The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 14, Sept. 1, 2023

Cunninghams named 2023 Lifetime Pirate Award winners

By Amanda Dodge The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

“In 1963, a couple of days ago, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. That same week, a 27-year-old kid, Air Force veteran and graduate of a small college in Iowa, came to Hart to start his first teaching job, his last teaching job and his only teaching job.”

These impactful words were part of the speech retired Hart Public Schools teacher Jim Cunningham gave as he accepted the Lifetime Pirate Award that was presented to both him and his late wife, Alice, Wednesday, Aug. 30 at Hart High School. Jim added that he retired in 2003, after 40 years of teaching.

Since 2014, Hart Public Schools has enjoyed the tradition of presenting the Lifetime Pirate Award to honor an individual or individuals who have been of service to the school by making it a better place for students, staff and the community.

In a statement released by the school, the decision behind this choice was given, “Jim and Alice have given their time and talents to Hart Public Schools in some capac-

ity for over 60 years. They genuinely are lifelong pirates; we, as a district, cannot thank them enough for their lifelong contribution to Hart Public Schools.”

The school also provided the nominations submitted in support of the Cunninghams being chosen as this year’s recipients.

“My name is Mark Saari, an 18year veteran teacher of Hart High School, and I am writing this letter to nominate Jim Cunningham for the honor of the 2023 Lifetime Pirate Award. Mr. Cunningham served as a high school social studies teacher at Hart High School for, I believe, at least 37 years and possibly over 40 years. I was never a student of Mr. Cunningham, nor did I ever teach with him, but I’ve run numerous clocks at football and basketball games, and for my first 12 years or so here at Hart, Jim was the P.A. announcer at every one of them. I asked him one time how many games he announced, and while he couldn’t give an exact number, he did say it was over 1,000, beginning in the 1960s. That means he was calling games in Hart for parts of six decades. I find those numbers to be astonishing, and combined with his many years of service to the district as a teacher and union representative, along with being the voice of Hart Pirate athletics, I feel he would be a wor-

thy candidate for this award.”

During the awards presentation, Superintendent Mark Platt invited Beth Smith and Rebecca Nicholson to come up and read the nominaton they wrote and present Jim with a plaque. Before they began, Smith said that sadly, two weeks after they submitted this, Alice passed away.

“In 1959, when Spitler School was a brand new building out in the middle of a field, Alice Ekerle started her first teaching job, teaching home economics in the old Hart High School on State Street, where the city hall now stands. The following year, she sponsored the Future Homemakers of America Club for Hart students and continued in that role for three years. She also sponsored the Sewing Club during that same time. In 1962, the new Hart High School was built on its current site. In 1963, The Hartian was dedicated to Mrs. Ekerle with the following dedication: ‘For a highly successful banquet and memorable prom. She has always been willing to volunteer her services whenever she realized we had problems to overcome.’

“In 1963, Jim Cunningham started teaching American History and Mechanical Drawing at the new Hart High School. He immediately became the Auto Club and Camera Club advisor. Mr. Cun-

ningham is mentioned in several yearbooks for contributing photos. At the time of the publication of the 1966 Hartian yearbook, Jim and Alice had gotten married. In 1975, Mr. Cunningham started the National Honor Society at Hart High School, and remained the advisor for the next 28 years. In 1976, the Hartian yearbook was dedicated to both of them  for their service to the students.

“Over the next several decades, the Cunninghams continued their dedication and service to the students at Hart. Mrs. Cunningham was the junior class advisor, and for over twenty years she coordinated the mother/daughter senior banquets. Mr. Cunningham became the class advisor for the journalism

class and the “Hart Beat” newspaper advisor, as well as the senior class advisor. He also became known as the voice of Hart sports, announcing football games, basketball games and track meets. He announced all the home games for years. Mrs. Cunningham worked admissions at those home games taking and selling tickets. They volunteered their time, staffing these athletic events for over 50 years.

“Mr. Cunningham served the Hart Education Association as president for over 35 years and continued to do so even after retirement. After her retirement, Mrs. Cunningham continued to sub at Hart for several years, and they both continued to represent the retired MEA members at the annual State Representative Assembly for years after. They continued to serve the Hart community by volunteering on elections and other committees.

“Jim and Alice Cunningham have dedicated over 60 years to the staff and students of Hart Public Schools and to the greater Hart community. Quite literally a lifetime. We can’t thank them enough for their incredible contributions and service, and we can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

After the emotional presentation, Jim added, “Alice would have enjoyed this.”

Oceana Antique Tractors club tills up 25 years

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Carl Wiegand of Mears has been a tractor enthusiast for as long as he can remember. He officially became a collector 55 years ago with the purchase of his 1939 John Deere back in 1968.

Then, 25 years ago, in 1998, his friend, Gordon Anderson, was restoring one of his many tractors, and Anderson, along with friend Ken Purdy, asked Wiegand what he thought about forming a tractor club. A few weeks later, the three met, and Anderson asked, “What should we call our group?”

Without skipping a beat, Wiegand suggested, “I think the Oceana Antique Tractors sounds good to me - sounds like OATS.”

The three agreed, and the group was born. Their Facebook page sums up their purpose by stating, “OATS is a group of antique and tractor enthusiasts and friends who are dedicated to celebrating the agricultural heritage of Oceana County, Mich. and surrounding areas. Their common bond is a love of old tractors and the West Michigan area they call home.”

At one time, the OATS boasted a membership of 90. Currently, the group includes approximately 40 members from all across West Michigan.

Annually, the group hosts a Plow Day at a local farm each spring, two group rides each spring and fall, and an occasional pulling event. Members also bring their antique tractors to a number of local parades each summer.

