The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 25, November 17, 2023 by theoceanaecho

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Walkerville Well to celebrate 80th anniversary By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

PERMIT NO 62

PRE-SORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

RESIDENTIAL POSTAL CUSTOMER PAID ECRWSS BIG RAPIDS, MI 49307

There have been many changes in Walkerville over the last 80 years, but the fourth-generation familyrun Walkerville Well Drilling & Supply Company has remained a constant. The company will celebrate its 80th anniversary Dec. 7—specifically, the 80th anniversary of Glen Chase’s first customer, for which the company still has the receipt. Chase had never seen a well drilled in his life when he spent $300 buying tools used by local well driller Chancy Knott after Knott’s death, but he said he felt Knott’s tools should stay in the area. One of Knott’s helpers, Ray Hill, joined Chase to start Chase and Hill Well Drilling, which became Walkerville Well Drilling about 10 years later after Chase bought out Hill’s share of the company and son-in-law Lyle Frick bought in. The Fricks have run the company ever since. Lyle’s son, Jerry, joined the company full-time after graduating from Walkerville High School in 1959. Jerry’s son, Greg, followed after graduating from Walkerville in ‘85 and then Grand Valley State in ‘90; he is now the main day-to-day manager. Other family members have been involved in the company over the years; Lyle’s wife, Leona, and Jerry’s wife, Verla, spent many years helping out before retiring, but Jerry and Greg remain. “Too dumb to do anything else, I guess,” Jerry chuckled. “There’s a certain amount of pride in keeping going what our grandfather started. We’ve seen it grow and grow and grow and grow....We all had work to do, so

Paul Paulsen, Greg Frick and Jerry Frick • Andy Roberts/Echo we kept going.” The Fricks have lived and breathed the business over the years and have the credentials to prove it. Glen and Lyle joined the National Ground Water Association in the early 1960s, beginning a relationship between the company and association that still holds today. Lyle and Jerry have both served as presidents of the NGWA; Jerry said he’s traveled to over 30 states as a result of his involvement with the association. At one point, the company took on all sorts of projects in far-flung locales, including Lake Michigan islands like Mackinaw, Fox and South Manitou, not to mention stops in Indiana and Ohio. One job Jerry recalled being interesting was when the company set up water for an entire subdivision in Arcadia, in northwest Manistee County.

“It’s kind of slowed up now, and it’s gotten a lot more technical (with) the equipment and everything,” Jerry said. “Crews didn’t like going out there and living out of motels, so we cut back on that. The jobs were getting bigger and bigger, and they weren’t interested in that.” As time has gone on, the business of well drilling has had to spend more time dealing with regulations and less with well drilling. Jerry cited PFAS as a common issue the company has to tackle, so Walkerville Well Drilling is more or less back to its roots now, focusing on residential and farm projects. Jerry estimated the company has “several thousand” clients, many of them somewhere between Ludington and North Muskegon, but that’s not as time-consuming as it sounds, with most only needing attention every five or 10 years. The

relationship with some properties goes back decades. “We just upgraded a well my dad put in on a property that was sold in the late 1960s down west of Shelby,” Jerry said. “When I started getting involved, my granddad was retiring. You’d go out and do things, and every once in a while, somebody would (joke), ‘Your granddad never charged us that much.’” Running a company like this has indeed become much more expensive over the years. Jerry said a new service truck, once all the needed equipment is added to it, will be around a $150,000 investment. More specialized equipment—the type Walkerville Well Drilling doesn’t usually deal with anymore—costs three times that much. Through it all, though, Jerry and Greg say they take pride in running “a legitimate business” and trying to treat people fairly. The company’s longevity indicates they’ve succeeded in that. In the future, the company will eventually pass outside the family, as Jerry and Greg are the last Fricks remaining to take on the work. But for now, the company remains in the family. “You’ve got to feel good about still being here,” Greg said. “You hear about people that don’t make it past about two generations, and especially in today’s world, it seems like every time we turn around, there’s a new business and the other one’s gone. It’s a good feeling that you’re still here. I’ve always enjoyed the ability to give somebody something that they didn’t have.”

Dave Johnson recalls Naval career at SMS

Retired Navy veteran Dave Johnson, above left, spoke to a large crowd gathered at Shelby Middle School Friday, Nov. 10, for its Veterans Day program. Johnson shared many humorous anecdotes from his time in service and encouraged those in attendance to consider a career in the military. The SMS Cadet Band and choir performed a number of patriotic pieces, and students read poems and quotations and delivered announcements to the audience. There was a reception in the library afterward. Jeanne Newman was instrumental in bringing this event back to the school after a Covid hiatus. • Amanda Dodge/Echo

2 NOVEMBER 17, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Holiday Activities

November 17, 2023–January 6, 2024 Presented by

Lighted Christmas Parade & Community Tree Lighting Friday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m. Downtown Hart and the Hart Historic District Decorated for the Holidays! Nov. 24, 2023 – Jan. 6, 2024 Special thanks to: The City of Hart Department of Public Works, Hart Economic & Redevelopment Team, Hart Historic District, Mac Woods Dune Rides, Todd Greiner Farms, and Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce members for sponsoring the downtown Hart holiday decorations. 2023 Lighted Christmas Parade presented by Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce Friday, Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Line-up from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at Hart Public Schools. Christmas-themed entries welcome. Free to march; must sign waiver prior to the event. Santa will be in the parade and visit with children following the parade Parade Route: Hart Public Schools to Johnson St., to State St., to West Main St., to Water St., to Johnson St., to Hart Public Schools. Parade Specials - Downtown businesses and restaurants will have specials before and after the parade. Information to follow on Facebook. Birch & Blossom will be open before and after the parade Lakeside Rehab-Bagel & Smoothie Bar will have refreshments and premium hot cocoa for $1.00 starting at 5:30 p.m. and after the parade.

Happy Holidays

Hart Community Tree Lighting & visit with Santa Friday, Nov. 24 at Hart Commons directly after the Lighted Christmas Parade. Witness the season come aglow at the Community Tree Lighting at Hart Commons at the corner of State and Main Streets in Hart.

And the first 100 shoppers downtown get a complimentary “love local” can koozie and a reusable HEART shopping bag! Pentwater Christmas in the Village Weekends - Dec. 2, 9 and 16 Shop over 20 unique boutique shops, dining and cocktails, merchant events, hot drinks and suites, bonfires and holiday music. @Pentwaterchristmasinthevillage

Santa on the Green • Nov. 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Come and enjoy an Old-Fashioned Hometown Christmas in Pentwater. Pentwater Christmas festivities start on Saturday, November 26th. Pentwater has shopping, dining, and activities scheduled for you, your family, and friends. Remember to shop locally during the holidays. Santa’s Arrival-Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. Small Business Saturday in Hart • Nov. 25 After the fill of Thanksgiving and the thrill of Black Friday, show your “love for local” in Hart! Free activities at downtown businesses include: • Pictures with Santa @ Birch & Blossom: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Cookie Decorating @ The Bakery on the Corner: 9 a.m. to noon • Christmas Card Making @ Morningside Pallet Merchandise: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Free Hot Cocoa @ Stella’s Coffee House: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Downtown Shelby businesses awarded façade improvement grants By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor SHELBY - Monday, the Shelby Village Council approved grant funding in the amount of $40,000 ($10,000 each) for four business façade improvements in downtown Shelby. The improvements requested were part of a façade grant application process which took place earlier this fall. Business owners and projects awarded include: Images Salon building owner James Wickstra for window and cracked stone veneer replacement at 169 N. Michigan Ave.; Wickstra Realty building owners Larry Byl, Tim Horton and Calvin Roskam for the addition of a sloped section of sidewalk at the front door for wheelchair access, along with upgraded vertical siding, front door and window at 163 N. Michigan Ave.; V & L Holdings building (next to the Brown Bear) owner Rob Veld, for commercial window and door replacement at 141 N. Michigan Ave. and Pizza Factory owner Annette Kurzer for replacement of the exterior door, soffit and fascia at 135-141 North Michigan Avenue. Four other grant applications (received by grant deadline) were asked to provide additional information to the committee before a formal recommendation could be made. The council also gave its approval of an amendment to their “Rules of Procedure for Village Council, 4. Order of Business and Agenda”, by adding “4.4 INVOCATION: Village Council shall determine the process for the invocation with the two following requirements: (1) All religions must have the opportunity to be represented, and (2) participation for those attending the meeting must not be coerced.” The amendment was recommended by Village Administrator Brady Selner when council member

Mike Termer asked Village President Paul Inglis if he might say a prayer following the pledge at the council’s September 25 council meeting. With no objection from the council, Termer has been sharing a brief prayer after the pledge at each village council meeting since. An “Invocation” agenda item will now be included in each council meeting agenda going forward. An adjusted bid from McCormick Sand, in the amount of $1,687,563, was accepted for the Getty Park Renovation Project. In agreement with the contractor and the village engineer, the council was able to reduce McCormick’s original bid of $1,838,817, by deleting six items and reducing one item from the original project list, saving the village $140,398. Three items will be completely deleted from the project; these include lighting at the sports courts, 50 percent of the sand subbase and removable bollards. Three more items will be provided by the village instead of the contractor. These include barrier-free parking signs, surface-mounted tables and seating, and trash and recycling receptacles. In addition, the contractor will reduce associated bond costs. Contract signing and a pre-construction meeting will be scheduled in the near future. Council also approved joining in on a three-way match with the Township of Shelby and the Shelby Chamber of Commerce for the purchase and installation of two “Welcome to Shelby” signs. The total village share will be $2,434. One sign will be placed on Shelby Road by the Marathon gas station, with the second to be placed on Oceana Drive by Country Dairy. According to Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli, the township is also placing two Shelby Township” signs on M-20 near township boundaries. All signs will be installed on earthen berms, and feature perennial plantings and so-

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lar-powered flood lights. Monday, council also convened briefly as the Shelby Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to adopt an updated set of ZBA bylaws. Prior to its regularly-scheduled meeting Monday, the Shelby Village Council, village staff and one community member also met for a strategic planning session to brainstorm where to best spend the village’s remaining ARP (American Rescue Plan) funds, currently $150,000. According to Village Administrator, Brady Selner the ideas generated will be compiled and put into an easier-to-read format and shared before a formal decision is made.

