The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 26, November 24, 2023 by theoceanaecho

Volume 1, Issue 26 NOVEMBER 24, 2023

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A gift to you, a gift to all Pastor Dan Barnum-Steggerda, above left, preaches to a packed congregation at Hart UCC Nov. 5. Marge Peterson, above center, reminisces with Kittie Osborn. Elder Ron Marks and his family, above right, were in attendance. Marks later led a prayer during the service. • Paul Erickson/Echo

Hart UCC recalls legacy amid closing By Stacia Erickson

for the Hart Congregational Church, calling it a “worthy object” as well as a “dire necessity.” That lovely home is on State Street with the Robinson Building, a story in itself, between What was the big news in Hart in it and the church. It serves as an of1887 is big news again, as 2023 draws fice and classrooms, since the church to a close. bought another house behind the On Saturday, Aug. 20, 1887, The original church building to serve as Argus, a local newspaper of the day, its parsonage. The entire complex can published a story written by E.S. Palbe seen directly across the street from miter, who wrote glowingly about the Hart City Hall at 408 State St. in Hart. new church being dedicated. Palmiter Another change occurred just shy wrote, “The structure is of solid brick, of 100 years later, when the Hart Con36x72’ besides the steeple part, and of gregational Church became a part of Italian style of architecture, after the Doric order.” He further described the Looking much the same today, as it did in the now well-known and firmly estab1887, Hart UCC church, State St., Hart. lished United Church of Christ (UCC) large “audience room,” the glass doors inside, and the apartment within as itself to be “sickly and weak” due to at its inception. The UCC as a denomhaving been completed. He contin- consumptive diseases. Today, the ination was first formed in a General ued to eloquently describe the new congregation finds itself in similar cir- Synod in 1957, with its constitution structure, writing, ”the windows are cumstances, suffering again but not declared in force July 4, 1961. And this year, 2023, yet another colored Cathedral glass, and patterns due to diseases, although many are elegant; the pews and pulpit are na- now undoubtedly sick at heart. To- very big change has been put into motive hardwood, designs fine, and are day’s congregation is suffering from tion. After much thought and deliberin keeping; the whole church is car- a loss of regular membership and an ation, the decision was made to close the church that has stood so proudly peted, heated by a furnace, there is a aging population. new pipe organ, and one large chanMany changes have transpired for more than 155 years on the corner delier lights the room. It is a model since the Hart Congregational Church of State and Church Streets. A church church.” It was without a doubt a tre- came into being, both physically and that has reached around the world mendously newsworthy event. spiritually. For example, in 1895, the through its missions, one that has The Hart Congregational Church local newspaper The Journal pub- successfully raised generation upon was first organized in January 1868 lished a special women’s edition, generation of the faithful and one that and consisted of six members. At first, edited and published by the Ladies has withstood the test of time until that original, tiny congregation en- Literary Club. The publication sought now. The question that has gnawed at joyed prosperity, and there were sev- to edify the public with regard to the eral additions to the membership, but club’s very first project. That proj- many is, “What will happen to the after 14 years, the congregation found ect just happened to be a parsonage building?” Many suggestions were made and more questions raised; advice was sought and freely given; options were bandied about and rejected or pursued. According to the chairman of the church trustees, Tom Osborn, “After much effort chasing down options, we have come to a resolution that we feel very comfortable with.” After meeting with Hart City Council several times and receiving support from members of the congregation, representatives of the church were directed to the Hart Tax Increment Financing Authority (TIFA) board with the thought that TIFA Third through fifth grade students from Thomas Read could take over the property since it and New Era Elementary’s student councils were able has the mandate to hold and find a to visit the newly built Shelby Elementary Friday, Nov. community-friendly use for the facil17. The students thanked everyone involved in the ities. According to Osborn, “TIFA is a project by offering workers donuts, cider and cards. funding tool administered to help catShelby Public Schools Superintendent Mark Olmstead alyze public and private investment said the school’s “progress continues in a positive in downtown Hart. Funds support way.” Currently, Shelby Elementary’s ribbon-cutting

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Giving thanks

ceremony and open house are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9-11 a.m. • Contributed Photo

Hart UCC closing continued on page 3

Over 250,000 issues of The Oceana Echo have been delivered to homes across Oceana County in less than six months. That’s right - a quarter of a million newspapers full of quality, local content have been shared with you, our dear and cherished readers. Our mission has always been to preserve community journalism and serve our neighbors and friends with informative, educational and entertaining content. We are immensely grateful for the positive comments and encouragement we’ve received over the several months we’ve worked on this publication. Now, we’re very pleased to announce that we have become a nonprofit organization, dedicated to keeping the news as a gift to all. We are also expanding! This month we introduced our sister paper, the White Lake Mirror, adding 4,000 households to our current mailing list of over 10,000. By the time the calendar flips to 2024, we will also launch websites for both papers, adding even more opportunities for us to give you quality coverage of our area. As a nonprofit, we are able to accept tax-deductible community donations! We have received a lot of feedback— more, honestly, than we even expected—from readers asking how they can support our paper. Donations from our readership are a wonderful way to do just that. “We give our sincere thanks to this community. It has been a wonderful ride watching this little paper take root. We knew this would bear fruit, and it has tenfold,” Echo Publishing Inc. President Paul Erickson said. “We cannot do this alone. It will take you, the community, to support our efforts with both treasure and time. If you appreciate receiving this little paper in the mail, please consider a gift to Echo Publishing Inc. As little as a dollar a week would make a huge difference in what we can offer our readership.” Our area is special to so many for an endless number of reasons, and we want to keep bringing those stories directly to you. If you are enjoying the Echo and the new White Lake Mirror and would like to keep both free for your neighbors and friends for generations to come, please consider donating. Donations in any amount can be made via Paypal at paypal.me/echopublishinginc, by scanning the QR code at right or by sending a check made out to Echo Publishing Inc. to P.O. Box 194, Mears, MI 49436.

2 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

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The Oceana Singers, above left, performed at Hart UCC Nov. 5. Denny Powers, Tom Osborn and Randy Peters, lifelong members of Hart UCC, above center left, attended the service. Former Hart UCC Pastor Shirley Heeg, above center right, spoke that evening. Dolores Peters and Robert Davis sang songs of praise, above right. • Paul Erickson/Echo

Hart UCC closing real private property improvements, build streets and public infrastructure, as well as maintain and expand parks and other public amenities.” The TIFA board toured the buildings and then voted unanimously to acquire the property effective Jan. 1, 2024. Osborne said “we are obviously thrilled with this approach. It allows for the property to be maintained and cared for while community opportunities are fleshed out. We are proud of this place, and we now feel confident that its future in the community is assured.” On Nov. 5, the congregation, with support from the Oceana community and the Shelby UCC church, had a worship service and reception to celebrate the church’s legacy of ministries and missions that have brought “life and love to so many through these 155 years.” Members of the congregation past and present,

continued from page 1

local and far away, along with dignitaries and officials from within Oceana County, as well as from the Grand West Association and the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ, gathered together in worship to celebrate, surrounding everyone with ardent prayers, love and laughter. This icon of local churches has maintained the philosophy that “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” The group refers to itself as a “warm, caring, upbeat, positive congregation of Christians.” The church has hosted countless organizations over the years, such as youth groups, boy and girl scouts, choirs, Sunday school, Bible school, women’s and men’s fellowships, adult study groups and more. It has hosted countless community-wide services on Christmas Eve and

Good Fridays, as well as ministries and missions such as One Great Hour of Sharing, the CROP Walk, Peace Walk, the local jail ministry, shut-in ministries, Blanket Sunday and mitten trees to benefit local children and adults, just to name a few. As the year draws to a close, the church prepares for its new role in the future within the Hart community. The church’s newsletter, The Encounter, stated, “As we move into our own greater yet to be, let us take time to nourish our souls with good friends, good fellowship and thanksgiving for all the ways that our Lord has blessed us and led us in the way of a faithful servant.”May we continue to be ever grateful for all that we have and all that God provides.” Worship services continue each Sunday through Dec. 24 at 10:45 a.m. and all are welcome to attend.

Staff from the Wishing Well EZ Mart in Pentwater came together with representatives of Pentwater Service Club, Pentwater Public Schools and Pentwater Food Bank on Thursday, Oct. 16, to present over $2,000 that had been collected from the well outside the store. Wishing Well manager Amy Dupont presented each organization with a certificate before posing for a photo. • Brendan Samuels/Echo and Contributed Photos

‘Tis the season for giving

PENTWATER – Blarney Castle Oil Co. (BCOC) and West Shore Bank are proud to support their local Pentwater community. It all started with a maintenance project at BCOC’s Wishing Well EZ Mart this last spring and has turned into a heartwarming journey for all. During the repair of the actual wishing well, which was hand-built by previous owners in 1948, store manager Amy Du-

pont and maintenance lead Paul Pickard discovered a bounty of “buried treasure” at the bottom of the well. Aged coins tossed in by visitors had been weathered by many seasons and were barely recognizable as currency, but Pickard and Dupont knew these funds could be put to good use. Pickard proceeded to remove the debris-covered coins bucket by bucket, descending six

feet down a ladder and returning with a load until the well was empty. Some 15 loads later, his task was complete. Then, with the help of West Shore Bank, the process of turning the coins back into functional currency began. The West Shore Bank

team came and collected the “treasure” and set to work cleaning and organizing the funds. Using a cement mixer to rinse the coins and various acidic solutions (cola and vinegar), the coins donned a shine once more. After cleaning, they laid out the coins on metal grates

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to dry. The job took months to complete, but the coins were finally counted and came out to a total of around $2,000. The collected funds were put right back into the Pentwater community, as Pentwater Food Bank, Pentwater Public

Schools and the Pentwater Service Club all received a donation. “We couldn’t be more excited to help our community, and we want to thank everyone who helped make this special project possible,” Dupont said.

