The Oceana Echo - Volume 1, Issue 18, Sept. 29, 2023

Housing Needs Assessment to serve as guide for decision-making in Oceana County

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Over 50 people attended the Oceana County Housing Needs Assessment presentation

Wednesday morning at the West Michigan Research Station in Hart. County Commissioner Phil Morse opened the gathering by asking those assembled, “What does housing look like?” He proceeded to give a sentimental viewpoint of what home ownership may appear from the outside, saying housing looks like young families in their first starter home, the sound of music coming through a window or the dishwasher running, the laughter heard at a backyard barbecue or kids running through the sprinkler on a hot summer day or smelling fresh cut grass on a Saturday morning. And as the family grows up and out, the cycle starts all over again.

“Housing is more than just a place to live; it’s about homes where living happens.”

With that introduction, Patrick Bowen of Bowen National Research, located in Ohio, presented his group’s findings. The study, commissioned by Oceana County, took place earlier this year and was paid for using some of the county’s ARPA

(American Rescue Plan Act) funds. The very extensive report is over 300 pages in length and will be shared with area municipalities in the hopes that the information can be made available to local stakeholders. Bowen took about an hour to present an abbreviated overview of the information in a PowerPoint presentation format.

The report included data from the 62 community members who responded to the survey. Of those, 14 were employers. Bowen also reported that his staff traveled extensively throughout the entire county, putting their eyes on the current housing available and finding possible options for future home development or non-conventional rentals.

Some of the more interesting data collected included that just over 2,000 people commute into the county every day for work, while over 6,500 leave the county for employment daily. The survey showed that 40 percent of commuters would likely stay in the county if housing were available. “There is definitely opportunity,” Bowen said.

It was really no surprise to find that there were waiting lists at every rental property or that there were very few three-bedroom rentals available. The study produced a lot of other interesting statistics related to the county’s housing situation, such as population characteristics, renter households by income, owner household income, available for-sale housing, vacation rental housing, overcrowded housing factors, typical jobs/wages compared to housing affordability, potential barriers to residential development and development opportunities.

Bowen’s recommendations for Oceana County going forward included - establishing a housing commission/task force; setting realistic short and long-term goals; consider making policy modifications or offering incen-

tives to encourage further development; supporting specific product types and locations that can appeal to seniors or younger households; supporting the preservation of current housing stock, possibly through home improvement or weatherization grants; educating citizens, property owners and other stakeholders with regards to the importance of home ownership, property values and how it all relates to the local economy; developing strategies to attract current commuters that may eventually live in the county and marketing to future developers.

Questions from those in attendance ranged from “How attractive is Oceana County to developers?” or “How does Oceana’s data compare to surrounding areas?” and “Did any of the study address the availability of skilled contractors?” Comments included, “While talking about housing in the county, we also need to collaborate regarding child care and transportation, two other critical needs in the county.” Curtis Burnette of the Oceana Economic Alliance announced they are working on a workforce training initiative to assist businesses needing qualified employees. Morse also reminded the group of the county’s broadband committee that has been working to gain greater internet access across the county. Bowen concurred, saying that child care, transportation and broadband are the top three issues he hears about related to the current housing situation.

Executive Director for Dogwood Community Development in Hart, Kittie Tuinstra, wrapped up the presentation by stressing that the information shared was meant to be available to everyone. “It isn’t meant to be set on a shelf, but become dog-eared over the years as we use it to guide decision-making. From this data can come incredible opportunities. It’s been said, ‘Housing

is where jobs go to sleep at night.’ We at Dogwood believe everyone should have safe, dignified and affordable housing, and that housing affects every aspect of our community. And when we encourage developers, we’re not just courting the big players. We also want to encourage the small incremental developers who are buying, flipping and creating units where they weren’t before, one at a time.”

Tuinstra said that the goal of the morning was

to not only share information but to begin planning for the future. “The report states we need 1,400 homes within five years. That’s a tall order. What’s next?” she asked. In the coming weeks, the county will be putting together a housing coalition made up of stakeholders from across the county, from financial institutions and social service agencies to businesses and homeowners. “We won’t be reinventing the wheel. We’ll be reviewing this data,

looking at what’s working elsewhere, and tweaking ideas to move forward for our community,” said Tuinstra.

Following Bowen’s presentation, it was shared that the Oceana Economic Alliance will be holding a Developer Day opportunity on Friday, Oct. 6. Details for the event can be found on Dogwood Community Development’s or the Oceana Economic Alliance’s website or Facebook pages.

Annual Oceana Coat Drive seeks donations, distribution event planned Winter Gear is Being Collected to Help Keep Oceana Families Warm

District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) in collaboration with Meridian Health Plan, Molina Healthcare, United Way of the Lakeshore, Peterson Farms Inc., Gray and Company, GHSP, the Oceana County Council on Aging, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Department and the Roadside farm stand, is hosting the Annual Winter Coat Drive to help keep Oceana County residents warm.

This is the eighth year of the Oceana community coming together to collect new or clean, gently used winter coats, snow pants, winter boots, hats and gloves. As in years past, these items will be provided to families in need during a special distribution event. The most requested coat sizes are for youth, including teenag-

ers 18 years and younger. Snow pants are also highly requested for elementary and middle school-aged youth.

Donations may be dropped off now through Oct. 4, 2023, during normal business hours at the following locations: DHD#10, 3986 N. Oceana Dr. in Hart; Oceana County Council on Aging, 4250 W. Tyler Rd. in Hart; Oceana County Sheriff’s Department, 216 Lincoln St. in Hart; The Roadside, 4105 S. Pere Marquette Hwy in Ludington.

Coats will be distributed on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 3-6 p.m. at District Health Department (DHD) #10 Hart office. In addition to the coat drive, DHD#10 will also be offering walk-in vaccinations, including flu and Covid.

8th

According to Hart City Manager Rob Splane, Hallack Construction has moved to the last phase of the city’s infrastructure project. Phase 3 is the most intrusive of the in-process construction work, being that Polk Road was closed to thru traffic starting Monday, Sept. 25, and the anticipation is to have it open again the week of Oct. 23, subject to unforeseen delays.

Polk Road to remain closed through much of October

Hart Pirates celebrate Homecoming this weekend

Homecoming festivities are in full swing for the Hart Pirates! Hart kicked off Homecoming week with the annual Powder Puff event on Sunday evening, Sept. 24. As the week continued, the hallways were transformed into the Candy Land game board, and students brightened up the building with candy-inspired Spirit Week dress-up themes each day. On Friday, Sept. 29, school spirit will coat the district as the freshmen participate in their Freshmen Focus event, led by speaker Chris Bowers, and the whole student body takes part in the pep assembly. Fall sports teams, class representatives, and class floats will roll down the streets of Hart as the parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon. The Hart Pirates will later take on the Mason County Spartans under the lights, and the 2023 King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the game. A homecoming dance for students is set for Saturday evening, Sept. 30, in the high school gym from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Members of the 2023 Hart Homecoming Court: freshman class representatives are Caden VanGelderen and Alayna Schiller; sophomore class representatives are Chase Lorenz and Grace Hallack; and junior class representatives are Eric Hannan and Devyn Adams. Senior king and queen candidates are Laura Bitely, Joseluis Andaverde, Lauryn Greiner, Connor Edwards, Sydney Goodrich, Tyler VanderZanden, Athene Thocher and Blake Weirich. Honorary Court Members are exchange students Pedro Barros, Jade Bogaert, Daria Pesavento and Chanyanuch Sooksarn.

