The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 17, Sept. 22, 2023

Walkerville Area Fire Department presents new truck

The Walkerville Area Fire Department welcomed the newest apparatus to its fleet Monday, Sept. 18 with Unit 442, seen above. Members of the department that were present that evening include, above left, Leonard Amador, Bobby Van Agtmael, Chief Al Purdy, Lance VanSickle, Nathan Hintz and Steven Houston. The Fire Board was also on hand, including, at left, Craig Herremans, Sue Budde, Wayne Tanner and Mike Bond. Unit 442 was built by Spencer Manufacturing at a cost of $475,000. It features four-wheel-drive and carries 750 gallons of water. • Paul Erickson/Echo

All are asked to complete Oceana County Parks & Recreation survey

The Oceana County Parks & Recreation Commission is updating its 5-year recreation plan and has posted an online survey to gather feedback from the community. Information collected through the survey will be used to help develop goals, objectives, and priorities that will guide park management and programming. Once the recreation plan is completed and approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Oceana County will become eligible to apply to the state for certain grants for recreation improvements for five years.

Please visit srvy.pro/2WC3UEN or scan the QR code at right to complete the survey.

Hart City Council hears updates

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

HART - Despite not having met since Tuesday, Aug. 8, the Hart City Council had a relatively light agenda, Tuesday, Sept. 12.  City Manager Rob Splane’s report from August 8 provided updates to the council with regards to the city’s housing. “The city has helped to facilitate construction of six new dwellings at the Creeks Condominium subdivision with an additional four currently underway. The developer has committed to build an additional 14 units pending required zoning changes.”

He also reported the Hart TIFA (Tax Incremental Financing Authority) has committed to redeveloping the former Ceres Solutions property on East Main Street. “The city will use a $50,000 grant from the county’s Brownfield Authority to have a Resident Level Environmental Assessment done at the property. This action will make the site more desirable to future developers,” he said.

He added that a new investor has committed to renovating four second-story rental units downtown as part of a $400,000 investment. The apartments would cater to middle- and upper-middle-income residents.

Splane also reported attending the National Brownfield

Conference in Detroit, where he was able to make several connections and receive training on opportunities available to support redevelopment projects in Hart. It is only the second time in over 25 years that a conference has taken place in Michigan.

On August 17-19, he attended the MMRMA (Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority) annual meeting. “The MMRMA functions similar to a mutual insurance company owned by its members. Each year the City of Hart is a member, we qualify for a larger refund from the state pool account. This year, the city was awarded a refund of $8,500, or about 10 percent of our total annual premium costs,” he said.

In August, the city also re-

ceived $11,000 from the MMRMA as a reimbursement for 5070 percent of qualifying training and security expenses over the past year.

On the horizon will be the adoption of the latest Park and Rec Master Plan, the final design approval for the Veteran’s Memorial Park improvement project, the adoption of code enforcement policies, procedures and implementation, along with bidding for the BioPure biosolids hauling contract.

The Hart Power Board will be present at the council’s next regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Sept. 26. UFS will present its systems study, and options for how to pay for improvements will be discussed.

Our Area Makers and Markets

Stony Lake Naturals

Stony Lake Naturals is the CBD product line from Shoreline Hemp Farms in Benona Township, owned by Alex and Kimberly Felt. It is truly a “Pure Michigan” company. The family farm and processing facility are USDA-certified organic, and all Stony Lake Naturals products are guaranteed to contain no fertilizers or pesticides. Each product label contains a QR code that customers can scan to view third-party lab results. This ensures consumers truly get what they pay for.

Stony Lake Naturals is a seed-to-sale company, which means all products are produced onsite from plants grown on the farm. All processing, oil extraction, and product manufacturing take place on the property. Quality plants coupled with meticulous processing produce the high-quality CBD products Stony Lake Naturals has become known for. Since starting the company in 2019, the goal has remained the same: the production of superb full-spectrum CBD products at an affordable price.

Stony Lake Naturals can be purchased at several Oceana County businesses, including Hansen Foods, Up North Farm Market, Cherry Hill Supermarket, Stony Lake Market, Mac’s Meats, Shelby Floral, Charlie’s Marina Bait Shop, and Blooming Valley Salon. The full product line is also available on the company website, stonylakenaturals.com. People can also follow the business on Facebook.

(231) 873-7523

We grow it for YOU, and do gift baskets, too!

Rennhack Orchards Market

Open from early June through December 23, Rennhack Orchards Market offers fresh-from-the-farm produce and an extensive selection of local and Michigan-made foods, gifts, and gift baskets. Owners Dave and Joann Rennhack started selling their cherries at a little farm stand in 1984 and built their current market in 2006.

Our fresh-picked-daily Sweet Corn, Our Seedless Grapes, Tomatoes, Squash, Pumpkins, Gourds, Freestone Peaches, Honeycrisp, Gala, McIntosh & more apples, local Fleming’s Cider, local Hardneck Garlic, many local & Michigan-made foods & gifts!

3731 W. Polk Rd., in Hart

www.rennhackmarket.com

Free Samples!

Laughing Tree Bakery

Laughing Tree Brick Oven Bakery specializes in organic, handcrafted sourdough breads and rustic pastries, all baked in a wood-fired brick oven in rural West Michigan since 2010.

The 400-square-foot solar-powered bakery is owned and operated by Hilde and Charlie Muller, who married in 2003 and moved to a rural homestead in Oceana County.

Hilde and Charlie both developed a love of baking and sourdough bread over the course of several years as they worked in bread-baking operations throughout the Midwest.

While the bakehouse is not open to the public, you can visit with Hilde or Charlie any Saturday at the Muskegon Farmers Market, and their baked goods are available at Hansen Foods, Sweetwater Local Foods Market, Aldea Coffee, various Health Hutt locations, Montague Foods and Red Rooster Coffee Company.

Hilde and Charlie are honored to bake long-fermented sourdough breads, granolas and tasty pastries for you and yours.