Throughout the years, the group has had various other tractor shows and events; however, with a smaller membership, they are keeping activities to a minimum. One of

their annual events used to be the Oceana Memorial Tractor Ride, which benefited the Crystal Valley Care Fund. Nowadays, the group uses their spring ride as their main fundraising ride, with all proceeds going to Roy’s Kids. Headed up by New Era Police Chief Roy Strait, this group is dedicated to providing gifts and needed items to area children and families each Christmas.

“Our fall fun ride is where we raise funds to maintain our club. We used to have an annual two-day event at Woodland Farm Market, but with the cost of insurance, we only hold pulls once in a while,” Wiegand said.

Some of the nicest riding is coming up this month when the group plans to host its annual fall ride Sunday, Sept. 17, starting at Crystal Valley

Park at 9:30 a.m. “The planned 17-mile ride will take us through the Crystal Valley countryside. It will last anywhere from two to three hours, depending on the roads,” Wiegand explained. “The best place to see the tractors will be as we are leaving or returning to the park. We plan to be back from the ride around 12:30 p.m. for a potluck lunch. It’s just a bunch of us tractor boys out for a ride,” he said.

Their last event of the season will be a tractor pull scheduled to take place at Woodland Farm Market Saturday, Sept. 23, starting at 1 p.m. and all are invited to enjoy this family-friendly, funfilled event.

More members are always welcome, and membership dues are $15 a year. The group meets three to five times each year on the second Thursday of selected months in the Transportation Museum at Mears, starting at 7 p.m. For further information, please contact Wiegand at 231-301-1403.

Carl Wiegand, one of the founding members of Oceana Antique Tractors (OATS) stands inside the Transportation Museum in Mears. • Sharon Hallack/Echo

J im C unningham

Jesse

The Carolina

Benefit for James Steffes

2

Brother and sister singing duo, Donny and Marie Osmond, performed to capacity crowds during a double set of 2-hour long concerts inside the old Shelby High School gymnasium Wednesday, Aug. 7 1985. Donny designed the lighting that was utilized. He traveled through the crowd to meet his many adoring fans. Shelby resident, Jasper Campagna, was brought onstage by Marie to sing a country medley. The concerts were originally planned to be outdoors at Getty Field and tickets were $10.

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

• The 152nd Oceana County Fair wrapped up last Saturday after a warm and fun-filled week for literally thousands of people. The Micro Wrestling event drew in over 1,000 spectators. The combined attendance estimates for the Large and Small  Market Animal auctions were near 1,000 as well. There were 107 4-Hers who sold at the large animal auction and 32 who sold at the small animal auction. The annual West Michigan Pullers Tractor Pull saw 1,500 spectators, and there was standing room only for nearly 2,000 people at this year’s annual Demolition Derby.

• The Large Market Animal Auction took place Thursday, Aug. 24 and included beef, swine and lambs. The Beef Grand Champion was raised by Kassie Bissard and sold for $9.50 per pound to Kristi’s Pour House. Skye Couturier raised the Beef Reserve Grand Champion, which sold for $5 per pound to OPC Arbre Farms. The Grand Champion Hog, raised by Luke Eubank, sold for $6.75 per pound to Ceres Solutions. Lane Eubank raised the Reserve Grand Champion Hog, which sold for $5 per pound to N.J. Fox & Sons. The Grand Champion Lamb was  raised by Jenna Babbin and sold for $19 per pound to Lane Stotler Farm Bureau Insurance. Alaina Payne raised the Reserve Grand Champion Lamb and it sold for $10 per pound to us here at The Oceana Echo!

• The Small and Junior Market Animal Auction took place Saturday afternoon with 4-Hers selling rabbits, chickens, turkeys, feeder calves, goats, geese and ducks. The Junior Market brought in $7,993.78, and the Small Market fetched $23,355.24.

• A preliminary overview of the Oceana County Housing Survey conducted earlier this year was presented by Patrick Bowen of Bowen National Research Wednesday, Aug. 16. Bowen shared various findings with over 20 area stakeholders at the virtual meeting. The final results will be presented at a community-wide public meeting Wednesday, Sept. 27. The exact time and location are to be announced. Some of the topics reviewed included population characteristics, renter households by income, owner household income, commuter data, county-to-county migration patterns, housing supply, historical home sales, available for sale housing, vacation rental housing, overcrowded housing factors, typical wages and housing affordability, potential barriers to residential development, development opportunities and recommendations. Sixty-two community members responded to the survey, with 14 being employers. The main takeaways for this attendee were that Oceana County is not unique in that communities across the United States are facing similar challenges; given the present housing climate, Oceana County is not expected to grow due to the lack of housing, particularly for low and moderate households, and employers said they could and would hire more workers if more housing was available. Stay tuned and be a part of the conversation. Community input is invaluable as the county moves forward.

• Golden Township residents, don’t forget to submit your 2023 Park Survey to share your ideas of how to improve your township’s parks. The survey is available online at www.goldentownship.org/, www.wurveymonth.com/r/B2DGBZY or by scanning the QR code in last week’s Oceana Echo.

• The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society officially broke ground on their 48foot by 48-foot barn at the Mears 150th celebration Aug. 20. The structure will be of pole-barn construction made to look like an antique barn and become home to the society’s collection of farm equipment and artifacts.

• Main Street Spa of Hart was recently named a MEDC Optimize Main Street grant recipient. They will be awarded a grant in the amount of $2,500 to be used to upgrade their computer system and enhance their online booking option that they offer to their customers. Main Street Spa wishes to thank the Hart Economic and Redevelopment Team for sponsoring them for this grant opportunity.

