The Oceana Echo - Volume 2, Issue 22, Oct. 25, 2024 by theoceanaecho

• Andy Roberts/Echo

Shelby and Hesperia bands shine during annual Glow Show in Montague

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Fatal crash reported in Colfax Township

According to a statement released by Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast, Monday, Oct. 21, “It is my unfortunate duty to advise all of you of a fatal crash that took place in Oceana County over the past weekend.”

Mast stated that the location was on East Madison Road near Maple Island in Colfax Township. “This is a gravel section of Madison Road in a very rural area of Oceana County.” This incident took place Saturday, Oct. 19 at 12:08 p.m.

“The Oceana County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the above-listed location for a single vehicle injury accident. Upon arrival, there deputies found a 31-year-old

Grand Rapids man had been operating a 2014 Kawasaki Side-by-Side vehicle westbound on Madison Road when he lost control. The vehicle then rolled over, and a 19-year-old passenger who was riding in the back seat suffered injuries which turned out to be fatal,” Mast explained. “The driver and another 19-year-old front seat passenger sustained minor injuries, (however), they refused treatment.”

Mast added that the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Life EMS, Walkerville Rescue and the Michigan State Police.

“The incident is still under investigation, (and) we ask that everyone keep the family in their thoughts.”

Early voting begins Oct. 26

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Those planning to vote in the Nov. 5 General Election now have three options in Oceana County.

Early voting for Oceana County residents begins Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Oceana County Courthouse Jury Room, located at 100 State St. in Hart. Registered voters may vote in-person any day, Sunday through Saturday, from now until Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Registered voters should bring a valid photo ID.

Chief Deputy Clerk for Oceana County, Melanie Coon, provided the following reminders as Election Day nears. Residents can still register to vote up until 8 p.m. on Election Day in their township of residence, she said. The easiest way to register on Election Day is to provide a valid photo ID; otherwise, voters will need to provide their proof of residency with a utility or tax bill. Absentee ballots may still be requested up until 4 p.m. on Nov. 4 from their township clerks; however, given Election Day is just 11 days away, voters will most likely be asked to fill out their ballot at the same time to insure their ballot doesn’t get lost in the mail.

Election Day voting, Tuesday, Nov. 5, will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in each voting precinct. Voters are reminded to bring their photo ID and that no campaign paraphernalia or clothing is allowed within 100 feet of voting/polling locations.

Those with questions about voting in this year’s election should reach out to their township clerk’s office.

Oceana County sees increase in tourism spending

The Silver Lake Sand Dunes – Hart Visitors Bureau announced Thursday, Oct. 10, that 2023 visitor spending was up. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Tourism Economic Impact Report, $160.8 million dollars were spent in the county during 2023, up 5.9 percent over 2022.

Visitor spending accounted for $19 million in state and local tax revenue during 2023. Additionally, the tourism industry is responsible for providing 1,547 direct and 2,242 indirectly related industry jobs in the county, generating $49.6 million in tourism supported labor income.

The annual MEDC Tourism Impact Report tracks spending over several categories, all of which serve sectors of visitor services:

• Lodging: $45.4 million

• Food & Beverage: $34.5 million

• Retail: $19.9 million

• Recreation: $24.4 million

• Transportation: $36.5 million

Statewide, visitor spending topped $29 billion in 2023, due in part to a $16.9 million media investment made by the Pure Michigan campaign welcoming visitors to experience this state’s unique destinations, like Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

“Tourism continues to be a top contributor to the economic wellbeing of Oceana County. We are encouraged to be in our fourth consecutive year of positive growth in the tourism economy,” Executive Director of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes-Hart Visitor Bureau Scott Beal said. “This continued growth is testament to the value of our tourism industry in supporting local businesses, households, and the future of Oceana County.”

Nonprofits in the News: Echo Publishing Inc.

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Where would the world be without nonprofit organizations offering a multitude of services while giving the community a chance to make a difference? The Oceana Echo is excited to announce a new column we plan to feature monthly entitled “Nonprofits in the News.” We will be reaching out to area organizations and asking everyone similar questions to highlight who they are and how they serve others. We are hoping it will provide our readers with a quick overview of each nonprofit’s focus and financial needs. As always, if anyone would like to nominate a nonprofit for this new endeavor, please let us know!

To kick off this new column, we will go first!

What is the official name of your nonprofit? We are Echo Publishing Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, doing business as The Oceana Echo and the White Lake Mirror newspapers.

When were you founded or how long have you been in operation? We started The Oceana Echo in June of 2023, and then we began The White Lake Mirror in November of 2023. We officially became a nonprofit organization in the fall of 2023.

What is your Mission or Vision Statement? The mission of Echo Publishing Inc. is to be a non-profit newspaper publishing news in Oceana and northern Muskegon Counties and dedicated to providing a professional, fair and accurate free weekly local newspaper as a public service to its area. As such, Echo Publishing Inc. desires to create, increase and preserve readership and trust in local print media.

Who is your target audience? We are pleased to provide a free, local weekly newspaper, full of local news and local advertising, to almost every home mailbox in Oceana County and part of the White Lake area in Muskegon County. Free copies are also made available at many business locations across Oceana County and the White Lake area every Friday. Our focus is on uplifting and informative stories for all ages. We have previously provided bilingual stories and intend to continue doing so. Our newspaper is free because we believe that everyone, regardless of their financial situation or abilities, deserves to know what is happening in their community. Additionally,

Echo Publishing Inc. Publishing Inc.

we cannot and will not accept any political advertisements or donations due to IRS regulations.

What specifically would you like the community to know about your organization? This nonprofit was created out of a desire by local folks who wanted to provide robust, local news for free to a community that has given them all so much. Every in-house staff member, board member and almost all of our freelancers live in Oceana County. The past 17 months have been a whirlwind of activity and opportunity, to say the least. The support of this community is literally what has compelled us forward. Without your heartfelt verbal and written support and financial contributions, we would not be where we are today. With the community’s continued desire for local news and continued financial support we intend to continue offering The Oceana Echo and The White Lake Mirror free to local residents long into the future.

In what areas could your organization use the support of the community? We appreciate the many wonderful businesses whose regular advertising helps pay for a portion of the costs of publishing our “free” newspaper week in and week out, as well as special sections and our “Traditions” and “All Access” magazines. However, advertising is only one way The Oceana Echo and White Lake Mirror are funded. As a nonprofit, we are able to accept tax-deductible donations in any amount, and we are also working on grant writing and sponsorships. This week was the first time we have not received any donations towards our Lead this Legacy fundraising campaign. We know that our ask is high, yet very soon we will have delivered 1,000,000 issues for free to our readership and we are placing a valuation on that of at least $1 per issue. It costs us on average $4,000 per week (and almost $250,000 annually) to print, publish and mail our newspaper to almost 15,000 homes, and that does not include our in-house costs

of paying our staff and utilities. This week, we had just over $2,200 in advertising, so we are operating at a deficit. Some of our employees have gone months without being paid, we have not had a working indoor bathroom since the spring and we are currently in an ongoing lawsuit with another publication. Yet, your generous donations are not going to fund any of those things, but directly towards ensuring that The Oceana Echo and White Lake Mirror are in your mailbox and that of your friends and neighbors every week. We need your support to continue on and graciously ask for your help to continue this gift to our community.

Is there anything your organization is working on to better serve our community? After months of research and development, we have launched our new websites: oceanaecho.com and whitelakemirror.com! Readers are able to go there and enjoy our weekly publications online, search for current and past articles and make donations. We are also continuing to work on our special publications, and are hoping to expand our readership coverage area.

Contact information? We can be reached via email at theoceanaecho@gmail.com for editorial or general inquiries, ads@oceanaecho.com for advertising inquiries, by calling 231-301-8149; or stopping in at the Old Town Hall in Mears on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We are also very thankful to our many Facebook followers!

THANK YOU ALL!

114 Dryden St. in Hart, Mich. 49420 (231) 873-2600

The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment. oceanahistory.org

Native American myths and legends

By Caleb Jackson

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

These days, it seems that every state has its own backlog of mythological monsters. Everywhere you go, there are Bigfoot stories, werewolf stories or Nessie stories. Michigan is no different in this regard. We of course have our “dogman” myth, and there is Pressie, our own version of the Loch Ness monster swimming around in Lake Superior. But what sets us apart is the impact of Native American folklore and the unique creatures that come with it. Last week we mentioned a few of them, and this week I would like to take a closer look. First up: the wendigo.

The wendigo has existed in Native American legends for a very long time. As the myths have grown and evolved, the idea of what a wendigo is has grown a little more transient; however, there are two key elements: winter and cannibalism. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “In Ojibwe, the term is defined as ‘a winter cannibal monster…’” As for what this creature looks like, well, it is hard to say. “Some legends say the wendigo is an emaciated figure with ashen flesh. Others describe it as a giant creature up to 15 feet tall or as a beast that grows larger the more it eats.” The different descriptions of the wendigo go on and on.

Sometimes it has horns or antlers, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it has fur, sometimes it doesn’t. In some tribes’ versions of the myths, the wendigo isn’t a creature at all, but rather an evil spirit that possesses people and turns them into cannibals. One horrifying description of the monster says, “its lips are chewed or entirely missing because it has eaten them.”

The wendigo is probably one of the most well-known creatures in Native American folklore. Depictions of the creature can be found in popular movies, TV shows, books and even video games. If you’re looking for scary stories to tell around the campfire this Halloween, look no further. However, for your sake, I hope your stories aren’t firsthand accounts.

Another creature unique to Michigan is the Waheela. This creature is sometimes compared to a dire wolf or a bear-wolf hybrid. It is a subarctic beast, larger than a typical wolf and completely white. Its face is broader than your average wolf, and its tracks are large with wide spread claws. Unlike wolves, the waheela is a solitary creature. People who claim to have encounters with the Waheela say it is has supernatural speed and strength, and that it is capable of surviving multiple gunshots. Many accounts claim this monster bites the heads off its victims in a

single bite. The Waheela is thought to stalk a region in Canada called the Nahanni Valley, that is “the headless valley.” In fact, it was Ivan T. Sanderson, one of the forefathers of cryptozoology, who went to investigate this Canadian beast. The accounts of the wolf-like monster terrorizing people in Nahanni Valley were so similar to stories he had heard about a creature in the woods of Northern Michigan, he decided to give it the same name. The website mysteriesofcanada.com has a lot of info about this myth. They have a description that comes from a letter that states, “They were impossible to kill. The animal looked a little like a Husky/Alsatian crossbreed, but was many times larger. Its rear was more akin to that of a Saint Bernard. It had an 11-foot-long body and a 4-foot-long tail.” Other sites indicate that the earliest account of the Waheela involves three trappers who were mauled to death in the north woods of Michigan during the colonial days.

Another popular creature from Native American folklore is the skinwalker. A skinwalker is essentially an evil witch. This legend comes to us by way of the Navajo. In their culture, the term “witch” could be applied to either a female or a male, but it always a malevolent magic user. The native word for a skinwalker is “yee naaldlooshii” meaning something like, “by means of it, it goes on all

fours.” They are called this because one of the principal powers of a skinwalker is its ability to shapeshift. Some common animals that skinwalkers are thought to shift into are wolves, bears, foxes and coyotes. They also have the power to mimic the voice and speech of others, as well as supernatural strength and speed. If you remember my article about the not-deer last week, you may be starting to see why I said it could possibly share some DNA with Native American legends.

I hope these terrifying Native American creatures have given you some good fodder for either Halloween costumes or scary stories. And I hope they don’t cause any nightmares. Stay safe out there!

• Contributed photos

1st annual Crystal Lake Boat Parade is a smooth sailing success

By Thomas Owczarski The Oceana Echo Volunteer Correspondent

The first annual Crystal Lake Boat Parade took place Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. The parade began at 2 p.m. and nine entrants made several trips around

the lake. Entrants chose their own theme, and residents on shore cheered in approval of the decorated watercrafts. Residents were allowed to vote for their number one choice from the nine entrants.

Following the parade, all entrants were invited to Pleasant Valley Farm and Vineyard for an award ceremony and picture taking. The first-place trophy

was awarded to the Stark family with their entry “Bubblebath.” A fun time was shared by all. The boat parade was organized by lake resident Paul Sorensen, with help from his family and several residents on the lake. Julie Steffens assisted with delivering entry numbers to participants. Plans are already being discussed for next year’s parade.

Ongoing

MONDAYS: Free yoga, Lakeside Rehab Family Fitness, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

TUESDAYS: TOPS, Hart Wesleyan Church, 5 p.m.

3rd TUESDAYS: Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club - Feeding America W. Mich. mobile food pantry, Pentwater Fire Dept., 11 a.m.

WEDNESDAYS: Love INC satellite open, Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 144 S. Hamon St., noon to 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS: Good News Club, Faith Christian Fellowship, Hart, 4-5:30 p.m.

1 st & 3 rd

WEDNESDAYS: Free community dinner, all are welcome, 5-6 p.m., Hart Wesleyan Church.

1st & 3rd WEDNESDAYS: Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/ Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out. Every other WEDNESDAY: Shelby Optimist Club meetings, Stony Lake Inn, 7-8 p.m., (September to May)

2nd & 4th WEDNESDAYS - True North Housing Assistance satellite open, Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

THURS-SAT: Pentwater Historical Museum open, 1-4 p.m.

FRIDAYS: Preschool Story Hour, HAPL, 11 a.m.

1st FRIDAYS: Free Soup Supper, Ferry Community Center, 5-7 p.m.

2nd & 4th FRIDAYS: Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m., St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave. in Hart, doors open at 4 p.m.

The Ladder Community Center: M-F: The Ladder is open for adults (18+) 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 29-Dec. 5 - Better Balance class, Tuesdays from 12:30-1 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:45-10:15 a.m.

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

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

Farm Bureau to host Tractors & Treats Oct. 27

Oceana County Farm Bureau, in cooperation with the West Central Michigan Research & Extension Station and MSU Extension, will be hosting an agriculture-themed Halloween event, Tractors & Treats, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, at the West Central Michigan Research & Extension Station. The event will run from 2-4 p.m. Kids can collect trinkets and treats and get to see tractors and farm equipment up close. Additional activities being planned include a book walk with a complimentary book, tractor rides into the station orchard, a photo booth and a scavenger hunt for the kids. There will be apple cider provided by J&H Fleming Farms and donuts for attendees, while supplies last.

Kids are encouraged to dress in costume to add to the fun of the event. Anyone interested in participating by bringing a tractor to display and hand out treats, setting up a table and handing out treats or interested in volunteering, please contact Kathy at walicki@msu.edu.

Balance class offered at The Ladder in Shelby

This fall, The Ladder Community Center in Shelby is offering adults a six-week class called Better Balance, which meets Oct. 29 through Dec. 5. Life without trips and tumbles requires strength, stability and coordination. This 30-minute class delivers on all fronts. Class meets Tuesdays from 12:30-1 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:45-10:15 a.m.

There is no cost for Ladder members; $10 for non-members. Sign up by Oct. 28 by calling The Ladder at (231) 259-0211 or emailing Sue Beckman at sue@theladdercommunitycenter.com. Visit theladdercommunitycenter.com to view all upcoming events.

TLC to offer annual Trunk or Treat and lunch Oct. 26

Trinity Lutheran Church will host its annual Trunk or Treat kids’ event and free lunch for all Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The church is located at 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd. in New Era, one mile west of the US-31 New Era expressway exit.

The Trunk or Treat will take place rain or shine in the parking lot behind the church, and there will be kids games, balloon creations, prizes and lunch privded inside the back building entrance. This event is open to residents and their children in the Oceana County and White Lake areas. For more information, please call (231) 861-4059.

Movie night and Boo-Gos Bash at Hart Historic District

The City of Hart invites all Halloween-lovers to its first Halloween celebration, Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Hart Historic District, located on E. Lincoln Street in Hart.

“We will be transforming the Hart Historic Museum into a spooky tour for children of all ages. A Dance Party will be held in the Heritage Hall with music and goodies, a costume contest, followed by an outdoor showing of the movie ‘Hocus Pocus’, starting at approximately 7 p.m.,” Community Events Coordinator for Hart Erin Stotler said.

People should bring chairs or blankets if staying for the movie. Concessions will be available for purchase, and monetary donations of any amount will go toward future events at the District.

Walkerville School to host Haunted Hallways

Students from across the county are invited to attend Walkerville Student Council’s “Haunted Hallways” event Saturday, Oct. 26 from 7-9 p.m. at the school located at 145 E. Lathrop St. in downtown Walkerville.

“We are excited to transition from the “Haunted Trail” held in the past to the “Haunted Hallways” event. We are looking forward to adding some spooky fun to the school for Halloween,” said Student Council Advisor Mandy Achterhof.

Admission is $5 for students 5-12 years of age and $10 for students 13 and up. Admission includes entrance to the Haunted Hallways, as well as snacks and refreshments. The event is open to the entire community. Proceeds from the event will go towards the student council for funding future initiatives and activities.

October - November

Oct. 25 - Judge Brad Lambrix Retirement Recognition, Oceana County Courthouse, 100 S. State St., Hart, 2-4 p.m.

Oct. 25 - Feeding America Food Truck, GHSP parking lot, 1500 Industrial Park Dr., Hart, 5 p.m.

Oct. 26 - Trunk or Treat and Lunch, Trinity Lutheran Church, 5631 West Stony Lake Road, 11:30-12:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 - Silver Lake State Park Dunes Cleanup, 8-10 a.m. followed by Trick or Treating noon to 1 pm., group photo planned for 11: 45 a.m. in the pedestrian area.

Oct. 26 - Spooktacular, Village Green, Pentwater, noon to 2 p.m.

Oct. 26 - Hart’s Halloween Kickoff Party, Hart Historic District, 100 S. Union St., Hart, 5-9 p.m.

Oct. 26 - Trick or Treating, downtown New Era, 5:30-6:30 p.m. and village-wide, 6-8 p.m. (No Trick or Treat on Oct. 31)

Oct. 26 - Trunk or Treat, New Era Bible Church, 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Oct. 26 - Walkerville Student Council Haunted Hallways, Walkerville School, 7-9 p.m. Admission applies.

Oct. 27 - Annual Polish Dinner, St. Joseph Parish Hall, 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Hart, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., $15 per dinner.

Oct. 27 - Tractors & Treats, W. Mich. Research Station, Hart, 2-4 p.m.

Oct. 28 - Friends of the Library - Photo Contest Entries Starts, Hesperia Community Library, all day

Oct. 29 - Tech Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Adult Craft Night, Newfield Room, 6-7 p.m.

Oct. 29 - College Planing Night/Noche de un plan universitario (bilingual), Shelby High School, free dinner, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Oct. 30 - All Pro Dads, Shelby Elementary School, 7:20 a.m.

Oct. 31 - All Pro Dads, Pentwater Elementary School, 7:20 a.m.

Oct. 31 - Spitler Elementary School Halloween Parade through downtown Hart, 1:15 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Downtown Hart Trick or Treating, participating businesses, 3-5 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Shelby Area District Library Trick or Treat, 3-5 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Mears United Methodist Church, Trunk or Treat, 1990 N. 56th Ave., Mears, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Hesperia Community Library closing at 5 pm.

Oct. 31 - Pentwater Haunted Library, 402 Park St., 5-7 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Village of Pentwater Fire Department, donuts & cider prior to Trick or Treat at 5-7 p.m.

Oct. 31 - First Baptist Church Trunk or Treat, Hart, 6-7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Village of Shelby’s Trunk or Treat,downtown, 6- 8 p.m.

Oct. 31 - City of Hart Trick or Treat, 6-8 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Crystal Valley Trunk or Treat, Crystal Valley Park, 6-8 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Village of Walkerville Trick or Treat, 6-8 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Tables & Treats, Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 6-8 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Village of Hesperia Trick or Treat, 6-8 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Village of Pentwater Trick or Treat, 5-7 p.m.

Oct. 31 - Rothbury Drive-Thru Halloween event, Rothbury Community Center, 7160 Oceana Dr., Rothbury, 6-7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 - All Pro Dads, Walkerville Elementary School, 8 a.m.

Nov. 1 - Shelby Middle School 8th Grade Career Day

Nov. 1 - Story Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m., Tween Night, Community Room, 3:15-4:45 p.m.

Nov. 1-2 - Strategic plan focus groups with Carol Dawe, Hesp. Comm. Library, Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and all day Saturday.

Nov. 1 - “Xavier Davis” jazz piano performance, Hart Public Schools Auditorium, 308 West Johnson Street, Hart, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1-23 - Poets’ Houses art installation by Karen Antrim and Frank Galante, Ludington Area Center for the Arts.

Nov. 2 - Annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale, Hesperia UMC, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a BBQ lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Kandy Ann Miller (Epplett)

June 1, 1960 ~ October 17, 2024

Kandy Ann Miller (Epplett), 64, of Walkerville (School Section Lake), passed away peacefully at home Oct. 17, 2024.

She was born June 1, 1960, to Eva Mae Bailey and Gilbert Leroy Epplett. Kandy enjoyed the beach with family and friends, traveling and adventures with her husband, and planning and helping with many activities in her children’s lives. She was her grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader at everything they did. Everyone knew when their granny was there, right on the sideline.

Kandy is survived by: her husband, David Miller; chil dren Jodi (Dale) Aho and Joshua (Michelle) Roberts; grandchildren, Tristan Aho and Remmington Aho; step-grandchildren, Courtny, Christian and Kierstyn; step-great-grandchildren, Zayden and Liam; brothers, Andrew Epplett, Gregory (Susan) Epplett and Thomas (Carol) Epplett; and many nieces and nephews.

Kandy was preceded in death by: her brother, Timothy Epplett; mother, Eva; and father, Gilbert Epplett.

A graveside service took place Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Colfax Twp. Cemetery in Walkerville.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www. OakGroveLudington.com.

Wreaths Across America seeks donations

Has anyone in your family ever served in the military? Do you remember who they were? Each year in December, an attempt is made by Wreaths Across America to remember and honor as many veterans as possible by placing a wreath on their graves. This year, the date for Wreaths Across America will be Dec. 14, 2024. All across the United States on that date, wreaths will be placed on the graves of veterans.

In years past, Oceana County’s local DAR chapter has sent representatives to various military cemeteries to join with others across the state in placing wreaths on graves of those who served. This year, however, Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR has chosen to place the wreaths on the graves of local veterans who are in

the Pentwater Cemetery. Along with the Friends of the Pentwater Cemetery and the VFW, plans are being made to place wreaths on nearly 300 veterans’ graves right here in our own cemetery.

In order to make this event a success, support is needed for Wreaths Across America by purchasing one or more wreaths. The wreaths will be delivered to Pentwater, and then, on Dec. 14, they will be placed on local veterans’ graves.

Visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.

org/MI0259P to make a donation online to help them to reach their goal in order to honor all veterans in the Pentwater Cemetery.

This project is sponsored by Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR and Friends of the Pentwater Cemetery.

Performing Arts Series to feature Xavier Davis

The Hart Community Performing Arts Series will continue its 24-25 season on Friday, Nov. 1, when it presents the Xavier Davis Quartet. The concert will take place in the Hart Public Schools Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at hartseries. org and at the door.

Xavier Davis’ professional career as a Jazz pianist took off when the legendary vocalist Betty Carter spotted his outstanding talent at the 1994 International Association of Jazz Educators convention in Boston while he was performing with his college ensemble. It was she who brought Xavier to New York, hiring him exclusively as the pianist of her working trio. Today, Xavier is one of the most accomplished Jazz pianists worldwide. Having led master classes and clinics all over the world and coming from a family of music educators, passing on knowledge and skills to young musicians is very important to Xavier. As such, he is proud to be Associate Professor of Jazz Piano at Michigan State University. Xavier was also member of the teaching staff in the Jazz department of the Juilliard School of Music in New York for six years prior to that.

Xavier’s development as a musician has been greatly influenced by the inspiration and guidance he has received from Carl Allen, James Williams, and Billy Hart, whom he sees and respects as his great mentors. In addition to Betty and Carl, Xavier has performed and recorded with many other world-famous Jazz artists like the legendary Freddie Hubbard, Tom Harrell, Christian McBride, Regina Carter, Stefon Harris, Abbey Lincoln, Wynton Marsalis, Don Byron, Nat Adderley, Nicholas Payton, Jon Faddis, Jimmy Greene, Steve Turre, Al Foster, and Jeremy Pelt among others. During the 1999-2000 season, Xavier worked with the Boy’s Choir of Harlem as their Musical Director. He also played keyboard for the television series “Cosby.” His talent has been featured on more than 50 albums. Xavier is part of the Christian McBride Big Band and was featured on Christian’s album ‘The Good Feeling’, which won a Grammy award in 2012.

As a bandleader, Xavier has released two critically acclaimed albums - ‘Dance of Life’ and ‘The Innocence of Youth’. “The pianist [Xavier Davis] simply knows how to make every note on his instrument sing, and he invariably finds the richest area of the keyboard for voicing his chords.” says writer Bob Blumenthal. Jazz Times reviewer John Murph writes “...the music exudes a mature, nonchalant ease and cozy empathy that make this...a rewarding listen.” Down Beat gave the CD “Dance of Life” four stars, stating, “Davis steps out with an accomplished debut.” Xavier is currently working on his long-awaited follow-up to these albums.

In 2005, Xavier became the first person to receive the prestigious “New Works Grant” twice from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation under the auspices of Chamber Music America. He has won awards at several festivals as well as in Down Beat magazine.

Being a gifted composer, arranger, and producer of music, Xavier has composed and arranged music for outstanding artists like Carl Allen, Regina Carter, and Hans Schuman. He has co-produced the album “Wise Children” by Tom Harrell and recently produced the new album of singer Lizzie Thomas. Xavier is also a passionate and experienced film and commercial music composer/producer.

For further information, see hartseries.org or contact Artistic Director Tom Kirk at tomkirk@hartseries.org.