For more information, visit www.laughingtreebakery.com.

Brick Oven Bakery Brick Oven Bakery

The Rennhacks and their son-in-law, Jeremiah Palmer, are the fourth and fifth generation owners of Rennhack Orchards, located just around the corner from their market.

“We grow nearly all of the fresh produce we sell at our market, and that really separates us from most farm markets,” says Dave Rennhack. “Growing fruits and vegetables ourselves helps us maintain the high quality we are known for.”

“When you visit,” Joann adds, “your first stop should be at our Free Samples shelf. You can munch while you shop, educate your taste buds, and improve your diet by sampling our different varieties of grapes, plums, and apples!”

For more information, find Rennhack Orchards Market on Facebook (with daily updates), the web, or stop in from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Golden-Hart Fruit Farms

Family-owned and operated Golden-Hart Fruit Farms in Hart was started by the late John and Beatrice Gebhart. Their daughter, Shirley, and her husband, Bob Oles, now own and operate the business, which has been growing for nine decades since Shirley’s family bought the land.

Located at 4504 W. Taylor Rd., the farm was only 10 acres when it was claimed by Shirley’s grandfather, and it covers more than 750 acres of land from Hart Township to Golden Township. Of that acreage, 150 are asparagus, 300 are sour cherries, 200 are apples, and the remaining are for a variety of other produce.

Shirley and Bob met at the Muskegon Farmers Market and have now been married for more than 50 years. Aside from fruits and vegetables, Golden-Hart Fruit Farms also sells maple syrup, raw honey, pickled asparagus and cherry juice. Autumn offerings are available for sale at their Taylor Road location as well as at the Muskegon Farmers Market. According to the market’s website, “They are one of the best established farmers at the market and have been selling their fresh snapped asparagus, apples, pears, and rhubarb for 89 years.”

For more information, email shirleyoles@hotmail.com, or visit Golden-Hart Fruit Farms in Hart or at the Muskegon Farmers Market.

4504 W. Taylor Rd. in Hart • 231-750-4475

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.

The Trinidad is discovered, 150 years later

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

The shipwreck community is abuzz as of late due to a recently discovered shipwreck in Lake Michigan. The Trinidad was a grain schooner that went down in 1881. Nearly 150 years later, it was finally rediscovered by Brendon Baillod and Robert Jaeck, who recently went public with their find.

The Trinidad was a 140-foot schooner built in New York back in 1867. If you’re thinking 14 years on the lakes isn’t a very long time, you’d be right. Historical documents, such as insurance records, show that the ship was not properly cared for and that this was likely the reason it sank. No longer safe for grain, the ship was carrying a load of coal to Milwaukee when it began taking on water in 1881. Before long, the pumps could not keep up, and the ship was abandoned. Luckily, the issue was known, and the crew had plenty of time to prepare. All escaped with their lives, except for one unfortunate dog who served as a sort of mascot for the ship. The crew rowed a lifeboat about eight hours to the coast of Ahnapee (present-day Algoma), Wis., leaving the Trinidad 270 feet be -

low water, where it still sits today.

Baillod has a number of titles in the world of maritime history, among them being the President of the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association and the Director at Large of the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History. He and his wreck hunting partner, Jaeck, used sonar to locate the wreck of the Trinidad in a search that took about two years, finally succeeding this past July. Luckily for them, the captain of the ship, John Higgins, left pretty extensive notes, so the wreck was not too terribly difficult to find. What was a surprise, though, was the condition of the wreck. The ship was intact and is said to still have plates stacked in the cabinets. It has been described as a “time capsule” shipwreck.

Loose estimates place the number of ships wrecked in Lake Michigan at around 6,000. Only about a quarter of those have ever been found. As you can imagine, that sparks a lot of interest and curiosity, and so there is a pretty avid shipwreck hunting community in Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes Region. In the early days of shipwreck hunting, pilfering souvenirs was pretty common, but these days we have the Abandoned Shipwrecks Act (ASA). This law effectively made historic shipwrecks the property of whichever state’s waters they

were found in. With improvements in technology such as sonar and underwater photography, these ships are being seen as never before, and lucky for us, the ASA keeps these wrecks preserved as they are, meaning we all get to enjoy seeing these mysteriously touching and hauntingly beautiful pieces of our maritime history. Hunting for shipwrecks may be a hobby that requires harder nerves than others, but it certainly pays off in spades.

Hart High School Class of 1956 celebrates 67 years

The Hart High School Class of 1956 met at Open Hearth Grille September 14 for their 67th reunion with 16 members present. All said they are looking forward to another reunion next year. The class, pictured at left included: back row ,from left, Carl Wiegand and Jim Corliss; middle row, from left, Jim Tate, Janet (Van Bergen) Fouts, Clair Purdy, Charlene (Alvesteffer) Birkman, Linda (Tompkins) McLouth, Bob McKenzie, Don Walsworth, Jim Cleveland, Martha Greiner and Ron Sauser; front row, from left, Pat (Robbins) Gamble, Nancy (Cloud) Warmuskerken, Lois Greiner and Shirley (Robbins) Whitaker.

• Contributed Photo

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

• It’s Constitution Week (September 17-23) when we commemorate that document’s history and importance and bring attention to how it still serves today. In 1955, the Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned Congress to set aside September 17–23 annually to be dedicated to the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

• Grape harvest helpers are needed! Pleasant Valley Farms and Vineyard invite the community to be a part of their 2023 grape harvest. Once signed up, volunteers will receive an email or text 24-48 hours prior to the next harvest time. Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt, lunch and wine tasting. Sign-up in their tasting room located at 522 N 69th Ave. in Hart or email pleasantvalleyfarmsmi@gmail.com.