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4 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO This page is brought to you by:

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Oceana County Schools: Pentwater By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist Recently, I was loaned a stack of folders, each one containing documents pertaining to the history of the various schools throughout our many townships. The information in these documents was curated and compiled by local historian Mort Wiegand, and so it is with thanks to her that we begin this new series covering the history of schooling in Oceana, starting with Pentwater. Pentwater’s first public school had no dedicated building, and was instead “conducted in a frame store building facing the sawdust-covered main street of the little sawmill hamlet.” This, of course, was not ideal, and so in 1865, a new three-story building was constructed on the corner of Carroll and Third Streets. In 1953, a new elementary school was built on North Park Street, and the six lower grades all transferred to this new building. This meant that only junior and senior high school students attended classes at the old Carroll and Third locations, and then, in 1965, the Park Street school received a new high school addition, rendering the old school useless. It was torn down in 1966. “This public school, through whose doors thousands of young Americans passed in their quest for learning during the past 100 years, hosted its last classes in the early part of this school year, 1965–1966. For the greater number of its long years of service, it housed all grades, kindergarten through 12, with its big, spacious rooms often housing close to 400 youngsters at one time.” For each school, Wiegand has compiled a list of teachers that served there, as well as a list of

maps that the schools can be found on. This old Pentwater school can be found on maps of Oceana dating from 1876, 1895 and 1913. The teachers who worked there are: Miss A. Lathrope, Mr. A. Dresser, Jr., Miss Emily Daniels, Mr. Olson, Mrs. Baxter, Maisie Whitaker, Brian Beckman, Elaine Curtis, Donald Palmer, Tony Sisson, Karen Urick and Mary Stiphany. The Park Street school still serves the community to this day. Wiegand has also included a list of all the known schools in each county. For Pentwater, there are three. The Pentwater School, which we just discussed, a second school of which we have no record and the third being the Frenchtown school. This school seems to have found its start in 1868, when Mr. Woodruff and his wife, Frances Chopin, deeded lots 3 and 4 to the school district. According to Wiegand, there were two different school districts in Pentwater at one point. In 1881, “District #1, the village and all territory north of Pentwater Lake, had 377 students and six teachers. District #2 included all property on the south side of the lake. One female teacher taught 47 pupils in a one-room schoolhouse known as the Frenchtown school.” Over time the number of students dwindled, as more and more children went to the Pentwater School. By 1919, only 11 children were recorded on the school roll for Frenchtown school. It appears on the 1895 map of Oceana, and the teachers who worked there were: Mr. Munson, Linnie Bane, Esther Dempsey, Frank Larsen and Olive Cory. Wiegand has also included several clippings from the Mears Newz reminiscing about the old Frenchtown school. “There was an old Frenchtown school south of the depot a ways. I remem-

ber when it was running,” Swift Lathers wrote Nov. 4, 1960. “The school building was still there the last time I went down to look. There was a time when Esther Dempsey (Miss Hodes then) taught the children of Pentwater Plains in an old house a mile or so farther south.” Another particularly nostalgic entry appeared in the Mears News Oct. 18, 1968, when Francis Paul Goodwin, someone who actually attended the Frenchtown school, wrote the paper to tell about it: “I… started school in 1901 in the old Frenchtown school. I have pictures of the school made in 1893 or 1894… Also a picture of the school about 1905, of which I am in the gang. All have passed on but me. So your paper did bring back many memories of dear friends of long ago. They were real people in those days and I am proud to have been among them.”

Penny Burillo

‘Oceana County in Global Context’ presentation was well-attended in Hart The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society hosted a special historical presentation Thursday, Nov. 9, at the West Michigan Research Station in Hart. Assistant Professor in Area and Global Studies at Grand Valley State University Andrew Schlewitz, along with his research assistant Jacey Adams, presented four months of local research with “Oceana County in Global Context: Bracero and POW Labor During World War II.” Several area residents also spoke.

“Still edging out of the Great Depression, world events came crashing down again on Oceana County—the Second World War. Once the US joined the Allied war effort, farm labor became scarce as men and women joined the military effort or took jobs in military plants...Foreign workers, German POWs and Mexican Braceros, became crucial to Oceana County farmers during the war years, setting up the region for economic success after the war,” said Schlewitz.

theoceanaecho@gmail.com • November 24, 2023 • Volume 1 • Issue 26 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 24, 2023 5

A Faithful Focus: Seeds of Adventure, Seeds of Grace By Sharon Hallack

Lakeview Commons

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor With the addition of a 21,000-square-foot new Lakeview Commons dining center on the Grace Adventures campus located at Upper Silver Lake, and the acquisition of The Shack on Robinson Lake in Newaygo County, the nearly 60-year old ministry continues to expand its mission. No longer is Grace Adventures just a youth camp. Its ministry is touching lives of all ages and stages for the glory of God. In talking about the early church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians 3:6-9, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.” What many in the community know today as Grace Adventures, with its four campuses serving thousands year around, has a unique history and vibrant ministry. Many seeds of faith have been planted, grown and produced fruit for the kingdom of God. It may have seemed strange to the average onlooker to have seen men standing on the side of Hunter’s Creek and singing the Doxology. But in 1964, that’s exactly what Bill Velting, Bill Rigg and other founders of Grace Youth Camp did. Going back to 1946, Grace Youth Camp was established as a ministry of the Grace Gospel Fellowship (GGF) denomination. The denomination would host youth camps for two-to-three weeks out of the summer by renting space at different locations across Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. While it was a successful ministry for 20 years, it did have its limitations. As their camps began to grow, the denomination’s leadership began to talk about finding property on which it could build its own camp. In 1964, a seed was “planted” when “Doc” (Ed) Jonassen approached Velting Contractors of Wayland to see about having a dam built across Hunter’s Creek in hopes of creating a lake community. The Velting Brothers, already involved with GGF’s summer camps, were somewhat resistant to the opportunity at first due to the distance of the project from their home base. However, as the Velting Brothers discussed logistics, someone on their staff “watered” the seed when they reminded the group that GGF was looking for land where they could build a summer camp. Further discussions took place, ministry partners were made aware, and the whole idea was bathed in prayer. That tiny seed began to “grow” when, as part of the compensation for building the dam, the Velting Brothers asked Jonassen for 30 acres on the new lake to build a youth camp. By late 1964, the dam had been built. It was assumed it would take over a year for the lake to fill; however, it only took a few months. In 1965, construction on the camp property began, and by 1966, the camp was able to host its first summer camps. It was also the first summer the camp began having its community worship services. Grace Adventures Development Director Kayla Magnuson, who has been in this role since 2015, sums up the nearly six decades since by saying, “What God has provided is more than we could have ever dreamed or prayed for.” Present board members can recall former board member Bill Velting sharing at some point, “You have to build for the next 100 years.” Bill has since passed on, but his words still ring in the minds of camp leadership. With God’s blessing and using that advice as one

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The Shack of their guiding principles, Grace Adventures has continued to grow. In 1980, Paradise Ranch was created. Then, in 1997, when camp leadership changed its focus to include families and groups, it adopted the name Grace Youth Camp and Retreat Center. By 2004, Grace Youth Camp was renamed Grace Adventures to more accurately reflect its year-round ministries. In the years that followed, more building campaigns would take place. The “Beacon,” where a climbing wall and gym/worship center are located, was built in 2005. The “Keep,” constructed in 2009, houses administrative offices and a smaller worship center and is located where the historic “tabernacle” once sat. Dunes Harbor Family Campground was added in 2016. According to Magnuson, the former dining hall was one of the first buildings to be built 57 years ago. The structure, with its high ceilings, wood beams and stone fireplace, served the camp well. But it was built for summertime use and could only serve about 150 kids at a time. As the camp grew, so did the need to feed people. Before the completion of their new dining center, the camp was serving campers and groups three daily meals, in three different shifts. Grace Adventures currently runs programming for youth camps each week from June to August. And summer camps are only part of all that happens on the main campus. Ministries continue all year for all ages and all types. The camp works with over 300 different church and school groups seven days a week from April to October. It is not uncommon to have multiple camps going on at the same time. “Our mission is to impact people with Jesus Christ. The dining hall has been a major part of that process for 50-plus years. First, you can be fed physically; second, you can be fed spiritually,” Magnuson said. “We’ve been able to make it work by serving in shifts for a number of years, but being able to allow people the time to fellowship over a meal and visit makes it similar to family dinner time. We want mealtimes to be as much a part of the ministries here at Grace as the rest of the experiences we offer. Between all of our ministries, it is estimated we will serve 50,000 people at our four campuses and in communities in 2023.” Magnuson said the staff and board know they are standing on the shoulders of those who built Grace Youth Camp all those years ago. The feelings those founders felt are how they feel now. They too are looking down the road to future generations…planting seeds. “Everything we do here is family-focused, because our belief is if you can affect one, you can affect all,” she said. The Grace campus was originally built with youth in mind. Then, with the creation of Paradise Ranch, the camp began to minister to more families. “Leadership began praying and planning how it could minister to adults more effectively,” she said. “At one time, there was a dream to build a 30-room hotel that could be used to serve more adults. But our dream for the future was so much smaller than what God had in mind.” Then in 2022, Grace Adventures was introduced to Marv Deur (1934-2023), then owner of the iconic Shack Country Inn, located on Robinson Lake in Jugville, Mich., who recently passed away. He and

his late wife, Janette (1929-2018) had lovingly built a ministry of hospitality at the location beginning in 1976. At 89, he began asking himself, “What is my legacy? What is the legacy of The Shack?” “Marv was looking for an existing organization with a proven track record of ministry, financial stewardship and effective board of directors,” Magnuson said. Through continued prayer, another “seed” of possibility was watered and began to grow. The Grace Adventures website shares Deur’s sentiments about the transaction: “The Shack is not changing ownership; it’s changing stewardship. It’s always been the Lord’s.” Grace Adventures took over operations officially in April 2023. “As we are learning their systems, we are taking our time and focusing on serving our existing groups and guests well,” Magnuson said. “The high-energy activity will remain at our Grace Adventures campus, whereas The Shack will continue to be a place of peace and rest. People aren’t just booking a room; they are booking a personal retreat,” she said. “The goal and intent is to continue to be a ministry of hospitality.” Magnuson said the words to the Doxology echoed once again through the Upper Silver Lake region at the groundbreaking of the Lakeview Commons in 2022, just a few hundred yards from where they were originally sung 58 years ago: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Amen.” Many “seeds” have been planted and watered at Grace Adventures over the years…through God’s faithfulness, the faithfulness of Grace Adventures leadership and staff, and the faithfulness of its many partners. Multitudes continue to be blessed by its ministries. The legacy of what was started as Grace Youth Camp continues. Grace Adventures believes it is “God who made it grow”. They will continue to pursue their mission, which states, “To increase our impact on youth, adults, families, and communities with Jesus Christ through evangelism, discipleship, leadership training, and educational opportunities in a quality yearround Christian environment and in the communities in which they live.” “We will continue to trust God. It is our job to be faithful and good stewards of what He has given us,” concluded Magnuson. www.wickstra.com

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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. 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. 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.

