined by Hopkins and Lapeer County’s chapters.

In addition to the chapter’s award, its engagement chair, Blake Herremans, was named State Star in Agricultural Placement at the convention.

The hours put in by FFA members certainly are worthy of recognition. On top of the actual activities the FFA participates in, Woller said she and Ambriz spent many hours putting together their presentation.

“We take a lot of pride in it,” Woller said of the chapter’s success at the state level. “We like to joke around with the other chapters about being the best chapter in the state. We get bragging rights, almost, for any argument we have another chapter. We take it really seriously.”

Woller said she and Ambriz were especially proud of not having a script

for the presentation, as one of the requirements on the FFA’s rubric for judging them was that they appear free-flowing and unscripted. She said in discussions with other chapters, she and Ambriz learned the other two presentations did have a script, which made them more confident theirs would be the chapter honored in the end.

Makenna Schwass is one of the FFA advisers on staff at Montague, along with Kate Feuerstein, Maddie Kaminski and Sherri Lemmen. She said the FFA’s activities include several that happen during school hours, such as the trips to Oehrli Elementary School to teach students about seeds and growing plants as part of a plant-

St. James fish fry a local staple during Lenten season

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

For the uninitiated, the huge gatherings of vehicles around St. James Catholic Church in Montague Friday nights in February and March can seem strange. Locals, though, know what it means: It’s fish fry time.

Starting the Friday before the Catholic holy season of Lent and taking place the next six Fridays after, the an-

nual St. James fish frys, presented by the Knights of Columbus, are famous occasions in the White Lake area. Hundreds of meals are sold to parishioners and community members alike. Meals are prepared in the days leading up to Fridays, including day-of breading of the main course, and sold from 4:30 to 7 p.m. for $16 per meal. Meals also in-

Fish fry

continued on page 2

ing exercise that produces flowers to give to moms on Mother’s Day. There are also those that take extracurricular time, like spending each year’s homecoming week collecting food, hygiene and other products to donate to the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Schwass said the chapter typically collects about 1,500 items to donate each year.

Community service is a common thread in the FFA’s activities, as seen in those donations as well as the Region 5 Rake-Up.

“Every chapter in Region 5 goes out in the fall and rakes up the leaves,” Schwass said. “We rake the cemetery here in Montague.”

FFA no longer officially stands for Future Farmers of America, but agriculture is still a focus for the group, and Herremans exemplifies that commitment as much as any student involved. In addition to being an officer for the school’s chapter, Herremans keeps very busy most of the year working on farms himself.

“Woller Shady Lane farms is a family farm, so I’m over there every day, 40 hours a week on top of my regular job,” Herremans said. “Hayes Cherry (Orchard) is a seasonal job, so I work

continued on page 2

North Grove’s knockout challenge welcomes new record holder

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

MONTAGUE — Last Monday, March 11, Nate Klein beat the “knockout challenge” at North Grove Brewers and created a new record, only a few weeks after professional eater Randy Santel became the first to beat the difficult challenge. The previous record by Santel was 44 minutes and 40 seconds. Klein set the new record at 39 minutes and 10 seconds.

North Grove introduced the challenge shortly after the new year as a means to introduce something fun, new and different to the White Lake community. The challenge consists of four different pizzas of the challenger’s choice and the restaurant’s Rocky IV sandwich. If a competitor completes the challenge in under 45 minutes, they get their name on the wall, along with other prizes and their meal getting paid for. If a competitor completes the challenge, but goes past the time frame, they get their name on the wall and all of the priz -

es, but they must pay for their meal.

For his pizzas, Klein chose the “Death

continued on page 3

Montague FFA presenters Aurelia Ambriz (left) and Anna Woller display the Montague chapter’s award for the best chapter in Michigan at the FFA convention in February.

• Courtesy Photo

A group of volunteers works to get meals ready during Friday’s fish fry at St. James Catholic Church. Roger Bart estimated that about 100 volunteers help put together the fish fry each week during the Catholic season of Lent. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Blake Herremans (center) celebrates his Star in Agricultural Placement award at the Montague FFA convention along with Montague superintendent Jeffrey Johnson and high school principal Christy Thommen. • Courtesy Photo

Professional competitive eater Nathan Klein celebrates his new record in the North Grove Brewers knockout challenge. Klein broke Randy Santel’s mark by over five minutes Monday, March 11.

• Courtesy Photo

Fish fry

clude potatoes (baked or French fries), coleslaw, a dinner roll and dessert.

According to Tom and Carol Bart, who head up the all-volunteer team that puts together each fish fry, 987 meals were served at the March 15 fry, and from past experience they know the final fish fry of the season - this time taking place March 22 - is usually the biggest of the season. They expect over 1,000 meals served to add to the about 5,300 that have been served at the previous six 2024 fish frys.

The Barts have run the St. James fish fry for eight years, and their involvement in it dates back over a decade. Their leadership has been fruitful both in the money the fish fry raises for various community functions - all fish fry money goes back into the community to help services such as the White Lake Giving Tree and Muskegon Pregnancy Services - and to the church’s trophy case. WZZM-TV stages an annual Fish Fry Frenzy, in which online votes determine the best fish fry in West Michigan, and St. James’ fish fry has been crowned winner three times in the last five years, most recently in 2021 and 2023.

This year, the fish fry fell one round short of WZZM’s “Fishy Four,” being eliminated by the Muskegon Bowmen Archery Club of Dalton Twp. Of course, the awards are far from the main reason the Barts run the fish frys, but gunning for bragging rights does add to the fun of the event.

“They get about 300 people to their fish fry, and talking with them, jibber-jabbering around about ‘We’re the best,’ ‘No, we’re the best,’ it’s more fun, a sideshow than anything,” Bart smiled. “We come together as neighbors and try to help one another. That’s the main thing.”