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The Roseville Oyster Theft By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist The meetings of the Oceana County Board of Supervisors in the early days were no doubt very serious affairs pivotal to the future of our county, but that doesn’t mean the old settlers didn’t get up to some shenanigans every now and again. One example of such shenanigans was deemed funny enough to make its way into the Oceana Times Jan. 15, 1864. The board members were staying at McNabb’s store in Whiskey Creek (then called Roseville) through the duration of the meeting, and it would seem that McNabb had happened upon a keg of oysters, none of which was being served to the board of supervisors. As it is recorded in the newspaper, “three of our party had a good many secrets….” This secretive trio managed to slip away for some time and then return. Five minutes after their return, hot on their heels came McNabb, the owner of the store, “looking wild and excited.” To borrow again from the language of the original article, “something serious must have happened–a secret plot undoubtedly–a crime committed– somebody killed–an attack–a robbery.” When Mc-

Nabb regained his composure, he asked only one question: “You got them oysters cooked?” Which prompted an explosion of laughter from the very secretive trio. McNabb identified the suspicious bunch and set off again. The meeting quieted down, and things returned to business as usual, with only the occasional outburst of laughter regarding “them oysters.” It is unknown which member of the board submitted this story to the paper, as it is uncredited, but they did say, “We must say they did not go bad, as we had a chance to taste them, after a while.” The whole sequence of events must have seemed very strange to the board members not included in the trio of secret keepers, but it all made sense the following morning. When the board members came in to settle accounts, there was a new bill of $5 charged to the supervisors for “The keg of Oysters stolen by B., F. and M.” There was also a most generous deduction of 50 cents for “there being but nine oysters in the keg.” Leaving the board with a bill of $4.50 to pay. There are two conclusions given in two different recordings of this tale. The first, coming from our primary source, the 1864 issue of the Oceana Times, simply states, “We don’t wish to buy at that

rate.” I don’t know anything about the common going rate for kegs of oysters in 1864, but it must have been pretty steep. It also precludes the way the tale wraps up in our second source, which is, of course, Hartwick and Tuller’s “Oceana County Pioneers and Business Men of Today,” who simply write, “As the members did not wish the matter to go upon the records they compromised with him.”

George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their Joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation—for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war—for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed—for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions—to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually—to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord—To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us—and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

- Go. Washington

theoceanaecho@gmail.com • November 17, 2023 • Volume 1 • Issue 25 Office hours: Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Office phone: 231-301-8149, or for breaking news, please call 231-923-0751.

THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER 17, 2023 5

News and Notes By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor • From over 150 entries, to the top 30, the winner of the $250 H-art Prize Photo Contest was Brenda Birkmam, with her Hart Lake in the Fall entry. The People’s Choice top 10 finalists were Amy Moats Landscape of Hart Lake in the Fall; Monica Crothers - White Flowers; Jennifer Beggs - Girl in Purple by Hart Lake; Alyssa Sinclair - Close-up of Water over Rocks; Calvin Roskam - Aerial photo of Hart in Fall; Allie Landrum - Hart Lake on a Cloudy Evening; Victoria Eilers - Cow Silhouette, Lauren Fenton - Hart Lake Sunrise; JoEllen Frend - Beach Driftwood. • The winner of Hart’s Downtown Fall Decorating Contest was La Fiesta restaurant with 227 votes. They decorated an unused entryway with lights, skeletons and decorated pumpkins. Stella’s Coffee House came in second with 188 votes. • Hart’s Music on the Commons Band Application is now live on the Hart Economic and Redevelopment Team (HEART) Facebook page or by visiting www.takemetohart.org/music-on-the-commons. The annual summer concert series is held Thursdays during July and August. Applications are due by March 31, 2024. • Deer Hunters may be interested in reading the following article, “An Open Letter to Deer Hunters” published Sept. 21, 2023 by Chad Stewart, Deer, Elk and Moose Management Specialist, with the Michigan DNR. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/3716e4f This article is not going where you think it is going. The opening statement will draw you in: “With the understanding that a majority of readers of this article will be deer hunters, some of what is going to be said might not sit well. But these are things that need to be stated for the betterment of the management of our deer herd into the future.” You will learn a lot, and your thinking may be expanded. This article is part of the MDNR’s “Showcasing the DNR”

series, which can be found at www.michigan.gov/ Showcase, as well as receptions, banquets and recDNRstories. ognitions. The Great Lakes Expo, known by the locals as “the veggie show”, will occur the following week, Dec. 5-7, at the same location. Attendees will have access to the trade show and a variety of workshops and sessions given by industry professionals. This annual tradition provides a chance for producers to also enjoy attending the many special events and receptions in their honor while connecting with fellow producers from across the state. Special guests for this year’s Expo include the Peterson Brothers from Kansas and Cowgirl Courtenay DeHoff. • The Oceana County Soil Conservation District recently released the results of their annual hazardous waste collection, which took place the third Saturday of August. ERG Environmental Services reported that Oceana County residents dropped off 26,500 pounds of hazardous waste at this year’s event. Over 300 households took advantage of the drive-through service, which is up from previous years participation. Materials dropped off to be disposed of safely included motor oil, chemicals, batteries, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. The district extends its thanks to Oceana County, local municipalities, the Oceana County Farm Bureau, individual donors for all of their financial contributions, the Hart Dept. of Public Works for hosting the event, the HHW Committee, and numerous volunteers who helped make it all happen.

• In the past few weeks, six new “All Pro Dads’’ Chapters have met and seen over 275 dads and their children in attendance! This new initiative, spearheaded by Dennis Foley of Shelby, is a program of the Family First nationwide organization. Co-founded by former NFL coach Tony Dungy, All Pro Dads is a character-based program, led by area co-captains who will meet before school in the months of November, December, February and March. Here are the attendance numbers to date: New Era Christian School - 33 (Nov. 2); Pentwater Public School - 31 • The Shelby Police Chief, Dean Roesler, reminds (Nov. 7); Shelby - 72 (Nov. 8); Hart - 96 (Nov. 9) and Shelby residents that the winter parking ban went Walkerville - 44 (Nov. 10). Groups will begin meeting into effect Wednesday, Nov. 15. Vehicles regularly for the second time starting Nov. 29. parked along Michigan Avenue are receiving advisory notices. Roesler is pleased to announce the hiring • Two important agriculture meetings will be tak- of veteran police officer, Steve Junewick, to fill one of ing place soon in downtown Grand Rapids. Mich- the village’s part-time positions. “Steve has worked igan Farm Bureau members will have their annu- part-time for Shelby and is able to ‘hit the ground al meeting Nov. 28-30 at the DeVos Place in Grand running,’ Roesler said. Rapids, where delegates from the state’s 65 counties will meet to finalize the 2024 policies they will proPlease email mote. The annual gathering will also include high sharon@oceanaecho.com if you have school, collegiate and Young Farmer Discussion any “news and notes” to share. Meets, workshops, the Promotion and Education

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

2023 November Nov. 17 - OCMCF Annual Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Ladder Community Center: 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.

Nov. 18 - Hart Masonic Lodge Holiday Extravaganza, crafts and gifts for sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 19 - Retirement party for the Tatros, Heritage Wedding Barns in Shelby, 6-8 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m. St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave. in Hart Second, third and fourth Fridays Doors open at 4 p.m.

Nov. 21 - Walkerville Schools, “Thanksgiving Feast” with all the fixings.

The Polar Express Family Storytime

Nov. 21 - Young Life Giving Tuesday begins

All aboard for fun as the Shelby Area District Library and Friends of the Shelby Area District Library host a special family storytime event Monday, Dec. 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The event will feature a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express by Library Director Tiffany Collins-Haight. Crafts, unique picture opportunities, cookies and hot cocoa will follow. Attendees are encouraged to wear pajamas to get into the spirit of this themed storytime. Registration is required and begins Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. Call 231-861-4565 or email tifhaight@shelbylibrary.org to register. Shelby Area District Library is located at 189 Maple St. in Shelby.

Nov. 23 - Joint Thanksgiving Service, 9:30 a.m. at the New Era Reformed Church, 4775 First St.

PLA board meeting set for November 20

The next Share Our Stories (SOS) event at The Ladder Community Center in Shelby will feature the theme “Book Reports.” If you belong to a book club, or if you simply love to read, please join us on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 1:30 p.m. All are invited to bring a favorite non-fiction book to share, explain its contents, facts about the author, and other pertinent information. SOS is a monthly event held at The Ladder, where people gather and share memories, photos, and other memorabilia from Oceana County. There is no additional cost for registered adult members 18+. Please visit theladdercommunitycenter.com to view all our upcoming events. Events are subject to change. To inquire about an event or if you have ideas for future topics of interest for SOS, call The Ladder at 231-259-0211.

The Pentwater Lake Association board of directors will meet Monday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church at 82 N. Hancock St., Pentwater. The public is invited to attend. Please use the Hancock Street Hall entrance. Membership in the Pentwater Lake Association is open to all individuals interested in the lake, its natural resources and water quality. Members do not have to own lake property in order to join the non-profit organization. More details and past meeting minutes are available on the Pentwater Lake Association website at www.pentwaterlakeassociation.com.

Joint Thanksgiving service offered in New Era

Nov. 24 - Hart Lighted Christmas Parade, downtown Hart, 6:30 p.m.

Share your favorite books at The Ladder

Thanksgiving Party for kids 5-12 at The Ladder

The Trinity Lutheran and New Era Reformed churches invite the entire community to a joint service of thanks and praise at the New Era Reformed Church, located at 4775 First Street on Thanksgiving Day, November 23 at 9:30 a.m. Pastor John Medendorp will bring the message from Psalm 65, “Satisfied with Goodness”. A time of fellowship with coffee, cider, donuts and pie will follow. Everyone is welcome to attend.

All children ages 5 to 12 are invited to The Ladder Community Center once a month for Party Club! Join us Nov. 18 for the “It’s Good to Give Thanks” party from 1-2:30 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.