2023 November

Nov. 24 - Hesperia’s annual Light Up the Park, 6 p.m., visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fireworks at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 - Hart Lighted Christmas Parade, downtown Hart, 6:30 p.m., tree lighting and visit with Santa at Hart Commons immediatey following the parade Nov. 25 - Small Business Saturday events, downtown Hart. Nov. 25 - Small Business Saturday, Christmas Market and Santa on the Green from 5-6:30 p.m., Pentwater

28th annual Celebration of the Trees at SADL

Nov. 27-Dec. 15 - Spitler Polar Express Canned Food Drive

This year, the 28th annual Celebration of Trees will take place Tuesday, Nov. 28 through Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Shelby Area District Library (SADL), with over 50 displays, table decorations, gift baskets and themed life-like trees available for silent auction bidding. The Friends of the Shelby Area District Library invite the community to view the beautiful displays during regular SADL hours, with final bids taken in-person until noon Saturday, Dec. 2, or by calling the library at 231861-4565 to place bids by phone. The holiday displays may also be viewed on the Shelby Area District Library Facebook page. A “Buy it Now” table will also have priced holiday items for sale. Proceeds from the holiday fundraiser assist with the purchase of new books and materials for programs like storytelling, princess/pirate parties, upgrades to the library and arts/crafts activities. The Friends of Shelby Area District Library are reaching out to the community with a chance to win a beautiful holiday basket. For each donation of $10 or more, an ornament with the donor’s name (or anonymous) will be added to the Christmas tree on display at SADL. For each donation of $10, the donor’s name will be entered into a drawing for a Friends Holiday Gift Basket filled with local merchandise certificates and holiday goodies valued at more than $350! Local businesses participating with gift certificates and merchandise include Woodland Farm Market, Artisan Restaurant in New Era, Shelby Floral, Pizza Factory, Images, Blondies, Lakeside Rehab and Family Fitness Center, Stony Lake Market, Tri-County Feed, Affordable Auto and Storybook Village. To participate, pick up an entry form at the library and leave a donation of cash or check made out to Friends of SADL. or mail your donation to Friends of SADL, 189 Maple St., Shelby, MI 49455. The drawing for the Friends Holiday Basket will be Dec. 2.

Nov. 27 - Versiti Blood Drive, West Michigan Research Station, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart., 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Small Business Saturday is tomorrow Once Thanksgiving dinner is over and before Cyber Monday hits, support your local merchants in downtown Hart, Nov. 25 for Small Business Saturday. Downtown businesses will be offering a variety of free activities including: • Pictures with Santa at Birch & Blossom from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Cookie decorating at The Bakery On The Corner from 9 a.m. to noon. • Christmas card making at Morningside Pallet Merchandise from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Free hot cocoa at Stella’s Coffee House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first 100 shoppers downtown will receive a complimentary “Love Local” can koozie and reusable HEART shopping bag.

Visit Santa on the Village Green this Saturday Santa celebrates Christmas in the Village tomorrow from 5-6:30 p.m. on the Village Green in Pentwater. The Pentwater Fire Department will continue its tradition of bringing Santa Claus to town, escorting him to the Village Green at 5 p.m. by fire truck. Santa will be available for visits and photos immediately following his arrival.

Enjoy the Hart Lighted Christmas Parade tonight Hart Chamber of Commerce will once again have their annual Lighted Christmas Parade through the streets of downtown Hart. The parade is set for today, Friday, Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. nLine-up will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at Hart Public Schools. Christmas-themed entries are welcome. Participants are free to march, but must sign a waiver the day of the event. The parade route is from Hart Public Schools to Johnson Street to State Street to West Main Street to Water Street to Johnson Street to Hart Public Schools. Families can visit with Santa after the parade and watch the Community Tree Lighting at Hart Commons.

Two Versiti Blood Drives set for Nov. 27 and Dec. 7 Two Versiti Blood Drive opportunities are coming up. The first drive will be Monday, Nov. 27 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with the second on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 2-6:30 p.m. at the West Michigan Research Station, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart. Donating blood takes about an hour and has the potential to save up to three lives. Anyone age 16 (with parent consent) or older and in good health, who meets the eligibility requirements is able to donate. Donors should eat a good meal and be hydrated before donating. They are reminded to bring a photo ID that includes their birth date. To schedule an appointment please call Versiti’s local coordinator, Kathy Roskam at 231-861-6353 or visit versiti.org. Walk-in donors are also welcome.

Nov. 28-Dec. 2 - Celebration of the Trees, SADL Nov. 28 - Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Series, OCD, 5-6 p.m. Nov. 29 -All Pro Dads, Oceana Christian School, 7:30 a.m. Nov. 30 - All Pro Dads, New Era Christian School, 8 a.m. Dec. 2, 9 & 16 - Pentwater Christmas in the Village Dec. 2 - Band Craft Fair, Pentwater School, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m Dec. 2 - Santa at the Hesperia Community Library, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 2 - Sweet Stroll, downtown Pentwater, 1-4 p.m.

THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER 24, 2023 7

Artisan Center offers TLC ‘Cookie Walk’ planned for December 9 a ‘wheely-great time’

On Saturday, Dec. ways available. There 9, Trinity Lutheran will also be other gift Pottery is one of the oldest human inventions. VesChurch, 5631 W. Stony items for sale. Quilts sels and other objects are formed by shaping clay and Lake Rd. in New Era, will made by the Trinity other raw materials on a spinning wheel. To give them host its annual “Cookie Quilting Group and otha hard, durable form, they are then fired at high temWalk.” This will be the er craft items from venperatures. Some enthusiasts describe pottery-making 42nd consecutive year dors will be on display. as playing in the mud, being therapeutic and relaxing, that this tasty event has The W.H.O. (Women and providing relief from outside worries. taken place. The doors Helping Others) Group It’s one of the many crafts one can learn and do at will open at 9:30 a.m. and of Trinity Lutheran the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center. Shelby resiremain that way until Church is sponsoring dent Harold Sytsma has managed the PALC’s pottery 11:30 a.m. It will also be this year’s cookie sale. room since 2008, upon retiring from his career as a sopossible to place orders The proceeds will be cial worker. He happily mentors his fellow members. ahead of time, and each used to fund commu“It’s the camaraderie,” he said when asked what he order will be prepacked nity outreach programs H arold Sytsma likes most about belonging. “It’s a process. You develin festive boxes ready es are festive, decorated for 2024. Among these op your skills while playing off other people and getting ideas from them. It’s sort for pick-up. The form for gift boxes. events are the “Backof synergistic.” Nicknamed “Harold the Potter,” he confessed that he built a pottery All the cookies are pack Blowout,” Trunk or preorders can be downstudio at home but prefers to keep coming to the PALC. loaded at tlcnewera.org/ homemade by members Treat, Easter Egg Hunt Rebecca Miller of Crystal Valley recalled becoming a family practice physician cookie-walk/ or at Trin- and friends of Trinity. and many other family in Pentwater in 2008. “Although I’d been coming here to visit family every summer, ity Lutheran Church’s Many varieties are al- events. I knew nothing about the Artisan Center. Then I met Gene and Barb Davidson. Facebook page. Those I’ve done pottery in the past and actually have a studio at home. But when I first interested can also call stepped into this place, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, a pottery studio with equipment I the church at 231-861don’t have at home. This is fantastic!’” Being introduced to other areas of the PALC, 4059 in the mornings for Your hometown Realtor she recognized that it offered an amazing opportunity to learn more. “Now I’m a more information or to To simulate 5 y jack of all trades and a master of none.” Miller also pointed out how fellow memWorking full-time for you for 23 years. place a preorder. Pickbers go out of their way to help each other. “I needed a wood template for this up time for preorders is Call the local expert whetherproducts buying throu backsplash project that I’m doing, and Jim Mize offered to help. So I gave him the or selling. the same day and time dimensions, and he cut one out in less than a minute.” SEET lab. We p as the sale. Payment by The 11,000-square-foot, nonprofit PALC was established in 2004 next to the Looking for a Lakefront View, Hunting/Vacant Land, help with cash or check can be Foreclosures, or are a First-Time Homebuyer - callthrough today! anythi Pentwater Public School and attracts year-round and seasonal residents from the made at the time of picksurrounding area to work in wood, metal, paint, stained glass, weaving and jewCell: 231-750-2393 • Office: 231-873-3400 up. elry. Members socialize, share their knowledge with others, and learn new skills. The cost of pre• PentwaterMonica@gmail.com To simulatepacked 5 years of environmental exposure, we put our Annual membership is $150. More information can be found at pentwaterartisan. boxes will be $12 org or by calling 231-869-5323. Contributions to its fundraising campaign to repair, per box. For anyone who products through extreme temperature fluctuations inside the replace and purchase equipment can be made by going to oceana-foundation.org comes to pick out cook> Give > Give Now. Then, scroll down through the list of specific funds to where ies in person, the cost is the above-named fund appears, click on it, and follow the prompts to give by We push beyond any weather you see, so they can run SEET lab. $8 a pound. All the boxPentwaterProperties.com check or credit card.

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8 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Pentwater Arts Council announces 2023 Grant Award recipients and Sculpture Walk winners The Pentwater Arts Council is pleased to announce its 2023 Grant Award recipients, which include four schools in Oceana County. The council annually awards grant money to Oceana schools that apply, define specific needs, and explain how the funds will benefit or affect the school curriculum involving art in some form. This year, grants totaling over $5,500 were given to the following schools: • New Era Christian/Oceana Christian Schools Music Program for the purchase of high-quality glockenspiels for student use at both schools. • Pentwater Public Schools Band Program for the purchase of better quality clarinets for students in grades 8 through 12 who are ready to move up to more advanced instruments and as older instruments are cycled out. • Shelby Elementary School Art Program for the purchase of polymer clay and tools for the addition of clay projects to the art curriculum for 500+ elementary students. • Pentwater Public School Art Program for the purchase of drawing materials for students in grades 8–12. A collaboration between the school and James Oxford, a Hollywood concept illustrator, will help students strengthen their drawing skills in portraiture and perspective drawing. Mr. Oxford is donating his time in kind. The 2023 Pentwater Arts Council Sculpture Walk recently concluded, and the People’s Choice and Juror’s Awards were announced at an October Artists Reception. Over the course of the summer months, Pentwater residents and visitors had the opportunity to view six unique sculptures located within the Village of Pentwater, learn about the artist’s view of their art piece and vote for their favorite sculpture. Following the tabulation of votes, the People’s Choice Award went to “Water Maiden” by artist Robert Barnum. The Juror’s Award was presented to Ken-

Water Maiden, far right, won the People’s Choice Award and was purchased by the PAC as a gift for the Village of Pentwater. Aluminum Sprial, at right, won the Juror’s Award, and Constructed Tree, above, was purchased as a gift to the people of Pentwater. • Contributed Photos neth Thompson for “Aluminum Spiral.” In addition, the announcement that the Pentwater Arts Council will purchase the “Water Maiden” sculpture as a gift to the Village of Pentwater was revealed, and another popular sculpture, “Constructed Tree,” by Anthony Heinz-May has been purchased by Dave and Deb Zare, as a gift to the people of Pentwater. The location of all future sculptures will be coordinated with the Village of Pentwater and private property owners, as applicable, at the end of May 2024. The Pentwater Arts Council is grateful to the residents and visitors who participated in the Sculpture Walk and to the village leadership for their support. This year, 2023, completed the second of a three-year commitment by the Pentwater Arts Council to present sculpture art to the Village of Pentwater. Work on the 2024 Sculpture Walk has already begun, with plans to showcase new sculpture pieces at the end of May.

194 N. Division Ave., Hesperia

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9 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO Walkerville Community Assessment planned for November 30

Tails of Hope Duncan is a wonderful boy who needs a new home. He is about three years old and weighs 80 pounds. Duncan is friendly with people and most dogs, but he doesn’t get along with cats. In addition to enjoying going for walks, Duncan also enjoys playing with his toys. Duncan is heartworm positive, and all medical expenses are being paid for by L.A.S.S.I. 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.

The Oceana Community Foundation, in partnership with Lake-Osceola State Bank and local Walkerville leaders, is conducting a Walkerville Community Assessment Nov. 30. This assessment will be focused on the Village of Walkerville, Colfax Township, Leavitt Township and surrounding areas. The Walkerville Community Assessment will provide everyone with the opportunity to develop a shared vision for the future. Participants are encouraged to bring their enthusiasm and great ideas! The assessment starts with a community tour with the consultant, then follows with a series of small group meetings with key stakeholders during the day and ends

with an evening Town Hall meeting. The Town Hall meeting will be from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Walkerville Wesleyan Church and is open to the public. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback regarding their community and to identify aspects of Walkerville they wish to protect and change. The foundation has already conducted three other community assessments in Shelby, Pentwater and Hesperia and has observed excellent participation and great momentum towards mutual goals. The foundation’s previous experience has shown that these assessments serve multiple purposes: resident engagement, results in shared goals and team

building, informs government master plans, provides data and qualitative information to include in grant applications, and gives a community roadmap and starting point to assess their progress toward identified goals. The organizers are excited to see the impact the Walkerville Community Assessment will have in the future and hope to hear as many voices as possible! The Oceana Community Foundation envisions an Oceana where everyone has access to resources to thrive. If anyone would like more information on the Walkerville Community Assessment, call AmeriCorps Outreach Coordinator Ceceilia Hopkins at 231-869-3377.

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10 NOVEMBER 24, 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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THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER 24, 2023 11

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Frosting

11.5-12 oz., Sel. Var.

1.49 Best Choice

Cake Mix

2/$

Chips

12.2-18 oz. Sel. Var.

18.3-18.9 oz. Sel. Var.

Cooking Oil

¢ 69 Always Save

1.59 Always Save

1.79 Always Save

10.5 oz. Sel. Var.

14-14.5 oz. Sel. Var.

15 oz.

Soups

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Chili No Beans

14 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO 3.99

bakery

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5.28 Veggie

6.99

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5.99

Caraway Rye Bread 16 oz.

Pizza Bagels 2 ct.

deli

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Black Forest Smoked Turkey Breast..........9.99lb Black Forest Smoked Ham....................7.99lb Spicy Pepperjack...........................6.99lb Zesty Honey Mustard................. 11 oz. 2.99ea

Hansen’s Homemade Loaded Beer Dip..........4.99lb Tavern Cheese Spread.......................6.99lb Both are epic with Unique Pretzels 10-11 oz. .3.49 Krakus Polish Ham..........................6.99lb Hoffman’s Hickory Smoked Hard Salami.......5.99lb

3.99 TGI Fridays

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Lasagna

Snack Size

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Vegetables 12-16 oz. Sel. Var.

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2/$7 6 Pack 7.5 oz. Plus Deposit

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2/$5

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5.99 Best Choice

Entrees

9-12 oz., Sel. Var.

Pepsi Blue Bunny Ice Cream 2 Liter Bottles Load’D SundaesC4 Energy rinks Plus DepositSandwiches 8.5 oz., Sel. Var. 16 oz. Plus Deposit

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6.49-10.25 oz. Sel. Var.

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Strudel or Scrambles

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4.99 Snapple

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16 oz. Bottles

THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER 24, 2023 15

SPORTS

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

The ultimate teammate

helped carry him to the finish – in the middle of his track personal record. Max Stitt a new The sky was the limit for line, telling him “Bobby, we and field season. With a time of 3:29.44 in that race, Stitt and with regionals up are going to finish this.” sacrifices Bobby Stitt and Jazwinski crossed placed third overall and first next, he seemed poised to exhis impressive numbers the finish line together, un- in the 15-19 age group. individual tend Last spring, following his sure what ramifications into trophy season. started that race would meet them. Stitt lost involvement in Hart’s cross awards to onBobby Friday, Oct. 27 with high six or seven individual plac- country state championship help those hopes. As he so often had, es in the process, but it was run, Stitt was presented with stayed near the front obvious that he simply didn’t a championship ring. He around him Bobby of the pack throughout that care – his team always comes hardly wears it.

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor HART – For the majority of the cross country season in Hart, freshman Bobby Jazwinski had found ways to impress in his first action at the high school level. Jazwinski placed second individually in his first race of the season at the Benzie Pete Moss Invite in August and continually improved. His next 12 races produced nine first place finishes, two second place finishes and a lone seventh place finish. That seventh place finish came in the 2023 Shepherd BLUEJAY Invite when Jazwinski took part in the 5,000 meter elite race. With a field of over 250 runners from all divisions, Jazwinski finished with a 15:30.7 time – his personal record at the time. Just four meets later, Jazwinski would finish at 15:23.9 in the West Michigan Conference Mega Meet to set

race at Chippewa Hills. Then, with the final stretch in sight, Bobby began struggling to stay upright. As opposing runners passed him, Bobby struggled to make up ground that he had lost. It became clear that finishing the race wasn’t in his future – at least not alone. Max Stitt is a junior at Hart High School and is a determined competitor that continues to push himself to new heights as a runner. Stitt finished in 185th place individually in the 2022 division three state finals, helping the Pirates to a state championship finish. Stitt is the ultimate teammate, something that was on full display when he spotted Bobby struggling on Oct. 27. 2023 was shaping up to be Stitt’s best season through his three year career at Hart. Stitt had seven finishes in the top 10 coming into the regional race and looked as though he may be primed for a chance at cracking the top five. But when he saw Bobby, there was no hesitation as he scooped up his teammate and

first. “Max had no idea if he would get disqualified, or if Bobby would get disqualified. He had no idea if his team would still make it to state. He just did what comes natural to him and what was taught to him by family and coaches,” Bobby Jazwinski’s father, Bob said. “There was no greater pain than to watch my son (Bobby) struggle, but no greater joy than to just watch Max be Max. Max is someone you want in your corner.” Stitt’s selfless act didn’t hurt him too badly as he still finished with a 17:54.2 time and a 10th place finish individually. He was not disqualified for his efforts, but Bobby was due to his inability to finish under his own power. It’s clear personal achievements don’t mean much to the Hart junior. Stitt does a lot of work even in his time off, but not once will you hear him brag about it. Stitt runs 10 to 20 miles on his days off. Last April he ran in Rockford’s Hurt the Dirt trail – a full trail marathon

Stitt is an impressive runner, but an even more impressive human. Putting others over himself is something he does without a second thought – the true testament of the ultimate teammate.

(Top) Hart Junior Max Stitt drapes the arm of freshman teammate Bobby Jazwinski over his shoulder. Stitt sacrificed individual placement to carry Jazwinski to the finish line at the regional cross country meet at Chippewa Hills, Friday, Oct. 27. (Above) Stitt poses at the top of the podium after finishing first in the ‘Hurt the Dirt’ marathon in Rockford last April. • Contributed

Fall athletes put up impressive numbers during 2023 season By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Building off last week where we looked at the top passers on the football field in Oceana County, let’s get some looks at more stat leaders. This week we have a few to focus on. Starting off with football again, let’s look at the leaders running the football. There are much more guys to highlight here, but Hart’s Joseluis Andaverde led the bunch with 1,547 yards and 19 touchdowns on 185 carries. Teammate Connor Edwards also had a nice year on the ground, finishing in second with 756 yards and 12 touchdowns on 102 carries. Shelby junior AJ Melchor had an up and down year

with his number of carries varrying per week. Still, Melchor put up an impressive 581 yards and five touchdowns on 109 carries. Hesperia’s rushing attack was dominated by Skyler Stalbaum who had 105 carries that turned into 535 yards and four touchdowns. The rest of the list is dominated by Pirates, though Lalo Garcia did make an appearance for Shelby from his quarterback spot. Switching gears from the football field to the soccer pitch, let’s take a look at some of the top offensive guys between Oceana County’s only three boys soccer teams, Hart, Pentwater and Shelby. Hart’s season didn’t go too well with the team experiencing a losing record and a quick exit from districts. The Pirates do snag the top offensive mark in the stat leader category however. Pentwater’s Jonny Arnouts was the top dog in goals scored

Stat Leaders

continued on page 16

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16 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 THE OCEANA ECHO

Stat Leaders

this season, notching 23 and adding nine assists. Adrian Belmares led all Hart scorers with 13 goals on the year, adding on five assists as well. Shelby’s Alan Arreola was right behind with 12 goals and eight assists. Hart’s Tyler Larios-Mendez came in fourth with 11 goals, rounding out the only four athletes in the county to reach double digits. Hart’s Adan Cruz scored nine goals to earn a three-way deadlock with Shelby’s Mauricio Castillo and Ignacio “Nacho” Ortiz. A trio of Falcons rounded out the top 10 with Will Werkema-Grondsma scoring five goals and Nick Sharpe-Murphy and Benjamin Wisenbaugh netting three each. On the defensive side of the pitch, we take a look at the stats for the keepers. Hart’s Miguel Escamilla made a whopping 144 saves to lead the way for keepers, while Pentwater’s Kaleb Brown had 117 of his own. Shelby keeper Ismael “Smiley” Valdez rounds out the trio with 114 saves. Runners don’t necessarily put up stats, but it’s still impressive to take a look at the times of some of the top runners. Starting off with the girls, the list is dominated by Hart Pirates. The first three slots in terms of season-best times belong to Jessie Jazwinski (16:47.8), Alyson Enns (18:55.7) and Lexie Beth Nienhuis (20:00.1). Jazwinski also placed in the top 10 in all 15 races she was a part of in 2023, only failing to place first once in those races. Enns had her season cut short due to a lingering injury, but still managed to snag the second best time while Nienhuis rounded out the top three, also adding nine finishes in the top 10. Shelby freshman Lydia Soelberg had an impressive year, finishing with the fourth best time (20:09.1) among all five Oceana County schools. Fellow freshman Natalie Rosema of Hart also performed well in her first year, posting a personal record of 20:29.7 along with seven top 10 finishes. For the boys, Hart freshman Bobby Jazwinski led the way with a personal record time of 15:23.9 and 14 top 10 finishes. Fellow Hart runners Jack Slotman (16:59.5) and Max Stitt (17:10.3) finished with the fourth and fifth best times among all male runners in Oceana County, combining for 14 top 10 finishes. Pentwater featured two All-State runners this year and the times reflect that. Seniors Abe VanDuinen (15:58.4) and Mitchel Daniels

continued from page 15 (16:44.4) were both in the top three in terms of season best times. VanDuinen even joined Bobby Jazwinski with double digits in the top 10 finish category. Stay tuned next week as we round out the top stat leaders with volleyball and a final look at some additional football stats!

2023 All-Conference selections HESPERIA VOLLEYBALL

ALL CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM

OUTSIDE

KAYLA RUMSEY

ALL CONFERENCE 44

OUTSIDE

SAMANTHA SCHAEFER

PENTWATER VOLLEYBALL

SECOND TEAM

OPPOSITE

MANDI SAYLES

SETTER

ALL CONFERENCE HONORABLE MENTION

CHARLIE SWANGER

OUTSIDE

ADDISON BRINGEDAHL

FIRST TEAM

MIDFIELD

MAURICIO CASTILLO

MIDFIELD

ALL CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM

DEFENSE

ISAIAS CORTINAS

SHELBY BOYS SOCCER

ALL CONFERENCE HONORABLE MENTION

ALL CONFERENCE

SHELBY BOYS SOCCER

HART BOYS SOCCER

ALL CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM

ALL CONFERENCE

PENTWATER VOLLEYBALL

FIRST TEAM

SHELBY BOYS SOCCER

PENTWATER VOLLEYBALL

TYLER LARIOS MENDEZ

ALL CONFERENCE HONORABLE MENTION

DEFENSE

LOGAN SELIG

Featured above are nine of All-Conference selections from the West Michigan Conference and the West Michigan D League Conference for the 2023 fall season. More athletes will be featured in upcoming issues of The Oceana Echo. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR NOVEMBER24, 24,2023 2023171

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Celebrating the start of the season

The Montague High School choir sings carols during the White Lake Holiday Walk Friday night. • Madison Lajewski/Mirror

30th annual Holiday Walk kicks off the holiday season in White Lake By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer The White Lake community kicked off the holiday season Friday with the 30th annual Holiday Walk, including tree lightings in both Montague and Whitehall and horse-drawn carriage rides. “With many businesses offering up holiday deals, specials and giveaways, this event really is an initiative to encourage people to support local and shop small during the holiday season,” said Chamber of Commerce Director of Events and Membership Stephanie Ware. “Our area businesses have so much to offer, and with around 40

businesses participating, our hope is not only that the community will support the ones they are familiar with, but that they will go in to experience a place they’ve never been before. “Our hope is that people will choose the local customer service, unique items and options, and the feeling of knowing more of your dollar stays within the community. We also love being able to get the community out and celebrating the start of the holiday season together. The tree lightings in both downtown Montague and downtown Whitehall bring all ages together, along with the carriage rides, which offer up an experience that not everyone may normally get.”

The Christmas tree lighting in Whitehall marked the beginning of the holiday season. The tree was also lit in Montague earlier Friday. • Madison Lajewski/Mirror

In addition to the fun activities, the purpose of the Holiday Walk is to encourage local residents to shop local. “Our business community inspires us to continue the Holiday Walk every year,” Ware said. “From services, to places to eat or drink, shop, places to stay, things to do, we know these busi-

nesses and the owners, and know how hard they work 365 days a year. Our businesses care about the community and it’s a great motivator to know that this event can help encourage the

Holiday Walk

continued on page 2

Post-election, regular business resumes Shoreline Elementary principal Officer Brandon Parsons honored receives MSU alumni award at Whitehall council meeting

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor WHITEHALL — There were two hot topics on Monday’s Whitehall school board meeting agenda, but there was some good news, too. Shoreline Elementary School principal Beth Whaley, in her second year in the role, received the Nancy Colflesh Distinguished Alumni award from Michigan State University during the meeting. Colflesh herself and MSU professor Melissa Usiak presented the award, given annually to an MSU alum making a difference in the education field. Whaley thanked Colflesh, who nominated her for the award, and said the only reason she’s been as successful as she has been is Colflesh believed in her at MSU even more than she believed in herself. She added that “Whitehall is the best district I’ve worked for” after having previously been at DeWitt and Cedar Springs. She went on to credit superintendent Jerry McDowell for seeing how important early childhood education is and say-

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

Shoreline Elementary principal Beth Whaley (center) is presented her Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni award during Monday’s school board meeting. With Whaley are the award’s namesake Nancy Colflesh (left) and MSU professor Melissa Usiak. • Andy Roberts/Mirror ing he “always advocates for what’s right for kids.” Whaley’s public support of McDowell came on the heels of several public comments early in the meet-

Whitehall board

continued on page 2

WHITEHALL — While growing up in the White Lake community, Brandon Parsons didn’t see a future for himself in law enforcement. However, the Tuesday, Nov. 14 Whitehall city council meeting saw Parsons honored for 15 years on the police force. “I want to help people,” Parsons said. “Out of high school, I started working for the state parks and got into a career position with the Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation division. I did that for 10 years. That got my interest in law enforcement more and I made the switch. I worked part-time for both Montague and Whitehall, and then a full-time position opened up in Whitehall.” Parsons enjoys helping the people in the community he calls home. “We take all different types of calls, but it’s not always negative,” said Parsons. “Most of the time when somebody calls 911, they’re having the worst

Whitehall police officer Brandon Parsons (right) accepts an award from mayor Steven Salter in recognition of his 15-year anniversary on the force at the Nov. 14 city council meeting. • Madison Lajewski/Mirror day of their life. The flip side of that, though, is there are calls where people are truly just looking for help, it could be as simple as unlocking car doors. It’s little things like that that people really appreciate.” Parsons says working in the police force isn’t always a glamorous job, especially when working third shift, but the positivity he is able to bring to Whitehall outweighs any of the negatives. “I’ve gotten the privilege to meet all sorts of people within our community,” Parsons said. “Whitehall’s fairly small, a lot of good people and build strong relationships. I really believe it’s just a great community to work in.”

2 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER 24, 2023 18

Whitehall board

continued from page 1

ing that addressed the recent failure of the district’s $31.75 million millage request. Many members of the public have been at odds with the district over what they perceive as attempts to use millage requests to push through things the district wants along with what it needs. Two public commenters explained their ‘no’ votes on the millage, with one saying McDowell was the source of her discontent with the district, while another referred to “a trust issue” between the public and the district, once again citing the lack of a second public comment period at board meetings. New city council member Tom Ziemer added that communities didn’t feel heard and that most of the money in the bond was not earmarked to the security needs that were presented as its main priority. Conversely, several Whitehall school employees spoke in support of the bond and thanked the district for

its efforts in promoting it. High school teacher Dave Goodrich disputed the idea that the finances of the bond were not honestly presented and added that the bond’s proposals were fair and addressed needs in the district. The other hot topic of the evening was the approval of the new sex-ed curriculum by a 7-2 vote, with Tim Cross and Shannon McGoran dissenting. Much of the board discussion concerned specific aspects of the curriculum and whether they were appropriate for students to hear in a school setting. Those in support of the curriculum focused on the ability of parents to opt their children out of the sex-ed curriculum if they had reservations about the content presented. Trustee Melissa Moore conceded that some of the issues addressed in the curriculum are not easy to discuss, but noted not every child in the district goes home to a supportive environment where the topic can be openly discussed.

Holiday Walk community to give back to those businesses by choosing them for their holiday purchases over a place they order online from. “Additionally, this event has been such a festive tradition for 30 years now. There’s a small-town feeling of wonder and magic that comes with the tree lightings, carriage rides, carols being sung by both Montague and Whitehall choirs, and the trolley rides. Knowing how this event makes people

White Lake Mirror Writer MONTAGUE — In 2022, Michigan voters agreed statewide to pass a new law requiring nine days of early voting in every county within the state. Many White Lake residents see this new change as not benefiting small towns like Whitehall and Montague,

The Rothbury Craft Fair welcomed some two dozen vendors to the Rothbury Community Center Nov. 11 to give patrons holiday gift ideas. Among the ideas, as pictured, were head coverings, holiday decorations for home display, crocheted caps, and cloth bears featuring many different designs, including college and pro sports teams.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

continued from page 1

feel and that it helps kick off the holiday season for many, that’s a great motivator.” The Chamber of Commerce and the White Lake community are happy with another successful Holiday Walk. “We are thankful to the businesses and the community that trust us to put together this event year after year, and bring a memorable holiday event for all involved,” said Ware.

Montague council approves joining others for early voting at MCC By Madison Lajewski

Rothbury Craft Fair provides gift ideas to visitors

with smaller populations. At Monday’s meeting, city council debated whether to host their early voting site at Montague City Hall or to join other small towns surrounding White Lake at one large voting site for Muskegon County as a whole. Councilwoman Laura LaGuire voiced frustrations that if Montague

New Montague city councilman Ken Mahoney (left) and re-elected mayor Tom Lohman were sworn in at the Montague City Hal Wednesday, Nov. 15 by county circuit court judge Jenny McNeill. Lisa Kiel and Bob Hires were sworn in prior to Monday’s city council meeting. • Kathy g. Pelleran Mahoney/Contributed

were to participate in the group early voting at Muskegon Community College, there would likely be a transportation barrier for some White Lake residents. However, City Clerk Kelly Markley brought up that the main benefit of Montague participating with Muskegon County is it would be

significantly cheaper. Additionally, Montague would struggle with finding enough employees to work the early voting days and does not have the necessary equipment. Council members ultimately voted to participate in the group voting site at Muskegon Community College.

Lakeland Library app to end operation Dec. 11 By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor We have good news, and we have bad news. First the bad news: Due to circumstances beyond our control, the current Lakeland Library app will be discontinued as of Dec. 11, 2023. The good news is the new app will be even better and more user-friendly than the current app. It will make searching for and requesting books and movies easier than ever, and it will still have that handy self-checkout feature. Unfortunately, the new app won’t be ready to launch until spring. Please be assured this change does NOT affect the Libby app or the Hoopla app – these two services will continue without changes. It’s just the Lakeland app that is being replaced. That’s

The

Bookworm

Bulletin

the one that lets you place holds, view your checkouts, renew items and more from your mobile device. We think the new app will be worth the wait, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to get it launched as quickly as possi-

ble. In the meantime, you can still access your account and place holds from your mobile device in two ways. Visit wlclib.org and use the “search the library” and “account log-in” buttons, or go straight to llc.bibliocommons.com and log in with your library card. FUN FACT: 12,381 people live in the library’s service area, but only 493 people are signed up to receive our weekly digital newsletter. If you would like to receive the latest information and updates from the library, including live links to event registration and special

notices when we are closed due to weather, just go to bit.ly/wlclnewsletter and provide a valid email address. We would love to keep you in the loop! GINGERBREAD KIT SIGN-UP STARTS NOW It’s time! Sign up now for a gingerbread house kit from the library by visiting bit.ly/wlclgingerbread2023. Take-home kits must be reserved in advance for pick-up the week of Dec. 4. We’ll be carefully packing 200 of them in the next few weeks. In order to share the fun with as many families as possible, the kits will be limited to one per family. Each bag will have enough supplies to make 2-3 houses; larger families might want to supplement their kit with some extra graham crackers and maybe a little candy.

THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR NOVEMBER24, 24,2023 2023 19 3

Echoes of History: History Fairview of White Lake By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor Fairview was a farm-turned-resort property owned and operated by the Thomas Partridge family beginning around 1895. In August 1902, Henry T. Stevens, a Fairview resorter from several seasons’ past, had many words of praise for Fairview, as well as the lake. Mr. Stevens was a hunter and fisherman; he visited every creek in the vicinity and captured 154 trout. He also caught 90 black-mouthed bass in Duck Lake, with the largest weighing five pounds. He said, “White Lake is the prettiest place, to my notion, that there is on Lake Michigan. It is the nicest fishing resort and will vie with the best of them in the beauty of its scenery.” In July 1903, it was reported that the hotel at Fairview had its full quota of guests from the city where they can get far away from the noise and bustle, where one can enjoy a good night’s sleep, forget all trouble, and awake refreshed, ready for a good day’s sport. At Fairview, boating and fishing was popular with the guests. Fairview was the property of the Partridge family, who by their genial hospitality and untiring efforts made their resort a home for every person tired of city life who were looking for a quiet nook in the country where rest and quiet contemplation are attainable, and still if one wishes, a day’s hunting or fishing could be had. Thomas Partridge was born in Gloucester, England, March 18, 1838 and lived there until 1872, when he sailed for the United States with his

wife and four sons. After a stormy voyage of four weeks, they landed in New York. Two weeks later they were on their way to White Lake. Thomas married Matilda Vick June 19, 1859 in England. During their marriage they would have nine children: William Thomas (1861-1932), Anna Matilda (Jan 1863-), Joseph Walter (Jan 1865-), Harry Alfred (1867-1960), Francis Charles (1869-1936), John Roger (1871-1952), Elizabeth Maud (18741953), Thomas Vick (1876-1920) and Alice Vick (1879-1924). Upon arriving in the area in 1872, the family initially lived in an area near where the Lakeside Inn was. In the early 1880s, Thomas bought 40 acres across from where Schiller’s Barn was located. The Partridges were the first and only settlers on the sand road for 25 or 30 years, so the road was called Partridge Road. It was later named Lamos Road after a county commissioner. In addition to the original farmhouse, orchards, fields and cattle, Thomas saw another business opportunity in the 1880s: tourism. Grand Rapids people wanted to vacation at White Lake, so in 1902 he spent $400 to build a second house next to the original farmhouse for summer tourist guests. While Fairview Resort had big porches all the way around, it was pretty crude by today’s standards: no insulation, no electricity, no inside plumbing or water. But the lack of amenities did not stop the people, usually one family at a time, from coming. Fairview was one of the most popular summer resorts and its boarders

Fairview, now known as the Partridge House, shown in its early days. • Courtesy of Cindy Partridge Opie always remained late in the fall. The White Lake school, which had been built on South Shore Drive and Lamos in 1883, was called the Partridge School and served as a school for Fruitland Township until 1948 when the district consolidated with Whitehall. Still standing today, it is now used as the White Lake Community Club. In October 1904, Thomas and his wife went to England and Wales for the winter months. It was there that Matilda died March 20, 1905 while visiting at the home of their daughter Elizabeth, and she was buried in Wales. Thomas Partridge returned to the States and continued to operate Fairview. He passed away at his home in Fruitland Township July 2, 1933, and is buried in Oakhurst Cemetery in the Partridge family plot along with several of their children and extended family members.

Sometime around 1929, Thomas’s grandson, Harry Francis Partridge, took over Fairview Resort as his own family’s summer place. They enjoyed the place for over 20 years until 1951, when it was sold. Over the years, some “modernizations” have taken place. A kerosene stove was replaced by propane, a well and an electric pump provided running water, and a septic tank was installed which meant the building behind the house could be torn down. But still no insulation. In 2002, the house’s centennial, then-owners Jeannine and Steven Mundt received permission from the last Partridge owner to designate the residence as the Partridge House. For a time, it appears that it was operated as an Airbnb or Vrbo, but is now a private home once again.

West Michigan Youth for Christ awarded donation by White Lake Area Women White Lake Area Women met Monday, Oct. 16 at Double JJ’s Sundance Saloon for its final meeting of 2023. Three 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations serving the White Lake communities were presented by WLAW members. West Michigan Youth for Christ was selected by membership vote as the fourth quarter recipient of $10,900. White Lake Area Women - Making a Difference was formed in 2018, by a group of women with the desire to assist local 501(c)3 organizations within the Montague and Whitehall school districts. WLAW’s

current membership numbers 109. Each quarter, three 501(c)3 organizations are selected to present the background and financial need of their organization. Each member of WLAW votes their choice with the 501(c)3 receiving the majority vote being selected as the recipient of the entire group. Each member then presents a donation of $100 payable directly to the selected 501(c)3. Inquiries for membership can be directed to West Michigan Youth for Christ was the recipient Sharon Blankenship, at sblankenship@shelbybank. of the White Lake Area Women’s $10,900 fourthcom. quarter donation at its Oct. 16 meeting. • Courtesy of Peggy Anderson, White Lake Area Women

Police activity this week Behind the

Badge Whitehall Police Report Nov. 14 A deer ran off after causing minor damage to a vehicle in the 400 block of Colby St. An officer on patrol at 7:43 p.m. spotted a vehicle stopped on Col-

by St. and, when checking with the 40-year-old driver, learned she was westbound on Colby St. when the deer ran in front of her from the north. The only damage to the Montague Township woman’s car was a cracked headlight. Nov. 15 A 15-year-old student was cited for possession of marijuana when he was caught with a cannabis vape pen. The SRO was called to the high school by the principal, who reported a teacher had observed the vape device in the student’s computer case. When questioned by the principal, the student from Lakewood Club said it wasn’t his and someone must have put it in his case. Taking a deer on opening day was not a success for the driver of a car in the 500 block of Benston Rd. Whitehall

Police were called at 10:59 p.m. after the deer ran in front of the eastbound car driven by a 59-year-old Newaygo woman. The front bumper cover was broken with other front-end damage. Officers assisted by taking off broken pieces so the driver could return home. Nov. 16 Whitehall Police responded to the 300 block of Livingston for a report of trespassing. The caller had viewed the situation on his home video cameras and called after seeing his neighbor, with whom he has an ongoing dispute, was in his yard. The officer responding to the 4:22 p.m. call found the neighbor blowing the leaves off the caller’s front yard as a gesture of kindness. When the officer called the complainant, the caller wanted the neighbor cited. There was no citation issued. A resident of the 300 block of Bald-

win St. called police after noticing a nearby home with the front door wide open. The officer arrived at the 10:08 p.m. call and checked to find the house vacant but under renovation. The officer secured the door and left the scene. Nov. 21 An officer on patrol stopped a car at 2:01 a.m. in the 1200 block of Lake St. after observing it running two stop signs. Officers approached the car and car and found the driver to be a 16-year-old Montague girl. The driver told officers she did not have a license and identified herself verbally. Officers were able to contact the girl’s mother, who was working a midnight shift. A family friend arrived at the scene to take the girl and vehicle home. The driver was cited for being unlicensed and for the curfew violation.