It’s a mission shared by the 100 or so volunteers that help the Barts put together each week’s fish fry; they take great pride in it being an all-volunteer event.

FFA awards

100 hours in those two weeks (of peak season).”

Only in the winters do things slow down enough for Herremans to enjoy other activities; this winter he played on the Wildcats’ varsity basketball team.

All that work filled the FFA criteria of what it calls Supervised Agricultural Experiences for Herremans’ award. When he was chosen as a top-6 applicant for the award, Herremans did a home interview with the FFA, and once selected to be in the top three, he went to Lansing Farm Bureau for more interviews that helped determine the

Fruitland Twp. officials have high hopes for Nestrom Park

By Steve Gunn White Lake Mirror Contributor

Fruitland Township officials have big improvement plans for the popular Nestrom Park, located next to the township hall on Nestrom Road.

They were hoping to finance the improvements all at once through a Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant they sought last year, but the application was not approved.

So township officials, still determined to upgrade the park, have decided to pursue the desired projects bit by bit, as funds become available.

The parking area is currently dirt, so the paving will be a big upgrade.

There is no schedule for the work to be completed, but Marcinkowski said he wants it to be “as soon as possible.”

“We are hoping for an April start with completion in May, in time for warm-weather use,” the supervisor said.

continued from page 1

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Preparations begin, Bart said, Wednesday mornings, when a group of about 15 makes the dessert portions of the meal, and Thursday brings another dozen or so to make more desserts. Later in the day, a setup crew of about 20 sets up and prepares tables in the dining area. Friday is fish day, and 25 people come in to prepare it. Friday nights are so hectic Bart doesn’t even know exactly how many help, but he estimated 40 between the kitchen, dining and carry-out areas. He’s been especially pleased with the surge of youth volunteer turnout the last couple of years.

“It’s really a good group of people that aren’t afraid to come forth and volunteer,” Bart said. “(Sometimes) people are afraid to come in and get wrapped up in something they can never get out of, and it’s not like that...People want to be there.

“That’s the other part of it. Besides just us giving the money to people, people are getting together as neighbors and friends. That’s why we’re blessed to have a ministry like this at St. James.”

Bart credits St. James pastor Fr. Peter Omogo for the culture of volunteerism that is on display not just in the fish fry but at other St. James activities.

“That’s what Fr. Peter impresses on us, is to get out there and help one another and try to be good Christians,” Bart said. “That’s what we try to do.”

continued from page 1

final winner along with fellow finalists Wade Messing of Ubly and Jordan Schave from North Huron.

Perhaps unsurprisingly after all that work, Herremans said he did not feel pressure during the interview process, knowing he had done the best he could. He did, though, say he was nervous waiting for the final results to be announced.

Herremans added to Montague’s history of individual success at the FFA convention; just last year, Tobias Morse earned the Star in Agriscience recognition.

“I met Blake as a squirrely, wide-

That process began Monday night, when the board unanimously voted to spend $67,600 to resurface and widen the “loop road” that runs throughout the park and $30,700 to pave a parking area near the back of the park near the tennis courts and picnic area.

There is a lot more on the board’s “to-do” list for the park, which has been well-maintained over the years but has not had any significant improvements for decades, according to township supervisor Jeff Marcinkowski.

That list includes, but is not limited to: A new flush toilet restroom facility to replace the current port-a-johns; resurfacing and reconfiguring two tennis courts into one tennis court and four pickleball courts; adding handicap-accessible walkways; installing electronic gates; and replacing worn sections of a chain link fence around the perimeter of the park.

Board members were hoping all of that would be funded through the DNR grant application, which sought approximately $850,000, and were disappointed when the money was not approved.

“A lot of time went into developing this (the park master plan), and when we didn’t get the grant it was like taking the wind out of our sails a little bit,” Marcinkowski said. “Then we asked ourselves, what can we do, and we are in the process of taking some of these elements and doing them piecemeal.”

Resurfacing of the “loop road” that circles through the park and paving the parking area near the tennis and picnic areas are good first steps, according to Marcinkowski.

The park road is starting to get worn down, and the resurfaced road will be widened from 10 to 11 feet, he said. The existing pavement on the road will be taken up, ground and reused as the base for the improved road, topped by new asphalt.

eyed seventh-grader whose mind and mouth both ran a million miles a minute,” Feuerstein said in a press release regarding Herremans’ award. “Watching Blake’s growth from that kid to a young adult who is fun, easygoing, committed and who gives his time to help younger members has been a treat for me.”

Woller credited the FFA advisers with helping everything run smoothly and helping guide the students to success.

“After every event, we have reflection sheets we fill out so incoming officers can see what they have to change for the next event,” Woller said. “A lot of our events are based on tradition, so they’ve been going on for many years before I was in the chapter. We

Nestrom Park has largely been known for its well-maintained baseball field for years. Last year the field was named in honor of the late Pete Sodini, a local baseball enthusiast who put in a lot of time developing and improving it over the years.

The field gets a lot of use. The North Muskegon High School baseball program uses it for practices during the spring, and the field is very busy with youth league games on summer weekends, Marcinkowski said.

The park also has other recreational options. There are picnic tables in the pavilions, a playground, shuffleboard courts, a horseshoe pit and a wooden stairway that leads down to the Duck Lake shoreline.

Future plans (part of the master plan) include adding two sand volleyball courts, finishing an existing youth soccer field, adding a fitness court and adding another picnic shelter.

“The idea is to give the park a shot of new life and make it more accessible to everybody,” he said. “We want to give it a facelift for the next 20 years or so.”

The township board’s top remaining priorities are the construction of the modern restroom facility and the reconfiguration of the current tennis courts into a combined tennis/pickleball facility, Marcinkowski said.