Mile Twelve to perform in Hart today

Oceana Young Life Giving Tuesday begins

Oceana Young Life Giving Tuesday begins Tuesday, November 21 and runs The Hart Community Performing Arts Series will present Mile Twelve in concert until December 31. All donations to the Oceana chapter will be matched up to Friday, Nov. 17, in the Hart Public Schools Auditorium. The auditorium is located in $10,000. Individuals can give online at oceana.younglife.org or send a check to the Hart Middle School at 308 W. Johnson St. in Hart. The performance will begin at “Young Life” in care of Jim Nicholas, 5321 West Fish Road, Shelby. 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available at the door or online at hartseries.org. Mile Twelve is a modern string band based in Boston, Massachusetts. You’ll hear the warmth and innovation that earned the band IBMA’s 2019 Album of the Year nomination and 2020 New Artist of the Year Award, and that’s earned them an international reputation as one of the most dynamic groups in contemporary acoustic music. The group has two new members: fiddler and vocalist Ella Jordan and mandolinist Korey Brodsky. They add a new dimension to the band and demonstrate th their ability to lock in with founding members Evan Murphy (guitar, vocals), Catherine Bowness (banjo), and Nate Sabat (bass, vocals). 5-8:30pm - Big Tuck’s Food Truck -Great food, great price! This is a band looking forward—simultaneously shoring up their bluegrass foundations (in the transfixing a capella opening of “If Only,” for example) while also 6-7:30pm - Christmas Caroling And Live Music pushing their musical boundaries and driving into new territory. You’ll detect fla6:30pm vors of jazz (“Red Grapes on the Vine”), acoustic pop (“Take Me As I Am”) and trance music (“Light of Angels”). Heard as a whole, their recent album, Close Enough to Hear, displays the vast potential of acoustic string band music in the hands of capaCommemorative Ornament Booth ble players. Christmas Cookie Booth “I’m more proud of this album than anything else I’ve done to date,” says bassist Nate Sabat. “Listening back, I feel an undeniable urgency in the music. A fresh sound Hot Cocoa & Popcorn Booth rushing out, wanting to be Shop Local Shop Small Booth heard. The songwriting, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides arrangements, execution Deater Light Show and aesthetic are all bullGift Certificates Available seye, and I couldn’t be Whoville & The Grinch Try Our Take-N-Bake Pizzas more excited to share this Santa & Mrs. Claus Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day music with our fans.” Interactive Elves Workbench Call for Details: 231-873-5555 For further informaOnline Ordering Available Photo Op Spots tion, see the series webbc.pizza • 2327 N. Comfort Dr., Hart site at hartseries.org or rof elbaliava sazziP ekaB-N-ekaT contact Artistic Director !nosaes yadiloh siht gnirud uoy Tom Kirk at tomkirk@ Hesperia Area Chamber-Thank You to our Sponsors! evE samtsirhC desolC hartseries.org. yaD samtsirhC &

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Oceana County to celebrate Small Business Saturday

Tails of Hope This cat will bring you more joy than a daily vase of fresh flowers. Her name is Flora and she loves to be held. Her response to being picked up and loved is a wonderfully calming purr. Isn’t she beautiful? Flora 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 231-730-3906. Free tags are also available at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.

Highlighting small businesses and celebrating the impact they make on their communities is the goal of the Small Business Saturday holiday. Oceana County residents are encouraged to join in on the celebrations on Saturday, Nov. 25 and show their support for local businesses. Downtown Hart will be buzzing with activities to go hand-in-hand with any shopping customers want to get done. Birch & Blossom will have pictures with Santa from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., The Bakery on the Corner will have cookie decorating from 9 a.m. to Noon, Stella’s Coffee House will be giving out free hot cocoa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the first 100 shoppers will get a complimentary “love local” can koozie and a reusable HEART shopping bag. “It’s so important to shop local and support our businesses,” Hart Economic and Community Development Director Nichole Kleiner said. “Sometimes we can take how great these local businesses are for granted, but we want to support them and Small Business Saturday is a great way to do just that.”

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Area podcasts are another way to get information By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor Podcasts have become the norm in today’s world for many people. Almost everywhere you turn, someone is offering a link to their “podcast” channel. Podcasts came about with the introduction of the pocket-sized Apple iPod music-playing device. The word “podcast” is actually a combination of “iPod” and “broadcast.” Now, by installing one of several available podcast apps on a smartphone, users can hear from experts (and non-experts) on a variety of topics, catch up on the latest news or hear interviews. For the podcaster, less equipment is needed, so it’s a more economical communication medium, although not as fancy as producing a video. For the listener, podcasts are so readily available that a person can tune in anytime and anywhere it’s convenient for them. It is another type of social media. Once a user is subscribed to a podcast, they are notified when another episode is available. Organizations and individuals alike are using them more and more as a way to communicate with their target audiences. While there are probably numerous locally produced podcasts yet to be discovered, here are three from Oceana County residents to consider checking out. Hart Public Schools Superintendent Mark Platt, along with technology staff members Jason Gale and Phil DeBrot, have collaborated to bring a weekly podcast to its Hart High School Facebook page. The podcasts are also available on YouTube by searching “Pirate Nation.” Topics vary, with each podcast running approximately 30 minutes in length. “The podcast aims to increase communication and information about the district that doesn’t get much coverage. For example, we have discussed attendance, multi-tiered support systems, positive behavior interventions, and the use of technology in our instructional practices. The next two weeks (we will focus on) homelessness and students, and a deeper

dive into attendance and the negative impact on stu- specifically to get them the life they want in their dent achievement. At some point, we plan to expand homes,” Stark said. our conversations into the classrooms and with stuShe records three podcasts a week: Mondays, dents,” Platt said. Tuesdays and Thursdays, focusing on various topics, In New Era, “Nicole And Phil With Purpose,” has hosting various experts and offering encouragement been recorded two Thursdays a month this fall at 5:30 for day-to-day mom life. “I’m big on mom being p.m. and is available at www.philwithpurpose.com healthy. Moms are the heart of the home, and I want under the “Podcast” link. Podcasts are moderated to help challenge and encourage them in a way that by New Era residents, former educator and current helps them enjoy that role without all the stress,” she county commissioner Phil Morse, and professor of said. “Parenting doesn’t have to be just winging it. psychology at Cornerstone University and certified You can develop a plan for your own family that is school psychologist Nicole McDonald. focused on your value system.” Morse and McDonald state that they believe that The Oceana Echo welcomes hearing about other everyone has their own struggles, and while there are locals with podcasts for possible mention in an updefinitely times a person should meet with a coun- coming issue. Please email us at theoceanaecho@ selor or therapist, they also believe that everyone is gmail.com. unique and multi-layered, and there are some steps everyone can take to improve their lives to give them Free hope and purpose for the future. “We believe everySamples ! one has been created for a purpose,” McDonald said. “Nicole and Phil With Purpose is about digging in and finding out what that purpose is.” Their website provides this background, “...a large segment of people are living without a purpose and direction…Therefore, Nicole and Phil With Purpose We grow it for YOU, & do gift baskets, too! aims to provide a range of practical tools and resources for those who desire to reevaluate and revise Gift Baskets! Wreaths! how they approach their life.” Nicole and Phil seek to help people “...clarify their purpose, plan distinct Dave’s Apple Sale on 12+ varieties, To simulate 5 y steps toward meaningful life goals and improve the including our own , Idaproducts Red, throu congruence of their lives.” Ultimately these things EverCrisp, Honeycrisp, Mutsu, Gala, can “...grow greater stability and resilience in the face SEET lab. We p Ambrosia, SnowSweet, Jonagold, of life challenges thereby decreasing depression, loneliness, isolation and hopelessness.” Our Squash, Fleming’s Cider, many through anythi Interestingly, another local podcaster is focused local & Michigan-made snacks & gifts! on helping people live with purpose as well, specifAccepting EBT (Use & get Double Up Food Bucks ically mothers. Stark, of5Silver Lake, a famTo Britta simulate years ofisenvironmental exposure, wecredit putcards our& cash. Tokens for fresh produce), ily and parent educator and the host of her podcast, Open 8-5 Mon.-Sat. through Dec. 23 “Pillars for Purposeful Motherhood.” many of us products through “So extreme temperature fluctuations inside the moms are struggling in silence and live in survival 3731 W. Polk Rd., Hart mode, unsure how to get out the stuck place weany weather you see, so they873-7523 SEET lab. Weofpush beyond can run www.rennhackmarket.com find ourselves in. My passion is working with moms

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9 NOVEMBER 17, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Obituaries In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

Gary Lee Lyman

October 26, 1947 ~ November 12, 2023 Gary Lee Lyman, 76, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. He was born Oct. 26, 1947, in Flint, the son of Harold and Jannie Barker. Gary left Flint as a young child when his family moved to Seattle, Wash. Even at a young age, Gary began to establish an amazing work ethic. He worked different jobs in the meat-cutting industry and in construction—trades that he would come to perfect over the years. Always wanting to learn more about the meat industry, Gary set his sights on Alaska. He made his way up to Anchorage after graduating high school. It was there that he was able to fulfill his dream of obtaining his pilot’s license. With his pilot’s license, he was able to travel all over Alaska and experience many fishing and hunting adventures with the wonderful friends he met along the way. While in Alaska, Gary was always working to further his knowledge involving the meat industry. It was through this endeavor and the contacts he made along the way, that would enable him to meet his future wife, Sue. Gary met Sue in 1974 while she was in Alaska, traveling from Michigan to visit family for the summer. By the end of her stay, Gary wound up following her back to Michigan. They were married almost six months later, and soon after, they made the journey back up to Alaska, where they started their family. Gary had many hobbies and interests over the years: hunting, fishing, archery, travel, cooking and many more, but his favorite activity above all was time spent with his family. Gary and Sue would raise three children in Alaska before moving back to Michigan in 1996. Upon his return to Michigan, Gary and Sue started Lyman Custom Meats. Gary had created many delicious recipes for various sausages, jerky, etc., and through Lyman Custom Meats, he was able to share those with the public. Gary also started Lyman Custom Tile, a ceramic tile installation business that became an outlet for his construction background. Gary worked very hard over the years to make these businesses a success but was ready to retire in 2020. This enabled him to spend quality time with his family and to thoroughly enjoy his latest and greatest title, ‘Papa,’ which is what he was called by his three cherished grandchildren. Gary had endless love for his family and was always there with a helping hand or the answers to nearly any question. He will forever be missed. Gary is survived by: his wife, Sue (Drum) Lyman; three children, Donnie, Dawn, and Justin Lyman; daughter-in-law Michelle (Terryn) Lyman; three grandchildren, Keller, Declan, and Blakely Lyman; sister, Beverly Jones; brothers, Donald and Richard Lyman; father-in-law Don Drum; sisters-in-law, Sheila Drum and Rhonda (Drum) Gray, and Roberta Lyman; brother-in-law, Paul Gray; and many nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Jannie Barker and Harold Lyman; his brother, Wayne Lyman; and his mother-in-law, Alta Drum. In accordance with Gary’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services are scheduled at this time. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

EARLY DEADLINE NEXT WEEK: Due to Thanksgiving, all submitted content must be turned in by Tuesday, Nov. 21. The Echo will go to press early Wednesday and resume normal Friday delivery. If you would like to place an obituary with us, please tell your arrangement specialist or email us at theoceanaecho@gmail.com.

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Shirley L. Oles

July 14, 1946 ~ November 8, 2023 Shirley L. Oles, 77, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. She was born July 14, 1946, in Hart, Mich., to John and Beatrice (Dorrance) Gebhart. Shirley attended Garver School and graduated from Hart High School, where she was very active in FFA and band. After high school, Shirley continued working at the farmer’s markets on the weekends and during the summer while earning her degree in education, specializing in family living and Home Economics from Michigan State University. She met her future husband, Bob, at the Muskegon Heights Farmer’s Market, and they continued to date until they married on Aug. 17, 1968. Shirley was a teacher for 40 years and made a difference in so many of her students’ lives. She got her first job at Climax-Scotts High School teaching Home Economics and then began a new job with Walkerville Schools. In Walkerville, Shirley taught K-12 Art, Science, Math, History, Yearbook and helped with countless proms. After that, she got her dream job teaching Foods 1 and 2, Family Living and Parenting at Hart High School. In addition to teaching, Shirley worked with her husband, Bob, to continue her family’s legacy, Golden Hart Fruit Farms. She had a passion for waiting on her customers at the market and sharing her knowledge and love of the things they grew. Even as her health declined, Shirley would sit and talk with her “fans” and anyone who stopped by. Her greatest joy in life was her children and grandchildren. Shirley had an immense love and pride for them, which shined through whenever she would see or talk about them. Shirley is survived by: her husband of 55 years, Bob; her daughters, Danielle (Gary) Barnes of Sterling Heights, and Darci (Bryan) Acrich of Commerce Township; and four grandchildren, Zander, Lyla, Ari and Felicia. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Beverly Dayharsh; and her brother, Robert Gebhart. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 316 S. Peach Ave., Hart, MI 49420. Visitation will take place from 4-6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, KingHart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Shirley L. Oles Educational Scholarship at the Oceana Community Foundation, P.O. Box 902, Pentwater, MI 49449, or online at oceanafoundation.org. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

John Francis Wade

October 15, 1940 ~ November 14, 2023 John Francis Wade, 83, of Shelby, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. He was born Oct. 15, 1940, in Ferry Township, the son of John and Pearl (Wright) Wade. John was a graduate of Shelby High School class of 1959. While in high school, he was active in basketball, football and band. After high school, he met the love of his life, Marcella Schiller, from Montague class of 1960. They were married in the fall of 1961 and started a family. John worked at Shelby bakery as a baker all through high school and afterwards. He spent 35 years working for Howmet, where he spent his lunch hours playing cribbage. During his lifetime, John volunteered for numerous organizations. He spent 50 years with the Shelby-Benona Fire Department and was a member of the Oceana County Fire Investigation Team. John helped start the Shelby Recreation Club; he coached numerous teams for baseball, T-ball and softball. John volunteered at Our Lady of Fatima as a lay minister, usher and many years of Our Lady of Fatima Chicken Dinner Festivals. John also volunteered for Old Newsboys. John enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing and camping. He was an avid coon hunter. He raised competition coon dogs, bear dogs and loved fishing for trout. He grew up fishing, swimming and water skiing at Crystal Lake in Hart. Most importantly, John was an amazing father and a dedicated husband. He never missed a moment to tell Marcella how beautiful she is. He was an avid supporter of Shelby High School Athletics and attended an unbelievable amount of sporting events where he cheered on the Shelby Tigers. John is survived by: his loving wife of 62 years, Marcella; children, Brenda Wade and Craig Sawyer, Darlene (Randy) Ruud, John W. (Kristen) Wade, Jeanette (Scott) Frazer, JoAnna (James) Berry; grandchildren: Dr. Caitlin (Jim) Parson, Dr. Connor (Phoebe) Knapp, Alexis Wade, John David Wade, Brooke Berry, Breanna Berry, Jason and Kristin Ruud, Nathan and Maria Ruud; and five great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Pearl Wade; his siblings, Wayne Wade, Pat Escareno (Wade), and Anne Wade. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 1372 S. Oceana Dr., Shelby, Mich. 49455, with Father Peter Omogo presiding. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Mich. 49455, with a praying of the Rosary at 7 p.m. Please consider memorial donations to: Shelby-Benona Fire Department, 430 Industrial Park Dr, Shelby, MI 49455, or Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box, 451, Hart, Michigan 49420. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

10 NOVEMBER 17, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Thanksgiving recipes and memories By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor In the spirit of family togetherness this next week, I polled over 60 of my contacts, asking for their memories or favorite Thanksgiving recipes. Enjoy! Ben Vander Kodde - I appreciate going to my in-laws on Thanksgiving. They not only gave me a turkey fryer for Christmas one year, but they had me bring it so that they could teach me how to use it. After deep-frying the turkey (my favorite way to eat it), we always go around the table, and each person, young and old, shares one thing they are thankful to God for his blessing that year. It is encouraging and sometimes humorous, but always worth it! Then we relax in the living room to watch the Lions game. Sharon Hallack - Growing up as the daughter of a Christmas tree farmer, we always celebrated Thanksgiving with the extended Slocum family on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The week of Thanksgiving was a hectic time as thousands of trees were loaded and shipped to destinations across the United States. We all gathered at Grandma and Grandpa Slocum’s, where all the amazing aromas hit you right in the face as soon as you walked in the door. Among numerous other pots and dishes in the works, Grandma always had a big pot of her sweet corn simmering on the stove. Every time she’d walk by, she’d taste it and add a little more pepper. There was something about corn needing more pepper with her. To this day, I add a little extra to mine in memory of her. That Saturday was usually the same day as the Ohio State/U of M football game. With one uncle rooting for the Buckeyes and one uncle rooting for the Wolverines, at times it could get pretty rowdy in the living room!

Teresa Kokx - My mom always made Thanksgiving dinner, so after a few years of being married with children, I decided it was my turn. I made turkey like mom and, of course, homemade stuffing. I was pretty proud of myself. After dinner, my grandmother told me my dinner was delish but said, “I like more sage in my dressing!” The next year, I bought the sage but forgot to add it to my stuffing… oops! The third time I made Thanksgiving dinner for the family, I made sure to put the sage in the stuffing! My girl’s favorite dish each year was always corn casserole. Sometimes we add onions or jalapenos too. It is now my six grandkids’ favorite side dish too, and not just for Thanksgiving!

cia Wilson), who grew up in Texas. This is what she made every year. There weren’t many people eating cornbread dressing in the northern states at that time, so it was unique. Cornbread Dressing: Make cornbread a few days before to allow it to dry out a bit and then crumble. Cook turkey giblets to create a base for the turkey stock. To the crumbled cornbread, add chopped onions and celery (I usually soften onions and celery a bit in the heated stock), chopped giblets, salt, and pepper, and rubbed sage to taste (sage intensifies as it cooks; constantly taste and don’t overwhelm with the sage). Use just enough turkey stock to moisten the dressing; you can use chicken stock as well. Bake in an uncovered baking dish at 350 deCindy Zost - Here’s my recipe for everybody’s grees. I put a few dollops of butter on top and bake favorite, Cornbread Casserole: Mix 2 large eggs, 1 until nice and golden on top! cup sour cream, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar together. Add an 8.5-ounce package of cornbread mix, a 15-ounce can of whole corn kernels, drained, and a 15-ounce can of creamed corn. Bake at 350 degrees in a 9x9inch greased baking dish for 55–60 minutes until the top is golden.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Beth Snider - Cranorange Wine-A-Bit Sauce: 1–12 oz. bag of fresh cranberries, 1¼ c. sugar, 1¼ c. water. Boil rapidly, stirring constantly, until ½ of the cranberries burst. Remove from heat. To the hot cranberry mixture, add ¾ c. red wine, 1 shot of spiced rum, 1 small can (8 oz. or less) drained, crushed pineapple, 1–3 oz. packet of cranberry or raspberry jello (can use sugar-free), ¼ t. nutmeg, ⅛ t. cloves, a pinch of salt, and 1 sprig of rosemary, optional. Cool, then store in a sealed container in the fridge until ready to use—up to three weeks. The longer it sits, the better it is! Serve with turkey, ham, or pork roast. The recipe can be doubled. Toni Glover - This is a favorite dish in our family and brings back memories of my late mother (Patri-

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THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER 17, 2023 13

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THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER 17, 2023 15

SPORTS

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

A Lecagy of Champions Hart’s cross country program has experienced a lot of success over the past quarter century. A lot of that has to do with Terry and Linda Tatro, coaches who have been at the helm and are set to retire after 25 years.• Contributed

By: Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Sports Writer BROOKLYN - After 25 incredible seasons, Hart coaches Terry and Linda Tatro are retiring as the school’s cross-country coaches. There will be a celebration in their honor this Sunday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. at Heritage Wedding Barns in Shelby. The public is welcome. When Tatro first became Hart cross-country coach, the 1999 season had already begun. Tatro, who was on the Hart police force at the time, was playing in a foursome at a golf event at Oceana Golf Club with Jim Lamie, who was coaching the girls basketball team. Lamie noted to Tatro, a running enthusiast, that the school needed a coach. The Pirates were in such need, in fact, that then-athletic director John Sheppard didn’t even interview Tatro for the job. “My neighbor was the athletic director, so I called him, and he said, ‘You’ve got the job,’” Tatro said. “Nobody else wanted it. It was halfway through the season before we even had enough girls to have a team. That’s how it started. “The funny story is, a 12 or 13-year-old kid that was in our foursome (that day) ended up being my first all-stater.” The humble beginnings of his tenure didn’t stop Tatro, though, from making an ambitious announcement to the team during that first season. “I talk to the kids about manifesting ideas, and I say it works,” Tatro said. “In 1999, that first team, I had seven or eight kids in front of me, and I said, ‘We’re going to win the first state championship (at Hart), and it’s going to

be in cross-country. They’re like, ‘yeah, OK, whatever.’” It took 18 years from that proclamation, but Tatro proved true to his word. The Pirates brought home the school’s first team state title in 2017, in girls cross-country, the first of what became five straight championships. That’s a mark no other school, in any division, has ever topped in Michigan. On top of that, the boys team added a title of its own in 2022. “We had great families and great kids coming through the program and just escalating the whole thing,” Tatro said. “It just took off. I was surprised. The five in a row was just something else for us.”

Terry, whose wife Linda joined him as coach a few years after he did, didn’t get to hoist a seventh trophy to cap his record-breaking tenure, but he said he couldn’t have been more pleased with the results. The Tatros did get to go out with one champion, as Pirate junior Jessica Jazwinski earned her second consecutive individual title. “It’s been so fun to have them as coaches because they are like grandparents,” Jazwinski said at the state meet. “They’re always taking care of us and always making sure that we’re doing good. This week leading to state, we did a ton of fun activities

(Left) Linda Tatro poses with a student after completion of the 2023 Hart and Sole Meet. (Right) Terry Tatro captures footage of his runners while they compete. • Contributed & Brendan Samuels/Echo

together with the team and the coaches, and it just feels so nice to have coaches that support you like that. They’re definitely a big part in my success. I wouldn’t be here without them.” “They’re super kind and super nice,” Jessica’s brother Bobby, who finished third in his first state finals, added. “They always look out for everyone on the team and keep everyone in the team no matter how fast you are, and they’re just great, great coaches.” Why step down now? Terry conceded there was no particular reason to decide to make the 25th season his and Linda’s last. “Twenty-five was just a good round number,” Tatro said. “There’s never a good time. It’s never going to be comfortable... We were just talking about the kids coming up and stuff, and I teased (Linda) and said, ‘Hey, maybe 26?’ But no, it’s time to go and move on.” However, Tatro emphasized he and Linda aren’t leaving the program entirely. They will continue to be devoted fans. The Pirates are fans of theirs, too, if the customized t-shirts the Hart team wore after the state meet were any indication. The t-shirts featured stylized photos of both Terry and Linda on the front with the words “Year 25” below the photos, and the words “Team Tatro” on the back. It was a gesture that meant a lot to the Tatros, but it’s a mutual admiration society as far as they are concerned. “I don’t know how to put it in words,” Tatro said of what their 25 years have meant. “It’s just heartfelt. We’re just all family and we appreciate all that. They’ve given us more than we’ve given them, for sure. It’s just been a really great ride. The families have been just great.”

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Celebrating in Style

Hart’s cross country teams had some fun celebrating coaches Terry and Linda Tatro’s 25th year of coaching at the State Cross Country Meet on Saturday, Nov. 4. The teams made shirts with images of their coaches rocking sylish looks. Junior Jessica Jazwinski (above left) displayed her shirt along with a newly minted medal while the boys team (above right) also got in on the fun. • Contributed & Andy Roberts/ECHO

MHSAA-Supported bill allowing school retirees to continue employment without penalty signed into law

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Recent public school retirees including those serving as coaches, game officials and in other sports-related roles will be able to continue doing so for limited compensation after the signing of a bill Tuesday, Oct. 10, by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer allowing those retirees to receive limited compensation without having their retirement benefits affected. Public Act 147 (PA 147) amends PA 184, which was signed into law July 25, 2022, and required a retiring public school employee to wait nine months before being rehired – effectively sidelining several longtime coaches, officials and others who play substantial roles in school sports all over the state. PA 147 instead allows recent retirees to work for a public school district during the first six months of retirement as long as the individual earns less than $15,100 during a calendar year. The great majority of coaches, officials and others who contribute to school sports –public-address announcers, team bus drivers, scoreboard operators and other game managers, for example – earn far less compensation than that maximum allowed with this bill.

Soon after the signing of PA 184 during the summer of 2022, the Michigan High School Athletic Association met with the state’s Office of Retirement Services and several legislators seeking ways to allow public school retirees to remain employed in athletics without that nine-month pause, or without having to work and not be paid. (Prior to PA 184, retirees were required to be detached from a school district for only 30 days before being rehired at less than 30 percent of their compensation at the time of retirement. This allowed most retirees to do so at the end of a school year and then return after 30 days to continue coaching, officiating, etc.) MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl and Assistant Director Cody Inglis, and Brighton athletic director John Thompson – who serves on the MHSAA Representative Council – all testified in support of PA 147, which was sponsored by 13 legislators from the Michigan House of Representatives and introduced by Rep. Matt Koleszar from Plymouth. “This new public act fixes the biggest MHSAA concern that recent retirees could not return to coach or officiate

during their bona fide retirement period,” Uyl said. “Our schools desperately need these experienced and knowledgeable people to continue contributing to athletics, and we’re pleased that they’ll have that opportunity.” The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by more than 1,500 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition. No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA, which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools. Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments, which attract more than 1.3 million spectators each year.

Fall athletes put up impressive numbers during 2023 season By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor Another season of high school sports is in the rear view and boy did the 2023 fall season produce some impressive performances. Hart football dominated en route to its first playoff game in school history. That led to quite the number of stasticial leaders, particularly running the ball. Shelby volleyball repeated as district champions on the backs of stellar years from familiar faces. Both Hart and Shelby soccer were bounced from the district tournament quickly, but that didn’t take away from the boys that put up some nice numbers throughout the course of the season. Finally, several cross country runners from around the county made waves with personal records. Hart continued to produce champions while Shelby and Pentwater each sent runners to the State meet as well. This week we’ll focus on some of the leaders from the gridiron with more athletes to be featured in the coming weeks. Passing wasn’t something offenses in Oceana County did much of this year, but Lalo Garcia of Shelby led the way with 113 passes, completing 35 of those for 745 yards and six touchdowns. Hesperia’s Brock Bolles added 568 yards and three touchdowns behind Garcia while Hart’s Connor Edwards threw 363 yards and six touchdowns. Kohen Witte also got on the sheet with 158 yards and three touchdowns after starting the year as Hesperia’s starter. Be sure to keep up with the paper and follow our Facebook for more!

VolumeECHO 1, IssueNOVEMBER 1 NOVEMBER 2023 THE OCEANA 17, 17, 2023 17

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Welcome to the White Lake Mirror!

New publication promises local news produced by local people By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor Local news should be fully produced by and for local people, with readers, not profits, as the first priority. That’s our belief. And that’s why we’re here - because we believe with our whole heart in that mission. If you’re reading this, I’m thrilled that you’re now part of this new journey. I’ve spent the past 11 years doing my best to give White Lake area readers quality coverage of local sports, adding news last year. Madison Lajewski joined us only this spring and came in as an outsider, just like I did way back when, but she too has found a home in our area. We’re going to bring that energy to the White Lake Mirror, which we launch in print this week alongside our friends at the Oceana Echo. The Echo has been working hard in Oceana County since the summer to fulfill the same mission we’re trying to fulfill here. It’s news for you, not for a corporate office somewhere else. It’s not for profit, because keeping readers informed shouldn’t be beholden to a bottom line. And it’s free. In that way, we’re going back to the roots of area news. Some of you might be old enough to recall when the White Lake area’s newspaper was free - now it is again. Launching this new endeavor was

not an easy decision to make, to be clear. All things considered, we had it pretty good where we were. Honestly, the decision to launch the Mirror was far less about us than it was about you, the reader. We firmly believe this is the best way to give you what you want and what you deserve - quality local coverage - for the long haul. And ‘local’ is the operative word. Everyone at the Echo and the Mirror is local. Our one and only office is in Oceana County. No one is flying in from another state to make key decisions about our editorial plans. We’re all here, and we’re all here because we want to be. We know you’re here because you want to be, too - and we want to be the ones to keep you informed. We know you care about what’s going on with the White River Township solar issue, or what’s being voted on in the latest Whitehall or Montague city council meeting, because either you live there or someone you know well does. We know you care about the local basketball teams because you’re invested, or at least you have a relative, or a close friend, or a colleague who is. We know you enjoy Walk the Beat, and Pumpkinfest, and the Holiday Walk because we do too. And we’re here to tell you what you want to know about all that and more. We’re in our infancy, of course, and that’s why we’re starting as part of the Echo. As time goes on, and - hopefully

White Lake Mirror staffers Andy Roberts and Madison Lajewski look forward to continuing their work bringing readers local news under a new banner, starting with today’s issue. • Amanda Dodge/Mirror - more and more of you begin to enjoy our product, we’ll aim to be our own separate publication. We’re also working on a website that will launch soon to offer even more access to what we produce.

In the meantime, we want to hear from you. If you’ve got a story idea, reach out to whitelakemirror@gmail. com. If you want to advertise, Madison is ready to hear from you at madison@ whitelakemirror.com.

Eventful election year in White Lake area

Whitehall city council, White River Twp. supervisor spot shake up By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor Odd-year elections are usually uneventful, but no one told that to the White Lake area, which decided several important races Tuesday, Nov. 7, when ballots were counted. Perhaps most notably, the hotly debated Whitehall District Schools bond issue was again defeated, with 54.7 percent of voters turning down the proposal. The bond was slated to be in the amount of $31.75 million; it focused on a new secured entry at the high school and replacing the aging HVAC systems at Shoreline Elementary and Whitehall Middle School. If approved, the bond would have lowered the district’s millage rate from seven mills to six, making it the lowest such rate in Muskegon County. A previous attempt at a bond request in May, also defeated, was for a slightly higher amount but focused on the same issues. In addition to the main proposals, the bond also included a cafeteria addition at Shoreline, classroom additions at Ealy and the installation of a turf field to replace the grass football field, among several

smaller items. The debate on the bond issue seemed to reignite Oct. 30, when the district made the decision to move Whitehall’s home playoff football game against Big Rapids to Holton’s turf field after poor weather conditions affected play in the Vikings’ first-round win over Allendale. Some viewed the move as an attempt to justify the district’s request for a turf field, while Whitehall holds the position that the increased use of the field in recent years demands turf. “The needs don’t just disappear,” Whitehall superintendent Jerry McDowell said in a statement on the district’s Facebook page. “They are still right in front of us. We know what they are and I can’t imagine them correcting themselves. We will be asking again for the community to support the learning environment of their children. “WDS are committed to doing whatever we can to make the improvements needed in a timely and responsible manner. We will begin to work on our next steps and will continue to provide as much information as we can throughout the process.” Also in Whitehall, mayor Steven

Salter was re-elected, defeating challenger and city council member Scott Brown with 56 percent of the vote. The council itself also saw a shakeup; Richard Connell and Keith Heidelberg each fell short in their bids for re-election, with voters choosing former mayor Deb Hillebrand, former council member Tanya Cabala, and Tom Ziemer for spots on the council. Hillebrand and Cabala tied for the most votes - 472 - in the race, and Ziemer, who previously ran for the Whitehall school board last year, received 361 votes, 27 more than Connell. Ron Bailey was elected White River Township supervisor in a recall of Mike Cockerill, previous holder of the office. Bailey drew broad support, taking 76.5 percent of the vote. Cockerill was recalled by township voters due to frustration among many of them with Cockerill’s involvement with Lakeside Solar LLC, which is working to bring a solar energy facility to the township. “We’re looking forward to stepping up and doing the things we set out to do,” Bailey said. “We’re looking forward to creating the community support we talked about. I think the com-

munity wanted to have more of a voice in the process, and I’m hoping we can set up structures on the board to make sure their voices are heard in our decision-making process.” Bailey said he and Cockerill haven’t been in contact in some time, but he’s open to any advice the latter has after he spent over 30 years in the supervisor role. “He’s had this position for many years and I respect him, not only as a previous supervisor but as another member of the community that I’ve known a long time,” Bailey said. “If he has advice, I’d be open to listening to make sure I can transition in smoothly.” Cockerill has remained silent about the recall except for one public statement he made during September’s township board meeting, where he stated the allegations made in the recall petition - which included that he withheld his involvement with the solar project from the board - weren’t true and that he has not acted unethi-

Election Results continued on page 6

2 NOVEMBER 17, 2023 THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER 17, 2023 18

Bailey sworn in as White River Twp. supervisor By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor MONTAGUE — New White River Township supervisor Ron Bailey was sworn in to his new position Tuesday night at the township’s monthly board meeting. Bailey will officially take office Monday, Nov. 20, once the county board of canvassers have certified the Nov. 7 election. Bailey was elected supervisor in a recall election against Mike Cockerill, who served the township board for 35 years.Clerk Patti Sargent oversaw the meeting - Cockerill was not present, nor was trustee George Dufresne, who has been ill - and opened it by thanking Cockerill for his years of service to the township, which brought a polite round of applause from those in the hall. Bailey’s election came largely as a result of township voters’ displeasure at Cockerill’s land being among the land leased by Lakeside Solar LLC, which planned to partner with National Grid Renewables to build a 1,700acre solar energy facility in the township. Plans for that facility are in limbo after the township changed its solar ordinance this year to limit the size of renewable energy facilities, resulting in litigation by Lakeside Solar against the township. Further complicating the issue is the passage this week of a new state

bill that would forbid local authorities from enacting stricter limitations on renewable energy facility construction than those that exist at the state level. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign the bill, as it has been a top priority for her administration. Township treasurer Deb Harris said Tuesday that the bill will not go into effect for a year after it is made law. However, there was no movement on those issues Tuesday, and in fact the board said it did not know more about the issue than the public does. Last month, the board formally joined the Michigan Township Association in opposing the legislation. The MTA, added Harris, is expected to have some sort of public comment on the new law in the near future, but nothing specific has been announced.The only formal votes taken during the board meeting involved appointments. First was the appointment of William Schmiege as zoning administrator to replace Dufresne, who has stepped down. The board unanimously approved his hire. Schmiege, who is retired after a 37year career at Parker Aerospace, said he’s looking forward to taking the position, which he will formally do next month.The other appointments made involved replacing Cockerill on the White Lake Fire Authority and White Lake Ambulance Authority boards as White River Township representatives.