• Artist Michael Nabicht, of Hart, will be one of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts members exhibiting his personal work throughout the month of September. On display will be three original pieces featuring barns found in Oceana County. Hear more of Mike’s interesting and heartwarming story in an upcoming issue of The Oceana Echo.

• Please be sure to tell our advertisers you saw their ad in “The Echo”. We encourage you to support their businesses whenever you can!

The Shelby Herald had this simple request in May 23,1888, 135 years ago, and could be just as applicable today: “Wanted! A live correspondent in every town in the county to furnish us with the latest and most interesting news of his or her vicinity. Live, legitimate news is what we want, not idle gossip nor neighborhood scandal.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Photos are always welcome too!

Please email sharon@oceanaecho.com if you have any “news or notes” to share.

Visit us!

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

Please join the OCH&GS for The Golden Fair in downtown Mears, Friday, Oct. 6 and continue celebrating Mears 150th Anniversary.

Lorenzo Briggs Mitchell: The Farmer Poet

By Caleb Jackson

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

The book “Oceana County Business Men and Pioneers of To-Day,” by Hartwick and Tuller, is broken up into a few different sections, the last of which is a collection of biographies detailing the lives of the early pioneers. The people in this section are arranged in accordance with their arrival in Oceana County, and if you grab the book and open it from the back, the first biography you will run into is that of Lorenzo Briggs Mitchell. It is a very kind and flattering biography. Mitchell was born in Brookfield, Wis., in 1849. He married in Wisconsin, and “in one year from his marriage, to a day, they arrived at the home of Mr. Levi Powers, of Ferry Township…” The year was 1888, only two years before Hartwick and Tuller’s book would be published.

They talk briefly about how that first year of pioneer life was a struggle for the Mitchells, saying it was “fraught with many hardships and discouraging circumstances,” made worse by the fact that they began their new life with a measly $18. Eventually, though, the couple would settle in Hart Township with their children. Hartwick and Tuller do, however, go through great pains to demonstrate Mitchell’s love and appreciation for

poetry and music.

Mr. Mitchell’s love of literature, and especially poetry, he attributes largely to the influence of his grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Porter, who, in his youthful days read and repeated from memory, poetry to him for hours at a time.

Mr. Mitchell’s original readings have been the unique feature of many an Oceana Co. audience, notably at fairs, soliders’ reunions, old setters’ meetings, etc. (Hartwick & Tuller, 1890, p. 411)

It is for this reason that they say he was known as the “farmer poet.” But, however, that says nothing about his interest in music.

Mr. Mitchell is also a writer of music, being represented in many of the S.S. song books of the day by pieces of his own, words and music. In these times, when musical MSS. are rejected by hundreds where one is accepted, it speaks of a musical and literary ability of a high order when nearly all of his efforts in this direction are accepted and published. Mr. M. has now seven published sheet music songs, all his own words and music. (Hartwick & Tuller, 1890, p. 411)

If you are like me, you may be left wondering what kind of music Mitchell was composing. I’ll tell you, he was a writer of hymns. Simply googling the name “Lorenzo Briggs Mitchell” brings up quite an extensive catalog of hymns,

numbering around 40 published songs. It would seem he was met with more success even after the publication of “Oceana County Pioneers…” Some of the song titles include, “O Pilgrim on Your Homeward Way,” “The Love of Jesus,” and “Glory Ever Be to Thee.”

Mitchell passed away April 23, 1928, and was buried in the Hart Cemetery, but his works live on. Next time you are in church singing out of your hymnal, look for his name. There is a chance that song was composed right here in Hart.

Last Hart Heritage Days set for this Sunday

With heavy hearts, the organizers of the 36th annual Hart Heritage Days have announced that Sunday, Sept. 3, will be the final time this time-honored event will take place.

This final celebration will be at the Hart Historic District at 570 E. Lincoln St. in downtown Hart. The event will begin with a service inside the Sackrider Church at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tom Schmidt and Denise Schmidt. Dawn Ross will play the piano. A pork and chicken dinner will be served from 11:45 a.m. until the food runs out. The menu includes: chicken, pork, baked potato, sweet corn, slaw, veggies, a roll, dessert and a drink.

Historic District and Museum Tours will also take place from noon to 4 p.m.

The program for the event included quotes from organizers about their difficult decision:

“It’s with sincere sadness that this will be the last of Heritage Days. We’ve had a great run putting on this well-attended event for our community. Increasingly, it is more difficult to find volunteers. Please consider joining us in our communities’ hidden gem by helping us preserve, teach, guide and build a sense of purpose for our past ... for our future.

“You’ll find a new group of friends and interesting work and facts every time! Volunteering at the Hart Historic District - see how it fits you!”

The Hart Historic District/Museum also offers a Guide By Cell option. There is information about the following displays:

1. Powers-Stevens Animated Doll Collection

2. Don Weiner Kitchen Tool Collection

3. Antique Fire

Free technology classes offered by Shelby Area District Library

SHELBY – The Shelby Area District Library announced it will host free technical skills classes Sept. 13. The workshops are intended for learners who are new to using a computer or mobile device and want to build confidence. Topics include: creating files and folders, using web browsers, using search engines and much more. Workshops will be taught by digital literacy experts with the national nonprofit Connected Nation (CN), in collaboration with AT&T and the Public Library Association.

“Shelby Area District Library’s mission is to provide the people of the community and outlying service areas with educational, informational, cultural, and recreational materials,” said SADL Director Tiffany Haight. “Ensuring that as many people as possible have essential digital skills is critical to fulfilling that mission in today’s digital world. We hope that local adults of all ages and walks of life will take advantage of these opportunities to learn new digital skills or refresh old ones.”

