The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 41, March 8, 2024

Reflexiones de nuestra comunidad

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Many faces, one community

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

The Oceana Echo was established to not only provide every boxholder with local news and information but with the hope of building into a community we can all be proud to call home. This week we begin a four-part series focusing on our Oceana County’s Hispanic and Latino residents, the role they have played in our shared history, the unique challenges they face and what we can do individually and collectively to make Oceana a better place for all.

The Oceana Hispanic Center (OHC), located at 11 Washington St. in Hart, has a long history of serving and celebrating the Hispanic and Latino populations of Oceana County. Officially formed in 2002, the OHC mission is, “To promote the economic and cultural well-being of all residents of Oceana County, with a primary focus on empowering residents of Hispanic origin and

facilitating positive interaction between all residents in Oceana County. They (OHC) envision a united community where all residents recognize and appreciate the value and wealth of Hispanic culture and the contributions of Hispanic people in our communities.”

The center came about as an outgrowth of the Migrant Resource Council, a county-wide collaboration of local and state agencies that were active from April to October each year to provide needed resources for area migrants. However, once the harvest season was over, their services were suspended until the next spring.

As more and more migrant families settled in and stayed through the winter months, many families had to go without those extra services. When the OHC was first formed, it became a “one-stop shop” for providing translation services, reading communications, providing assistance with paperwork and a place where people could find out about other county services.

The first board members for the OHC included Frances Arangure, Penny Burillo, Phil Espinoza, Ken Fisher and Irma Hinojosa. There wasn’t an office at that point. Burillo, a longtime Hart resident who was well known in the Hispanic community, ran operations and served as the center’s liaison for many years after she retired from the Department of Human Services, often helping many people right from her own home.

The organization went dormant for a time but was re-established in

2005-2006 on a very small scale. In 2009–2010, the OHC established a presence in an office on State Street in downtown Hart. With computers donated by the recently closed Andre Bosse Center, the OHC, with help from Shelby resident Damien Omness, started offering local Hispanics and Latinos ESL (English as a Second Language) classes and help using computers.

In 2011, the Catholic Social Services building on Washington Street in Hart was given to St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. With Burillo’s connection to St. Gregory’s, the OHC was able to set up offices in the building.

Muchas caras, una comunidad

Por Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Colaborador de la comunidad

The Oceana Echo se estableció no solo para brindar a cada poseedor de cajas noticias locales y información, pero con la esperanza de construir una comunidad a la que todos podamos estar orgullosos de llamar hogar. Esta semana comenzamos una serie de cuatro partes centrada en nuestros residentes, los hispanos y latinos del condado de Oceana; el papel que han desempeñado en nuestra historia compartida, los desafíos únicos que enfrentan y qué podemos hacer individual y colectivamente para hacer Oceana un lugar mejor para todos.

El Centro Hispano Oceana (OHC), ubicado en 11 Washington Street en Hart, tiene una larga historia de servir y celebrar a las poblaciones hispana y latina del condado de Oceana.

From 2015-2016 Margaret Ewing, of Hart, held the position of executive director for the OHC. Then in 2017, Eva Berumen-Reyna, of Pentwater, was hired as executive director. Berumen-Reyna, who was knowledgeable in writing grants, held the position until 2019, when the center could no longer afford to have any paid employees.

In the fall of 2019, the center came to a crossroads. A board meeting took place to determine the center’s fate. “It was a hard meeting,” said current Chairperson Irma Hinojosa. “We voted to close the center. However, after that meeting, I couldn’t get what had just happened off my mind. I contacted board member Paul Inglis and

One community continued on page 2

Fundado oficialmente en 2002, la misión de OHC es “Promover el bienestar económico y cultural de todos los residentes del condado de Oceana, con un enfoque principal en empoderar a los residentes de origen hispano y facilitar la interacción positiva entre todos los residentes del condado de Oceana. Ellos imaginan una comunidad unida donde todos los residentes reconocen y aprecian el valor y la riqueza de la cultura hispana y las contribuciones de los hispanos en nuestras comunidades”.

El centro surgió como una consecuencia del Consejo de Recursos para Migrantes, una organización que abarca todo el condado y colabora con agencias del condado y estatales que estuvieron activos con servicios de abril a octubre de cada año proporcionando los recursos necesarios para los migrantes del área. Sin embargo, una vez terminada la temporada de cosecha, sus servicios se terminaban hasta la próxima primavera.

A medida que más y más familias inmigrantes se establecieron y permanecieron durante los meses de invierno, muchas de las familias tuvieron que vivir sin esos servicios adicionales. Cuando El Centro Hispano se formó por primera vez, se convirtió en una “ventanilla única” para brindar servicios de traducción, leer comunicaciones, brindar asistencia con el papeleo y un lugar donde las personas podrían informarse

sobre otros servicios del condado.

Los primeros miembros de la junta directiva de OHC incluyeron a Frances Arangure, Penny Burillo, Phil Espinoza, Ken Fisher y Irma Hinojosa. En ese momento no había oficina. Residente de Hart desde hace mucho tiempo, Penny Burillo, que era muy conocida en la comunidad hispana, dirigía las operaciones y se desempeñaba como enlace del centro durante muchos años después de retirarse del Departamento de Servicios Humanos, muchas veces ayudando a muchas personas desde su propia casa.

La organización permaneció inactiva durante un tiempo, pero se restableció en 2005-2006 con una participación muy pequeña. En 2009-2010, OHC estableció una presencia en una oficina en State Street en el centro de la ciudad. Con computadoras donadas por el recientemente cerrado Centro André Bosse, OHC, con ayuda de Damien Omness, residente de Shelby, comenzó a ofrecer a los hispanos y latinos locales, clases de inglés y ayuda en el uso de computadoras.

En 2011, el edificio de Servicios Sociales Católicos en Washington Street en Hart fue entregado a la Iglesia Católica de San Gregorio. Con la conexión de Burillo con San Gregorio, OHC pudo establecer una oficina en el edificio.

De 2015 a 2016, Margaret Ewing, de Hart, ocupó el cargo de Directora Ejecutiva de OHC.

Luego, en 2017, Eva Berumen-Reyna, de Pentwater, fue contratada como Directora Ejecutiva. Berumen-Reyna, quien era conocedora de subvenciones por escrito, ocupó el cargo hasta 2019, cuando el centro ya no pudo permitirse el lujo de tener empleados remunerados.

En el otoño de 2019, el centro llegó a una encrucijada. Se llevó a cabo una reunión del directorio para determinar el destino del centro. “Fue una reunión muy difícil”, dijo la actual presidenta, Irma Hinojosa. “Votamos a favor de cerrar el centro. Sin embargo, después de esa reunión no pude sacar de mi mente lo que acababa de suceder. Me comuniqué con el miembro de la junta directiva, Paul Inglis y le dije: “Tiene que haber una manera de mantener nuestras puertas abiertas.” Tendría que ser de forma voluntaria, pero odio rechazar a la gente. ¿A dónde irá la gente por ayuda? El siguiente centro hispano más cercano es Grand Rapids.”

• Contributed Photo

One community

said, ‘There’s got to be a way to keep our doors open.’ It would have to be on a volunteer basis, but I hate to turn people away.

Where would they go?

The next closest Hispanic center is Grand Rapids.”

In early 2020, the board met again and decided to continue on a volunteer basis. Then the covid pandemic hit. By the end of 2021, they had spent most of their remaining resources assisting people and had less than $3,000 in their checking account. “We are a non-profit and depend on private funding,” Hinojosa said. “Ken (Fisher) always hoped someone would come along and privately fund the group, but that never happened. I figured we’d be better off reaching out to the community and being honest about our needs. I hoped by doing so, they would see the value and respond with a donation. We spent $300 to send out 200 letters and raised just under $10,000 that year.”

Hinojosa says she was so glad she acted on her gut feeling two months earlier. Since then, the center has continued to send year-end fundraising letters.

Currently, some of the services the center provides include not only translation and paperwork filing assistance, but loans for emergency medical or utility bills during the off-season for people who have no other options, and not just

Hispanics and Latinos. The center is also able to provide loans to clients who need transportation to immigration asylum hearings or for clients pursuing citizenship.

In March 2023, the center took another leap of faith when they asked a Women Who Care (WWC) member if they would present the OHC at one of their quarterly meetings. The OHC name was drawn that night, and after the WWC member gave a brief presentation, they were chosen to be the recipient of that quarter’s donations—a $14,800 award.

Since receiving the WWC donation, the board has been able to build up a number of its established funds used to help those who are in need of assistance. The Neighbor to Neighbor Loan Program is used to assist undocumented workers who don’t qualify for state or federal services. The Neighbor to Neighbor Grant Program is available to undocumented workers in cases of severe emergencies and does not need to be paid back. The Emergency Need Funds are used for utility assistance in the off-season or to help with the high cost of application fees to become a resident alien or citizen. The Oceana College Access Network “Exito Educativo” (Educational Success) Program provides support to students wishing to pursue college. Semillas

This year will mark the 17th year of organizing the Oceana County Agricultural & Natural Resources Banquet to celebrate the agricultural industry and natural resources of Oceana County. The committee is currently finalizing many of the details for this annual event. This year’s banquet is scheduled for Monday, March 18, 2024, at the West Michigan Research Station. Organizers are planning to start the evening

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de Esperanza (Seeds of Hope) consulting service, operated by former Executive Director Eva Berumen, is sub-contracted by the OHC to serve clients with various residency requirements and renewals, citizenship interviews in Detroit and completing online paperwork.

“Covid hit us hard, as it did many non-profit organizations, but with our community support, we are slowly getting back on our feet. We are continuing to help those less fortunate in our community who work hard every day and sometimes just need an organization like the OHC to be the light in the tunnel they are living in,” Hinojosa said.

The current OHC Board of Directors includes: Chairperson Hinojosa, Treasurer Inglis, Secretary Cindy Santiago, Trustees Larry VanSickle, Tim Harvell and Juan Carlos-Ortega. The board meets to review finances and operations, consider applications and how to best assist their clients. Board meetings are open to the public and take place the fourth Tuesday of every month from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Oceana Hispanic Center at 11 Washington St. in Hart.

Next week, this series will look deeper into the personal stories of Hinojosa and Berumen-Reyna; two women who are advocates for Oceana’s Hispanic and Latino population.

Una comunidad

A principios de 2020, la junta se reunió nuevamente y decidió continuar de forma voluntaria. Entonces el golpe de pandemia de Covid. A finales de 2021 habían gastado la mayor parte de los recursos restantes ayudando a la gente y tenían menos de $3000 en su cuenta corriente. “Somos una organización sin fines de lucro y dependemos de la financiación privada”, dijo Hinojosa. “Ken (Fisher) siempre esperó que alguien viniera y financiar de forma privada el grupo, pero eso nunca sucedió. Pensé que estaríamos mejor llegar a la comunidad y ser honestos acerca de nuestras necesidades. Esperaba que al hacerlo verían el valor y respondieran con una donación. Gastamos $300 para enviar 200 cartas y OHC recaudó poco menos de 10,000 dólares ese año.”

Hinojosa dice que estaba muy contenta de haber actuado según sus instintos sensación dos meses antes. Desde entonces, el centro ha seguido enviando cartas al fin del año para recaudar fondos de la comunidad.

Actualmente algunos de los servicios que brinda el centro incluyen no solo servicios de traducción y asistencia para la presentación de trámites, préstamos privados, ayuda para facturas médicas o de servicios públicos de emergencia durante la temporada baja para personas que no tienen otras opciones, y no sólo para hispanos/latinos. El centro también puede proporcionar préstamos a clientes que necesitan transporte a audiencias de asilo o para clientes que buscan ciudadanía.

En marzo de 2023, el centro dio otro acto de fe cuando le preguntaron a Women Who Care (WWC) si presentaran a OHC en una de sus reuniones trimestrales. El nombre del Centro Hispano fue sorteado esa noche, y después de que el miembro de WWC hizo una breve presentación, fueron elegidos para recibir las donaciones de ese trimestre - un premio de $14,800.

Desde que recibió la donación de WWC, la junta directiva ha podido acumular una cantidad de sus fondos establecidos para ayudar a quienes necesitan asistencia. El programa de

préstamos llamado Vecino a Vecino se utiliza para ayudar a los trabajadores indocumentados que no califican para servicios del estado o servicios federales. El Programa de subvenciones Vecino a Vecino está disponible para trabajadores indocumentados en casos de emergencias graves y en ocasiones no es necesario reembolsarlos. Los fondos de emergencia se utilizan para asistencia con servicios públicos fuera de temporada o para ayudar con el alto costo de tarifas de solicitud para convertirse en extranjero residente o ciudadano. La red de Acceso Universitario de Oceana con el programa Éxito Educativo brinda apoyo a estudiantes que deseen seguir la universidad. Servicio de consultoría Semillas de Esperanza, operado por ex-directora ejecutiva, Eva Berumen-Reyna, está subcontratada por OHC para atender a clientes con diversos requisitos de residencia y renovaciones, entrevistas de ciudadanía en Detroit y completar en línea papeleo.