• The City of Hart was recently awarded a grant to fund a new mural project in downtown Hart. A mural depicting the stories and lived experiences of our immigrant and migrant workers

and Notes

is set to be painted in time for the official unveiling at the second annual Art Walk in downtown Hart on Saturday, Oct. 7. Grand Rapids mural artist Hugo Claudin has had two listening sessions with area stakeholders to hear their stories and develop a rough draft for approval. Visit https:// rb.gy/lmrcd for further information.

• The City of Hart recently appointed Cynthia Fout, of Peach Street, to the City of Hart Planning Commission. “I am interested in the future of Hart and how we plan to move forward. I would like to see if I can be of assistance,” her application read. With Jack and Peg Wittman’s move from the area, Fred Rybarz has stepped in temporarily to fill Mr. Wittman’s seat until a permanent replacement can be found. Fout will fill Mrs. Wittman’s seat. Interested Hart residents are encouraged to apply at the city office for the remaining open position. Other members of the Planning Commission include Betty Root, Jim Evans, Diana LaPorte, Jim Cunningham and Gale Goldberg. The planning commission meets on the first Mondays of every month at 4 p.m. in the city hall.

• The City of Hart Police Department welcomed Officer Joshua Pomorski August 1. Pomorski has over three years of law enforcement

experience working with agencies in Oceana, Mason and Manistee Counties. Pomorski will fill the vacancy left by Kevin Skipski, who was named as the new Hart Public School’s School Resource Officer. This three-year position will be funded equally by a State of Michigan Office of School Safety grant and Hart Public Schools. This arrangement has freed up funds for the Hart Department to hire an additional full-time officer.

• Donate blood and help save a life! Reportedly, blood supply levels are critically low right now in the state of Michigan. If you are able to give blood, please consider donating at one of two drives at the West Michigan Research Center located at 5185 N. Oceana Drive, Hart: Monday, Sept. 25, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or Thursday, Oct. 5, from 2-6:30 p.m. Pre-registering is helpful; please contact Kathy Roskam at 231-861-6353. Walk-ins are welcome.

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

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Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR to host meeting Sept. 23

The Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR will meet Sept. 23 at noon at the Centenary United Methodist Church - Wesley Room, located at 82 S. Hancock St. in Pentwater.

Paulette Highland is the hostess and the program is Sacagawea & York. Lunch will be a BYOB potluck.

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.

Friends of Shelby Library to sponsor speech contest for high school students

The Friends of Shelby Area District Library are offering area high school students the chance to win up to $100 by participating in a Speech Contest that will take place during National Friends of the Library Week October 15–20. The theme for a two to three minute speech is “How the Library Has Made a Difference in My Life.” Three judges will select the top three speakers who will receive monetary awards. More information and registration forms can be obtained at the Shelby Library circulation desk.

Pet Photo Contest voting continues through Oct. 18

The Friends of the Shelby Area District Library are having a 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.

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) 2590211 for more information.

Two opportunities to donate blood in Oceana

Blood donors are urgently needed! Currently Michigan’s supply of blood is very low. Community members are urged to attend one of two upcoming blood drives sponsored by Versiti Blood of Michigan, Monday, Sept. 25 from 8-12:30 a.m. or Thursday, Oct. 5 from 2-6:30 p.m. at the West Michigan Research Center located at 5185 N. Oceana Dr. Individuals must not have donated in the last 60 days and are reminded to eat a good meal and drink plenty of water for the most successful donation experience. “Rush In to Donate” on Monday, Sept. 25 and enter to win tickets to see the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears play on Nov. 19. Receive the VIP treatment and an official Lions blanket, a $100 Lions Pro Shop e-gift card and a $100 Visa gift card. Donate on Thursday, October 5 and receive a pair of “spooktacular” Versiti Halloween socks. Schedule your appointment today by contacting local coordinator Kathy Roskam at 231-861-6353, Versiti Blood of Michigan at 866-642-5663, www.versiti.org/blood-donation-locations/Michigan or by emailing donate.mi@versiti.org.

Pentwater to host annual Fall Fest Arts & Crafts

Pentwater’s Annual Fall Fest Arts and Crafts show will take place Saturday Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artisans will gather on the Village Green to showcase their product. Everyone is welcome to stop by and see what they have to offer.

Interested in square dancing?

For more information or to sign-up call, text or email: 231-742-8008 or 231-301-5333 melodymatesdance@gmail.com

Local quilter semi-finalist in International Quilt Show

GRAND RAPIDS - Susan Waldrep of Shelby was a semi-finalist for 2023 AQS QuiltWeek - Grand Rapids, Mich., which took place from Sept. 13-16, 2023, at DeVos Place Convention Center. Waldrep was chosen to display the quilt, STARFLOWER, along with 332 others in this AQS Contest. First, second and third-place prizes in seven categories were awarded, along with seven overall awards, including Best of Show. Winners were announced at the show and posted on the AQS website, americanquilter.com. More than $50,000 was granted to contest winners, including $10,000 for the AQS QuiltWeek Grand Rapids Best of Show and $3,500 each for Best Wall Quilt, Best Traditional Design, Best Original Design, Best Hand, Best Stationary and Best Movable Workmanship. All semi-finalist quilts were displayed at the show, which drew more than 17,000 people.

AQS President Bill Schroeder says, “Last year, we were so excited to be back to in-person QuiltWeek events. We cannot thank the quilters enough for their support of our shows coming out of the pandemic. The quilters want to see the quilts that are displayed, to marvel at the work and find inspiration for their own projects. I have no doubt this year’s quilts (did) the same.”

The American Quilter’s Society hosts several shows annually, each with its own quilt contest. Besides the Grand Rapids show, AQS hosts other prestigious shows in Daytona Beach, Fla.; Branson, Mo.; Des Moines, Iowa; and Paducah, Ky.

For more information, please visit americanquilter.com.

Quilts were entered into this International contest from 34 U.S. states and 11 countries. Waldrep currently sells her quilts on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/ Quiltsbysuewaldrep, where she has almost 1,000 sales.

Oceana County Economic Alliance to host Developer Day 2023

All are welcome to join the Oceana County Economic Alliance for for a celebration of the opportunity for private investment in development of housing, commercial facilities, and industrial sites in Oceana County.

Participants will meet at Valley City Metals Rothbury Plant, located at 2629 W. Winston Rd. in Rothbury at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6 for Oceana County Developer Day 2023. The bus will take

Tails of Hope

Isn’t this is a very good-looking dog?

She is a five-year-old German Shepherd who needs a new home. Her name is Halston and she doesn’t like cats. Halston is currently getting used to walking on a leash. She is friendly and ready to be your new best friend.

participants on a tour of development sites in progress, shovel-ready sites and land with potential for future development. The bus will return at 3 p.m.

Private developers, real estate agents, bankers and loan managers, utility managers, business owners, as well as local elected officials and local planning and zoning commission members are the target audience for Developer Day, but it is open to all.

Halston 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 Halston

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

It takes a lot of effort to make Oceana County the best it can be. All citizens can become involved in some way, at every level and in every sector of our community. To that end, we present the following monthly board meeting dates and contact information that were available as of this week. If anyone is trying to contact a township office or official directly, please note that phone messages and emails may not be checked daily. Most websites have a wealth of additional information for citizens including contact numbers, open hours, meeting times/ minutes, special committees and township notices. For those wondering where to ask questions or share ideas and how to become more involved, attending a local government meeting is a great place to start!

FIRST MONDAY of the Month

• Shelby Township 6 p.m. Jan-Apr and Oct-Dec; 7 p.m. May-Sept. 231-8615853 or info@shelbytownshipoceana.com, www.shelbytownshipoceana.com

SECOND MONDAY of the Month

• Claybanks Township 7:30 p.m. 231-861-1060, www.claybankstownship.org

• Greenwood Township 7 p.m. 231-854-0202, http://greenwood-township. com

• Leavitt Township 7 p.m. No phone or website. Hall address: 2401 N 184th Ave or PO Box 185; Clerk address: PO Box 67 Walkerville.

• Village of Hesperia 7:30 p.m., 231-854-6205, www.hesperiavillage.com

• Village of Pentwater 6 p.m. 231-869-8301, https://pentwatervillage.com

• Village of Shelby 6 p.m. 231-861-4400, www.shelbyvillage.com

• Weare Township 7:30 p.m. 231-873-0144, www.wearetownship.org

THIRD MONDAY of the Month

• Crystal Township 7 p.m. Website: www.crystaltownship.org

FOURTH MONDAY of the Month

• Benona Township 7 p.m. 231-861-2154, www.benonatownship.org

• Village of Shelby 6 p.m. 231-861-4400, www.shelbyvillage.com

FIRST TUESDAY of the Month

SECOND TUESDAY of the Month

• City of Hart 7:30 p.m. 231-873-2488, https://cityofhart.org

• Elbridge Township 7:30 p.m. 231-873-4740 or www.elbridgetownship.org,

• Golden Township 7:30 p.m. 231-873-4413 or info@goldentownship.org

THIRD TUESDAY of the Month

• Newfield Township 7 p.m. 231-854-4702, www.newfieldtownship.org

• Ferry Township 7:30 p.m. 231-861-0545 or www.ferrytownship.org, ferrytwnsp@gmail.com

• Village of Rothbury 7 p.m. 231-894-2385, www.villageofrothbury.org

FOURTH TUESDAY of the Month

• City of Hart 7:30 p.m. 231-873-2488, https://cityofhart.org

FIRST WEDNESDAY of the Month

• Grant Township 7:30 p.m. (with a few exceptions) 231-893-6336, www. granttownshipoceana.com, granttwp@gmail.com

SECOND WEDNESDAY of the Month

• Pentwater Township 6 p.m. 231-869-6231, www.pentwatertwp.org

• Hart Township 7:30 p.m. 231-873-2734, www.harttownship.org, harttownship@gmail.com

SECOND THURSDAY of the Month

• Oceana County Board of Commissioners 11:30 a.m. Oceana County Courthouse Board Room. There are a few exceptions to this time, please visit their website at https://oceana.mi.us/events for their board meeting schedule.

• Otto Township 7 p.m. website: www.ottotownship.com, ottowtownship@ gmail.com

• Village of New Era 7 p.m., www.neweravillage.com

THIRD THURSDAY of the month

• Village of Walkerville 7:30 p.m., 231-873-5842, 121 S. East Street, PO Box 97, Walkerville.

FOURTH THURSDAY of the Month

• Oceana County Board of Commissioners 11:30 a.m. Oceana County Courthouse Board Room. There are a few exceptions to this time, please visit their website at https://oceana.mi.us/events for their board meeting schedule.

Living Legacies: New Era Fall Street Festival and Hispanic Heritage Days Celebration in Hart

Michigan Dunes Chapter of NSDAR welcomes new additions

The Michigan Dunes Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) made some new additions to their ranks on Saturday, Aug. 19. Linda Foster was sworn in as a new member, while Rebecca Collard and Karen Nordhoff both became associate members. The meeting also featured a program from Carol Juhi on the harp where she played patriotic songs on the instrument.

and Contributed

Photos/Echo

Two celebrations took place over the weekend with the New Era Fall Street Festival and Hart Hispanic Heritage Celebration taking place on Saturday, Sept. 16. Both events had pretty impressive attendance, despite the rain looming overhead. New Era’s Fall Street Festival had vendors available, a bounce house for kids and even an opportunity to learn a bit of knife throwing. The Hart Hispanic Heritage Celebration featured live music from Los Estrellas de Oro, cultural foods, vendors, folkloric dancing, kids activities and a fireworks show. • Amanda

Dodge/ECHO

Michigan Dunes NSDAR set up a booth at Oceana County Fair where they passed out 300 American flags and flag pins. • Contributed

• Amanda Dodge and Contributed

O bituaries

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

Charles William Smith

July 30, 1961 ~ September 10, 2023

Charles William “Charlie” Smith, 62, passed away peace fully Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at The Leila & Cyrus Poppen Residence. He was born July 30, 1961, in Chicago, Ill., to Willard and Virgene (Miller) Smith. Charlie graduated from Cary-Grove High School in Cary, Ill., in 1979 and worked for the family business, W. Smith Cartage Company, as a truck driver and dispatcher for over 40 years. On Sept. 15, 1990, he married Gale Nelson, and they were preparing to celebrate 33 years together.