Registration is preferred but not required to attend, and participants are encouraged to bring their friends and family. Workshop dates and times are Wednesday, Sept. 13: Computer Basics and Internet Basics (from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Video Conferencing and Mobile Device Basics (from 2-4 p.m.). Register at: surveys.connectednation.org/s3/Shelby-Area-District-Library

Shelby Area District Library is partnering with CN, a national nonprofit committed to bridging the Digital Divide, to host the workshops.

“Connected Nation is proud to partner with the Shelby Area District Library,” CN Executive Vice President Heather Gate said. “We hope that the classes will help spread digital literacy awareness and will serve as a spark for advancing digital skills in the region. Not only will we be hosting these workshops, but we are also excited to share the training materials with any organizations or volunteers that may wish to continue the training long after the classes have ended.”

CN is able to offer these workshops as part of an initiative funded via the AT&T Connected Learning Program. Course content was developed in collaboration with the Public Library Association to advance digital literacy across the country. Connected Nation celebrated 20 years of service in 2021. The national nonprofit’s mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people.

Congratulations on all of your hard work this year raising your animal for the 4-H Large and Small Market Livestock Auctions!

If you would like to say thank you to the local business that purchased your animal, The Oceana Echo is here for you!

We offer three full-color ad sizes, which can be seen at right.

We also have options for businesses too.

Please contact Jan Thomas at 616-581-5635 or jthomas@oceanaecho.com

Tails of Hope Meet Oakley

This four-year-old boy has limited vision but has unconditional love. His name is Oakley, and he loves going for walks. Oakley gets along great with people and larger dogs. Oakley was in bad shape when he arrived at the shelter, but he has healed up nicely. Oakley is ready for a “furever” home.

Oakley 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.

Ongoing

Friends of Shelby Library host Pet Photo Contest

Is your pet photogenic? Do you think your dog, cat, parakeet, or pet rabbit has the right stuff to win a photo contest? The Friends of the Shelby Area District Library are currently accepting 4x6 photos of pets for their Pet Photo Contest. Voting for the top pet photo will take place at the Shelby Library until Oct. 18 with patrons placing coins in jars for their favorite photos. Three prizes will be awarded in October including a gift certificate from Tri-County Feed in New Era, PetSmart, or a pet-themed tote bag full of goodies. Registration forms are due Sept. 15 and available at the Shelby Area District Library circulation desk. Only 30 entries will be accepted, so enter soon. One photo per family is allowed. Additional information about this contest is included on the registration form.

‘Honoring Our Elders’ Pow Wow this weekend

The 30th annual “Honoring Our Elders” Traditional Pow Wow will take place this weekend, Sept. 2–3, at the Oceana County Fairgrounds in Hart. Grand Entry is set for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Craft vendors open at 10 a.m. This family-friendly event is open to the public, and suggested donations to support the Pow Wow are $5 per person or $20 per carload.

Both days will feature Native American celebrations with drumming, singing, dancing, food and arts and crafts. This is an alcohol- and drug-free event, and no guns, firearms or pets are allowed. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. For more information, email Jennifer at hartpowwow@gmail.com or visit the Hart Pow-wow Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/145530746544.

Hart High School class of 1956 reunion planned

The Hart High School class of 1956 will be having a reunion Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. at Open Hearth Grille in Mears. Reservations are not necessary. Those that come will order off the menu and pay for themselves. Attendees are asked to let Charlene Birkman or Lois Greiner know they will be there a few days before the reunion.

Register today for men’s“Fish On!” event

Men are in for an epic day Saturday, Sept. 30 at The Ladder Community Center in Shelby. This is The Ladder’s third HERO event, titled “Fish On! and will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The day will begin with donuts and end with a man-sized barbecue rib and chicken dinner. All activities and competitions will be fun for both seasoned fishermen and guys who have never fished before. You’ll leave with a full stomach and tons of loot and prizes. If you like to laugh, compete and eat, then you need to attend. The cost for “Fish On!” is $5. Bring your son(s) 12 years of age or older at no extra cost! This event is limited to 60 men, so register today on our website: www.theladdercommunitycenter.com/hero, or visit The Ladder at 67 N. State Street in Shelby.

Hart High School class of 1962 reunion set for Sept. 8

The Hart High School class of 1962 will be having their annual luncheon at the Golden Sands Golf Course and Bucket Bar Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. They will be ordering from the restaurant menu. There will be a golf scramble at 10 a.m., and it is optional. Please reply to Chuck Hegg if interested. The location is at 2501 N. Wilson Rd. in Mears.

September

Sept. 2 - Pentwater Sportfishing Association/Bannink’s End Of Summer Lines Down Tournament

Sept. 2-3 - “Honoring Our Elders” Traditional Pow Wow

Sept. 3 - Last Heritage Days at Hart Historic District, 11 a.m.

Sept. 8-9 - Silver Lake Apple BBQ Festival

Sept. 9 - Hippiefest at Val-Du Lakes Bar & Grill

Sept. 16 - Hispanic Heritage Days Celebration at Hart Commons; New Era Fall Festival

18th annual Apple BBQ Festival next weekend

MEARS – Bring your appetite and your bib to the smokin’ hot Apple BBQ Festival to be held in Silver Lake Sept. 8-9. Join in as they kick off fall with two days full of live music, a beer and wine tent, a huge selection of food vendors, kids’ activities including GellyBall, Axe Throwing, an arts and craft show, an apple pie contest, classic car show, the Apple-a-Day 5K run and more!

Located at the Golden Township Park on Silver Lake Rd, this festival is a celebration of mouth-watering barbecue, succulent apple pies, and entertaining activities. Silver Lake Road will be closed on Saturday and the street will be lined with over 125 artists and crafters selling their wares.

Proceeds from the festival support organizations and programs like the Silver Lake Fireworks, beautification projects, including the flag and flowers at the Silver Lake roundabout, and Golden Township Park. This year, a portion of the festival’s proceeds will benefit the United Way of the Lakeshore, Oceana County. This year, the Classic Auto & ORV Show is being organized by the Hart Athletic Boosters Club and proceeds from the show will go back to their organization.

For more information, or to volunteer or sponsor this event call the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Visitor Bureau at (231) 873-2247 or visit www.applebbqfestival.com.

The 2023 Ladder Harvest Festival 5K and Fun Run to take place Oct. 7

The Ladder Community Center is hosting the second annual Harvest Festival 5K Run/Walk and 0.5K Fun Run/Walk during the morning of Shelby’s 2023 Harvest Festival Oct. 7. Gather friends, family members, and neighbors for a fun morning of running and walking together. Anyone who signs up with two or more generations in their group, will receive a discounted entry price. Sign up online at theladdercommunitycenter. com/harvest-festival-5k1 or in person at The Ladder Community Center, located at 67 N. State Street in Shelby. Please call (231) 259-0211 for more information.

Hundreds turned out to celebrate Ed’s Orchard Market’s 80th anniversary

By Amanda Dodge The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

A little rain did not deter the crowd that showed up to celebrate Ed’s Orchard Market’s 80th anniversary Thursday, Aug. 17.

Owner Scott Rumsey said that people were already lined up well before the event started, and Rumsey’s staff sold out of the 600 brats and a couple hundred hot dogs they had prepared before the evening was set to be over.

“I’m overjoyed,” Rumsey said of the turnout. “Before 5 o’clock, the line was almost back to the door of the store for about an hour.”

He added that he recognized many of the attendees. Rumsey said his wife, Theresa, and her parents, Ed and Betty Dean, were at the anniversary event “for a little over an hour and got to visit with everybody.”

The evening was smooth sailing thanks to the many Ed’s Orchard Market employees who volunteered their time to help out. “We were well prepared. Rhonda (Wright) is the planner of the century. She had lists for everyone when they got here. She made sure everybody was on the same page,” he explained. “I’m looking at who’s here and some of the people that are sitting over there, visiting.”

Rumsey said he thought the celebration might go strong for an hour and then slow down, but that was not the case, as a long line for food continued, along with lines for the bounce house and pony rides. There was also free cake from the bakery at Ed’s and Country Fresh ice cream.

“A lot of people volunteered to be here tonight because they wanted to be a part of this,” Rumsey said.

He added that after that evening, the 80th anniversary celebration would continue throughout the

Our

(picked fresh daily), Tomatoes, Squash, Freestone Peaches & Plums, Nectarines, Grapes, Melons, & Local Blueberries!

Locally frozen Blueberries, Tart Cherries, & Apple Slices!

Local & Michigan-made Snacks, Grilling Sauces, Salsas, Pickles, Raw Honey, Maple Syrup, & Jams!

Accepting Project Fresh, Senior Market Fresh, credit cards & cash.

Use EBT, get Double Up Food Bucks Tokens for

year with weekly deals and giveaways. “We are still doing the 80 days of Ed’s, and we will have some stuff coming up this fall and keep reminding people.”

The week of the customer appreciation event, Rumsey said they offered a half gallon of milk and a dozen eggs for 80 cents each. “We got a really good response from that.”

Throughout the event, a number of items were raffled off, including anniversary t-shirts and 12-packs of soda.

“This is something we will definitely do again,” Rumsey said. “It’s fun.”

The Ed’s Orchard Market family came out to celebrate the store’s 80th anniversary. Pictured above, from left, are Theresa Rumsey, Ed and Betty Dean and Scott Rumsey. • Amanda Dodge and Contributed/Echo

Community Schools supplies back-to-school

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Hesperia Community Schools already have one week in the record books for this 2023–24 school year. Classes started Monday, Aug. 28. The following are a few items highlighted in the district’s back-to-school newsletter:

Parents are reminded to familiarize themselves with the district calendar. This year, the district will utilize a number of early-release Wednesdays each month to focus on staff professional development.

In sports, the district welcomed new Athletic Director Jason Stariha earlier this summer, and the high school has added Girls Golf as an exploratory varsity sport this fall. In an effort to improve campus safety, high school students wishing to park their vehicles in the high school lot will need to register them with the school office. Both middle and high schools have a new student handbook. Parents, guardians and caregivers are encouraged to review it with their child.

At the elementary school, students will be greeted by the new building secretary, Miss Faith Vannett. Elementary students will also be using a new writing curriculum this year, while secondary level students will be using a new Social Studies curriculum.

Serving students from Kindergarten to 8th grade, the Engage! Out-of-School Time program is now called Project FOCUS Rural Grit, a TrueNorth Community Service. Parents are encouraged to contact Site Coordinator Jenn Way at (231) 854-6615, ext. 8623, or jway@truenorth-services.org for fall start details.

The district newsletter also includes two QR codes: one that will take users to the district’s Facebook page, where school supply lists are located, and one that takes users to the district’s Education Benefits Form for the 2023–24 school year.

Families and school supporters are reminded to submit their Ed’s Orchard Market receipts dated Sept. 9, 2023, through March 31, 2024 to their school offices regularly. Receipts can be redeemed for qualifying school materials through the market’s Tools 4 Schools program.

Lastly, Hesperia Community Schools wishes to remind parents of their Chain of Communication Procedures. (While not mentioned by the other districts we interviewed, it is safe to say that these procedures are considered best practices across every district and every school.) Any parent with a concern or question should have a conversation with their child’s teacher first. For further clarification or questions, a parent may contact the appropriate building principal. Due to busy school personnel schedules, it is recommended parents set up an in-person meeting or phone conference to address concerns. If questions or concerns are not addressed to a person’s satisfaction, they may contact other appropriate district personnel, including the athletic director, the board of education, the transportation director, the special education director, etc. If all of the above contacts have not answered a parent’s questions or rectified a concern, parents are asked to contact the superintendent.

The Oceana Echo wishes all Oceana County schools, from north to south and east to west, a wonderful year of learning. Please email sharon@oceanaecho. com if you have events or information to share with the rest of our community.

Living Legacies: The 152nd Oceana County Fair

• Amanda Dodge/Echo

Consider attending local school board meetings

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

We here at the Oceana Echo encourage community involvement at all levels. In an effort to stay informed and find out what is happening in your child’s, grandchild’s or neighborhood school, we invite you to attend your school district’s monthly board meetings.

Hart:

• Third Monday of a full week at 6 p.m.

• Pirate Learning Center - 306 W. Johnson St. (Diman-Wolf Early Childhood Center Door) hartschools.net/board-of-education/

Hesperia:

• First and third Mondays, unless noted, at 7 p.m.

• High School Media Center, unless posted otherwise www.hesp.net/about-us/board-of-education/

Montague:

• Second Monday of the month at 6 p.m.

• Montague High School CAT Lab www.mapsk12.org/ourdistrict/schoolboard/

Pentwater:

• Third Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

• 600 E. Park St. Room 303 www.pentwaterschools.net/page/board-ofeducation

Shelby:

• Third Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

Due to a recent board resignation, the Board of Education is accepting applications for the position. Applications are due Tuesday, Sept. 5.

• Location varies (see website calendar for location)

www.shelbypublicschools.net/boe

Walkerville:

• Third Monday of a full week each month at 7 p.m.

• Board of Education Room 13.

https://walkervillewildcats.com/departments/ school-board/

The Oceana Echo wishes to thank Benona resident, Marilyn Morse, for compiling this list.

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• On Sept. 11, 1885, British author, essayist and poet D.H. Lawrence made his debut on the world stage. Best known today for his novels “Sons and Lovers,” “Women in Love,” “The Rainbow” and “Lady Chatterly’s Lover,” Lawrence was also once notably accused of being a British spy, while “Lady Chatterly’s Lover” stood trial with its publisher for obscenity (both were acquitted).

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By Lucie Winborne

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By JoAnn Derson

• On Sept. 12, 1953, in what was unquestionably “the wedding of the season,” photographer Jacqueline Bouvier married Massachusetts senator John F. Kennedy in Newport, Rhode Island. The ceremony even included a personal blessing from Pope Pius XII.

• On Sept. 13, 1974, three members of the Japanese Red Army (JRA), a communist militant group formed in Lebanon, overtook the French Embassy in the Hague and took 10 hostages, including the French ambassador. The siege ended after the group’s demands for the release of another JRA member, cash and a plane were met.

• On Sept. 14, 1985, “The Golden Girls,” a popular American sitcom about the adventures of four single, older women sharing a home in Miami, premiered on NBC. The series ran for six seasons — with each of its titular characters earning an Emmy for their role — and also won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series and three Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series.

• On Sept. 15, 2008, the financial services firm Lehman Brothers Holdings filed for bankruptcy, marking the climax of the subprime mortgage crisis. After the company was notified of a pending credit downgrade, the Federal Reserve called on several banks to negotiate financing for its reorganization.

• On Sept. 16, 1893, history’s largest land run was launched with a single pistol shot as more than 100,000 people, on horseback and in carriages, rushed into the Cherokee Strip of Oklahoma in their bids to claim valuable land that had once belonged to Native Americans.

• On Sept. 17, 1796, George Washington prepared the final draft of his presidential farewell address. Two days later, it was published in Claypoole’s American Daily Advertiser in Philadelphia, officially notifying the American public that Washington would voluntarily step down as the nation’s first president.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

est land run was launched with a single pistol shot as more than 100,000 people, on horseback and in carriages, rushed into the Cherokee Strip of Oklahoma in their bids to claim valuable land that had once belonged to Native Americans.

• On Sept. 17, 1796, George Washington prepared the final draft of his presidential farewell address. Two days later, it was published in Claypoole’s American Daily Advertiser in Philadelphia, officially notifying the American public that Washington would voluntarily step down as the nation’s first president.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

• A trio of sewing tips from S.R. in Idaho: “Store patterns in plastic baggies. It’s hard to get them back into their envelopes, and I find that the baggies store just as well. I keep my pattern from tearing by spraying them with spray starch. I also sharpen needles by stitching through very fine sandpaper. These tips have worked for me for many years.”

• “It’s almost time for Scouts to start up again. I have been washing uniforms and sashes, and find this trick to be helpful when it comes time to stitch on badges. Put a bit of plain school glue on the back of your badge, place it where you want it on the sash, then let it dry. It will stay in place long enough to stitch the edges. When you launder it, the glue will wash right out.” — R.D. in Florida

• Solve the case of the tricky screw: Coat problem screws with clear fingernail polish right before you insert them. They will hold tightly after that.

• To keep hair shiny and soft, rinse weekly with a mix of half vinegar (apple cider or white) and water. The smell goes away quickly, but the softness and shine stick around.

• If you have a cracked or otherwise leaking vase that is opaque (not glass), try heating a bit of paraffin wax and coating the inside of the vase with it. Let it harden, and it should be watertight again.

• “To keep plywood or thin materials from splitting, I tape my cut line with low-tack masking tape. It keeps my cut sharp, reduces the fraying, and it’s easy to remove when I’m done.” — G.S. in Minnesota

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

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Lucie Winborne

• The dot over the lowercase versions of the letters i and j is known as a tittle.

• There are clocks to tell us the time, and then there’s the Shortlife clock, which tells us how long we have left to live. No, it’s not perfect, but it does estimate a person’s remaining longevity based on World Health Organization data.

• “The Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy was nominated for an astounding 800 awards, of which it received 475, making it the most-awarded series in cinema history.

• One of the most critical issues with AI is that even its creators can’t understand some of the decisions the software makes, or why.

• Do you like apples? Then you’ll likely appreciate the efforts of Tom Brown and his decades-long quest to track, collect and preserve forgotten varieties of the fruit. Brown has discovered more than 1,200 types, including some with rare flavors such as banana and pineapple.

• The Sinocyclocheilus longicornus fish, discovered in a remote cave system by Chinese scientists, has a unicorn-like horn.

• In 1924, Babe Ruth accidentally ran headlong into a concrete wall during a game between the New York Yankees and the Washington Senators, knocking himself out cold for a full five minutes. Upon regaining consciousness, he not only finished the game but scored two more hits and went on to play a second game afterward.

• More than 200 viruses can result in the common cold. Kerchoo!

• Camp Bonifas, near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, has a par-three, one-hole golf course on it that is surrounded on three sides by landmines. As one might well expect, it has been dubbed “The Most Dangerous Hole in Golf.”

***

Thought for the Day: “Integrity is the only path where you will never get lost.” — Mike Maples Jr.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Weekly rundown: Football is back in Oceana County

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

There you have it folks! We’ve officially hit that time of year when it’s ok for kids to be violent, as long as they have a helmet and pads and it’s in the name of some good ol’ fashioned football.

Instead of writing an article for each of Hart, Hesperia and Shelby’s week one games, I figured it’d be best to break them all down in one piece. Each week I’ll travel to one of the games being played by those three teams and bring back photos, coach interviews and a breakdown of the action that unfolded on the field.

Be sure to check out the special section inside this week’s Echo highlighting players to watch for each team in their upcoming games.

This week, all three teams were on the road so I decided that my decision would come down to the best game being played. While Shelby and White Cloud came down to a dramatic finish and Hesperia took care of Muskegon Heights Academy easily, Hart’s first test against Fremont took the cake.

Without further ado, let’s get crackin’:

Hart at Fremont

Final score: Hart 8, Fremont 6

FREMONT – The Pirates got all they could handle on Friday, Aug. 25 when they traveled to Fremont to take on the Packers in an 8-6 win that was all about defense.

Fremont got first possession of the ball and they took advantage of it, punching in a threeyard touchdown on a carry by Packers senior Owen Hertel. To the surprise of nobody, Fremont’s offense relied heavily on the run, which is something most coaches would do when

you have a 6-foot-6 offensive tackle leading the way.

The aforementioned behemoth is Fremont senior Andrew Steger, an Eastern Michigan University commit. Steger is a mountain of man and he was consistently moving bodies on Hart’s squad – though they didn’t back down from the challenge.

Following the touchdown, Fremont went for a two-point conversion rather than kicking the extra point. Their attempt was spoiled by Hart, leaving the score at 6-0 in favor of the Packers.

With four minutes remaining in the first quarter, the Pirates quickly mounted a drive of their own on the next possession. Hart head coach Joe Tanis made it clear that he’d employ the same tactic and run the ball down Fremont’s throat.

Football: Week One continued on page 17

Shelby soccer starts hot with two WMC wins

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – Shelby’s boys soccer team has started off their year red hot as they currently sit a 5-1-2 overall record. That looks even better when you tally up their two wins over quality conference opponents Montague and Whitehall last week.

On Monday, the Tigers admittedly looked a bit lethargic when Montague came for a visit. More than 70 minutes ran off the clock before either team was able to find the net. Luckily for Shelby, that goal was scored by one of their own, giving them a narrow 1-0 win to start West Michigan Conference (WMC) play.

Neither team had a very clean performance in that game by any means, but the Wildcats certainly won in the effort department in the first half. Often beating Shelby to the ball and zooming past their midfielders, Montague had long possessions and consistently knifed into the Tigers’ back line.

While the midfielders struggled early, Shelby’s defense was up to the task. Zach Horton, Logan Selig, Nathan Miller, Mauricio Castillo and Isaias Cortina were menaces to Montague’s strikers. The Tigers often cleaned up any mess in their third of the field before their keeper even had to think about making a save.

“For the first 30 minutes, (Montague) just hustled more than us,” Shelby head coach Jairo Corona-

do said. “We weren’t there mentally but it was nice to see that we could count on our defense. Today, our defense saved us.”

The Tigers survived the first 40 minutes without allowing a goal. An inspired speech by their

coaching staff seemed to infuse life into them – or maybe it was the loud cheers coming from the opponents’ sidelines after the half closed at 0-0.

Tigers Soccer

continued on page 17

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Hart senior Joseluis Anaverde chases down a Fremont ballcarrier in an 8-6 win for the Pirates in week one. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

Shelby keeper Ismael “Smiley” Valdez goes airborne to catch Montague’s corner kick attempt. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

Hart’s Ty Schlukebir flexes after the Pirate defense makes a big stop against Fremont. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

Senior back Joseluis Anaverde toted the ball alongside junior Eman Hertzler, marching the Pirates down the field where they capped off the drive with a touchdown to Anaverde. Hart went for a two-point conversion of their own and were successful, putting them in front 8-6 as time expired in the first quarter.