“Covid nos afectó duramente como a muchas organizaciones sin fines de lucro, pero con el apoyo de nuestra comunidad poco a poco nos estamos recuperando. Seguimos ayudando a los menos afortunados en nuestra comunidad que trabaja duro todos los días y a veces solo necesita una organización como OHC para ser la luz en el túnel en el que viven”, dijo Hinojosa.

La actual Junta Directiva de OHC incluye al Presidente – Irma Hinojosa, al Tesorero - Paul Inglis, Secretaria - Cindy Santiago, Fideicomisarios: Larry VanSickle, Tim Harvell y Juan Carlos Ortega.

La junta se reúne para revisar las finanzas y las operaciones, considerar las solicitudes y cómo mejorar ayudar a sus clientes. Las reuniones de la junta están abiertas al público y se llevan a cabo el cuarto martes de todos los meses de 5:30 a 7 p.m. en el Centro Hispano de Oceana en 11 Washington Street, en Hart.

La próxima semana, esta serie profundizará en las historias personales de Irma Hinojosa y Eva Berumen-Reyna, dos mujeres que defienden a la población hispana y latina de Oceana.

Banquet set for March 18

a little earlier than normal, with the social hour beginning at 5 p.m. and the banquet beginning at 6 p.m. This will give everyone an opportunity to arrive in time for dinner and to get home at a reasonable time that evening.

The social hour, sponsored by Kaleb Klotz Farm Bureau Insurance, will consist of appetizers inspired by Oceana County and local beer and wine. Attendees can mingle during this time

with other guests before the official program gets underway at 6 p.m. with brief presentations from the Oceana Conservation District, MSU Extension and Oceana County Farm Bureau. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. followed by a brief awards presentation and a featured presentation on local fisheries. Fisheries Biologist Mark Tonello of Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division will share

information on stream ecology and fisheries management, highlighting some of the work being conducted in Oceana County.

Tickets for the event are $25 per person and available for purchase online at www.OceanaConservation.org or at MSU Extension and the Oceana Conservation District offices.

Pentwater Public Schools extends a fond Falcon farewell to their own Dr. K.

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

“Pentwater is the most amazing school district I have had the privilege to serve during my 37-year career in education.  I know I am a better person for having served in this community, and I just hope some things are better here because of my work the past 8 years,” Pentwater Public Schools Principal/Superintendent Dr. Scott Karaptian recently said, reflecting on his tenure. It was impossible to miss the enthusiasm on his face and in his voice.

It has been publicly announced that he is retiring at the end of this school year, and a search has begun for his replacement.

When asked what his feelings were in 2016 about coming to Pentwater from Kalamazoo, he replied, “I was excited about coming to Pentwater. But I had spent the previous 24 years in secondary school positions. I had never worked with K-8 students, and I didn’t want to ‘miss’ anything important for younger students.”

How did that play out for him? He found that he grew into that part of the job. “Oh, my goodness. It’s been great. Going into the lower elementary class-

rooms is the highlight of my day! The children surround me with hugs and want to know when I’m going to have lunch with them. Whenever my spirits need a boost, that’s where I go.”

Dr. K., as he is affectionately known, has a philosophy that makes him accessible to faculty, staff, students and community members alike. He believes that wherever he is placed, his role is that of a servant—to help those around him thrive. He has found great generosity in both the school and the community. Whenever a need has been shared, whether during the holiday season or other times, there has been overwhelming community support to meet the need.

The high caliber of the faculty and their willingness to go out of their way to help students are two reasons that Pentwater School performs so well and why students experience great academic success. Dr. K. reported, “Many of our graduating seniors are accepted at prestigious colleges and universities. And I’m happy to say that every senior can apply for and receive funds for furthering their education.”

Special attention from faculty and coaches has also led to success in athletics. The track, basketball and cross-country teams have done very well this year.

Were there any surprises for him?

“The uniqueness of the school really can’t be appreciated by those outside of its walls. The supportive community is so encouraging. The school’s smaller size can partially account for fewer discipline issues than other schools but cannot completely explain it.” He said students have left bicycles unlocked in the bike rack for several days and found them where they left them. Student lockers are most often unlocked. The trust level is very high. The small school size and the fact that K-12 classes are housed on the same campus enable teachers to develop relationships with families for up to 13 years. That value cannot be measured.

Karaptian extends a high level of trust to his staff. Toni Glover, his ad-

Acts of vandalism in Shelby investigated

By Amanda Dodge The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

According to a press release from Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast, his office was alerted to vandalism in Shelby Sunday, March 3.

“Deputies from the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the Shelby Public Schools Bus Barn to respond to the report of Malicious Destruction of Property. Upon arrival there, school staff showed deputies 18 different buses that had been damaged by someone spray painting on different parts of them with green spray paint. The deputies also found the same spray paint applied to the restroom doors at Getty Park and to a bulldozer

that was parked nearby.”

The Oceana Echo reached out to SPS Superintendent Mark Olmstead Tuesday, March 5, regarding the incident.

After a full update from law enforcement that day, he shared, “The Shelby Public Schools District has been working jointly with deputies from the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department to support the investigation into the recent acts of vandalism.

“The response by Shelby Public Schools employees to the damage was swift. Transportation coordinator Doug Fris and mechanic/bus driver Chuck Hicks assisted deputies with initiating the investigation. They then went right to work to remove the spray paint to ensure students had buses to ride to

ministrative assistant, has worked in the business office for many years. She appreciates the fact “…he trusts that I am doing my job and trusts my abilities.” At the same time, she knows she can go to him if she is uncertain about a situation. “Scott has always made me feel that my opinions and perspectives are important and valuable to the district, that what I thought about an issue is important.”

Science teacher Erika Fatura had this to say: “I highly appreciate Dr. Karaptian’s commitment during his time here. His genuine dedication to the wellbeing of this school and the Pentwater community is truly remarkable. Dr. Karaptian excelled at seeking grants and creating opportunities to enhance our school environment. His efforts on both bond proposals further showcase his strong desire to enrich our school. Dr. Karaptian prioritized school safety, and his contributions in this area are evident in the effective security protocols implemented within our school. Thank you, Dr. Karaptian for your time as a Falcon!“

In addition to the school’s academic and athletic success, what else is Dr. K. proud of? “The two electric buses that we were able to procure with a

grant when so many other schools were vying for that award. And our strong school community – our many volunteers and all the residents who come to our events, cheer on our sports teams, and congratulate our students on their successes.”

As a veteran who protected our country, school safety is also a huge concern for Dr. K. and he is grateful for the safety measures that have been installed during his tenure. How would he describe the school’s value to the village? “It is a hub for community growth and pride; it is a community center for activities. Its importance cannot be overstated.”

So, what are his feelings upon leaving? He said he is comfortable with the shape that the school is in for the next superintendent. He will miss being at school tremendously, especially his time with the youngest students. He is glad to have been here for eight years and would like to stay involved where possible. He serves on a county-wide school safety committee and will continue with that commitment. Working with the Pentwater Police Department to secure a grant and provide a full-time safety officer at the school is another achievement about which he feels good. After being employed in education for almost four decades, Dr. K. wonders how he will find a new identity in retirement.

Will he and his wife, Chris, remain in Pentwater? “Oh, absolutely!” he immediately responded. “We have found our ‘forever home’ in Pentwater. My wife retired two months ago from the PNC Bank Resolution Center after 36 years. We are both involved with community organizations and plan to increase our involvement.”

Dr. K. serves on the board of the Community Foundation for Oceana Community. Any plans for fun and recreation? Yes, he hopes to golf, hunt, fish, boat and spend more time with their grandchildren. All well-deserved rewards for faithful service!

Our best wishes to you, Dr. K.!

school on Monday morning.

“Diligent reviewing of security camera footage by high school Dean of Students Geoff Kies and district School Resource Officer Tim Simon led to the identification of suspects. Now, further action can be taken so individuals responsible for the damage may be held accountable.

“There is a great deal of pride that our students and community have in our schools. I am thankful for our school employees and local law enforcement efforts that have worked in the interest of preserving that Tiger Pride.

If anyone has further information about this incident they are asked to call the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office at (231) 873-2121.

S cott K araptian

• AnnaMae Bush/Echo

This

Oceana County Schools: Grant

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

We are finally closing in on our rural school series. This week we take a look at our third-to-last township, Grant. First up, on the corner of South Water Road and West Wilke Road, we have the Lawson school. Before that, there was the Mears school, named after the local sawmill owner, Albert Mears. District number one was first organized in the 1870s, and the land for this school was donated by Hosea White. A larger school was built in 1888 to the tune of some $400, and in 1910, the property was purchased by Phillip Lawson, hence the name change. This school house lasted 63 years until it was replaced once again in 1951. “The new building is of cement block and steel construction, and glass blocks have been utilized to give maximum lighting advantage in addition to interesting decorative design,” an article from that time says. “With its modern school furniture and interior furnishings, it will be a sharp contrast from the first school built from slabs of wood from a nearby sawmill.” But by 1960, the school was consolidated into Rothbury. Today, nothing remains.

Up next, in district number 2, we have The Little Red School. We have very sparse information on this charmingly named little school house. Rather than explain it all myself, I will borrow from local school historian Mort Wiegand’s words directly from her notes. “The Little Red School has

been gone for so many years that few people remember seeing or hearing about it. It stood on the corner of Webster Road and Oceana Drive, and is believed to be District No. 2 of Grant Township.” Aside from that, we have the names of two teachers, one Effie Graham and one Mary Bartlett. Wiegand has also included an undated book or newspaper clipping about a man named Mr. Squires. “Many years ago,” the clipping says, “he was a trustee of what in those days was known as the old ‘Red School House,’ one of the few remaining landmarks located a mile south of Rothbury on US-31.” Of course, that landmark does not exist today.

District number three had no school on record, so instead we move on to district number four with the Heitman school. District number four was formed in 1873. The first meeting was held in the home of a man named Geo Cartright, and one acre of land was purchased for the school by Henry Heitman. A 20-foot by 26-

foot log school house was first built by John Wagner & Bros for $150, but this was torn down and replaced with a newer building in 1889. It was located on South 104th Avenue, somewhere between West Cleveland Road and West Wilke Road. This remained the schoolhouse for children in grades kindergarten through eighth up until 1960, when it consolidated into Rothbury, and then later into Montague. Like the other schools of Grant so far, this one too did not survive the years. Some of the teachers who worked here include Ruth Sorenson, Lottie Ludwig, Mabel Bailey and Cletus Crader.

District number five was home to a few different schoolhouses under different names. Up first was Lindsay, the first schoolhouse in Rothbury. This was probably an old log school house named for William Lindsay, an early pioneer who donated the site. Up next was the Rothbury school, built in 1896 and located on 88th Avenue. In 1960, the Grant Community District schools were formed, and Rothbury consolidated the previously mentioned schools of Lawson and Heitman. A little over a decade later, the Grant Community District schools merged with Montague Public Schools.

Up next is district six. “In its early years, the district had no schoolhouse,” Wiegand wrote. “A barn nearby served as a classroom. The first school was a log structure, which was replaced by a frame building a few years later.” The school was first called the Wilson school, taking its

name from an early pioneer like the Lindsay school did. The name was later changed to Cranston in 1890. The school continued to run until it was annexed to New Era and then finally the building burned down in 1962.

Lastly, we have the Eagles schoolhouse in district number seven. This school was located on East Arthur Road and South 90th Avenue. It is another one that we have very sparse information on. A simple note from Wiegand’s materials says, “Found 20 on roll and 10 present. Log schoolhouse, in poor condition. Mrs. Helen Herrick is teacher.” The note was dated from 1873. We know it did not stay a log schoolhouse, as the photos Wiegand gathered appear to be of a frame building. Besides, the building survived and was remodeled into a private home.

to see and do at the OCH&GS

By Mort Wiegand The Oceana Echo Volunteer Contributor

It was a busy month for the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society (OCH&GS) with 33 visitors. Have you been there to visit? There is a lot to see and do. Check out our extensive obituary files, lots of general information on every corner of the

county, our Native American history room with information on Chief Cobmoosa, around 20,000 Oceana postcards categorized by area, books and files of family histories and photos, along with old newspapers on microfilm and much more!

There were seven people asking about the old one-room schools that have been featured in The Oceana Echo for the past couple of months.

The Society also has lots of old yearbooks and school photos in its files.  Our latest quarterly newsletter just went out to our members. Want to know what’s in it? Become a member to find out! Members also save on copier costs.

Come and check us out every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are always in need of volunteers, especially to help with filing.

We still have sheets of information on specific schools, for those interested, please send $2 in an envelope to the OCH&GS at 114 Dryden St., Hart, MI 49420. A sheet will then be sent to you. For $10, a booklet about each school in a requested township will be sent. Finally, a notebook with information about all of the county schools can be obtained by sending $25.

THE

Ongoing

Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, first and third Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out.

The Ladder Community Center:

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

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

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

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

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

Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m.

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

“Cooking for One” at OCCOA

Every Tuesday from Feb. 6 - March 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Fish dinners at St. Joseph’s in Weare Fridays in Lent, 5-7 p.m.

PLA board meeting set for Monday in Pentwater

The first meeting in 2024 of the Pentwater Lake Association board of directors will be Monday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Centenary Methodist Church at 82 N. Hancock St. in Pentwater. The public is invited to attend; please enter at the Hancock Street hall entrance.

Merten’s Maple Syrup Open House is tomorrow

The Merten Farmhouse Market is bringing back their annual Maple Syrup Open House this year on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at their market located at 230 East Polk Road, Hart. The Mertens invite everyone to join them, see how maple syrup is made and get in the mood for spring by visiting their barn, which will be open and full of animal babies.

Kazsa’s Sugar Bush Open House set for March 16

Kazsa’s Sugar Bush Open House will return Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tour their modern sugar bush and learn how maple sap gets turned into maple syrup. Enjoy freshly made maple-glazed donuts. Try a sample of their many maple products, including maple syrups, maple cream, maple sugar and maple-flavored granola. Those who spend $50 will receive a free pint of syrup.

HMS Drama Club to perform ‘Alice in Wonderland’

HMS Drama Club students have been busy preparing for Lewis Carroll’s classic, “Alice In Wonderland” and will present the show to the public March 14–17. Join Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole and travels through Wonderland, meeting some wildly silly characters along the way! Will she find her way back home, before the Queen of Hearts orders, “Off with her head”? You’ll have to come and find out! Thursday, March 14, Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16 performances will begin at 7 p.m. in the Hart Public Schools Auditorium. The Sunday, March 17 matinee performance will begin at 2 p.m. in the auditorium. Pre-sale tickets are available online until March 15; $8 for adults and $4 for students. General admission seating is available at the door prior to each performance: $10 for adults and $5 per student.

March Echo

March 8 - Resurrectoin Party, The Ladder, 6-7:30 p.m.

March 9 - Tri-County Right to Life Oratory Contest, grades 9-12, Hart Wesleyan Church, 10 a.m.

March 9 - Maple Syrup Open House, Merten Farmhouse Market, 230 E. Polk Rd., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

March 10 - Hart Community Performing Arts Series, Mr. B’s trio, 3 p.m., Hart Public Schools Auditorium

March 11 - Senator John Moolenaar staff office hours, Shelby Village Hall, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

March 11 - PLA board meeting, 6:30 p.m., Centenary UMC

March 12 - Tech Hour, Hesperia Comm. Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

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

March 13 - Agricultural Banquet registration deadline

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

March 15-17 Oceana County #6128 Team M.O.T.O.R., FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, Orchard View High School, all day

Performing Arts Series to feature Mr. B’s trio

The Hart Community Performing Arts Series continues its 2023-2024 season on Sunday, March 10, when it presents Mr. B’s trio in concert. This blues and boogie-woogie concert will take place in the Hart Public Schools Auditorium, located at 308 W. Johnson St. in Hart and will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets for this performance are available at the door, or online at hartseries.org, for $15.

Oratory contest tomorrow in Hart

The Tri-County Right to Life Oratory Contest will take place Saturday, March 9 at 10 a.m. at Hart Wesleyan Church, 3757 W. Polk Rd. in Hart. The contest is for students in grades 9-12, and they must prepare and present a 5-7 minute speech on one of the many pro-life issues outlined in the rules. There will be prizes for the winners, and they will get the opportunity to compete at the state level. Please call Susan Stace at 231-903-9997 for a contest application form, oratory contest rules and information.

Resurrection Party this evening at The Ladder

All children ages 5 to 12 are invited to The Ladder Community Center once a month for Party Club! Join us today, Friday, March 8, for the “Resurrection Party” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. We will have songs, Bible lessons, games and snacks. Party Club is sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship, a Bible-centered ministry serving in every region of the world. All teachers and helpers have been trained and screened to ensure your child’s protection. Parents are welcome to attend. The Ladder is located at 67 N. State St. in Shelby.

OCCOA offers many March events for area seniors

The following are Oceana County Council on Aging events for March. All activities take place at the OCCOA, located at 4250 W. Tyler Rd. in Hart, unless stated otherwise. Please call 873-4461 to sign up or make meal reservations.

Breakfast is available on Thursday mornings from 8:30-9 a.m. Cost is $3 and reservations are required.  Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program: During Open Enrollment; call 873-4461 to schedule an appointment.

Strength and Balance: Monday and Wednesday, March 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27; 10 a.m.

Gentle Yoga: Tuesday, March 12, 19 and 26; 10:30 a.m.

Drum Fitness with Gwen: Friday, March 15 and 29; 10 a.m.

Thai Chi: Monday and Wednesday, March 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27; 9 a.m.

Zumba: Friday, March 8, 15, 22 and 29; 9 a.m.

Cuban Dinner: Saturday, March 9; 5:30 p.m. RSVP required, $27.50

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, March

23; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; adults $10, kids $5, benefit for OCCOA, hosted by World Horizon volunteers  Quilt Shop Hop: Friday, March 22; 9 a.m.

Cooking For One: Tuesday, March 12 and 19; 1:30 p.m.

Dinner and a Movie: Tuesday, March 26; 3:30 p.m.

Shopping Trip: Friday, March 22; 9 a.m.

Beltone: Wednesday, March 27; by appointment

Caregiver Support Group: Wednesday, March 20; 2 p.m.

Art with Bradley Youngstrom: Monday, March 11 and 25; 10 a.m. Cost: $15, reservations are required.

Art with Hannah: Tuesday, March 19; 10 a.m.  Board Meeting: Tuesday, March 26; 1:30 p.m. Location: Oceana County Council on Aging.  Parmenter O’Toole Office Hours: Please call 873-4461 for an appointment.

Lauren Eisenbarth, an Elder Law Paralegal for Attorney Anna Urick Duggins, of Parmenter Law, will offer a halfhour, no-charge introductory meeting, from 2-4 p.m. at Oceana County Council on Aging. Topics to discuss include Elder Law services such as Estate Planning, Long

Term Care Planning, Medicaid Planning, and VA Aid and Attendance.

Other Activities:

Farkle: Mondays at 10 a.m.

Mexican Train: Mondays at 9-11 a.m.

Walk With Friends: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

Mahjong: Tuesdays at 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Fitness at Hesperia American Legion: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9-10 a.m.

Euchre: Wednesdays at 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Quilting: Wednesdays at 9-12 p.m.

Beltone Hearing Clinic: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to  2 p.m. Call 231-843-3039, by appointment.

Bingo: Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure Checks: Thursdays 11 a.m. to noon

Bridge: Thursdays at 1-3 p.m.

Cribbage: Fridays at 9:30

Kaffeeklatsch: Daily at 10 a.m.

Cards and Games: Daily following lunch

Mason-Oceana 911 employees recognized at state conference

Four employees at Mason-Oceana 911 were recently recognized at Michigan’s Statewide Interoperable Communications conference. The conference took place Feb. 27-29 in Muskegon and was designed for local, state, federal, tribal, and private public safety communications experts and emergency response personnel. The annual conference provides focused education and information about the advantages of interoperable communications, 911, evolutionary changes in interoperability, auxiliary communications, and the importance of relationships.

Mason-Oceana 911 Director Ray Hasil, Deputy Director Todd Myers, Operations Manager Chris Ernst and Supervisor Stacy Gregwer were four of eight persons named “Michigan Interoperability Person of the Year” for their work at the Electric Forest festival, where they were instrumental in designing and conducting a communications exercise within (and during) the 2023 Electric Forest festival. The exercise allowed 33 public safety professionals from all around Michigan to complete the final step of a three-part certification process for one of five Michigan-recognized communications positions.

“A team of eight exercise controllers from around Michigan ran exercises twice per day for six consecutive days of 12-plus hours each day. The exercise simulated a lightning strike that damaged normal radio and data communications at the Electric Forest, forcing trainees to quickly design and implement alternative means of communication.” said Exercise Designer and Director Ray Hasil. “These certifications take up to three years to complete, and we were very pleased with the results”.

Trainees completed dozens of tasks in five phases: notification, check-in, initial briefing, implementation and demobilization. Special permissions were needed to conduct the exercise on the Electric Forest grounds. “The promoter didn’t have to allow us on the grounds,” said Hasil. “They allowed it because of the trust and strong partnerships between the promoter and public safety that have been es-

tablished since the first Rothbury Fest in 2008. We felt this was something meaningful for all levels of public safety in Michigan, and the promoter agreed. As a result, trainees had unprecedented access behind-the-scenes of a very large event and were able to experience a level of realism that just doesn’t exist in other exercises and simulations.“

Mason-Oceana 911 plans to make another first at the 2024 Electric Forest. 911 calls that originate from callers within the Electric Forest grounds will be geographically located and their 911 call will be automatically routed directly to a Mason-Oceana 911 Telecommunicator working at the Electric Forest Unified Command, which is where the Forest dispatch operates. This speeds up the time it takes to receive and dispatch calls that would normally be routed first to Mason-Oceana 911 in Pentwater, and then delivering the incident to the Electric Forest dispatch via radio or telephone.

Eileen Frances Cockerill, 105, passed away peacefully Jan. 7, 2024. She was born in Oceana County on Nov. 28, 1918, the daughter of Harvey and Myrtle (Beckwith) Huston.

After high school, Eileen received her teaching certificate from Western State Normal School and taught at several Muskegon County Schools. After that, she became a substitute teacher in the Montague and Whitehall Schools. Before retiring completely, she worked at Oherli Elementary School in Montague, helping with the reading program and working in the lunch room.

Eileen loved gardening. Each year, she would plant and tend to numerous flower beds in her yard. Eileen loved crossword puzzles and reading. She also enjoyed golfing and snowmobiling in her younger years. Eileen was a member of The United Methodist Church in Montague, where she was part of the Fidelis group.

Eileen is survived by: her children, Kay (Max) Pufpaff, Jack (Sharon) Cockerill, Mike (Stephenie) Cockerill, Jeff (Cindy) Cockerill, Becky (Lee) Schmiedeknecht, Joe Cockerill; grandchildren, Julie (Paul) Reising, Shae (Scott)

Red, white and blue ready

742-8212. • Lorrie VanDyke/Echo

Collins, Sheryl Sloan, Kelly (Casey) Whiting, Ryan (Stacey) Cockerill, Adam (Whitney) Schmiedeknecht, Kyle (Sarah) Schmiedeknecht, Travis Cockerill, Hailey Cockerill; 19 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Betty Nafe of Montague and Gloria Block of Massillon, Ohio.  Eileen was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Robert Cockerill; granddaughter, Jennifer (Pufpaff) Brown; siblings, Elwood Huston and Billie Faye (Huston) Bailey.

A celebration of Eileen’s life will take place at noon, Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Montague United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague, Mich., 49437, with Pastor Tim Dibble officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the Montague United Methodist Church.

Please consider memorial donations to: Montague United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague, Mich. 49437, or Harbor Hospice of Muskegon, 1050 W. Western Ave., #400, Muskegon, MI 49441.  Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.  www.harrisfhome.com

chriS ernSt, todd MyerS, Stacy GreGwer and ray haSil

Members, Darrell Hansen and Lee Dean, above, along with Brian Fessenden and Joe Mackey, below, of the Gordon Bates American Legion Post No. 30 in Shelby replaced the eagle on top of their flag pole with a new ball and hardware Monday, March 4. The post was having problems with flags being torn by the eagle decoration, and so made it a priority to replace it. Dean, the oldest veteran at the post, raised a new flag for the first time that evening. The Legion is always looking for new members and does a number of community outreach projects. Any veteran who would like to join the post is asked to contact Mackey at (231)

Spring Horticulture Meeting on March 14 aims to provide latest updates on tree fruit industry and crop management

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension has scheduled this year’s Spring Horticulture Meeting for March 14, 2024, in Hart, Mich. This meeting brings together MSU researchers and industry representatives to update growers on the latest challenges and opportunities in tree fruit production. Organizers look forward to seeing attendees in person!

Speakers will provide insights on several topics, such as produce safety, Lenticel injury in apples, IPM strategies and understanding chlorpyrifos use in 2024, management updates for internal browning in Honeycrisp apples, crop load management and precision thinning using models and chemical thinners. The program will conclude with pruning demonstrations at both the West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center and Lewis Orchards in New Era. Lunch will be provided.

Four Michigan Pesticide Re-certification credits in the private core or commercial category 1C and Certified Crop Advisors’ Continuing Education Units have been requested.

The 2024 Spring Horticulture Meeting will take place March 14, 2024, at the West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, MI 49420, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

To register visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/WestCentralSpringHorticultureMeeting2024/ or call the Oceana County MSU Extension office at 231-873-2129, or stop by the office at 844 South Griswold St., Hart, Michigan 49420.

Meet Harmony

Harmony is a sweet girl! She is beautiful, laid back and loving. She was rescued from a hoarding situation. She lived outside her whole life, staying warm and fighting off males and fleas. She is missing her top and bottom small teeth. She only has her canines. Harmony is FIV-positive, which just means she is immune-compromised and must be an indoor cat. She sneezes every once in a while and can be a little itchy. Harmony has a gorgeous coat and has gotten much healthier since she has been at our shelter for just over a year. She gets along well with all cats and dogs.

Won’t you give her a home of her own? If you would like to adopt Harmony, you can fill out an application through the OCAF Facebook page: Oceana County Animal Friends or on our website: oceanacountyanimalfriends.wordpress.com

Newfield Township’s 2023 year in review

Looking back in 2023, Newfield Township had many projects and many activities going on all year long.

The township hosted two junk clean-up days, with many volunteers helping out. Newfield also received donations from some residents, which included two outdoor benches from Diane Hazen, a book house from Randy Kinsley, and many books to place inside it from Deb Kraley and Kathy Boone. Hazen also provided a monetary donation towards the books. There were also 300 Thanksgiving turkeys donated by Oceana Gardens 1 & 2 and many volunteers helped to hand them out.

With a grant written by Nancy Conley, the Recycle Center in the township is now up and running in full force, with an outstanding number of users and amazing volunteers. Recycling hours are Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Styrofoam is not accepted, and boxes must be broken down before recycling.

The township has also received a fresh look. The staff upgraded their office equipment using Cannabis funds and furniture with ARPA dollars, and Ali Townsent applied a fresh coat of paint inside. ARPA funds were also used for an electric sign, stone pillars

from John Yates for the sign, a new parking lot from API and Mike Mayo, new sidewalks from Mike Rosema Masonry, improvements to Oxbow Park buildings and the walkway from Rick Martin Construction and security cameras from Michael Jansma.

Between its budget, ARPA and Cannabis funds, the township was able to fix and lay new the following roads: Lakeview Road, HighTower Lake Road, 166th Avenue, 176th Avenue, Baker Road from 200th to 204th Avenues and 186th Avenue (Yonker Road to the end of 186th Avenue).

In December, the township had a tree lighting ceremony with hot cocoa from the Mobil gas station), coffee, cookies from Teep Spaulding, and attendees even had a visit from Santa and one of his elves. The event also had an ornament contest with gift card prizes and goodie bags for the children from Oceana Gardens 1 & 2. There were also donations from residents, as well as quilts and pillowcases from Ladies of Fanna’s Mercantile that were free to anyone who needed them. The township also has a couple of residents working on a Veteran’s Garden, which will be finished up this year with a celebration. The Veteran’s Garden is located at HighTower Lake public access.

Tails of Hope

Meet Smokey, a handsome 2-year-old cat with mesmerizing green eyes and a heart full of love. Smokey is on the lookout for his forever family, where he can share his affectionate nature and his love for treats.  Smokey is a true charmer with a friendly and outgoing personality. He has a knack for making fast friends with everyone he meets, whether they’re humans or other pets. Smokey thrives on attention and loves nothing more than snuggling up close for cuddle sessions. He’s an affectionate companion who enjoys being in the company of his beloved humans, showering them with purrs and headbutts.

Smokey the cat 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.

On Feb. 14, two members of the Oceana Wigton Benona No. 200 Masonic Lodge presented a check for $400 to the Hart High School art department. Featured above, from left, are Principal Troy Moran, Kris Slotegraaf, Lauren Butkevich, Robin Walton, Garry Walton and Ray Haynes. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

WEEKLY SERVICE, Orlando, FL 32803 (800) 708-7311 EXT.

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

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

• On March 18, 1971, a 100-foot tsunami, caused by a massive rock avalanche that crashed into Lake Yanahuani from a height of 1,300 feet, destroyed a Peruvian mining camp and killed hundreds of people.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

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4, 2024

NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20240304

FOR RELEASE MARCH 4, 2024

By JoAnn Derson

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20240304 FOR RELEASE MARCH 4, 2024

• On March 19, 1954, Willie Mosconi, aka Mr. Pocket Billiards, set a new world record for running the most consecutive pool balls without a miss — 526, in fact! — during an exhibition in Springfield, Ohio. A handwritten and notarized affidavit with the signatures of more than 35 eyewitnesses served as proof of his feat.

By Lucie Winborne

• On March 20, 1648, King Charles I of England attempted an initial escape from his captivity at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight by climbing out of a window, but the effort proved fruitless when he got stuck between its frame and an iron bar, and had to retreat to his room.

• On March 21, 1984, New York City’s Central Park designated a section of its grounds as “Strawberry Fields” to commemorate former Beatle John Lennon, who was shot dead in front of his nearby residence by Mark David Chapman.

• On March 22, 1946, the United States Army made its first successful launch of an American-built rocket out of the atmosphere, using a combination of American and German scientists in adapting the German V-2 rockets seized after the Allied victory in World War II. The rocket reached an altitude of about 50 miles.

• On March 23, 2022, New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced the country would relax COVID mandates for some of its workforce, allowing restaurants and similar hospitality venues to increase their indoor capacity from 100 to 200 people. Vaccine passes were no longer required to get into shops, and visitors no longer needed to scan the venue’s location using their COVID-19 tracer apps.

• On March 24, 2017, 560 people dressed as ghosts to set a world record for the largest such gathering. But these spooks at the Mercy School Mounthawk weren’t trying to scare anyone — rather, their aim was to highlight the invisibility of arthritis.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

• Use a muffin pan to make cookie cups for ice cream or fruit. Just flip your muffin pan over, and press dough over the upturned wells. It will puff up a little, but once it settles, they make very nice bowls. I do this with pizza dough as well. Prebake for a few minutes to form the bowl, then fill with ingredients and complete baking.

• If you can put a tension rod in the cabinet under your sink, you can use it to hang spray bottles for extra storage. It’s amazing how much space clears up, and it’s easy to find the bottle you need.

• Got popcorn? For a healthier (and much less expensive) version, go oldschool: Put popping corn kernels in a regular brown paper bag, seal the bag, then microwave.

• “Bread tags (the little plastic clips that hold bread bags closed) make great cord organizers when you are using a multiple outlet power strip. Write the kind of device (e.g. TV, Xbox, cable box) on the tag, then clip it to the plug end of the cord. When you need to unplug, it’ll be easy to see which is which.” — C.C. in Ohio

• Travel a lot? Make use of those shower caps by pairing up shoes and using the shower cap to hold them together while simultaneously protecting your clothes from the shoe bottoms. Smart!

• “I make plenty of cupcakes for my children’s various events, but I kept having unreturned cupcake carriers. Those things are expensive! I make my own now, using a box lid. The lids for paper cartons work really well. Cut a cross into the lid top with a razor or carpet knife, and press down. Make it the size of a cupcake. Insert cupcakes and go.” — A.R. in Georgia

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

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Lucie Winborne

• Andrew Jackson’s parrot was kicked out of his funeral for swearing.

• In 1947, The New York Times opined that “the pizza could be as popular a snack as the hamburger if Americans only knew more about it.”

• Buzz Aldrin’s mother’s maiden name was Moon.

• When pirate Richard Worley, captain of the New York’s Revenge, captured his second ship, he named it the New York Revenge’s Revenge.

• Wisconsin is known as the Badger State because the area’s lead miners used to spend winters in tunnels burrowed into hills — like badgers.

• Jim Carrey was the first actor to have three number one movies in one year.

• The Palais Ideal in France was built entirely of stones that a postman named Ferdinand Cheval picked up on his mail route.

• Honey hunters in Mozambique use special calls to recruit the services of birds known as honeyguides. The birds lead the humans to bees’ nests, and in return, they get the leftover beeswax.

• In 1964, a pre-fame 17-year-old David Bowie was interviewed on the BBC program “Tonight” as the founder of The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men.

• Thomas Edison nicknamed two of his kids Dot and Dash after the Morse code signals.

• Army ants that misinterpret the scent trails left by other ants will sometimes break from the crowd and march in circles. If enough ants join them, they can form massive “death spirals.”

• John Quincy Adams was an avid skinny-dipper who included dips in the Potomac River as a regular part of his exercise regimen.

• Crayola came from the words for “oily chalk.”

• The U.S. Senate’s Rule XIX states that U.S. senators cannot insult their colleagues.

***

Thought for the Day: “Leaders can let you fail and yet not let you be a failure.” — Stanley McChrystal © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Phil is the father of Andrew White of New Era.

6 area wrestlers end season with all-state honors

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Another successful season is in the books for Oceana County’s three high school wrestling programs. Hart, Hesperia and Shelby each had a number of athletes compete at Ford Field in Detroit last weekend, with many of them earning All-State honors.

Hesperia sent five wrestlers – Blake Sayer, Stephen Priese, Skyler Stalbaum, Aiden Smith and Noah Walker – to the individual state finals.

Sayer wrestled at the 132-lb. weight class, but fell in his first match on Friday, March 1 to Aiden Turner of Perry by an 11-7 decision. That shifted him to the consolation bracket where he started a win streak. Sayer took down two straight opponents by pin, before falling to Cameron Perez of Lakeview by a 9-0 major decision. That kept him just shy of battling for third place, instead shifting him into a fight for seventh. Sayer defeated an opponent from Benzie Central by a 12-2 major decision to snag seventh place and All-State honors.

Sayer finished with a 42-14 record and grabbed the second All-State title of his career.

Stalbaum wrestled at the 144-lb. weight class, but started his weekend off with a pair of wins. Stalbaum dispatched Aidan Taylor of Union City by a 6-4 decision before scoring a 12-0 major decision over Evin Everett of Leslie. That put Stalbaum within a match of fighting for a state championship.

Unfortunately, Stalbaum fell by a 10-0 major decision to Blake Sloan of Manchester and was slotted into a battle for third place. Stalbaum scored his first pin of the day to put him into that third place match, where he fell by a 5-0 decision to cement him in fourth. Stalbaum finished his year at 44-12 and scored his first All-State nod.

Priese, a senior for Hesperia, had a great day for the Panthers as well, which is no surprise considering he had already achieved All-State twice. Priese won a 14-5 major decision in his first match but fell by pin, sending him to the consolation bracket. Priese won two straight matches there, one by sudden victory in the first overtime period and one by an 8-0 major decision.

Priese fell short of the third place match, falling by 13-2 major decision but he finished off the weekend with a pin to take fifth place. Priese finished his career with a 41-12 record in his senior season and a third All-State recognition.

The only Panthers to not achieve All-State were Walker in the 285-lb. weight class and Smith in the 120-lb. weight class. Walker won his first bout by 1-0 decision before dropping two straight matches by pinfall. Walker finished the year at 44-16. Smith dropped two consecutive matches to finish 32-22.

Hart sent five wrestlers to the state tournament, including Kole Thomas, Joseluis Andaverde, Chico Salgado, Alex Hicks and Ivan Lara.

Andaverde lost his first match by 8-1 decision before winning two straight in the consolation bracket, each by minor decision. A sudden victory forced Andaverde to fight for seventh place, a match he lost by 9-7 decision.

Still, Andaverde finished with All-State honors, placing eight in the state. Andaverde finished his senior year at 44-16.

Salgado won his first two matches of the state tournament by decision, pushing him just one match shy of battling for first place. Unfortunately, a meeting with a Dundee wrestler forced him into the consolation bracket.

In his first match on that side, Salgado fell by a 6-3 decision. Now placed in the fifth place match, Salgado prevailed with an 8-4 decision victory and a fifth place finish in the state. Salgado finished the year with a 46-9 overall record and an All-State title.

Hicks also took All-State, placing seventh at the 175-lb. weight class. Hicks won his first match by 8-2 decision before falling to the consolation bracket. Hicks went 2-1 there, good enough for seventh place and a 49-6 record overall on the year.

Lara lost his first match by pin and then also lost his first match of the consolation bracket by 3-0 decision to finish his season at 37-9.

Thomas won his first match but was knocked into the consolation bracket by Jimmy Thommen of Montague. Thomas then met another West Michigan Conference (WMC) opponent there, falling to Kolten Weiler of Whitehall by 5-0 decision and ending his year at 42-9.

For Shelby, Nick Cano and Juan Brito made the trip

to Detroit. Cano was All-State in the 2022-23 season.

Cano looked prime to repeat his success of last year, winning an 8-6 decision in his first match. A loss by 6-2 decision forced him into the consolation bracket where his weekend ended prematurely with a loss by 7-3 decision. Cano finished the year at 41-5 overall.

Brito drew a rough matchup in his first match as he took on a Dundee wrestler immediately, falling by pin. Brito – much like Thomas of Hart – was eliminated by a WMC wrestler, falling to Weiler of Whitehall and finishing the year at 26-17.

HART

Hart junior Addi Hovey reached the 1,000 point mark in a 54-47 win over Wyoming Potter’s House Christian on Thursday, Feb. 29. Hovey is only the third athlete to reach that mark in the history of Hart’s girls basketball program, joining former Pirates Landyn Lorenz and Amy Pickard Contreras. An interesting note from Hart’s girls basketball head coach, all three athletes are lefties! • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

(Above left) Hart’s Joseluis Andaverde plays the waiting game in a matchup with Jonathan Krebs of Lakewood. (Above, middle) Hesperia’s Stephen Priese snags the leg of Jaxton Kimling of Hudson. (Above, right) Shelby’s Nick Cano fights out from underneath the grasp of Whitehall’s Cody Manzo. • Photos contributed by Star Maddox.

Shelby girls defeat White Cloud and North Muskegon, advance to district finals

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – Not since the 2016-17 season had Shelby’s girls basketball team advanced past the district semifinals.

That drought has been relieved this year as the Tigers defeated White Cloud (42-19) and North Muskegon (33-28) for the right to play Holton in district finals.

Shelby’s path started on Monday, March 4 when they hosted White Cloud in the district quarterfinals, winning a lopsided 42-19 contest.

A slow first half on offense for both sides looked as though a true barn-burner was in store.

Both the Tigers and Indians scored just five points in the first quarter as missed shots and turnovers hurt the two teams.

Strong defense highlighted Shelby’s second quarter as they kept White Cloud’s offense down for the entirety of the eight minute period. The Indians only scored once in that frame, finding an early two points before going silent.

“(Zaverl and Lydia Soelberg) are just so quick on defense,” Shelby head coach Sarah Wolting said. “They play smart, not always going for a steal but containing and not getting beat off the dribble. If they can continue to do that and guard the other team’s best girls, that’s going

to be key for us throughout the tournament.”

On the other end, the Tigers offense found a bit of momentum on the back of good ball movement. Four different girls found points with senior Molli Schultz on top with three. Brylee Friedman, Kylie Brown and Kendall Zaverl all chipped in as well, leading Shelby to a 13-7 lead at halftime.

The Tigers’ offense erupted in the second half, starting with a third quarter that saw 12 additional points put on the board. Shelby went on a 10-0 run to start the third, stifling White Cloud’s chances for a comeback. Schultz once again led, scoring six in the quarter.

White Cloud did go on a small run heading into the fourth, scoring six unanswered before Zaverl finished that frame with two points to keep Shelby ahead by 12 at 25-13.

Another scoring run to start the final quarter put the game out of reach for the Indians. Shelby went on a 13-3 run, riding the backs of their bigs down low as Brown scored six alone. Biloxi Lee and Brylee Friedman each chipped in two as Shelby rolled to victory.

“Kylie is just so quick and she just slips in there. She knows she’s looking for Molli wherever she is,” Wolting said. “She knows when she gets the rebound that if Molli isn’t there, she’s probably

up the floor and she gets the ball to her. That’s huge for a sophomore and senior to click like that.”

Schultz led the team with 14 points while Brown chipped in 11 of her own. Friedman contributed six points and Lee had four.

Surviving to fight another day, Shelby knew a bigger test was yet to come. The Tigers now had North Muskegon in front of them, a team they had lost to twice in the regular season.

“A lot of little things are working for us. Kylie working inside with her athleticism and our confidence is high,” Wolting said. “After playing Hart and Scottville (Mason County Central) so tight, you can tell our confidence is higher than it was. That’s going to be the biggest key against North Muskegon.”

That confidence was tested early on Wednesday, March 6 when the Norsemen entered the Tigers’ home gym for the district semifinals.

North Muskegon jumped out to a 14-6 lead in the first quarter, winning the battle down low to put Shelby behind. The two teams were pretty even in the second quarter, with Shelby narrowly out scoring their opponent 8-7. Still, the Tigers trailed 21-14 heading into halftime.

Momentum continued to swing toward Shelby in the second half as the Tigers scored 10

more points to just seven for the Norsemen. That cut the lead to just four entering the fourth and final quarter.

Schultz and Zaverl caught fire

in that frame, leading Shelby to nine unanswered points and

Missed shots doom Hart girls in district semifinal loss to Ludington

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

BIG RAPIDS – For the second year in a row, a Hart basketball team walked out of Big Rapids High School with a sour taste in their mouth, having just ended a promising season.

Just last year, Hart’s boys basketball team – led by Parker Hovey – lost to Cadillac in that very gym, ending an undefeated season in heartbreaking fashion. This year, it was Hart’s girls basketball team that experienced heartbreak, falling to Ludington 42-37 in the district semifinals.

The Pirates started the night off looking good. On two early possessions, the Pirates drove into the paint and then dished the ball out to junior Kelsey Copenhaver who knocked down shots from mid range to put Hart up 4-0. Ludington took control after that, not so much because of their own suc -

cess but because of missed opportunities by the Pirates.

“We didn’t attack the basket and we were timid offensively,” Hart head coach Travis Rosema said. “(Ludington) did a good job of attacking and getting buckets. Once we started the second half we

did a better job attacking and getting steals on our press (defense). We just missed way too many layups and free throws.”

Hart had a disappointing night offensively, often failing to convert on easy attempts down low.

Ludington took advantage of that, hitting big

shots to keep their opponent at arm’s length for a majority of the game.

Orioles’ sophomore Madelyn Kenyon knocked down three key shots from beyond the arc –one in each of the game’s first three quarters – often taking the wind out of the Pirates’ sails.

“Coming in, we knew (Ludington) wasn’t a great shooting team. We wanted to get out on Kenyon and everytime we lost her she made one,” Rosema said.

Only down 7-6 after the first quarter, Hart was still very much in the game. Ludington’s offense did

their best to knock their opponent out, going on a 9-2 run to start the second quarter. Hart was able to mount a mini run of their own, going 6-2 to end the frame on the back of five points from junior Addi Hovey.

Trailing 18-14 after halftime, Hart needed a jolt of energy to climb back in. They found their answer in the third quarter. After allowing Ludington to score the first two points of the quarter, Hovey and senior Abby Hicks combined for five points to draw to within one. Traded free throws from Ludington and Hart put the Orioles back in front by two, until Kenyon hit her second deep shot to put the Orioles back in front by multiple possessions.

Again, Hovey and Hicks combined for five more points – this time knotting the game up at 25-25. Free throw attempts for both teams to

Tigers continued on page 15 Pirates continued on page 15

Shelby’s Molli Schultz cuts through White Cloud’s defense on her way to the hoop during a 42-19 win over the Indians in the district quarterfinals on Monday, March 4. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart senior Abby Hicks looks to fight through a double-team of Ludington defenders as she dribbles the ball up court with teammate Rilynn Porter (1) in sight. Hicks had eight points in the Pirates 42-37 loss to the Orioles in the district semifinals. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

completing a come from behind victory to advance them to the district finals.

Schultz had a game-high 20 points, adding two rebounds and going 3-for-8 from beyond the arc. Zaverl added 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists while getting active on defense with three steals and a block.

The Tigers have another familiar opponent in front of them tonight (Friday, March 8) as they’ll take on Holton with a trophy on the line. The Red Devils defeated Hesperia in the semifinals and like North Muskegon, defeated Shelby twice in the regular season.

end the quarter kept Ludington in front 27-26 with just eight minutes left to play.

The fourth quarter featured each team going blowfor-blow with Hart just out of reach. Hovey and Hicks did their best to keep the team close, lowering the deficit to one after trailing by as many as five. Unfortunately, missed layups and free throws came back to haunt the Pirates as they were forced to foul Ludington. The Orioles converted on half their attempts from the charity stripe to end the game, good enough to keep them on top.

“Every time we made a run, we had a breakdown,” Rosema said. “We wanted to just play man-to-man defense but we were trying to trap and that left someone open and hurt us.”

Hovey led Hart with 20 points while Hicks had eight and Copenhaver added five. The Pirates ended their season at 17-6 and will lose a leader in Hicks to graduation along with bench players like Rayah Helenhouse, Gabi Nienhuis and Molly Dessauer.

“The seniors put a lot of heart into this and I love them all,” Rosema said. “I’m sad for them that it wasn’t

enough tonight and we didn’t do enough to win. It’s March madness. In 2019 we were the team that wasn’t expected to win and we ended up with a good tournament run. It just wasn’t our night.

“I hope it stings and motivates them. This one hurts for everybody, but I really think Rilynn (Porter) and Reese (Smith) will work really hard this offseason along with Addi (Hovey) and Kelsey (Copenhaver). The juniors and the freshmen that are coming back will be ready and I’m hoping the underclassmen will be as well.”

Ave., Rothbury, MI 49452.

- Brandy Williams, Rothbury Village Clerk

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

Pekadill’s takes top spot in chili cook-off

Seven local eateries submit entries, with proceeds donated to ACWL-Nuveen Center

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

MONTAGUE — Pekadill’s won North Grove Brewers’ first chili cook-off Friday night, a competition that included several local eateries.

Local residents were able to, for $20, enjoy chili from the seven restaurants that participated - Big Shotz, Dog ‘n Suds, North Grove Kitchen, The Gnarly Heifer, Bone Ends, Pekadill’s and Fetch Brewing Company.

North Grove kitchen manager RJ Nordland came up with the idea, inviting any restaurants who wished to participate.

All competitors’ chilis had their own

unique twists. Among the many flavors available were sweeter versions of chili, as well as bowls that were more vegetable-dense. Still others included new ingredients like venison, or were paired with other offerings, such as Gnarly Heifer’s jalapeño cornbread.

Given Pekadill’s reputation for soups, it came as no surprise that they not only won, but also submitted two different chilis - a classic red and a white chicken chili. Both were big hits and contributed to their being chosen as winner.

All of the event’s proceeds were donated to the Arts Council of White Lake.

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Leap Day comes around only once every four years, making it by far the rarest birthday on the calendar. It’s one that will be shared by young Everett Voyt, who was born at 12:23 a.m. last Thursday at Trinity Health hospital in Muskegon.

Everett’s parents are Nick and Sarah Voyt; Nick is in charge of youth programs at the North Muskegon branch of the Muskegon Area District Library.

Having a Leap Day birthday can be a mixed bag for a young kid, but the Voyts, Nick said, were actually rooting for their son to be born Feb. 29 when they found out they were expecting and that the due date was close to Leap Day (he was originally due March 4).

“As we got closer, it seemed like, especially with what the OB/GYN was saying, Feb. 29 would be a possibility,” Nick said. “Sarah wanted him to be

Nick and Sarah Voyt welcomed their son Everett on Leap Day this year, giving Everett the rarest of all birthdays.

Rothbury council weighs grant options for proposed Czarny Park changes

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

ROTHBURY — The Rothbury village council didn’t make any final decisions, but discussed three different potential grants to pursue for a proposed refurbishing of Czarny Park at a special meeting Tuesday evening.

born Feb. 29, and I also sort of wanted that, because it’s such a unique day.”

Because of some complications, Ev-

• Courtesy Photo Leap day continued on page 2

Montague’s Mulder named regional AD of the year

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Athletic directors rarely get hardware to call their own, as it’s usually their job to hand off trophies to coaches to celebrate conference and district championships. However, Montague AD Jay Mulder received his own honor this spring, when the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association named him as regional AD of the year for 2023-24.

“Mulder is the definition of what all schools want in a AD, coach, teacher, and administrator - one that mentors all that seek it, puts others before himself, and works to create a successful

environment for the school and community they work for,” Fremont AD David Walls said in a press release announcing Mulder’s award.

Mulder has been Wildcats’ AD since 2020 but a Wildcat for far longer. He joined the school in 2006 as a teacher and head wrestling coach.

Mulder AD award

continued on page 2

The council is considering applying for any one of three different Department of Natural Resources grants in hopes of sprucing up the park, located next to the vacant school building on Winston Road, and attracting visitors to the area. The three grants would be for varying amounts of money, so three different plans were drawn up.

The most expensive plan for the park costs nearly $1 million to enact, which would be partially defrayed if the village is able to get a $400,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources

Trust Fund. However, trustee Denise Kurdziel said even with that grant, the $589,000 remaining balance would represent 38% of the village’s yearly revenue. The plan would include paving the

Locals cast their ballots in presidential primary

Unsurprisingly, presidential frontrunners Joe Biden and Donald Trump drew a large majority of support when ballots were counted from the Feb. 27 Michigan primary.

A total of 30,098 ballots were cast in Muskegon County. There were no other issues on the ballot besides the primary.

Biden, the incumbent president, received 84.8 percent of the vote in Muskegon County from Democratic primary voters. Most of the non-Biden voters voted for ‘uncommitted’, an option that drew 9.1 percent of voters. The figure was a result of an organized protest vote from a group opposed to Biden’s handling of the recent Gaza crisis.

Former president Trump, the Republican frontrunner to challenge Biden in the November general election, drew 68.8 percent of the vote from Republican primary voters in the county. Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who has since announced she will suspend her campaign, received 25.6 percent of the vote.

Among White Lake area precincts, Biden’s support ranged from 83.75 percent in the city of Whitehall to 91.1 percent in Blue Lake Township. Trump’s support ranged from 62.2 percent in the city of Whitehall to 75.4 percent in Dalton Township.

Local schools announce Student Showcase reps

Whitehall, Montague and Reeths-Puffer high schools recently submitted their representatives for the West Michigan Student Showcase, set for March 20-21 at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon.

The Showcase, which has been in place since 1981, brings together remarkable students from across Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Ottawa counties to display their skills in six categories - academics, athletics, digital media arts, literary arts, performing arts, and visual arts.

Over $10,000 in awards are distributed in the competitive categories for the top three places in each. There is also a Showstopper award given in the performing arts category.

Tickets to the Showcase are available on the Frauenthal website, frauenthal.org. Advance prices for students are $6 for one night and $10 for both nights, and prices for adults are $10 for one night and $15 for both. At the door, prices are $15 per night.

White Lake University Women accepting scholarship applications

White Lake University Women is currently accepting applications for its 2024 scholarships. The awards are open to women age 25 and up who live in the Whitehall, Montague, Holton or Reeths-Puffer school districts and are pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at any accredited college or university.

Applicants must have a gap in post-secondary education and have a recent student transcript showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 or above on a 4-point scale.

WLUW is a service organization that promotes lifelong learning and encour-

ages continued education.

The scholarship fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. To apply, go online to the Foundation website at https:// muskegonfoundation.org and select Adult Student Scholarship Program. Awards are made on a first-come, firstserved basis, so apply today. For questions or additional information about this scholarship, contact Scholarship Program Coordinator Martha Samuel at 231 332-4118 or martha@muskegonfoundation.org.

Czarny Park

parking lot, a refurbishing of the baseball field and a multi-purpose court, a restroom and septic system, and two playgrounds. Through discussion, the council decided it was not necessary to fully pave the parking lot, reasoning a gravel parking lot would be easier to expand if it came to it, and also reduced the two playgrounds to one.

Two other plans were less intensive. A $719,000 plan would be defrayed by a $358,000 MNRTF grant and would not include a restroom building or the multi-purpose court, and a third plan the council described as “just the nuts and bolts” would cost $316,000 and only focus on the refurbishing of the baseball field. The costs for those respective plans, Kurdziel said, would be 23% and 16% of the village’s annual revenue (11% for the latter if spread over three years), a more manageable figure that allows easier budgeting for other areas in the village.

The plans as presented would not begin to be enacted until 2025, but the

continued from page 1

council is discussing them now because there is an April 1 deadline to apply for the DNR grants and it must commit money up front to be eligible. The council wanted to weigh its options prior to making a decision at the March 20 council meeting.

Trustee Troy Voorhees raised the question of whether the council could pursue a less lucrative grant while still working on the full version of its plan and later pursue larger grants, but the consensus was such a plan would be risky. Kurdziel did say that even if the village did not receive any grant money, committing some money in advance wouldn’t be a negative because it could then use the money to do the improvements themselves. The improvements wouldn’t necessarily be as expensive as in the plans presented Tuesday in that case, the council said, because it wouldn’t have to follow all the same procedures required by DNR grants.

Montague library hosts Leap Day

The Montague branch of the Muskegon Area District Library hosted Leap Day activities last Thursday. Local children went on a scavenger hunt for frog characters and, as pictured at right, searched for frogs in a makeshift pool of water beads.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Leap day

erett was delivered by C-section, and because he was born at 12:23 a.m., Nick said he believes it was the first birth of Leap Day at the hospital.

Obviously there is no telling how Everett will like having a birthday that he’ll only see on the calendar every four years. Nick said they’ll likely celebrate his birthday Feb. 28 outside of leap years. If nothing else, though, he chuckled, it’ll be an easy icebreaker in any conversation as he grows older.

AD award

He spent the next 14 years in several roles, including coaching at the middle school level, teaching, assistant principal and dean of students, before moving into the AD position full time.

“It means a lot because it’s an award coming from my peers,” Mulder said. “We spend a lot of time in gyms together, and in meetings. Any other guys in the region, they’re only a phone call away if you have a question or concern. That’s a nice thing about ADs in general. We all get along and work well together because we’re basically dealing with the same stuff.”

Under Mulder’s leadership, the Wildcats have enjoyed success in var-

continued

“It’s something fun for him to have,” Nick said. “Who knows if he’ll resent it or find it interesting.”

Despite the rarity of their son’s birthday, Nick and Sarah share one very important thing in common with most first-time parents.

“At this point I’m not thinking super straight,” Nick laughed. “It’s a big adjustment. Luckily we have a good support system, so it’s been relatively smooth.”

continued from page 1

ied sports, including team state championships in football and (twice) in girls golf and individual titles in girls wrestling and girls track. Mulder deflects credit for those successes, saying he views the award as one for the whole department.

“I have a lot of people in our program that work really hard for our kids, and they do the right things,” Mulder said. “Sometimes it makes me, as the AD, look good. I wish I could say this is all me and I’m doing it all. We have a lot of people behind the scenes that work hard and put in countless hours that nobody really sees.”

Montague High School representatives at the West Michigan Student Showcase will include, left to right, Ella King and Delaney Schultz in Performing Arts, Maci Johnson in Visual Arts, Ethan Sandoval in Literary Arts, Richard Kroll in Academics, and Christopher Aebig and Emma Pendell in Athletics.

• Courtesy Photo

Reeths-Puffer High School representatives at the West Michigan Student Showcase will include, left to right, front row, Megan Barmes in Athletics and Elana Weiden in Literary Arts; second row, Alex Collins in Visual Arts and Mason Hacker, Blake Miller, Aidan Mrotz, Jayden Castillo, Faith Andree, Kiron Koenig, Brianna Mulling and Victor Williams in Performing Arts; third row, Alex Kuerth in Academics, Jaxson Whitaker in Athletics and Carter Wagbo, Spencer Latsch, Aiden Little and Levi Kolmus in Performing Arts.

• Courtesy Photo

Whitehall High School representatives at the West Michigan Student Showcase will include, left to right, Lexi Yordy in Visual Arts, Landon Spoon in Literary Arts, Faith Jones in Performing Arts, Ava Garcia and Trannon Aylor in Athletics and Amelia Chen in Academics.

• Courtesy Photo

Echoes of History: Mills - Frank H. White

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

The Frank H. White & Co. steam mill, as pictured, was built around 1871-72 on wooden pilings on the Montague side of White Lake between Williams and Knudsen streets. It was a small mill with one circular upright saw and employed 40 men, including C. Smith, engineer; John Ohrenberger, filer; J. Hulbert and G. Henderson, head sawyers. It was able to produce 70,000 feet of product in eleven hours. The mill operated until September 1888.

Frank H. White, who was born in Grand Haven in 1843, was the oldest of six children born to Nathan White and Sarah Brittain. His father was a lumberman, and the family lived in Grand Haven. When he was 19 years old, Frank enlisted in Co. S, Michigan 14th

Infantry in February 1862, and mustered out as Captain in March 1865. He came to White Lake in 1869.

On Jan. 1, 1876, high winds during the night broke the log boom at the F. H. White and nearby D. C. Bowen mills, scattering a million feet of logs around the upper end of the lake. After it was discovered, men were quickly put to work retrieving and securing the logs in the boom again.

On May 9, 1887, workmen of the F. H. White mill struck for higher wages and the mill shut down. The strike originated among the outside workers, who had been getting 10-11 shillings a day and thought they should have 12. (A shilling was worth five-hundredths of a cent.) By noon, a compromise had been reached whereby the wage of the men was raised to 11-12 shillings and work re-

sumed. However, some of the inside workmen had taken advantage of the leisure time and were not in shape to resume work. So the mill closed for the day. Frank was a well-known citizen of the White Lake area and was closely identified with

its history for many years. He was connected to the Ferry Lumber Company during all of its extensive operations on the lake. He was secretary of the White River Log and Booming Company in 1887-90.

In September 1888, the Frank H. White mill closed for

good and indications were that it might be moved to Canada or out West. In March 1889, however, the old mill was torn down. E. P. Ferry expanded his milling operations to include the area where Frank White’s mill had been located.

Frank was a prominent G.A.R. member and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He never married and died Jan. 10, 1893 in Montague at the age of 51 years. His body was sent to Grand Haven, where he was buried in Lake Forest Cemetery.

One of his sisters, Clara, was married to Edward Payton (E. P.) Ferry. Another sister, Nellie, was married to Edward L. (E. L.) Dodge, whose family owned the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Whitehall. He also had two brothers, both of whom survived him.

Library kicks off 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

We are excited to announce the library is now offering a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge for families with young children! To get started, you’ll need a free Beanstack account (wlclib.beanstack.org, or the Beanstack app from your app store). Register for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and start logging the books you read with your baby, toddler, or preschooler. Your child will earn prizes from the library for reaching milestones along the way, plus a certificate when they reach 1,000 books.

Reading 1,000 books with your child is easier than you might think, and it so important for helping your child learn and grow. If you read just one book a night, you will have read 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. Repeats count, too - you can log the same book more than once if you read it more than once. That means if

The

Bookworm Bul letin

your child has a favorite book that you read 10 times every day, you could reach the goal in just a few months!

Research shows that there are many benefits of reading with young children. Infants are able to pick up on language earlier, books provide an opportunity for back-and-forth interactions between children and their caregivers, and the quantity and quality of words that children hear is important for both language development and future school success. Reading together also promotes a

loving bond between the child and the caregiver.

FUN FACT: Research has shown that kids who are read to often before starting preschool will have heard 30 million more words than children who are not read to at home. That’s a big word gap!

Free Eclipse Glasses Available

There will be a solar eclipse April 8, and the library has safety-certified eclipse viewing glasses available at no charge while supplies last. West Michigan is not in the path of totality for this eclipse, but special glasses are required for safe viewing of the partial eclipse. Get your pair today!

More than 80 people came to the library’s recent solar eclipse program with Joe Dermody, our NASA Solar System Ambassador. Joe shared a lot

of great information about the upcoming eclipse as well as stories and photographs of other eclipses. In case you missed it, you can view a recorded version of his talk by visiting bit. ly/wlcleclipse2024. Please note, the recording is not specific for the White Lake Area, so the times given for the upcoming eclipse will not be correct. In our area, the partial eclipse will begin at 1:55 p.m. April 8 and reach its maximum of 91.9% at 3:11 p.m. The eclipse will end at 4:24 p.m.

A Bird in the Hand

Calling all bird lovers! Hear from life-long birder and recent Big Year lister Terry Grabill at White Lake Community Library Tuesday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. In 2021, Terry embarked on a Michigan Birding Big Year, birding in all 83 Michigan counties, chasing rarities, racking up a list of 323 species and over 33,000 miles in the car. “A Bird in the Hand” is a light-hearted, whirlwind story of 365 days of putting birding first!

Juried art exhibition coming to ACWL-Nuveen March 15-April

Juror Mallory Shotwell, Executive Director at Cultivate - a community arts organization in Grand Rapids - accepted the challenge of curating the ACWL-Nuveen annual group contemporary art exhibition. Ms. Shotwell, an artist herself, understood the difficult task and responsibility she had to curate a cohesive exhibit from the 121 distinctive artworks submitted via an online application. This year, the ACWL-Nuveen Center was impressed by the 66 talented artists from around the state and as far away as California who submitted their work for consideration.

“The selection process was guided by several key principles: originality, technical skill,

conceptual depth, and balance in its curatorial design,” Shotwell said. “Each submitted work was evaluated not only for its individual merits, but also for its ability to contribute to a cohesive and dynamic exhibition. My goal was to curate an experience that not only highlights individual achievements but also sparks conversation, reflection, and inspiration among viewers.”

In her juror’s statement, she recognized the artists selected and encouraged those that were not included this year. “To the artists who have been selected, congratulations on your exceptional work and your contribution to the ongoing dialogue of contemporary

art,” Shotwell said. “To those not selected, know that your talent and passion are invaluable, and I encourage you to continue pursuing your artistic journey with perseverance and curiosity.”

The 2024 Juried Exhibition will include the following artists: Cari Rasor, Montague – Chester Winowiecki, Whitehall – Christopher Jones, Montague – Jessica Yorko, Lansing – Mary Stek, Greenville – Russ Barneveld, Grand Rapids –Olivia Schmick, Ortonville –Amadeus Roy, Royal Oak – Nicole Hayden, Muskegon – Amy Rundquist, Muskegon – Ann Kraus, Whitehall – Timothy Norris, Muskegon – Nicole Szymanski, Westland – Dylan Ackley, Whitehall – Liberty

Bane, Montague – Nancy Sackrison, Jenison – Kim Long & Heather Briggs, Kalamazoo –Amelia Mendelsohn, Holland – Jamie Shafer, Muskegon, J.P. McDaniel – Muskegon.

The juried show coincides with ACWL-Nuveen’s Youth Exhibition, featuring artwork by local K-12 student artists. Shotwell will be viewing the artwork in person to award cash prizes in both the adult and youth exhibitions.

ACWL-Nuveen thanked Laura Schultz and Shelby State Bank for sponsoring the Youth Exhibition.

A free public reception for the artists and the award announcements will take place Saturday March 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the ACWL-Nuveen –

DeMumbrum

The Frank H. White mill in Montague, circa 1871-72.

• Courtesy Photo

Jessica Yorko’s Autumn Shine.

• Courtesy Photo

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Craner’s state title highlights big weekend

Ten local wrestlers reach podium at state finals; Craner gives Vikes an unbeaten champ for 4th straight year

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

For the fourth straight season, Whitehall has produced an undefeated state champion.

Gavin Craner became the latest in that impressive Viking line Saturday, convincingly defeating Bryce Randolph of Clinton 10-2 in the championship match to earn the 175-pound Division 3 title. Craner, who was runner-up last season at Belding before transferring to Whitehall this year, capped his season with a 54-0 record.

Craner, a junior, joined Ira Jenkins (2021 and 2022) and Shane Cook (2023) as recent unbeaten champions for the Vikings. He was never seriously tested in his four finals matches, scoring two pins and winning twice by major decision. He was, in fact, rarely tested all season.

“One stat he shared on the way home, he didn’t give up a single takedown all year,” Whitehall coach Justin Zeerip said. “That’s pretty impressive. He just tries to win 30 seconds at a time at every single position. We were big on, if you give up a score, just wrestle to the next point. He’s focused in every single match.”

Craner was one of five from Whitehall to achieve all-state status. Darnell Mack, who was unbeaten until falling to 150-pound runner-up Donny Beaufait of Dundee in the team finals Feb. 24, earned third place. Mack rebounded from a heartbreaking ultimate tiebreaker defeat to eventual champion Trey Parker of Dundee in the semifi-

nals to win two matches Saturday, securing his spot high on the podium. Mack earned a pin and a major decision during the tournament, as well as two close wins over Algonac’s David Clemons.

Mack likely would’ve beaten Parker, Zeerip said, had he won the coin flip in the semis. Because Parker won it and was able to choose the down position and score an escape point first, he received first choice in the ultimate tiebreaker, giving him the right to choose the down position and score again.

“Darnell had an awesome season and an awesome career, being fourth and third the last two seasons,” Zeerip said. “He grew up from ninth to 12th grade, and we’ll really miss him next year. He’s just so tough.”

Nolan Taranko placed sixth at 126 for Whitehall, winning three straight

times after a first-round defeat. Taranko was forced to injury default out of the consolation semifinals after hyperextending his elbow and took a medical forfeit in the fifth-place match, otherwise he might have placed even higher. Zeerip said Taranko luckily avoided serious injury and will be able to play for the Vikings’ baseball team this spring.

Kolten Weiler and Jason Smith were eighth at 113 and 285 respectively. Weiler recorded two impressive consolation wins to earn his podium spot. Smith, a senior who had never wrestled before this season, won his first match of the tourney by ultimate tiebreaker against Leland Love of Beaverton and added a decision win in the blood round to pick up his medal.

“That was my first time and maybe my only time coaching a first-year wrestler who gets all-state,” Zeerip said. “He’s really athletic, really smart and moves his feet really well. He never knew this sport until this year, so that was incredible.”

The six Vikings who did not place each wrestled hard, mostly losing close decisions. Max Krukowski and Blake Morningstar each reached the blood round before bowing out, and Cody Manzo, Ryne Christensen, Liam Leeke and Ryan Goodrich each also ended the season at state.

Six of the Vikes’ 11 state qualifiers will be back next season, along with

State wrestling continued on page 5

Rockets earn spot in state final four

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

BIG RAPIDS — Reeths-Puffer is on to the state final four after decisively defeating the Forest Hills Northern/ Eastern co-op team, 7-3, in Saturday’s state quarterfinal game at Ferris State.

The Rockets advanced to a semifinal date with Detroit Catholic Central, ranked as the top team in the state across all divisions, Friday at the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth. It marks the program’s second appearance in that round, having previously reached the final four in 2014.

Reeths-Puffer trailed by a goal after one period Saturday, but it has repeatedly shown its late-game bona fides - including a three-goal comeback against the same FHNE team in its last regular-season game - and didn’t make any structural changes during that first intermission.

“All year, we seem to start slow and we always find a way to play well towards the middle and end of the game,” senior Jaxon Stone said. “We’re used to that. We know what we’ve got to do and

we just did that again.”

The second period proved to be an onslaught for the Rockets, who scored three goals in just over five minutes in the middle of the period to turn that 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead they’d never come close to giving up. The puck rarely left the R-P offensive zone in the period, and the Rockets jumped on

any Bird Dogs’ mistake, including the turnover that quickly led to Stone’s goahead goal.

Stone had two goals in the game, but six different Rockets scored, showing off the kind of diverse attack that can give any opponent headaches.

“That team hung with us for a while,

but they started wearing down,” Rockets’ coach Dustin Langlois said. “We have so much depth on our team. We have four lines that can go. It doesn’t matter who we put out there, they’re

Whitehall’s Gavin Craner (left) gains control of Napoleon’s Mason Roth during Friday’s 175-pound semifinal match at the Division 3 individual state tournament. Craner pinned Roth on his way to completing an unbeaten state championship season.

• Star Maddox/Courtesy Photo

Reeths-Puffer’s Jaxon Stone races into the offensive zone while JP McGinnis pursues for Forest Hills Northern/Eastern during Saturday’s quarterfinal at Ferris State. Stone had 2 goals in the Rockets’ 7-3 win. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer’s Ayden Hartzell (in front) celebrates a goal during the Rockets’ 7-3 win over Forest Hills Northern/Eastern in Saturday’s quarterfinal game.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague’s Ava Pelton (left) tries to stay on her feet while wrestling Holt’s Brynn Campbell in Friday’s 155-pound semifinal match in the girls state tournament. Pelton lost the match but finished in third place.

• Star Maddox/Courtesy Photo

State wrestling

presumably Wyatt Jenkins, who was medically cleared to wrestle in February and picked up three wins at team state, so the program is in good hands going forward. However, the contributions of the senior class won’t soon be forgotten, either.

“The seniors made the finals three out of four years and really helped lay the groundwork for the team culture we have,” Zeerip said. “They worked really hard and gave their best effort all the time. We’ll really miss this senior class.”

Montague placed three wrestlers on the podium, led by junior Ava Pelton, who earned third place at 155 pounds in the girls’ bracket. Pelton was impressive in the tournament, winning twice by pin and once by major decision before securing third place with an overtime win against Allendale’s MacKenzie Maka.

“She took a lot of second and third (places) throughout the year, but we didn’t realize how many ranked opponents she was beating in the process,” Montague coach Kris Maddox said of Pelton.” I think after it all shook out, she had more ranked wins than anyone in her bracket.”

Jimmy Thommen earned fourth place, losing only to stars from powerhouse Dundee. He earned two pins in the tournament as well as a hardfought overtime win against Maximus Pigeon of Hopkins.

“Jimmy performed excellently all weekend,” Maddox said. “He was focused and on point from the start.”

Emma Pendell, a former state champion, settled for seventh place in her final go-round at state, but in the process became the program’s first-ever four-time state placer. She earned a pin and a major decision during the

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tournament and closed her career with a “revenge win”, Maddox said, over Keaton Hood of Westland John Glenn, who’d beaten her twice previously.

“I’ve seen a lot of growth from her these four years and am excited to see where life takes her,” Maddox said.

Maddox also expressed pride in the Wildcats that didn’t reach the podium. Savannah Winkleblack bowed out in the blood round, falling short in her own bid to become a four-time state placer, and Abby Thommen and Trisha Beckman also reached the blood round before falling. Maddox noted that Beckman was a first-year wrestler this year, and that Thommen posted an 8-1 record against boys, including a win over a state qualifier.

The team’s first ever four-time Division 3 state qualifier, Chris Aebig, landed in a near-impossible bracket - his opening match was against Dundee star and Central Michigan commit Cameron Chinavare - and also ended his career at state.

“These six seniors are a huge loss to our program,” Maddox said. “They leave as probably the most decorated group in a long time.”

Reeths-Puffer put two wrestlers on the Division 1 podium at state. Ian Cook placed third at 132 for his third all-state honor in three years, and all six of his matches proved to be nail-biters, with none decided by over four points. Most exciting was Cook’s 7-6 win over Jake Gawlowski of Dakota in the blood round; a loss would’ve knocked Cook off the podium. Cook also earned his 150th career win during the tournament, and his only loss came to eventual state champion Dallas Korponic of Hartland.

“A lot of people will look at Ian and think this stuff comes easy to him at

Quarterfinal win

going to give us 110 percent the whole time. I think it was just that we had that extra little push to have everybody have energy towards the end of the game.”

In the first period, Hayden Taylor immediately responded to the Bird Dogs scoring the first goal of the game by firing one of his own in moments later. Tyler Tindall, Stone and Tyler Cuti had the three goals during R-P’s decisive second-period run.

The last 17 minutes of the game provided far more drama from the penalties that were called than any concern over the outcome. R-P plugged in two early goals to jump ahead 6-2 and effectively ice the game. The contest became more heated down the stretch as FHNE and R-P butted heads several times in post-play confrontations.

Langlois betrayed no anxiety over any of that, and luckily, R-P’s Eli Cuti, who took a stick to the right arm preceding one such confrontation, appeared to avoid serious injury.

“Some of the penalties were a little soft, I thought, for being a quarterfinal,” Langlois said. “You’re going to have a lot more hard-nosed playoff hockey. They tried to limit that a little bit. I think there were 17 penalties total on both teams, and that’s a lot. I don’t

this point, but it doesn’t and that’s why Ian truly is great,” R-P coach Jared Fleming said.

Nathan Stafford delivered what Fleming called “the tournament of his life,” wrestling his best at the biggest moments, to close his career as a sixth-placer at 285. Fleming said Stafford entered the weekend ranked #15 of the 16 wrestlers in the bracket.

Like Cook, Stafford wrestled a bunch of heart-pounders; of his first five matches, only one (a 6-0 win in the consolation bracket) was not decided by a point or in overtime. He eked out a 2-1 win over Brad Haver of Dakota in the blood round and scored another one-point win in his next match before falling in overtime in the consolation semifinals.

“Nathan really did wrestle unbe-

lievably well and deserves nothing but respect and admiration from all onlookers,” Fleming said.

Jake Rozycki dropped an overtime match in the first round and scored a pin in his second, but was denied a podium spot at 120 with a tough 3-1 blood round defeat to Nathan Walkowiak of powerhouse Detroit Catholic Central.

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think it was that we played dirty games. I think they were just calling it tight and we let our emotions get ahead of us for a little bit there.”

The emotions were all positive as time ticked down, though, as the sizable pro-Rockets contingent that made the trip northeast celebrated a historic win. There was some serendipity in Ferris State being the quarterfinal site, as the same Rockets’ coaching staff was at the helm the previous time R-P reached that round, falling that day to Byron Center.

“Trust me, there’s not a second that I wasn’t standing out here before our game started looking at

the ice remembering Byron Center taking it to us,” Langlois said. “They had a good team that year, but I had nothing but confidence in our guys and I knew it was going to be a different outcome tonight.”

In addition to Stone’s two goals and two assists, 11 other Rockets had a goal or an assist.

The Shamrocks present a tall order to the Rockets, but Langlois will bring a confident team to Plymouth Friday.

“I’m just really happy with the way the guys are playing,” Langlois said. “I can’t be more excited for this group of kids.”

Sports in Brief

Reeths-Puffer’s team celebrates with a big student section after defeating Forest Hills Northern/Eastern, 7-3, in Saturday’s quarterfinal game at Ferris State.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Above, Reeths-Puffer’s Jaxon Stone fires a shot as Forest Hills Northern/Eastern’s Logan Spykerman looks on during Saturday’s quarterfinal game. Below, R-P and FHNE players battle for a loose puck along the boards.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer’s Ian Cook (in back) battles Livonia Franklin’s Gino DiPonio during the Division 1 state tournament.

• Star Maddox/Courtesy Photo

Montague’s Chris Aebig (left) faces off with Constantine’s Bear Geibe during the state tournament Friday at Ford Field.

• Star Maddox/Courtesy Photo

Montague’s Jimmy Thommen high-fives coach Kris Maddox after earning a win during the state tournament.

• Kelly Barnes/Courtesy Photo

Montague’s Emma Pendell battles with Mt. Morris’ Rhiannon Trumble during the state tournament at Ford Field.

• Star Maddox/Courtesy Photo

Whitehall’s Darnell Mack grapples with Dundee’s Trey Parker during a state tournament match Friday.

• Star Maddox/Courtesy Photo

Vikings edge Oakridge before bowing out in district

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

FRUITPORT — Whitehall may not have done everything right in Monday’s district opener against Oakridge, but the Vikings made the hard-nosed plays they needed to down the stretch to escape with a 36-33 victory.

On a night where Whitehall struggled mightily at the free throw line, making only 8-of-28 attempts, it was senior Kendall Osborne’s offensive rebounds on two of its misses that proved decisive. The Vikings got two big points on the second of those boards when Osborne passed over her shoulder to Clare Westerlund for a layup, the final points of the game.

“This time of year, it’s find a way, survive and advance, and that’s what the girls did,” Whitehall coach Brian Milliron said. “We get to practice (Tuesday), which is fantastic. That’s the attitude this time of year. We get to practice and we get to play.”

The biggest sequence of the game, though, may have been earlier in the fourth. With Eagles star Anna Lundquist, who had 20 points in the game, on the bench with four fouls, Whitehall’s presumed opportunity to make some hay instead saw Oakridge extend a slim lead to 30-23 before Lundquist came back in. However, the Vikings rose to the challenge and scored the next 10 points, including a big putback basket by Allie Van Antwerp after a prior shot was blocked.