In 2017, after retiring from the family business, Charlie and Gale realized their dream of moving to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, took a leap of faith with son Scott, and bought Duneland Off-Road Center in 2017. Charlie loved working with his “Duneland family” and cherished the relationships he created with the wonderful staff and the many customers and vendors. He was a SLRA (Silver Lake Recreation Association) board member and passionate about promoting the local area. Heroes on the Dunes was a favorite weekend, and he loved bringing his brother Tom to town to spend time with him and other veterans. What he loved most, though, was spending time with his grandchildren.

Charlie’s great sense of humor, dedicated work ethic and zest for life will be deeply missed by his wife, Gale; son, Scott (Racheal) Carlson; grandchildren, Gavin Carlson, Logan Dean and Alex Blohm; brothers, Tom Smith, Jim (Betty) Smith and Steve Smith; sisters, Susan (Gary) Lindsley, Sharon Ormsby, Mariann (Greg) Hoeft-Werderitch and twin sister, Patty (Bill) Downey. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Private Memorial Service was held by the family. A Celebration Of Life will be held at Duneland Off-Road Center on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, from noon to 3 p.m. Memorial Contributions may be directed to The Leila & Cyrus Poppen Residence or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442) is honored to be serving the Carlson/Smith family. To share special memories with the family, please visit www. sytsemafh.com.

Harold Edward France

July 16, 1933 ~ September 13, 2023

Harold Edward France, 90, of Altenburg, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson.

He was born July 16, 1933, in Muskegon, Mich. to William and Alice (Haynor) France. Harold attended Sackrider School in Elbridge until the eighth grade and graduated from hart High School.

Harold and Rhonda France were married Aug. 2, 1995 in Korsør, Denmark.

He served in the U.S. Navy in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and later retired after 21 years of service. He then worked as a field technician for Boeing Aerospace for 44 years.

Known as Harpoon Harry, when he turned 90 in July of this year, he was lauded as Harpoon Missile Lead Field Service Representative (FSR) and Eighth Wonder of the World. Harold led the Harpoon Missile Field Service and international traveling team. After retiring from the Navy, Harold eventually joined Boeing/McDonnell Douglas and was in his 45th year with the company. In his tenure there, he had been on 241 trips to 27 countries in support of their international customers. Harold was a shining example of the loyalty, determination and dedication of Boeing Field Service.

Harold was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altenburg; he served as the Mayor of the City of Altenburg and was also on the Altenburg Public School Board. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #133 and VFW #4282.

Harold enjoyed traveling, doing handy work and gardening. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, including his dog, Ramsey.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Zachary E. France and Boyd C. (Jennifer) France; two daughters, Lisa Douglas and Jenni France; six grandchildren, Logan (Heather) France, Joshua (Evan) Weber, Whitney Unterreiner, Dalton France, Caroline Douglas and Olivia Mirabile; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Wilma Warburton; his brother-in-law, Robert Warburton; and his grandson, Jacob Weber.

Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, and continued from 8-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville.

Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville with Rev. Frank Lucas officiating. Military honors will follow and be provided by the United States Naval Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Burial will be at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.

Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Celebration of Life ~ David Trommater

Please join family and friends of David Trommater for a celebration of life at Park Place, 310 Rush St. in Pentwater Sept. 30, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The family is looking forward to sharing mutual memories and stories of Dave. Food and drink will be served.”

Dear Community,

Regarding Pentwater Village’s city feasibility study, I think the central question is whether owners of residential and commercial properties in the village should only be taxed for needed government services that are provided as efficiently as possible and not be taxed for unneeded services or taxed twice.

READER ADER RE FLECTIONS FLECTIONS READER ADER RE FLECTIONS FLECTIONS

It’s good that citizens are beginning to question both local governments, but overlooked so far is the conclusion of the Township taxpayer-paid Citizens Research Council Report: “Pentwater Township would be affected…but tools exist for it to adapt. Because Pentwater Township has a relatively rich property tax base and levies taxes at relatively high rates, it will have more resources…while some services and operations may need to be scaled back, those changes would do little to lessen the quality of life in the township.” Shouldn’t township taxpayers start asking why we pay relatively HIGH tax rates on our relatively rich properties?

I’ve compared the budgets posted on the township and village governments’ websites. Looking at the township budget as a village resident, I see that I’m helping to pay these township expenses: trustees, planning/zoning functions, support for Park Place, recreation, sewer, township office expenses (e.g., HVAC, snowplowing, repairs, office expenses, utilities, IT, etc.), and the transfer station. We also help pay for a township supervisor, deputy supervisor, clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, and deputy treasurer - can their services to village taxpayers be more efficiently provided by village staff? This needs careful vetting. We also pay a millage to repair township roads.

Looking at the village budget, I see I’m also paying for a board, planning/zoning functions, Park Place (a .348 millage), Parks and Rec, sewer, village hall expenses, sanitation, a manager, and a clerk/treasurer. And I’m paying to repair village streets (township taxpayers don’t, although they often use them).

I also see an almost $100,000 expense for channel dredging in the village budget but no related expense in the township budget.

All this seems awfully redundant and/or unfair. The township provides services for 762 residents living outside village limits and 890 folks who live inside (2020 census data). If “village” taxpayers can receive all needed local government services from a new “city” form of government more efficiently, then the township staff would be left with providing services to fewer than half the residents. But again, the CRC concluded that “Those changes would do little to lessen the quality of life.”