Polish Dinner at St. Joseph in Weare this Sunday

The St. Joseph and St. Vincent Annual Polish Dinner will take place Sunday, Oct. 27 at the St. Joseph Parish Hall, 2349 W. Jackson Rd. in Hart from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per dinner (dine-in or take-out), and includes golabki (cabbage rolls), kapusta (sweet and sour sauerkraut), pierogi, kielbasa, rye bread and dessert. There will also be a White Elephant Sale and bake sale. For more information, please visit their website at www.stjosephweare.org or call the parish office at 231-873-5776. Everyone is invited!

St. Peter’s-By-The-Lake Episcopal Church 8435 Old Channel Trail, Montague 616-894-0172 SUNDAY EUCHARIST – 10:00 am stpetersmontague@gmail.com stpetersbythelake.weebly.com

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent Community

Many artists were on hand during this year’s third annual ArtWalk, painting a variety of downtown scenes.

Churches

The Village of Shelby invites the entire county to the “soft opening” of the newly renovated Getty Park, Saturday, Nov. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Getty Park, located on the corner of Sixth and School Streets. Enjoy cider and donuts while touring the new “all-access” playground, gathering pavilion with fireplace, performance pavilion, splash pad, pickleball courts and walking paths.

It’s a sure sign that Christmas is on the way when vendor fairs start popping up across the county. “On the Farm” vendor fair was Oct. 9 in Mears, and “Karen’s Fall Vendor Fair” was last Saturday at the Oceana County Council on Aging. A variety of unique items and wonderful fall weather greeted event-goers at both locations.

On the corner of Fox Road and 56th Avenue, the Mears UMC has installed a new electronic sign in front of its church. The church looks forward to being able to share information with the community in a more up-todate format.

Municipal

The Village of Walkerville named Brian Hintz of Shelby as their Chief of Police in July, when former Police Chief Robert Robles took a full-time position with the Tribal Police in Manistee. Robles had served the village for the past 21 years. Hintz attended the West Shore Community College Criminal Justice program from 2012-14 and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University in 2018. He currently works three five-hour shifts per month for the village and holds a full-time position at the Muskegon County Sheriff Department. Visit the Walkerville Police Department Facebook page to learn more about events or to connect with Officer Hintz.

The City of Hart reminds the public to vote for its favorite “Plein Air” (French for “open air”) paintings from now until Oct. 28. Paintings are on display in the storefront window of 53 S. State St. in downtown Hart. A QR code is available for voting in two categories: intermediate and advanced. One winner in each category will receive $750.

Approximately 30 people attended an informational meeting entitled, “What’s the Problem with PFAS?” (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) Monday, Oct. 21 in the Walkerville Wesleyan Church gymnasium. The Walkerville Thrives nonprofit hosted the event. A video explaining where PFAS comes from and how it is affecting the state’s groundwater, residents and livestock was shown, followed by a question and answer time with individuals involved with educating and advocating for the public. Those wanting more information or assistance with this topic are encouraged to email Walkerville Thrives at walkervillethrives@gmail.com.

Agriculture

The Oceana County Farm Bureau (OCFB) had their annual meeting jointly with the Newaygo County Farm Bureau at the West Michigan Research Station Saturday,

Sept. 21. Newly elected board members included Robert Rudat (incumbent), Nate Schamber, Justin Adams and Josh Rapes. Outgoing board members included Jamie Fekken, Adam Kokx, Noah Fox and Jason Fleming. The 2024-25 Board of Directors includes President Rob Rudat, Vice President Alyssa Redding, 3rd Member Tyler Oomen, Young Farmer Chair Nate Butcher, Promotion & Education Chair Kathy Walicki and Members at Large Nathan Schamber, Justin Adams and Josh Rapes. Members in attendance gave their approval to six different resolutions, and local insurance reps Matt Williams and Kaleb Klotz were honored with Key Club awards. The OCFB currently has 436 regular members and 588 associate members, up 22 from last year, giving Oceana the largest increase in District 7 (Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola) in the past year. The evening included a report from District 7 Promotion and Education Committee Representative Breann Braga of Montcalm County. The organization is looking forward to the following annual events: the State Annual Meeting Dec. 3-4 in Grand Rapids; the Lansing Legislative Seminar Feb. 25, 2025; the Growing Together conference Feb. 28-March 2, 2025 in Muskegon and the Washington Legislative Seminar March 25-25, 2025. Winners of a frozen quarter of 4-H grown pork were Tyler Oomen, Daryl Alvesteffer, Caleb Herrygers and Stan Hallack.

Schools

The Walkerville School Boosters had their 15th annual “Spirit Day” fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 19, with many families and community members in attendance. Activities included many school carnival favorites, including a chili contest, dunk tank, cake walk, face painting, bounce houses, games, raffle drawings and food! The event is the boosters’ main fundraiser every year, and funds raised are used to provide other extras and events for the school throughout the year.

Village of Shelby passes multiple resolutions News and Notes

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

SHELBY - Not having met since Sept. 9, the Shelby Village Council had another full agenda last Monday, Oct. 14, considering and passing 10 resolutions, four related to Getty Park alone.

Under old business, the village voted to approve a quote from Envigor of Shelby in the amount of $6,200 for website design and development, as well as $300 per year for website hosting, $800 per year for website maintenance and $400-$1,000 per year for third-party communication costs. Envigor, owned by Andy and Amanda Mazur, specializes in custom work and offers many of the same services as Apptegy (the company considered at the council’s Sept. 9 meeting) with the exception of a mobile app.

Village Administrator Phil Morse asked if “emergency texts” versus “news” could be distinguished between, saying if too many notifications are sent, people may quit reading them. Council also asked if translated communications could be proofread before being sent out. Google Translate doesn’t necessarily translate in every situation, noted Councilman Damien Omness. Councilman Dan Zaverl asked about annual costs and how much those would go up each year. Mazur said most of their costs hadn’t gone up in a number of years. Annual fees would depend on the number of communications sent out.

Secondly, the council approved an intergovernmental agreement between Shelby Township and the village for the sharing of various outdoor equipment. The township had approved the agreement the week prior. Having the agreement doesn’t tie the village to anything fiscally, said Morse, but it would cover both entities when something is borrowed.

The last old business item approved was a $2,370 quote from Swanson Con-

crete LLC, of Hart for the removal of the curb and concrete, as well as the installation of an ADA pad and new concrete on Sixth Street and School Street. “The crosswalk is part of the Getty Park project plans. There is value in following through with the plans as designed for the safety and well-being of children and adults crossing the road,” Morse said. “The paint for the crosswalk and portable crosswalk signs have been funded by the local REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) program.”

In new business, the village approved four Getty Park-related resolutions.

Council gave their approval to the only quote received for the installation of 12-18 angle parking spaces along the east side of School Street. The original resolution was amended and approved a “not to exceed” cost of $46,000 to McCormick Sand of Twin Lake, to be paid for out of Local Streets. The original quote was for $35,980, however, the scope of work would not provide much space for longer vehicles. McCormick said for approximately $10,000 more, they could remove the fencing along Getty Field and do some more excavation to make more space. It was asked if McCormick could get the job done before winter, and Morse said they reported they most likely could.

“If we wait til spring, will the price go up” Omness questioned.

“I’m afraid if we keep putting it off, it will keep getting put off,” Morse responded.

“I don’t like getting put under the gun on these votes,” Zaverl said.

Next, council gave approval for contributing $599 towards the purchase of a QuikScreen Series-Outdoor Theater System for Getty Park. The Community Foundation of Oceana County had agreed earlier to underwrite $1,500 to go towards the purchase. The $599 will come from Parks and Rec Department Funds. Morse noted the cost for the system in February was $3,000, saying the original estimated cost

had actually gone down since then. Zaverl asked who would be in charge of the equipment while in use at Getty Park. Zaverl also wanted to know what Police Chief Dean Roesler thought about showing movies in the park. “These showings will be family-oriented. We shouldn’t have any problems we can’t handle,” he said. “Pentwater does it, and it brings a lot of people downtown,” Councilman John Sutton said.

Council then voted to accept a quote from Charter Spectrum in the amount of $599 for internet installation at Getty Park. It was noted the village might be able to reduce that amount based on a quote expected from Catchmark for the equipment. The resolution also approved monthly recurring charges not to exceed $175.

Councilman Mike Termer said, not knowing who would be using the internet and what they might be accessing, he was not in favor of having public Wi-Fi at the park. While it is necessary to have internet capabilities to be able to use security cameras, Omness suggested they can look at setting up public Wi-Fi in the future, “But we have to have protocols and parameters.” The internet installation will also come out of the Parks and Rec Department Fund.

The last Getty Park expenditure approved a proposal from Catchmark Technologies for the purchase and installation of security cameras. The resolution approved $11,800 and will come from the Equipment Pool Fund. Morse told the council the village had requested quotes from four companies and received two in return.

Morse reported Charter’s quote was a much higher cost long term, and had “super high-quality” cameras, while the Catchmark quote had a lower cost longterm and “high-quality” cameras. The life expectancy of the Catchmark cameras is estimated at three to five years and Morse said he felt the Catchmark equipment

would meet the village’s needs for that time frame. “Getty Park is costing us more and more as we go,” said Zaverl. Despite voting against the other three Getty Park expenditures, Zaverl did vote in favor of purchasing the cameras.

The village also approved two resolutions related to the Deming Well Project on Deming Road. One approved a change order from Northern Well & Pump of Lansing in the amount of $71,305.53 for the Deming Well Pump. The well has been installed for a while, but not until the required drawdown tests are conducted and the correct flow rate and head conditions were approved by EGLE (Environment, Great Lakes & Energy), could a new pump be ordered.

It was noted this amount is nearly double what was originally quoted from Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering. Using monies from its Water Fund, the village will only be responsible for $33,350.53. The remaining $37,955 will be covered by monies from a Water-Related Infrastructure Grant originally secured for the project by the Oceana Economic Alliance and The Right Place of Grand Rapids.

Termer asked if this was truly the best price. “We need to have a conversation with Fleis & VandenBrink about quotes coming up short of actual costs. It’s hard on the village,” he said.

The village only received one bid.

“They’ve got a monopoly on it,” said Councilman Curt Trott.

“But if we don’t have a pump, we can’t use the well,” added Councilman Steve Crothers.

A second Deming Well resolution approved a quote for $12,319.89 from Bullseye Roofing Systems of Montague for the installation of a new roof and gutters at the Deming Well House. Again, this was the only quote the village received. According to DPW Superintendent Jeremiah Helenhouse, it took two and a half months to get, but council concluded it was necessary to protect this new village infrastructure.

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• On Oct. 28, 1961, rocker Chuck Berry began his second court trial for allegedly transporting a minor, in this case Janice Escalante, across state lines for immoral purposes in violation of the Mann Act, after he took her on the road with his traveling show. He was convicted and served three years in prison, where he studied accounting and continued to write songs.

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20241014 FOR RELEASE OCT. 14, 2024

HERE’S A TIP #12345_20241014

RELEASE OCT. 14, 2024

By JoAnn Derson

By Lucie Winborne

• On Oct. 29, 1619, Sir Walter Raleigh, an English adventurer, writer and former favorite courtier of Queen Elizabeth I, was beheaded in London 15 years after a sentence of death was brought against him for conspiracy against King James I.

• On Oct. 30, 1811, Jane Austen’s now classic novel “Sense and Sensibility” made its debut on the literary stage, albeit anonymously “by a Lady.” Only a small circle of people, including the Prince Regent, knew her true identity. It was a success upon publication and has been adapted many times for the stage, cinema and television.

• On Oct. 31, 1997, 33-year-old Violet Palmer became the first woman to officiate an NBA game (the Dallas Mavericks vs. the Vancouver Grizzlies), calling it a “dream come true” after “a lot of hard work.” The announcement of her achievement, however, drew little reaction from the crowd.

• On Nov. 1, 2023, the Collins Dictionary announced AI as the most notable word of that year because it “has accelerated at such a fast pace and become the dominant conversation of 2023.”

• On Nov. 2, 2011, the Chinese spacecrafts Shenzhou 8 and Tiangong-1 space lab joined in orbit, marking a first for the country and an event critical to its plans for a future space station.

• On Nov. 3, 1979, during a rally in Greensboro, N.C., by communists and industrial trade union members against the Ku Klux Klan known as the “Death to the Klan March,” in a predominantly black housing project called Morningside Heights, cars containing Klansmen and American Nazi Party members opened fire on rally members, killing five marchers and injuring others. Although 40 Klansmen and Nazis took part, only six went to trial, and all the defendants were acquitted by the white juries.

• Sometimes dry erase markers and permanent markers look the same in a hurry. Ever grabbed a marker to write a note on a dry erase white board and found that it wouldn’t wipe off? To remove permanent marker from a white board, try using a pencil eraser. Rub lightly on the marker areas only, working from the outside in. It should come off.

• Rusty bicycle handles can be unsightly and a pain. Make a paste of salt and lemon juice (three parts salt, one part lemon juice), and use it to rub the rust away with a dry cloth.

• What will you do with all that candy from trick-or-treating? Make your holiday cookie plans now, and you can freeze some for later baking use.