New White River Township supervisor Ron Bailey (right) is sworn in by clerk Patti Sargent at Tuesday’s township board meeting. Bailey will officially take office Monday, Nov. 20. • Andy Roberts/Mirror The board unanimously approved trustee Laura Anderson to the latter board on an interim basis, and also approved Bailey to the former. Cemeteries were discussed during the meeting, as the board said it had received a request to maintain Mouth Cemetery, something it has not done in the past. A local Boy Scout troop annually removes tree limbs that fall in the area, and the Catholic Heart work camp cleaned up the cemetery over the summer. The board said it would support the idea of a group of citizens

forming a committee to keep the cemetery clean but would not be enacting one itself.The board was also asked about Hubbard Cemetery, saying the township does mow the lawn there, but does not do other maintenance. Planning commissioner Marisa McGlue spoke during the meeting, noting that the commission is still working on its periodic updates to the master plan. The commission is hosting informal town hall meetings each month, starting Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m., for locals interested in sharing their input.

Pitkin closes pharmacy after over 140 years of service By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor Last week marked the end of an era in Whitehall, as Pitkin Drug and Gift Shop closed its pharmacy after serving the White Lake area for an amazing 141 years. Pitkin’s pharmacy customers were transferred to Walgreens in Whitehall effective Nov. 9 at 8 a.m. The Pitkin pharmacy phone number now forwards to Walgreens. The Pitkin gift shop will continue to operate. The store has changed its hours to line up with Posh by Pitkin next door, and is now open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. “The pharmacy business is just really challenging at this time,” Stacey Uganski, who along with Dee Briegel served as Pitkin pharmacists, said. “We’ve been struggling for some time. It wasn’t one thing, but a collection of factors. The insurance landscape,

Pitkin has closed its pharmacy business after generations in the community, passing its customers to Walgreens. The gift shop will continue to operate. • Andy Roberts/Mirror (pharmacy benefit managers), closed networks, the transitioning of practice of pharmacy, it just makes it so hard for a pharmacy, especially an independent pharmacy, to survive.” Uganski said Pitkin considered the possibility of closing its pharmacy for some time due to the challenges of the business, but things really began

ramping up over the summer. It was certainly not an easy decision, and Uganski remains emotional about it. “It still is weighing on us,” Uganski said. “It’s really hard. We’ve been part of this community downtown for a long time.” The pharmacy said in a statement

released on Facebook Thursday morning, Nov. 9, that it will miss its patients. Uganski said she couldn’t even hazard a guess how many customers the pharmacy still served prior to Thursday, but said she expects customers to continue to receive good service at Walgreens once the kinks are worked out. “There will be hiccups the first couple days, but they will give good care,” Uganski said. “They can offer, just through their size, a lot more things than we can.” “We just want all our patients to know we cherish and thank them for their support over the years,” Briegel added. “We’ll miss our interactions with them, but we’ll see them out in the community.” Uganski said once the dust has settled from the pharmacy’s closure, Pitkin will consider any further adjustments to its business. “That will hopefully be an exciting time to see what we can come up with, but we haven’t discussed that yet,” Uganski said.

Prein & Newhof solicits feedback on Rothbury parks By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor ROTHBURY — A pair of representatives from Prein & Newhof, Barbara Marczak and Matt Levandoski, came to a special meeting at the Rothbury Village Hall Tuesday night to solicit community feedback on what people want from the public park spaces in the village. The company is consulting on the village’s five-year parks and recreation plan, a prerequisite for applying for grants the village seeks to update the parks. The meeting, which included over a dozen village residents, was ostensibly

about Czarny Park, located behind the old school building in Rothbury, but there was some discussion of the village park next to the hall as well. Some potential ideas presented for Czarny Park included an improved parking situation and the renovation of the basketball court at the park, which was once a tennis court. Given the rise of pickleball nationwide, the possibility exists the village could seek grant funds to turn the area into a pickleball court. Also discussed were trails; Rothbury’s village park connects to the Hart-Montague bicycle trail. Levandoski said the state is “bonkers for trails”

and any grant application involving trails stands a better chance of being approved. He mentioned the ongoing project to create a bicycle trail that runs from the western end of the Upper Peninsula all the way to Belle Isle on the eastern side of the state. Levandoski said another potential idea for the village park was building new playground equipment to replace the aging swing sets in the back half of the park. When a public commenter asked how he viewed the Rothbury parks, Levandoski said he felt their current uses are in line with what he would expect.

Prein & Newhof representative Matt Levandoski (left) discusses the village of Rothbury’s parks and recreation master plan during a special meeting at the village hall Tuesday night. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR NOVEMBER17, 17,2023 2023 19 3

Echoes of History: History Hayward Park in Whitehall By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor Hayward Park was an early 1900s summer boarding house originally owned and operated by Ambrose D. Hayward, for whom it was named. Ambrose Darwin Hayward was born in Augusta, Maine, June 8, 1825. When he was 20 years old, he moved to Massachusetts. He married Martha Wiley Oct. 15, 1851 in Lowell, Massachusetts. Together they had eight children: Martha (1856-1939); twins Temperance (1858-1938) & Arza Sidney (1858-1947); Charles (1863-?); Nettie (1867-1956); and three children who died in infancy. By 1856 they were living in Chicago. As he was in the lumber business, he maintained a close business relationship with Whitehall, having extensive dealings with the Covell brothers and interest in one of the White Lake lumber mills. Ambrose bought land in the White Lake area in 1860 and eventually created Hayward Farm. At the time of the Civil War, he tried several times to enlist but was unsuc-

cessful. Hayward always took pride in the development of this area. In July 1910, it was reported in the local newspaper that a few guests of Hayward Park tried their hand at fishing. Mr. Francis Harbert caught a nice black bass and landed a six-pound walleye. Harriet Mason of Riverside, Illinois, hooked and landed a seven-pound pickerel. In the summers he spent time in Whitehall and in the winters with his daughter in Chicago. It was there that he died Dec. 15, 1910. His wife also died in Chicago March 12, 1912. They are both buried in Oakhurst Cemetery in Whitehall. Following his death and that of his wife, Ambrose’s oldest daughter, Martha Jennie, and her husband, William Garber, continued to operate the White Lake resort hotel known as Hayward Park for several more years. Prior to coming to the area, Garber was in the grocery business in Lyons, Illinois, from 1892 to 1906. Garber was born on New Year’s

The Hayward Park boarding house and, in the inset photo, Ambrose D. Hayward, its original operator. • Contributed Day 1842, the youngest of 11 children. His mother died at his birth. His father died five years later. William was raised by an uncle in Buffalo. He married Martha Jennie Hayward in Chicago Nov. 14, 1888, and they had four children: Irene H. (1890?); William, Jr. (1892-1968); George W. (1894-1969); and Ethel J. (1897-1992).

Garber died in Muskegon April 9, 1932 at the age of 89. He had been a resident of the White Lake area for almost 25 years. His wife Jennie Hayward Garber died in Muskegon Oct. 21, 1939. They are both buried in Oakhurst Cemetery.

FUN FACT: Did you know more than 3.5 million people attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York each year, and 300 pounds of glitter are used on the parade floats and costumes? While attendance and glitter use at the annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade might not be quite as high, our local parade is still great! Come on out Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. to see Santa and all the fun parade entries, including Rudolph riding the library book bike. HOLIDAY HOURS The library will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23-24, for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be open on Saturday from 10 until 3, though! If your house is overflowing with guests for the weekend, we are a free place to hang out. We have two fireplaces, a jigsaw

puzzle table, a children’s corner with toys and a reading loft, and of course books and magazines for all ages. COMING IN DECEMBER Looking ahead to December, the library is offering several programs for children and adults. December 4 is the Christmas Card Craft event for adults. December 5 is a session on preparing for retirement. The next Cookbook Club meeting is Dec. 11, and the PickYour-Own Book Club meets December 12. Yoga continues every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. through Dec. 21. Last but not least, the annual Gingerbread House kits are being prepared, so watch for an announcement next week about signing up to reserve one for your family! For more information about these programs and more, visit wlclib.org/ calendar.

Colby St. and as a routine, identified all the passengers in the vehicle as well. A 22-year-old passenger was found to have a warrant for failure to appear in court on a damage to property charge. The woman was taken into custody and lodged at the jail in Muskegon County. Nov. 12 An on-duty officer spotted a vehicle and driver and began a computer investigation. After noting the driver didn’t match the photo of the owner, the officer checked associates and located a name and photo that matched the driver. The suspect was then checked in the computer and found to have a revoked driver license at about 1:12 a.m. The officer then approached the vehicle where it had stopped in a parking lot in the 200 block. The officer confirmed the identity of the Whitehall Township man and when questioned, he admitted to knowing his license was revoked. The 30-year-old was cited for driving with a suspended license and a passenger in the vehicle was allowed to drive from the scene. Whitehall Police were called to the 1200 block of Timberview Dr. after a

shot was fired through a mutual wall of a duplex. The officers responding to the 9:30 p.m. call learned the owner of the pistol was checking it before bedtime when it was fired unintentionally. No one was injured, but the bullet passed through near the neighbor’s bed. No further action was taken. At 11:48 officers were called to a business in the 200 block of E Colby for an intoxicated subject. When officers arrived, they located a 43-year-old man who appeared intoxicated and was trying to buy alcohol. When the clerk refused to sell to the Whitehall resident, he became upset, leading to the call. Officers spoke with the man and he agreed to accept a ride home without further argument. Nov. 13 A resident of the 1200 block of Colby St. reported someone attempted to use her identity to secure a loan. The 10:43 a.m. caller reported receiving e-mails earlier in the morning declining a loan for $40,000. A suspect was identified and was a former partner of the victim. The case remains under investigation.