420NOVEMBER 24,24, 2023 WHITE LAKE MIRROR NOVEMBER 2023THE THE OCEANA ECHO community

e Mirror

SPORTS WHITEHALL • MONTAGUE • REETHS - PUFFER

A new class joins the Hall of Fame NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

• Andy Roberts/Mirror The new Whitehall Sports Hall of Fame class displayed their plaques after being introduced during Saturday’s annual banquet. From left, the new inductees were: Tyler VanBergen (center), with Whitehall coaches Kirk Mikkelson and Christian Subdon; Tracy Brandel (left), with Whitehall girls track coach Crystal Vaughn; the late Rick Lighton, whose brother Greg (right) is pictured with Whitehall girls basketball coach Brian Milliron; longtime Whitehall golf coach Greg Boughton (right), with Milliron; and the 1968 state championship boys golf team.

Playing & coaching legends, renowned artist inducted By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall Sports Hall of Fame banquet featured another distinguished class of inductees Saturday at the American Legion, including the event’s longtime emcee himself getting the call to the Hall. That man was Greg Boughton, the 50-year golf coach at Whitehall and 11-time host of the Hall of Fame banquet, who briefly passed over the microphone to committee member Denis Koegel to introduce him as the final inductee of the evening. Boughton used a line he’s said before regarding his long tenure early in his speech, saying, “The years must have been good, because they went by fast.” He attributed the quote to his parents, who were married nearly 60 years. In those 50 years, Boughton said, he served 11 Whitehall athletic directors, seven superintendents, and, he added with his trademark wit, nine Montague golf coaches. Those years weren’t always rosy, as the program nearly was a casualty of budget cuts early in Boughton’s tenure. When the program was slated to be a victim of necessary financial reorganization due to millage requests being voted down, prior coach Lou Iverson stepped up to save the day, offering White Lake Golf Club to the team at no charge. The longtime coach thanked wife Deryl and his family for their support along the way and ended his speech by noting his belief that when one member of a team is honored, all are honored; therefore, he thanked the “hundreds of golfers” he coached for sharing in his award. Boughton was the longest-tenured Viking inducted Saturday, but the one with the most famous clients was the late Rick Lighton, whose brother Greg accepted the award on his behalf. Lighton was inducted in the new category of Distinguished Alumni for his remarkable work over the years as an artist. Lighton was a three-sport athlete at Whitehall and was good enough to earn a Muskegon Community Col-

lege roster spot in basketball, which Greg called Rick’s true passion, for two years. However, he made his biggest impact not as a teammate of basketball players but by producing beautiful renderings of them after falling in love with art while taking a class. Rick’s art career, Greg said, began when he decided to draw a portrait of then-Philadelphia 76ers star Darryl Dawkins, one of his favorite players, and managed to show it to Dawkins outside the Philadelphia locker room on a 76ers visit to Detroit. Dawkins, the story goes, bought the work from Lighton on the spot, and it wasn’t long before word spread of Lighton’s talents. Over the years, Lighton’s client list grew exponentially. The Detroit Pistons commissioned him to draw a portrait of superstar Isiah Thomas on the occasion of his retirement, and Lighton drew several portraits of the one and only Michael Jordan later in Jordan’s career. Greg called his brother “an inspiration” and joked that he was looking down on Greg saying “A distinguished alumni, huh? I told you!” The night’s youngest inductee was Tyler VanBergen, who joined older brother Ryan in the Hall. VanBergen starred in football, basketball and track, earning all-conference in 11 sprint events in the latter during his career, earning all-area honors in basketball, and making things happen at almost every position in football on his way to a Grand Valley State offer. VanBergen played a season at GVSU and later went into teaching and coaching himself. He is now an assistant coach and first-grade teacher at Mona Shores. VanBergen grew misty several times during his speech, drawing support from the crowd. Among the many people he thanked were his coaches, including current area fixtures Nate Aardema and Kirk Mikkelson. He said his coaches didn’t just mold him into a good player but developed him into the person he is, inspiring him into the field as well. He also thanked his family, including his parents, wife Ashley, and in-laws Brenda and Mike Bourdon. VanBergen also credited Ryan with begrudgingly allowing him to play sports with him and his older friends growing

Above, a sampling of the late Rick Lighton’s work depicting NBA stars such as Michael Jordan (left) and Isiah Thomas (right). At right, awards won by Greg Boughton during his career coaching Whitehall golf. • Andy Roberts/Mirror up, which helped develop his athletic gifts. Former teammate and current Whitehall coach Christian Subdon also received a shout-out for being a tireless training partner throughout VanBergen’s Viking career. Tracy Brandel was another Hall of Famer to join a sibling, being inducted alongside sister Tia. Along with relay teammates who set a state meet record in both sprint relays, Brandel helped lead the Vikings to a third-place finish in the state meet as a junior. She also starred in basketball. Brandel credited the one-of-a-kind White Lake area for its support in her speech, joking that her recent Viking alum sons Tyler and Taden were “pampered” during their own sports careers by comparison to her generation. She shared a story of co-workers at Bacardi - she was one of the earliest female sales representatives at the company - coming through the area with her on a West Michigan visit and marveling to her at how kind everybody was. “We have people who are good to the core,” Brandel said. Brandel also thanked the Hall of Fame committee “for forcing me to do this,” her track coach Carol Biederman for her incredible work with the team, and her parents, “my first team,” for their sacrifices along the way. The 1968 state championship golf team was inducted en masse during the event. Speaking for the team, its top scorer Bob Funnell shared stories of what he called “the golden age” of

Whitehall sports in the 1950s and ‘60s, which featured many current Hall of Famers. On behalf of his team, he emotionally thanked the committee and the area for their support. Not content to celebrate the past at Whitehall, the Vikings also made an exciting announcement about their future, as athletic director CJ Van Wieren said the department will be moving forward with school-wide fundraising efforts in hopes of taking that responsibility off its coaches’ plates. He said the school will be hosting a raffle this winter with the goal of raising tens of thousands of dollars for the department. Tickets will be sold for $100, with a drawing scheduled for Feb. 3 back at the American Legion. The grand prize for the raffle, Van Wieren said, will be $10,000, and the hope is to sell 1,000 tickets for the raffle. In the future, this and other fundraising efforts, Van Wieren said, are aimed at eliminating all ancillary costs to compete in sports for Viking athletes; the ultimate goal is to raise enough money to eliminate the need for pay-to-participate fees. “We know how much more success students can have in the classroom if they’re involved in something,” Van Wieren said. “We’re constantly looking for more opportunities for students.”

THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR NOVEMBER 24, 2023 21 5 THE OCEANA ECHO NOVEMBER

Local boys basketball teams fired up for season Teams return lots of experience By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor Whitehall enjoyed an outstanding regular season last year, earning a conference co-championship, and no less is expected this season, especially after what coach Christian Subdon termed an outstanding summer. “I think we played every team in our region this summer, and we either beat them or lost by one, to Grand Rapids Catholic Central,” Subdon said. “That’s the only team from our region that we lost to.” It’s no surprise given the talent level on the team. The headliner, obviously, is junior Camden Thompson, who has spent the past several months fielding Division I recruiting attention in both football and basketball while also taking second place in the state in high jump. A two-time all-state player, the junior is an uncommon talent and a double-double machine; a 36-point, 18-rebound explosion to carry the Vikings past Ludington last February was just one of many special nights he’s had in red and black. Thompson broke a toe during the football team’s playoff defeat to Big Rapids, but Subdon said he should be ready to go when the regular season begins. Of course, he’s far from the only talented Viking. Subdon noted that he received a lot of compliments from summer opposition about “the other guys.” “I don’t call them the other guys, but that’s what the compliment was,” Subdon said. “That’s pretty exciting. Everyone knows Cam is a great player, but we’ve got those ‘other guys’ who are pretty special.” Many of those ‘other guys’ are Thompson’s football teammates, including third-year varsity player Kyle Stratton. Stratton has actually played the most varsity games of anyone on the Viking roster coming into the season and he’s the team’s primary ballhandler. Capable of scoring when needed, Stratton usually plays the role of distributor, and his leadership is top-notch. Trannon Aylor, Ca’Mar Ready and Kal Koehler are other key contributors returning. Koehler has proven capable when injuries to Thompson have thrust him into bigger roles, and Aylor, a two-time state champion in track, brings athleticism to the swingman role. Subdon called Ready “an absolute stud,” capable of a scoring explosion at any moment. Also back is DJ Jamison, and Subdon credited him with a great summer. He’ll be a valued piece of the roster. With so much talent back, there’s only so much room for young players to take a leap, but Brock Morningstar, Cy Black and LaVar Dean could make some noise. Black is the younger brother of Viking volleyball star Arianna; his athletic talent should be obvious. Morningstar earned a “that kid can play” from Subdon, and Dean had some varsity action last season. The Vikings suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Fruitport in last year’s district tournament, and they’ve loaded up their schedule in hopes it won’t happen again. Despite playing a 22game slate, only eight games are at home.

“That’s purposeful,” Subdon said. “We need to be put in situations where our backs are against the wall and we’re going to fight. We’re going to play teams significantly bigger than us. We gave up two home games to play at Cornerstone and play Hamtramck and East Grand Rapids. “We’re going to go out there and compete against anyone and prepare ourselves for the districts.” Whitehall is the likely favorite in the WMC Lakes, but the Vikings have been around the block enough to know not to assume it means anything. They’ll probably be favored in the district too, but they won’t view themselves that way. “I tell my guys, we were picked to win the district last year and we didn’t,” Subdon said. “In my world, Spring Lake is a better team than us. Fruitport beat us. We just don’t get to walk in and say we’re going to win the district and see who we match up with in regionals. Spring Lake will be a really good team. They’ve got almost everyone back off a district championship team. Fruitport, until we prove otherwise, they beat us, so they’re the team to beat...You’ve got Montague in the district too. You never know. “We’re excited to get after it. Our schedule will prepare us.”

Montague preview

Montague coach Nick Thaler is still in the same gym, but he’s coaching the Wildcat boys now instead of the girls. It was an adjustment, but one Thaler and his new charges have enjoyed. “It’s been nice these past couple days just getting to know these guys a little better and build those relationships,” Thaler said. “The guys have been working very hard and they’re willing to listen and understand some of the new things we’re trying to do, which is great. They’re excited about it.” Thaler took over from longtime coach David Osborne, who retired over the summer. The new coach, though, is fortunate to have some familiar faces anchoring the team. In a lot of ways, Montague will revolve around its big guys in the paint - Paul Olson and Isaiah Atchison, who both had strong seasons last year and will be expected to do so again. Olson and Atchison have both been wide receivers on the football team the past couple of years, so their athleticism is obvious, but what has stood

Whitehall’s Camden Thompson (center) drives to the basket during a game against Ludington last season. Thompson, a two-time all-state player, will again be the statistical leader for the Vikings. • Andy Roberts/File Photo out to Thaler has been the two young men’s wingspans. “Length makes up for things you can’t cover or see in games,” Thaler said. “You can get to areas you can’t normally get to. On (the defensive) end, it’s been eye-opening. You’ll think some guy has a layup and all of a sudden it’s going into the third row. That’s been fun to watch, watching these guys fly up and down the floor.” In the backcourt, Thaler doesn’t generally identify a singular point guard, subscribing to a more positionless game, much like has been the case from the pro level on down over the past several years. If he did ID one, though, it would probably be veteran Owen Raeth, one of the team’s most experienced players. Raeth was the leading scorer for last year’s Wildcats, at just under 11 points per game, and spent more minutes on the court than any player last season besides Atchison. Joining Raeth as backcourt players are Jack Degen and Kellan Francis, who both made varsity cameos a year ago. Their roles will certainly be bigger this year. “Those guys are tough-nosed kids, very athletic,” Thaler said of Degen and Francis. “They can shoot the ball well. They’re very coachable. They’ll be good assets for Owen to have on the basketball court.” Other players that should be part of the plans this year include Jake Heiss, Blake Herremans and Braylen VanSickle. Heiss and VanSickle are capable of shooting it well, and Herremans is in line for more work after a stint on varsity last season. Thaler is also excited about Cole Herremans, Blake’s younger brother. A 6-4 sophomore, Cole’s athletic ability makes him what Thaler calls “a prototypical guy I’d want playing the wing for us and holding it down on the defensive end of the floor.” He could be in line for a breakout season. The Wildcats face a tough road in the West Michigan Conference Lakes. Whitehall and Ludington were the ti-

Montague players Isaiah Atchison (left) and Owen Raeth surround a Kent City opponent during a game last season. The two Wildcats are among the team’s top returners. • Andy Roberts/File Photo

tans of the league last year, losing only to one another in league play, and Thaler said he expects both teams to be favored again. However, the Wildcats are hungry and are led by veteran upperclassmen, so upsets aren’t out of the question. Of course, that’s also the case for the teams below Montague in the pecking order. “It’s a smaller version of the O-K Red,” Thaler said, recalling his experience as an assistant coach at Grand Haven. “You have a lot of good teams and great coaching. You’ve got to bring your A game every night or you’ll go home with an outcome you didn’t expect.” Montague will challenge itself out of conference as well. With the new MHSAA rule permitting 22 varsity games instead of 20, the Wildcats joined many other teams in participating in special tournaments. Thaler parlayed his Grand Haven connections into a game at the Buccaneers’ Lakeshore Cup holiday event against Division 1 Holland, wanting to see how his team would measure up against a bigger school. “Holland is a quality program who’s had a lot of success over the years,” Thaler said, adding that Kent City, Newaygo, Grant and Western Michigan Christian are among the other interesting non-league tests. “I’m curious to see how we fare against Holland. It’ll be a good test for us.” It’ll all lead to a “loaded” district that includes Whitehall, Fruitport, Spring Lake and the Wildcats. The goal is to play the team’s best in February. “There are so many competitive teams in our district,” Thaler said. “My guys are excited and ready to go.”

Reeths-Puffer preview

All the pieces seem to be in place for Reeths-Puffer boys basketball to do serious damage this season. The Rockets are loaded with veteran talent. Seniors Jaxson Whitaker, Travis Ambrose and Antrel Jones form a nucleus any coach would want. R-P ended last season winning eight of 10 games and pushed eventual state runner-up Muskegon to the limit in the district finals. Coach Nate Aardema knows things look promising. “We’re starting so far ahead of where we’ve been,” Aardema said. “A big part of that is having Jaxson, Travis and Antrel for their third year (of varsity play). It helps that the guys are really skilled.” The thing that most impressed Aardema is that each one of the trio played football, but each made as much time as they could to keep their hoops games sharp - even Jones, who carried the responsibility of being the Rockets’ quarterback. Both Jones and Ambrose were somewhat hobbled by offseason injuries, but things are trending the

Hoops previews continued on page 6

22 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER24, 24,2023 2023 THE THEWHITE OCEANA ECHO 6 LAKE MIRROR

Hoops previews right direction with the season approaching. Ambrose and Whitaker each have locked in collegiate opportunities since March, too; Whitaker signed with Ferris State this month, and Ambrose has committed to Central Michigan in football. “If i didn’t know (Ambrose), I’d have been worried he wouldn’t be as all in for basketball after committing to CMU, but he’s putting in the time and getting extra shots up,” Aardema said. “Those three guys have always put in a ton of work.” Junior Brayden Mitchelson, who quietly started all last season for the Rockets, should have a big year as well. Brayden has the bloodlines - brother Kaleb was a star at R-P too - and the skill to have an impact. “The sophomore to junior year jump (he) is going to make will be really noticeable this year,” Aardema said. “He’s really ready to have a fantastic junior year.”

continued from page 5

Sophomore Marvin Moore should get plenty of opportunities too. Moore came up to the varsity late last season and quickly showed he belonged, scoring five points against Muskegon in the district final. Aardema said he doesn’t think Moore has missed an offseason workout and is poised for a big year. “Any time the gym was open, he was doing everything he could to get there,” Aardema said. “He’s a tremendous athlete and he’s skilled. The biggest thing is not putting too much expectation on him so he doesn’t feel pressure. Last year he was able to play well because there were no true expectations for him on varsity. He’s skilled and talented enough that if he focuses on competing, he’ll have a really good year.” Elliot Schneider, Trevon Totten, JT Fansler, Taylor Boone, Grady Woodrum, D’Andre Williams and Drew Brooks fill out the Rocket roster, and there will be opportunities there for each to play their part in the team’s

Reeths-Puffer’s Jaxson Whitaker puts up a layup during a game against Union last season. Whitaker, Travis Ambrose and Antrel Jones make up a talented senior core for the Rockets. • Andy Roberts/File Photo success. The Rockets are looking forward to competing against a strong schedule. Two games against Muskegon, of course, will be among the highlights, but the Zeeland schools and Union also project as tough league opponents. R-P is set for some fun non-league matchups, too, including a rematch of last year’s district semifinal classic against

Coopersville in the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame game, a big matchup with Hudsonville, and an intriguing battle with North Farmington in a neutral-site game. “Our schedule will be tough throughout,” Aardema said. “That’s the nature of what we have. We have a talented group and we want to challenge ourselves as often as we can.”

Reeths-Puffer’s Liam Smith earned first team allstate honors in 2023, the only area fall athlete who had earned first team recognition at press time. • Andy Roberts/File Photo

Soccer, volleyball stars honored Congratulations to area players who earned all-conference postseason honors for the fall 2023 season! In all-West Michigan Conference soccer, first team players from the White Lake area were, for Montague, Andy Hernandez, Chris Aebig and Eli Bunton; and for Whitehall, Mason Mulnix, Evan Jud and Kyler Frees. In addition, Carter Mahoney of Montague received honorable mention, as did Tyler Van Antwerp of Whitehall. Reeths-Puffer soccer players recognized by the O-K Green Conference included Liam Smith (who also picked up all-state first team honors), Nick Clemens, JT Fansler and Kyler Brainard. Evan Loveland and Gage Hopkins received honorable mention. In volleyball, first team all-WMC players were, from Montague, Jaelyn Sundberg, Alissa Wynn, Ava Pumford and Jordan Netcott; and for Whitehall, Sidney Shepherd and Kayla Mulder. The Vikings’ Arianna Black earned honorable mention, and Whitehall also earned the prestigious academic all-state award as a team yet again. Reeths-Puffer first team honorees in the O-K Green were Megan Barmes and Mady Snyder.

whitelakemirror@gmail.com • November 24, 2023 • Volume 1 • Issue 2 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 24, 2023 23

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