• “If you have magazines or books that you are finished reading, perhaps you’d consider donating them to local seniors centers. You can look in the yellow pages to see if there are any near you. Often, the seniors are grateful to have new reading material.” — T.C. in Florida

• Many more of us are using the reusable fabric shopping bags nowadays. A few cities have banned the use of plastic bags for retail shops. These bags are much better for the environment, and can hold a lot more groceries per bag. One thing many people forget to do is wash them. You can take out the plastic insert (if there is one) and toss them in the washing machine. Hang to dry and you’re carrying around a much cleaner bag!

• To sharpen scissors, fold over several layers of aluminum foil and cut into strips.

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By Lucie Winborne

• According to 19th-century Welsh tradition, any infant whose nails are cut before the age of 6 months will become a thief.

• In 1974, the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis published a paper titled “The Unsuccessful Self-Treatment of a Case of ‘Writer’s Block.’” It contained a total of zero words.

• Every second, a large hurricane releases the energy of 10 atomic bombs.

• Female kangaroos can stop the development of their joeys in a process called embryonic diapause, which allows them to give birth when conditions are right, or wait until another joey has left their pouch.

• The Subway restaurant chain uses 16 acres of lettuce per day.

• In parts of Europe, people believe that if you light a cigarette from a candle, a sailor will die.

• Researchers at the University of Arizona discovered that the ability to see the color red comes from a gene attached to the X chromosome. Since women have two of those chromosomes, they perceive the red-orange spectrum better than men.

• Bubble gum was originally pink because that was the only food dye available in the factory where it was made.

• The term “sabotage” originated from French textile workers throwing their wooden clogs, known as “sabots,” into machinery to protest industrialization and automation in the 19th century.

• All newspapers in the British Library were ironed by hand to ensure a clear image before they were microfilmed.

• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty forbids any nation from trying to own the moon.

• During WWI, German measles were called “liberty measles” and dachshunds became “liberty hounds.” ***

Thought for the Day: “Sometimes people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know why I look this way. I’ve traveled a long way and some of the roads weren’t paved.”

— Will Rogers

Tails of Hope

Meet Weaver, the 10-month-old Collie-Corgi mix with more bounce than a pogo stick and enough energy to power a small town! At first glance, you might think Weaver is part kangaroo, the way he springs around the yard with that signature happy-go-lucky attitude. This guy is all about action—whether it’s chasing tennis balls, playing with his dog pals, or just zooming from room to room like he’s training for a race only he knows about.

Weaver’s got the friendly, welcoming nature of a Collie and the adorable, compact size of a Corgi, so he’s basically the perfect package of cuteness and chaos. He’s always on the go, greeting new friends with an enthusiastic tailwag and a big, toothy smile that says, “Let’s play!”

Need a workout buddy or someone to keep you laughing all day? Weaver’s your guy. Just be ready to keep up—he’s got the energy of five dogs rolled into one fluffy package. Adopt Weaver, and you’ll never need coffee again.

Weaver 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.

Meet Weaver

Early mistakes cost Hesperia as Hart football rolls to victory

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

HART – If teams around the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division didn’t know the name Eman Hertzler, they should. Hesperia heard that name early and often Friday, Oct. 18 as Hertzler made big play after big play in a 48-6 win for the Pirates.

Those big plays started from the first snap. Oftentimes, coaches try not to put too many of their trick plays on tape in an effort to retain the element of surprise for future opponents. Apparently the game film from Hart’s win over Orchard View the previous week didn’t make it to Hesperia, because the Pirates ran the ex-

act same opening play to the same devastating effect.

Hertzler, a running back and wide receiver by trade, lined up out wide before moving in motion. Senior quarterback Halen Boos handed him the ball, but instead of running away with it, Hertzler stopped and launched a ball down the field. That pass landed in the hands of Brody Clark, who ran into the endzone to complete a 45-yard connection.

To add insult to injury, Hart dialed up another trick play on the ensuing two-point conversion. Senior fullback Alex Hicks ended up with the ball in his hands, but instead of running it in, Hicks sent a two-hand-

Hart Football continued on page 10

Next man up? No problem!

Shelby sophomore Jaylin Henderson charges down the sideline on an 89-yard kick return for a touchdown. Henderson was slotted into the starting quarterback role on varsity this week. •

Shelby football puts up a fight against Mason County despite missing starting quarterback

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo

Sports Editor

SHELBY – Heading into its matchup with Shelby Friday, Oct. 18, Mason County Central (MCC) had enjoyed a highly successful football season. While that trend didn’t change against the Tigers, there were more than a few tense moments for the Spartans in a 56-26 win.

The first half did not go the way many expected as Shelby consistently found ways to answer the Spartans’ offensive attack. MCC owned a 14-6 lead late in the

second quarter, but the Tigers answered with a touchdown and twopoint conversion to knot things up at halftime.

“We went into this week talking about how we compete,” Shelby Head Coach Phil Fortier said. “We can’t pre-determine outcomes. It’s hard when you’ve had as little success as this program’s had in the last 11 years to fight that battle. Our kids fought through it and they came out and executed and played for each other. That’s what I’ve been waiting for all year.”

A 14-14 tie after two quarters was shocking to many. After all, MCC had a 6-1 record and was destined for the playoffs while Shelby sat at 3-5 overall. Even more shocking was the fact that the Tigers’ offense wasn’t being led by the usual starter.

Junior quarterback

Isaac Garcia was held out of play after suffering a concussion in the Tigers’ 62-14 loss to Manistee the week prior.

That meant sophomore Jaylin Henderson would get his second opportunity to start, this time for the game’s entirety.

Henderson started at quarterback for Shelby in a 30-25 win over Hesperia back in September, but was pulled in the second quarter.

“(Henderson) made some really good decisions with the football tonight,” Fortier said. “He knew when to pull the ball down to run with it and when to hit the open receiver. MCC is pressure defense, and it wasn’t easy.”

While the offense struggled to move the last time Henderson started, this time was something entirely different. Henderson scored both of the Ti-

gers’ first two touchdowns with his legs, finishing the day with 20 carries for 33 yards and the pair of scores.

In the second half it was Henderson’s arm and effort on special teams that kept Shelby moving. Henderson connected on 10-of-19 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown, finding DayDay Garcia for six catches, 178 yards and a touchdown. Henderson was also responsible for an 84-yard touchdown return on a fourth quarter kickoff.

Unfortunately, all that effort in the second half proved to be all for naught as MCC broke lose almost immediately after halftime.

MCC senior Peyton Merz cracked the game wide open with two long touchdown runs to start

Shelby Football continued on page 10

Hart cross country teams snag conference titles

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

For the better part of a decade Hart cross country has dominated the sport, not only locally but at the state level. It seems that dominance is only set to continue, despite the loss of key pieces following last season, as both the boys and girls teams clinched conference titles Thursday, Oct. 17.

Conference champs for cross country are determined by totaling results from three conference jamboree meets held throughout the year. The final jamboree for the WMC Rivers was held at Muskegon Community College last Thursday and everything

came up Pirates.

The boys raced first, notching a perfect score of 15 points for a first place team finish. Leading that effort was a string of five straight top finishers for Hart.

Pirate junior Jack Slotman (17:56.29) took first, followed by a pair of freshmen with Grant Ackley (18:04.54) and Trevor VanderKodde (18:04.86) taking second and third. Sophomores Carson

Ackley (18:05.25) and Mason Opalewski (18:12.01) finished in fourth and fifth respectively. That wasn’t it for Hart however. A slew of Pirates –though most didn’t tally to-

ward the final score – continually crossed the finish line. Pascal Miller grabbed eighth place at 18:43.51, ending the

Conference Champs continued on page 10

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart’s boys and girls cross country teams each took home the title of West Michigan Conference Rivers Division Champs after each took first place in the final conference jamboree of the year, held at Muskegon Community College.

Hart senior Eman Hertzler fights through a tackle by Hesperia’s Thor Klaus. Hertzler had four touchdowns in a win over the Panthers. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Shelby Football

the third quarter, putting MCC on top by two possessions. Merz added another touchdown to start the fourth quarter.

For every big play that Shelby found, MCC had one of their own. The Spartans finished the game scoring three additional fourth quarter touchdowns and finishing with a lopsided victory. Though the loss hurts, it spells good things for a Shelby program that has its most wins in a season (three) since the team went 11-2 before losing in

continued from page 9

the state semifinals. While the Tigers aren’t within shouting distance of a playoff appearance, three wins and two quarters of holding one of the West Michigan Conference Rivers Division’s best teams at bay is something to build off of.

The Tigers will look to roll last week’s effort into the final week of regular season play. Shelby (3-5) will host Orchard View (1-7), Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

Conference Champs

Pirates’ top 10 finisher tally at six. Bryce VanderKodde (19:09.28), Max Stitt (19:10.07), Ethan Schaner (19:15.82), Owen VanderVlucht (19:19.10), Pablo Ortega-Rubio (19:29.35) and Cole Slotman (19:41.71) all finished top 25.

Additional finishers for Hart’s boys were Rhet Johnson (20:12.02), Noah Wolff (20:52.88), Josh Bustos (21:05.34), Reise Bateson (24:14.61), Leonard Udell (24:37.92) and Silas Jones (26:30.68).

For Hart’s girls, it wasn’t a perfect score, but it was pretty close as the Pirates finished in first as a team with 19 points.

Hart sophomore Natalie Rosema paced the girls in first place, finishing at 20:14.29. Finishing behind her were three additional finishers in the top five, starting with Lexie Beth Nienhuis (21:06.33) in second, Alaina Schaner (21:08.93) in third and Bryn Riley (21:23.99) in fifth.

All but one Hart runner on the girls side finished in the top 20. Kenai Kokx (21:45.40) and Joselyn Flores (21:46.16) were top 10 finishers while Emery Velat (22:01.40), Luisa Vander Zwaag (22:47.72), Ellie Gross (24:03.98) and Abigail Studer (24:39.44) rounded out top finishers. Baleigh Klotz came in 30th with a final time of 27:24.22.

This marked the ninth straight conference title for Hart’s girls team and the eighth straight for the boys.

Also competing were Shelby and Hesperia. Hesperia’s boys continued an impressive season, finishing behind Hart in second place with a team

continued from page 9

score of 69. Shelby’s boys earned a third place finish with a score of 87.

The Panthers’ boys were led by sophomore Nate Ruhstorfer, who was the only Hesperia runner to finish top 10 with a final time of 18:38.16. Zack Temple (18:59.95), Andrew Sherburn (19:04.11) and Andy Lopez-Garcia (19:17.53) all finished in the top 20 as well.

Shelby’s boys were led by two top-10 finishers, starting with junior Iziquiel Picon (18:21.25) in sixth and freshman Parker Weirich (18:52.23) in 10th. Shelby senior Ethan Fessenden was the only other Tiger to finish in the top 25 at 24th place with a time of 20:09.19.

Shelby’s girls finished behind Hart in second place as a team, scoring 51 total points. Sophomore Lydia Soelberg continued to be the Tigers’ top runner, scoring a fourth place finish at 21:18.80. Noel Parker also finished in the top 10 at seventh with a time of 21:39.71 while Kathryn Beyer (22:24.29) and Grace Hasenbank (23:06.61) were top 20 finishers.

Hesperia’s limited runners on the girls side were paced by sophomore Rokhaya Ruhstorfer (25:04.13) in 22nd place. Elyssa Wright was the only other Panther to run for the girls, taking 29th place with a time of 27:07.43.

All three schools – Hart, Hesperia and Shelby – will compete at Regionals in Benzie Friday, Oct. 25 for the right to advance to the state finals. The Division 3 boys race will take place at 3 p.m. while the girls will start at 4:10 p.m. at Benzie Central High School.

ed backward toss into the arms of Eric Hannan. That sequence ran just 22 seconds off the clock and left Hart with an 8-0 lead almost immediately.

Hesperia couldn’t find the same success on their first chance to possess the ball. In fact, they possessed the ball for just a few seconds before Hart had the ball again.

On the kickoff that followed Hart’s opening touchdown, usually sure-handed Hesperia return man Zach Loughridge muffed the return and watched a host of Pirates – including Aiden Coker – fall on the ball at the Panthers’ own 21-yard line.

It didn’t take long for Hart to add to their lead. Just under a minute after they put the first points on the board, the Pirates found their way in again, this time on a short run from Kyle Greiner. Connor Riker ran in the two-point conversion to make it 16-0 in favor of Hart.

Loughridge mishandled the next kickoff as well, but was able to keep control. Hesperia’s offense was unable to get things going however, going the entirety of the first quarter without points.

Hart’s offense didn’t fare much better after their first two touchdowns, even turning the ball over on downs late in the first quarter. Boos did snag an interception off Hesperia quarterback Blake Sayer with just four seconds left in that frame, giving the Pirates possession to start the second quarter.

Hertzler caught fire in the second quarter, adding back-to-back touchdowns runs to extend the Pirates’ lead. The first of those scores came from 59-yards out and the second from 20. Hicks and Boos added two-point conversion runs and Hart had a 32-0 lead with nine minutes left in the first half.