The current activities at the park already draw big crowds during warm-weather months, and new features will attract more people, making certain park improvements, like the new restroom facility, pretty important. That’s why Marcinkowski included $80,000 for the restroom upgrade in the fiscal 2024 general fund budget, which is expected to be approved by the board next week.

The budget is simply a spending plan, however, and the board would have to specifically approve the restroom upgrade for it to happen.

“When it’s really busy at the park on those game days, with 200 or more people plus the teams, the port-ajohns take quite a bit of abuse,” Marcinkowski said.

know what goes well in those events and we know how to run it smoothly and make it successful.”

The entryway of St. James Catholic Church fills with people during Friday’s fish fry. Almost 1,000 meals were sold at the fish fry. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

St. James Catholic Church welcomes everyone to its Friday fish frys during the Lenten season.

Blake Herremans (center) receives his Star in Agricultural Placement award at the Montague FFA convention in late February. • Courtesy Photo

Echoes of History: Early history of Whitehall (pt. 1)

In 1890s, Whitehall 7th-graders submitted their takes on early

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

A suggestion by Ed. J. Smith, Editor and Publisher of The Whitehall Forum, appeared in the newspaper Nov. 7, 1895, for the school teachers to act upon.

“It is the writing up by the pupils of the several district schools a history of each district, going back as far as it is possible to get data,” Smith wrote. “The scholars in the several districts in one county of this state are taking hold of the matter earnestly, and all old settlers are being interviewed. The result could be a series of very interesting articles. This movement is the first of its kind ever attempted in Michigan. The Forum will gladly publish these articles if this suggestion is acted upon.”

The following is the first of a series of essays written by the pupils of the seventh grade of the Whitehall School, on the subject of the early history of Whitehall. As the Forum had suggested the idea, they were not only glad to see that it had been adopted but was pleased to publish the efforts of the young historians. The article appeared in the Forum Jan. 9, 1896.

Written

by Irving Nelson, Age 11:

The village of Whitehall is very beautifully situated at the head of White Lake and is separated from Montague by White River. The village was incorporated in 1867 and I. E. Carleton was elected first president.

The first sawmill was owned by Charles Mears and the first steam mill was built by Capt. Dalton in 1867. The first store was owned by

history

Charles Mears and was sold to Albert Mears in 1861, who is running it still. The first printing office was started by Benjamin Frank in 1869. The first doctor was J. A. Wheeler and then Dr. Mizner, Dr. Squires and Drs. Marvin, Gaylord, Johnson, Carr, etc.

The fire department was organized in 1864, of which H. E. Staples was chief. The first bridge across to Montague was built by W. H. Parks in 1864. The tannery was built in 1866. The first telegraph office and depot was opened in 1867; P. I. Hedges being manager. The post office was opened in 1862 and Albert Mears was the postmaster. At this time Whitehall had 1,000 inhabitants, 10 sawmills, six stores, three hotels and one tannery.

In 1881 there was a fire which burned most of the town. At 2 a.m. Saturday, July 30, the night watchman of Linderman’s mill saw the flames and gave the alarm. In a little while, the fire engines of Whitehall and Montague were at work. The fire burned away all the wooden buildings on both sides of Colby Street, a space of about five acres in the central part of the town being entirely destroyed. The loss was about $150,000 and the insurance was about $54,000. The next night the depot burned, which was not a very great loss as it was the worst-looking depot in the world. The town was now rebuilt, however, with brick instead of wood.

The first schoolhouse was a log building also used for a church. In 1867 the second school house was built, called the “Brown School” and had room for 50 pupils. It has now

been changed to Skeels’ bakery. In 1870 the school was graded into Primary, Grammar and High School. In 1876 Prof. Slayton began to be Superintendent and through his hard labor came much of the success of our school.

The following, which appeared Jan. 16, 1896, is the second of the series of essays by the pupils of the seventh grade of the Whitehall School.

Written by Bessie Edlund, Age 12:

In April 1837, Messrs. Charles and Albert Mears with two men, True and Herrick, made their memorable journey from Paw Paw to White Lake. Charles Mears in 1837 built the old water mill, now removed, on White Lake near where the Wilcox company’s mill stood. About 1859, Charles Mears built a store and the same year Whitehall was platted and all west of the railway was John Hanson’s wheat field.

S. C. Hall, a wealthy lumberman of Muskegon, carried the first mail afoot. On the following 4th of July, there was a great celebration at the “Mouth”. Mr. Hulbert, the hotel keeper, furnished a salt pork dinner, after which there was a swimming match.

In 1853 White River Township was organized. The first schooner that entered the

Montague social district set for April 1 opening day

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

MONTAGUE — After almost a year of preparing and attempting to create a social district in downtown Montague, the City of Montague has officially announced the opening date of their social district.

The social district will open Monday, April 1. Participating restaurants include North Grove Brewers, Sawyers Brewing Company, The Book Nook and Java Shop, and Jimmy’s Pub. Although the City of Montague has granted these restaurants permission to begin participating April 1, some restaurants may wait until the weather gets warmer to participate.

Also at Monday’s meeting, city manager Jeff Auch shared that the Muskegon Sportfishing Association has donated $5,000 to the fish-clean-

ing station upgrade. The upgrades are estimated to be completed by May 1.

In an effort to save paper and become more eco-friendly, the city council will be issued Google Chromebooks soon, rather than the monthly printed council packets. The idea was initially proposed at January’s city council meeting. Mayor Tom Lohman offered the idea of a “trial run,” with one Chromebook to see how it works and if council members like it. Although the proposal received support from numerous council members, including Lisa Kiel, Ken Mahoney and Laura LaGuire, others were skeptical and said they like taking notes on the paper packets.

Council members are not required to use the Chromebooks, but they will become available for those wishing to participate.

Piers at the Mouth was the “Telegraph.”

Miss Hazelton started the first (private) school in all White River, and about 1855 Whitehall had become a lively town. In 1881 the first great fire occurred in Whitehall on the 30th of July. The loss was about $150,000.

The churches are chiefly on one street and are built of wood. They are the Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist Episcopal, Wesleyan, Baptist (without a pastor), Swedish Lutheran, Norwegian and Swedish Mission. The old Mears’ House was built by John Gustavus.

The Eagle Tannery, which is a large and prosperous institution, lies between Covell’s and Alley & Co’s. sawmills. It has a capital of $175,000. It makes a specialty of preparing leather for book-binding and pocketbooks, and it is the only works in the state that engages in such work. It was built in 1866, sold to Austin & Freeman in 1868; to Michigan Leather Co. in 1870, and to Eagle Tanning Works in 1871. Among those who have worked there for about 20 years or more are: H. Zellars, J. Samuelson, A. Shelander and Aug. Edlund.

The fire department was established in 1873. The fire engine, which was bought in

New record

from Above,” “King of Sting,” chicken bacon ranch, and the “I Must Break You.”

Klein has been competing in food challenges for six years.

“I really liked the show Man versus Food and always wanted to try one of these challenges,” Klein said. “In 2018, I tried one, a Team Pizza challenge with my brother-in-law. Then I tried a donut eating contest, which I got second place in. I figured I was going to be somebody that just never was able to win. One day on my lunch break, I went to a local pub and won their three-pound burger challenge. After that, I started doing them once a weekend and things quickly took off.”

Klein stated he has wins in all 50 states and plans to continue competing as a professional eater. To prepare, he essentially stretches his stomach through a high-volume, low-calorie meal the day before and drinks at

1874, cost $7,500. Hon. H. E. Staples was elected president and Fred Hinman, engineer. The engine is of great advantage and in 1881 it saved the whole east end of the town. Whitehall has now a splendid system of waterworks.

Whitehall has a very good school. The schoolhouse is situated in the central part of the town, and it contains 12 grades.

Some of the pioneers are:

Charles Mears, born at Billerica, Mass. 1814. Albert Mears, who came here in 1837. He was the first post-master, and afterwards a merchant. Mr. G. C. Slocum was born at Saratoga in 1808. He came here in 1859. His great-grandfather

Jonathan Slocum, who was a Quaker, was among the sufferers by the Wyoming Massacre, and was killed by Indians in 1778. Hon. E. T. Slocum was born in Trenton in 1839.

Charles Johnson, who is a shingle mill owner, was born in Sweden in 1826 and came here in 1854. Col. W. Weston was born in Madison, Wis. in 1810, and came here in 1857. Hon. C. C. Thompson was born at Beckmantown, N.Y. He settled at Whitehall in 1857. There are a great many more who came a little later.

continued from page 1

least half a gallon of water.

“I am obviously an experienced individual doing this,” said Klein. “I always put a disclaimer out there that I never recommend anybody try this because it can be dangerous.”

North Grove co-owner RJ Nordlund found Klein on Facebook and messaged him, offering the challenge.

“I went there with intensity, knowing the record holder, who is actually a friend of mine,” Klein said of Santel. “There’s always been a friendly banter between us over the years. When I got towards the end, I knew I had a really good chance of winning. I just continued to focus on the end goal. When I saw the finished time, I finished 4-5 minutes before Randy and of course felt pretty good about it.”

The old Whitehall Tannery was a fixture in the city early in its history.

• Courtesy Photo

WHITEHALL • MONTAGUE • REETHS - PUFFER Lake

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Rockets eye growth after opening defeat

Young R-P squad blanked by East Grand Rapids, last year’s D-2 runner-up

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer certainly wanted to win Wednesday’s season opener against returning Division 2 runner-up East Grand Rapids, but coach Kody Harrell looked at the matchup as “a win-win” for his team.

“You either surprise people and turn some heads and win the game or you get to play a very quality opponent,” Harrell said after the Rockets took a 4-0 defeat. “We get some high-level film to grow off of now, and that’s a win for us.

“I’m a competitive guy. I’m playing to win every game, but there’s a difference between expectations and goals. The expectation is not to beat a team like EGR right now with this youth. The goal is to (beat them), because we believe in the talent...But we’re young, and playing under the lights in a big game like this in your first high school game is something you’ve got to get used to.”

The Rockets were a veteran group last year, led by experienced stars like Sophia Hekkema, Billie Tryska, Ava Klopp, Brooke Bradley and several others. Those players have graduated, and in many cases it’s not yet determined who exactly will replace their production - nor was it expected to be this early.

“Our big slogan this year is to

compete by committee,” Harrell said. “We’ve got a committee of girls. We’ve got four or five girls that we’re going to be leaning heavily on. Jaslynn Kops and Ashlyn David gave us some amazing minutes up there as freshmen. I think those are some girls that’ll be putting the ball in the net as the season goes on. Ashley Bradley’s a sophomore. Abby Hill’s a sophomore. Those are some girls that started the game at the striker and left winger positions. Those four girls, along with a handful of others, they’ll be scoring some goals this year. But I just listed four underclassmen.”

Despite the inexperience - 11 of the 21 players on Wednesday’s roster were playing their first varsity games - the Rockets showed some exciting signs of things to come, mainly in their grit. While EGR largely controlled play and

Girls hoopsters reel in 5 first team all-conference awards

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Five local players earned first team all-conference honors in girls basketball this winter to cap this year’s action on the court.

Whitehall and Reeths-Puffer led the way with two first-teamers each. Vikings Kendall Osborne and Lexi Daggett were named to the first team of the West Michigan Conference Lakes, and Brooklynn Tornes and Irelyn Niklasch were part of the first team in the O-K Green Conference.

Osborne enjoyed a solid bounceback campaign after missing almost all of her junior season at Montague due to a knee injury. Transferring to Whitehall this year, Osborne led the Vikings in rebounds, assists and steals while ranking second to Daggett in scoring. She averaged 10.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, as well as over three steals.

Daggett was Whitehall’s top scorer in 2023-24 and top long-distance threat, connecting on 45 percent of her three-point attempts. She posted 12.4 points and five rebounds per game and was also the team’s best free throw

shooter, at 71 percent.

For Reeths-Puffer, Tornes was the driving force, leading the Rockets in scoring every game she played. De-

generated more scoring chances, R-P was largely equal to the task of turning them aside. Of the Pioneers’ goals, one came on a 40-yard lob shot that would’ve been hard to defend under any circumstance, another was a penalty kick after a foul in the box, and a third came completely by accident - an attempted cross that instead somehow sailed into the net. The first goal came directly off a corner, with Madeline Horenziak heading it in - a sign of the team’s inexperience, with Harrell ruefully noting that the team focused on defending corner kicks all week in practice.

Still, that the goals were the results of either flukes or correctable mistakes was, in its way, a reason for optimism. The Rockets were not outclassed; they did in fact create a few chances of their

Seven from area earn all-league first team

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

All-conference boys basketball awards were announced last week, with local players racking up honors.

It comes as no surprise that Whitehall junior Camden Thompson highlighted the awards after another spectacular statistical season. Thompson was voted the #1 player in the West Michigan Conference Lakes and improved to 3-for-3 in all-conference first team recognition. Once they are announced in April, an all-state nod is seemingly assured after Thompson earned those each of his first two seasons as well.

Thompson’s scoring average actually dipped slightly from his 202223 average of 23.6 points per game to 20.7 this season, a likely reflection of the improved work from Viking teammates. However, his rebounding numbers decidedly did not dip, as Thompson grabbed 17 rebounds per game. He

own late. They just aren’t the complete versions of themselves yet.

Opening defeat continued on page 5

Reeths-Puffer’s Gracie Callender (16) goes down while trying to keep East Grand Rapids’ Avery Leete away from the ball during Wednesday’s opening game at R-P.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer’s Alyse Cox (right) keeps a close eye on East Grand Rapids’ Addison Behler during Wednesday’s season opener at R-P. The Rockets lost the game, 4-0.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer’s Irelyn Niklasch (left) and East Grand Rapids’ Gracie Lynn vie for the ball during Wednesday’s game at R-P. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Atchison Ambrose

Raeth Koehler

Niklasch

Daggett

Pranger

Osborne

Opening defeat

“Being in D-1, the whole goal is not going to be the record or where we sit in the conference,” Harrell said. “It’s going to be, are we truly playing our best soccer come the middle of May?”

A key factor in that will be the play of keeper Sara Carlson. Harrell said the sophomore Carlson won an open competition to replace four-year keeper Klopp. She has huge shoes to fill, but Harrell saw bright spots from her too.

“Sara’s done a great job,” Harrell said. “She was amazing (in our scrimmage) on Saturday, and we know she’ll make those saves and she’ll continue to get her bearings and get situated and get comfortable. She had a lot of other good saves tonight, too, that she came out (to get) that they could’ve

easily scored on.”

continued from page 4

Things probably don’t get much easier; Harrell said this year’s schedule might be the most difficult he’s seen since coaching in the girls program. However, he’s looking forward to seeing how the team grows together over the course of the season.

“For me it’s just to continue to see that growth, continue to see them playing with the passion and love for the game that I know they have,” Harrell said. “The wins will come. The goals will come. Losing to East Grand Rapids by four is not the end of the world, because there’s going to be a handful of other teams that probably lose to them by three or four as well.”

All-league girls

continued from page 4

All-league boys

also passed out 4.8 assists per game.

Thompson, who became Whitehall’s all-time leading scorer in January, was also named as a ‘watch list’ player for the 2025 Michigan Mr. Basketball award, which is open only to seniors. (This year’s award went to Durral Brooks of Grand Rapids Catholic Central, who played against the Vikings in the 2022 regional championship game.)

Joining Thompson on the first team were Kal Koehler, making his second straight appearance on that list, and Ca’Mar Ready. Koehler averaged 12 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Vikings, and Ready ranked third on the team in scoring with 9.6 points per game.

scoring in almost every game the team played this season, and often they were the top two scorers.

continued from page 4

Whitaker

Reeths-Puffer’s top duo, Travis Ambrose and Jaxson Whitaker, also received first team awards, being recognized by the O-K Green Conference for the third season in a row. The pair led the Rockets to a share of the conference title.

spite being the main focus of every team’s defense, Tornes proved efficient and relentless in guiding the Rockets to competitive showings throughout the season, even against the elite teams on the schedule.

What Tornes was for R-P scoring, Niklasch was for rebounding. The senior forward often posted double digits on the boards and was at times a strong second scoring option for the Rockets as well.

Montague’s Addison Pranger earned first team all-conference accolades too, and was the Wildcats’ leading scorer for the season. She scored as many as 19 points, doing so against strong opponents Fremont and Manistee, and posted multiple double-doubles on the year.

Tornes

Braylyn Bultema picked up honorable mention in the WMC Lakes, battling back from an early-season injury to become a reliable scoring and rebounding option for the Wildcats.

Rothbury council moves forward with Czarny Park grant request

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

ROTHBURY — The Rothbury village council voted to move forward in pursuit of two separate state grants Tuesday night in hopes of revitalizing Czarny Park.

After a lengthy discussion, the council determined it would pursue its ‘complete’ plan, the most ambitious of the three potential plans put forward at the March 5 special meeting, and apply for a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The council also voted to apply for the less-lucrative Passport Grant, which would provide enough money to help the village with “just the nuts and bolts” of its revitalization plan for the park. Both applications are due April 1, which is why the decision had to be made Tuesday, the council’s final meeting prior to that date.

The council noted that Prein & Newhof passed along updated quotes to account for tweaks made to the plan, including nixing the original idea of paving the gravel parking area and cutting from two playgrounds to one. The two changes lowered the original estimate by about $100,000 from its original mark of nearly $1 million.

It was noted that preliminary DNR grant scores will be released in the fall and will show the village where it stands among other applicants, allowing it the chance to prioritize which grant it feels more likely to receive at that point and adjust its proposal accordingly.

During discussion, the council conceded its current grant proposal’s score of 265 was lower than that of any grant

recipients in the last cycle, so its odds may be long. Trustee Denise Kurdziel said regardless of whether the village receives any grants, the council would like to see work done on the park and could allocate funds accordingly if it comes to that.

Dan Zuniga, owner of the Danny’Z Rothbury Tavern, made a public comment to offer the suggestion of building a disc golf course on the 10-acre parcel the council recently authorized funds to purchase. He reasoned it would not be expensive to build such a course and it would likely increase the grant score.

The council also discussed a potential village-wide trash pickup contract. The village solicited bids earlier this year, and the consensus seemed to be in favor of Kuerth’s Disposal in Twin Lake. However, there were some particulars the council was not clear about, especially involving a potential addition of recycling to the contract, and treasurer Deb Murphy said she would reach back out for more details.

Multiple public commenters discussed the Electric Forest’s recent announcement that it would no longer provide four-day festival passes to Rothbury residents who live close enough to the festival to qualify. The Forest announced this week that residents are able to register online to receive a one-day pass for the Sunday of the festival, scheduled for June 23-26. They will also have the option to upgrade the admission to a four-day pass at a discount. One commenter asked if this was discussed during the Forest’s recent contract renewal process; there was no reply.

Whitehall achieved a program milestone this year by having all five of its starters pick up all-conference recognition in some form. DJ Jamison and Kyle Stratton each received honorable mention in the WMC Lakes, averaging 6.7 and 4.9 points per game respectively.

Montague’s senior stars Owen Raeth and Isaiah Atchison also were named WMC Lakes first-teamers after helping the Wildcats to a 13-10 record. One of the two led the Wildcats in

Whitaker became the Rockets’ all-time leading scorer late in the season. His 31 points in a 67-64 win over Holland in February helped R-P bring home the conference title. Ambrose didn’t dial up as many three-pointers as the hot-shooting Whitaker, but he was also a standout, especially in a 32-point, 15-rebound effort in a January win over Mona Shores.

Marvin Moore joined the Rocket duo as an honorable mention in the O-K Green, emerging during the season as a reliable third scoring option. The sophomore projects as one of the centerpieces for next season’s team.

Whitehall board honors wrestling team, approves new purchases

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall school board approved several purchases Monday night at its monthly board meeting, including two school buses, a group of emergency communications items, and marching band uniforms.

The buses, purchased from National Bus Sales, come at a cost of $146,045. They are used buses, but superintendent Jerry McDowell said the district’s mechanic looked over both buses and said they were in excellent condition. The board also originally planned to purchase a special-education bus, but McDowell said the bus wouldn’t have been ready until July 2025, so that purchase will be moved to the 2025-26 school year.

The emergency communications purchase totaled $58,808 from Chrouch Communications and included five mobile desktop units that give the school the ability to directly contact county dispatch personnel in the event of an emergency, hopefully improving response time. There are also radios included in the purchase outfitted with a button to directly contact dispatch if needed. The board noted the purchase follows the recommendation of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, which in turn reflected policies in place at Kent County schools.

The emergency equipment was, McDowell said, part of last year’s failed bond proposals, but the school will make the purchase out of either the existing general fund or technology and security funds.

The third major purchase Monday

was 70 band uniforms from Stanbury Uniforms at a total cost of $36,528.80. Assistant superintendent CJ Van Wieren reported in a letter to the board that Stanbury stood out among a field of three companies he reached out to due to the quality and design of the uniforms. He specifically noted that Stanbury’s design did not include buttons, viewed as a positive because buttons could create logistical issues with certain instruments. McDowell added the agreement includes the option to purchase more uniforms at the same per-uniform price if needed; marching band boosters reported the band is on track to potentially have 100-plus members within the next few years. McDowell also credited trustee Paula Martin with securing a $10,000 donation from the White Lake Area Women to help defray the costs of the purchase.

The board also performed its yearly evaluation of McDowell, unanimously rating him ‘highly effective’ using the standard rubric used for such evaluations. Board president Rachel Fekken said opinions were exchanged among the board but a consensus was quickly reached among participating members. Earlier in the meeting, Fekken was recognized for achieving the level 3 award of distinction by the state association of school boards.

The Whitehall wrestling team was recognized for its state runner-up season, with several team members at the meeting. Also in attendance were head coach Justin Zeerip and assistant coach Craig Christensen, who received commendations for their awards as Division 3 regional head coach and assistant coach of the year respectively.

Whitehall’s wrestling team was honored by the school board at its Monday meeting for its state runner-up finish in 2024. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Police activity this week

Behind the Badge

March 14

The SRO was called to the high school when a student was caught with a vape device. The principal had first been contacted by a bus driver who believed a student was using the vape on the bus. When the 16-year-old was confronted about the vape, he further admitted it was a marijuana vape. The device tested positive for THC and the SRO cited the Dalton Township student for MIP of marijuana as part of the 8:01 a.m. call.

At 4:48 p.m. Whitehall Police responded with White Lake Fire to a report of a grass fire in a wooded area. When the officer arrived, the fire was already extinguished, and he spoke to two youths that reported the fire. The 12- and 13-year-old boys told the investigator they were walking in the area behind their residences and found the fire. The boys said after attempting and failing to put out the fire with rocks and dirt, they returned to their homes to call 911. No further action was taken.

A disruptive student at the high school resulted in a call to the SRO at 12:37 p.m. The principal had been speaking with the student in the office when the student made a vulgar comment to the principal and left the office to return to his classroom. When contacted there to return to the office, the 15-year-old refused. The SRO arrived and assisted in escorting the student to the office and the student later went home with his mother.

Whitehall Police were called to the 500 block of Slocum St. to check on a parent that appeared to be intoxicated. The woman said she wanted to be sure the school released her child to the designated pick-up person. At the end of the 3:29 p.m. call, the child was released and the officer transported the mother to her home, as it was raining and a breath test showed her to be nearly three times the legal limit for alcohol.

March 15

A tablet computer was turned into Whitehall Police at 9:48 a.m. The officer recharged the computer and, using information from the login screen and a photograph there, the owner was idenified. The computer was taken to the owner at their residence.

At 3:34 p.m. the school transportation department called because they had a student and could not contact the parent. The officer went to an address in the 7400 block of Whitehall Rd. and located the mother. She told the officer she had lost track of time and was not at the stop to get her chid.

March 16

A 1:37 a.m. traffic stop for speed-

ing led to the passenger being cited for possession of narcotics equipment. The officer’s report noted he was observing traffic on White Lake Drive when the speeding vehicle was spotted and stopped at Blank Road. During the subsequent investigation, the 57-yearold passenger was found to have a drug pipe in his pocket. The Fruitland Township man was released after being cited for the offense.

March 17

A 60-year-old Whitehall man was arrested for trespassing and resisting police after causing a disturbance at a church. Police were called at 9:49 a.m. after the man arrived and, appearing intoxicated, was asked to leave but refused. According to the police report, the suspect picked up a tray of cookies in the foyer and was trying to enter the sanctuary when church staff stopped him. When officers attempted to coax the man to leave, he refused, and when officers attempted to escort him out, he pulled away and grabbed a tray of cookies again. The Whitehall officer, with the assistance of a Montague officer, attempted to take the suspect into custody and he began to pull away and had to be wrestled to the ground to be handcuffed. The suspect was lodged at the Muskegon County jail.

An officer on patrol at 6:24 p.m. stopped a vehicle for a loud exhaust and later arrested the passenger for outstanding warrants. During the stop, the officer asked the passenger for his name but the man was reluctant to give it, saying there was a “petty” warrant for him. When pressed, he said it might be a “big” warrant. The 30-year-old

was taken into custody and a computer check showed two warrants for his arrest, including a parole violation. The officer questioned the Egelston Township man about recent drug use, which led to the questioning of the driver. The police report noted the officer observed suspicious behavior by the 25-year-old driver, who later turned over a drug pipe to the officer. A subsequent search led to the discovery of a second pipe in the vehicle. Both the man and the Newaygo woman were cited for possession of narcotics equipment. The man was later turned over to Newaygo County deputies.

March 18

High school staff reported two vape violations to the SRO. The violations had occurred Friday at the middle school. In both cases, the principal was told by other students that the suspected students had vape devices. When confronted by the principal, both students admitted to having vape devices and surrendered them. Both students were 13 years old, with one being a female and the other a male. Both were cited by the SRO and parents were notified.

March 19

The SRO was called at 12:28 p.m. to assist with a student that was being disruptive and uncooperative. The principal reported to the SRO that the 15-year-old had been asked to hand over their phone and had refused with a vulgar response and went into the bathroom. The student was cooperative with the SRO, who transported the girl home to her mother.

Local children concoct leprechaun traps

• Andy Roberts and Amy Roberts/Mirror

Share your feedback with the White Lake library

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

We are looking for community feedback as we develop our strategic plan, and we want to hear from you! The survey is brief - we just want a few minutes of your time to let us know your thoughts about the library’s current services and facilities and what you’d like to see in the coming years. The online survey can be found on our website and at bit.ly/wlclSurvey2024. Paper copies are available at the library as well. The survey will be open until April 13. Thanks in advance for your participation – we look forward to hearing from you!

Library Closed Friday, March 29

The library will be closed Friday, March 29. We will be open on Saturday for our normal hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will also be open Monday through Saturday of spring break week, so bring the kids and grand-

kids to check out some STEAM toys, themed backpacks, musical instruments, and more to keep them active and learning during the school break. The Children’s Corner and loft are always available during open hours, too. Read on for information about the special activities we have planned for the week as well.

FUN FACT: The library’s three beautiful tongue drum instruments

have been checked out a total of 70 times in just 18 months. At three weeks per borrow, that means on average they each have been checked out for about 70 out of 80 weeks!

Spring Break

Fun @ Your Library

There’s a lot going on for kids at the library the week of April 1! In addition to our usual Baby Time and Play & Learn programs Friday morning, we are offering three special events just for kids. The first is a free kids’ matinee movie at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 4. Please call the library at 231-894-9531 or visit the library calendar at wlclib. org/calendar to learn about the film being shown. There is no charge to at-

tend and registration is not required.

Thursday, April 4, at 4:30 p.m., we’re having a Tech Take Apart event. Armed with a screwdriver and protected by goggles, kids age 10 and up are invited to dismantle some old computers. We’ll discover how they are built and what is inside. Safety glasses and small tools will be provided. Feel free to bring any other old electronics you’d like to take apart. This event is free and registration is not required.

Friday, April 5, at 2 p.m. kids age 12 and up can put their racing skills to the test in our first-ever library Mario Kart tournament. Racers will compete in races to prove their skill and earn the title of White Lake Community Library Mario Kart Champion. Registration is required for this event. Please visit wlclib.org/calendar to let us know you are coming.

Whitehall Police Report

Walking audit the next step for Montague in pursuit of Safe Routes to School grant

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The city of Montague is pursuing a Safe Routes to School grant that, if approved, would fund improvements and additions to the city’s sidewalk infrastructure.

The next step in that process is conducting a walking/biking audit to assess the safety of the routes Montague students take to school. The audit is scheduled to take place Monday, March 25 from 4 to 6 p.m., with a rain date of Tuesday, March 26. The audit will include small groups walking six to eight blocks near Oehrli Elementary School and identifying potential safety hazards, followed by a group discussion.

The Safe Routes to School program is a federal one, said school director of business affairs Stacey Brown. The grants are given to municipalities, not school districts, but the Montague district is collaborating with the city on the initiative. Brown said the district’s principals, city manager Jeff Auch and other city representatives will be part of the walking audit. (An attempt to reach Auch for further comment was unsuccessful.)

“We will conduct audits for both our elementary and secondary students,” Brown said. “What kind of barriers are there? What kind of safety issues are there that would need to be improved to make their travel to and from school more enjoyable and safer? From there, our grant coordinator will take all that information and work with the city on the next steps.”

The city is very early in what will be a long process. If all goes as planned, Brown said, sidewalk construction would begin in summer 2026. The grants can be for up to $300,000 per school building, so for

Montague, which has four (the area childhood center plus elementary, middle and high schools), the maximum grant award for the city would be $1.2 million.

“It is quite a lengthy process,” Brown said. “After the walking audit, you’ll get engineers and a whole bunch of other Michigan departments involved (regarding) ADA compliance and a whole slew of things.”

Whatever the city’s initial ideas are for the potential grant money, Brown noted they would have to mesh with the findings of the audit to determine the next steps, should the city be awarded money.

“We’re looking to see what part of our routes are conducive to having students walk to school right now, and what sidewalks produce barriers for students who want to walk or bike to school, and improving those barriers with these grant funds,” Brown said. “(We want) to make our walking and biking routes to school safer and more user-friendly for all students.”

The first step towards this grant was taken last fall, when the school district sent out an email survey to parents in the district asking for information about the way their children travel to school. Brown said the data was collected “behind the scenes” and the district has not been made privy to the results.

Brown said feedback from parents, as far as she knows, was not a major factor regarding the city pursuing the grant.

“To my knowledge, we didn’t hear a lot of feedback from parents regarding walkability and things of that sort,” Brown said. “I don’t know what spurred the city to go forward with this. It may have been just a great opportunity to improve our sidewalk infrastructure.”

Long-ago games of cribbage a fond memory in busy modern world

By Jerry Mattson White Lake Mirror Contributor

“Fifteen two, fifteen four, that’s all there is, there ain’t no more,” said my dad, as he moved his peg four holes forward on the cribbage board.

The scene was nearly always the same; people sitting around the kitchen table, often at night, but during the day on weekends or holidays. The “usual” players were me, my brother Jim, my dad, cousin Howard, Uncle Jim and Uncle Bill. When other couples visited, the men would usually join in. Grandma sometimes played the game with her grandkids.

Uncle Jim made the cribbage board we used from an oak table leaf. He had a drill press and created several of them from that same piece of wood.Brass pegs, made from a brazing rod, were stored in a hole in the side of the board that was covered by a small piece of tin can attached with a screw.

“Looks like a 19 hand to me,” Uncle Jim might say, trying to suppress a grin as the other player continued to survey his cards, attempting to come up with a combination that would total 15, for two points. (For the uninitiated, 19 is an impossible score, equal to zero.)

This was part of the entertainment in a rural U. P. household near Manistique in the 1950s. The men would often have a couple of beers during the games and maybe a ‘bump’ or two from the Seagram’s 7 Crown bottle. The boys would drink Orange Crush from ribbed, brown bottles. Sometimes Mom or Grandma would pop some corn in a large kettle on the stove.

During the games, the men often retold escapades of their younger years, much to the delight of us kids. This happened only when the women were not in the kitchen. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure the games were all that important. It may have been just being together that made it worthwhile. It was always the best two out of three and then a challenger took on the win-

ner for the next two or three games. If there were at least six players available, we played in teams of two.

“Well, let’s see if we can skunk you guys again.”

Although no scores were written down, some facts from an earlier game might be brought up later. Most often, this was having been skunked or - heaven forbid - DOUBLE SKUNKED. On a one-to-one basis, past failings were not brought up, but if you had played ‘partners’, that was a different story, as much ribbing took place.

When finished counting up points, you might hear someone say, “Have you got all you want?” That meant you had missed some points and it was usually dad telling his son to do a recount. Other opponents would just say, “And I’ll take two points for nubs.” (If the Jack in a person’s hand matched the suit of the card turned up on the deck, it was “Nubs”, good for two points, and often overlooked.)

It was fun back then. There was some thinking involved when deciding which cards to discard when it was your ‘crib’. Near the end of the game, it was important to keep good ‘pegging’ (low numbered) cards in your hand. These were just some elements of the game we liked to play.

That was part of how we “stood it,” as in, “Grandpa, how could you stand it without TV, CDs and iPods?”

The cribbage board followed me to college, but pretty much stayed in a drawer. There were too many other things to do. In years to come, it became tough to find anyone who knew how to play the game. The board now rests in a corner of a desk drawer where it has been stored, unused, for many years.

“Fifteen two, fifteen four, five, six, seven and a pair makes nine. Gotcha.”

Nothing seemed better at the time.

A version of this story was published in the May/June 2015 issue of Senior Perspectives.