The 2023 Hart High School Homecoming Court includes, above, front row, from left, Grace Hallack, Laura Bitely, Lauryn Greiner, Sydney Goodrich, Athene Thocher, Devyn Adams and Alayna Schiller; and back row from left, Chase Lorenz, Joseluis Andaverde, Connor Edwards, Tyler VanderZanden, Blake Weirich, Eric Hannan and Caden VanGelderen. Honorary court members, at right, are exchange students, from left, Pedro Barros, Jade Bogaert, Daria Pesavento and Chanyanuch Sooksarn.

• Contributed Photos

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Please join the OCH&GS for The 109th Golden Fair in downtown Mears, Friday, Oct. 6, meet at the Golden Township Hall at 12:45 p.m. for 1 p.m. parade.

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

The true story behind the Jack Haggerty folk song

By Caleb Jackson

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

There is a folk song known nationwide that has its roots here in Michigan. Maybe some of you even know it. The song is called “Jack Haggerty and His Flat River Girl.” It is also known as “Jack Haggerty’’ or even just “Flat River Girl.” The story of the song is simple. Jack Haggerty is a lumberman who is in love with Anna Tucker, the belle of Greenville. He showers her with money and trinkets, but eventually she writes him a letter saying she is going to marry someone else. Jack Haggerty is irate. He “shoulders [his] peavy’’ and goes to Muskegon for “some pleasures to find.”

I first became acquainted with this song through Duane Starcher’s album “Woods and Water Folksongs from Michigan History.” Like many folk songs, this one was sung by many different people in many different states, often substituting the towns and city names to suit the local area. However, Starcher’s version stands out to me because of one line in particular. While many versions say something like “In shops, bars, and households, I am very well known,” Starcher sings, “through Hart and through Shelby, I am very well known.”

Furthermore, on his website, secondcello. com, Starcher claims that the origins of this song are known. “The participants in this story of true love gone awry are known, even though the names were changed by the man who wrote the song.” He claimed that the song was written by an Irishman named Dan McGinnis. “He and his friend Jack Haggerty were forbidden to associate with Anna, as she was already engaged to George Mercer. When Mercer was promoted to woods boss, McGinnis was irate and composed the song, using Haggerty’s

name to conceal his identity,” Starcher wrote. This really piqued my interest, as I wanted to find out if this folk song really did bloom out of Greenville, Michigan. In the end, I managed to find a 1935 article called “The Origin of a Ballad” written by Geraldine Chickering, that goes into depth about this particular song.

As it turns out, Chickering actually went to Greenville and interviewed members of the family that this song was written about. The actual events covered in the song took place in 1872 or 1873. As she says in her article, “I have found that the people around Greenville have accepted as facts the details embodied in the song. The relatives of Anna Tucker and some of the older residents, however, gave me an entirely different story.” I will now cover the story, as Chickering got it from a man named Joseph L. Kitzmiller, who married Anna’s younger sister in 1873. According to him, Anna and Haggerty were not very closely acquainted.

…Jack Haggerty worked for some time for a man by the name of Charley Wells who lived in the “upright” part of the Tucker home.

Anna had never paid any special attention to Haggerty and had never “kept company” with him. (Modern Language Notes, Vol. 50, 1935, pp. 111-178)

Some of the other details of the song are spot on, though. Anna’s father was a blacksmith; they are from Greenville, and, according to Mr. Kitzmiller, she was considered the belle of the town. Chickering also gives some other interesting details about the Tucker family. Anna apparently was born in Grand Rapids in 1856 and the Tucker home was “on the Main Street of Greenville, almost on the bank of the Flat River.” She describes Dan McGinnis as a “red-haired, red-faced Irishman who had been educated for the priesthood.” As the story goes, in the winter of 1872 and 1873, Haggerty was

working in the same lumber camp as McGinnis and George Mercer, who was Anna’s fiancé. Haggerty was about 19 at this time. Mercer, who was about 10 years younger than McGinnis, was promoted to foreman of the camp,and so McGinnis got together with some of the other older staff to pen this song in an attempt to embarrass him. “McGinnis did not know Anna Tucker but knew that she was Mercer’s fiancé and used this song as a means of hurting him,” Chickering wrote. Funnily enough, she also wrote that John Tucker, Anna’s younger brother, said Jack Haggerty wasn’t smart enough to write the song.

So, there you have it—the true story of the Flat River Girl. Hart and Shelby were both established by the early 1870s, when the events of this song were taking place, but whether or not Dan McGinnis mentioned them by name in his original version of the song, we may never know.

Hart High School Class of 1959

The Hart High School Class of 1959 met at Open Hearth Grille in August for their 64th reunion. The class, pictured at right included: front row, from left, Maureen

Riggs Wiegand Evan Evans, Geraldine

Shafer Bechtal, Sandra Tate Pearson and Judy Bates Connor,; middle row, from left, Nancy Brown Lukonic, Lola Urick

Birkenbach, Harleth Hodges Herremans, Janet Greiner Lathers, Mary Mead

VanSickle, Darlene Gebhart England and Mike Schaner; back row, from left, Eldee Brunix Cates, Tom Worth, Norm

VanSickle, Lois Greiner Malburg, Bob Chapman, Dave Schaner, Mike Powers and Dale Robbins. Carol Landis Wilson was also in attendance, but had to leave early before the photo was taken.

• Contributed Photo by Mort Wiegand

Newfield Township recycling center announces opening

Oceana County: After two years of planning, grant writing, and site preparation, the Newfield Township recycling center is open.

Township Clerk Nancy Conley has led the charge to bring residential recycling services to the township and surrounding area.

“Recycling has not been available to residents in this area for quite some time. As our budget has allowed for amenities to our residents we have made road improvements but wanted to provide more services for our community,” said Conley. “Creating a recycling center has been a really rewarding project, and we have had a lot of interest for when we will be open.”

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has a goal of increasing recycling participation throughout the state. To reach that goal EGLE has been offering grant dollars for community projects. ln early 2023, Newfield Township leadership submitted a request for an infrastructure grant and was awarded approximately $35,000 to create the recycling center. These grant dollars will be used for purchasing collection dumpsters, fencing, concrete padding, signage, brochures, lights, and security cameras.

Recycling hauling services will be contracted with American Classic, which recently opened a material recycling facility in Newaygo, Mich. This facility is where the recyclables will be taken after collection, sorted and baled for end markets.