Coming up at the library: Shop local! By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor Small Business Saturday is Nov. 25 this year, just one week after the annual Holiday Walk that highlights area businesses at the start of the holiday shopping season. Small Business Saturday is another great day to celebrate and support our local stores and restaurants and all they do for our community. With 67 cents of every dollar spent at a local business staying in the community, shopping local keeps our economy strong. Thriving local businesses provide jobs, pay taxes, and so much more. The library is offering its own little opportunity to shop local and support the library at the same time. Visit the Holiday Store for handcrafted items

The

Bookworm

Bulletin

and other unique gift ideas. We also have a variety of holiday-themed books that cost less than a typical greeting card! The Holiday Store is open whenever the library is open, and all proceeds go toward library programs and services.

Police activity this week Behind the

Badge Whitehall Police Report Nov. 9 A Fruitland Township resident called Whitehall Police to report a traffic violation. The caller told the officer they were on Main Street and entered the intersection at Lake Street when a southbound car on Lake Street ran the stop sign. A collision was avoided and the 18-year-old woman stopped and apologized to the caller. The officer was given the plate and located the second driver and did warn her about paying attention while driving.

Whitehall Police were called to assist on a medical call in the 400 block of Sophia St. When the officer arrived at the 4:07 p.m. call, a 16-year-old woman was on the ground and bleeding from the head. According to the police report, the victim hit her own head against a building causing the injury. The victim was treated by White Lake Fire and transported to the hospital by Trinity EMS for evaluation. At 5:17 p.m. Whitehall Police were dispatched to a call that led to the arrest of a 39-year-old man. Police were called by the father of a 16-year-old because she had left with the man and were in a nearby parking lot. Officers did locate the two in the 200 block of E Market St. and when the Whitehall Township man was identified, a warrant for failure to appear in court was also identified. The suspect was taken into custody and later lodged at the Muskegon County jail. Nov. 10 A Twin Lake woman was arrested during a 7:51 p.m. traffic stop for an insurance violation. The officers on patrol stopped the car in the 1300 block of

NOVEMBER 2023THE THE OCEANA ECHO 420NOVEMBER 17,17, 2023 WHITE LAKE MIRROR community

e Mirror

SPORTS WHITEHALL • MONTAGUE • REETHS - PUFFER

Vikings dominate NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE all-WMC Lakes team after historic season By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor Unsurprisingly, Whitehall dominated the list of all-West Michigan Conference Lakes honors when postseason awards began rolling in for local football players. The Vikings have also earned several all-region players as voted on by the state coaches association, with more postseason awards likely still to come at the state level. Whitehall had first team performers selected at most of the available positions, including every position on defense - fitting for a squad that allowed only one touchdown in the entire sixgame league schedule. The team posted a 10-1 overall record and earned its third consecutive conference title. Viking first-team picks on that side of the ball included Trenton TenBrock at defensive end, Kadin Waller and Jamar Hill at defensive tackle, Parker Mott at linebacker, and Ca’Mar Ready at defensive back. Mott was in on seemingly every play from the linebacker spot, racking up a team-high 40 solo tackles and another team-high 75 assists. He also forced a safety for the Vikings. TenBrock added 35 tackles and was second in assists, with 46. He had six tackles for a loss and an interception. Up front, Waller and Hill had more

modest statistics but took up a lot of attention and made it possible for their teammates to rack up numbers. Waller had 21 tackles and 19 assists, with a fumble recovery, a sack and three tackles for loss. Hill added 16 tackles and 37 assists, with two sacks and five tackles for a loss. Ready posted 24 tackles and 20 assists, with two tackles for a loss and a pick, from the cornerback position. On offense, Whitehall’s star trio of senior quarterback Kyle Stratton, senior wideout Trannon Aylor and junior wideout Camden Thompson carried the day. Stratton ran the show, completing over 67 percent of his passes for 2,152 yards and 30 touchdowns, with only two interceptions. He also ran for 901 yards and 14 more scores. His two top weapons had remarkably similar statistical seasons, which like Stratton’s could have been even more gaudy had the Vikings not put so many games away early. Aylor led the team in receiving yards, with 780, on 33 catches, 11 of which were for touchdowns. Thompson led in catches, with 36, and had 706 receiving yards and eight scores. He added 69 rushing yards. Linemen Jack Ambrose and Blake Morningstar anchored an effective Viking offensive line and were also named first team all-conference. Mal-

Whitehall’s team takes the field prior to a September game against Oakridge. The Vikings took up a lot of space on the all-WMC Lakes football squad after an unbeaten regular season. • Andy Roberts/File Photo colm Earvin, a multitalented offensive weapon, earned the first team at-large spot in the conference, posting 702 offensive yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. Aylor was also named first team kick return specialist; he returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Orchard View. Ten Vikings earned all-region honors, all of them conference honorees: Ambrose, Morningstar, Thompson, Aylor, Stratton, Waller, Hill, TenBrock, Ready and Earvin. Montague had several players honored at the conference level as well. On offense, Adam Baird and Paul Olson received first team accolades. Baird was the Wildcats’ top rusher, going for 843 yards on an impressive seven yards per carry despite Montague defenses keying on him. He had 14 rushing touchdowns. Olson led the Wildcats in receiving, with 36 catches for 602 yards and four scores. Joe Winkleman was Montague’s

lone first team pick on the defensive end. Winkleman had 45 solo tackles, including four for a loss and a sack, and 12 assists, and was the centerpiece of the Wildcat defensive front. Earning honorable mention for Whitehall were, on offense, tackle Connor Nash; on defense, defensive end Everett Napier and defensive back Aylor; and on special teams, kicker Kyler Frees. For Montague, honorable mentions were, on offense, center Winkleman; and on special teams, punter Mason Darke and kick return specialist Ryver Jarka. Reeths-Puffer first team players in the O-K Green Conference were, on offense, running back Brody Johnson; and on defense, defensive lineman Brooks Johnson, linebacker Caiden Bolduc, and defensive backs Kameron Coleman and Bryce Ross. In addition, tight end Travis Ambrose and offensive lineman Ben Adams earned honorable mention. Full season statistics for those players were not available.

Trio of Reeths-Puffer athletes accept college offers By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor MUSKEGON — It’s not too often a school gets to celebrate three athletes the caliber of Paige Anderson, Liam Smith and Jaxson Whitaker at the same time, so the Rockets took advantage of the opportunity last Wednesday, Nov. 8, staging a signing day event for all three. Anderson, who took third place at the MHSAA state golf finals this fall, and Smith, the Rockets’ all-time leader in both goals and assists, earned Division I offers to compete at Mid-American Conference schools Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan respectively. Whitaker, who’s already the Rockets’ all-time leader in three-pointers made and is on course to earn the school’s career scoring record this upcoming season, inked to Division II Ferris State. Of the three, Smith has been committed the longest; he announced his decision to attend WMU prior to this season. He capped his career this year with 98 goals and 38 assists, not to mention winning a pair of district championships. He was recently named to the state coaches’ association Dream Team - the best players across all divi-

sions - and was of course first team all- for any young player, if they can just at the Division I level. Throughout the state in Division 1 as well. see what I’ve been doing and see what last three years of her Rockets’ career, Smith said his close relationship I did, and understand if you put in the Anderson was the unquestioned top with Broncos’ coach Chad Wiseman work and put in the time and you trust player on the roster. She said she’s led to his early decision. He said he the people around you, and you just do ready to earn her spot again. committed just a day after his campus it for a greater purpose than yourself, “I think I’m going to like having to visit, when WMU offered. then anything is possible,” Smith said. work for my spot, to work to be a start“Chad, one of his philosophies is The Rocket star added that he er, rather than just having it handed growing you as a man just as much as thanks God, as well as his teammates, to me,” Anderson said. “My improvea soccer player,” Smith said. “Obvious- family and everyone who’s been in his ments this year made me realize I ly he’s going to train you to be the best corner over the years for helping him could really play at this level.” soccer player you can be, but he also reach this point. R-P coach Matt Pallett said he’s wants you to be the best man you can Anderson’s process, meanwhile, proud of Anderson for the work she put be. That stood out. The players stood moved at a much different speed. The in to become a star, and added that her out. The facilities stood out. They have Rocket has long wanted to play colle- impact will span far beyond the many an indoor facility, Seelye Center, I think giate golf, but as she continued to win trophies she helped bring home for the it’s called, and it’s beautiful. The soccer big this fall, attention picked up. When Rockets. Reeths-Puffer senior athletes, from left, Jaxson Whitaker, Liam Smith and Paige Anderson celebrate their collegiate signing decisions at a ceremony at R-P Nov. 8. • Andy Roberts/Mirror field is in prime shape and the players around the community and the brotherhood (are) like here at Reeths-Puffer.” Smith has been outspoken during his career about the benefits he felt he gained from staying at R-P rather than pursue a bigger stage that may have resulted in even more recruiting attention, and he hopes that the results he got from that decision can help future star players make that same call. “I think this is a perfect example

she finished her career with a lifetime best round of 68, earning third place at the Division 2 state finals, she drew the attention of the EMU Eagles. A campus visit followed, and - soon after - a commitment. “I toured the facilities (Nov. 4), and the golf course,” Anderson said. “I just fell in love with how great they were. I could picture myself being there. It’s really the perfect spot.” Anderson said she’s most looking forward to the increased competition

“When I took the program over, I had five girls, and this year, we had 12,” Pallett said. “Paige is going to leave a lasting impact on our program. The younger girls see how hard she works. Some of the younger, better players were able to go out and play with her and see how she handles things on the golf course. It’s just going to do wonders for our program moving forward.”