Hesperia got their offense going late in that second quarter. With just 1:15 remaining before halftime, senior

running back Skyler Stalbaum punched in a six-yard touchdown run to put the Panthers on the board. The extra point attempt was no good from Lacey Mey, leaving the score at 32-6.

Dwindling time on the board didn’t stave off Hart’s offensive attack. The Pirates added one more touchdown with just 34 seconds left on a 28-yard run from Greiner. Greiner also added the two-point conversion on the ground to bring the first half to a close at 40-6 in favor of Hart.

The Pirates put the brakes on in the second half, only scoring one touchdown over 24 minutes of play. Hertzler added his fourth touchdown of the night with two minutes left in the third quarter on a 48-yard run. Hicks’ two-point conversion attempt on the ground was once again good, leaving Hart on top for good at 48-6.

Hertzler led Hart’s offense, putting up 217 yards of total offense by himself. Hertzler took seven carries for 174 yards and three touchdowns and added one catch for eight yards as well as 45 yards through the air for a touchdown. Greiner was the next most effective, taking five carries for 72 yards

and two touchdowns.

On defense, Greiner led the way in tackles with seven while Clark and Keaghan Monroe each had six. Boos and Logan Jorissen had the game’s only takeaways with an interception for each.

Hesperia was led by Sayer who went 12-for23 passing for 122 yards as well as 26 yards on the ground. Stalbaum carried the ball 11 times for 43 yards and a touchdown. Ian Fox led in receiving with five catches for 56 yards.

Sayer also was the leader on defense with eight tackles while Stalbaum and Thor Klaus each tallied five. Fox and Noah Walker added four tackles of their own.

Hesperia (2-6, 1-4 WMC Rivers) added onto a string of losses, pushing their streak to six-straight after starting the year 2-0. The Panthers will host St. Louis at home Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

The victory pushed Hart to 4-4 overall and a final mark of 2-3 in the WMC Rivers. The Pirates have a slim chance of making the playoffs for the second straight year, but will need to take down Central Montcalm (7-1) to make a case. That game kicks off Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

Oct. 22:

Shelby 2, Whitehall 0 Shelby 2, Kent City 0

Hart 0, White Cloud 3 Shelby 2, Manton 0 Pentwater 0, Brethren 3 Hart 48, Hesperia 6 Shelby 26, MCC 56 Hart (JV) 0, Greenville 16 Shelby (JV) 6, MCC 42 WMC RIVERS JAMBOREE

Shelby’s DayDay Garcia makes an attempt at a ‘toe-drag swag’ catch on the sideline with two MCC defenders nearby. Garcia finished the day as the Tigers’ top receiver with 178 yards and a touchdown on six catches. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

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Marching bands light up the night!

MONTAGUE — The Montague High School football field hosted the marching band’s ninth annual Glow Show Monday night. In addition to the Wildcats and the Whitehall Vikings, bands from Shelby, Hesperia and Mona Shores participated in the glow show.

A packed house was wowed by the lights emanating from band uniforms and instruments as the lights were shut off in the stadium during the performances. Bands played classic hits and modern tunes, from Queen to Katy Perry, as well as popular movie songs from staples like The Lion King.

Early voting begins this weekend

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

Early voting gets underway for the 2024 general election in Michigan Saturday, Oct. 26 and lasts through Sunday, Nov. 3 prior to Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 5. Local voters will have plenty of races to decide.

Early voting is available in person for all White Lake area precincts at the Marquette Campus of Muskegon County, located at 1903 Marquette Avenue in Muskegon. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for both Saturdays during the early voting period, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for both Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

National races

Taking up much of the national oxygen, of course, will be the presidential election. There are eight electoral tickets on the Michigan ballot for president, but the race will be determined by voters making the call between the

Democratic ticket containing incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota governor Tim Walz, and the Republican one containing former President Donald Trump and Ohio senator J.D. Vance. Michigan is one of a handful of states whose electoral votes are considered up for grabs entering the election, making local votes even more important.

Two U.S. congressional races are also set to be determined by local balloting. The state senatorial seat being vacated by incumbent Debbie Stabenow, who is retiring, will be contested between Democrat Elissa Slotkin and Republican Mike Rogers. Both major-party candidates won primaries in August. Slotkin currently represents Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives in District 7, while Rogers is a former Michigan Congressman who served as chair of the House’s Intelligence Committee from 2011-15.

Also to be determined is the 2nd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The two major-party candi-

dates are Democrat Michael Lynch and incumbent Republican representative John Moolenaar.

State races

The Michigan state house will also have a contested race in the 102nd district, as Democrat Kathy Pelleran-Mahoney faces Republican incumbent Curt VanderWall in the election. The 102nd district comprises homes in Muskegon, Oceana, Mason and Manistee counties.

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are on the ballot. One seat features Kimberly Ann Thomas running against Andrew Fink for a new eight-year term, while the other pits incumbent Kyra Harris Bolden against Patrick William O’Grady for a four-year term. Both are nonpartisan positions, though Democrats in the state have endorsed Thomas and Bolden while Republican support is behind Fink and O’Grady.

Several education-related races are on the state ballot as well. Two seats

on the state board of education will be determined. The two major parties have placed Theodore Jones and Adam Frederick Zemke (Democrat) and Tom McMillin and Nikki Snyder (Republican) on the ballot.

Voters will also choose regents at the University of Michigan - Democrats Denise Ilitch and Shauna Ryder Diggs versus Republicans Carl Meyers and Sevag Vartanian - and at Michigan State University - and trustees at Michigan State University -

County races

Six contested races in Muskegon County are on the ballot as well, four of which feature incumbent Democratic candidates. The county sheriff race features Democrat Michael Poulin running against Republican Max Rieske. For county clerk, Democrat Karen Buie faces Republican Eric Rothoff. For county treasurer, it’s Democrat Tony

Early voting continued on page 2

Whitehall schools receive $500K security

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

White Lake Mirror Editor

grant

Whitehall schools receive $500K security grant

WHITEHALL — Whitehall District Schools has received a $500,000 award to improve its security systems from a Department of Justice grant, interim superintendent CJ Van Wieren announced Monday during the school board’s monthly meeting.

The grant is being administered under the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing SerViolence Prevention Program, and the district will use the grant money to upgrade its camera systems and secured the ren noted that the grant was “a highly

The grant is being administered under the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office through the School Violence Prevention Program, and the district will use the grant money to upgrade its camera systems and secured access to the school’s doors. Van Wieren noted that the grant was “a highly

competitive one” and required recipients to match 25 percent of the grant money to receive it. The process to make the upgrades could begin, Van Wieren said, as soon as December. According to the Department of Justice, the award is good for three years.

During board discussion of the grant, treasurer Jimmy TenBrink suggested the board could take a look at installing panic buttons in classrooms. The buttons trigger alerts to law enforcement but are silent to all those in the building. He noted that a state-level law, called “Alyssa’s Law” after a victim of the 2018 mass shooting at a Parkland, Florida school, has been passed by six states mandating the installation of such buttons in school classrooms.

Van Wieren also mentioned that count day exceeded the district’s expectations. Internal projections had the district having about 30 fewer students than were enrolled last year, but the count actually showed an increase of about 20. The good news came as a result of not having as many students transfer to a different school as was expected, some students transferring in, and an influx of students moving to the district, including what Van Wieren said was an unusually large increase at the fourth-grade level.

Also during the meeting, Jenni Wheeler of Brickley DeLong presented the results of its annual audit of the district’s finances. She reported that there were no findings that needed to

be addressed and called it “quite commendable” given how much money the district deals with on an annual basis, complimenting business manager Tayler Zweigle on a “home run” job in her first year handling the financial reports herself.

The board also unanimously - apart from president Rachel Fekken, who was absent from the meeting - approved the reappointment of Annlyn McKenzie as the district’s representative on the White Lake Community Library board. McKenzie’s term was scheduled to be up this year and she expressed interest in continuing in her role.

Even in the darkness of Monday night’s marching band glow show, Montague’s band created enough light with its uniformed accoutrements to make the Wildcat water tower visible in the background. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall’s marching band got the crowd going during its glow show performance Monday night, playing classic tunes like Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall’s marching band got the crowd going during its glow show performance Monday night, playing classic tunes like Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

White Lake Mirror Editor

Proposal to make Ferry St. one-way will move forward

By Madison Lajewski

White Lake Mirror Writer

MONTAGUE — Montague city manager Jeff Auch emphasized at Monday’s monthly city council meeting that a recent proposal to turn Ferry Street into a one-way street does not have to coincide with the discussion of the farmers market location. The council decided it will move forward with the Ferry Street one-way proposal at the next council meeting and revisit the idea of relocating the farmers market at a future work session.

The city hopes by turning Ferry Street into a one-way street, it will improve traffic and pedestrian safety.

Auch also shared that a special working group has been formed to discuss the entrances/exits along the Water Street/BR-31 corridor. Ordinance 311 would allow the City of Montague and Michigan Department of Transportation to review existing driveways, and how they can improve traffic flow and safety.

This would coincide with the BR-31 repavement, which is set to begin in 2027. The council will move forward

Early voting

Moulatsiotis against Republican Kent Boersema. The county register of deeds race is between Democrat William Moulatsiotis and Republican Jason Hall.

One incumbent Republican is being challenged in the county election, as county commissioner Kim Cyr faces Democrat Bruce Froelich in the race for that seat.

The race for county water resources commissioner features no incumbents, as Democrat Brenda Moore is retiring. Current deputy commissioner Stephanie Barrett is running for the seat and is facing Republican Zach Lahring.

There is one countywide judicial race featuring a contested seat, as local public defender Kendrah Robinson is challenging incumbent Gregory Pittman for the probate court judge spot, a six-year term in Muskegon County.

Voters in Rothbury will choose between Eric Fox and Anna Rapa for the Oceana County probate judge position. Again, the positions are nonpartisan, but Republicans have supported Fox with the Democrats backing Rapa. Rothbury voters are also being tasked with choosing two spots on the Oceana road commission, as Democratic incumbents Cathy Forbes and David Spitler are facing Republican challengers Andrew Heykoop and Jason LaFever.

Local races

Whitehall and Montague voters each face one additional choice on their ballot. Whitehall voters are being asked to approve an adjustment of the non-homestead millage rate to up to 20 mills for

with the ordinance at the December council meeting.

After reviewing resident surveys regarding the Fourth of July fireworks, the consensus was to maintain the current level of funding for fireworks. The council decided this topic can be revisited at future work sessions, if needed. This survey was created because of discussion from council members and Montague residents regarding the activities in the city on July 4, as well as possible fireworks alternatives and alternative launch sites.

Council will vote to approve the

properties that are not principal residences or otherwise exempted by law. The current rate is 18 mills; the district has said the change is to restore millage rate decreases brought about by the Headlee amendment, which prevents property tax rates from rising faster than inflation. The ballot language says the millage would only be levied to the extent necessary to restore that reduction.

Montague voters, meanwhile, will determine whether to change the mayoral term from two years to four, beginning with the November 2026 election. The city council approved the ballot language for the request earlier this year. The change would match the mayoral term up with city council terms, which are also four years in length.

In Rothbury, village president Vern Talmadge will face challenger Anthony Schiller in a reelection bid. Three spots on the village council will also be determined. Incumbents Michael Harris, Denise Kurdziel and Troy Voorhees all seek reelection, with Marieanne Canales, Patricia Day, Cynthia Grossman and Brook Schiller running as challengers. All are unaffiliated candidates.

Several township seats will also be determined this election season. In Blue Lake Township, incumbent trustees Todd Conzemius, a Democrat, and Lyle Monette, a Republican, are up for re-election, and Republican Jackson Wall is also seeking a seat on the board. Dalton Township will choose a new supervisor, with Jeff Martin not seeking re-election. Heather Petrie-Cooley won a Republican primary in August but will now face unaffiliated candidate Kevin Fergu-

Dept. of Health offers tips to deal with bats after positive rabies test in county

The Muskegon County Department of Health announced Tuesday that a bat found in the county has tested positive for rabies, the first such occurrence this year.

The department advises residents that there are several ways to reduce the risk of exposure to a rabid bat, including avoiding touching or picking up any bats, keeping their pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date, and bat-proofing their homes.

Most individuals do not have contact with a rabid bat, but any direct

contact with a bat should be considered a potential exposure to rabies. Bat bites are not always visible.

If possible, anyone to come in contact with a

bat should safely collect it - instructions to do so can be found on numerous websites, including those of the Humane Society and the Center for Disease Control -

new Ordinance 312 on vicious and dangerous animals at the November meeting. The ordinance was originally brought into discussion when earlier this summer, a Montague resident shared her story of a neighbor’s dog attacking their puppy, with it not being the first incident. She called for the City of Montague to make some changes that would prevent attacks like this from happening.

Mayor Tom Lohman wants to remind residents that political signs can be recycled at the Solid Waste Authority.

son. There are also four names for three spots on the ballot for board of trustees. Republican incumbents Leeland Witte and Nola Twining and Democratic incumbent Michael Bennett seek re-election, while challengers Daniel Hess, a Democrat, and Eugene Kooi, a Republican, will try to win seats on the board.

Fruitland Township supervisor Jeff Marcinkowski, an unaffiliated candidate, will seek re-election for his position, while Democrat Kimon John Kotos, who won an August primary, will attempt to win the spot. The township will also choose a new clerk, as Breann Fagan will not be on the ballot for re-election. Unaffiliated candidates Marie Hamilton and Alexa Steffes will vie for the seat. Five candidates - unaffiliated incumbent Lori Lundell, Republican incumbent Michael Holman, and challengers Sondra Cross, Brent Brower and Christopher VanOosterhout, all Republicans - will battle for four spots on the township board.

Whitehall Township features three candidates for two seats on the board. Republican incumbent Charles Schmitigal, Republican challenger David Holly and unaffiliated candidate Kayla Flaska will vie for the positions.

Grant Township voters will also pick between three candidates for two board seats. Republican incumbents Joan Brooks and Bill Mischler are being challenged by unaffiliated Kimberly Patton.

and consult with health department staff to determine if it should be tested for rabies. Those results then determine if post-exposure treatment is necessary.

Saturday, Oct. 26

Montague Farmer’s Market is open for one final Saturday this season, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Montague/Whitehall Sketch Walk led by Mary Jo Ernst, 1 p.m. Meet at ACWL-Nuveen. Art supplies available, though participants are encouraged to bring their own. Free event.

John Merchant and Greg Miller perform @ Fetch Brewing, 7 p.m.

Gemini Moon performs @ Sawyers Brewing, 7 p.m.

Community Calendar

Group Therapy performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 28

Community Yoga @ Fruitland Twp. Hall, 10 a.m. Free to participate ($5 suggested donation), open to all ages and skill levels.

Wednesday, Oct. 30

Youth Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 3-5 p.m. Open to middle and high school students. Students are welcome to bring in school art projects or anything they are working

on and get help from ACWL-Nuveen staff.

Thursday, Oct. 31

Fetch Cycling Group meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. All levels welcome. Free general admission every Thursday @ the Muskegon Museum of Art, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Adult Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring studio materials from home or explore available supplies in the classroom.

Halloween - Trick or Treat hours 6-8 p.m. throughout the White Lake area. Check page 8 for a full list of Halloween activities.

Friday, Nov. 1

Community Yoga @ Fruitland Twp. Hall, 10 a.m. Free to participate ($5 suggested donation), open to all ages and skill levels.

Unoriginal performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.

Echoes of History: Lyman T. Covell & Joseph Hinchman

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

Lyman Townsend Covell was one of 12 children born Sept. 30, 1835 to Calvin & Elizabeth (nee Coleman) Covell of Ridgebury, Pennsylvania. In September 1859, he left Pennsylvania and traveled to the White Lake area where he joined his brother Andrew J., who had come three years earlier. Together they went into the lumber business.

Then in 1862, a brother-in-law, Joseph Hinchman, came to Whitehall and joined the Covell brothers to form Hinchman & Covell in 1865. The firm operated a boarding house in town for their men and had a number of camps up the river. L.T. tried his hand at all phases of the lumbering business. He was a camp cook, an axe man, drove an ox team, rode logs, and managed the mill.

Lyman married Eunice Hobler July 3, 1866. They had two sons: George E. (1867-1954), who became president of the State Bank of Whitehall; and Frank H. (1869-1928), who was the manager of the L. T. Covell firm.

By 1874 the first mill was too small to handle the growing business, so a new mill was built. The main building was 30 feet by 120 feet, and two stories in height with 12-foot ceilings. It had one circular and top saw, one gang edger, one slab saw and lath mill. The engine room was 30 feet by 56 feet; the engine, manufactured by the Montague Iron Works at a cost of $3,200,

had three 20-inch boilers 20 feet in length. The smokestack was four feet in diameter and 100 feet high. The mill without the site cost $30,000. This mill became the Staples & Covell mill. In 1897, Covell purchased Staples’ interest in the mill and ran the business by himself until Oct. 10, 1911, when it permanently shut down.

By 1883, L. T. Covell had a 280-acre farm in Montague township. The first purchase was made around 1878 by Staples and Covell and consisted of 40 acres, bought more to help out the individual who owned it than for any other purpose. But afterwards, Covell bought two or three more “forties” in the same neighborhood and finally bought out Mr. Staples’ interest.

Of the 280 acres owned by Mr. Covell, 215 were cleared and in use. Two substantial barns had been built and the property well enclosed. The first barn was 40 feet by 93 feet and mainly used for the storing of hay but had stock accommodations. The second barn was 30 feet by 90 feet with two additions, each 46 feet by 56 feet, to be used as a stock barn.

The horse barn building was 18 feet by 50 feet and an addition for wagons and implements of 16 feet by 50 feet. At the time there was a stock of 75 head of cattle, 165 of sheep, and 8 of horses, besides the swine and poultry. Three Stover windmills suppied the farm with water. The farm was under the management of P. E. Wells and Charles Schroeder.

On May 11, 1917, the Staples & Covell mill, which was built in 1874 and was the last of the sawmills on White Lake, burned to the ground. The prevailing northeast wind swept the flames across the road and soon the fire spread to the lumber and coal sheds, despite all efforts by the fire department to save them. The old sawmill, which had been idle for several years, was a prized landmark as the last of the many mills that once dotted White Lake. The loss was estimated at about $8,000 and was partially covered by insurance.

Lyman died Jan. 27, 1916. His wife Eunice died Sept. 22, 1926. They are buried in Oakhurst Cemetery.

Joseph Hinchman was born Nov. 11, 1819 in Hamburg, Sussex, New Jersey. He married Lyman’s oldest sister Emiline Covell in 1849. She was born Nov. 28, 1829 in Ridgeburg, Pennsylvania. They had two children: Melvina (1850-1921) and Edwin B. (1859-1932).

Hinchman had heard of White Lake as a good lumbering region, and sent another brother-in-law, A. J. Covell to spy on the land in 1856, and his report was so good that he had to see for himself.

When he first came to Whitehall in 1862, he entered into businesss with C. C. Thompson and the Covells in a sawmill and general store. Afterwards Thompson and Covell took over the store, and Hinchman sold his interest in the mill to H. E. Staples and the name changed to Staples & Covell. Mr.

Hinchman then confined himself to lumbering operations.

In fall 1877 while lumbering in Blue Lake Township he became ill, and never recovered enough to continue working. He sold out all his interests in 1880, so nothing in the way of business would trouble his mind. He was confined to his home after that.

In 1884 Joseph and Emiline left Whitehall and moved south to their son’s home in Barryville, Carroll, Arkansas, hoping to regain his lost health. However, that was not to be. Joseph died Feb. 4, 1887. On June 19, 1889, Emiline Covell Hinchman also passed away at her son’s home. They are both buried in Oakhurst Cemetery in Whitehall.

Make your voice heard and vote!

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

October 29 is National Vote Early Day! Thousands of nonpartisan organizations across the country are celebrating this civic holiday, which was created with the purpose of empowering Americans to make their voices heard by casting their ballot before election day.

Raising awareness of early voting options helps people overcome barriers to voting. Things like long lines at polling places, car trouble, or a sick child might prevent people from voting on election day. That’s why it’s important for people to make a plan and vote early, rather than wait until the last possible day to cast their ballot.

Every Michigan voter has the right to cast an early, in-person ballot this

year. We all also have the option to vote early with an absentee ballot, which can be requested online, by mail, or by calling or visiting your city or township clerk’s office. Visit mi.gov/vote to find your early voting location and hours, check your voter registration status, see a sample ballot, request an absentee ballot, and more.

Your voice matters - please vote no later than Nov. 5!

FUN FACT: The first woman to run for president in the U.S. was Victoria Woodhull in 1872. She ran on a platform of women’s suffrage, an eight-hour workday, and welfare for the poor. Her name only appeared on the ballot in some states and no one knows how many votes she received because they were apparently not counted.

Does Your Vote Really Matter?

If you’ve ever wondered about how important a single vote can be, visit bit. ly/justonevote to check out a short list of examples provided by the nonpartisan League of Women Voters. Then come to the library Monday, Oct. 28,

from 5:30-7 p.m. for an engaging community conversation titled “Does My Vote Really Matter?” Participants in this conversation will explore the impact of individual votes in local, state, and national elections. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow community members and share your thoughts on the importance of voting. Light refreshments will be provided. Register at wlclib.org/calendar to save your seat!

Used Book Sale Nov. 9

Volunteers, Donations Welcome

The next book sale is set for Saturday, Nov. 9. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but you’ll want to come early for the best selection. With prices set at $1 for paperbacks, $2 for hardcovers, and $5 for a whole bagful, the books disappear quickly!

Can you help us have a great sale? We are currently looking for volunteers to assist with setting up and staffing this event. Sign-up sheets are available at the library, or call 231894-9531 to schedule a shift. There’s still time to bring in book donations

for the sale, too. We are always accepting clean, gently-used books, DVDs, and puzzles. Check out our donation guidelines on the website at wlclib. org/book-donations, and please call ahead if you have more than two boxes you’d like to drop off.

The annual Holiday Store will be opening soon as well, featuring donated craft items, holiday books, and other unique gift ideas. If you are a crafter who would like to donate items for the sale, please contact Pam at 231-8949531 or posborn@wlclib.org for more information.

Lyman T. Covell.

• Courtesy Photo

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community Wildcats’ magical run ends in regional semis

No. 4 Kingsford defeats Montague, 6-0

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

GAYLORD — Montague couldn’t overcome a first-half onslaught by Kingsford stars Jett and Jaxon Buckley in its first-ever regional game Tuesday night. Five first-half goals - three by Jaxon and two by Jett - propelled the No. 4-ranked Flivvers to a 6-0 victory over the Wildcats.

The game was originally scheduled to be played in Clare, but after two Upper Peninsula squads won regionals in the state, their games were moved further north to Gaylord for a doubleheader. Fruitport defeated Marquette in a Division 2 regional in the second game.

A lot was working against the Wildcats (17-6) in that first half. Not only are the Buckley brothers remarkably fast, but Kingsford also had the wind at its back for the first 40 minutes, enabling the Flivvers to launch long passes and let the Buckleys chase them down. According to Montague coach Brandon Mahoney, that is their usual game plan anyway.

“We obviously knew watching film on them that (Jaxon Buckley) was their guy to dump and run to,” Mahoney said. “We knew that they definitely transitioned well, but we still felt like they were pretty one-dimensional. We thought we could mark him up, but obviously he’s quick and he’s strong.”

For nearly the first 20 minutes of the game, though, despite the opponents’ speed and the wind working against it, Montague did not appear outmatched. The Wildcats were able to turn back

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

scoring chances and even created one or two of their own. As the halfway point of the first half approached, it felt as though if Montague could get to the halftime break tied, with the wind slated to be at its back in the second half, the chance for an upset would be there.

The tenor of the game changed when Kingsford gained possession of the ball near midfield with just under 21 minutes left in the half and launched a long pass to Jett Buckley. Buckley got free of the Montague defense and scored an easy goal.

Regional loss

continued on page 6

Injuries, Mona Shores too much for R-P

Rockets’ playoff hopes end with 40-0 defeat

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer’s season has unfortunately followed a familiar script in recent weeks, especially since the team was beset by a run of injuries; the Rockets hang in early, but eventually the opponent’s depth is too much.

The same was true Friday night, as unbeaten and Division 2 No. 2-ranked Mona Shores ballooned a 13-point halftime lead to a 40-0 Sailors’ victory that ended the Rockets’ hopes of reaching the playoffs.

It was also senior night for R-P, which explained the emotional postgame scene between coach Cody Kater, his staff and his senior players who had hoped to end their careers with a third consecutive postseason berth.

“We’ve got one more game,” Kater said. “We’re going to do everything we can to end in victory here. We’ve got a lot to play for. There’s a lot of love in this program. There’s a lot of growth that these guys have shown the last three

years. We really want to do everything that we can to make sure that we end this thing in the way that we want.”

The Rockets had chances to make Shores sweat early, but couldn’t take advantage. Shaun Haley picked off Mona Shores quarterback Jonathan Pittman on the Sailors’ first drive, and later a long run by Mason Darke, back from his Achilles tendinitis, gave R-P a scoring chance, but neither opportunity turned into any points. The Rockets got into the red zone in the final minute of the first half, but a 33-yard field goal went awry when Owen Ritsema lost his footing on the attempt.

The Sailors converted several damaging third-and-longs as the game went along, maybe none more so than late in the second quarter. That drive ended with a third-and-15 run for a 19yard score that featured Pittman running the option with Tyrese McCorvey-Hill receiving the pitch and taking it in for a 13-0 lead.

Shores’ star running back Tamarion Steward began breaking more and more tackles as the night progressed and R-P was worn down by his physical running style. Steward got in the end zone once on the ground but added a second touchdown on a 100-yard interception return in the final minute.

“Tonight resembled what you’ve seen all season,” Kater said. “We played well for a half. It’s hard to make adjustments when we’ve got five guys out right now and you’re trying to find

ways to move the ball. I made a dumb play call at the end of the game there (on the pick-six). It would have been nice to put some points on the board. It is what it is. We’re going to continue

Reeths-Puffer’s Luke Johnson (5) and Cal Millis team up to take down Mona Shores’ Micah Carefelle during Friday’s game at R-P. The Rockets lost, 40-0.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague’s Jonah Henderson (left) competes with Kingsford’s Jaxon Buckley for the ball during Tuesday’s regional semifinal game in Gaylord. The Wildcats lost, 6-0.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague’s Giovani Franco and a pair of Kingsford players vie for a high ball during Tuesday’s regional semifinal game. The Flivvers beat Montague, 6-0.

Montague’s Michael Jones protects the ball from interference by Kingsford’s Noah Cameron during Tuesday’s regional semifinal in Gaylord.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Vikings rout Fremont, win WMC Lakes outright

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall put the finishing touches on its West Michigan Conference Lakes outright title Friday, routing Fremont 47-6 in what coach Tony Sigmon called “the most complete team win we’ve had, top to bottom.”

Whitehall led 47-0 after three quarters.

The Vikings (6-2, 6-0 WMC Lakes) got off to a quick start, scoring three first-quarter touchdowns by three different players - Camden Thompson, Nate Betz and Corde Anderson. An overwhelming defense, paced by a

great effort from Cole Essebaggers at linebacker, held the Packers to five first downs.

With Ryan Goodrich down with an injury and the Vikings wanting to give Gavin Craner a break after a busy last few weeks, Whitehall turned to Nate Betz on the ground. Betz responded with 140 yards on only 11 carries, two of them for touchdowns.

“It made a lot of sense to ride with Nate,” Sigmon said. “He’s been a good football player all season long.”

Also on offense, Camden Thompson ran for 140 yards, passed for 95 and was responsible for five touchdowns. A big part of his success was the Viking offensive line, which Sigmon said had one of its most impressive nights as a group.

“(Camden) threw the ball well and our offensive line did a great job protecting him and establishing the line of scrimmage,” Sigmon said.

Blake English had 53 yards receiving and also posted four solo tackles, three of them for a loss. Thompson had an

interception and Anderson recovered a fumble.

Most impressive about the game was the way Whitehall maintained its focus level. Facing a team they were heavily favored to beat, on a day the students did not have class due to fall break, dealing with injuries, the Vikings did not make it look like any of those things were factors.

“We’re doing what everyone hopes they can do at this time of year and that’s play at a high level,” Sigmon said. “Week 9 will be huge for us, a big road test (at Portland), but we did a great job this week.”

Manistee gashes Wildcat defense in tough loss

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Montague got pulled into another high-scoring battle Friday night at Manistee, but this time the Wildcats did not have enough firepower to keep up, dropping a 65-32 decision on the road.

R-P defeat

learning and growing from this.”

R-P will get one more chance to take the field together against Forest Hills Northern. Kater expects his Rockets to be ready to go for that one, because despite the physical and mental toll the injuries have taken, his players have proven they deserve that faith.

“Our practices have been good from start to finish,” Kater said. “We’ve had a lot of injuries these last two weeks and we’re up to five starters out this game, but we haven’t seen that in practice. It’s kind of been day by day, period by period, finding ways to prepare for the game through practice. That is a great sign, just showing how (seriously) they’re taking it. They’re not

The teams lit up the scoreboard in the first half even quicker than the Wildcats (3-5, 3-3 West Michigan Conference Lakes) and Fremont did the week before, but Manistee built a 36-20 halftime lead behind an effective running attack that averaged over seven

Reeths-Puffer’s Shaun Haley can’t break loose from a Mona Shores tackler during Friday’s game at R-P. The Rockets lost, 400. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

making excuses. We’re not having kids quit. We’re not having kids fall to the wayside and act out of character.

“They’ve been showing up every single day and trying to find a way to

yards per carry. Devlin Dean ran for a pair of touchdowns and 88 yards in all, and Eli Petersen hit Ryver Jarka for a 39-yard score, but the Mariners had an answer every time.

The ‘Cats could get no closer than 20 points after Manistee scored an ear-

ly third-quarter touchdown. Petersen and Jarka each got in the end zone in the second half, but to no avail.

Jarka, David Myers and Caleb Schmidt each recorded six solo tackles for Montague. Petersen threw for 156 yards, 87 of them to Jarka.

prepare. I guess that’s all you could really ask for out of these guys and I’m expecting that to happen this last

week, and I think they’re really going to take this challenge and find a way to do that.”

Vikings tie for 13th at state

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall achieved its goal of placing in the top 15 in the Division 4 state finals Monday, tying for 13th place with six points.

The highest-achieving Viking flights were No. 3 doubles pair Evan Thomas/Elijah Roberge, who earned the No. 6 seed and reached the quarterfinals, and No. 4 singles player Ryne Nicholas, who also reached the quarterfinals. Thomas/Roberge picked up a very close second-round win over Oliver Burnett/Noah Kuebler of Allegan by winning the third-set tiebreaker; the final score was 6-4, 4-6, 11-9. That sent the duo to the quarterfinals, where they bowed out to No. 3 seed Charlie Laethem/Peter Leathem of University Liggett.

Nicholas drew a first-round bye and beat Shyah Lakind of West Bloomfield Frankel Jewish Academy, 6-4, 6-0, to reach the quarterfinals. No. 2 seed Hayden Riley of Lansing Catholic then beat Nicholas in that round.

The Vikings’ top doubles flight, Patrick Cole/Ian Sampson, and No.

3 singles player Evan Schuitema each added a first-round win to the team score. Cole/Sampson edged Saginaw Nouvel Catholic pair Charlie Thiel/Conrad Wardin, 7-5, 6-2, in the first round, and played very competitively against No. 2 seed Nate Kuebler/Ezra Smith of Allegan before losing in the second round, 6-3, 7-5. Schuitema defeated Nouvel Catholic’s Ty Iamurri in a firstround match, 6-3, 6-4, before Berrien Springs’ Andrew Seo, the No. 3

seed, knocked him off. No. 2 singles player Brady Tate drew a first-round bye for the Vikings, as did No. 4 doubles pair Adam Sikkenga/Remington Whelpley. Sikkenga/Whelpley won the first set of their second-round match against Traverse City St. Francis’ Joel LaDuke/Tristan Durkin before falling, 3-6, 6-2, 10-3. Tate also dropped his first match, as did No. 1 singles’ William Burger and No. 2 doubles’ Jon Hall/Myles Welch.

Selection Sunday

Sunday is Selection Sunday in MHSAA football, as the postseason field will be announced at 4:30 p.m. with a selection show on FanDuel Sports Network (formerly known as Bally).

Football fans with access to the network can watch the selection show live at 4:30; the show will also air live online at fanduelsportsnetwork.com.

The MHSAA will release the brackets to its website once the show is complete. Kickoff times will be revealed Monday.

Center 3

Betz

Byron

Reeths-Puffer 0

Carlee Bowen led a solid R-P defensive effort with 9 digs. Madilynn Dyer posted 12 assists, and Makayla Disselkoen had 5 kills and 7 blocks.

Whitehall 1-1 at Pink-Out Tri

The Vikings defeated Kent City and lost to Shelby at the home meet. Bella Fogus had 16 kills to lead the Whitehall offense, and Aaliyah Jamison had 34 digs on defense. Lou Mulder and Sidney Shepherd had 4 aces each.

Reeths-Puffer quarterback Mason Darke (9) gets loose for a long gain as Mona Shores’ Coreyontae Bothwell (6) closes in on him during Friday’s game at R-P. Mona Shores won, 40-0. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Members of the Whitehall boys tennis team take a break during Monday’s Division 4 state finals in Midland. The Vikings tied for 13th place at the meet.

• Courtesy Photo

Montague finishes strong, takes 6th at state

Whitehall places 12th in Division 3 finals

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Montague finished strong Saturday in the Division 4 state finals at Forest Akers West, moving up from seventh place after day one to a sixth-place finish thanks to an impressive day-two score of 378.

“Just an amazing accomplishment for five girls who had never played in a state finals,” Montague’s golf program posted on its Facebook page. “Four out of five (that played this weekend) will be back next year, and six of our top seven will return as well.”

The Wildcats finished only 10 strokes out of a top-5 finish, and 52 behind state champion Kalamazoo Christian.

All four of Montague’s scorers posted a cumulative two-day total under 200. Cadence Fox led the way for the Wildcats, taking 20th place in the tournament with a two-day score of 10193-194. Fox scored a birdie in her first round and played 13 of her 18 holes Saturday at bogey or better.

Brynlee Kessler and Braylyn Bultema weren’t far behind. Kessler led Montague on day one with a 100 and closed with a 95 for a 195 total score, just one stroke behind Fox. She too was 13-for-18 at scoring bogey or better Saturday. Bultema, the lone senior on the Montague roster, delivered the team’s best day-two score, a 92, to finish with a 104-92-196, and had the same 13-for-18 success rate as her two teammates.

“We are so sad to say goodbye to Braylyn,” said the Wildcats’ Facebook page. “She led this team to amazing heights in her senior year. We also look forward to the years ahead with this young and hungry group.”

Addi Smith shot 101-98-199, earning the No. 4 scoring position for the team on both days of the tournament.

Freshman Marguerite O’Connell had a 111-112-223 for Montague.

Division 3

Like their cross-river rivals, the Whitehall Vikings had a good finish to the Division 3 state finals Saturday at Bedford Valley Golf Course. Whitehall finished 12th in all and had the eighthbest score of all teams on Saturday’s day two, with a team score of 390-377-767. Grand Rapids Catholic Central romped to the title, beating everyone else in the field by 65 strokes.

Grace McDowell went out in style for Whitehall, as the Viking senior was the team’s top scorer over the weekend. Her score was 88-86-174, good for 21st place overall. She had three birdies across her two rounds.

Riley Shafer was also strong for Whitehall, going 94-90-184 to finish 36th overall, and second among freshmen. Shafer only had one hole all weekend where she scored worse than two over par.

Morgan Garcia shot 105-99-204 for the Vikings, and Felicity Dingman managed a 103-102-205. Kelsie McClure rounded out Whitehall’s efforts at state,

Regional loss

That was the first of three goals in a nine-minute span, each one following that long-ball script. Mahoney said the Wildcats had difficulty moving on mentally from those scores.

“We got scored on a couple times and it was tough,” Mahoney said. “I think they blamed themselves for some mistakes. It’s still a great season for the boys. I told them, ‘You guys set the bar for anything that comes after this.’ To be district champs, (which had) never (happened) before, to be going into a regional semi, it says a lot about the heart that these boys have played with since they were very young.”

The final two goals of the first half came within a minute of one another late in the half, and that created a nearly impossible situation for the Wildcats in the second half.

To Montague’s credit, it did not fold up the tents, and the Wildcats took advantage of the wind themselves to create some opportunities. They were awarded a free kick just outside the box late in the second half, and a shot by Lucas Husband deflected off the bottom of the crossbar, just missing crossing the line for a goal. Only a rebound shot by Jaxon Buckley for his fourth goal of the game prevented Montague from salvaging a second-half shutout. With the loss, the Wildcats said goodbye to an impressive group of

continued from page 4

eight seniors, a class that has recalibrated expectations for the program and, Mahoney said, increased interest in younger players to join the team.

“I think they’ll be recognized for years in the future,” Mahoney said. “They’re the ones who made this happen for us.”

At the same time, the coach believes the players set to return will benefit from seeing the level of play Kingsford displayed in the regionals. The Wildcats also saw that kind of play from Fruitport during a regular-season game.

“Win or lose, to be able to look at it and go, ‘Look what they do. What do they do better than us?’ I think that’s how you always have to be as a program,” Mahoney said. “It’s definitely helpful to be here, and I think the more times you show up here, it’s good.”

with a 105-108-213.

Division 2

Reeths-Puffer’s Sophia McCollum earned the highest individual placement of any local golfer at the state finals this weekend, tying for 17th place in Division 2 with an 81-87-168.

McCollum scored five birdies over the weekend, including two in her first three holes on day two of the tourna-

ment Saturday.

“I am very proud of Sophia,” R-P coach Matt Pallett said. “She was one of just a few underclassmen to make it to the state finals as an individual. Sophia had a great year and gained a lot of experience this weekend. She played very well in stretches. I am looking forward to seeing how she progresses over the next two years.”

Montague’s golf team celebrates placing 6th in the state at the Division 4 finals Saturday. The Wildcats will return all but one of their seven varsity players next fall. • Courtesy Photo

Montague’s Braylyn Bultema winds up for a tee shot during Saturday’s second round of the Division 4 state finals. Bultema closed her career with the team’s best score of day two, a 92. • Courtesy Photo

Whitehall’s Morgan Garcia chips out of the rough during the Division 3 state finals over the weekend. Garcia helped the Vikings finish in 12th place as a team.