Osborne said the team had a tough mindset that came from the top down.

“In the huddle, Coach Milli was telling us, it wasn’t an option...He was like, we are not losing. We will play Wednesday,” Osborne said. “Instead of encouraging, we were very (much), ‘This is going to happen. This is what we’re going to do.’”

Osborne led the Vikes with 11 points, and Westerlund and Lexi Daggett each added 10.

The teams battled back and forth throughout the game, but Whitehall delivered a clutch play at the end of the first half that loomed large in the

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

outcome. With only three seconds to work with on an inbounds play, Taylor Ottinger caught a pass and fired it to Westerlund, who took one dribble, wound up and connected from well past the arc for a trey that put the Vikings ahead 15-14.

“It was perfect. Just like we drew it up,” Milliron smiled, though he joked, “If we’ve got to rely on half court three-pointers, we’re in bad shape.”

While almost the entire playing rotation has turned over since, the hardfought win did evoke memories of the Vikings’ 2023 district championship team. Milliron credited assistants Emily MacArthur and David Osborne with carrying over the never-say-die mentality of the team from a season ago.

Whitehall knew, though, it would probably take more than that to take out its next opponent, Spring Lake, the only team in the bracket with a winning record and the presumed district favorite.

“Ella Andree is a fantastic basketball player,” Milliron said. “Alexa Carter is a fantastic basketball player. They have a really good team. We’re going to have to play our best game this season to be able to hang with Spring Lake.”

“We need to stick to the principles - boxing out, finishing bunnies, having a hand up, every little detail,” Osborne

added. “We think that if we do every little thing, everything else will fall into place.”

Spring Lake ousts Vikings

FRUITPORT — Whitehall knew it would need a fast start for a chance at an upset of Spring Lake Wednesday in the district finals. The Vikings got the exact opposite in a 54-22 defeat.

The district favorite Lakers raced out to a 12-0 lead in barely two minutes, utilizing speed, athleticism and tenacity to grab control of the game right after tip-off. Whitehall briefly stemmed the tide and got back to 14-5 by the end of the first quarter, but that was about where the highlights ended for the Vikes.

“The game was a little fast for us because they’re fast,” Whitehall coach Brian Milliron said. “They’re a very good basketball team...They attacked. They play in a good conference and that’s what they do. Ella Andree is a fantastic basketball player and she’s an even better soccer player. She’s better than her mom, Julie Murray. Her and I went to college together.”

Andree indeed spearheaded things early for the Lakers, drilling a trio of three-pointers. She had 13 first-half points as Spring Lake took a 30-7 lead into halftime. There just wasn’t much

Whitehall’s Kendall Osborne tries to power past Oakridge’s Kaelinn Jozsa for a basket during Monday’s district opener at Fruitport. Whitehall won, 36-33.

Whitehall could do from there. Milliron said he should have tried to mimic the Lakers’ speed better in practice, but mostly credited his four seniorsKendall Osborne, Taylor Ottinger, Allie Van Antwerp and Lucy Zamojcin - for helping the team have a double-digit win season.

“Allie coming back from two ACL injuries, she came back and played the full 24 games this year,” Milliron said. “Kendall recovering from her ACL, she played too many minutes. I didn’t want her to play that much. Lucy Zamojcin and Taylor Ottinger, with all her concussions and the physical stuff she’s dealt with, I couldn’t be happier with that senior group. I’m very sad to lose them.”

Slow start dooms Wildcats in district semis

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

FRUITPORT — Montague coach

Jess DeBruin stresses doing little things to win big things. The Wildcats struggled to put together enough little things Wednesday night to beat Fruitport in the district semifinals, dropping a 44-33 decision to end their season.

Montague displayed mental toughness in the first half, managing to avoid letting early missed layups submarine the entire game. The Wildcats got some timely putbacks on offensive rebounds and cut a 9-2 second-quarter deficit to 20-16 by halftime. However, those early struggles ended up being tough to overcome as Fruitport beat back each of the Wildcat rallies.

“We came out sluggish,” DeBruin said. “I think we came out wanting it, but we didn’t bring it to the floor. We didn’t play team basketball like we know how to play. Mentally in the beginning, we kept missing our shots, those little layups that would have gone in any other time, they just wouldn’t fall, and I think that got to us in the beginning.”

Fruitport made a bid to pull away

in the third quarter, but again Montague responded, getting as close as two points at 27-25. However, the Trojans got a bucket within seconds on the other end, and a pair of threepoint plays by their freshman star, Isabel Hanson-Wilbur, kept Montague at bay. Hanson-Wilbur had a game-best 17 points.

Montague kept pushing to the final whistle, and had the tissues stuffed up

two different girls’ noses to prove it, but just didn’t make the big plays necessary. Still, considering the coaching change late in the offseason and the reworked lineup, DeBruin said she was pleased with the growth of the team from November to March.

“We’ve had a huge amount of growth,” DeBruin said. “From the first scrimmage against Mason County un-

til now, we’ve taken leaps and bounds. We’ve come together as a team...We didn’t get the big thing that we wanted but we got some big things out of it.”

Adilynn Peterson led Montague with 11 points, and Braylyn Bultema and Addison Pranger each chipped in eight. Bultema also had seven rebounds, as did Amanda Cederquist.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall’s Lucy Zamojcin looks for an open teammate during Wednesday’s district semifinal against Spring Lake. The Vikings lost the game, 54-22.

Montague’s Ella King tries to wrestle the ball away from Fruitport’s Riley Kettel during Wednesday’s district semifinal game at Fruitport. The Wildcats lost, 44-33.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague’s Braylyn Bultema drives to the basket against Fruitport’s Ava Powell during Wednesday’s district semifinal game. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall’s Lexi Daggett launches a buzzer-beating shot to end the first quarter of Monday’s district semifinal game against Oakridge.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Police activity this week

Behind the Badge

Whitehall Police Report

Feb. 28

At 6:40 a.m. Whitehall Police were called to help get a child off to school. The mother called police to the 1100 block of Colby St. when her 12-year-old son would not get out of bed. The officer arrived and spoke with the student, who was persuaded to get up and get ready for school.

The SRO was called to the middle school after the principal caught a 13-year-old student with a vape device. The vape was discovered in the student’s backpack after the principal received a tip from another student. The SRO issued a citation to the student during the 11:30 a.m. investigation.

Whitehall Police were called to the 1100 block of Colby St. on a report of a possible domestic dispute. The officer responding to the 1:47 p.m. call located the involved party and learned it was an argument over the phone with an ex. The offender promised they would not create a similar disturbance in the future.

At 7:32 p.m. Whitehall Police returned to the 1100 block of Colby St. when consequences for a morning incident made the 12-year-old upset. The officer responding was told by the mother that she had removed a television from the boy’s room because of his refusal to get out of bed in the morning. This angered her son, and he began to break holes in his bedroom door with a water bottle and later left the apartment. While still on the call, the boy returned home and officers spoke with him, yet he was unwilling to promise to not damage the apartment further. After more discussion, the young man was persuaded to behave and go to bed.

Feb. 29

Officers were dispatched to a family dispute at 12:04 p.m. The officer responding to the 12:04 p.m. call spoke with a woman from Norton Shores, who reported her brother lived at the address with her mother and the 60-year-old man was throwing out food meant for the mother. This led to

White Lake

the dispute, and the man threw coffee on the woman who was also struck in the lip. When the officer attempted to speak with the suspect, he refused and remained in his room. The case was sent to the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s office for review.

March 1

A man reported his fishing equipment was stolen from Goodrich Park Wednesday. The victim said he had put his equipment at the end of a dock near the municipal marina and walked to the end of the dock to check the water and fishing conditions. When he returned a short time later, his two poles and tackle bag were gone. There are no known suspects in the case.

Officers were called to check the well-being of a child after the child was not returned to the father as scheduled. A Whitehall officer then went to the 1000 block of Colby St. at 5:42 p.m. and located the child, who appeared to be in good health. The officer spoke with the mother, who said she did not return the child because she was concerned the child was being abused by the father. When reporting back to the father, he also expressed concerns that the child was being abused by the mother. The process to contact CPS was explained to both and no further action was taken.

An officer on patrol at about 10:25 p.m. made a traffic stop for failing to signal a turn, which resulted in the arrest of the driver for a 2nd offense of OWI. The violation occurred on White Lake Drive near Zellar Road, and during the stop the officer noted the strong odor of alcoholic beverages, even as the man was wearing a mask. The driver claimed that he had “one and a half” beers. The officer administered sobriety tests on the 56-year-old driver and after testing, arrested the suspect. The Dalton Township man was taken to the Muskegon County jail, where a breath test showed him to be more then double the legal limit. The suspect was lodged at the jail for the night.

March 2

A 64-year-old called police to have them check her own well-being. At 3:47 a.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of Colby St. and met with the woman, who reported there had been an earlier family dispute. After the dispute, the woman started drinking heavily and now believed she was going to die. The caller was later transported to Trinity Health by Trinity EMS.

A routine plate check revealed an outstanding warrant for which the driver was subsequently arrested. An officer on patrol at 10:47 p.m. checked

morning, March 16, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

the plate of the vehicle ahead of him, which showed the registered owner, a 32-year-old Sand Lake resident, was wanted by Kent County. During the stop, the driver’s identity was confirmed. Kent County requested the suspect be arrested and held until they could arrange pick-up and she was lodged at the Muskegon County jail.

A report on a weapons offense was sent to the Muskegon County Prosecutor that stemmed from an 11:32 p.m. traffic stop. An officer on patrol stopped the vehicle after it failed to dim its headlights for oncoming traffic. During a subsequent consent search the officer discovered an electronic “stun gun” in the vehicle. The driver, a 24-year-old Midland man, was later released pending the prosecutor’s review.

March 3

At 3:34 a.m. Whitehall Police were dispatched to the 1000 block of Colby St. when a caller reported an unknown person was walking around the parking lot with a flashlight and knocking on doors. When the officer arrived, the suspicious person was gone but other witnesses confirmed the prowler had been there. There were no other crimes discovered and no further action was taken.

Whitehall Police responded to a call of a possibly suicidal person in the 1000 block of Lewis St. The caller reported her boyfriend had left the residence and texted a suicidal comment. The officer responding to the 9:14 a.m. call later located the man, who said that he was not suicidal but did need to “clear his head”. Resources were provided to the man and to the caller, and a referral was sent to HealthWest.

March 4

A car-versus-deer crash was reported at 6:04 a.m. The driver, a 48-year-old Laketon Township man, reported he was westbound near the high school when a deer ran into his path. The driver wasn’t injured, but the car was damaged.

Officers checked the well-being of a Twin Lake woman after a note was found that suggested she might be suicidal. The call came to police at 8:04 a.m. when the note was found at her place of employment. Officers went to the home and spoke with the woman and her husband and resources were provided to them for further assistance. A HealthWest referral was also completed.

At 9:50 a.m. the SRO was called to the 500 block of Slocum St. to assist with a student that had left the middle school. The student left after becoming upset during class and as staff followed, he was picking up sticks to

throw at them. The student’s mother arrived shortly after and took the 13-year-old home.

A 12-year-old student was cited for possession of a vape after it was discovered in his locker at the middle school. The SRO responded at 1:11 p.m. and was told by the student that he had found it in the parking lot and that he was holding it for another unnamed student.

A HealthWest pick-up order was served by Whitehall Police on a resident of a home in the 400 block of Mears Ave. The order was served at 3:36 p.m. on the cooperative 74-yearold, who was transported to Trinity Health by Trinity EMS.

At 4:48 p.m. Whitehall Police responded to the 900 block of Colby St. to assist on a mental health issue. A 36-year-old Grant resident went to the office there and reported they were struggling with mental health issues and believed her ex-husband was replaced by someone else and that she could not contact other family members. The officer remained with the woman until HeathWest staff arrived to assist.

March 5

Whitehall officers responded to a family dispute in the 500 block of Slocum St. A caller reported his ex and mother of the 3-year-old child was at the location to take the child back to the Jackson area. There was a custody and visitation agreement and officers encouraged the parents to follow that agreement and make other arrangements if needed.

Whitehall Police are investigating a potential fraud that occurred in the 1200 block of Lake St. The victim reported he met a person there who offered to sell a generator to him. The victim paid for the item that was supposed to be delivered shortly after. The victim was given various stories and reasons that the generator was not being delivered and then received some of the cash back. The case remains under investigation.

Officer were called at 4:36 p.m. when a resident of the 200 block of N Livingston St. witnessed juveniles break a guardrail at the end of the street. The officer was able to locate the suspects nearby, and they claimed to have leaned on the guardrail and it broke accidentally. The caller came out as the officer was inspecting the damage and reported they had intentionally kicked it until it broke. The report noted the posts holding the guardrail were largely rotted but still would have needed some force to break. The case remains under investigation.

uccthebikepath or contacting the church office Monday through Wednesday mornings at 231-893-3265.