My learning continues.

Ron Beeber Pentwater,

Mich.

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan emergency appeal for blood donors

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations, pleading with community members to make an appointment to donate today! With less than a day’s supply of lifesaving blood on the shelves for Michigan hospitals, patients’ lives are at risk.

Organizers are hoping community members will be able to “help fill the gap” at one of the upcoming drives, to be held at the West Michigan Research Center, located at 5185 N. Oceana Drive - Monday, Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or Thursday, October 5 from 2-6:30 p.m.

Unfortunately, Versiti has seen a drastic drop in scheduled appointments over the last seven days. “This is the lowest our blood inventory has been in over a year, which could mean that blood is not available when it’s needed the most. We are seeing fewer first-time donors walking through our doors, which is adding to an already dangerous situation,” said Caitlin Gallagher, Senior Account Representative for Versiti. “We are really hoping the community will step up and donate at this critical time,” she said.

Versiti estimates that around 20 per-

cent of its donors are first-time donors, and unfortunately, more than 50 percent of those donors only donate once. With an aging donor base and increased need, first-time blood donors are desperately needed. Versiti is challenging every eligible donor to pledge to donate at least twice by the end of the year and to encourage a friend or family member to give blood donation a try. These two actions would significantly impact the local blood supply.

All blood types are needed, with type O positive being the most common blood type and type O negative being the universal type that can be safely received by all patients in emergencies when the blood type is not known. Both are most in demand. “Blood on the shelves today will save lives tomorrow,” Callagher said.

Donating blood takes about an hour and has the potential to save up to three lives.

Anyone age 16 (with parent consent) or older and in good health who meets the eligibility requirements is able to donate. Donors should eat a good meal and be hydrated before donating. They are reminded to bring a photo ID that includes their birth date. To schedule an appointment please call Versiti’s local coordinator, Kathy Roskam at 231-8616353 or visit versiti.org. Walk-in donors are also welcome.

“Harpoon Harry”

WEEKLY SERVICE, Orlando, FL 32803

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FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

• On Oct. 2, 1614, Louis XIII of France was declared an adult. His mother, Marie de’ Medici, continued to act as his Regent, however, as she had begun upon the assassination of his father, King Henry IV of France, in 1610, until Louis turned 16.

Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter welcomed Pope John Paul II as the first pontiff to visit the White House. Carter greeted the Polish-born pope in his native tongue with “Niech bedzie bog Pochwalony” (“May God be praised”).

• On Oct. 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire broke out in the barn of Patrick and Catherine O’Leary and lasted for two days. By the time it ended, 300 people had died and a large swath of the city had been devastated. The exact cause of the blaze was never determined.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

257

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

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20230918 FOR RELEASE SEPT. 18, 2023

By Lucie Winborne

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20230918

FOR RELEASE SEPT. 18, 2023

By JoAnn Derson

• On Oct. 3, 1967, singer/musician/ activist Woody Guthrie, lauded by Bob Dylan as “the true voice of the American spirit,” died from complications of Huntington’s disease at age 55. His music focused primarily on American socialism and anti-fascism, influencing numerous other artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Jerry Garcia.

• On Oct. 4, 2006, the widows of two war veterans brought a lawsuit against the United States government for the right to include Wiccan religious symbols on graves in military cemeteries. While the religion is recognized by the military, its followers were not permitted to display a Wiccan pentacle on such markers until the following year.

• On Oct. 5, 1999, torrential rains caused flooding and mudslides that completely buried 80 homes in the small Mexican city of Teziutlan. Authorities estimated the village received nearly half the amount of its annual rainfall in just three days.

• On Oct. 6, 1945, tavern owner William Sianis bought a seat for himself and his pet goat, Murphy, for Game 4 of the World Series, featuring the Chicago Cubs vs. the Detroit Tigers. Chagrined that Murphy was denied admission, legend holds that Sianis declared the Cubs would never win a game again until the animal was allowed on Wrigley Field. Though he “lifted” the curse in 1969, the Cubs didn’t see another victory until 1984.

• On Oct. 7, 1979, President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter welcomed Pope John Paul II as the first pontiff to visit the White House. Carter greeted the Polish-born pope in his native tongue with “Niech bedzie bog Pochwalony” (“May God be praised”).

• On Oct. 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire broke out in the barn of Patrick and Catherine O’Leary and lasted for two days. By the time it ended, 300 people had died and a large swath of the city had been devastated. The exact cause of the blaze was never determined.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

• You can plant deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in the fall) strategically in order to reduce your heating and cooling costs. Their leaves grow in the spring, blocking summer’s heating rays, but when winter comes, they fall off to let the sun in, warming things up a bit.

• Keep nail-polish bottles easy to open by rubbing a little bit of petroleum jelly inside the cap of the bottle.

• M.C. in Arizona would like to know some alternative uses for hair conditioner. Here goes: use as a shaving lotion for legs or face; a makeup remover; ouch-free bandage removal; soften makeup brushes or paintbrushes before storage; get knots out of doll hair or costume wigs; wash delicates (think silks and pantyhose); rub on a shower rod to help curtain glide effortlessly; and lastly, soak a shrunken sweater in a conditioner/water solution to soften the fibers, then gently try stretching the sweater back to size.

• “Clean an egg carton very well. Flip it over and make slits in each egg cup. This works wonders as a child’s card holder for card games.” — L.P. in Maryland

• Use an empty paper towel roll to store plastic grocery bags. Just stuff to capacity. These “bag sticks” are easy to store in a drawer or even mounted on the side of a trash can with double-stick tape.

• When cleaning glass tabletops or chrome fixtures, try using newspaper instead of paper towels or rags. There is no lint left behind, and newspaper gives a better shine. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Lucie Winborne

• More people from nudist colonies play volleyball than any other sport.

• New York’s Girl Scout Troop 6000, whose entire membership is homeless or living in shelters, has sold more than $1.6 million worth of Girl Scout cookies since 2017, earning not just national recognition, but money to benefit about 2,500 women and girls in more than 20 shelters throughout the greater New York area.

• Competitive trash collecting is a sport in Japan.

• Just in time for global warming, scientists have developed a paint that reflects the sun’s rays, potentially reducing the need for air conditioning by up to 40%.

• The oldest known photograph, taken by French photographer Nicephore Niepce in 1826, took eight hours to expose.

• In 5th-century Greece, handshakes were done to make sure that the other person wasn’t carrying a hidden weapon. The hand clasp proved that your hand was empty, and shaking it was meant to “shake out” any weapons hiding in the sleeve.

• Farm-raised salmon are fed carotenoids to give their flesh its trademark pink color.

• If a woodpecker goes too long without food, it will pin down other birds and peck at their heads until it can eat their brains.

• Holy flipping flapjacks! In 2012, Brad Jolly of Australia set the Guinness World Record for the most tosses of a pancake, with an astonishing 140 flips a minute.

***

Thought for the Day: “Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.” —

Nouwen

Henri

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Weekly Rundown: Shelby hopes to remedy offensive struggles heading into matchup with Hesperia

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Make it four weeks of football gone and past for high schools in West Michigan.

The fall season is rapidly approaching the midway point and as such, possible playoff teams are starting to emerge. Hart is one of those teams as the Pirates now sit at 4-0 and have compiled 140 playoff points which stands as the most inside the West Michigan Conference (WMC) Rivers Division.

Now, if you’re confused on playoff points, here’s a quick rundown. There are a variety of different aspects that earn you points for a win. You get points based on the division of the team you beat and teams are awarded bonus points depending on the overall record of the team they beat. At the end of the year, the top 32 teams in each division earn playoff berths.

As for Hesperia and Shelby, playoffs are likely not going to be on the table, but the two are hoping to improve their standing this week when they take each other on.

That game means a lot to both teams. After all, Shelby was winless when they took on the Panthers last year, before knocking them off in overtime. That was a milestone win for the Tigers, but Hesperia is every bit as strong as they were when the two met in 2022.

Before we find out where each team is going, let’s get back to where each team finished in week four. Let’s get crackin’:

Shelby vs. Ravenna

Finalscore:Ravenna42,Shelby0

SHELBY – Shelby was shutout at home for the second-straight week when Ravenna came in and trounced them in a 42-0 affair on Friday, Sept. 15.

The Tigers have shown promise on their opening

drives of the game offensively this year. The problem for them has been sustaining that success and finishing with points. Speaking purely as a spectator, something that seemed to hinder them against Ravenna was their inability to turn the ball upfield.

Too many times, Shelby would find themselves running sideline to sideline and ending up with either a minimal gain or a loss of yardage. If the Tigers can find a way to make a move that pushes them a few more yards toward the end zone, the drives should last a lot longer.

Defense did all they could to keep Shelby in the game in the first quarter. After allowing Ravenna to march down into their territory, Shelby’s Phillip Hayes turned

an overthrown pass into an interception. Unfortunately, his offense didn’t make the most of the opportunity, ending that possession with a punt.

“We turned in the best four practices in a row this week that we had all year,” Shelby head coach Phil Fortier said. “The execution was better and we were in the game. We were doing well stopping the run, but at critical times we had breakdowns.”

Both Ravenna and Shelby were unsuccessful at punching the ball over the goal line for the majority of

Football: Week Four

continued on page 17

Tigers fall to Ravenna in second-straight conference loss

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – Shelby’s boys soccer team started the 2023 season with high hopes of capturing its second conference title in the last five years. The chances of that happening are starting to fade as the Tigers dropped their second straight game to a conference opponent, losing to Ravenna 2-1 on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

The Tigers started off looking like they might dominate possession in Wednesday’s contest with the Bulldogs. Precise passing combined with speed had them penetrating deep into Ravenna’s third of the field.

That persisted through the majority of the first half as Ravenna struggled to piece anything together. Several times through that initial 40 minute period, the Bulldogs could be heard shouting at each other after miscommunication began to take hold.

Fortune quickly turned in favor of Ravenna however. With five minutes remaining in the half, a scoring frenzy

was kicked off when a scramble in front of Shelby’s goal allowed a Bulldog to poke free and fire a shot past Shelby keeper Ismael Valdez.

Ravenna turned that 1-0 lead into a tide of momentum in the closing minutes of the first half. With 1:52 left on the clock, the Bulldogs turned a long pass from midfield into a one-on-one chance for their striker against Valdez.

Valdez blocked the Ravenna striker’s initial shot, but watched the ball rebound back in front of him. With no time to adjust, the Bulldogs cleaned up the shot with another goal that put them in front 2-0.

Shelby did find their own success in the final seconds of the first period. Senior captain Mauricio Castillo drove the ball downfield, utilizing his quick feet to leave defenders in his wake. With one sweep of his leg, Castillo found teammate Alan Arreola on the left side with an open shot that he netted with 24 seconds left before the break.

The second half featured much more back-and-forth play between Shelby and Ravenna, but neither were able to

Tigers

continued on page 17

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Shelby’s Ben Cederquist attempts to haul in a pass from Lalo Garcia as he runs up the right sideline. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

Shelby’s Ismael Valdez makes a save in front of the Tigers’ net. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

continued from page 16

the first quarter. It wasn’t until 11 seconds remaining in that same quarter that the Bulldogs found a 7-0 lead.

From that point, the Bulldogs ran away with the game. Ravenna scored three more times in the first half, putting Shelby in a 28-0 hole at halftime.

Shelby’s bright spots included the interception from Hayes along with another by Levi Cooley. Lalo Garcia also picked up a huge 53-yard gain on a fourth down run that put the Tigers in prime scoring position.

“As far as Levi goes, he’s been sick all week and was in the emergency room,” Fortier said. “He got himself well enough to come back and play so I appreciate that toughness. We didn’t think he was going to play much but we ended up having to go to him. Phillip made some plays as well. Those interceptions were big. I just wish we could have cashed in on those opportunities.”

Ravenna put on two more touchdowns in the second half and that spelled the end of the game with a running clock already having been installed.

Now sitting at 0-4, Shelby has a weird sense of déjà vu heading into a meeting with Hesperia. After all, the Tigers were sitting at the same exact record last year when the two met, in what turned out to be the turning point for their season.

“(This game) may be bigger (this year). We’ve got to find a way to win,” Fortier said. “Our stands deserve it, our kids deserve it and we’ve been working hard to make this thing go. Every week is huge for us.”

Hart vs. Stockbridge (at University of Olivet)

Finalscore:Hart54,Stockbridge41

Hart’s undefeated season faced its first true test on Friday, Sept. 15 – other than their week one game against Fremont. The test came in the form of Stockbridge, a team that pushed Hart to their limits in a 54-41 win for the Pirates.

The first half of that game didn’t go the way Hart’s been used to offensively. In the two games leading up to

Football: Week Four Tigers

find the back of the net. The Tigers saw plenty of quality looks from Arreola, Trey Gauthier and Venancio Cadena, but were unable to convert.

Now sitting at 6-5-1 overall on the year and a 3-4 record in the West Michigan Conference (WMC), Shelby will have to battle to get back near the top of the standings. Even

last week’s, the Pirates had scored 96 points combined. Much of that had been thanks to large scoring outputs in the first two quarters.

When Hart made their way to the University of Olivet on Friday, they found themselves digging out of a 14-0 hole after the first quarter. Even after outscoring the Panthers in the second quarter, the Pirates trailed 27-16 at halftime.

I’m not sure what got into the Pirates at the break, but it became apparent that they weren’t interested in letting their opponent have the ball. Dean DeVries – Hart’s special teams ace – was a big part of that as he and head coach Joe Tanis dialed up three onside kick attempts in the third quarter, all of which were recovered by Hart.

Those special teams calls led Hart to 24 unanswered points and put them in the lead for the first time. With a 40-27 lead, all the Pirates had to do was match any points Stockbridge put up in the fourth.

Senior Joseluis Andaverde was the Pirates’ lead horse once more, toting the ball 30 times for 322 yards and four touchdowns. That’s a monster stat line that makes the numbers put up by the rest of the guys behind him seem pedestrian, even though they were impressive as well.

Connor Edwards ran for 86 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns while Austin Martinez had 55 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Edwards also recorded a sack on defense to go along with a monster defensive game from Chase Gale (nine tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery).

Hart is now 4-0 and will head into a battle of the unbeatens with North Muskegon on Friday, Sept. 22. The winner of that game will own sole possession of first place in the WMC Rivers standings.

Hesperia at North Muskegon

Finalscore:NorthMuskegon69,Hesperia7

Hesperia got flat out beat down by North Muskegon, 69-7, which doesn’t speak so much to the Panthers abilities as it does to the power of the Norsemen.

Standing at 4-0, North Muskegon is an absolute powerhouse in the conference and likely won’t have much trouble finding a playoff spot at the end of the year. The Panthers struggled to stop the run, which led to the Norsemen’s lead back tallying four touchdowns on the ground.

Brock Bolles saw his second-straight action as Hesperia’s starting quarterback and he improved his ability to hang onto the ball. Bolles completed 11 of his 25 pass attempts for 124 yards and threw just one interception, an improvement on his two from last week.

The ground game was not as effective as it typically is for the Panthers. Skyler Stalbaum, Bolles and Wyatt Roberson combined for 58 yards on the ground over 19 carries. Roberson was responsible for the Panthers’ lone touchdown.

Ian Fox continued to impress, catching six balls for 109 yards through the air. Eli Edens had two catches for eight yards while Blake Sayer had one catch for six yards. Stalbaum led the defense with six tackles while Edens had five and Fox had two.

Hesperia (1-3) gears up to take on Shelby this week and I’m sure head coach Tyler Fehler is hungry to prove the Panthers can contend within the WMC Rivers.

continued from page 16

then, it likely won’t be enough for the Tigers to land on top with Fremont, Oakridge, Manistee and now Ravenna all owning tie breaker wins over them.

There are only five games left on the schedule for Shelby. The road to a better standing in the WMC begins when they take on North Muskegon on Monday, Sept. 25.

OFFENSE: Chris Ter Haar - OL

Continuing the trend of getting the big guys the recognition they deserve, let’s give the nod to Ter Haar. Hart loves to run the ball and Ter Haar loves to block.

DEFENSE: Chase Gale - LB

Gale is somewhat of a utility player for Hart. He’s capable of making plays on offense, but defense is where he really comes on strong.

OFFENSE: Isaac Garcia - WR/QB

Garcia doesn’t often get a lot of playing time, but that changed last week. I think he could see more time at QB as the season drags on.

DEFENSE: Levi Cooley - DB

Cooley played through sickness last week and even had to take a trip to the hospital leading up to the game. Even then, he came down with an interception against Ravenna.

Brendan’s Players to Watch Hart Shelby Hesperia

OFFENSE: Noah Walker - OL

Hesperia also loves their run game and they depend on their experienced lineman to anchor the offfense. Noah Walker is a big guy that knows how to move bodies.

DEFENSE: Blake Hernandez - DL

Shelby has plenty of guys who are able to run the ball. The key for Hesperia will be stopping them before they get started. Hernandez is one that can do that.

Shelby’s Trey Waller makes a cut around a Ravenna defender in pursuit. The Tigers lost to the Bulldogs 42-0. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hesperia’s Brock Bolles hands the ball off to Skyler Stalbaum in the Panthers’ 69-7 loss to North Muskegon. • Photo Contributed by Mia Milner