• Jim Hams/Courtesy Photo

Montague’s Hunter Phipps pursues a loose ball during Tuesday’s regional semifinal game against Kingsford. The Wildcats lost, 6-0. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague’s Jonah Henderson fields the ball early in Tuesday’s regional semifinal game against Kingsford. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague’s Giovani Franco winds up to send the ball downfield during Tuesday’s regional semifinal game.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Rockets bow out to unbeaten Fruitport

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

FRUITPORT — Reeths-Puffer entered last Thursday’s district final against No. 1-ranked and unbeaten Fruitport confident. Sure, the Trojans had gotten the best of the Rockets in the regular season, but only by two goals, and R-P was missing a couple of key players that day. They were as prepared and ready to play, said coach Kody Harrell, as they’ve been all season.

However, less than two minutes after kickoff, Fruitport’s 6-5 forward Isaac Vandermolen outjumped his opponents on a corner kick and scored. The Rockets played well in many ways the rest of the way, but they could never recover from that gut punch, losing 4-1 to end their season.

“I think you’re always a little stunned,” Harrell said of the first goal. “All the right energy was there pregame, all the right focus, a lot of attention to detail, a lot of extra film the last couple days.

“It’s tough when you go down early because they’re a very gritty defensive team. So to have to play (from) a minute and a half into the game, down a goal already against an already tough defensive team that’s hard to score on in general, that makes it a little challenging.”

The Rockets (11-9-1) actually equaled Fruitport in shots on goaleach team had 10 - but the Trojans’ chances were of very high quality. Late in the first half, the home team scored its second goal when Carter Gregor was able to field a pass cleanly, whirl

Reeths-Puffer’s Zac Sampson (10) absorbs contact from Fruitport’s Ryder Merkins while playing the ball during last Thursday’s district final at Fruitport.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

around and fire a gorgeous 30-yard shot that keeper Gavin Wright had no chance to stop.

“The shot itself is a great shot but we can’t let the ball hit the ground there,” Harrell said. “We’ve got to win that ball out of the air. We kind of backed off a little bit because we’re respecting Jorge (Burgos-Yack)’s speed. When we respected his speed, that kind of opened up a little space for (Gregor), who got on it.”

Burgos-Yack ended up being responsible for R-P’s third goal late in the first half, though teammate Hudson Hazekamp created the possibility, with another impressive long shot. Wright made an equally remarkable save, but Burgos-Yack raced in to collect the rebound for an easy goal.

The Rockets kept the pressure on Fruitport at times during the game, and forced Trojan keeper Connor Wer-

schem to make a couple of good saves in his own right, but it wasn’t until the final minutes that Owen Ritsema gave R-P a bright spot with a goal of his own.

Harrell said the Trojans stuck to their game plan very well and that made them very difficult to score on.

“They did a much better job at sticking to their principles than we did sticking to ours,” Harrell said. “Knowing what you know about this team, in the back of our heads, we thought we’d have to score more than once to win this game.”

Harrell expressed pride in his team’s performance throughout the season. R-P got off to a red-hot start, then had a midseason lull - Harell said looking back, the Rockets may not have been aggressive enough in coming after its new O-K Green Conference opponents - but finished playing as well

as it had since early in the year.

There’s plenty to look forward to. R-P will lose several impressive seniors from this team - both Nick and Nate Clemens, the keeper Wright and Trent Hanks most notably - but has a strong core of players to build around and plenty of reasons for excitement among the younger and incoming players.

“We think that we’re district championship worthy, so that’s going to sting for a little while,” Harrell said. “I think we are one of the better teams in the district. It’s no mistake that we’re here playing tonight. I also think it’s just some of those little details that we’ve got to fine-tune, and we’ll spend the offseason continuing to work on those little details and continue to get some of these young guys more and more experience.”

‘Cats lead local teams, take 4th at GMAA

Whitehall beats Reeths-Puffer, places 6th to Rockets’ 7th

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Montague nearly pushed Mona Shores to a winner-takeall third game Saturday in the GMAA tournament semifinals, but the Wildcats were unable to advance to the finals, losing to the eventual champion Sailors 25-8, 25-21.

Mona Shores dominated the first game of the match, but game two was tied at 21 - Montague led 12-7 at one point - after a Reagan Cederquist kill. Shores responded with a block kill to retake the lead. From there, the Sailors scored three consecutive points to close out the match.

Montague beat North Muskegon in a first-round match, 25-20, 25-22, to reach the semifinals against Mona Shores. After falling to the Sailors, Montague lost the third-place match to Western Michigan Christian, 25-6, 25-17.

Maizie Collins led Montague with 14 kills, 18 service points and three aces. Emalee McGee also had three aces. Jaelyn Sundberg passed out 38 assists.

On defense, Jordan Netcott racked up 39 digs, and Collins added 26. Reagan Cederquist and Collins each had two blocks.

Whitehall finished sixth in the tournament with a 2-2 record. The Vikings, who were seeded seventh, began the day with a ‘play-in’ win over Orchard View, then dropped a quarterfinal match to Fruitport, 25-12, 25-16. In

Reeths-Puffer’s Hannah Lindstrom battles the Western Michigan Christian front line for the ball during a GMAA first-round match Saturday at R-P. The Rockets fell to the Warriors, 2-0.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

the consolation bracket, Whitehall defeated Reeths-Puffer in a hard-fought match, 25-15, 17-25, 15-9, before losing to North Muskegon in the fifth-place match, 25-14, 25-21.

Reeths-Puffer settled for seventh place. Originally seeded sixth, the Rockets led late in game one against Western Michigan Christian in the first round before the Warriors rallied to win and secured a 25-23, 25-13 win. The Rockets then lost to Whitehall, but ended their day on a high note by beating Oakridge in the seventh-place match, 25-19, 2225, 15-13.

Madilynn Dyer continued to put up gaudy setting numbers, racking up 53 assists, and also led the team in aces, with six. Alissa Klopp had 20 kills, and Carlee Bowen notched 32 digs. Makayla Disselkoen had seven blocks.

“Being in the Dan Beckeman Arena

and

with three courts of local

and an entire community

ball.

“With our current injuries, I am proud of the fight our entire team showed. All 14 girls contributed in some way.”

Reeths-Puffer’s Blake Kiel (3) and Saif Abunayla leap for the ball while Fruitport’s Jorge Burgos-Yack (2) and Davis Johnson get in on the play during last Thursday’s district final at Fruitport. The Trojans won, 4-1.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

teams

of fans packing the stands, it’s an awesome experience to take in,” R-P coach Justin Birr said. “It’s my favorite day to watch local volley-

Montague’s Reagan Cederquist (2) and Emalee McGee leap to block an attack by Mona Shores’ Grace Allen during Saturday’s GMAA tournament semifinals. The Sailors won, 2-0,

Montague finished in 4th place. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall’s Delaney Kramer (5) and Brianna Bentz get ready to defend an attack by Fruitport’s Sadie Haase during a GMAA first-round match Saturday at Reeths-Puffer. The Trojans topped the Vikings, 2-0. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Police activity this week

home for an investigation.

A car-versus-deer crash was reported in the 3000 block of White Lake Dr. A 53-year-old Twin Lake woman reported she was westbound on White Lake Dr. when a deer ran in front of her vehicle at about 9:37 p.m. There was front-end damage to the car but the car was still drivable.

Oct. 18

Oct. 16

There were no injuries in an 11:52 a.m. crash on Colby Street near Peterson Road. According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling eastbound when the lead vehicle stopped on the roadway to turn left. That vehicle was driven by a 57-yearold Montague woman. The second vehicle, driven by a 56-year-old Whitehall man, did not notice the stopped vehicle in time and a rear-end crash resulted. Traffic was blocked for a short time as crews worked to clean up spilled fluid. No citations were issued.

An assault between a father and son that occurred the night before was reported to police at 4:35 p.m. The mother of the 12-year-old victim came to the police office and explained that the night before there was a brief argument between the boy and his father. During the incident the boy’s head struck a countertop, causing a head injury. This happened at the family residence in the 900 block of Warner St. The case report has been sent to the Muskegon County Prosecutor for review. Later in the evening Whitehall Police assisted Child Protective Services, which was responding to the

An officer on patrol at 2:35 a.m. observed three young men walking south on Thompson Street near Colby Street. The officer spoke with the teens, who were all 15-16 years old. Parents were contacted, and the boys were turned over to adults with a warning about curfew violations.

Oct. 19

Whitehall Police were called to a business in the 200 block of E Colby St. about an unwanted person. The officer responding to the 2:24 a.m. call spoke with the clerk, who said a man had come into the store around 11 p.m. and had remained in the store for the whole time and would attempt to assist the clerk with her duties. The subject also made sexually suggestive comments. The officer identified the man, who lived nearby, and suggested his future visits to the store be brief.

Whitehall Police were dispatched to the 900 block of Division St. A caller reported they noticed the neighbor’s dogs were outside and the front door was open. When the officer arrived at the 1:42 p.m. call, he contacted the owner, who was away. It appeared the dogs had manipulated the lever handle to make their escape. The officer secured the dog and house and no further action was taken.

While on his way home from work, an officer noted water streaming along the road edge on Baldwin Street near Sophia Street. Both the school and the

Whitehall Dept. of Public Works were contacted during the 6 p.m. call, and it was determined to be a leak in the school’s irrigation system. The school turned off the water to prevent further damage.

At 7:42 p.m. a resident of the 1100 block of Lake St. contacted police to express concern about the safety of boaters on White Lake. The caller had seen a boat go out during daylight, and it was now well after dark and the boat had not moved. With the assistance of the Muskegon County Sheriff Marine division, the boaters were contacted and found all was well.

Oct. 20

Officers were dispatched to a report of a loud party in the 300 block of Elizabeth St. at 12:23 a.m. When the officer arrived on scene, he found a group on the front porch. A resident of the house apologized and said he was home from college and getting together with friends. The gathering broke up shortly after.

Whitehall Police responded to a call of a disturbance in the 1100 block of Colby St. The caller was concerned about a possible altercation in a neighboring apartment. When the officer arrived at the 9:50 p.m. call, he spoke with a resident, who said she was having trouble getting her daughter to clean her room but that all was well.

Oct. 21

hall Police for assistance with their 17-year-old daughter. The 7:33 p.m. caller reported the girl had snuck out of the home the night before but did attend school Monday. She did not return home, though, and was believed to be with a person in the 200 block of S Livingston St. The officer was able to locate the girl and she later returned home with her parents.

At 9:23 p.m. Whitehall Police received a call of a car-versus-deer crash in the 1300 block of Colby St. The Muskegon woman told the officer she was traveling east when a deer ran into the passenger side of her car, causing damage. The deer ran off, leaving the car with dents large and small on both doors.

Oct. 22

An attempted scam was reported by a staff member at the high school. The caller reported they received an email through their work account that, using outdated personal information, claimed they had incriminating information and that the person would have to pay $2,000 to prevent the scammer from exposing it online. The offender’s account was blocked and no money was paid.

Halloween is Thursday, Oct. 31, and a slew of fun possibilities await trick-or-treaters this week.

Trick-or-treat hours in Whitehall, Montague and Rothbury are from 6-8 p.m. Thursday. The White Lake VFW Post 3256 will host a Trunk or Treat event at the same time at its Walsh Road location in Montague, and Oehrli Elementary School is hosting its first school bus Trunk or Treat at the same time as well.

The Village of Rothbury will host a drive-through Halloween from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Rothbury Community Center adjacent to the Grant Township Hall. Goody bags and hot dogs will be provided, and all are welcome to get fueled up for the trick-or-treating ahead.

If you want to ‘pregame’ for those trick-or-treat hours, White Lake United Methodist Church in Montague

will host its Trunk or Treat from 5-7 p.m. on Halloween. The White Lake Congregational United Church of Christ will also host a Trunk or Treat that begins just prior to Halloween trick-or-treating hours, lasting from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Don’t want to wait until Halloween? You’re in luck, as several events are slated to take place over the weekend prior to Halloween. Rivers Ace Hardware is hosting a Friday, Oct. 25 Trunk or Treat at the White Lake Center (former Plumb’s plaza), 3311 E. Colby St. in Whitehall, from 6-8 p.m.

St. James Lutheran Church is hosting a Trunk or Treat from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Faith Lutheran Church in Whitehall is hosting one later that same day, from 4-5 p.m. Fruitland Township is hosting a Trunk or Treat Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at Nestrom Park.

At 6:32 p.m. Whitehall Police responded to a call from a veterans’ crisis line and went to a residence in the 400 block of Slocum St. There the officer spoke with a man who reported he had been suffering from depression. After speaking for a time, the man agreed to go to the hospital for evaluation but wanted a friend to take him there. The friend did come and transport the man to Trinity Health for an evaluation.

A Rothbury resident called White-

A plain bank bag was turned over to Whitehall Police after being found in the 100 block of W Colby St. by a Montague woman at 4:33 p.m. The bag contained a large amount of cash and a few documents that gave minimal clues. After some sleuthing, police were able to identify the owner and the cash was returned.

Whitehall Police responded to a call of a fight in the 1100 block of Colby St. The officer responding to the 6:30 p.m. call located the involved parties and discovered it was actually a phone argument that the caller had heard. There was no assault and no further action was taken.