“I probably made some bad play calls again tonight,” Hart head coach Joe Tanis said with a smile. “I put our defense in a bad situation and we don’t want to play scared. It came down to the little things and how well our guys handled adversity. I think we must’ve had 150 yards in penalties, we’ve got to clean that up. That made it really difficult to move the football on the offensive side and that forced us to play from behind a bit”

As one could gather, that’s where the score stayed for the rest of the game, despite both teams putting up pretty decent rushing numbers. Fremont alone put up 184 total rushing yards.

It was defense that won the day though with Hart’s squad making several key plays. Hunter Chaffee and Connor Edwards both made interceptions near the goal line to halt Fremont’s offense. Edwards had two picks on the day. All Tanis could do was thank his defensive coordinator for the efforts of his unit.

“At the end of the day, we owe this one to Coach (Jacob) Tumele,” Tanis said. “His defense was lights out tonight. We put him in bad spots and he responded as a coach and the kids responded as well which is all you can ask for.”

With neither team budging, time ran out and it was Hart that had the advantage. The Pi-

rates turned their attention to White Cloud – a game that’s likely being played as this newspaper is being printed.

Shelby at White Cloud Finalscore:WhiteCloud13,Shelby12

It was a heartbreaking week one for the Tigers of Shelby as their hopes of a week one win were dashed by the White Cloud special teams unit in a 13-12 loss.

The Indians’ Landyn McGowen was the savior for White Cloud in more ways than one. McGowen was responsible for both of the Indians’ touchdowns on offense, he recorded two sacks on defense and notched a game-saving field goal block to spoil Shelby’s last attempt at victory.

The Tigers had an all-around good game other than that final moment. Senior quarterback Lalo Garcia wasn’t necessarily accurate, as he was 3-for-10 passing, but he connected when it counted. As luck would have it, his cousin Isaiah Garcia was the one on the receiving end of all three passes, turning them into 139 yards and a touchdown.

Lalo also ran one in for six, making him at least partially responsible for all of Shelby’s points. The Tigers’ ground game was impressive, led by a whopping 105 yards from AJ Melchor. Melchor made his presence felt on both sides of the ball, turning in eight tackles and a fumble recovery as well.

Shelby will play another one on the road in a much tougher environment. They’ve got a major hurdle to overcome as they face Ludington at the newly renovated Oriole Field.

continued from page 16

Hesperia at Muskegon Heights Academy

Finalscore:Hesperia22,MHA0

What a homecoming it was for Hesperia head coach Tyler Fehler as he took down Muskegon Heights Academy (MHA) in a 22-0 shutout.

Fehler, of course, used to coach for the Tigers before becoming a Panther. His guys took it to his former squad, forcing them to forfeit the game after just one half due to injuries piling up.

I’m going to be straight forward, there weren’t many stats released from this one. All I know is that Hesperia is 1-0 on the year and looking pretty good heading into a matchup with St. Louis.

Brendan’s Players to Watch

Hart vs. White Cloud

Week one is simple: pick the guys that did well in their first action.

OFFENSE: Joseluis Anaverde - RB

DEFENSE: Adrian Tice - DE

Football: Week One Tigers Soccer

Coming into the final 40 minutes, Shelby was much more like themselves. Trey Gauthier and Ignacio Ortiz found their feet and kicked it into high gear. The pair blew past Montague defenders and found scoring opportunities with ease. Still, nobody could score.

The clock dipped below 10 minutes before the tie was broken. With 7:38 remaining, Castillo cruised down the left line, reaching the corner before cutting toward the goal. Two Montague defenders missed, allowing Castillo to place a cross pass into the feet of Venancio Cadena. Cadena steadied and fired a shot that bounded

Shelby at Ludington Hesperia at St. Louis

Shelby’s run game was lethal, I expect that to hault a bit against Ludington

OFFENSE: Lalo Garcia - QB

DEFENSE: Ivan Fessenden - LB

over the line and gave Shelby their first win of the week, 1-0.

Before their matchup with Whitehall, a team much more talented than Montague, Coronado knew something had to change.

“Our mentality has to change quickly,” Coronado said. “Some of our leaders were not there today, especially in the first half. We have the talent and chemistry to be better and we’ll make that happen before Wednesday.”

That mentality did change as Shelby came out with a new lease on life when the Vikings came to town Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Connections in the midfield

Hesperia will build on a nice win and look to their skill players to get another.

OFFENSE: Skyler Stalbaum - RB

DEFENSE: Thor Klaus - LB

between Castillo, Ortiz and Alan Arreola helped feed the ball into Wyatt Dickman, Cadena, Stovall and Gauthier on offense. Those connections eventually turned into a 1-0 lead when Castillo found Arreola, who then fired a through pass to Cadena for a goal.

The half ended with that same lead and the Tigers felt good about their position. In the second half, a free kick in the first 20 minutes turned into an Arreola goal to put Shelby up 2-0. Then with 10 minutes remaining, Dickman found a goal on an assist from Arreola and Castillo.

Shelby rolled on to a 3-0 victory,

continued from page 16

but not without crediting the defense once again.

“Our defensive players played another great game,” Coronado said. “Nathan Miller, Zach Horton, Isaias Cortina, Logan Selig and Mauricio Castillo limited the shots on goal by Whitehall’s offense. Ismael Valdez had another great night in goal, blocking every shot and being a leader on the field.”

The Tigers now have a perfect 2-0 start to their conference schedule and look good heading into the Labor Day break. Their next action will be against Manistee on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Hesperia’s Skyler Stalbaum carries Muskegon Heights defenders on his back in a 22-0 win for the Panthers. • Photo contributed by Mia Milner