College Signings continued on page 5

THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR NOVEMBER 17, 2023 21 5 THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER

Rockets’ co-op hockey team earns opening win Co-op team includes 10 R-P students, one Montague player By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor MUSKEGON — Nothing ever works out the way it’s planned in hockey, so when Reeths-Puffer called timeout with two and a half minutes left to set up a play in Wednesday’s season opener against Grand Rapids Christian, the Rockets didn’t assume it would work perfectly. This time, though, it did. R-P won the faceoff, got the shot it wanted, and freshman Hayden Taylor tipped it into the net, giving the Rockets the lead. An empty-netter later provided the final margin in a 6-4 win. It was a great way to start for firstyear head coach Dustin Langlois, who credited the play call to his assistant, and Rocket head coach once removed, Bill Zalba. “That was the exact play that my assistant, Zalba, drew up and they hit it to a T,” Langlois said. “Nothing ever works out like that, but those guys executed it perfectly and it was absolutely amazing.” R-P’s two third-period goals were the only ones scored in the period after a rapid-fire first two stanzas saw the teams exchange four different 2-0 runs. The Rockets scored twice in the first period, with Connor Anderson and Croix Klint credited with the goals, and there were six goals scored in the second period. Klint had his second of the night, and Eli Cuti made an athletic play to grab a loose puck and whip a turnaround shot top-shelf past the Eagles’ netminder to go up 4-2, but Christian rallied to tie the game before the period was out. The Rockets were down a few key players, with Connor Stawski and Ty-

ler Tindall out for the game and Avery Freeland injured during it, but Langlois said the team showed how much talent is on the roster by coming through. He noted that three of the goal-scoring players - Anderson, Taylor and Cole VanDyke, who tallied the empty-net goal in the final seconds - are in their first varsity season. “I owe it to all the boys. It’s all on them,” Langlois said. “They showed their heart tonight. They showed our depth. We got off to a good start, were a little slow in the middle. Once we dug deep and dug our heels in, we really got going forward. It shows what Reeths-Puffer hockey is all about.” Langlois is the third Rockets’ coach in the last three years; Zalba helmed the program in 2021, with Langlois an assistant, before Ryan Martin took the job last year. Now Langlois is back, and he’s thrilled. “It’s amazing, coming back to my alma mater,” Langlois said. “With high school, you only have a few days (in the preseason) to get everything going. We learned a lot about ourselves. Those guys are so coachable. We came in and we adjusted things on the fly with their systems, and we didn’t expect them to really adapt as quickly as they did, and they did. It was real nice. The group we have is very talented.” The R-P team is a co-op program that includes several area schools, including Whitehall and Montague. Ten Rocket students are on the team, plus one Montague student - junior Bucky Aney, who got some ice time Wednesday. The Rockets were 19-6-1 last year, although Jaxon Stone, who had the first tip on Taylor’s goal and was credit-

College Signings

Whitaker has teamed up with Travis Ambrose for the past two seasons to lead the Rocket hoopsters, and will do so again this fall. The duo will split up after this season, with Whitaker Ferris-bound while Ambrose recently announced a commitment to Central Michigan in football. “We said it’d be really cool if we went to the same college, but we also respected that we want to make the best decisions for ourselves, and celebrate each other for what we decide to do,” Whitaker said. “We’re going our opposite ways, but we’ve talked, and Ferris and Central aren’t that far away (from each other), so we’ll definitely still hang out a bunch.”

Reeths-Puffer player and Montague student Bucky Aney (12) battles for a face-off during Wednesday’s game against Grand Rapids Christian. The Rockets won the game, 6-4. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer’s Dewey Modaff (11) and Jaxon Stone try to take advantage of a Grand Rapids Christian foe being without his hockey stick during Wednesday’s game at Trinity Health Arena. • Andy Roberts/Mirror ed with it over the public address, said the team didn’t play a difficult schedule. This opener was certainly not easy; Grand Rapids Christian is a strong program led by Shawn Zimmerman, who Langlois called one of the best coaches in the area. The Eagles reached the

Division 2 regional finals last year and lost a close game to eventual state runner-up Byron Center. “GRC’s a good team, a good Christian school to get (a win) in our first game, even shorthanded,” Stone said. “It’s a confidence boost.”

dema said. “This spring, he was throwing like, 86 or 87 (miles an hour) for Butch (Attig, baseball coach), came out and averaged over 20 yards a catch in football. He’s good at tennis. He’s good at ping-pong, he’s good at cornhole, he’s good at spikeball. He competes to a level where he wants to just be great at everything, That’s one of the things we talk about in our program, is that

to be great at anything, you have to be good at everything. And he is. “I’ve never been around a kid that not only works, but works (as) intelligently. He works on stuff that’s going to translate into games. He trains his body, gets the right rest, gets the right nutrition. He does every single thing he can to be successful.”

continued from page 4

Whitaker said he visited several schools, and Ferris State always “stuck out to me.” He credited Bulldogs’ coach Andy Bronkema with pushing the right buttons in his recruitment. “It’ll be exciting to see how I play against other college players,” Whitaker said. “I think it’ll be fun, just that journey of college basketball through the years.” Rockets’ coach Nate Aardema has been able to guide Whitaker through the bulk of his varsity career so far and expressed pride in his senior star - not just for his success on the court but for his willingness to be a well-rounded athlete. “He’s just a phenomenal kid,” Aar-

Next Week in Mirror Sports We’re just getting started at the White Lake Mirror. Be ready for next week’s issue, where we’ll begin previewing the winter sports season. The Whitehall boys basketball team, led by many of the same athletes that spearheaded the Vikings’ remarkable football season, enter the year with high expectations. How will they plan to meet them?

The Viking girls graduated most of their district championship team - what’s the next step? Montague has new leaders at the helm of both basketball programs. Will the Wildcats deliver strong debut campaigns? We’ll start finding out the answers next week! Also, more all-conference postseason honors!

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6 NOVEMBER LAKE MIRROR 22 NOVEMBER17, 17,2023 2023 THE THEWHITE OCEANA ECHO

Veneklasen breaks ground on new apartments By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer WHITEHALL — The Veneklasen Development group broke ground on the Harwood Flats project in Whitehall Tuesday, Oct 31. The empty lot behind Big John’s Pizza, across from Goodrich Park, will soon be home to 35 individuals and families in an apartment complex. “The purpose of it is to bring residents living in downtown Whitehall and further activate the community,” said Veneklasen Development head Chris Veneklasen. “Bring people living and shopping, eating to the downtown area, and to provide housing in that area as well.” Veneklasen and other City of Whitehall members agree the apartment complex will be a positive for the community, and will help with the lack of available housing in the area. “There isn’t really anything of that nature that’s located right in downtown Whitehall,” Veneklasen said. “There’s sort of a built-in amenity automatically where you get to live near the community and walk across the street to Fetch to grab a beer. You can go shopping and you can walk to a restaurant. The park is right across the street and you

Whitehall city officials and Veneklasen Construction employees celebrate breaking ground on the new apartment complex in Whitehall Oct. 31. The complex is slated to open next year. • Madison Lajewski/Mirror have use of the water, which is a fantastic addition.” After already doing projects similar to this in the past in a small-town setting, Veneklasen has seen the main benefits of building an apartment complex in town. “We’ve done a few of these projects where we’ve done building in the downtown of smaller communities,” said Veneklasen. “One thing we found is that, in some cases, you have people

that work in Whitehall. But because there’s a limited number of apartments, they end up living outside of the area. First and foremost, our hope is that you capture those people who are working in Whitehall, but are perhaps living in Muskegon that choose to commute everyday and now we offer them this opportunity to live in the downtown setting where they work. That’s what we see as one of the greatest community benefits that occurred.”

An additional benefit, Veneklasen explained, is the walkability to downtown is very favorable and will likely draw in more tenants. “It also provides that amenity of being able to live in a town and have the walkability benefit,” Veneklasen said. “In a lot of cases, people live in smaller communities because they don’t want to deal with a larger city. But they like the smaller town feel. It’s not like Grand Rapids where you could live downtown, but have to deal with finding parking and things like that.” Whitehall community members hope this new development will also draw in new businesses. “I’m very excited to see it come to fruition,” said Whitehall mayor Steve Salter. “I think it’s a wonderful thing. Most people that I’ve talked to in the community think it’s also a good thing. I hope we’re going to get 35 new families coming to our community that want to live in the community that we all love. I also think this is going to be a catalyst for other wonderful things to come to Whitehall. I hope other people will say, ‘This is a great opportunity in Whitehall, we should bring our business there.’”

Election results

continued from page 1

cally with regard to Lakeside Solar. The solar saga continues to play out, with the state house and senate passing a bill this week aiming to grant permitting authority for such facilities to the state and not local governments. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign the bill, which has been one of her top legislative priorities, into law. The White River Township board, which along with many other boards formally opposed the bill, will certainly have its work cut out for it going forward. “I’d like in my role to be part of creating a bigger network between townships to make sure we’re working together for the same common goal,” Bailey said. “We want to make sure to secure local control of the ordinances we have in place.” White River Township voters also spoke out on a millage request, narrowly voting it down. Of over 640 voters, 52.2 percent rejected the request. The township was aiming to recover some of the millage revenue that’s been lost over the years from Headlee amendment adjustments. Those adjustments periodically dial back property tax millage rates to prevent them from outpacing inflation. The township previously said that the millage would have raised about $31,000 in revenue. Voters in Montague faced more straightforward decisions. Montague Area Public Schools’ 10-year millage renewal drew support from 62.6 percent of voters; the renewal allows the district to continue collecting 18 mills on local commercial, rental and non-primary residences. “The operating millage is something we count on each and every year,” Montague superintendent Jeffrey Johnson said. “With a 10-year renewal, it will help us...Without that support, the school district couldn’t operate the way we do. Thanks to the community for that.” Also, Montague mayor Tom Lohman ran for re-election unopposed and received 100 percent of the vote.

whitelakemirror@gmail.com • November 17, 2023 • Volume 1 • Issue 1 Office hours: Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Office phone: 231-301-8149, or for breaking news, please call 231-923-0751.

THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER 17, 2023 23

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Pepsi Products

1.25 Liter btls. (plus deposit)

4/$

Marie Callender’s $ Pies 24.8 - 42 oz.

Michelob Ultra

24 pk., 12 oz. cans (plus deposit)

1% or Skim Milk gallon

Land O’Lakes

Stove Top Stuﬃng Mix 2/$

$ 59

lb.

D The Week!

2/$

Campbell’s Cream of Chicken or Mushroom Soup

Sweet Potatoes

or Cranberries

T HeaO l Of

6 oz.

U.S. No. 1

(3 lb. bag)

8 0 th Anniversary

French’s Crispy Fried Onions

lb.

Bone-In

Green or Black Seedless Grapes

8 lb. Bag

Standing Rib Roast

Russet Potatoes

USDA Choice

Boneless Bottom Round Roast

Grade A, Frozen

2/$

Chateau Grand Traverse Late Harvest Riesling $ 750 mL

Nestlé Coﬀee-Mate Creamer $ 32 oz.

King’s Hawaiian Rolls

12 ct.

$ 99

Leon’s Cranberry Orange $ Relish

499 lb. 699

Fresh Baked Pumpkin Pie

Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls

8-Inch

12 ct.

399

AD EFFECTIVE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20 THRU SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023 SORRY, NO RAINCHECKS. PRICING GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES.