The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 44, March 29, 2024

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$23.7M water improvements project advancing in Hesperia

By Scott Kroepel The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

The Village of Hesperia had an open house Saturday, March 23, at the Village Hall to help answer public questions about their planned $23.7 million water system improvements project.

The project will be funded by grants totaling approximately $20 million, along with a low-interest loan for the remaining balance, which will include a new well, water treatment plant, water mains, water meter replacements, lead service line replacements and improvements to the elevated water storage tank.

According to the Grand Rapids firm Fleis & VandenBrink, the consultants and engineers for the project, the design work is approximately 60 percent complete as of March 2024.

The most visible parts of the design process have largely been completed: topographic surveys, soil borings and “potholing” work to identify service line materials. Fleis & VandenBrink is also in the process of evaluating potential well sites and developing plans and specifications for the various parts of the project.

The estimated timeline for the water main project is:

• Design work for the new water main, service lines, meters and storage tank improvements will be completed in April.

• Permitting work for the water main replacement and storage tank improvements will be completed, and advertising for the bids will begin in May.

• Design work for the well and treatment plant will be completed in June, along with the opening of the bids.

After the bids are received, the project scope may be adjusted to align with the funding, and the construction contract will be awarded in July.

• Permitting work for the well and treatment plant will also be completed in July.

• Closing for the loan portion of the funding will take place in August.

• Construction on portions of the project could begin as early as November 2024.

• The majority of the water main replacement work is anticipated to be completed in the 2025 construction season (April–November).

• The final completion date for the project is anticipated to be in spring 2026.

The project is being funded through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program and incorporates several funding sources, such as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The village is also receiving a $3.7 million low-interest loan from the DWSRF program, which was 1 percent over 30–40 years, according to Village President Mike Farber.

Repayment of the loan is expected to require a “mod-

est increase” in water rates, which were last increased in 2011.

The new drinking water well will replace Well No. 3, which has been out of service since PFAS was detected with levels exceeding the State of Michigan’s Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for drinking water, in early 2023.

The new iron removal plant will remove iron and concerns with odor, taste, and color from drinking water pumped from both Well No. 1 and No. 2, along with the new well.

Additional upgrades included in the project are:

• About 17,000 feet of aging asbestos water mains will be replaced with new, larger lines for better flow, fire protection, water quality and water flushing capabilities.

• Replace 163 outdated residential and 61 commercial water meters with new meters that provide radio remote reading capabilities.

• Replace service lines to alleviate concerns over lead and to meet the State of Michigan’s EGLE requirement that communities replace a minimum of 5 percent of lead service lines annually, ahead of the state-mandated 2040 deadline, protecting the health and safety of village residents.

• Interior and exterior improvements to the elevated water storage tank, including new paint, and other repairs and maintenance such as replacing discharge screens and the roof vent.

“We’re excited to assist the village in this ‘once-in-a-generation’ scale project,” said Jon Moxey, Fleis & VandenBrink’s engineer and project manager. “The water improvement project will address all high-priority areas of need in the village.”

Shelby Village receives updates on Wesco expansion, Getty Field

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

SHELBY - Monday, the Village of Shelby had its first meeting since the departure of former Village Administrator Brady Selner. Jae Guetschow of Gregg Guidance, LLC, of Charlotte, Mich., will serve as interim village manager until a permanent replacement can be found.

In his administrator’s report, Guetschow brought an update regarding the Wesco reconstruction project taking place on the corner of North State and Elm Streets. Demolition was halted when the company discovered they would not be able to save two walls of the former convenience store they had intended to save. Guetschow had contacted the building inspector to find out how to proceed. “He requires revised, stamped plans to include this change, which are in process. Since the footprint for the new building remains unchanged, it doesn’t impact the previously approved setback variances,” he said.

Guetschow reported that the company is waiting for the heavy equipment needed to demolish both brick buildings and that the current canopy, gas pumps and all surrounding cement are expected to remain. The company relayed to Guetschow that by being able to completely remove the old store, they will actually be able to save money on the project.

At the March 11 village council meeting, the council was presented with a

quote from TruGreen for its annual Getty Field turf applications. This came on the heels of ongoing conversations between Shelby Public Schools and the Village of Shelby regarding amendments to the current IGA (Inter-Governmental Agreement) between the entities about the care and maintenance of Getty Field.

Based on discussions with the school in October, it was hoped that Shelby Public Schools could take over maintenance of the Getty Field, with the village contributing 50 percent of the cost. However, at a school board meeting this past November, the board was not comfortable moving forward with amending the Getty Field IGA until the field was in better condition.

“We’re relying on TruGreen to help the field look better, but it’s not working. I’d ask if there is another company that can help,” Selner said. “My hope is that when the interim manager gets on board, he will have a fresh perspective for going forward. We’re already short-staffed on the DPW side, and as we move into warmer weather, construction will take priority.”

Other discussion included that busy school sports schedules, in relation to Michigan growing seasons, have not helped. Soccer practices had started as of Monday, March 11, and any spring seeding done now would most likely not take hold. “Ideally, it needs to be shut down from spring to fall. I’ve done everything we can do—black soil, straw, seed—but as soon as they start practicing, it gets torn up,” DPW Supervisor Jeremiah Helenhouse said. “It’s a (village) park; we treat it the same as any other village park. It doesn’t necessarily get extra care just because they play soccer on it.”  Councilor Mike Termer asked what the phrase “better condition” actually meant and what the timing is for getting the field in “better condition.” He also asked if the village could pay the school to get the field up to their standard; however, the superintendent reported that the school is facing its own staffing challenges. “It doesn’t seem fair that the school tears it up and the village is responsible for remediating it,” Termer said.

In the meantime, the

school district and Shelby Township have been working out an arrangement for the school to use the new township community park for regular soccer games and finals, as well as Rec Club play once the park is complete. Getty Field would then become the school’s practice field only.

Selner is hopeful the school and village will implement common-sense ideas. “It doesn’t need to be overly complicated. But trust needs to be rebuilt,” he said.

School representatives and the village Parks & Recreation Committee were to have had a meeting soon after the March 11 village council meeting. In the meantime, Shelby Public Schools Superintendent Mark Olmstead had said he would see about moving the goals closer together to give the turf a little more time to grow.

Guetschow reported at the March 26 council meeting that he was scheduled to meet with Olmstead in person Thursday, March 28, and hopefully begin working out the details on this matter.

In other business Monday night, Kim Merten of

the Shelby Chamber of Commerce brought an update to council, letting them know that the chamber is not dissolving. They are currently working on their calendar of events for the year, and by the first of April, they plan to have an E-Newsletter ready to distribute to all stakeholders. Their next scheduled event will be the “Oceana County Book Walk” on April 20 from noon to 3 p.m., starting at the Shelby Pocket Park and moving to the Rail Trail between West Third and Fourth Streets. The next chamber meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, at 4 p.m. at the Shelby Area District Library. All Shelby businesses and stakeholders are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The village will be updating their DPW position posting and reposting it as soon as possible. The police department is still short one officer. They had to repost the previous posting, which had expired. Police Chief Dean Roesler reported that, thanks to his current staff’s flexibility and creativity, they have been able to cover shifts fairly well in the interim.

Hesperia hosted an open house March 23 about its planned water system improvements. • Scott Kroepel/Echo

Hart hires TerHaar as Parks and Recreation Superintendent

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

HART - The City of Hart recently reported the hiring of Mears resident Chris TerHaar to fill its newly created City of Hart Park and Recreation Department Superintendent. TerHaar’s first day on the job was Feb. 26, 2024. The new position was first proposed in September, when City Manager Rob Splane asked the city council to consider the idea. Splane recommended the management contract between the city and John Gurney Park (JGP) managers, Freed Management, be eliminated to create a new position that would be responsible for all city parks instead. The position was posted at the end of last year. Freed Management was among the final top three candidates.

“The Freeds have managed John Gurney Park for the last decade and had good relations with the city and visitors. But when considering all the city wants to do, we felt going this direction is better for the city,” Splane said. According to Splane the city would like to improve the maintenance of all city parks, as well as expand park use by adding new entities and programming eventually.

TerHaar has almost 30 years working in property management, including 10-plus years in property and business management for Parrot’s Landing, Wild Bill’s and most recently Silverback Offroad Rentals in Silver Lake. “Chris has a good background in property management and rental experience, which will be especially helpful at John Gurney Park as he works with the public. His enthusiasm for his new position is infectious and he has a proven ability to improve profit margins,” Splane said.

Splane went on to say in the first couple of years the city plans to focus on putting any income/savings, realized through this new position, back into John Gurney Park. In the long-term the city hopes to develop more parks and recreation programming as well as new amenities for all residents to enjoy.

Oceana Center Grange’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

New Era Cherry Pie Contest & Auction raises over $9K

The New Era Chamber of Commerce had an amazing turnout for its 52nd Annual Cherry Pie Contest & Auction! There were 39 pies auctioned, for a total of $9,020 raised! The chamber expressed their awe at the community’s support and expressed gratitude to all the bakers and buyers.

Winning cherry pie bakers across all divisions are:

• Adult Division: Kaylynn Clark, first place; Caitlin Parson, second place; Zoe Dykstra, third place; Chris Trevino, fourth place; Jeriad Kiel, fifth place; Chelsea Hayes, sixth place; Kimberly Morden, seventh place; Cori Klumpp, eighth place; Kimber Mast, ninth place; Laura Robinson, tenth place and Bethann Muzio, eleventh place.

• Senior Division:

Sharon Lound, first place; Ruth Myers, second place; Margaret Knapp, third place; Jeannine Landells, fourth place; Vicki Kiel, fifth place; Ruth Eekhoff, sixth place and Diane Cole, seventh place.

• 10 & Under Division: Owen Klumpp, first place; Addison Robinson, second place; Isla Hayes, third place; Madi Parmalee, fourth place and

Benjamin Morden, fifth place.

• Kids 11-17 Division: Emma Morden, first place; Macy Oomen, second place; Joseph Morden, third place; Gabe Morden, fourth place and Olive Carlson, fifth place.

Buyers for this year’s event were: Durga Insurance Bella’s Place, Shelby State Bank, Meyer’s Chevrolet, Shelby Floral, Heather Phares DDS, Burnette Foods, A New Era of Crafting, McCormick’s, Springstead Law, Harbor Design & Construction, Oceana Vet, Tri County Feed Service, River’s Ace, Colby’s Cafe, Wickstra Realty, Assured Book & Payroll Service, Oceana Golf Club, Senator Jon Bumstead, Gary Grinwis, Joan Lound, Ruth Postema, Donald Kosheba, Ken Near, Bethany Near, Roger Peek and Jimmie Bedell.

Kleiner presents City Of Hart’s four-year snapshot

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

HART - It’s been a busy four years for the City of Hart since the hiring of Community and Economic Development Director Nichole Kleiner in March 2020. Kleiner started employment with Hart one week into the Covid pandemic shutdowns. “She didn’t look at the shutdowns as a bad thing, but said the time could be filled with opportunities,” Hart City Manager Rob Splane said. It is this mindset that has resulted in numerous community development strategies and enhancements throughout the entire city since then.

Kleiner presented a four-year snapshot at the March 12 Hart City Council meeting. She highlighted the following economic development statistics for the last four years: 12 new businesses, three business expansions and 17 special projects. With over 15 grants, awards and incentive programs, along with other donations and scholarships, nearly $544,000 in income has been generated for the city since March 2020.

“Reflecting on the past four years, it is amazing to see what has been accomplished in Hart,” Kleiner

said. The installation of wayfinding signs has helped guide visitors to explore our many attractions and the downtown area. The Art in Hart initiative, marked by the unveiling of a 24-foot Tin Man sculpture alongside the new Main Street Market pop-up shops, has set the pace for cultural and economic vibrancy downtown. New annual garden plantings, hanging baskets, expanded holiday decorating, downtown sound system and a social district also enhance our resident and visitor experience downtown.

“The TIFA (Tax Increment Financing Authority) Property Improvement Grant has had a significant economic impact, disbursing $117,000 in grants since 2021. When combined with private investments, totaled $276,000 in exterior enhancements. Additionally, the MEDC’s (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) ‘Match on Main’ Grant has positively impacted downtown revitalization efforts, channeling an additional $327,000 into downtown.

“Looking ahead, community-driven development initiatives are shaping the future of Hart, including plans to transform the Ceres Co-op into a mixed-use development (housing and commercial), unveiling of 3D renderings for a new downtown streetscape developed from community input and solicitation of

bids from TIFA for the redevelopment of the Congregational United Church located across from city hall. Our team is thrilled to be collaborating with West Shore Community College and other partners to explore opportunities for a community center/college campus in Hart.

“Hart is continually attracting new residents, businesses, and investment. It is an incredible place to live, work, and play. I feel extremely blessed to be a part of its growth, its future, and the amazing people that contribute to Hart’s success.”

Splane dreams of someday presenting Hart’s model for community and economic development at a state conference. “Having a person in charge of community and economic development is undervalued in a lot of communities. What Nichole has been able to accomplish in four years blows me away. She pays for herself,” Splane concluded.

The Oceana Center Grange’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place Sunday, March 17. Parade entrants included 4-H Ambassadors, above, Anna Woller, Alayna Hammerle and Gabby Schmieding; Irish Airedale dogs, below; Jennifer Wasson riding a Clydesdale, bottom left; and a load of leprechauns, Knox, Presley and Fern. • Sharon Hallack/Echo

Administrator Kory Hansen resigns from OCMCF

By Steve Gunn

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Just as it’s preparing to ask voters to approve a property tax millage renewal, and is working to increase the number of residents it serves, the Oceana County Medical Care Facility (OCMCF) is suddenly looking for a new leader.

That’s because Kory Hansen, who has served as the facility’s administrator for the past 2 ½ years, announced last week that he will resign effective April 12.

Hansen, 56, cited the distance between work and home as the reason for his resignation.

Hansen resides in the Traverse City area and has been spending work weeks in a rented home in Oceana County before returning to his family every weekend.

He said it was a struggle to be away from his family so much, and decided it was time to go home and seek employment in the Traverse City area.

“I’ve just been commuting from northern Michigan on a weekly basis,” said Hansen, who started at the OCMCF in October of 2021. “It’s just kind of the hardship of being away from my family during the work week.

“Initially, when I took the job, the intention was to find a house here, but at the time there were not a lot of things for sale, and if there were, they were bought up the same day. It just didn’t work out the way we planned.”

The resignation came as a surprise to the Oceana County Medical Care Facility Board of Directors, chaired by Larry Van Sickle.

“It was unexpected by me,” Van Sickle said. “I remember, back when he was hired, asking him how long he might stay, and he said he would probably be good for 10 years. His original intention was to buy or build a home in the Pentwater area, but he explained that the situation has just become too much for his family. I think he still has a couple of kids in high school.”

Hansen’s departure comes as the medical care facility is seeking voter approval of a twomill property tax levy that provides about 15 percent of its annual op-

County commissioners discuss Oceana County Medical Care Facility millage request, finances

erating budget. The millage proposal is expected to be on the Aug. 6 primary election ballot.

The facility has also been working to increase its “census,” or the number of residents it serves. There were more than 100 residents before the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, and now there are generally around 80 residents.

Having fewer residents means less revenue and ongoing budget challenges for the OCMCF.

With those pressing issues on the agenda, this is not an ideal time to be looking for a new administrator, according to Van Sickle.

“The timing is not right, but we’re going to have to deal with the hand that’s dealt, I guess,” he said.

Van Sickle said Hansen did an excellent job of managing the facilities’ financial challenges over the past few years.

“Kory did a hell of a good job,” he said. “He is a certified public accountant and understands the numbers. He went out and got us a couple of grants, and financially, we are in pretty good shape. There are people who will apply for the job that may have all the clinical qualifications but maybe not the financial stuff. We need someone with a strong financial background.”

It may not take a long time to fill the position, according to Van Sickle. The medical care facility board posted the job opening last Friday and has already received several inquiries, he said.

“I don’t know how long it will be, but we are taking applications through the end of March,” Van Sickle said. “From there, we will choose the ones we want to interview, then chances are we will have a few back for second interviews before we make an offer. I doubt we will have anyone hired by the time Kory leaves, but it’s possible.”

Gary Davis, who was Hansen’s predecessor as OCMCF administrator, has indicated that he would be available to fill in on an interim basis if needed, according to Van Sickle.

“If we need him, Gary Davis will be available,” Van Sickle said. “Chances are we will need him.”

By Steve Gunn The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

It seems certain that a millage proposal will appear on the Aug. 6 primary election ballot, asking voters to consider an eight-year renewal of two mills of property taxes to continue public funding for the Oceana County Medical Care Facility (OCMCF).

But that means “up to” two mills per year, and Oceana County Commissioners want to make sure they have the legal ability to drop that millage rate in any given year—and save taxpayers money—if all the revenue that could be raised through the tax levy is not needed.

The trouble is that the proposed ballot language, as submitted to commissioners at their March 14 meeting, did not include the words “up to.” That omission was noted by Commissioner Paul Erickson, and the group tabled the issue so they could ask legal counsel if those two words should be added to give them the ability to lower the tax at any point during the life of the millage.

Once that question is answered, commissioners are expected to approve the final language at their March 28 meeting and formally put the proposal on the August ballot.

“With every millage that is passed (by voters), the county board has to approve the collection of those taxes, and if we see there is a surplus of several million dollars, we can drop it back by part of a mill,” said County Commissioner Robert Walker, the chairman of the county board. “In my experience, most of the ballot proposals say we can collect ‘up to’ whatever the number is. By not having that wording in there, the question became, ‘Could we ever reduce it?’”

Commissioners have demonstrated a willingness to reduce the millage rate for the medical care facility in the past.

Between 2012 and 2019, the voter-approved tax rate for the facility was 2.5 mills. When it was time to ask voters to renew the millage, commissioners lowered the request to two mills for four years (2020 through 2023) because the previous millage rate had resulted in a large fund balance.

Ironically, that budget surplus was very much needed during the COVID pandemic, when the number of residents at the medical care facility decreased dramatically and revenue dropped off.

The facility has still not fully recovered in terms of the number of residents, but two mills of property taxes—as opposed to the old 2.5 rate—should be enough to maintain high-quality care for residents, according to Kory Hansen, administrator of the OCMCF.

“I believe it will,” Hansen said, when asked if two mills would be enough going forward. “COVID was kind of an outlier, and we struggled for a couple of years.”

The Oceana County Medical Care Facility, located at 701 E. Main St. in Hart, has earned a five-star rating in recent years for the services it provides to mostly elderly residents. That’s largely because the facility has a higher staff-to-patient ratio than many private nursing homes, meaning residents receive more attention and care, according to Hansen.

As Commissioner Walker put it, it’s a “shining star” facility that deserves the community’s support.

“We have a much higher staffing ratio,” Hansen said about the differences between OCMCF and private facilities. “When we do have excess funds, they go back into operations. There is no owner taking part of it. That means an enhanced quality of life for residents and an ability to maintain our building in terms of quality and aesthetics.”

The tax money raised through the proposed millage would provide about $2.8 million per year for the facility, which is about 15 percent of its annual operating budget.

The bulk of the facilities’ $18.6 million budget comes from Medicaid funds that are paid on behalf of about 80 percent of the residents.

The proposed millage is very important for the facility right now as it works to increase the number of residents, according to several officials.

One ongoing effort is to make the facility accessible to people who are covered by Priority Health insurance. The OCMCF is not currently enrolled as a provider in the Priority Health network.

“We do occasionally see people who have that coverage, which we currently don’t accept,” Hansen said. “We are currently applying to be enrolled in their network, so hopefully that will change in a few months.”

Before the pandemic, the facility was at or near capacity with slightly more than 100 residents, according to Hansen. More recently, that number has dropped to the 78–83 resident range, which means fewer dollars have been flowing into the facility.

“It’s kind of been industry-wide,” Hansen said about the decrease in the number of residents in public and private nursing homes. “I think our industry took a bit of a hit in the media (during COVID). People were initially scared to put their loved ones into nursing homes because, initially, there was a lot of spread of COVID. And people were not allowed to visit, which was hard for families to take.”

If voters rejected the millage proposal in August, staff cuts would probably be necessary, which would negatively impact the quality of care for residents, according to Hansen.

“We definitely would have to look at staffing, since that’s 70-plus percent of our budget,” Hansen said. “There’s no way we could not touch staffing.”

Echo Publishing Inc. welcomes Steve Gunn to its writing team! Gunn has worked as a print journalist in West Michigan for more than 30 years, including 20 years as a news and sports reporter for the old Muskegon Chronicle. He also served as the longtime editor of the Local Sports Journal in Muskegon and as managing editor of the Holland Sentinel. He is currently the publisher and editor of MuskegonSports.com.

HELP WANTED

Children’s and Youth Ministries Director

Hart United Methodist Church

Hart United Methodist Church seeks a Director for Children’s and Youth Ministries. Responsibilities include coordinating nursery attendant schedules, managing Sunday School classes for children, and leading the junior/senior high school youth group. Interest in developing positive relationships with children and youth is ideal. This part-time, paid position includes flexible hours and will require between 10-15 hours a week.

Send cover letter and resume to: Hart United Methodist Church, 308 South State Street, Hart, MI 49420 or to Fauna@hartunitedmethodist.org

A look at Pentwater over 160 years ago

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

It is officially spring, and before the last bit of snow melts, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look back at the first newspaper in Oceana County and what was being reported on when the first snows of winter touched the ground more than 160 years ago.

With the population of Oceana County on the rise in the early 1860s, there was a demand for a local newspaper, and it was Pentwater that delivered. The first official newspaper in the county, The Oceana Times, began in 1861 with Frederick W. Ratzel serving as editor, and it was printed right in Middlesex. But if we could peel back the pages of time and read some of the earliest copies of that fledgling paper, what would we find? What was newsworthy in Pentwater in November 1863?

Unfortunately, 1863 plunges us into the depths of the American Civil War. With the Oceana Times being a devoutly political paper, most of its pages were spent covering the latest developments during that very important time in our history. But of course, the war touched the lives of every American in one way or another, and in November of 1863 a draft rolled through Oceana County, prompting a pretty visceral reaction from the Times editor, Mr. Ratzel. “It

is outrageous that a draft has to be made in this county, when we know that we have furnished men enough to clear us from this as well as the next call,” Ratzel proclaimed. “Why it is that we have not received full credit for all the men furnished, we are at present unable to state, unless it is because the lists of those enlisted, were not forwarded to headquarters in due season.”

In the next week’s paper, we see the results of the draft. It must have been a very tense time. “No less anxiety was felt here in this village,” Ratzel wrote. “The post-office was literally thronging with ‘anxious-ones,’ waiting for the arrival of the mail-carrier, who was expected to bring the names of the ‘lucky’ ones from the County.”

Pentwater it seemed supplied eight men. Their names were: “Chas. Gehrey, Wm. Ulrich, James Corlet, John Bamford, Edward B. Flaug, Wm. Lamplan, Peter Dolan, James Piper.”

On a lighter note, something that must have been very new and exciting in those days was photography. Louis Daguerre was a Frenchman who invented a photographic process known as the Daguerreotype, which took the world by storm in the 1840s and 1850s. The year 1863 saw the arrival of a Daguerreian artist in Pentwater.

Mr. E. B. Clark initially set up shop in the Pentwater House in early June, and by the next week he had relocated to the Middlesex Hall. “Now is the time for our readers, as also everybody else, to get a good picture of

themselves and children, for the purpose of sending them to some dear friends in the distance,” Ratzel wrote, “We advise the loving damsel and the bonnie lassie to put on their fineries, and have a picture taken for the loved ones….” Business for Mr. Clark must have been quite good. After staying for a few weeks through the summer of 1863, we see him returning to endure the winter in Pentwater in November of that same year. Surely some of his handiwork must be floating around in the homes of the village to this day.

Speaking of winter, it seems the first snows that Mr. Clark endured 160 years ago came a bit later for him than they did for us here last year. “Everybody seemed to be somewhat surprised on waking up last Monday morning to find the ground and everything else covered with snow,” Ratzel reported Nov. 13. But, not unlike the snows we received this past Halloween, they faded quickly, or, as Ratzel would describe it, “the pleasant old chap Sol has since looked out upon it several times, with warmth and tenderness, which has caused it to slip away in silence.”

Lastly, it would seem the population boom that necessitated the development of a local paper in 1861 was still in full swing two years later when James Brooker opened his brand-new hotel, The North American. “A house of this kind has long been needed here,” Ratzel wrote on Nov. 6, 1863. Just a week prior, he was pointing out, not so subtly, how dire the need

for more housing was in Pentwater and that it would be a rather lucrative business pursuit. “As there are more families arriving here most every day, we should think it would be a good investment for our monied men, to build some houses, for they could rent them well,” he wrote. Ratzel went on to say, “There is not a comfortable tenement to be had here at present. This speaks well for our thriving little village; but would speak better if some person would build a number of nice little residences, and then have them occupied.”

The North American Hotel seems to have been very well received at that time, as a number of subsequent newspaper articles mention several events that were hosted there.

is alive and well at the old town hall in Mears

By Mort Wiegand The Oceana Echo Volunteer Contributor

March is nearly behind us, and the Chadwick-Munger house in Hart, headquarters of the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society (OCH&GS), had 16 visitors. Volunteers completed much sorting and filing this month, and there were a number of donations as well. The OCH&GS board

is currently looking at quotes for painting the wood on the Chadwick-Munger house.

The Mears Museum Complex is part of the OCH&GS and includes a number of buildings and displays. One of those is the old Golden Township Hall. In early times, the Oddfellows had meetings upstairs, and many basketball games were played upstairs too! That part of the building is now used for storage.

The Golden Fair took place on the first floor

for many years. Schools in Golden Township had displays in the building, and many dinners were served there before being moved to the Mears United Methodist Church downtown. At the present time, The Oceana Echo newspaper is making its home there. Copies of The Echo are available at its office or the Chadwick-Munger House if you don’t already receive it in the mail. Congratulations to them on reaching half a million issues delivered!

us soon!

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 Ladder is open for adults (18+) 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

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

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

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m.

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

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

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.

Good Friday Service today at The Ladder

Please join them today, Friday, March 29, from noon to 1 p.m., for a community Good Friday service celebrating Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Local musicians will lead the singing of great hymns of the faith such as “Amazing Grace” and “Victory in Jesus.” Pastor Mike Deblois, from New Era Bible Church, will share the Word from John 19:30 titled “Tetelestai.”

The Ladder is grateful to offer this service on Good Friday, as it is the heart of The Ladder to make Jesus known in our community. All ages are invited to attend. The Ladder Community Center is located at 67 N. State St. in Shelby. Please call (231) 259-0211 for more information. Visit theladdercommunitycenter.com to view all our upcoming events.

Claybanks UMC continues Holy Week schedule

Claybanks United Methodist Church, 9197 56th Ave. in Montague will be offering the following services for Holy Week. The Good Friday Service will be today 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.

Camp scholarship application deadline extended

The Shelby Rotary Club and the Oceana Community Foundation are pleased to offer the chance for Oceana youth to attend camp this summer.

Camp experiences bring new skills and self-worth to our youth and build up the 4 C’s within them: compassion, contribution, commitment and character. The rotary club and foundation donors realize this impact, and work to ensure camp experiences are accessible to all, regardless of financial status.

Awards are capped at $250 per applicant, but higher requests will be evaluated according to available funding. All awards will be paid directly to the camps and are available for any type of camping focus: arts, sports, scouts, church, general and leadership experiences.

The application is for one camp experience per child. Preference is given to first-time requests. To apply for support, complete the quick, one-page application! The deadline has been extended to April 15. Applications are available on the foundation’s website at www.oceanafoundation.org and at the Shelby Area District Library. Questions can be directed to Tiffany Haight at haightfour@ gmail.com or by calling 231-873-1859.

SADL Community Survey closes April 15

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.

March-April Echo

March 29 - Good Friday Service, The Ladder Community Center, 67 N. State St. in Shelby, noon to 1 p.m.

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

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

EASTER EGG HUNTS:

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

March 30 - Hesperia Easter Egg Hunt, Webster Park, 9 a.m.

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

March 30 - Easter Bunny Eggstravaganza, Rothbury Village Hall, Easter Bunny arrives at 11 a.m., egg hunt at 11:30 a.m..

March 30 - Colleen Plummer’s Easter on the Green, noon to 1 p.m., Village Green in Pentwater.

March 30 - New Era Easter Egg Hunt, NECS soccer fields, 3 p.m.

April 1 - Silver Lake State Park ORV area open for the season

April 1-6 & 8 - Lego Play at the Hesperia Community Library

April 2 - Tech Hour, Hesperia Community Library 1:30–2:30 p.m.

April 4 - Versiti Blood Drive, W. MI Research Station, 2-6:25 p.m.

April 4 - Tween Night, Hesperia Community Library, 5:30 p.m.

Open House set for Marilyn Glover’s retirement

It is with a heavy heart that the Shelby Township Board announces the retirement of long-term Clerk Marilyn Glover.

Marilyn’s work in the community has spanned four decades, first as deputy clerk for Robert Pochyla, then as clerk and, at the same time, maintaining order at the township cemeteries. There are numerous examples of Marilyn’s commitment to the small community, and she has vowed to stay connected throughout her retirement. The Shelby Township Board is truly blessed to have worked with Marilyn and will remain forever grateful.

Marilyn has enjoyed working with the residents of Shelby Township and would like to thank everyone for making her time here seem like minutes instead of years. She is looking forward to spending her newfound time visiting with friends, her great-grandchildren and, of course, her husband Bill.

Cathy Anderson was appointed by the Township Board to replace Marilyn’s position, and the vote was unanimous. Cathy was the natural choice, as she served as deputy clerk working under Marilyn. Please join us to celebrate and honor Marilyn with an open house Wednesday, April 10, from 2-4 p.m. at the Shelby Township Office.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Saturday, April 6, 2024 @ 10AM

Located: 8016 E. Garfield Rd., Hesperia, MI 49421

Directions: 2 miles west of Hesperia on M-20 to 192nd Ave, then south 1 mile to the site. Watch for signs.

Beyer Auction has been commissioned to sell the following personal property at public auction, 2018 Harley Davidson (4,686 miles) Limited, TroyBilt riding mower, 13 foot canoe, paddle boat, a large assortment of garage tools including Milwaukee battery powered tools, many Paslode nailers, multiple air compressors, 10 1/2ft brake, Rigid and Milwaukee miter saws, gas power trowel, Miscellaneous household & furniture items, & more! The 2018 Harley Davidson will be selling at 12:30 pm. See our website for a complete list and pictures @ www.beyerauction.com

Beyer Auction Service Inc. Hesperia, MI 49421

Betty Jean Esch

January 19, 1941 ~ March 22, 2024

Betty Jean Esch, 83, of Rothbury, passed away March 22, 2024, in the presence of family. She was born Jan. 19, 1941, in Muskegon, the daughter of Robert and Lucille (Brown) Hanks.

Betty was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family and having small and personal talks with each and every one of them. She enjoyed crocheting, and she especially loved the great outdoors, whether it was working in her rose garden, camping, playing horseshoes, or feeding her beloved cardinals and hummingbirds.

Betty is survived by; her husband, Gerald; children, Edward D. (Monica A.) Pulsipher, Cindy L. Pulsipher Scofield, Timothy A. Esch, Dale A. Esch, Mark (Kim) Pulsipher, and Jane L. Lorenz; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Darlene.

Betty was preceded in death by: her son, Gary L. Esch; her father, Robert Hanks; her mother, Lucille (Moss) Yeargan; brother, Paul Hanks; and sisters, Nancy Sayers and Patricia Nichols Bell.

Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, MI 49455, with Pastor Bill Ryder officiating. Visitation took place from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the Harris Funeral Home, and Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Interment followed services at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Shelby.

The Harris Funeral Home in Shelby is handling arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

PLIB hires shoreline manager ‘for the love of the lake’

By AnnaMae Bush The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Part of the logo for the Pentwater Lake Association is the phrase, “For the Love of the Lake.” The Pentwater Lake Improvement Board (PLIB) recently hired a part-time shoreline manager who shares that love for Pentwater Lake and other Michigan lakes and streams as well. Chris Pierce introduced himself to the PLIB with these words in his cover letter: “It is my lifelong passion to spearhead collaborative initiatives having a lasting positive impact on Michigan’s freshwater natural resources… My career pursuits have been inspired by my … desire to restore … human connections to the natural world through conservation efforts and community involvement.”

Pierce began his work with the PLIB in January 2024 with responsibilities in developing and aiding plans to help improve the Pentwater Lake shoreline for healthy water quality, vegetation, and fish habitat in the Pentwater watershed. He will document his progress in monthly reports.

Pierce lives in Fife Lake and will continue to do work for the Conservation Resource Alliance, for whom he has been a senior project manager and biologist for 18 years. His projects for the CRA have included watershed restoration, erosion control, road crossing improvements, trail construction, grant seeking and administration and field crew supervision. He has found that his success depends on working closely with community members and agency partners. Being a team player and knowing how to lead as well as cooperate with many other participants will be advantageous in his Pentwater tasks.

Pierce’s interest in this line of work started in his childhood. “I spent my summers growing up at our family cabin on Saginaw Bay, fishing and exploring the forests.” The family cabin continues to play an important role in his life. He takes his children, now the fourth generation of his fam-

hris

ily, to the cabin to enjoy canoeing, boating, fishing and hunting.

Pierce followed his interests into his educational pursuits. He earned a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Michigan State University, with a focus on fisheries and watershed management. He spent a year with the Department of Natural Resources as a Research Assistant and Crew Leader in Fisheries Research. He has furthered his education with four professional courses in River Studies offered by Wildland Hydrology Inc. centered in Fort Collins, Colorado. He also attended a workshop put on by Stream Mechanics, Inc. in Natural Channel Design and Stream Function.

The PLIB looks forward to his suggestions for softening the lakeshore of Pentwater Lake and for creating some projects to inspire lakeshore owners. Pierce hopes to communicate information and ideas on the PLA and PLIB websites, and to provide opportunities for volunteer support.

West

Golden Wesleyan Church

2752 N 34th Ave, Mears, MI 49436

Good Friday Service: 6 p.m.

Easter Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Family Fun Night: April 5th at 6 p.m. (Games, munchies and movie)

Men’s and Women’s Bible Study: April 13th from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Euchre Tournament: April 19th at 6 p.m. (231) 873-5152

C

P ier C e

• Contributed Photos

Spitler Elementary School celebrates March is Reading Month

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ (Theodor Seuss Geigsel) birthday on March 2, the National Education Association designated the day as “Read Across America Day” in 1997. Ever since, schools and libraries have celebrated March is Reading Month in different ways, sharing the love of reading with multitudes of young learners. Spitler Elementary’s kindergarten through fourth graders celebrated reading month this year with a “Dive Into Reading” theme. Their full calendar included weekly “Read a T-shirt” days and a Title I family engagement event called “Bingo for Books,” which took place at parent-teacher conferences.

“Families played bingo for prizes such as books, LED glasses, book tokens for the book vending machine, bookmarks, Dr. Seuss pencils, reading bracelets, etc. Any family that completed a survey had a chance for their Lil’ Pirate to win a $50 certificate for the June BOGO Book Fair,” Spitler Elementary Title I Teacher and Literary Coach Michelle Hansen said. The event also provided information about inspiREading, whose mission is to collaborate with families, communities, schools and children to inspire reading.

According to Hansen, Spitler stu-

dents have been earning reading tickets all month long by reading at home and at school. Each week, they have a chance for their ticket to be drawn to win books. At the end of the month, all the tickets were put together for the “grand prize” drawing. This year, one winner will be selected from each class K–4 to win a trip on April 12 to Storybook Village and Up North Farm Market with Principal Brandon Bruce.

Thanks to many program sponsors, each student was also able to make their own book selection from the school’s book vending machine, installed last fall with a generous grant from the Shelby State Bank.

The school’s celebration concluded March 21 with their “Read with Sunglasses Day,” when each student received a pair of sunglasses donated by Mac Wood’s Dune Rides.

The 2024 Reading Month sponsors include Gray & Company, Barber Signs & Designs, Silver Lake Resort & Campground, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 3167, VanDerZanden Beef & Grain, Mac Wood’s Dune Rides, Latimore Racing Engines, Lakeshore OCDetailing, Up North Garden Center and Spitler PTO, who together have donated a total of $4,978 and made it possible for this year’s incentives and giveaways.

“We are blessed to live in such a giving community where reading is supported and celebrated,” Hansen concluded.

Hart Area Public Library invites book lovers to visit with author Erin Bartels

The Hart Area Public Library is hosting Erin Bartels on April 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Hart Community Center as part of the Library of Michigan’s 2024 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour. This year, 13 authors whose engaging works were chosen as 2024 Michigan Notable Books will visit 50 sites throughout the state.

Erin will be discussing her 2023 inspirational novel “Everything is Just Beginning,” published by Revell. The book follows Michael Sullivan, a talented lyricist and decent guitarist, who is down on his luck after getting kicked out of his band and his apartment. On Dec. 31, 1989, when anything seems possible, Michael will cross paths with the heir to a fading musical dynasty, changing both their futures.

“The Hart Library is thrilled to have been chosen to host such a talented author and speaker, and we have heard that she is bringing her guitar,” Library Director Kathleen Rash exclaimed.

The Michigan Notable Books (MNB) program is designed to promote the reading of Michigan authors and stories by annually selecting 20 titles that best reflect the diverse ethnic, historical, literary, and cultural experiences in the state. “Michigan truly is a mosaic of inspiration for writers. Each MNB selection offers a unique touchpoint into the rich stories and beautiful landscape of our great state. Everyone will find something of interest that speaks to the voices and experiences of what it means to be a Michigander,” State Librarian Randy Riley said.

In addition to the Author Tour, the Library of Michigan Foundation is hosting the Night for Notables reception on Saturday, April 20, to honor the 2024 Michigan Notable Books authors. Stephen Mack Jones, the two-time Michigan Notable Books award-winning author of August Snow and Dead of Winter will give a keynote and attendees will get a chance to meet many of the 2024 Notable authors. For more information about this event taking place at the Library of Michigan in downtown Lansing, visit www.libraryofmichiganfoundation.com/ mnbnightfornotables.

The 2024 Michigan Notable Books program and Author Tour are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Library of Michigan, the Library of Michigan Foundation, and Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For additional sponsors, please visit the Library of Michigan Foundation’s website at www.LibraryofMichiganFoundation.org.

Tails of Hope

This adorable 6-month-old Boxer mix is an absolute bundle of joy! With her soft, expressive eyes and wiggly tail, she captures hearts wherever she goes. This friendly pup exudes warmth and charm, making her an ideal companion for individuals or families seeking a furry friend to brighten their days. Stella would thrive in a loving home where she receives ample attention, playtime, and affection. An active household with individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities and exercise would be a perfect match for her lively personality. Due to her friendly nature, she’s suitable for families with children who are respectful and gentle with pets.

Stella 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 Stella

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• On April 8, 1930, baseball legend Babe Ruth signed a two-year contract for a then enormous sum of $160,000 with the New York Yankees, prompting the team’s general manager, Ed Barrow, to predict (with, of course, now laughable inaccuracy) that “No one will ever be paid more than Ruth.”

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20240325

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NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20240325

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By JoAnn Derson

• On April 9, 1860, French inventor Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville used his phonautograph, the earliest known sound recording device, to capture himself singing the French folk song “Au Clair de la Lune.”

By Lucie Winborne

• On April 10, 2001, mercy killings became legal in the Netherlands following the Dutch senate’s controversial approval of a bill legalizing euthanasia for patients with unbearable terminal illness.

• On April 11, 1951, President Harry Truman fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur as commander of the United Nations and U.S. forces in the Far East after he made public statements calling for an attack on mainland China if Communist forces failed to lay down their arms in Korea.

• On April 12, 1877, with a welljustified fear of ricocheting foul balls (not to mention being hit by a bat), Harvard’s Alexander Tyng wore a converted fencer’s mask for a baseball game in Lynn, MA, becoming the first-known player to don a catcher’s mask. While the new gear initially drew taunts from fans, designer Fred Thayer’s patent for the device was approved the following January.

• On April 13, 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first Black actor to win the coveted Best Actor Oscar for his role as laborer Homer Smith, who assists a group of poor East German nuns with building a church, in “Lilies of the Field.” Three years later, he was Hollywood’s top box office draw.

• On April 14, 2010, Neil Armstrong criticized the Barack Obama administration’s stripped-down space plans in an open letter co-signed by Apollo commanders James Lovell and Eugene Cernan, describing the president’s proposals as “devastating.” Supporters, however, insisted that the accelerated rocket program would set new goals for American efforts in outer space.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

• What’s the best way to keep sheet sets together? Tuck all the pieces in a matching pillowcase, of course.

• Need to hull strawberries? Try using a straw. You position the straw at the bottom of the strawberry, then push up toward the stem. It works quickly and well.

• If you mount a magnet strip in your bathroom or on your vanity, you can use it to hold bobby pins or metal barrettes. Or mount a ribbon to hold all kinds of hair clips.

• Baby leg protectors are cute. And cheap, if you have some old athletic socks. Cut off the ends, slip over baby’s legs, and watch cutie scoot across the floor.

• If your entertainment electronics have a clock that is too bright, cover it with plain tape. You will still be able to read the time, but the tape will lessen the glare.

• My in-laws have a vaulted ceiling, and there is a corner that even the longest-handled duster won’t reach. My brilliant son had an idea to get down the cobwebs that had accumulated there. He used a rubber band to secure a dish towel around a tennis ball. Then he just tossed it at the area repeatedly. I can’t believe how well it worked.

• If new denims are too stiff, add half a cup of salt to your wash water along with the regular detergent.

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

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Lucie Winborne

• Residents of the Galapagos island of Floreana use a barrel of disorganized mail in place of a formal postal system. Tourists are responsible for sorting through the mail and grabbing any parcels they can deliver on the way to their destination.

• In curling, good sportsmanship and politeness are essential. Congratulating opponents on plays and abstaining from trash talk are part of what’s known as the “Spirit of Curling.”

• Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt was allergic to moon dust.

• According to the record-holder for tallest waffle stack, Guinness World Records has a 40-page document defining what a waffle is. (Frankly, we think we could have managed it in just 30.)

• Alaska is simultaneously the westernmost and easternmost state.

• High schools and universities in New Zealand are allowed to keep up to a pound of uranium on the premises for educational purposes.

• Marie Curie’s notebooks are still radioactive.

• In 2010, rock band Nickelback approached Dark Horse Brewery about having their beer featured in a video, which would have provided great exposure for the small Michigan company. They declined, however, as “none of us at the brewery really care for the band.”

• The German version of the term “Average Joe” is Otto Normalverbraucher, which translates to “Otto normal consumer.”

• An ordinance in Gainesville, GA, states that everyone must eat fried chicken, “a culinary delicacy sacred to this municipality, this county, this state, the Southland and this republic,” with their hands. The tongue-in-cheek law began as a publicity stunt aimed at getting folks to think of Gainesville as the fried chicken capital of the world.

• Polar bears gain more than 400 pounds during pregnancy.

***

Thought for the Day: “If you’re going to do something tonight that you’ll be sorry for tomorrow morning, sleep late.” — Henny Youngman © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Phil is the father of Andrew White of New Era.

OCCOA seeks millage renewal, asked to consider a plan to help seniors receive meals closer to home

By Steve Gunn The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

The Oceana County Council on Aging (OCCOA) will have a proposal on the Aug. 6 primary election ballot, seeking renewal of a one-mill property tax levy for eight years to maintain important services for older people in the community.

The Oceana County Board of Commissioners approved the ballot language at a meeting in late February.

But at least one commissioner – Board Chairman Robert Walker – is concerned about the way the OCCOA’s services are dispersed throughout the county, particularly its food service.

Walker said the agency provides great service in and around population centers, but does not do as much for older residents in outlying townships. He noted that the OCCOA’s meal program is completely based at its headquarters in Hart.

He said that has forced officials in at least one township to dip into their own funds to provide more accessible meals for seniors, and a few smaller nonprofit agencies have stepped in to fill gaps in several outlying areas.

Walker suggested taking $50,000 per year from the millage tax revenue – assuming it’s approved by voters – and disbursing it to five smaller nonprofit agencies so they can help older residents receive meals closer to home.

OCCOA Executive Director Stephanie Moore is not on board with that plan.

She said it would be very complicated to identify and fund smaller nonprofits and thinks it would be smarter for those agencies to work in tandem with her organization.

While Walker and Moore disagree on the issue, Walker said he voted in favor of putting the millage request on the ballot, based on assurances that the agency will try to spread services more evenly throughout the county.

“They said they will try,” Walker said. “I will give them an opportunity to follow through.”

The one-mill proposal on the Aug. 6 ballot would provide the OCCOA with an estimated $1.48 million in its first year to fund services to senior citizens in the county. That amount would cover about 70 percent of

the agency’s service budget, Moore said.

Oceana voters have approved millage-based tax support for the OCCOA since 1992. If the millage were to be defeated in August, the Council on Aging would cease to exist by the end of the year, according to Moore.

The OCCOA provides a ton of services to residents throughout the county, Moore said.

The list includes daily meals served at the Council on Aging’s building at 4250 W. Tyler Rd. in Hart; doorto-door bus transportation for residents throughout the county; in-house services like housekeeping, meal preparation and bathing; an adult day program at the center in Hart that allows caregivers to work or otherwise get a break; a volunteer-based driver program to take seniors to out-of-county medical appointments, and many other things.

Moore said the effort to serve seniors stretches far beyond the village population centers, and there is much more happening than people may realize.

“People don’t always realize how involved we are all over the county,” Moore said. “Our busing service goes to every single township to meet people’s needs, and not just to come to our center. If someone needs to go to the grocery store, the bank, visit a friend, whatever they need to do, all they have to do is call and make a reservation for a ride. We will pick you up and bring you home.

“It’s the same for our in-home care. We don’t use vehicles with our agency’s name on them, but our caregivers are out there.”

Moore said it would be impossible to offer daily meals in every township or at multiple sites around the county, but stressed that anyone can call to get a ride to the OCCOA center to eat or participate in various programs.

“We are providing services that are available to anyone in Oceana County, and we have the ability to get people here (to the center) to get those services,” she said. “We couldn’t sustain having a location in each of the communities, but we provide people with the ability to get to the center for a meal and day program and other services.

“We used to have multiple meal sites in the county, but they diminished over a period of time due to lack of participation.

Commissioner Walker sees the situation a bit differently.

Local artist included in American Glass Guild exhibit in Grand Rapids

By AnnaMae Bush The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Pentwater artist Jilly Barnes is honored and excited to be included in a special exhibit of the American Glass Guild (AGG) this summer. The AGG exhibition will take place in a dedicated gallery space accessible to the general public for six weeks at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, June 7 through July 28. The welcome reception for the AGG artists will be at the museum on Thursday, July 11.

Barnes had to apply for inclusion, and said she was delighted to be accepted. She shares, “My piece will be approximately 3.5 by 5.5 feet. It’s a new piece I’ve been working on for this show. The title has yet to be determined.”

Barnes is well known to Pentwater residents and to visitors who browse her gallery on Hancock Street, across from the Vil-

lage Green. She also shares her skills with folks who attend classes she offers at her studio. The AGG exhibit will give her work broader visibility.

For those who don’t know her well, here is her brief bio statement: “Jilly Barnes, a lifelong artist with a passion for diverse mediums, is a Kendall College of Art and Design alumna, majoring in illustration. Traveling in Michigan and Florida’s juried art scenes since 1990, Jilly achieved acclaim with her 5x18-foot glass mural at ArtPrize 2014, capturing the essence of Lake Michigan’s seasons and securing the 2nd Place Public Vote in 3D art. Today, Jilly sells her work and shares her talent through fused glass classes at Jilly’s Gallery in Pentwater, Mich., inspiring the next generation of artists.”

He noted that Ferry Township has been providing meals for senior citizens at its township hall, so they don’t have to travel to Hart to eat. He also said The Ladder, a faith-based nonprofit, has been providing senior meals in Shelby and Walkerville officials have been starting to work with Love INC to provide meals for elderly residents.

Walker thinks all of that demonstrates that the OCCOA should spread its meal distribution program throughout the county or sacrifice $50,000 per year in millage funds to help smaller agencies provide the service.

Under his plan, smaller nonprofits would be able to apply for up to $10,000 per year in millage funding to provide more meal opportunities for seniors.

Walker said he has spoken to attorneys who assure him that faith-based nonprofits could legally receive the funds without being in violation of any laws.

“Some people, like those who live in Greenwood Township, could be traveling 20 miles to go to that (Council on Aging) building,” he said. “People in their 80s are not going to do that.

Walker said the ability to get meals without a lot of travel is important to many seniors, and it’s crucial to have as many options for them as possible.

“That’s the most important service for seniors,” Walker said. “There is always a huge food need. You go anyplace in the state of Michigan, and the nutrition programs for seniors are overwhelmed. There is just such a need for them.”

Moore said sharing millage revenue with smaller agencies would be impractical and would put a big dent in the OCCOA’s service budget.

For instance, she said the loss of $50,000 per year in millage funds would equate to losing 3,125 hours of in-home care service.

She said the answer may be for the smaller service agencies to partner with the Council on Aging in a united effort to make sure all needs in the county are met.

“There’s a lot more that goes into it,” she said. “(Other agencies) would have to be vetted. We would have to figure out who’s going to be responsible financially; there would have to be a selection process - it would be very difficult to do. Let’s work together, and let’s see what we can do.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

“Twenty artists have been selected to show in this year’s exhibit at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.”

The AGG’s annual conference in 2024 will be July 11-14 in Grand Rapids, Mich., with pre-conference workshops on July 9 and 10.

AGG President Amy Valuck said, “We have approximately 225 members, who include artists, studio owners, students, art historians, conservators, and glass suppliers. We strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive community for both professionals and amateurs sharing knowledge and fellowship around our love of glass art.

Be a registered voter in the City of Hart, cannot be or have been in default to the City, default is defined as being delinquent on property taxes, personal property taxes, any utility bill (including rental properties for which the person is responsible party), or any other past due invoices owed to the City.

• Interested individuals can stop into City Hall to pick up a Petition, Affidavit of Identity and Receipt for Filing form.

Deadline to file is Tuesday, July 23rd by 4pm

Office Hours Monday – Friday 8am to 4pm

Karla Swihart, City Clerk

407 South State Street 231-923-0012

A small part of the piece Jilly Barnes will show in the American Glass Guild exhibit.

• Contributed Photo

West Shore Wolves 14u hockey team takes home state title

The West Shore Wolves 14u Bantam Team has emerged victorious as the 2023-2024 Adray Bantam 14u State Champions in hockey. The team, consisting of 16 talented players from various area schools, showcased their skill and determination throughout the tournament, ultimately securing the championship title.

In an intense battle at the Patterson Ice Arena in Grand Rapids this past weekend, the West Shore Wolves faced off against the Cheboygan Chiefs in the final game. The Wolves triumphed in a thrilling 3-2 victory, cementing their place as the champions of the tournament.

Composed of talented individuals from various area schools, including Pentwater, Hart, Manistee JH, Ludington HS, Ludington JH, MCC HS, and

MCC JH, this diverse team has come together to achieve greatness.

The Wolves’ championship is of note to the Oceana County community as three athletes are students at local high schools. Benjamin Wisenbaugh attends Pentwater while Jackson Bishop and Joel Knobel are students at Hart.

Additional players on the team include Jacob Bielski (Manistee), Ryan Higley, Anderson Riemer, Landon Bruno-Rombach, Graham Carroll, Kowen Hamilton, Grant Hill, Brady Lawler, Adrian Lundberg, Timothy Pomeroy (Ludington), Nathan Adams, Owen Adair and Brayden Quillan (Mason County Central). The Wolves are head coached by Roy Bishop and assisted by Mark Hamilton, Eric Pomeroy and Austin Wilson.

Winter All-Conferece selections

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 in competitive cheer and wrestling as well as athletes from the West Michigan D League (WMD) for boys and girls basketball.

Shelby’s Hannah Frees was the lone competitive cheer athlete to not be featured in last week’s edition of The Oceana Echo, so she will top this week’s list. Frees wasn’t the only Tiger to earn honors however.

Four wrestlers from Shelby earned All-Conference honors as Juan Brito (113-lbs.) and Ivan Fessenden (190lbs.) each earned first team. Nick Cano (106-lbs.) and Dominic Mulder (215-lbs.) were named honorable mention. Hesperia had five wrestlers selected with Stephen

Priese (106-lbs.), Skyler Stalbaum (144-lbs.), Brock Bolles (165-lbs.) and Noah Walker (285-lbs.) earning first team and Blake Sayer (132-lbs.) landing an honorable mention.

Hart led all wrestling teams with seven selections. Logan Jorrisen (126-lbs.), Ty Thomas (138-lbs.), Joseluis Andaverde (150-lbs.), Chico Salgado (157-lbs.), Alex Hicks (175-lbs.) and Ivan Lara (215-lbs.) all earned first team selections with Michael Chavira (106-lbs.) taking an honorable mention nod. The Pirates will be feautred next week.

Moving over to the WMD, Pentwater’s boys basketball team ended their highly successful 2023-24 campaign with four juniors earning All-Conference selections.

Trey Johnson and Mikey Carlson earned first team selections, Jonny Arnouts pulled in a second team selection and Will Werkema-Grondsma was named honorable mention.

The Falcons had two athletes from the girls team selected as well. Sophomore Aubrie Adams was a first team

selection while senior Samantha Schaefer earned honorable mention.

Walkerville senior Collin Chase was the only Wildcat to be named to an All-Conference team this winter. Chase was selected to the boys basketball second team.

Above are the rest of the All-Conference selections for the West Michigan Conference and West Michigan D League. Part two of our features on All-Conference athletes in Oceana County finishes competitive cheer, boys and girls basketball and includes wrestlers. Selections graphics are continued on page 16. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

The West Shore Wolves Bantam 14u hockey team poses at Patterson Ice Arena in Grand Rapids after winning the state championship. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Winter all-conference

continued from page 15

PERFECT SEASONS!

Congratulations to the 7th and 8th Grade Shelby Lady Tigers who both ended their season with a perfect 13-0 record! The talent, skills and work ethic these teams possess was evident each time they showed up at the court. Winning the conference is a huge accomplishment but perhaps the biggest win these girls walk away with is the outpouring of support they received from their community. Game after game the stands were full with adoring fans from parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and their peers. You have all made your community proud! CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS!!!

Above are members of the All-Conference teams for the West Michigan Conference and West Michigan D League for boys and girls basketball and wrestling. The remainder of Hart wrestlers will be featured in next week’s edition of The Oceana Echo. Additional athletes from boys and girls basketball as well as competitive cheer were feature in last week’s edition. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

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Beard-shaving for a cause at Fetch

For 2nd straight year, brewery hosts Spin, Give & Shave event for United Way

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — For the second straight year, Fetch Brewery was the site for United Way of the Lakeshore’s Spin, Give and Shave Wednesday night.

The event started last year as something of a lark; United Way’s annual March Beards for Books fundraiser culminates with a Shave-Off event in Muskegon, but a few board members had conflicts that prevented them from attending last year. Rich Houtteman, of Whitehall, was one of them and came up with the idea of a separate event to raise more money. The Spin, Give and Shave, featuring Houtteman spinning classic records on vinyl, was enough of a hit that it was brought back this year, with more participation - six hirsute gentlemen came out to get a month’s worth of beards shaved off by Bret Balcom of the Deadmen’s hair salon, up from three last year.

The annual Beards for Books benefits Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an initiative that provides free books to children each month up to age five. United Way’s chief philanthropy officer, JJ Lewis, said 65 percent of eligible children in the county are signed up, but there’s always room to grow.

“For (a donation of) about $30 a year, a child will receive a book

•

a month for free to them thanks to donors and donations,” Lewis said. “You really can’t beat that. They’re high-quality books. We know that early reading is important, and this is one way that we can really do some cool things.”

One of the six to participate was Michael Ramsey, a former Muskegon city commissioner who joked that he would wear the “Beard of Shame.” He said he had raised only 40 percent of his fundraising goal and had pledged in advance that if he fell short of his goal, he would get the fraction of his

Work set to begin on Montague bike trail

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The city of Montague’s bicycle trail will be closed in coming weeks as Rieth-Riley Construction in Ludington repaves the trail.

The repaving will span from Stanton Boulevard to the pedestrian bridge that sends the trail on to Whitehall, as well as the small area that passes by the Trailway Campground. The project will begin with preliminary work next week

and is scheduled to last seven weeks.

Once the full repaving portion of the project begins, the trail will be temporarily closed. At latest, the trail should reopen to the public May 24, but city manager Jeff Auch is optimistic the work will be done prior to that.

“It’s not very intensive work,” Auch said. “Once they get into the main part of the project, they’ll crush the entire

beard shaved off to match the fraction of his fundraising goal. It created an amusing image as Ramsey followed through and had Balcom remove only two-fifths of his beard.

Houtteman participated for the second year in a row, of course, as did retired Consumers Energy employee Roger Morgenstern. Joining them were James Vander Hulst, Robert Medendorp and Andrew Zahrt.

Lewis said the 25 Beards for Books participants countywide had a collective fundraising goal of $35,000. The goal has not been met to date, but donations continue, and each donation up to a $50,000 total is being matched

dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor. Fetch owner Jen Hain also announced prior to the shaving taking place that the brewery would make a donation to the cause even though the brewery was unable to rename any of its beverages for the occasion, as it did a year ago by changing its popular Jinkies beer to Grizzly Rich in Houtteman’s honor.

Lewis said interested donors can visit unitedwaylakeshore.org for more information on how to donate.

“At the end of the day, we’re just trying to make sure that there’s books in the hands of kids,” Lewis said. “This is an amazing program.”

On the hunt

to Easter.

Despite cold temperatures, many local children and their parents came out to search for holiday treasures in the field adjacent to the VFW building.

There will be several egg hunts hosted throughout the White Lake area this weekend, including at the Rothbury village park at 11 a.m. (including a visit from the Easter bunny) and at the Montague Township park at 12 p.m.

Attendees of Wednesday’s Spin, Give & Shave event enjoy beverages and conversation at Fetch Brewery. The event raised money for the United Way of the Lakeshore.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Former Muskegon city commissioner Michael Ramsey shows off his 40% shaved beard Wednesday. Ramsey said he’d only met 40% of his fundraising goal, so pledged to only shave 40% of his beard.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

The Montague bicycle trail pictured Wednesday evening. The trail will be closed to undergo repaving over the next 6-7 weeks, with a scheduled completion of May 24.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

The White Lake VFW hosted its annual Easter egg hunt Sunday, March 24. The hunt traditionally takes place the week prior

Cold temperatures didn’t stop local children and parents from taking part in the White Lake VFW Easter egg hunt Sunday.

• Madison Lajewski/Mirror Photos

Montague trail

bike trail and reshape it. It’ll be widened in certain sections.”

The work has been years in the making. The city has received increasing complaints, Auch said, about the state of the trail over the past few years. The state of the trail stood in stark contrast to the William Field Hart-Montague Bicycle Trail State Park, which begins at the northern end of Montague and whose trail was repaved in 2015 with funding from the state and Department of Natural Resources grants.

“There were lines that cut across and had to be patched and some other things,” Auch said. “It was not terrible, but we learned from the state that we were able to get federal funding for al-

continued from page 1

ternative public transportation and decided to apply for it. We were lucky to be able to get that funding for the year.”

Auch said the city originally hoped to push the repaving project to the fall to avoid closing the trail near peak season, but “things didn’t fall into place,” Auch said, so the project will be done prior to the summer.

“The state allocated a certain amount of funds, and they were trying to finalize that before the next batch of funding later this year,” Auch said. “There’s a process of going through the certifications with MDOT, filing engineering plans and going through the bid process with contractors.”

Nearly 100 finish at annual Blue Lake Twp. Firefighters 5K

Despite cold temperatures and snowy conditions, the annual Blue Lake Twp. Firefighters’ Association 5K welcomed over 100 registrants and nearly 100 finishers for the St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser Saturday.

The winner of the race was Brendan Hamilton, 27, from Fruitport, who finished the race in 17:45. The top female finisher was Parker Nykiel, 12, from Grand Junction, with a time of 22:28.

A total of 13 runners under 18 completed the full 5K race, and four young runners raced in the one-mile fun run that followed the race.

Four runners raced in the Kilt Division, a favorite of the 5K. Participants race in full St. Patrick’s Day kilt regalia. Justin Patten, 45, of Fremont, earned the top spot among those four with a time of 21:06.

There was also a special First Responder Division open to first responders. Three runners competed in that division, with Andrew Hogan, 60,

of East Lansing finishing first among them with a time of 29:40.

Fruitland Twp. taking steps toward a future bike trail

By Steve Gunn White Lake Mirror Contributor

A lot of people have long dreamed of having a paved bicycle/pedestrian trail along a picturesque section of Scenic Drive between Muskegon State Park and Duck Lake State Park.

Now the effort to fund the project has gotten off the ground, and while it may be optimistic, at least one local official loves the idea of potentially having a finished trail coincide with a historic anniversary.

Scenic Drive will be 100 years old in 2027, and Fruitland Township supervisor Jeff Marcinkowski thinks it would be fitting to have the trail in place to mark the centennial.

“We could have a great celebration,” he said.

Nobody really knows if that kind of timetable is realistic, but the first step is identifying funds for the expensive project, and that is underway.

The Fruitland Township board, in conjunction with the Laketon Township board, recently voted to officially apply for an appropriation from the U.S. Congress to fund the project, which currently has a price tag of more than $9 million.

The two boards are working together to secure the funds because the trail would be located in both townships.

The proposed trail, extending from Fenner Road on the northern border of Muskegon State Park, and extending north to Duck Lake Road near Duck Lake State Park, would cover about 3.85 miles of a stretch of Scenic Drive that extends along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The trail would be 10 feet wide and paved with asphalt.

The project would address both safety concerns and the recreational desires of many people who want to walk or ride bicycles along the stretch.

“There are no shoulders along the road – just gravel on each side – which makes it kind of hazardous to bike along and walk along,” Marcinkowski said.

A lot of citizens have been expressing interest in having a trail along the route for some time, Marcinkowski said.

The interest eventually led to the development of a citizens advisory committee for grant research and writing, which in turn formed the Scenic Drive Safe Streets Initiative.

The two townships paid to have a feasibility study done for the project, but nothing else has been funded so far.

“There has been a public request for something like this since the mid1990s,” said Marcinkowski, who added the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Muskegon County Road Commission support the project. “People have been asking about it and talking about it. It’s a popular road, a very beautiful stretch.”

The effort to completely fund the project could be a long one, however.

Township officials have been working through U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar’s office to secure congressional funding.

One nice thing about a congressional appropriation is that it would not require local matching funds, which is usually the case for government or private grants.

“It all depends on how they review things in Washington and if they believe there’s a need,” Marcinkowski said. “We may get something, but there are no guarantees.”

Even if Moolenaar is successful in securing federal dollars for the trail, there’s no telling how much would be forthcoming.

There is a real possibility that some money will show up from Washington, D.C., but that could fall far well short of the total $9.074 million price tag, according to Marcinkowski.

“His sweet spot seems to be about $1.5 million to $2 million – that seems to be Congressman Moolenaar’s range,” Marcinkowski said.

Partial funding would be a victory, because it would demonstrate progress and might make it easier for the townships to find grant money to pay for the rest of the project.

“The appropriations request went in first and is kind of like a springboard for everything else,” Marcinkowski said. “Once you show people you mean business, you can seek grants or donations.”

If partial funding from Congress arrives, a decision would have to be made about doing some of the construction while waiting to secure the rest of the money, or holding on to the dollars until the full amount is on hand.

“Sometimes you want to hold that (money) there and just say we have this amount,” Marcinkowski said. “The other thought is, why not take whatever amount we have and put it into the project, so people can see that you did something? But with that you run the risk of having a partial trail that’s not very long, and then spending years wondering where the rest of the money will come from.”

Montague optimistic about grant funding after Safe Routes audit

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Montague city manager Jeff Auch said Monday’s Safe Routes to School walking routes audit went as planned despite a relative lack of public participation.

Cold weather, Auch said, was likely a factor in the lack of turnout, but those that did come out were able to accomplish the objective of the meeting - auditing walking routes to school for Montague school students. The city is pursuing a Federal Highway Administration grant that would, if approved, fund improvements and additions to sidewalk infrastructure.

Twelve walking routes were planned for the audit, six near the el-

ementary school and six near the three school buildings adjacent to each other on or near Stanton Boulevard.

“I think we got through all of them but one,” Auch said. “We divided into small teams and each team took a different route and reported back. That data goes back to the state, which will start compiling that, and the city will start compiling information as well. There will be future public input meetings and discussion of proposed routes. It’ll be a while; it’s a long process.”

The school system’s director of business affairs, Stacey Brown, said last week that the most likely timeline should the grant be approved would involve sidewalk construction work being done in summer 2026.

Auch said many aspects of the examined routes were audited, including cracks in the sidewalks, potential trip hazards, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and more. In addition to the areas the city already knew it wanted to examine, Auch said the audit revealed existing sidewalks that need repair.

“We’ll probably be seeking some funding for those repairs as well as for new sidewalks,” Auch said. “Our MDOT contact said this is about a 12-month process and we just started a month and a half ago. It won’t see any quick results, and we want to make sure there is plenty of input from students and community members. I imagine later this spring and early summer, people

will see some new information coming out.”

The city feels optimistic about its chances of securing grant money, with Auch saying he thinks the city is going through the right steps. The proximity of the four schools to one another - Oehrli Elementary is not adjacent to Montague’s other three schools, but it is a relatively easy walk away - should bolster the city’s case for a grant.

“We’ll probably get some visuals as this develops,” Auch said. “They’ll show some of the proposed routes and maybe some of the issues and trip hazards we’ll be dealing with. Those will probably help.”

Brendan Hamilton of Fruitport is the first to cross the line at Saturday’s Blue Lake Twp. Firefighters’ Association 5K.

• Courtesy photo

Runners take off from the starting line of Saturday’s Blue Lake Twp. Firefighters’ Association 5K. Nearly 100 participants completed the run.

• Courtesy photo

Echoes of History: Early history of Whitehall (pt. 2)

Concluding historical essays

written by Whitehall 7th-graders in 1896

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

The following is the third of a series of essays by the pupils of the seventh grade of the Whitehall School and appeared in The Whitehall Forum June 23, 1896.

Written by Merle Gee, 7th Grade Teacher:

I will endeavor to tell some facts of the early history not mentioned by any of the pupils of my class. I will begin with the third store, which was owned by Sturtevant and Sprigg occupying the old Union hotel barn in 1865 or 1866.

D. J. Foster & Son opened a store in 1866 and closed it in 1869, when K. F. Morse & Co. took it for a hardware store. Thompson & Pemberton opened the first hardware store in ’67, which they sold to P. Morse & Son. J. Mizner opened the first drug store in a barn owned by Wm. Weston.

In ’62 the Union Hotel was built and burned Jan. I, ’70; in ’66 the first lodge of Good Templars was organized; in ’57 Whitehall had 1,000 inhabitants, ten saw-mills, six stores, three hotels and one tannery. Dicey & Girth owned an iron

foundry. Gee, Sanders & Scully had a stage line. Although a town of 1,000 inhabitants, there were but 20 votes cast at the first election held May 6, ’67. The jail was built in 1868, and cost $800.

Mr. Frank Blackmar established the Whitehall National bank in 1869. Sept, 5, ’70 the Booming Company was organized. The first train steamed up to the depot Oct. 29, 1870. The 4th of July, 1870 was lively, special policemen being necessary. Thirty-five dollars were raised to purchase a cannon. The most building was done in 1874. The first saloon was owned by Wm. Simmons. In 1875 Whitehall had twenty-two saloons and Montague 13.

The Cosmopolitan hotel burned in August 1881. The first lawyer was Duane Thompson. T. Bennett & Co. opened the first grocery store; Moog & Hill, the first furniture store. Gale Nichols ran the first stage line.

The first school was a private one taught by Miss Polly Allen having a 3 months’ term and an enrollment of eight pupils.

The following is the fourth (and final) of a series of essays by pupils of the seventh grade

Spring set to be hopping at MADL

By Christina LeVey-Rowland Volunteer Contributor

It might not quite feel like it outside, but it’s finally spring! MADL has some fun programs planned for the coming months. Spring Break is quickly approaching, and we are excited to bring you all kinds of fun.

of the Whitehall School and appeared January 30, 1896.

Written by Henry Paine, Age Unknown:

Whitehall was first settled by Mears and Slocum in 1859. It was then called Mears. In the year 1867, the name was changed to Whitehall, and it grew faster than any northern town at that time. It had an area of three square miles and a population of 1,000. Chas. Mears erected the first mill which was a water mill in 1843. In the year 1856, Staples & Covell’s mill was built by Whittaker and Hall. The tannery was erected in 1866. They have added to it so that now it is a large one.

The post office was established in 1862 and Albert Mears was the first postmaster. Ben Frank was the first editor of the Whitehall Forum, the first copy of which was printed October

28, 1869.

Whitehall is on the shores of White Lake, which is five miles long and averaging threefourths of a mile wide. In winter 1867, Congress appropriated $75,000 which was expended on the piers in summer 1868. In the next spring, $20,000 was added by the harbor company and $45,000 more by Congress which made it the best harbor on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.

In the year 1880, most of the main part of the town was destroyed by fire, but it was rebuilt. It burned again in 1890. In the second fire, they called on Muskegon for help and they sent a fire engine on a special train which brought it here in 20 minutes. One remarkable thing about the fire was that out of 12 safes, only one was injured, and that one was in the

Watch the eclipse!

or livestreamed at the library.

post office. This safe had a large keyhole. The loss by the fire of $125,000 and the insurance was about $50,000.

The railroad was put through Whitehall in 1867 and the depot was where the Water Works is now. It was not a very good one and a new depot was built almost a block straight south.

So ended the available works of Whitehall middle school students of the time.

As there are no known copies of the Montague Observer available for this time period, it is unknown what the students in the Montague area might have written.

It would be interesting to see what the results would be if the challenge was taken up by the students today.

The

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor Bookworm

LeVey-Rowland

April is poetry month, so we are kicking things off with a drop-in Blackout Poetry activity. Come in and create your own poetry using old book pages and black sharpies. And since Spring Break is right around the corner, we are once again hosting MADL at the Movies April 2. We will have ticket vouchers available for MADL cardholders to see Disney’s Luca at the Cinema Carousel. Your vouchers are good for a movie ticket, small drink, and popcorn! The Montague branch will also host our Wednesday Snacktivity from 3 to 5 p.m. April 3, and Thursday, April 4, we are excited to host Fly Away with Science, a program all about making and flying paper airplanes!

We are also hosting our first ever Library Lockin for teens April 12! Sign your teen up to join us for pizza, games, and Makerspace activities all to themselves, after hours here in the library.

And we haven’t left out our older patrons. On April 17, don’t miss Great Michigan Read author Angeline Boulley’s talk about her book Fire Keeper’s Daughter at Orchard View High School. On April 21 and 22, we are celebrating Earth Day with a nature hike in partnership with the Oceana Conservation District. And finally, if you’re interested in crafts, Dawn is hosting a session creating keychains made of buttons April 22!

Spring is going to be hopping here at MADL and we can’t wait to see you here!

Are you not able to travel to the path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse? Are you expecting the typical West Michigan cloud cover to block your view of the partial eclipse here? The library has you covered! Come to the library Monday, April 8 to watch the partial eclipse from the lawn, weather permitting, and to watch NASA’s eclipse coverage livestreamed on the big screen in the meeting room. For the White Lake area, the partial eclipse will occur between 1:55 p.m. and 4:25 p.m., with the maximum partial eclipse (91.9%) at 3:11 p.m. Solar eclipse glasses will be available for the first 45 attendees at the library. The NASA livestream will be aired from 1 to 4 p.m. There is no charge to attend, and registration is not required.

Firekeeper’s Daughter

Author Visit

Don’t miss out on your chance to hear from best-selling author Angeline Boulley, who will be visiting Muskegon April 17 as part of her Great Michigan Read tour. She will be speaking about her book, Firekeeper’s Daughter, an electrifying thriller layered with a rich exploration of the modern Native experience, a reckoning of current and historical injustices, and a powerful celebration of community. Everyone is invited to attend this free event, either live at Orchard View High School

The live event will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at Orchard View High School, 16 North Quarterline Road in Muskegon. There is no charge to attend, but registration is requested at madl.org/miread. A book sale and signing will follow the presentation. For those who prefer not to make the drive, this event will be livestreamed at the library beginning at 6 p.m. No registration required, just join us if you can.

FUN FACT: Angeline Boulley is a Chippewa author and Michigander whose debut novel – Firekeeper’s Daughter - was named one of the top young adult novels of all time by Time Magazine.

Upcoming Events for Kids and Families

If you are still looking for free things to do with the kids during the school holiday, don’t forget about everything the library has to offer this week. Our reading loft and play corner are always available, along with a huge collection of books, magazines, movies, games and toys that can be borrowed. There’s a new story up on the Story Trail, too. (Watch for an official dedication of the new per-

Bul letin

manent story trail installation in late May!)

Special events for the week include a free kids’ matinee movie at 2 p.m. and then a tech takeapart event at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4. Both events are free and registration is not required; more info at wlclib.org/calendar. At 2 p.m. Friday, April 5, we’re hosting our first ever library Mario Kart tournament. Racers age 12 and up will compete in races to prove their skill and earn the title of White Lake Community Library Mario Kart Champion. Registration is required – please visit wlclib.org/calendar for more information and to let us know you are coming.

Looking ahead, the library is hosting a Minute to Win It competition Thursday, April 11 at 4 p.m. How many pennies can you stack in one pressure-filled minute? Do you have the finesse to unwrap Hershey Kisses while wearing oven mitts? Kids from 3rd to 8th grade are invited to come test their skills with these and other Minute to Win It challenges. Everyone wins because they’re as fun to play as they are to watch! No registration required.

The Union Hotel in Whitehall, date unknown, and city pioneer Charles Mears. • Courtesy Photo

DeMumbrum

SPORTS SPORTS

Montague, R-P get baseball season going

Young Wildcat bats struggle against veteran pitching

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Pitchers, the saying goes, are always ahead of the hitters early in a baseball season, but Montague would have preferred Reeths-Puffer pitching not be quite as far ahead as the Rockets proved to be in Monday’s season opener.

Starter Brayden Mitchelson and reliever Trent Reichert combined to strike out 16 Montague batters Monday, helping steer the Rockets to a 5-3 victory in which every run was scored in two half-innings.

The Rockets put together a five-run rally in the bottom of the fifth inning, getting two runners in scoring position with one out and playing solid situational baseball from there. Ethan Frang opened the scoring with a RBI groundout, hitting the ball to second base. The Wildcats had the infield in with hopes of getting an out at the plate, but after they weren’t able to field the grounder cleanly, had to settle for the out at first.

R-P took advantage of the opportunity, as Landyn Wilson drove in a second run with a flare single to the outfield. Later in the inning, a run came across on a passed ball, and Holden Earnest delivered a two-run single in the same at-bat.

“We learned from the mistakes that we made in the earlier innings and put ourselves in a situation to be able to hang a crooked number on the board,” Rockets’ coach Butch Attig said. “I was very happy with that. When you get a win in the first game and you’re out-

side, you’re always happy with it, but any team in their first game, second game, third game, you have things you can work on. You have things you can improve. That’s what we’re going to do.”

Montague entered the sixth without having gotten a runner into scoring position against Mitchelson, but he was lifted after five innings, Attig not wanting to run up his starter’s pitch count early in the season. Attig said Mitchelson did a terrific job incorporating his curveball Monday, which heightened the effectiveness of the fastball.

The Wildcats quickly turned the tide against Reichert, the hurler coach Jeff Moss expected to see start the game. A pair of Montague batters got on base, and Bryton Belinger connected on a fastball for a three-run homer to get his team back in the game.

That proved to be the one blemish for R-P pitching on the day, as Reichert kept Montague at bay from there to finish the game.

Although the Rockets fanned 16 Montague hitters, Attig said the team’s

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

pitching focus will usually be to count on a solid, veteran defense. Apart from one instance of an outfielder overrunning a bloop single, the Rocket defenders appeared in midseason form.

“Defensively we’re a solid baseball team, so pound the zone, let them

put the ball in play, and we’ll get better as we go,” Attig said. “It’s been the best start in my seven years as a varsity coach here that I think we’ve had... I

Season opener

continued on page 5

Rockets suffer 2nd straight 1-goal loss

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer doesn’t yet have a win under first-year coach Josh Robidoux, but the Rockets are showing early signs that the program is on a big-time upswing.

R-P lost its second straight one-goal game to open the season Monday at home against Zeeland, 9-8. It marked the first time since the Rockets’ 2019 win over Zeeland that they came within five goals of their O-K Conference foe.

“Those losses sting a lot, especially against a really good team like that,” Robidoux said. “We know that year after year, if you look at our record, they’ve consistently beat us pretty bad. For us to come out and compete, there’s a lot to be proud of with our guys, but there’s a lot of work still to be done.”

Zeeland delivered the winning goal in the final minute, ending a back-and-forth battle in which neither team led by more than one at any point in the second half. The Rockets

displayed their mettle by answering go-ahead Zeeland goals twice in the fourth quarter, including one by Connor Stawski with 2:04 left - just six seconds after Zeeland went ahead. That tied the score at 8-8 prior to Zeeland’s game-winner.

As with R-P’s one-goal loss to Grand Haven, Robidoux said his team needs to improve in order to be in better positions at the end of the game. However, he lauded his team’s competitiveness.

“I think the buy-in from these kids is incredible,” Robidoux said. “I know that they’re frustrated and they want to win but also, the things that I see day in and day out at practice are great. Last year, we had blowout games, and we had quarters or halves where we competed, but when we’re stringing together four full quarters, when we’re competing with high-level programs like this, I think it is a testament to the buy-in that these guys have and what they want to do this year.”

Stawski’s late tying goal was his second of the game; he also opened R-P’s scoring early in the first quarter to tie the score at 1-1. Brooks Johnson also

Montague’s Cole Herremans (left) tags out Reeths-Puffer’s Holden Earnest at third base during Monday’s season-opening game at R-P. The Rockets won, 5-3.

scored two goals for R-P, both in the second quarter, and Carson Cooper put in two goals as well. JT Fansler recorded three assists and scored a goal of his own. R-P was strong at times with ball control, including one possession in which it spent about three minutes

of game time putting pressure on Zeeland in the offensive zone.

A key sequence of the game was a 4-0 run by Zeeland to end the first half

Montague’s Bryton Belinger (3) greets teammates at home plate after connecting on a three-run home run during Monday’s game at Reeths-Puffer.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer’s Holden Earnest fouls off a pitch during Monday’s season opener against Montague. Earnest had a big tworun single in his team’s 5-3 win.

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Reeths-Puffer’s Carson Cooper (right) races towards the goal while Zeeland’s Brody Smeyers pursues during Monday’s game at R-P. The Rockets dropped a 9-8 heartbreaker.

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Montague’s Cole Herremans fires the ball across the diamond for an out during Monday’s season opening game at Reeths-Puffer. The Wildcats lost, 5-3.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Tough loss

and put the visitors ahead 5-4. Jacob Eckert capped that run by intercepting a R-P pass and scoring the go-ahead goal with 1:28 to go before halftime. Robidoux noted his team responded well to that miscue, not allowing another goal until the fourth quarter.

“Are you going to be the team that collapses inward and says, ‘I can’t believe we just did that,’ and then another thing happens and another thing happens, or are you the team that bounces back, creates an opportunity that wasn’t there originally and doesn’t let that stay on you for long?” Robidoux said. “We’re always on our guys about that.”Robidoux’s team isn’t exactly

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young, with an estimated 15 seniors on it, but many of those seniors don’t have much varsity lacrosse experience. However, he said, some of those seniors have excelled in leadership roles, creating a healthy team dynamic. With that dynamic and a seemingly strong competitive mindset in place, the stage is set for the Rockets to make a big improvement as the season goes on.”I know that, moving forward, these guys have each other’s backs and they’re going to work hard,” Robidoux said. “We’re excited to see some more challenging teams like this towards the later half of our season.”

Season opener

think the knowledge is there and they understand that. So I think we’re leaps and bounds (ahead of) where we were before.”

For Montague, the Belinger home run was a bright spot, and the struggles at the plate were not all that surprising given the youth the Wildcats have; by the end of the game, Moss said, Montague had a freshman in at catcher and sophomores at three other spots on the field. The team doesn’t have any senior starters, though Belinger and others are varsity veterans. A big factor for the young Wildcats will be confidence, which can be shaken after a 16-strike-

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out game. However, Moss is optimistic his team will bounce back once conference action begins after spring break.

“The first thing I went out there and said was, ‘Okay, it looks like we’ve got to get back on the tee work and do some more hitting in the cages,’” Moss said. “We’re going to get better. Every day we’ll get better and work on small things. We’ve just got to build their confidence up. When they strike out that many times, you’ve just got to take them in the corner and talk to them, talk them off the ledge, so to speak. They’ll be fine.”

Trio of Whitehall athletes announce college picks

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Three Whitehall athletes announced their college choices Wednesday morning at the high school, with two - Darnell Mack and Ryne Christensen - heading to nearby Muskegon Community College and Jenna Smolen choosing Division III Elmhurst (Illinois) University, located a half hour from Chicago.

Mack will be wrestling at MCC, Christensen is set to play baseball, and Smolen will run track.

Mack’s Whitehall career was the result of lots of hard work. A strong wrestler when he got to Whitehall, the senior worked his way up the ladder and became a cornerstone of the Vikings’ lineup by his final season, racking up over 100 career victories and a pair of all-state placements. He finished third this season at 150 pounds.

Mack, who said he may pursue a trade as his long-term career goal, is thankful for the chance to continue wrestling and may even pursue a spot at a four-year school if his time with the Jayhawks goes as well as he hopes.

“It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get to where I’m at right now,” Mack said. “I (couldn’t) always do the things I was able to do (at the end of my career). I always had to go and work hard at practice and even stay after and work harder.”

Mack credited the Whitehall

Sports in Brief

Softball

Holton 15-13 Montague 0-3

The Wildcats couldn’t get much going against one of the area’s top programs. The ‘Cats were no-hit in a three-inning game one. In game two, Reagan Cederquist had two RBI, and Abby Thommen scored twice.

Girls Soccer

Montague 8 Wyoming Lee 0

Montague rolled to victory in its season opener. Ava Pelton led the Wildcats’ onslaught by scoring the first 4 goals. Abby Dyer had two goals and an assist, and Adilynn Peterson had a goal and 3 assists,

Byron Center 5 Reeths-Puffer 0

Whitehall 2 Newaygo 1

program’s supportive atmosphere for his improvement both on the mat and in the classroom during his career.

“I used to not be good in school, but the coaches always picked me up and told me to do some schoolwork,” Mack said. “My teammates never let me fall back down to where I used to be and always pushed me to be (better).”

Christensen was Mack’s wrestling teammate for four years, but at MCC he’ll hit the diamond, playing the sport he truly loves. The Viking senior has been a key

College signings continued on page 6

Jenison 3 Reeths-Puffer 2

R-P scored its first goals of the season, but couldn’t hang on to a halftime lead. Irelyn Niklasch and Ashley Bradley scored goals in the game.

Track

Whitehall, R-P teams open up at GVSU

The Grand Valley Laker Challenge saw some big-time performances. Camden Thompson earned Whitehall’s top showing, a win in the high jump with a mark of 6-4. Thompson also set a school record in the 60-meter hurdles (8.62 seconds), one of 3 records set. Malcolm Earvin (60m dash, 7.04 seconds) and the team of Earvin, Kyler Frees, Kal Koehler and Trannon Aylor (1,200m relay, 2:25.99) also set records. For the girls, Arianna Black led the Vikes by taking 9th in high jump (4-10). R-P’s top performances came from the 1,200 relay teams; Jezsiah Sims, Caiden Bolduc, Brody Johnson and Marvin Moore (13th place) led the boys, and Kamari Walker, Jersi Bilek, Madilynn Smith and Melana Johnson (14th place) were the top girls finishers. Bilek was also 14th in the 1,600m individual event.

Isaiah Atchison wins twice at GVSU

Montague had an impressive start to the season. Isaiah Atchison led the Wildcat boys with first-place finishes in high jump, where he set a personal best of 6-2, and in the 200-meter dash (23.04 seconds). Paul Olson was second in the 60m dash. and Isaac French was 3rd in shot put. For the girls team, Jenna Erickson took 3rd in the 200m dash (29.28 seconds) and Addison Smith was 3rd in pole vault (6-6), both with personal bests.

Lacrosse

Grand Haven 9 Reeths-Puffer 8

The Rockets battled back from several deficits, but fell just short of a win in new coach Josh Robidoux’s debut. Kyler Brainard, Carson Cooper and Brooks Johnson each had 2 goals in the game.

Holland Christian 8 Reeths-Puffer 6

R-P took a shutout loss against future O-K Black Conference foe Byron Center Monday. The host Bulldogs ripped off 3 goals in the first 8 minutes before R-P fared better defensively later in the game.

R-P fell short again in a tough road game. JT Fansler and Kyler Brainard led the Rocket attack with 2 goals apiece.

Whitehall earned a win in its season opener behind goals from Kate Beda and Reese Hesse. Abby Berman made 3 saves in the win.

Montague 8 Comstock Park 0 Montague earned its second straight mercy-rule win. Ava Pelton had her second straight 4-goal game, and Addison Pranger and Braylyn Bultema each added a pair of scores.

Reeths-Puffer’s Owen Greiner (left) slides in to pick up a loose ball as Zeeland defenders pursue during Monday’s home opener. The Rockets lost to Zeeland, 9-8.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall’s Darnell Mack (center of first row) celebrates his signing to Muskegon Community College. With Mack in the front row are parents Rachel and Darnell Mack and MCC assistant coach Mark Brunger, and in the back row are Whitehall coaches Craig Christensen (left) and Justin Zeerip.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall’s Ryne Christensen (center of first row) celebrates his signing to Muskegon Community College Wednesday. With Christensen in the front row are parents Craig and Britney Christensen, and in the back row are Whitehall coaches Zach and Warren Zweigle.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

College signings

cog in the lineup throughout his career and is among the centerpieces of a team with a lot of experience and high hopes in 2024.

“I’m just looking forward to going out with the boys and competing every day,” Christensen said of his 2024 team. “I think we can make a splash. We’re definitely an under the radar team. I’m excited.”

Like Mack, Christensen is glad to be able to continue competing and do it near home. He said baseball “doesn’t feel like a job” and playing each day means a lot.

Christensen said he was grateful to Whitehall coach Warren Zweigle and his staff for helping develop him as a player, as well as to the community for being as supportive as it is. His longterm career goal is to become a teacher; once he has completed his general education courses at MCC, he’ll trans-

fer to a four-year school to finish his bachelor’s degree.

“Not every player in high school gets to go on and compete at the next level, so I’m obviously really excited about being able to just keep on playing the game I love,” Christensen said.

Smolen won’t be quite as close by as she ships out for the Chicago area to run track at Elmhurst. She said the Bluejays see her as a 400-meter runner, but she could also potentially compete in the 200 and 800 meters.

“I’m really excited,” Smolen said. “I’ve already met my team, but I’m excited to grow with them and really be a part of that. It’s just something really special, and it’s a special opportunity to get to grow past high school and really compete at such a high level.”

Smolen noted she’ll be able to compete against some of the best; Elmhurst is a Division III school, but she said it

Muskegon Museum of Art to display county students’ artwork through May 19

Expressions is the annual student art exhibition showcasing the artistic talents of Muskegon County K-12 students. The exhibition opened March 28 and continues through May 19, with public receptions honoring the student artists April 24 and 25.

In its 42nd year, Expressions includes 238 works of art created in a variety of media from 38 different schools in Muskegon County. Among the participating schools are Montague, Whitehall and Reeths-Puffer high schools, as well as Ealy Elementary School, Whitehall Middle School, Nellie B. Chisholm Middle School, Twin Lake Elementary School and the Reeths-Puffer elementary and middle schools. Art teachers from each participating school have carefully selected the student artwork to be included in the exhibition.

Receptions for the participating artists will be April 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

does compete at meets along with Division I and II teams, so she’ll get some of the big-time feel from college track too.

for middle and high school artists and April 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for elementary school artists. There is no charge for admission to either reception. Expressions is organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art in partnership with the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) and supported by RENK.

Behind the Badge

March 21

An officer on patrol observed a vehicle driving erratically and made a traffic stop on Peterson Road in the 8000 block. The officer contacted the 18-year-old driver and, while speaking with her, noticed the strong odor of marijuana. When questioned, the Egelston Township resident said that there were some “roaches” in the car. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a commercial container of marijuana. The driver was cited for MIP of marijuana and released.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do since I started track, ever since sixth and seventh grade,” Smolen said. “I’m excited for myself because I really want to see myself improve, and I think college coaching at a college program will really help me reach that next level.”

White Lake Trash Bash set for April 21

White

welcomes all to its annual Trash Bash, set to begin Sunday, April 21 at 1 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce building.

Volunteers will team up to clean areas north and south of the bike trail, as well as parks, shoreline areas, waterways and more. Willing participants with waders, kayaks and/or canoes are especially needed for this Earth Day celebration.

An action plan will be announced at 1 p.m. April 21 when all volunteers are gathered. Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the occasion, including gloves, hats and the wearing of sunscreen. Trash bags, gloves and refreshments will be supplied.

Smolen said she doesn’t have a specific major in mind yet, but it will likely involve political science or law. She may pursue law school, a Ph.D or become a government teacher.

March 23

An officer observing traffic in the 200 block of Thompson St. noticed a truck turning off from Colby Street onto Thompson. As the vehicle made its turn, it accelerated, causing the tires to squeal and the rear end to slide. The vehicle continued to accelerate and passed another northbound vehicle by crossing the double yellow center line into the southbound lane of Thompson. The officer stopped the vehicle as it crossed over into Montague at 11:12 p.m. After contacting the 25-year-old driver, the officer was told by the man he was upset after an argument with his girlfriend. He apologized for his

driving, but was issued a citation for careless driving anyway. There were no signs of intoxication, and he was released from the scene.

March 26

Middle school staff reported vape violations to the SRO when he returned to work on Tuesday. The violations occurred on March 21 and 25 while the officer was on vacation. In each case, the principal was notified by other students that the offenders, a girl, and a boy, had brought a vape device to school. The school had already administered their discipline, and the SRO cited both 12-year-old students for being MIP of the devices.

Whitehall’s Jenna Smolen (front row, center) celebrates her signing to Elmhurst University to run track Wednesday at the high school. With Jenna in the front row are parents Ron and Jan Smolen, and in back is Whitehall cross-country coach Jeff Bassett.

Twin Lake Elementary student Piper Lynn displays her piece, Singing Birds, during a previous Expressions exhibit at the Muskegon Museum of Art.

• Courtesy Photo

The

Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

• Courtesy Photos