Lola Harmon-Ramsey, the Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement for American Classic assisted the Newfield Township team with the grant preparation and site layout. “Our goal at American Classic is to provide more rural recycling opportunities. Instead of having to take materials all the way to Grand Rapids we are able to accept and market local recyclables. This saves haulers time and fuel to be able to add recycling services to their routes. We are excited to grow in the Oceana County region,” said Harmon-Ramsey.

The center is currently scheduled to be open on Monday, Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 6 a.m. to noon, located at 3890 S. 198th Ave., Hesperia, Mich. The items the site can accept are flattened cardboard, boxboard, and paper to be placed in the brown containers. Glass, aluminum, tin, cartons and firm plastics should be placed in the green containers. The items will be separated to encourage better recycling practices and to reduce contamination. Plastic bags and films are not accepted as well as styrofoam. Recycling guides will be provided at the site,

on the signage at the site, and available to download from the township website. Volunteers will be at the site at different times to help residents learn how to best prepare their recyclables for proper collection.

Residents from Newfield Township, Denver Township, Greenwood Township, and the Village of Hesperia are invited to use the recycling center during open hours. For more information and updates, please visit the Newfield Township website at www.newfieldtownship.org.

Hart Girl Scout Troop 8749 led by Debra Gardner attended an informational session about the U.S. flag at the Gordon Bates American Legion Post #30 in Shelby, Monday, Sept. 25. After learning about the history of the flag and receiving a small one to take home with them, each scout had the chance to practice the proper way to raise a flag. The troop will raise the flag at the Hart Homecoming game this evening. • Amanda Dodge/Echo

Ongoing

Hart VFW Post 1329

Burger/Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, first and third Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out.

fall events calendar

HartPrize photo contest finalists announced

Sixteen local photographers have been selected as finalists for the Hartprize photo contest, with an exhibit to be revealed on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during Artwalk.

Out of the 152 entires, 30 submissions from 16 finalists will be on display. Finalists include Allie Landrum, Alyssa Sinclair, Ann Sinclair, Brenda Birkman, Calvin Roskam, Amy Moats, Jennifer Beggs, Kassidy Bowen, Laura Fenton, Melissa Fuehring, Monica Crothers, Paul Erickson, R. Clair Purdy, Terry Frend, Victoria Eilers and Richard Farmer.

The display will be in Pocket Park – located to the north side of Lakeside Family Fitness at 39 S. State St. in Hart. The winner will receive a $250 cash prize. The public will be invited to vote for their favorite submission throughout the month of October.

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.

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.

Sept. - Oct.

Sept. 30 - Free Community Breakfast, Shelby Congregational Church, 8-10 a.m.

Sept. 30 - “Fish On!” at The Ladder Community Center

Sept. 30 - Third Annual Silent Auction & Line Dance, Stony Lake Riding Stables, 5-8 p.m.

Sept. 30 - Steinfest at Golden Sands Golf & Bucket Bar, 3 p.m.

Oct. 2 - Hart Community Performing Arts Series begins

Oct. 5 - Winter Coat Distribution DHD#10, 3-6 p.m.

Oct. 5 - Versiti Blood Drive, West Michigan Research Station, 2-6:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 - Oceana County Developer Day, 9 a.m.

109th Golden Fair set for Oct. 6

The 109th Golden Fair will be held Friday, Oct. 6. Local food establishments will be open and featuring Golden Fair specials. A parade will start at 1 p.m. complete with prince and princess, marching band, antique tractors and vintage autos. Everyone is invited to enjoy this annual event!

Opportunity 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 an upcoming blood drive sponsored by Versiti Blood of Michigan 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. Donate on Thursday, Oct. 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.

Western Michigan University Symphony Orchestra opens Hart Community Performing Arts Series

The Hart Community Performing Arts Series presents its first concert of the 2023-24 season with a special appearance by the Western Michigan University Symphony Orchestra. The concert will take place at the Hart Public Schools Auditorium, located in the Hart Middle School, at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 2. Tickets are available at the door for $15, and season tickets for the entire eight-concert season are still available at the series website, hartseries.org.

The Western Michigan University Symphony Orchestra has been praised as one of the finest university ensembles in the state of Michigan and the region. Under the direction of Professor of Cello Bruce Uchimura, the WMU Symphony Orchestra performs masterworks of the orchestral repertoire, features internationally recognized instrumental soloists and WMU faculty members, and collaborates with the WMU Grand Chorus and the WMU Department of Dance. The Orchestra prepares a five- to six-concert season presented in both the Miller Auditorium and the Dalton Center Recital Hall. Additionally, the orchestra members perform in WMU Opera and Musical Theater productions on a regular basis. The orchestra has toured and performed at high schools, colleges and various performance venues throughout Michigan and abroad. Since 2014, the WMU Orchestra has collaborated with the Moscow Ballet in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s entire “Nutcracker” ballet at Miller Auditorium. In 2018, the WMU Orchestra collaborated and performed for a short film entitled “Playing Egmont ‘’ with Detroit filmmaker Jeremy Dunbar, which was made available on Amazon Prime.

The WMU Orchestra is composed of undergraduate and graduate music majors who take great pride in their ensemble. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester and are highly competitive. The orchestra rehearses and performs at the highest possible professional level. Regular sectionals with highly skilled coaches and teachers and intense rehearsals contribute to the highly polished and musical performances. Students are expected to put in copious amounts of practice and score study outside of the scheduled rehearsals and sectionals.

One of the most innovative programs associated with the WMU Orchestra program is an annual “Chamber Music Festival”.  For one month, all Orchestra members break down into smaller chamber ensembles and rehearse and coach with WMU School of Music Faculty members. All ensembles are assigned specific repertoire and perform their finished pieces in a formal concert. This demonstrates the WMU Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to chamber music and its many benefits to large ensemble playing. Orchestra members have regular sectionals with distinguished members of the Detroit, Grand Rapids, South Bend and Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestras.

The WMU Symphony Orchestra began in 1945 and has had seven different conductors. Julius Stulberg (1945-68), Herbert Butler (196883), Anthony Elliott (198387), Richard Suddendorf (1987-90), Robert Whaley (1990-95), Eric Shumsky (1995-98) and Bruce Uchimura (1998 -present).

On Monday afternoon, the orchestra will perform for students from the Hart Public Schools, as do all of the artists who come to Hart for the series.  For further information about the Hart Community Performing Arts Series, see the series website at hartseries.org or contact series Artistic Director, Tom Kirk, at tomkirk@ hartseries.org.

Great Lakes Energy People Fund accepting letters of interest for fall grant round

The Great Lakes Energy People Fund has raised more than $4.3 million for non-profit projects since 1999. It is currently accepting letters of interest for grant applications for the fall grant cycle.

Grants are awarded to non-profit, charitable organizations that provide humanitarian, educational or community development services within the Great Lakes Energy 26-county area. A portion of the funds may be awarded to organizations that help individuals or families in crisis or to tax exempt organizations.

Letters of interest are due by Oct. 1. If the letter of interest is approved, the applicant can then submit a grant application by Oct. 15. All letters and applications are accepted through an online grant application portal that can be found at www.gtlakes.com/people-fund/.

With the purpose of bettering local communities, the People Fund is supported solely by Great Lakes Energy members. Those who participate in the program allow their electric cooperative to round their monthly electric bill to the next whole dollar amount. Three independent boards of directors representing the north, central and south regions of the GLE service territory review applications.

Non-profit organizations that serve communities in the Great Lakes Energy service area are eligible to apply. More information about the People Fund program, including organization and grant eligibility criteria, and lists of recent grant recipients, is available online at www.gtlakes.com/people-fund.

Grants are awarded by three independent boards of volunteer directors who evaluate every application in their region—north, central or south. They evaluate each application based on the specific project and unique needs of the region, looking for programs that enhance the quality of life in our communities by: promoting good citizenship; increasing the capacity of rural organizations to promote self reliance and independence; supplementing local initiatives; grants may be awarded if they; are one-time in nature, rather than on-going; benefit a large number of people; leverage funds from other sources; distribute funds to organizations that help individuals or families in crisis; help programs to increase their capacity to deliver services; are for a tax-exempt, non-profit or 501(c)3 organization; enhance cooperation and collaboration among organizations; avoid duplication of services; help deliver services of an organization more effectively

Grants are generally not awarded for: daily school operations; normal operating expenses; fundraising or political campaigns; loans or deficit spending; endowment funds; retroactive projects; individuals; faith-based organizations*

*Faith-based organizations may receive funding for projects only if the project provides services to all community members, regardless of the community member’s religious affiliation or participation, i.e. a food pantry, community dinner, etc.

Tails of Hope Meet

Say “Hello” to Bangle, Barley and Bentley. These three adorable kittens are 8 weeks old and ready for “furever” homes. They are each friendly and playful. You can adopt one or more!

Bangle, Barley and Bentley are 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.

Full slate of events planned for 5th annual Shelby Fall Fest

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Complete with family-friendly activities, downtown business specials, food vendors, crafters and a community dinner, the 5th annual Shelby Fall Fest, hosted by the Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce, will take place next Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon to 6 p.m. Events being held prior to Fall Fest will include a Waffle Party at Fresh Point Nutrition starting at 9 a.m. and the Ladder Community Center’s 2nd annual Fun Run/Walk starting at 10 a.m. (registration begins at 9 a.m.). The remaining events will kick off at noon on Fourth Street (from Maple Street west to the rail trail) in downtown Shelby. This year, planners have kept several of the community’s favorites while adding a few new ones in hopes of keeping the festival fresh and fun.

The new venue will leave Michigan Avenue open for more parking and allow businesses to more easily service their customers. One big addition to this year’s festivities will be a “Blessing of the Badges” ceremony at 1 p.m. at the main stage on the corner of Fourth and Michigan. Anyone in active duty public service (police, EMT, firemen, corrections officers and military) is invited to be a part. “The chamber is excited to offer this opportunity to publicly recognize the many people in our community serving behind the scenes. Emergency vehicles will be on

display, and a local pastor will speak a blessing over these community servants. We are wanting to bring recognition to these people and make it a real positive experience for kids and families,” said Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Blamer.

Then, at 2 p.m., the 2nd annual “Big Wheel Race” will roll down the street for all ages. The annual craft fair will be set up in the Harris Funeral Home parking lot, with an expected 20-plus vendors. Families can enjoy a number of activities for free, including pony rides, the ever-popular bouncy house, balloon animals, puppet shows and Read Early, Read Often book giveaways. For a small fee, individuals can also give the power swing or climbing wall a try.

The Shelby Jazz Band will entertain festival-goers starting at 3:30 p.m. at the main stage prior to music headliners The DeSalle Brothers, who will be playing from 4-6 p.m. This year will also feature several pop-up solo and duo acts performing downtown throughout the afternoon. Attendees are invited to enjoy a variety of music, including pop, folk, country and blues, while supporting these musical artists with their tips.

The traditional pulled pork dinner, prepared this year by Shelby Public Schools Food Service Director Mary Vanas and her staff, will be served from 4-6 p.m. Tickets for the dinner will be on sale at Fall Fest from noon to 4 p.m. and are $7 per person or $30 per family.

In addition to the festival activities, the chamber is currently selling 50/50 raffle tickets in hopes of raising enough money to purchase senior class banners for every Shelby High School senior next spring. Tickets are available at several downtown businesses until Friday, Oct. 6. The winner will be announced at Shelby’s Homecoming varsity football game, Oct. 6.

Blamer said that volunteers are still needed throughout the day. She invites people to send a Facebook message if they are interested in helping.

The chamber said it wishes to thank its many sponsors, without whose support this event could not occur. A complete list and times of events, event sponsors, craft vendors and food trucks expected next Saturday and a link to the chamber’s Facebook page can be found at www.shelbyfallfestival.com.

JOB OPENING

CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP CLERK

The Clerk position is open for Crystal Township. Knowledge in accounting, accounts payable, general ledger, payroll, recording and transcription of monthly township board meetings and recordkeeping is necessary, but on-the-job training is available. These duties are most of the monthly responsibilities. Additional responsibilities include certification in and management of official township elections. The Township Clerk is an elected position. The appointee would finish out the term through 2024 and would run for election on the 2024 ballot.

Any township resident interested, please send a resume to Supervisor Lee Hyslop at 1499 E. Hammett Rd., Hart, MI 49420 by Oct. 6, 2023.

Grace Hallack

A Faithful Focus: Full CircleLa Vida Ha Cerrado El Círculo

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Growing up in a small, rural community often creates a yearning. The yearning to see the world and experience life beyond West Michigan can be strong at times. For some, Oceana County becomes only a place to visit, yet for others, after college, travel, careers and life, it becomes home again.

This month’s Faithful Focus feature introduces us to just one of many in our community who can relate. Pastor Bob Gray was born and raised in Oceana County. His life led him away from here for a while, but then back home again. The senior pastor of the Hart Wesleyan Church has not always been a pastor. In fact, he never set out with that ambition, but his story is proof that God has a unique plan for everyone and often that involves coming full circle.

Gray, a 1984 Hart High School graduate, attended Asbury College in Kentucky where he pursued Pastoral Studies. There he met his wife Susie, who was studying Christian Education. They were married in 1993 and moved to a church in Indiana where he served as an assistant pastor for five years.

During that time Bob and Susie felt the Lord’s calling in their lives to serve Him in missions. In 1998 they moved to Latin America, attended language school in Costa Rica and moved to Bogotá, Columbia, where Gray taught Bible and theology to leaders at a Global Partners Bible school.

In 2002 they were redeployed to Pueblo, Mexico where they served for the next 10 years. In 2012 they were home on furlough and preparing to return to the mission field for their third four-year term. Gray’s former pastor, and then Wesleyan District Superintendent, Tom Schmidt, invited Gray to apply for the senior pastorate at Hart Wesleyan. “I immediately said ‘no that’s not going to work.’ I was concerned it was my home church, where I’d grown up. You usually don’t go back to your home church to pastor. It’s kind of an unwritten tradition,” he said. “But I did agree to pray about it.”

Others were praying too. In time, it became abundantly clear through various circumstances and leadings, that

Hart was where God wanted the Grays to serve next. Gray was hired in 2013 and this month, he and his wife are celebrating 10 years at Hart Wesleyan. During that time Gray has been privileged to be involved in a number of outreach ministries to the community. “When I applied for the senior pastor position I told the board that if I was selected as their next pastor, I still wanted to be able to minister to the Hispanic community,” said Gray. And that is exactly what the church was hoping for as well.

In 2008, before Gray was asked to be the senior pastor in Hart Wesleyan, the Wesleyan churches of Oceana County were seeking God’s direction about planting a Hispanic church in the county. Ron Rickard, then pastor of the West Golden Wesleyan Church, reached out to the church’s connections in Columbia, South America, asking if there might be a ministerial student interested in coming to the U. S. From that contact, Pastor Carlos and Greta Santana moved to Oceana County and started the Manantial de Vida (Water of Life) church. Over the past 15 years the church has met in several different locations; the Shelby Wesleyan Church, a storefront in downtown Shelby and the Shelby Assembly of God church south of the village.

In 2020, while the Hart Wesleyan Church was navigating the covid pandemic, they also were going through a church revitalization program for help with their outreach ministries. “One of the questions we were challenged with and still ask to this day is, ‘If for some reason we had to close our doors would the community even notice?’ ” Gray said.

“One of our main desires has been to grow Hispanic ministries in our area,” Gray said. “Coming out of the covid pandemic, Manantial de Vida was only offering online services. We reached out to Pastor Santana and asked if he would like to use our church on Sunday afternoons for in-person Spanish services. They accepted our offer. It’s been almost two years and the arrangement has worked out very well.”

Then less than a year ago Hart Wesleyan started a new outreach. The church became a recognized legal site for ‘Immigrant Connection,’ a national organization providing low-cost legal

First Baptist Church Youth met at the Hart High School flag pole Wednesday, Sept. 27 for “See You at the Pole”. Representatives from The Ladder Community Center in Shelby also gathered that morning at the flag pole in front of Shelby Middle School. “See You at the Pole” began in 1990 and is an annual gathering of thousands of Christian students and community members at school flag poles, churches and more, for the purposes of worship and prayer. • Sharon Hallack/Echo

O bituaries

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

Lawrence “Larry” William Wagner

August 29, 1941 ~ September 21, 2023

Lawrence “Larry” William Wagner, age 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at Lake Michigan Senior Living near their home in Ludington, Sept. 21, 2023. He was born in Royal Oak, Mich. Aug. 29, 1941, to Wilbert and Edna (Morrison) Wagner. His family moved to their farm west of Shelby when Larry was 6 years old.

He graduated from Shelby High School in 1958. On Sept. 3, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Rider. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1963, he taught auto mechanics for 17 years between Waterford Kettering High School and Hart High School. In the summer of 1969, he started a parttime business selling dune buggy parts in his parent’s yard under an apple tree. It grew into a full-time business, Appletree Automotive, which he owned for 36 years before retiring in 2005. In his spare time, Larry loved racing, volunteering in various community organizations, landscaping at their home in Ludington and traveling.

Larry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon; their children, Kristi Wagner-Villemure of Holland and Shelby (Jon) Hughes of Pentwater; three granddaughters, Lauren and Brooke Villemure and Abby Hughes; brother, John (Loraine) Wagner; sister, Catherine (Ronald) Aulerich; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Gregory Aulerich. Cremation has taken place, and a private graveside service will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Larry Wagner Appletree Automotive Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund already established through the Community Foundation for Oceana County online or at P.O. Box 902, Pentwater, MI 49449, or to the Crystal Valley Care Fund online or at PO Box 451 Hart, MI 49420. Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www. OakGroveLudington.com.

Obituary Information:

If you would like to place an obituary with us, please tell your arrangement specialist or email us at theoceanaecho@gmail.com.

2nd annual Fall ArtWalk in Hart to feature multiple artists

The second annual Fall ArtWalk will take place in downtown Hart Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stroll through several unique locations downtown, view original works of art, meet the artists, listen to live music and enjoy refreshments at each stop. This year’s ArtWalk will also feature a photo contest as its annual HartPrize competition. Finalists’ photo submissions will be printed on weather-proof material and displayed outdoors in Pocket Park, Downtown Hart for ArtWalk beginning October 7, 2023. The exhibit will remain in place until the end of October. The public will be invited to vote for their favorite photo from October 7 - October 28, 2023, with the winning photographer to be announced on October 31. The winner will be awarded the $250 HartPrize, a plaque will be placed next to their name and the winning photo will be promoted on the city’s social media channels, e-newsletter, and press releases. Limited Edition prints may be sold with proceeds going to The Hart Project. The purpose of HartPrize is to promote local artists, encourage community involvement, and beautify Hart with public art installments that bring new life, authentic stories, and the arts to the Hart community.

The following artists will have their work on display:

• CHRISTINE ROGERS, Henna Artist (live demonstrations) at Birch

& Blossom - 112 E. Main St., STE 3

• MICHAEL NABICHT, Watercolor at Heggs Fine Furniture112 E. Main St.

• SUSAN NOVAKOWSKI, Jewelry from her Original Paintings at Heggs Fine Furniture112 E. Main St.

• GAIL ZEIGER, Paintings/Drawings at Dale & Gail’s Museum & Art Gallery - 27 S. State St.

• DYLAN KOSZEGI, Hand Blown Glass Art at Lakeside Family Fitness39 S. State St.

• MARIAH FELT, Acrylic Artist at Sisters Clothing & More - 49 S.

State St.

• SUPER FITNESS ZUMBA DANCE at Hart Commons Park

• HARLEY STAYNER, Mixed Mediums at Morningside Pallet Merchandise - 28 S. State St.

• PATRICIA WILLIAMS, Painter at Cup of Kindness - 36 S. State St.

• MARIA VANDERSLUYS & FAYE JOHNSON, Mixed Mediums at Reflections Upscale Resale - 55 S. State St.

• HHS STUDENT ARTISTS, Mixed Mediums at Morningside Pallet Merchandise - 28 S. State St.

The Newfield Township Planning

wants YOU!

The Newfield Township Planning Commission is having A PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE on the direction of the Township's Master Plan SATURDAY, SEPT. 30, 2023 FROM 1-4 P.M. at the

The Commission is re-writing the

Master

and is looking to gather public input from Residents. This is the opportunity to give your input on the direction of growth and expansion in the Township for at least the next 5 years.

Refreshments will be provided. Please consider coming and giving your input and participating in the process!

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

257

#12345_20230925 , 2023

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

ist, poet and playwright

Milne published “Winnie-the-Pooh,” a children’s book set in the fictional Hundred Acre Wood featuring the adventures of the eponymous honey-loving bear and his good friends, including Eeyore, Christopher Robin and Piglet.

• On Oct. 15, 1966, Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale founded the Black Panther Party, with a mission of protecting African Americans from police brutality. The organization developed into a Marxist revolutionary group, calling for, among other things, the arming of all African Americans and the release of African Americans from jail.

By Lucie Winborne

• On Oct. 9, 2004, Afghan voters went to the polls for the first time in their nation’s history to vote for a president and elected Hamid Karzai, who had served as their interim president after the collapse of the Taliban regime three years earlier.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

(800) 708-7311 EXT.

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20230925 FOR RELEASE SEPT. 25, 2023

• On Oct. 10, 1845, George Bancroft — historian, educator and secretary of the Navy — founded the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, to improve the then-unsatisfactory methods of instructing the service’s midshipmen.

By Lucie Winborne

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

257

NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20230925 FOR RELEASE SEPT. 25, 2023

By JoAnn Derson

• On Oct. 11, 2000, at a ceremony in London, the International Women of the Year Association awarded the title “Greatest Woman Achiever of the Century” to Russian engineer and cosmonaut Valentina V. Tereshkova, who became the first woman in space when she flew a solo mission on the Vostok 6 on June 16, 1963.

• On Oct. 12, 1810, the first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich, Germany, in honor of the marriage of Ludwig, the crown prince of Bavaria (who later became King Louis I), to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities lasted nearly a week and ended in a horse race. Today, the festival is the largest in the world, with more than 6 million participants around the globe.

• On Oct. 13, 1950, the movie “All About Eve,” starring Bette Davis and Anne Baxter, premiered in both Paris and New York City. Known for its acid wit, it won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, but was roundly criticized for depicting a character smoking in bed by an Indiana man who was part of his local fire prevention committee.

• On Oct. 14, 1926, English humorist, poet and playwright A.A. Milne published “Winnie-the-Pooh,” a children’s book set in the fictional Hundred Acre Wood featuring the adventures of the eponymous honey-loving bear and his good friends, including Eeyore, Christopher Robin and Piglet.

• On Oct. 15, 1966, Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale founded the Black Panther Party, with a mission of protecting African Americans from police brutality. The organization developed into a Marxist revolutionary group, calling for, among other things, the arming of all African Americans and the release of African Americans from jail.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

• Cellphones get dirty, especially touch-screen phones. Be sure to wipe the surface of your phone daily during cold and flu season. Use an approved antiseptic wipe for electronics.

• I used to hate planning our family’s weekly meals. Now we decide together at dinner on Friday night. We agree on meals for the week, and I can get a shopping list together in time for weekend shopping. It’s made for less groans at mealtime, and the kids have been surprisingly creative and flexible about trying new things now that they are part of the choosing process. — T.L. in Minnesota

• To keep things running smoothly in the morning, all four of my children must be dressed, with shoes, and seated for breakfast before any television can come on. There’s suddenly a lot of peer pressure to get up and dressed, and much more helpfulness in my morning routine. — A.M. via email

• I have found myself with an abundance of peppers from my garden, so I cleaned and chopped them, then froze them. I am able to take out what I need, and they won’t spoil. — C.E. in Florida

• Creative uses for kids’ artwork: Tape to cardstock for a homemade greeting card for any occasion. Hang from the bathroom mirror. Laminate and use as placemats. Large pieces can be used as wrapping paper. Frame and donate to local senior centers.

• To keep windshield wipers clean between replacement periods, dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe the length of the blade. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

• The small dots on strawberries are known as “drupelets” and are not seeds, as often thought, but do contain seeds.

• A dog named Chickie seemed like anything but man’s best friend when she chewed up her owner’s passport just days before his wedding in Italy. Fortunately, with a little help from local lawmakers as well as the community, a new one was issued in time for the nuptials to take place. As for Chickie, she was later given a mock “pupster passport”!

• Culinary icon Ina Garten, aka the “Barefoot Contessa,” was a nuclear policy analyst for the White House before embarking on a career in cookery.

• A roll-on deodorant ball was the inspiration for Apple’s first mouse prototype.

• Despite their widely different climates, Alaska and Hawaii share a highest recorded temperature of 100 F.

• Popular video game character Super Mario’s original name was Jumpman. He was rechristened in honor of Mario Segale, Nintendo of America’s landlord.

• A 2016 study by Yale University found that people over the age of 50 who read books for more than three and a half hours per week had a 20% lower mortality risk over a 12-year period than nonbook readers.

• Lachanophobia refers to the irrational fear of vegetables.

• All the nearly 6,000 residents of Suloszowa village in Poland live along one 9-kilometer street.

• While it’s difficult to imagine anyone but Bruce Willis in the role of “Die Hard” hero John McClane, the part was originally offered to crooner Frank Sinatra, due to the film’s technically being a sequel to “The Detective,” in which Sinatra had played the lead.

• To own a rabbit in Queensland, Australia, you must first prove you’ll display it for an acceptable purpose. ***

Thought for the Day: “Don’t go through life, grow through life.” — Eric Butterworth © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Weekly Rundown: Shelby snags first win of the year over Hesperia

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Week five saw some really good football in Oceana County. Hart hosted North Muskegon in a battle of undefeated teams, while Shelby and Hesperia gutted it out on the Tigers’ home field.

Shelby and Hesperia featured a coverage area crossover for The Oceana Echo, so that contest will earn my spotlight this week. That, along with the way that matchup unfolded in 2022, made for an interesting backdrop to this week’s rundown.

With half of the regular season now in the books, it’s become clear that neither the Panthers or Tigers will be looking at playoff football in 2023. Hart on the other hand, is hovering near the top of the West Michigan Conference (WMC) Rivers Division and has made a pretty good case for themselves through the halfway point.

Now, it’s time to get into the thick of what went down in the two games that took place on Friday, Sept. 22. Let’s get crackin’:

Shelby vs. Hesperia

Finalscore:Shelby21,Hesperia7

SHELBY – For the first time this season, the victory bell sitting outside Shelby’s northern end zone was rung by the varsity football team after the Tigers’ 21-7 win over Hesperia.

Now, I do want to point out that the bell hasn’t been quiet this season on the JV end. In fact, Shelby’s underclassmen have proven to be quite the force in the JV ranks, currently standing at 5-0. While I have plans to get out to see that team play for some special coverage, let’s flip the focus back to what happened on Friday, Sept. 22.

I’ve watched Shelby football play three games so far this season and while it has shown some promise early in games, sustaining it has been a problem. However, the Tigers finally looked complete in their win over Hesperia.

For the first 24 minutes of play, Shelby’s offense dominated time of possession. That allowed the Tigers to move the ball up and down the field with little resistance from Hesperia’s defense.

That proved fruitful in the first quarter as Shelby senior quarterback Lalo Garcia connected with Levi Cooley for two passing touchdowns. The first of those was a 15-yard score that had Cooley breaking tackles on his way in. The second was an even more impressive 85yard catch and run.

“We came out and made some big plays out the gate and that just gave us enough energy to believe in our-

Van Sickle praises team’s “scrappy”

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

HART – Neither Hart or Hesperia volleyball had won a conference match heading into Tuesday, Sept. 26. The Pirates survived a late push from the Panthers to come out on top, 3-0.

A heated contest in the beginning stages of the night’s first set saw each team struggle with serving. That prevented either from gaining any sustained success, until Hart went on a run that had them holding a 20-13 lead.

That lead turned into a 25-18 win for Hart, despite Hesperia doing its best to get back into the game.

“We definitely could’ve played better,” Hart head coach Amanda Van Sickle said. “We were just able to finish more and were a little more scrappy. We were digging them right at the net and I think that was kind of the difference. Service was obviously not the difference because we missed way too many.”

Moving into the second set, Hart controlled the pace of

selves,” Shelby head coach Phil Fortier said. “The offense took a big load and came up with some early scores. I felt like we left some out there even. There was some meat left on the bone.”

Unfortunately for Hesperia, they did not experience the same success on offense. None of their first half drives resulted in much of anything. Turnovers and punts were the name of the game for them through two quarters.

The Panthers most promising drive stalled out inside Shelby’s 30-yard line, forcing head coach Tyler Fehler to opt for a field goal attempt. That kick sailed outside the uprights and left Hesperia scoreless at halftime. Exiting the break, Hesperia found new life. Again, the Panthers drove deep into Shelby territory, but this time

Football: Week Five

continued on page 17

defense in Hart volleyball’s win

the game. Hesperia had some difficulty extending rallies, leading to wild scrambles that ended in points for the Pirates. In the end, the score read the same as the first set, 25-18 in favor of Hart.

Then, in the third set, Hesperia came alive. The Panthers put consistent pressure on Hart’s defense with some well placed tips that found gaps on the floor. Pair that with some nice blocks at the net by contributors like Hesperia freshman Sarissa Conkle, seniors Alana Nadjkovic and Kayla Rumsey and the Panthers built themselves a lead.

On top 20-15 in that final set, Hesperia looked primed to extend play thanks to attacks from Rumsey on the outside and savvy play at the net by senior Abby Joppich. Hart had other plans however. The Pirates battled back to push things into extra points, eventually closing out the night, 27-25.

“We got our energy up quite a bit and our girls were playing hard,” Hesperia head coach Alyx Beachum said. “Both

continued on page 17

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Shelby’s Levi Cooley extends the ball toward the goal line on Friday in the Tiger’s 21-7 win over Hesperia. The win marked the first of the year for Shelby. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

Hart’s Brynn Russell meets Hesperia’s Abby Joppich at the net. • Brendan Samuels/Echo

Football: Week Five

they found the big play that had eluded them to that point. Skyler Stalbaum took off on a 20-yard jaunt, finding paydirt to cut the Tiger’s lead to just one touchdown.

That was exactly what Fortier didn’t want to see from his defense.

“The message to the team at halftime was ‘don’t let (Hesperia) come out and do that,’” Fortier laughed. “We gave up that score and we had to respond. Our guys didn’t lay down and die, they got up and fought.”

It didn’t take long for the Tigers to start clicking on offense again. Shelby answered Hesperia’s scoring drive with one of their own that ate nearly seven minutes off the clock. AJ Melchor was the recipient of that touchdown, punching it in from six yards out.

The defense started to play more to Fortier’s liking as well. 30 seconds after Melchor scored, Cooley punched a ball loose on defense and came up with the recovery as well. Running time off the clock, Shelby failed to score but kept time moving toward a finish.

Hesperia, short on time and in need of points, was forced to turn away from their run game and utilize the arm of Brock Bolles much more in the fourth quarter. Bolles had a nice groove going with junior receiver Ian Fox, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Panthers moving. Shelby’s Phillip Hayes ended the Panther’s hopes with a late interception to ice the game.

“We have to get better,” Fortier said. “Offensively, we need to be more consistent and stop shooting ourselves in the foot with mistakes. You saw us move the ball and we did some really good things. But then we get a penalty or fumble a snap or jump offsides. When we do something like that, we hurt our chances. We need to play mistake-free football.”

It’s now official, every team in Oceana County is now in the win column. Shelby moved to 1-4 with the win, while Hesperia dropped to 1-4 with the loss.

The Tigers will be favored to win again this week as they take on a winless Holton (0-5) team on Friday, Sept. 29. The Red Devils have lost all of their games by 40 points or more this season. Hesperia will host Ravenna on Friday.

Hart vs. North Muskegon

Finalscore:NorthMuskegon34,Hart14

Hart didn’t quite have enough to keep pace with North Muskegon on Friday, Sept. 22, falling 34-14 to the Norsemen.

North Muskegon is home to one of the most high powered offenses in the WMC Rivers Division, but Hart’s defense did a nice job keeping them at bay. The Norsemen scored just one touchdown in the first quarter.

The Pirates were able to answer back at the start of the second quarter. Senior quarterback Connor Edwards hit junior Eman Hertzler for a 30-yard touchdown. A failed two-point conversion left Hart trailing 7-6.

Things heated up for North Muskegon after that. The Norsemen dominated possession of the ball for the remainder of the first half, leading to two rushing touchdowns. Quickly, they led Hart 21-6 and had ownership of all momentum heading into halftime.

That momentum continued to snowball at the start of the third quarter when North Muskegon scored yet again.

Hart, in desperate need of a response, gave Joseluis Andaverde the ball. Andaverde toted the ball for a six yard touchdown run, tallying the Pirates only points in the second half.

North Muskegon went on to score one more time, putting them ahead for good. In the end, missed opportunities plagued Hart. On multiple occasions, the Norsemen scored due to fourth down conversions on offense. Still, Hart experienced plenty of success on the ground. Andaverde ran the ball 19 times for 77 yards and a touchdown, while Edwards followed that effort up

with 11 carries for 65 yards.

Chase Gale led the defense for Hart, making 14 tackles and recording a sack.

The Pirates fell to 4-1 with the loss, handing sole possession of the WMC Rivers to North Muskegon in the process. A 1-1 conference record will likely only increase as the Pirates face four beatable football teams to end the year.

That stretch of the schedule begins with Mason County Central (2-5) on Friday, Sept. 29.

Hart Volleyball

teams wanted it and overall we didn’t play bad. We’ve got a younger team and we can only go up from here.”

Leaders for Hart in the win included Kelsey Copenhaver (15 digs, 13 assists, 10 kills, 1 ace), Reese Smith (10 digs, 7 kills, 2 aces) and Maryn Klotz (13 digs, 9 assists, 2 aces).

The win marked Hart’s first conference win. The Pirates are now 14-8-2 overall with a 1-2 standing in the WMC Rivers. Hart will get a break with its next action happening next Thursday when they travel to Ravenna.

Hesperia (1-8) will host a quad meet this Thursday as Shelby, LeRoy Pine River and Oakridge come to town.

continued from page 16

OFFENSE: Connor Edwards - QB

Hart likes to run the ball and Edwards plays a big part in that once the running backs get going. I think he will throw the ball a bit more against MCC in week six.

DEFENSE: Adrian Tice - DL

MCC is not a weak team by any means and Hart will need to continue to be strong upfront. Tice is the anchor of the Hart defensive line that needs to play well.

OFFENSE: Levi Cooley - WR

Cooley has been a big part of Shelby’s offense for the past two weeks despite not being 100 percent. I expect him to keep evolving against a weak Holton team.

DEFENSE: Ivan Fessenden - DL

I consistently saw Feesenden in the backfield against Hesperia last week. Though he didn’t make any splash plays, it’s only a matter of time before he breaks out.

Brendan’s Players to Watch Hart Shelby Hesperia

OFFENSE: Ian Fox - WR

Quarterback Brock Bolles and Fox have been on the same page for the majority of the season. Fox should continue to see plenty of work in the pass game.

DEFENSE: Thor Klaus - LB

Hesperia’s defense hasn’t been the strongest unit for the Panthers this season. Still, Klaus is a presence on that side of the ball. I think he continues to be consistent.

continued from page 16

Shelby’s AJ Melchor bulldozes through a tackle attempt from Hesperia’s Ryan Fuentes. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

(Top) Shelby’s Trevor Fitzgerald prepares to make a block for his quarterback. (Bottom) Hesperia’s Thor Klaus make a diving catch. • Brendan Samuels/ ECHO

(Left) Hesperia senior Kayla Rumsey redirects the ball toward Hart’s side of the court with a tip from her outside hitter spot. (Right) Hart’s Breslyn Porter eyes a ball up in the air on a service attempt. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Shelby headlines top teams at Kelder Poured Walls meet in Scottville

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Three area teams traveled to Scottville on Tuesday, Sept. 26 to compete in the Kelder Poured Walls/Hoka Postal two mile run. Shelby came away with the most impressive performance, taking first place in both the boys and girls races.

Hart soccer remains optimistic after close loss to North Muskegon

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

HART – Nobody is ever satisfied with a tie in any sport, but that’s exactly what Hart boys soccer was hoping to achieve when they hosted North Muskegon on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

Unfortunately for the Pirates, the game ended with the Norsemen on top, 1-0.

A highly competitive first half saw both teams fight back and forth for possession. Just when it looked as if one team was pushing the ball deep into the other’s territory, a save or field flipping kick would set up their opponent in a more advantageous position.

That persisted throughout the entirety of the first 40 minute period, a big reason why things stood at a 0-0 tie when the teams huddled together at halftime.

“I was really hoping we could settle for a draw at 0-0,” Hart head coach Joe Gilbert said. “We had a couple chances to knick one on some breaks, but man this was a great performance.”

A tie would’ve been a huge win for Hart, considering North Muskegon’s success in the West Michigan Conference (WMC) in 2023. The Norsemen had just one loss in the conference entering that contest and were without a few top scorers when they faced Hart.

The Pirates looked like they were going to push North Muskegon to their limit in the second half. Great runs by Jose Chavira,

Adan Cruz and Tyler Larios-Mendez had the team looking dangerous.

A stingy back line led by Carter Ramseyer also helped keep the Norsemen off the board. Keeper Miguel Escamilla looked sharp, saving several close calls that threatened to break the scoring stalemate.

Then, with 13 minutes left in the game, North Muskegon found their first and only score of the game.

Setting up a corner kick from Escamilla’s left side, the Norsemen fired a shot into a crowd of bodies in front of the net. Despite a scramble, nobody was able to get a foot on it, causing it to bound toward the right post.

A case of the right place at the right time allowed North Muskegon’s Boston Stone to strike the ball into the net, putting them up 1-0. That score held to the very end.

Despite the loss and the fact that Hart hasn’t achieved a conference win yet this season, Gilbert remains optimistic about the direction his team is headed.

“(We) had a great performance tonight and I’m very proud of all of them,” Gilbert said. “We’ve finally settled on a formation and found what we want to do. We’re starting to program that into them and the guys finally got a chance to watch film yesterday and see some of their mistakes. I already saw some of that translate into their game today.”

The Pirates have two more chances to etch a mark in the win column within the WMC this season. That’ll start on Monday, Oct. 2 when the Pirates host rival Shelby at 5 p.m.

Shelby freshman Lydia Soelberg continued her impressive season, posting a ninth place finish individually with a time of 13:46.26. Behind her were teammates Noel Parker in 19th place (14:27.68), Grace Hasenbank in 30th (14:52.57), Catalina Stong in 34th (15:14.38), Claire Kelley in 40th (15:55.94) and Willa Van Loon in 65th (18:09.90).

That performance as a team earned Shelby a team total of 27 points, beating out both Pentwater and Hesperia for a first place finish.

On the boys side, Shelby scored 34 points to exit on top as well. The Tigers had four runners cross the finish line in the top

20, led by senior Tanner Soelberg in ninth place (11:28.61). The other top finishers were Iziquiel Picon in 11th (11:32.25), Jonathon Carballido in 14th (11:39.48) and Micah Frye in 18th (11:54.05).

Pentwater also had a strong day, finishing second in both races. Top times for the Falcons included Abe VanDuinen with a first place finish for the boys (10:11.12), followed by Mitchel Daniels in third (10:53.60).

In the girls race, Pentwater freshman Bailey Case posted a 16th place finish with a time of 14:15.46. Abby Hughes also finished in the top 30 with a 27th place finish (14:47.45).

Hesperia finished off team placements with a third place mark in both races. The Panthers were particularly impressive on the boys end. Junior Andrew Sherburn scored a seventh place finish with an 11:24.72 time.

The Panthers also got two top finishers in the girls race as junior Kennedy Mey finished in 23rd (14:36.01) and freshman Rokhaya Ruhstorfer finished in 31st (14:55.35).

Pentwater walks away on top of Annual Hart Soccer

Tournament

Pentwater’s soccer team competed in the Annual Hart Soccer Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 23. The Falcons allowed just two goals through three games played, finishing with a 2-0-1 record and taking home the championship trophy. Starting out the day, Pentwater played Hart and finished in a 1-1 tie. Then, the Falcons took down Orchard View 4-0 and finished the day with a 4-1 win over Kingsley. Keeper Kaleb Brown finished the day with 25 saves in net. Goals came in droves for Pentwater as well with three different Falcons scoring. Leading the way was Jonny Arnouts who scored a whopping seven goals on the day. Arnouts recorded two hat tricks and added an assist on top. Lucas Werkema-Grondsma netted his first goal of the year as well and Trey Johnson found the goal on a penalty kick. • Contributed photos

Hart’s Desse Rodriguez challenges a Norsemen striker for possession of the ball while Jose Chavira and Pedro Barros look on. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart’s Jose Chavira takes an angle toward the ball while North Muskegon’s Oliver Chumley-Jarvis maintains control. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO