The Oceana Echo - Volume 2, Issue 40, Feb. 28, 2025 by theoceanaecho

Everything was golden for Pentwater Township Library’s th

By Amanda Dodge

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Today may mark the final day of Love Your Library Month, but the festivities will continue all year long for Pentwater Township Library, who celebrated their 170th anniversary two weeks ago.

Over 100 people attended the library’s anniversary celebration on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14. The turnout exceeded the library staff’s expectations, and Director Mary Barker added that she was thankful to the many volunteers who made sure they had enough food for the event.

“I think it went really well! Feb. 12 is the official anniversary,” Barker explained about the decision to have the party two days later. “We wanted our state reps to be here, and usually they don’t have to work on Fridays. Also, when we saw it was on Valentine’s Day, we decided to (have) it in the afternoon, since people are still out and about in the afternoon, and then they can still have their date night/special night with their sweetie. The theme for the Love of Libraries worked really well with that too, and it was a half day of school for Pentwater.”

Along with the food, the afternoon offered a plethora of activities, which included display boards, good conversation, a number of presentations and special music provided by Jim Pikaart and Frank Galante. State Representative Curt VanderWall was on hand, along with William Campbell representing State Congressman John Moolenaar’s office. State Librarian Randy Riley also said he made sure to attend the momentous occasion.

Pentwater Township Library received two proclamations that day, one from the state library and one from the government for reaching 170 years, which Barker said they plan to frame and display.

“I am so excited to see a great crowd show up to celebrate Pentwater Library’s 170th birthday. Libraries are so important to a small community, providing the access to services and information that many can’t get. I also appreciate what they do for our young people and teach them how important the information is,” VanderWall said. “Thanks to everyone involved, and I look forward to the next big birthday.”

“What a celebration! I have been delighted to meet a lot of people and just hear about their insights to books,” Campbell said. “One of the speakers had a great phrase, ‘this is like a living room of the community.’”

“It’s a big deal. This community, for 170 years, has supported this library. It’s important to this community, and look at the people that turned out. They obviously love the place,” Riley said. “This is so much more than just a book warehouse. It’s a community. People are meeting people they know

(and) they’re talking to people they don’t know. It’s great. They’ll probably be back next week for a program or to check out a book or take their kid to story time. And it does my heart good to see it. It is the best part of my job. It really matters that these people, the staff, are connected with the people of the community, and that matters.”

Barker said that a lot of planning went into the celebration, a hallmark of all of the events at the library. “I had each of my employees create one of the display boards, which took about two weeks. We didn’t have tons of material, so we tried to start grouping things together of what could go together,” she noted. “What started the whole planning (for the display boards) was when I finally found a letter to the editor from Rob Fekken.”

She said that his military outfit was in Saudi Arabia, and so he asked the Friends group for funds to buy children’s books. He and his fellow soldiers were videotaped reading the books and then sent the videos to the families who had kids.

“That was in a box of stuff, and I hadn’t known anything about it. He had sent a postcard to the library, so I printed off what he said,” Barker noted. “What a statement of what a library can be and how we reached from Pentwater to Saudi Arabia! It was

a great story, buried in a bunch of old folders, and that was the first thing I stuck on my board.”

“It’s always amazing to me, the ideas, the creativity, the amount of work that this staff does,” Pentwater Township Library Board President Valerie ChurchMcHugh said. “They talk about it and they plan it, and then you get here and it’s like, it’s amazing! It’s the same for this event. We’ve known it’s been on the calendar, but I had no idea they had all these boards and all this information. It is just lovely to get everybody working together because that means so much.”

After the celebration, Barker said that the display boards came down, but they plan to present them at other places. She added that they have kept up the largest display, which is in front of the Circulation Desk. “It’s all the things we do, what services we offer, what things are in the ‘Library of Things.’ It’s all informational. We moved it over a little bit so we can see out the front door.”

Attendees of the anniversary event were not only able to learn more about the history of the library and the many offerings it has, but they also got to take home a special souvenir in the form of a custom printed T-shirt.

“We got a mini-grant from our Co-op to have something printed for the 170th,” Barker said. “We went around and around

and decided on T-shirts. We (worked with) Dan Nugent from The Mitten and he did a great job - they look really nice! We are going to use some of them that we have left later this year (as door prizes) at our Open House. We will also sell some out of the library.”

Barker noted that this is a community open house featuring a large number of local and state entities and takes place the first Monday after Pentwater Public Schools is out for summer vacation. She said that it is especially helpful to people who are new in town, as they can find out about new things and how to join clubs and organizations.

Barker will add her own milestones to the 170th anniversary of the Pentwater Township Library, as she is coming up on 10 years as director in November, and this is her 40th year in libraries.

Barker said, “My mom was an academic librarian. I love it! Really interesting things happen in libraries.

“I’ve had artists and authors pop into some of my libraries over the years. It’s an ordinary thing for them too. It is comfortable here and we like to talk to every single person. It’s about connecting with people.

“During Covid and before Covid, there are so many people here that don’t have anyone else at home, and we don’t want people to feel like they are alone. We know what is going on in their life, we talk to them. Because of that, we know more about them, and I know what to order. (For example), if someone is having digestive issues, we are going to get a GERD cookbook so they can help themselves. Knowing people gives you a better idea of what they are interested in, and they are not afraid to tell us what they need, and we want to get them what they need.

“I save part of my budget for things they want, if there is interest. I can’t order everything, but it keeps them coming back for new things.

“I really appreciate the fact that my board is so supportive, I’m excited that the Friends Group helps out. They are wonderful!”

The Friends of the Pentwater Township Library has 45 members and is always looking for ways to help fundraise and support the library. The Friends are also open to new members who would like to assist the library in reaching another 170 years.

“One of the special things about this little library is that for most public libraries, by their mandate and their budgeted funds and their services they provide, are demanded to be targeted to the community members who are there. Summer people who come, you can’t get a library card, you can’t borrow in most public libraries,” Friends of the Pentwater Township Library President Carol Feltes said. “This library is open to everyone that comes to Pentwater in the summer, and we have a lot of activities. We do the beach book buggy and we do a book sale out here, and it’s very well attended. The fact is that this library is so open, truly to everyone…knowledge should be free. Everyone should be able to access it. Pentwater, as a community, has a small population, but it has a big intellect. Mary does a fantastic job with what she has available here. She’s got a dedicated staff, and they’re very creative.”

Currently, Barker and her dedicated staff are preparing for this year’s summer reading program.

“It takes us a long time to plan for that, it is weeks and weeks long, and we have arts and crafts activities, special things during Homecoming week and we try to be in the parade,” she explained. “We use the international theme, which this year is ‘Color Our World.’ It’s all things color, so we are trying to come up with activities with color. There are so many things you can do with that.”

A Faithful Focus: Alayna Ackley’s adventures

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Alayna Ackley of Mears didn’t even want to go to college, let alone teach at a college, yet that’s exactly what she is doing today…and halfway around the world, no less.

A 2018 Hart High School graduate, Ackley is the first of her five siblings to go to college on a running scholarship. She is a 2023 graduate of Cedarville University in Ohio, where she earned a Life Science Education major with a minor in Bible.

“I didn’t even want to go to college. The first year I wanted to quit,” she said. “But my parents said I had to go for one year and then decide. I was taking hard classes as a freshman, as well as training and running.” Having never lived on her own or traveled anywhere without her family, the adjustment was rough. Eventually she made friends, settled into a routine and started thinking about future possibilities. “By the end of my first year, I was still a science major, but I didn’t know for sure what I wanted to do.”

“Growing up, I’ve always been fascinated with the country of China for some reason. Anytime I had to do a project in school, I chose China. I can’t tell you where it came from, other than God had put that passion in my heart.” So imagine her surprise when Cedarville offered a mission trip there in the spring of her freshman year (2019). Afterwards, she knew she wanted to go back long-term. She also knew the only way she’d be able to do that would be to find a job, and the only way she’d be able to find a job was to keep going to college.

Due to Covid, her expected four years at Cedarville turned into five. However, “Covid was the best thing that happened to me,” Ackley said. “I moved off-campus and was able to transition to ‘adulthood.’ If I hadn’t had that extra time, I would have just rushed into my first year of teaching in a foreign country with the language barrier and new culture. Instead I was able to finish my student teaching, do some substitute teaching and take some online classes. To get that one year of teaching experience was huge. I learned classroom management and had time to build a curriculum and work on lesson plans.”

By the fall of 2022, Ackley had begun applying to and networking with different organizations looking for teachers in China. “I found an organization who would take me right away, would allow me to teach science and were going to pay me to do it,” she said.

Ackley moved to China in the fall of 2023 and began teaching science to middle school students at a school in southern China. The school was started by foreign businessmen who wanted to provide education for their foreign employees’ children. “I was really going in blind. But (from the beginning) I just started taking steps and stayed confident God was going to direct my paths,” Ackley shared.

“I hated change in high school,” she remembers. “Now my whole life is about change. I needed college to be pushed and realize change can be good.”

Ackley claims that moving to China was good for her in more ways than one. By the time she’d graduated from college, she was running because she had to, not because she wanted to. “Moving helped me leave running (on a team) behind and forced me to rest.”

Despite the many changes Ackley has navigated since this move, it is obvious when talking to her she takes confidence that God never changes. She says this experience has strengthened and shaped

her faith in so many ways, some of which she shares monthly through a secure email to a group of friends and family.

By January 2024, another change was on the horizon. Ackley learned that her school location would be closing due to lack of enrollment and the school’s building lease not being renewed. China, still recovering from the economic impacts of the Covid pandemic, has seen many international businesses leaving the country, and taking their school-aged children with them.

Ackley said she could have stayed with the international school and continued her teaching position at another location, however, for a number of reasons, she decided to pursue other options. “I wanted to move on, so I really prayed about it and asked others to as well.”

Needless to say, the next few months were stressful. Teaching, packing and researching teaching options. Thankfully, the international school was instrumental in helping her network and look for other employment.

“Getting to China was the hard part, but once you’re there, it’s pretty easy to get a job,” Ackley said. I had an idea of what I wanted - an opportunity to study Chinese, get outside of the ‘international bubble’ and into the real China. But I was praying for what I needed - a job. I also wanted God’s blessing. I knew if I didn’t have that, I wouldn’t be successful.”

Ackley eventually worked with a recruiter who was able to share a number of teaching options. Despite what she referred to as the worst interview of her life, Ackley was hired to teach English to college freshmen in a city 520 miles north of the international school.

As an American, Ackley is only qualified to teach English. “Only people with PhDs are allowed to teach the other subjects,” she said. “It was the only job offer I got. All the other doors didn’t open, but I felt peace. I love the area. It has cleaner air, it’s cooler and I have been able to make friends and build community,” she said.

When asked about the culture, Ackley quickly dispels some preconceived notions. “America’s perception of China is really wrong, just like theirs is wrong about America. We both base our beliefs on what we see and hear in the media. China is a very hard-working country, but the people are also very fun-loving.

They usually only have one day off a week, but boy do they enjoy that day off!” Ackley has been able to enjoy numerous outings with her new friends, including traveling, hiking, fishing, digging for clams, hosting foreign friends and impressing them with their cooking skills, as well as going to concerts and karaoke parties.

Personally, Ackley has participated in some running events and is often asked if she can be photographed. “I’ve gotten used to eating strange foods, but they have all been very good,” she said. Her favorite dish is “hot pot,” which is like fondue, but instead of using oil, raw foods are dipped into a hot soup to cook before eating.

“I’ve found I love teaching and connecting with my students. I’ve had them select English names to make things a little easier for me,” she said with a smile. “The Chinese I’ve met are outgoing and outspoken, but also very friendly. It’s been easy to make friends.”

Ackley plans to continue teaching English at the university level while immersing herself in the area’s culture and sharing her faith when the opportunity arises. She is enjoying her Chinese language class at the university and learning more and more Chinese every week. She gets to practice with one of the families she has befriended. “They have a 6-year-old who makes a great language practice partner,” she said, smiling. “Right now I’m at about a 5-year-old level with the language.”

JOB POSTING

Posting Date: 02/21/25

Position: Maintenance Worker (Full Time Union Position, this is a bargaining unit position.)

Qualifications:

• Seeking a highly motivated, mechanically inclined individual with previous maintenance experience (preferred)

• Knowledge of plumbing, carpentry, and mechanical systems

• Ability to create and follow preventive maintenance plans

• CDL or willing to obtain

Application Procedure: Submit a letter of interest to:

Juana Rivera Walkerville Public Schools 145 E. Lathrop Street Walkerville, MI 49459 Email: jrivera@walkerville.k12.mi.us

Deadline for Applying: Submit a letter of interest with letters of recommendation, references, transcripts, or copies of certifications or licenses no later than Friday, March 7, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Criminal Records Check: The selected applicant must complete a criminal records check by law. This will be at the prospective employee’s expense and kept on file in the Central Office.

Distribution: School Offices, Indeed, OHJ, Echo, walkervillewildcats.com

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY It is the policy of the Walkerville Public Schools that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin creed or ancestry, political belief, sex, disability, handicap, religion, age, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity and in employment.

Phone 231-873-4850 Fax 231-873-5615

Alayna Ackley teaches English in China

This page is brought to you by:

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

us! 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

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

For today’s article, we will turn almost exclusively to Page’s History of Oceana. Hartwick and Tuller’s “Oceana County Pioneers and Business Men of To-Day” has very little to say about the early days of Ferry Township, and as it turns out, Page’s History may offer an explanation as to why that is. “As the early records of Otto and Ferry have both suffered by fire at the destruction of Samuel Potter’s house,” it is written, “we have had to trust verbal statements, and in some cases could not ascertain at all what we desired.”

Page’s History, having been published a full eight years prior to Hartwick and Tuller’s, may have had an easier go at collecting the history of the township via word of mouth than their successors would have.

Ferry was first settled by, and named after, Elnathan J. Reed, along with his two sons Theodore and George. Originally hailing from Wayne County, New York, they pulled up stakes and settled on Section 28 of what is now Ferry in

1857. Page’s history has good things to say about the Reeds. “Elnathan J. Reed and family were men of ability and enterprise, and commencing with hoe and ax, they carved out a good property. They kept the first post office, Reed, now Ferry, in 1863. Elnathan J. was the first supervisor, and Theodore, and his brother Benjamin F.… also held that office.” The second settler to come to the area after the Reeds was a man named Lot North, “a sort of Nimrod, or mighty hunter, in those early days.” Funnily enough, none of these early pioneers would live out their lives in Ferry. The Reeds sold their property in 1875 and returned to New York. As for Lot North, his legacy in Ferry is reduced to one line in Page’s History of Oceana: “He pre-empted land, but lost it, and left, a lonely widower, in 1858.”

By now you are probably wondering why the name of the township was changed from Reed to Ferry. This change took place in 1869, with Hartwick and Tuller telling us it was simply “in honor of the Hon. T. W. Ferry, U. S. Senator,” but they leave it at that. Page’s History gives us a bit more context, saying, “it was changed to

Ferry, in honor of Senator Thomas W. Ferry, who owned large tracts of pine land, and was one of the first to develop and settle this town, and Otto.” But I find even that is missing some context. You see, this Thomas Ferry was actually the son of Reverend William Montague Ferry, the man responsible for the construction of the very first sawmill in Oceana. But there is even more reason for Oceana to take pride in this name. Thomas Ferry was actually the first senator to represent Oceana in Congress.

Following the arrival of Mr. Lot North, we saw a few more waves of early settlers occurring throughout the year of 1858. First there was William Gillen, and then Samual Rogers and George Shattuck. Following them were Orrin Benton, B.F. Reed and John F. Evans. The birth of a child to Samuel Rogers was the first in the township, occurring on November 14, 1859. A man named Andrew Decker was located on section 35 that same year. We are told, “At the time of his arrival in the township, there were but seven families in Ferry and Otto, there not being enough residents in both townships to sign a petition for laying out a road.” We are also told that

in the spring of that year, W. Gillen and Samuel Rogers spent seventeen days cutting out roads to their places. Unfortunately, the first death in the township was that of Andrew Decker’s infant child in July of 1860. The names of some other prominent pioneers are Ephram and Charles Powers, Gustavus Smith, William Young and Daniel Landon.

Places of Oceana County – Country Dairy: Looking Back… Part X

‘A

Legacy Alive and Well’

By Janet (Van Gunst) Hasselbring The Oceana Echo

Community Correspondent

“Do not stand by my grave and weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.

…Do not stand by my grave and cry.

I am not there. I did not die.”

(Native American)

I’ve stopped at my parents’ gravesite, as I always do, on my way to the Country Dairy farm store to get my bottomless cup of chocolate milk. Strangely, I’m in a place signifying death, yet, I feel a strong sense of life and energy here. That’s because my parents are not here. They have a new

address, and I can communicate with them anytime I adjust to their wavelength.

The series, Country Dairy: Looking Back, describes the lives of my parents, Henry and Ellen Van Gunst, eking out a living, raising a family, and honing their faith on a once-small farm in West Michigan.

A central theme in my series is that death is not the end; it is the beginning for those who have placed their faith and hope in Jesus, their Lord and Savior. My parents had grown so close to their Lord, through daily walking and talking with Him, that going to heaven was like meeting an old friend.

Their faith was evident to all who knew them. My son, George, noted that his grandmother, though virtually helpless physically, showed him how growing old was not something to fear, but an opportunity to let go, live fully, and love.

“Limitations can be liberating when

your strongest desire is living close to Me.” (Jesus Calling, Young) Country Dairy founder, Wendell Van Gunst, describes the definitive, quintessential role his parents played in his life:

“I will always be thankful that my parents were willing to mortgage everything they had to get me started. Without their help, my dream of owning a dairy farm may never have happened. Perhaps most important is the faith they passed on to me and my family. They lived their faith every day… I will always be grateful for the home where I grew up and the parents

God gave me.” (A Path Laid Out) It is a legacy carried on today: “A faithful God at work in five generations of family and followers of Jesus is the true legacy of Country Dairy and the Van Gunst family; we hope that our community continues to be blessed by this enterprise in which He blesses us to work.” (Paul D. Arkema)

*The material in this series is based on my mother’s memoir, “In the Garden.” The themes of faith and prayer, central to her life, are captured, if somewhat ubiquitously, by theologian George MacDonald: “There is a communion with God that asks for nothing, yet asks for everything. They who seek the Father more than anything, He can give, is likely to have what they ask, for they are not likely to ask amiss.” For more information about the memoir, contact Jan at janethasselbring23@ gmail.com or visit janethasselbring. wordpress.com.

scanning the

Ongoing

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

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

WEDNESDAYS: Love INC and True North Housing Assistance satellite open by appointment throughout the winter months. Please call 231-861-4880 to make an appointment. Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 144 S. Hamon St. WEDNESDAYS: Good News Club, Faith Christian Fellowship, Hart, 4-5:30 p.m.

1 st & 3 rd

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

1st & 3rd

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

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

1st FRIDAYS: Free Soup Supper, Ferry Community Center, 5-7 p.m. 2nd & 4th FRIDAYS: Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m., St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave., Hart, doors open at 4 p.m.

Last FRIDAYS: Free Soup Suppers, Newman Christian Community Church, 4075 S. 132nd Ave., Hesperia, 5:30-7 p.m.

1st Saturdays: Baby Pantry, Trinity Lutheran Church, 8:30-10 a.m.

The Ladder Community Center: M-F: The Ladder is open for adults (18+) 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays: Women’s Bible Study, 1-2 p.m. (3/3-4/14)

M-F: “The Huddle” for 6th-12th grade youth, 3-5 p.m.

Tuesdays: Knitting Group, 10 a.m. to noon

Tuesdays: Pit Stops for Men, age 12+, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (2/18-4/8)

Saturdays: “Celebrate” Worship Service, 6:30 p.m.

2nd Saturday: Party Club for Kids ages 5-12, 1-2:30 p.m.

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

Oceana Agriculture & Natural Resources Banquet set for Thursday, March 20

Oceana County Agricultural & Natural Resources Banquet will celebrate the 18th year of recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of the agricultural and natural resources industry of Oceana County. The Committee is currently finalizing many of the details for this annual event.

This year’s banquet is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the West Central Michigan Horticulture and Research Extension Station. The evening will start with a social hour beginning at 5 p.m. sponsored by Kaleb Klotz Farm Bureau Insurance. The social hour will consist of appetizers inspired by Oceana County and local beer and wine. Attendees can mingle during this time with other guests before the official program gets underway at 6 p.m. with brief presentations from the Oceana Conservation District, MSU Extension and Oceana County Farm Bureau.

Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by an awards presentation and a featured presentation by Laura Campbell, Senior Conservation and Regulatory Specialist with Michigan Farm Bureau, on “Agriculture and Water: Working Together for a Better Future.”

Tickets for the event are $25 per person and available for purchase online at www.OceanaConservation.org or in-person at MSU Extension and the Oceana Conservation District offices.

Each year the Committee seeks support from local businesses to help make the event possible. If you are interested in being a sponsor for the event, please contact the Oceana MSU Extension Office at 231-873-2129. The Committee has collected a variety of door prizes from community business donations that will be awarded at the end of the evening.

The Ladder offers 7-week women’s Bible study

The Ladder Community Center in Shelby is offering a seven-week women’s Bible study on Mondays from 1-2 p.m. beginning March 3. This video series, titled “Wisdom in a Fallen World,” is led by Pastor John Amanchukwu. It takes the participant on a journey through Proverbs 6:16-19 to uncover the wisdom embedded in the Scriptures, relating it to the issues of the day and encouraging others to seek the enduring truth, peace and unity that’s found in Christ alone. Participants will discover how sin can manifest in their life, how it permeates our culture today, and how they can walk a different path that reflects the attitude of Christ.

This class is offered to all women ages 18 and up. Those who have a Bible are asked to bring it to the study. A Bible will be provided for those who do not have one. Class sign-up is not required, but Ladder registration is required. For those who are not a registered member yet, please stop by The Ladder prior to the first day of the study to register & pay the $5 monthly membership fee ($10 total for the duration of the study). If eligible, the membership fee may be covered by SilverSneakers or One Pass.

The Ladder Community Center is located at 67 N. State St. in Shelby. Questions? Please call (231) 259-0211.

February-March

Feb. 28 - Sensory Play & Story Time, Hesp. Comm. Lib., 10-11 a.m.

Feb. 28 - Hart Public Schools Faculty Feud fundraiser, 7 p.m.

March 3 - Small Business AI (Artificial Intelligence) Workshop, Hart Community Center, 407 State St., Hart, 11:45 a.m., free

March 3 - National Asparagus Festival planning meeting, Hart Community Center, 407 State St., 6 p.m.

March 4 - Ribbon Cutting, Lakeside Fitness powered by Jazz Running, open house, refreshments, 39 S. State St., Hart, 5 p.m.

March 4 - Tech Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

March 5 & 6 - Bingo for Books, Spitler Elementary, 302 W. Johnson Street, Hart, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

March 6 - Shelby Chamber of Commerce meeting, Shelby Area District Library, 4 p.m.

March 6 - Main Street Market Chalet Pitch Competition, Hart City Community Center, 407 State St., Hart, 5:30 p.m.

March 7 - Sensory Play, Hesp. Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m., Tween Night, Community Room, 3:15-4:45 p.m.

March 11 - Tech Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Adult Book Club Movie, Community Room, 2-4:30 p.m.

March 13-15 - Oceana Robotics Team Competition, Orchard View High School, 16 N. Quarterline Rd., Muskegon.

March 19 - Oceana Conservation District Tree Sale Order Due March 20 - Agricultural & Natural Resources Banquet, W. MI Research Station, Hart, 5-9 p.m. Tickets required.

VITA program still available for those who qualify

Just a reminder that the United Way’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is now scheduling FREE one-hour appointments for qualifying individuals in Oceana County. Appointments are available at two locations in Hart, now through April 14—Mondays at the Oceana County Council on Aging located at 4250 W. Tyler Rd. from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursdays at the Hart Community Room, adjacent to Hart City Hall, 407 S. State St., Hart from 1-6 p.m. Individuals are encouraged to call 211 today and schedule their appointment today.

For some, preparing an annual tax return can seem overwhelming, however, in some cases, that could result in the loss of refunds that may be available.

“The VITA program focuses on federal returns for families and individuals who have low to moderate incomes, including the elderly, veterans, disabled, single parents and low-income families. If they qualify for a refund and make under $66,000 annually, we will prepare their return free of charge,” said Amanda Kitchka of Goodwill Industries West Michigan and coordinator of the program.

VITA is one of the many beneficial programs available through the United Way of the Lakeshore and is administered by Goodwill Industries of Michigan. According to a recent United Way e-newsletter, VITA accounted for over $2M worth of tax returns to lakeshore families last year.

More information on the United Way’s VITA program and other free tax assistance can be found at https://www.unitedwaylakeshore.org/tax-assistance

United Way offers free tax filing services

For families who earned less than $84,000 in 2024, United Way of the Lakeshore (UWL) wants to make the community aware of another free tax service called My Free Taxes® tax service. This is a great option for individuals who do not qualify under the VITA program but need to file a tax return. Visit their website at myfreetaxes.com for more information or to get started.

According to the UWL “Friday Five” newsletter, “Since 2009, this service has helped over 1.45 million people nationwide save more than $290 million in tax preparation fees while securing $2.1 billion in refunds. Filing is simple, secure, and fast! Most users complete their taxes in under an hour from their phone, tablet, or computer, with step-by-step guidance. In addition, free IRS-trained support is available daily to ensure individuals get every deduction and credit they qualify for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.”

Deadline for camp scholarship applications extended

The Shelby Rotary Club and the Oceana Community Foundation are pleased to offer the chance for Oceana youth to attend camp this summer. Camp experiences bring new skills and self-worth to our youth and build up the 4 C’s within them: Compassion, Contribution, Commitment and Character. The Rotary Club and Foundation donors realize this impact and work to ensure camp experiences are accessible to all, regardless of financial status. Awards are capped at $250 per applicant, but higher requests will be evaluated according to available funding. All awards will be paid directly to the camps and are available for any type of camping focus—arts, sports, scouts, church, general and leadership experiences. The application is for one camp experience per child. Preference is given to first-time requests. To apply for support, complete the quick, one-page application! The deadline to apply is April 14. Applications are available on the Foundation’s website at www.oceanafoundation.org and at the Shelby Area District Library. Questions can be directed to Tiffany Haight at haightfour@gmail. com or by calling 231-873-1859.

Shelby Village adopts new budget

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

SHELBY - Monday, after months of work sessions by Shelby Village staff and the Finance and Insurance Committee, as well as opportunities for staff and public feedback, the Shelby Village Council formally adopted their Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. The new budget will take effect March 1, 2025.

“Lots of work has gone into budget preparation,” Village President John Sutton said. “This is one of the most important meetings of the year.”

Sutton continued by thanking everyone who was involved and recognized Village Administrator Phil Morse for all the work he put in on this, his first official budget since coming on board.

Per the Finance and Insurance Committee’s memo to council, some of the most notable items on the budget include $412,000 for water main and service line replacement on South Michigan Avenue, $1,000,000 of road work in the Major Streets Fund, $650,000 of road work in the Local Streets Fund, $15,000 for village hall improvements and $18,000 for the cross-connection contract recently approved, as well as a raise for all village staff.

The memo continued, raises for village staff were calculated using the following formula: every full-time staff member will receive a flat increase of $892.50, calculated by multiplying 1.5 percent times the average highest full-time wage ($80,000) and the lowest full-time wage ($39,000). In addition, every full-time staff member will receive a 1.5 percent increase in their ending FY2425 salary. Morse explained what those combined calculations mean for full-time staff, “For individuals earning less than $60,000, the rate will be slightly above 3 percent, with the percentage increasing as income decreases. Conversely, for those earning more than $60,000, the rate will be slightly below 3 percent, with the percentage decreasing as income increases. The goal is to help those lower on the pay scale to grow their annual salary more quickly while maintaining financial health for the village in 25-26 and beyond.”

In addition, all part-time staff will receive a flat three percent increase in their wages in

FY25-26.

Morse’s executive summary of the FY2526 budget expressed excitement about all the village has accomplished over the past several years. “Although there aren’t major projects planned for the sewer, parks, or downtown areas this year, the budget does include significant investments from our fund balance into a water infrastructure project and extensive road work. The timing of the water infrastructure project will depend on the quotes we receive,” Morse’s summary memo read.

The memo further explained that property tax and state revenue are the primary sources of revenue to the General Fund, “The village expects to receive approximately $410,000 in property taxes (both current and delinquent), which is an increase of $25,159 over FY24-25. This growth is attributed to the continued rise in property values, the addition of homes in Shelby Acres, and the renovations completed by Blue Photon in the Industrial Park. The village conservatively anticipates receiving about $271,000 in revenue sharing for FY 2025-26. As the population of Shelby grows, they expect to see an increase in both state revenue and property taxes.”

Overall, the village’s General Fund, Major and Local Streets and Water Funds are the “healthiest” of all funds, while the village’s Sewer and Equipment Funds could be considered on the “unhealthy” side. Funds for future projects, such as the required dredging of sewer lagoons every 10 years and the replacement of large pieces of equipment, are currently not available and will need to be addressed in the coming months.

As for capital improvement projects, road work improvements were addressed in the Feb. 14 issue of The Oceana Echo. Sidewalk projects being considered if grant funding can be secured are new walkways from the Hart Montague Trail to Getty Park and from Sixth Street to the new elementary school. Equipment purchases will include a new police cruiser, while Village Hall improvements will include removal of a non-supporting wall and television for presentations, as well as new flooring and paint.

“The budget process is a lot of work, but now that it’s done, it is a weight off all of our shoulders and we can move on to other things,” Morse concluded.

Trinty Lutheran offers ‘Good Enough’ Lenten series beginning March 5

Achieving the perfect life is impossible. Yet many of us strive to do so daily and are so hard on ourselves when we don’t achieve it.

This Lenten season, Trinity Lutheran Church (TLC) of New Era embarks on a series of worship gatherings and book discussions helping us to embrace the imperfections of life and faith.

Recently, author Kate Bowler wrote a New York Times bestseller titled “Good Enough.” The book explores and encourages the concept that it’s acceptable to simply live into what’s possible each day without achieving perfection and know that, by just doing that, our future lives can still be beautiful.

TLC’s Lenten worship series will begin with a special Ash Wednesday service on March 5 at 6:30 p.m. along with a soup supper at 5:30 p.m. The following Wednesday through April 9, a discussion of the book “Good Enough” will take place at 6 p.m. with a soup supper preceding at 5:30 p.m. The church will further incorporate themes from the book meaningful for faith and life in their Sunday morning worship services held at 10 a.m. beginning March 9 through

Easter. Another discussion of the book will be held following each worship. The book is available for purchase for $10.

TLC invites everyone to attend its Wednesday evening activities and Sunday services to enrich one’s Lenten season experience, learn about insights for life and faith from “Good Enough,” and fellowship with TLC’s congregation.

For more information about Trinity Lutheran Church of New Era, an ELCA congregation, please call 231.861.4059, email office@tlcnewera.org, or visit www.tlcnewera.org.

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Marcia Jean Underwood

September 17, 1963 ~ February 4, 2025

Marcia Jean Underwood, 71, of Hart, returned home to the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. She was born to Auda and Hazel (Crane) Underwood on Sept. 17, 1953, in Muskegon, Mich.

The tenth of eleven children, Marcia graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School in 1972. While living in Colorado Springs, Colorado, she had her first daughter, Angela, in 1975. After moving back home to Muskegon, Marcia welcomed her second and final child in 1980, another daughter, Joy. In 1989, Marcia relocated her family to Elbridge Township in Hart, Michigan, to live closer to her mother. A woman of strong faith, Marcia enjoyed attending church gatherings, camping, softball and spending time with her many loved ones. If she wasn’t outside riding her scooter while walking her beloved dog Lola, then she could often be found underneath a warm blanket with a book in hand while watching reruns of “Little House on the Prairie.”

Marcia is survived by: daughters, Angela (Paul) Tickle and Joy (Toby) Underwood; grandchildren, Tiffanie (Brian) Miller, Tyra (Raymond) Martinez, David Vershueren II, Wesley Underwood, Skylar Chapman, Saige Chapman, Shanna (Ivan) Chapman; great-grandchildren, Kierra Vershueren, Abigail and Thor Miller, Alana, Gabriella, Hailey, Remi and Zoey Martinez, and Pheonix Underwood; siblings, Jerry Underwood, Harry (Juanita) Underwood, Cora Huggard, Richard Bayne, Ronald Bayne and Janettia Bayne; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Marcia was preceded in death by: parents, Auda and Hazel; stepfathers, Wesley Bayne and Carl Martin; brothers, Jackie, John, Don Underwood and Jerry Messenger and Don Bayne; sisters-in-law, Lyn Underwood and Mary Bayne.

A celebration of Marcia’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the American Legion, 803 E. Colby Street, Whitehall, Mich. 49461.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Leo Lewis Woodley, Jr.

February 19, 1942 ~ February 24, 2025

Leo Lewis Woodley, Jr., of Hart, passed away peaceful ly on Feb. 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born on Feb. 19, 1942, the first WWII baby born in Oceana County, born to an active master sergeant serving in Australia.

Leo was the beloved son of Leo Lewis and Marjorie Ellen (Grate) Woodley. He grew up in Hart, Mich., where his passion for cars began at the young age of 12 while working at Hodges Pontiac Buick. A dedicated and accomplished young man, he became a Young Eagle Scout at just 14 years old, earning the distinguished honor of the Order of the Arrow. He graduated from Hart High School in 1960 and soon after began his military service.

From 1961 to 1964, Leo served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Germany. He later continued his service in the Army National Guard 1436 Engineer unit in Muskegon, Mich., achieving the rank of sergeant from 1976 to 1981.

Professionally, Leo had a long and successful career with GTE Business Services from 1968 until his retirement in 1999. Never one to sit still, he continued working as an independent communications contractor from 1999 onward.

Leo had a lifelong love of automobiles, particularly Corvettes and Jeeps. Over the years, he owned 18 Corvettes, many of which he restored himself, and more than 40 Jeeps, spanning models from April 1942 to 1990, including two M-38s— both Willys and Ford JPWs. His passion for military vehicles extended beyond personal interest; from the 1970s until his passing, he proudly led veteran parades with his Jeeps, honoring those who served.

Leo is survived by his children: Dana (Greg) Woodley of Marco Island, Fla.; Gina (Ted) Ferwerda of Silver Lake, Mich.; and Damon Riggs of Hart, Mich.; and sister, Betty Sue (John) Carnes; along with several nieces and nephews. Leo was a devoted grandfather to Cody, Logan, Andrea, Ariana and Isabelle, and a cherished great-grandfather to Cora and Gray.

A memorial and celebration of Leo’s life will take place in the summer of 2025. Please continue to check Harris’ website for updates regarding service details.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fighting Diamond Foundation (www.fightingdiamond.org). Additionally, in honor of Leo’s final wishes, those who are able are encouraged to donate blood and platelets—a cause close to his heart, as transfusions were his lifeline in his final year. He hoped to raise awareness of the vital importance of blood donation and the profound impact it has on saving lives.

Leo will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his unwavering spirit, passion for life, and commitment to his family, country and community.

Norton D. Schramm

June 23, 1943 ~ February 22, 2025

The Thumb area lost a 50-year mainstay of high school sports when Nort Schramm passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Norton Douglas Schramm was born on June 23, 1943, in Hart, Mich., to Florence and Frank Schramm.

After graduating from Hart High School in 1961, Norton attended MSU, where he met his wife of 59 years, Linda. Following their college graduation and marriage, Nort and Linda spent a year teaching in Quincy, Michigan, before relocating to the Thumb in 1967, when Norton accepted his career-making position in Deckerville as a phys ed teacher and athletic coach. After stints with both boys’ football and baseball, Norton took over the girls’ varsity basketball program, where he remained head coach for the next 25 seasons and was recognized by the state for achieving over 300 wins and reaching the state semi-finals in 1984. He furthered his involvement in area high school athletics as sports director for local radio station WMIC for 30 years and was known as the ‘Voice of the Thumb’ for broadcasting local high school games and hosting SportsLine, the still-running Saturday morning radio program, which he created in 1975. Nort returned to Deckerville High School as athletic director for another 12 years after retiring as a teacher and coach until he took over as director of the Greater Thumb Conference in 2004, where he remained until retiring after the 2023-24 school year.

Norton spent his summer breaks fly fishing and golfing with his brothers and coaching Little League for all three of his children until his battered knees relegated him to armchair commentator for his beloved Detroit Tigers. During his 59 years as a Sanilac County resident, Norton served his community in a myriad of roles: as a longtime member and secretary for the Sandusky United Methodist Men’s group, SAVE Child Abuse Council member, Sanilac County Commissioner and for the last 10 years, a Sandusky City Council member and Sandusky Airport Board chairperson.

Norton was preceded in death by his parents, Florence (Morse) and Frank Schramm and his brother Jim (Dorothy) Schramm. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Rinn) Schramm; children, Thomas (Bernice) Schramm, daughters Tammy King and Trinna Schramm; grandchildren, Jacob (Sarah) Stark, Rachel Schramm, Dylan King and Bryce King; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Maggie, Josh and Charlotte; brother, Frank (Pat) Schramm, sister Mary (Scott) Wright, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Norton will take place at Apsey Funeral Home in Deckerville on Friday, Feb. 28, from 2-8 p.m. and on Saturday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sandusky First United Methodist Church with a 1 p.m. service and luncheon to follow. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Rev. Lisa Clark officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to Sandusky First United Methodist Church or United Hospice of Marlette. Condolences may be sent online to apseyfuneralhome.net.

Obituary Information:

We, at The Oceana Echo, offer our deepest condolences for your loss and are here to help you tell others about your loved one’s life and the plans you have made to honor, celebrate and remember them. If you would like to place an obituary with us, please tell your arrangement specialist or email us at theoceanaecho@gmail.com.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP

PROPOSED 2025-26 Budget/ TRUTH IN TAXATION

Newfield Township FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 combined public hearing on the proposed Budget AND Millage Rates to support the budget will be held during our Regular Meeting of the Newfield Township Board on March 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Newfield Township Hall located at 3890 198th Ave, Hesperia, Michigan.

Property tax millage rates proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. We will be charging the maximum allowable rates for the township operating millage and the fire millage.

A copy of the budget is available for public inspection at the Newfield Township Hall by contacting the Clerk at 231-854-4702. Comments at the hearing may include those submitted by email to the township at supervisor@newfieldtownship.org, by mail to PO Box 564, Hesperia, Michigan, or in writing and dropped off in the secure box at the Township Hall.

Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable services to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon notice. Contact the Clerk at :231-854-4702.

Nancy Conley

Newfield Township Clerk

• On March 3, 1877, Rutherford B.

Hayes was sworn in as the 19th president of the United States in the Red Room of the White House. Two days later, he was again inaugurated, but this time in a public ceremony.

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• On March 3, 1877, Rutherford B. Hayes was sworn in as the 19th president of the United States in the Red Room of the White House. Two days later, he was again inaugurated, but this time in a public ceremony.

• On March 4, 2004, Mianne Bagger, a golfer from Denmark, earned a place in sports history at the Women’s Australian Open as the first transgender athlete to compete in a professional golf tournament, noting to reporters that it took a while to overcome the anxiety associated with the feat: “I don’t know where my swing was. ... I was pretty numb the first seven holes. I couldn’t really feel much below my shoulders.”

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• In Israel, the movie title “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” was translated as “It’s Raining Falafel.”

On March 5, 1839, “Jane Eyre” author Charlotte Bronte declined a marriage proposal from the Reverend Henry Nussey, informing him that he would find her “romantic and eccentric” and not practical enough to be a clergyman’s wife.

• On March 6, 1475, Michelangelo Buonarroti, considered by many the greatest of the Italian Renaissance artists, was born in Caprese. The son of a government administrator, he became an artist’s apprentice at age 13. He would go on to master painting, sculpture and architecture, becoming best known for masterpieces like “David” and his ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

• On March 5, 1839, “Jane Eyre” author Charlotte Bronte declined a marriage proposal from the Reverend Henry Nussey, informing him that he would find her “romantic and eccentric” and not practical enough to be a clergyman’s wife.

• On March 7, 2002, the defense rested in the trial of Andrea Yates, a 37-year-old Texas woman who murdered her five young children by drowning them in a bathtub. Less than a week later she was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, but the conviction was later reversed on the grounds of insanity. In 2006, she was committed to a state mental hospital in Texas, where she remains today.

• On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members, lost contact with air traffic control less than an hour after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, then veered off course and disappeared. Most of the plane and all on board were never recovered.

• Smartphones and computers are notorious for viruses — but I’m thinking of the kind that can make YOU sick. These devices are touched by us constantly. And then we stick them right to our faces! Take the time daily to clean off your device with an alcohol wipe to decontaminate it. Your respiratory and digestive systems will thank you.

• “We are always prompted to choose strong passwords, but a random collection of letters, numbers and special symbols can be hard to remember. I make a strong password by using a coded phrase, like “My three boys are number one,” which might be “MY3boysR#1.” Just thought I’d share my trick, but not my password!” — R.W. in Iowa

• Use secure networks to transfer data. When out and about, if you are using free Wi-Fi hotspots, choose ones that encrypt data. You can check the web address and look for a padlock icon, or addresses that begin with https://. The “S” means “secure.”

• The Latte Index, which was developed by The Wall Street Journal, compares the price of a tall Starbucks latte in dozens of cities around the globe to estimate which currencies are overvalued and undervalued.

• While Finland refers to itself as the “Land of 1,000 Lakes,” it actually contains 188,000.

• Gucci manufactured a pair of jeans named the Gucci Genius Jeans that sold for an astonishing $3,134.

• In 1859, America was swept by a moral panic over young people playing … too much chess.

• Eighty-five percent of Vakkaru Island in the Maldives is made up of fish feces.

• After Thomas Edison was confined to a wheelchair in his last years, his good friend Henry Ford bought one as well so the two could have wheelchair races around their adjoining Florida estates.

• Fifteen minutes of shivering from cold temperatures can be the metabolic equivalent of one hour of exercise.

• On March 9, 1979, the 26 Major League Baseball teams were ordered by MLB commissioner Bowie Kuhn to allow equal access to all reporters, regardless of their sex.

• “Sign out of all accounts when you are using someone else’s computer. I can’t tell you how often I have used the computers at the library and went to sign into my webmail only to find that the previous user’s email comes up. Navigating away from a page usually doesn’t work, closing the browser sometimes doesn’t work, but logging off ALWAYS works. The same for shopping sites, like Amazon. If you don’t log off, because these sites use “cookies” to remember you, someone could potentially use your account.” — M.L. in Florida

• Lock your device! Just as you wouldn’t leave your door unlocked, so too should you not leave your phone unlocked, particularly if you have applications on your smartphone that can be easily accessed. Lock it up, and be smart.

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• At the age of 104, a fellow by the name of Jack Reynolds became the oldest known person to get a tattoo. He followed that up by becoming, at age 105, the oldest person to ride on a roller coaster.

• St. Nicholas is the patron saint of penitent murderers.

• America’s first female state senator was a Mormon polygamist who not only ran against, but defeated, her husband.

• In 2009, an Italian neurosurgeon had a heart attack in the middle of performing surgery. He powered through it when he realized his patient wouldn’t recover if he stopped. Half an hour after finishing the surgery, the dedicated doctor had an angioplasty.

***

Thought for the Day: “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” — Victor Hugo

Paying for college: a guide to funding education

Michigan is now investing more than ever in post-secondary education, and the Oceana College Access Network is here to help with navigating how to receive the most money towards one’s future! The cost can be an overwhelming thought for students and families, however, paying for college is a goal within reach when one understands the key steps to get the most financial aid.

Education beyond high school is one of the best investments one can make for themself! By 2030, 70 percent of Michigan jobs will require post-secondary education. There are plenty of opportunities to access fulfilling, high-demand careers, especially when we consider all of the possible paths to education including certificate programs, skilled trades training, apprenticeships, community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities.

Current seniors were invited to attend a FAFSA Completion Night on Feb. 12 at Shelby High School. This was open to all Oceana families - and Oceana CAN! can still assist with filling out this application for federal student aid.

Ways to Pay for College:

1. Michigan’s recent investments into students to ensure an upskilled workforce is one of the largest in recent history. These funds are easily accessible by simply completing the FAFSA.

• Michigan Reconnect - Achieve an associate’s or skills certificate tuition-free if one is over 25.

• MI Community College Guarantee - all recent and future Oceana graduates are eligible and can attend community college at a fraction of the cost!

• Michigan Achievement Scholarship - up to $27,500 for college if a student is eligible.

2. FAFSA is the first step!

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the single most important thing a student and their parents can do, whether one thinks they are eligible for federal funding or not. Completing the online FAFSA each year that one is in college opens the door to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities and provides a guide for colleges, the state, and other philanthropic organizations to determine eligibility for aid programs.

• Why fill out the FAFSA? - Completing the FAFSA can drastically reduce the cost or allow tuition-free paths for many Oceana students. Without filling

out the FAFSA, students will not be eligible for federal or state aid.

• Not a senior yet? Try out the FAFSA estimator (studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/) to get an idea of what one may receive in financial aid.

3. Explore Scholarships - Free Money! Scholarships are not only for those with good grades and perfect GPAs. There is free money available for anyone and everyone; these can come from the government, private/public organizations, and educational institutions. Scholarships can be awarded based on athletics, volunteer work, ethnic or religious groups, or student interests. Scholarships can be national, state, or local, but it is recommended to begin applying to local scholarships first, as they are the least competitive. For Oceana County students, there are two main local organizations that have scholarships for students to take advantage of;

• The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship is due on Feb. 28.

• The Oceana Community Foundation (OCF) requires just one application that opens the door to 55 scholarship funds. In 2023, the Foundation committed nearly $323,000 to 197 students. OCF also has a Complete Your Degree program, which supports adult learners by providing financial support through scholarships and life need funds.

• Visit oceanacan.org/resources/pay/scholarships/ for ideas on how to find more scholarships.

4. Consider Work-Study Programs

FAFSA also offers work-study programs to qualifying students; these are federally funded part-time jobs on campus that pay a decent wage and are flexible with students’ class schedules. Student employment and work-study help students pay for educational costs such as books, supplies, and personal expenses. Check YES on the FAFSA to see if one qualifies.

5. Explore Loan Options

Loans are an investment into one’s education and the Rule of Thumb is to borrow less than one anticipates making in their first year of their career. The FAFSA determines if a student is eligible for federal loans. Recommended as the last funding option, both subsidized (no interest accrues while in college) and unsubsidized (interest accrues from the date one signs on the loan) loans may be awarded. If the student is not eligible for federal loans, there are private loans often

Oceana County

Animal Shelter

Oscar Needs a Foster Hero! He is a sweet and fun-loving 4-year-old Pit Mix with a heart as big as his smile. Life hasn’t been the easiest for this lovable boy—he’s currently being treated for some skin and eye issues and some swelling from his neuter surgery.

While he’s getting all the care he needs at the shelter, what he really needs to heal is a home. Oscar would thrive in a foster home where he can receive his medications and soothing baths on a consistent schedule. He’s not asking for much—just a cozy spot to rest, a little TLC, and someone to remind him that he’s loved. In return, he’ll shower you with affection, tail wags, and plenty of goofy, happy moments. The best part? The shelter provides everything you need—his medications, food, and supplies—so all you have to provide is love and a safe space.

Can you open your heart and home to help Oscar on his journey to recovery? Even a short-term foster could make a world of difference.

Oscar 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 231730-3906. Free tags are also available at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.

Hello there, I’m Linzer! I’m a tiny bundle of joy who loves to play. My favorite game is chasing after a toy mouse, but I’m just as happy batting at a piece of string. I’m very gentle and love to cuddle. My purrs are like a soft lullaby that will soothe you after a long day. I’m still a kitten, so I have lots of energy and curiosity. I promise to fill your life with laughter and love. If you’re looking for a sweet, playful, and gentle companion, then I’m the perfect match for you.

If you would like to adopt Linzer, please fill out an application through the OCAF Facebook page: Oceana County Animal Friends or online at: oceanacountyanimalfriends. wordpress.com

found at banks and financial institutions.

The Parent Plus Loan is a third option through FAFSA where the institution will apply the loan funds to the student’s account to pay for school charges, but the parent is responsible for the debt.The average total debt in Michigan for an undergraduate student is $29,863 for a bachelor’s degree.

6. Understanding Costs

Before looking at the types of funding available, it is important to understand the costs of college. Different programs and schools have different price points. Researching the costs of one’s chosen institution will help one think about how much money they will need, but remember that almost no one pays the full sticker price due to financial aid, scholarships, and other sources of funding. Costs can include:

• Tuition & Fees: Costs of classes and administrative fees.

• Room & Board: Housing and meal plans.

• Books & Supplies: Materials needed.

• Personal Expenses: Transportation, clothing, and other necessities.

Use tools like college cost calculators to help come up with an estimate of total expenses for the school or program chosen!

7. Ask For Help!

Paying for college can be an overwhelming thought for many families, but there is lots of help available:

• Financial Aid Offices: College staff can guide one through the application process and help find available aid.

• High School Counselors: Provide advice on local scholarships and college planning.

• Oceana College Access Network: Programs, such as FAFSA completion nights, for families and guidance to scholarships available for Oceana Students.

• Oceana Hispanic Center—can provide bilingual guidance to Oceana students and families and help with the FAFSA.

• Online resources: Websites like studentaid.gov and finaid.org offer valuable tools and information. Paying for college may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s achievable. Start early, explore funding resources, and stay proactive in managing finances. Investing in one’s education is one of the most significant steps anyone can take toward securing a bright future!

and Regular Board

March 5, 2025

Colfax Township’s monthly meeting has been changed to March 5 at 7 pm. On March 5, 2025 we will review the proposed budget 2025/2026 at 6:30 pm and the regular Board Meeting will be at 7:00 pm. The public is welcome.

Corinne Norton Colfax Township Clerk

Hard work, dedication and… divine intervention?

Mikey Carlson becomes 14th member of Pentwater’s 1,000 point club

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

PENTWATER – On a night where so much focus revolved around the Pentwater’s boys basketball team winning a conference title, senior Mikey Carlson found a milestone of his own.

Carlson scored 11 points on the night, becoming just the 14th member of Pentwater’s 1,000 career points club.

“Mikey’s just been very willing to adjust,” Pentwater Head coach Ashley Lubera said. “Coming off his JV year, he was willing to listen to me and become a post player, because he was playing point guard before that. His success comes from his hard work.”

It seemed Carlson was primed to get the milestone out of the way early, scoring six points in the opening frame. A little bit of a wait was in store however, as Carlson reached the milestone late in the second quarter after Jonny Arnouts fed him the ball in the paint.

Carlson, looked up, pump faked, spun around and fell backwards. On that last move, Carlson released a shot, pumping his fist as he headed to the bench to celebrate.

As it so happens, that’s just a signature shot for Carlson, and he wouldn’t have preferred to reach the mark in any other way.

“I don’t think there’s a better shot to symbolize how I got to the 1,000,” Carlson said. “There were a lot of those shots that I made to get here. It’s a massive accomplishment to finally join that list, it’s been four years now (working towards it).”

An extra layer to Carlson’s accomplishment is the way it unfolded. If you ask Lubera, there might have been larger forces that had their hands on the situation.

“It’s interesting how things align sometimes.

Mikey wears number 11 and that’s exactly the number of points he needed on senior night (to break 1,000 career points). It’s divine intervention in a way.”

Carlson knows the milestone is special, but he acknowledged that his eyes are on something bigger. That started with a 78-15 win over Walkerville in the district semifinals Wednesday, Feb. 26 and will continue if the Falcons can snag a district title over Baldwin Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.

“Job is not done yet,” Carlson said. “We’ve got districts now and I think we can finally get through that tournament. We’ve had the same group of guys since sophomore year and not a lot of guys have that. Three years of varsity experience with the same roster is going to give us that edge over other teams.”

Pentwater boys down Mesick, clinch WMD conference title

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

PENTWATER – On a night packed with accolades, the Pentwater boys basketball team celebrated the most important one at the end of a 70-42 win over Mesick Friday, Feb. 21.

The Falcons clinched their first West Michigan D League (WMD) title since 2019 with the win, putting the cap on an accomplished regular season.

“It’s been an uphill climb for these boys, and what a great way to end a four year career filled with hard work, dedication and team chemistry,” Pentwater Head Coach Ashley Lubera said. “This was our first goal and it’s accomplished.”

With seniors night being celebrated at halftime, it was fitting that Pentwater’s core – consisting completely of seniors – had a big hand in a blowout victory.

Early on, Pentwater wasted no time spreading the ball around.

Six different Falcons scored in the

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

Another successful season for Hart’s wrestling team ended just shy of a state semifinals berth as the Pirates lost to Allegan 35-24, Friday, Feb. 21.

Hart, who was seeded fifth in the D3 tournament, had an avenue to victory over the No. 4 Tigers. After Kai Miller (165-pounds) and Eman Hertzler (175lbs.) dropped the first two bouts, Allegan led 10-0. Alex Hicks (190-

first quarter, led by senior Mikey Carlson who notched six. Jonny Arnouts and Brody Austin joined Carlson, each contributing four points in that same quarter.

With a 21-12 lead, the Falcons had a slight advantage, but wanted a bit more distance before the half. Luckily, Pentwater’s defensive intensity picked up in the second quarter, allowing them to do just that.

After scoring six unanswered points to start, Pentwater allowed the Bulldogs to score their first of just three baskets in the second quarter. A 16-0 run for Pentwater followed that make for Mesick, as a senior quartet consisting of Carlson, Arnouts, Trey Johnson and Nathan Macher got involved. Pentwater junior Wyatt Roberts nailed a three pointer to round it out, putting the Falcons on top 49-18 at halftime.

Taking a break to honor five seniors, Lubera had a chance to recognize a group that has been the Falcons core group for the better part of three years.

“This is great publicity for our school and how important it is

lbs.) breathed life into the Pirates, earning a pin and cutting the deficit to 10-6.

Abdel Lopez (215lbs.) fell by 14-7 decision, giving Allegan another three points and a 13-6 advantage. That’s where the Pirates found a bit of momentum.

Adrian Lara (285-lbs.) etched out a victory by 8-1 decision, which put three more points on the board for Hart. The Pirates found their first lead of the afternoon when Jordan Thies (106lbs.) pinned Allegan’s Sullivan Morgan. That nine point swing put

Hart on top, 15-13.

to our community,” Lubera said. “The crowd has just been amazing and the support we’ve had from the fans and the cheerleaders…it’s just a total school effort. I’m glad we were able to share this with so many people.”

Scoring slowed for Pentwater in the third quarter as they took their foot off the gas a bit. Johnson converted on three shots from the floor, including two three pointers, but Mesick outscored the Falcons 14-10.

Still owning a demanding 59-32 lead at the end of the third quarter, Pentwater got their bench involved in the fourth.

Roberts hit his second three of the game, Abram Kieda scored four points and Tyler Zimmer made the final bucket of the game, putting a cap on the evening’s action.

Johnson led the team with 20 points, while Arnouts had 14 to go along with eight steals and five assists. Carlson recorded a double-double with 11 points, 11 re-

Conference Champs continued on page 10

The Tigers and Pi-

continued on page 11

Unfortunately, Kole Thomas (113-lbs.) – who had been on an absolute tear all season long – was taken out in the next bout. Thomas battled with Allegan’s Jacob Collier, but fell by a 10-7 decision.

HART

PENTWATER

SHELBY

Pentwater’s boys basketball team poses with their West Michigan D League championship trophy. The Falcons defeated Mesick 70-42 on Senior Night Friday, Feb. 21. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart’s Alex Hicks takes a favorable position on top of Allegan’s Dylan Ritsema. • Andy Roberts/ECHO

Pentwater’s Mikey Carlson became the 14th Pentwater athlete to reach 1,000 career points. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

rates took turns trading leads from that point on. Hart redeemed Thomas’ loss with a 9-1 major decision for Caden VanGelderen (120-lbs.). Hudson VanderKooi knotted the score at 19-19 with a 15-9 decision win over Hart’s Julian Vasquez (126-lbs.).

Halen Boos broke that tie with a win by technical fall, awarding Hart five points. That would be the last time the Pirates put points on the board.

Ty Thomas (138-lbs.) and Logan Jorissen (150-lbs.) each lost by decision, while Keaghan Monroe (144-lbs.)

continued from page 10

split those losses with his own loss by pin. Emmanuel Ortega (157-lbs.) fell in the final match of Hart’s quarterfinals battle, dropping by an 11-1 major decision. Even if Ortega had scored a pin, it would not have been enough to revive the Pirates, as they trailed by seven at that point.

While the Pirates season is finished as a team, nine individual grapplers will look to snag their own state titles this weekend. Those nine Hart wrestlers will head to Ford Field in Detroit Friday, Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Conference champs

bounds and adding six assists as well.

The Falcons finished the regular season at 19-2 overall with a 13-1 mark in the WMD. Cutting the net off the rim in their home gym after the win over Mesick, the Falcons are hoping there’s

Shelby boys bounced from district tournament at the hands of White Cloud

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – A few costly turnovers and poor shooting proved to be too much for Shelby’s boys basketball team to overcome Monday, Feb. 24. The Tigers fell 53-43 to White Cloud in the district quarterfinals, ending their season in the first round of the postseason.

continued from page 10

more to celebrate down the road.

“(If) we continue to play together, I think we’ll find some more wins,” Lubera said. “I always say one quarter at a time, and try not to get ahead of ourselves.”

Hart boys survive Big Rapids, advance to district finals

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

NEWAYGO – Big moments were not in short supply in Newaygo Wednesday, Feb. 26, as Hart’s boys basketball team found a way to erase an early deficit, emerging with a 56-55 victory over Big Rapids.

Hart and Big Rapids had nearly identical records heading into the game, and that showed early. Both teams struggled to break through the other’s defense, leading to a scoreless game after the first few minutes had ticked away. The Cardinals broke through first, going on an 8-0 run to start the game, forcing the Pirates to fight from behind.

Freshman Kolton Rockwell found the bottom of the net first for Hart, but it wasn’t enough to spark the offense completely. Avery Guikema added another layup for the Pirates, but a 15-4 deficit is where things stood after the first eight minutes.

Guikema caught fire in the second quarter, allowing Hart to find their footing on the offensive end. Guikema added six more points to his total, and was joined by sharp shooting from Caleb Ackley and Jagger Lenon – each of whom sank baskets from three point range.

“My father-in-law Russ Doane wanted to go with Avery (Guikema) for an extended period of time,” Hart Head Coach Nick Bronsema said. “We know what we’re going to get for him in terms of hustle and effort, but to see good things happen to a kid like that…you’re just really happy about it.”

A 7-0 run in the middle of the second helped keep Big Rapids’ lead from swelling, closing the first half out with a 24-19 lead for the Cardinals.

The Pirates found several more offensive runs in the third quarter. Rockwell found the first points of the quarter and, after Big Rapids hit a trey, the Pirates found a mini 6-0 run to tie the game up.

Trading blows, Hart’s offense found ways to match the Cardinals and keep the game knotted up. Ackley found his second three pointer of the night, sparking Hart to a 13-2 run in the third quarter, pushing the Pirates out to their first lead of the night. Ackley hit another deep shot to end the quarter, leaving Hart in front by eight heading into the fourth.

“Three? I didn’t know I was going to hit that many,” Ackley joked. “I was thinking after two, maybe I’ll miss this next one, but I just kept hitting. I keep shooting them in practice and I know they’re gonna fall eventually. Tonight, they did.”

That lead hit its highest point in the early minutes of the final quarter, with Guikema pushing the lead to 10. Big Rapids’ 6-foot-8-inch center Gabe Njenga, took it upon himself to kickstart the Cardinals, scoring 10 of his own in the final eight minutes.

With a seven point lead in the late stages of the game, Hart appeared to have things locked up. Fouls became a problem for the Pirates however, sending Big Rapids to the line for 12 shots from the charity stripe. Luckily, the Cardinals could not convert at a consistent clip, going 4-for-12 and keeping Hart in the driver’s seat.

Those four free throws, combined with a timely three point shot still ended up keeping the score tied at 53. Guikema found a huge layup for the Pirates to put them in front again, while Ackley earned a foul inside 10 seconds, giving him the chance to put Big Rapids out of the game.

Ackley went 1-for-2 on that trip to the line, with the second shot clanking off the rim and landing in the hands of Njenga.

In need of a three, Njenga took the ball coast-to-coast and, in an astounding lapse of judgement, charged towards the paint for an easy dunk. With the clock still running, Njenga’s teammates looked around in disbelief as the clock ran out on the game and Big Rapids’ season.

Just as shocked was the crowd. As for Ackley, he knew a clear lane to the hoop would be too much for Njenga to neglect.

“I didn’t expect it to end exactly like that, but I knew if we forced him to go for a layup it would eliminate the chance of a three,” Ackley said. “When I saw him go by for the dunk, I just let him have it.”

Hart was led by Ackley with a double-double effort, including 16 points and 11 rebounds. Guikema added 13 points and Rockwell finished with 10 to go along with six rebounds.

The Pirates push their record to 16-7 overall and will head back to Newaygo Friday, Feb. 28 for a district finals meeting with Ludington at 7 p.m.

The Tigers struggled in the early moments of the game with the Indians, allowing the athleticism of White Cloud’s guards to get the better of them. On multiple occasions, the Indians drove past Shelby’s defense, finding lanes to the hoop. That led to a 9-2 advantage for White Cloud.

Shelby found their offense late in the opening quarter, with a three point make from Eli Kelley keeping them within reach with a 13-9 deficit after eight minutes.

White Cloud built on that lead in a low-scoring second quarter. Despite the Tigers’ best efforts, the Indians found a deep connection at the end of the half, pushing their lead out to seven points.

“We missed too many shots early,” Shelby Head Coach Rick Zoulek said. “We had some chances, but we got down by seven early and just played them even the rest of the way. In tournament time especially, you’ve got to make shots. We got good looks, we just couldn’t convert.”

The second half started with a bang as each team attempted to snag momentum. In the early minutes of the third quarter, there were four straight three pointers made – two for each team in alternating order.

White Cloud appeared to have extended their lead into double-digits, but a late connection from beyond the arc by Shelby’s Nathan Miller kept the lead at seven.

In desperate need of an offensive run, Shelby started the fourth quarter

with two points from Miller. Unfortunately, White Cloud answered with a three and began stalling with five minutes left in the game.

Shelby was forced to intentionally foul, putting the game’s fate at the free throw line. The Indians went 13-for18 from the charity stripe in the final quarter, sealing the win and ending Shelby’s season.

Miller led Shelby in scoring with 12 points, making it a double-double performance with 11 rebounds. Kelley added nine points while Leighton Belasco had seven.

Shelby finished the year at 3-20 overall with a 3-9 record in the WMC Rivers. The Tigers will lose just two seniors as Miller and Griffin Olmstead will graduate in the spring. That leaves a bevy of players that will return to the team for another year, something Zoulek is excited about.

“Coming into this year, we didn’t know for sure if Leighton (Belasco) or Zaiden (Harris) were coming to Shelby,” Zoulek said. “Now they’re two of our top six guys. It’s exciting to think of the possibilities. Those two with Eli Kelley and the JV players coming up, we’re going to have a lot of quickness.”

O’Neil’s performance not enough for Hesperia Boys in district loss to Manistee

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – Ethan O’Neil’s name was called more than any other Hesperia athlete on Monday, Feb. 24, as the Panthers fell to Manistee 50-37 in the district quarterfinals.

O’Neil – a senior for the Panthers –was as consistent as could be all night against the Mariners. Scoring 10 points in the opening quarter, O’Neil was the only Hesperia athlete to find the bottom of the net, keeping his team in the game single-handedly.

Still, Manistee owned a 13-10 lead after the first eight minutes of play. A buzzer beater from beyond the arc proved to be the difference, putting the Mariners in front. That lead only increased as the night went on.

Pushing their lead out to nine in the second quarter, Manistee found lanes to the paint often. Hesperia struggled to find their offense in that second

frame, leaning on O’Neil again. The Mariners seemingly found an answer after O’Neil’s dominating first quarter, holding him to just four points in the second.

Trailing 27-18 coming out of halftime, Hesperia closed in on Manistee in the third quarter. The Panthers traded shots with the Mariners, but went on a 7-0 run in the quarter’s final minutes, cutting the lead to just four points. Another buzzer beater from deep put Manistee back in front by seven with just one stanza remaining.

Hesperia’s offense completely stalled out in the final quarter. The Panthers scored just six points to close out the game, allowing Manistee to run away with a double-digit victory. The Panthers were led by O’Neil with 21 points, while Andrew Sherburn collected seven of his own. Jayden Sibley added five points as well.

Hesperia finished the year at 6-17 overall and a 3-9 record in the WMC Rivers.

Shelby freshman Leighton Belasco finds a clear lane to the hoop against White Cloud. Belasco scored seven points in a 53-43 loss to the Indians in the district quarterfinals Monday, Feb. 24. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Reflections of our community

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Tensions continue to flare at Whitehall city council

City manager Huebler clarifies intent to retire in August; Feb. 11 mayor statement angers some on council

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Tension between Whitehall mayor Steven Salter and the city council was again obvious Tuesday at the council's regular meeting, as several council members accused Salter of dishonesty regarding statements he made at the end of the Feb. 11 meeting.

claring he was embarrassed of the council for refusing to renew city manager Scott Huebler's contract beyond its scheduled August expiration, but council members, and later Huebler, clarified that Huebler submitted his intent to retire at the end of the contract in writing last August.

Salter closed that meeting by de-

Four council members stated their dispute with the Feb. 11 statement, with council member Steve Sikkenga going as far as calling it "a bald-faced lie."

Debi Hillebrand, Tom Ziemer and Scott Brown each also shared their disagreement with Salter's statement; Brown added that if the council had

anything to be embarrassed of, it was having to deal with Salter's behavior and offered that if the mayor was so angry with the council, he was free to resign. Ziemer stated that he ran for his seat on the council to focus on honesty and transparency and felt compelled to speak up about the statement.

"If I allow a lie to go unchallenged, that is not being transparent or honest," Ziemer said.

Salter responded to all this by stating that even prior to Huebler's retirement announcement, he felt the council members were micromanaging Huebler and had made clear they would not renew his contract, in effect

pushing Huebler out. When asked for examples of this, he said they could be found via recordings of prior meetings, and that to state the council was supporting Huebler was tantamount to being in denial.

As the discussion continued to be heated, council member Tanya Cabala expressed that she has grown increasingly frustrated with the nature of the arguments taking place during recent meetings. She previously served 12 years on the council before being elected again in 2023, and stated in that first

City council continued on page 2

Playhouse's Stage and Savor series continues

The Playhouse at White Lake's Stage and Savor series saw its second event, Sips and Sweets, Saturday. Local restaurants such as the Gnarly Heifer (above photo) and The Homestead (at left) furnished signature dessert items, with Lipka's even featuring a chocolate fountain (at right). Local pianist Steve Thielman provided music on stage (above left).

The third and last such event, Bowls and Brews, will take place March 22. Tickets are available online for $30.

CEIC emphasizes community acceptance in cleanup

Community acceptance is a consideration in cleanup decisions. This is the mantra of the Chemours Environmental Impact Committee (CEIC, pronounced “seek”) of White River Township as the organization encourages people to be involved in the cleanup process unfolding in 2025. All are encouraged to join CEIC’s efforts by going to Make It Right Chemours on Facebook or by emailing makeitrightchemours@gmail.com.

Community acceptance is a conin decisions. This the mantra of the Chemours Environnounced “seek”) of White River Township as the organization encourages people to be involved in the cleanup process unfolding in 2025. All are encouraged to join CEIC’s efforts by going to Make It Right Chemours on Facebook or by emailing makeitrightchemours@gmail.com.

Since 2018, CEIC has been following the inspections and interim measures being conducted at the contaminated site owned by Chemours, which was spun off from DuPont in 2015. The DuPont Montague facility operated from 1956-96, producing acetylene, neoprene, and Freon.

On July 9, 2024, Chemours and

the Materials Management Division (MMD) of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) signed a Corrective Action Consent Order (CACO), establishing EGLE as the lead authority in assuring that environmental remediation is carried out at this site according to existing laws, within enforceable timeframes. The main points in the approximate timeline are:

Materials Management Division (MMD) of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Ener(EGLE) signed a Corrective Action Consent Order (CACO), establishing EGLE as the lead authority in assuring that environmental remediation is carried out at this site according to existing laws, within enforceable timeframes. The main points in the approx-

February 2025 – Chemours will submit a Corrective Measures Study (CMS) Report – a summary of the investigation data and an evaluation of potential remedial actions to be taken. EGLE will then review and approve the report.

Within 120 days after EGLE approves the CMS Report – Chemours will submit a Corrective Measures

Implementation (CMI) Work Plan, to include a detailed schedule for construction and implementation of the corrective measures.

EGLE will provide the public with an opportunity to review and comment on Chemours’ proposed CMI Work Plan, providing a minimum of 30 days advance notice of a public hearing.

On Jan. 13, CEIC sent the following email to Sathya Yalvigi, Remediation Project Manager of the Chemours-Montague site, and Ronda Blayer, Environmental Engineering Specialist of the Hazardous Waste Section/MMD of EGLE. (Note: the consulting firm, AECOM, conducts studies and submits reports on behalf of Chemours.)

"The Chemours Environmental Impact Committee (CEIC) understands that the Corrective Measures Study

(CMS) Report is expected to be submitted sometime in February, and that Chemours and EGLE will be meeting sometime this week. We thought we should communicate with you directly about our community’s position on the cleanup of the Chemours property, as follows:

(1) Removal/cleanup of all landfills and areas of concern

(2) Testing of sediments in Pierson Creek and Sadony Bayou

(3) Cleanup and restoration of Mirror Lake

(4) Testing of soil under concrete slabs in the former manufacturing area.

(5) Ensuring that there are no leaks

• Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

Playhouse at White Lake wins several grants

The Playhouse at White Lake has announced three grants this month. The Playhouse received a $21,401 grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, an $11,300 grant from the White Lake Area Women and a $2,500 grant from the Bookstock Fund.

The MACC grant will support the purchase of lighting instruments for the Playhouse stage, help fund the production of the annual Summer Theatre Festival and provide social media training for Playhouse staff. The summer festival takes place in July and August each year, with events usually announced in the spring.

The White Lake Area Women grant will also help support the Summer

CEIC

in the pipeline to Lake Michigan – if leaks are found, testing of the soil beneath.

(6) Cleanup of the property with no institutional controls

(7) Permanent conservation of portions of the property

The most recent information we have regarding Chemours’ proposed technologies for the various units of concern on the property is from the 2018 Corrective Measures Study Work Plan. The proposed use of institutional controls instead of a cleanup is unacceptable to us, as is the grouping of several units into a single category, “Groundwater plume from Former Manufacturing Area.”

The long-term costs of institutional controls are detailed in a recent report initiated and funded by EGLE and studied by a team of researchers

Theatre Festival, as well as helping provide free tickets to Playhouse performances for low-income local seniors and funding the arts education brand of the White Lake Youth Theatre.

Bookstock's grant will also help support the White Lake Youth Theatre through its council, which offers leadership arts opportunities to middle and high school students, aiming to support the next generation of theatre arts leaders. This funding will help the council with its second self-written script, which has a working title "Don't Say the M Word," and is "a teen-led quest to bring Shakespeare into the modern era." The play will be edited by students once the script is complete.

and policy advisors from Michigan State University and FLOW (For Love of Water). The report, INSTITUTIONAL CONTROLS FOR GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT: LONG-TERM COSTS AND POLICY IMPACTS, finds that the true economic, ecological, and social costs of relying on land use restrictions to address groundwater and soil contamination instead of active clean up are likely significantly higher than generally estimated.

We ask Chemours to actively clean up the Chemours-Montague property so as not to create a burden to be borne by future generations.

Chemours’ plan to evaluate the groundwater plume from the former manufacturing area as a single unit, instead of treating the sources of the contamination separately (section 3.0

City council

stint she did not recall any of the issues that have raised hackles on the current council.

"We need to hold our tempers...I'm tired of it," Cabala said. "This is not what I signed up for."

Cabala also said she'd be willing to revisit Huebler's contract if there had been a misunderstanding about Huebler's intent to retire, because she is not eager to lose Huebler as city manager.

At this point, Huebler stepped in to clear the air. He said as far as he was concerned, there was no misunderstanding and he did intend to retire.

He said he wrote the letter stating that last August because his contract had a provision calling for automatic renewal if neither side addressed the issue prior to its expiration, and he wanted to provide advance notice. He said he felt the timing was right to retire following discussions with family. He added that he has not felt a lack of support from the council now or in the past. Huebler has been involved in the early process to iden-

tify and hire the next city manager; previous work session minutes indicate the goal is to choose a candidate by July, with the scope of the search not necessarily limited to Michigan candidates. With all of that in the rear view, the council moved to the only new item on its agenda, unanimously approving the purchase of two LED speed signs that will be used in the city with the

intent of promoting safe driving. The two signs are being purchased from a company called Radarsign in Georgia for $6,707, which will be covered by the Major Street Fund. The fund had already budgeted $6,000 for the purchase and the remainder will be covered by excess fund balance.

One of the two new signs is stationary and will be placed on Colby

in the 2018 CMS Work Plan), suggests to us that Chemours may be planning to use pump and treat (which appears to be becoming an outdated technology) as a final solution. Is Chemours considering using newer remediation technologies such as permeable reactive barriers, bioremediation, and/or chemical oxidation to remove chemicals in situ, near the sources of the contamination? Why have in-situ technologies not been used, for example, for the contamination from the Railcar Unloading Area West and the Surface Impoundments, two of the main contributors to the groundwater plume to White Lake?

In CEIC's search for experts in these newer remediation technologies, we learned that AECOM has this expertise. As featured presenters at the AEHS Soils Conference in Amherst, MA and at the at the MGP Conference in Atlanta, GA, their abstracts describe AECOM’s experience in the latest sustainable remediation technologies, in-

cluding in-situ oxidations and permeable reactive barriers.

We have not yet seen Chemours' CMS Report, nor have we seen findings from the Vapor Intrusion to Indoor Air Pathway (VIAP) investigations. Perhaps Chemours already plans to remove the landfills and use newer remediation technologies for challenging areas, which will be made clear in the proposed Corrective Measures Implementation (CMI) plan. If so, we will be grateful for that.

We understand that, unlike the Environmental Indicators, which are short-term objectives, final remedies address long-term issues (e.g., potential future human exposure scenarios, future land and groundwater uses, and ecological receptors). We look forward to a real cleanup and restoration of this contaminated property that will return it to the wildlife paradise it once was and bring closure to this long, unfortunate burden on our community."

Street outside city hall, and the other is mobile; council member Jeff Holmstrom suggested Warner Street would be a good location for that one. There was some discussion about whether the signs could be used to automatically charge drivers with tickets, but police chief Roger Squiers said such a thing is illegal in the state.

The Playhouse at White Lake has announced three grant awards this month, which will support various programs slated for later this year. • Courtesy Photo

Saturday, March 1

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Montague hosts its free monthly community breakfast, 9-10:30 a.m.

All are welcome for great food and fellowship.

Mardi Gras party @ North Grove Brewers, 5 p.m. New Orleans favorites and specialty drinks available for sale.

Justin Wierenga Jazz Trio performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Acoustic Oasis performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

Karaoke night @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.

Community Calendar

Sunday, March 2

White Lake Ukulele Club meets @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 1 p.m. All are welcome. Penny Rushing teaches on stage.

Monday, March 3

Monday Night Euchre @ Danny'Z Rothbury Tavern, 6:30 p.m.

Dumber by the Beer trivia @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 4

Family Storytime @ MADL Montague branch, 11:15 a.m. For kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

Wednesday, March 5

Youth Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 3-5 p.m. Bring in proj-

ects you’re working on or start something new with help from staff.

The All-Electric Home event @ White Lake Community Library, 6 p.m. Hear one family's experience of converting to all-electric appliances and systems. The White Lake Area Climate Action Council shares the basics of the process.

Oat Bran Boys perform @ North Grove Brewers, 6:30 p.m.

DJ Trivia @ Jimmy'z Pub, 7 p.m.

Open Mic Night @ Fetch Brewery, 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 6

Can You Taste Colors? @ MADL Montague branch, 3:30 p.m. MSU

Extension 4-H program coordinator Clara Priest invites you to a science experiment that will test whether the colors of your food change how it tastes. Free event, but registration required @ madl.librarycalendar.com.

1-2-3 Play With Me @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Designed for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers, with an early childhood specialist available to answer questions. Free event, but registration required at wlclib.org.

Karaoke with DJ Kozmo @ Jimmy'z Pub, 8 p.m.

Live trivia @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.

Echoes of History: Montague school destroyed (Pt. 2)

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

The building that burned was built in 1874-75 at a cost of $16,000. It was a three-story structure built of white brick and was exceptionally well constructed, as is evidenced by the fact that its walls still stood after being completely gutted. We find by the records of the school district that on April 18, 1874, a special meeting of this school district was held and voted to build a new schoolhouse with a seating capacity of 300 pupils, the building to be completed by the following September. The new schoolhouse was not occupied, however, until June 1, 1875. The building committee was composed of George E. Dowling, Ophir R. Goodno and DeWitt C. Bowen.

The first superintendent in the new building was Prof. Henry B. Strong. In 1881, there was an enrollment of 363 pupils in the school with an average attendance of 230. The enrollment at the time of the fire was 240.

The school board, owing to the loss of the school building, was confronted with a serious problem as to how

to maintain the schools, and solved it by soliciting the aid of the various local churches, who came to the rescue of the schools promptly and generously, especially that of the Presbyterian society, who gave over their church entirely to the schools. Their sacrifice was very great and was made only because the emergency was very great. The next Monday morning, the schools all assembled at the Presbyterian church, where details were worked out for taking care of the various departments, with the result that the high school and grammar grades were to occupy the auditorium of the Presbyterian church, the 5th and 6th grades the church parlors, the primary grades the League rooms of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the 3rd and 4th grades the Lutheran school room on the north hill. The Presbyterian church was divested of its carpet and the pews were replaced by regular school desks as soon as they could be procured.

The loss of the old school building was a staggering blow to the district, not only financially, but from an educational standpoint, as the schools were handicapped by the lack

of equipment and conveniences for many months. Everything was done to make things work as smoothly as possible and with the cooperation of patrons and scholars everything came out alright in the end.

One thing was certain, and that was that a new school building was required, and as quickly as possible. A district meeting was considered likely to be called to authorize the issuance of bonds. It was barely possible to

have the new building ready for occupancy by the next fall. This was an ideal time to establish a township unit system whereby all the districts in the township unite into one district. This would give the district schools a fine building and equipment, also greatly superior advantages for their children’s education which cannot be offset by any money consideration. The Observer endorsed a move started in this direction.

Explore Grand Rapids museums with passes

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Did you know that the library offers museum passes to two of Grand Rapids’ most popular attractions: the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum? These passes are available for White Lake Community library cardholders to borrow, providing free entry for families and individuals looking to explore and learn.

personal life, and significant moments in American history. We have one pass per month for free admission for up to six people.

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum offers a hands-on, interactive experience for young visitors, fostering creativity and learning through play. With the library pass, up to six people can enjoy a day of exploration without the cost.

For those interested in history and politics, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is a must-see. Visitors can delve into the life and legacy of President Gerald Ford, experiencing exhibits that cover his presidency,

Both passes are available for checkout at the library’s circulation desk, so stop by before your next trip to Grand Rapids. Pro Tip: The Grand Rapids Art Museum offers free admission every Tuesday (12-5) and Thursday evenings (5-8) if you’re looking for an inexpensive all-day outing! For more information on how to borrow a museum pass, visit www.wlclib.org or stop by the library today.

FUN FACT: The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum contains a replica of the Oval Office as it appeared during Ford's presidency. Visitors can step inside and get a sense of what it was like to work in the iconic space, offering a unique glimpse into presidential history!

Design Your Own

Leprechaun Trap March 14

Catch the magic at White Lake Community Library! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of creativity and fun from 3:30-4:30 Friday, March 14. Everyone is invited to design and build a leprechaun trap from recyclable materials and other odds and

ends. Legend has it that if you catch a leprechaun, he has to tell you where his pot of gold is hidden. We aren’t guaranteeing you’ll catch a leprechaun or find a pot of gold, but we’re pretty sure you’ll have fun designing a trap!

We will provide the basics, including an assortment of recyclables, tape, glue, markers, and paint. Feel free to bring more materials you may have from home to share in the crafting fun. This event is free and open to all ages. Registration is not required, just join us if you can.

Discover Michigan’s Shipwreck Secrets and Whiskey Crafting

Embark on an unforgettable journey of history, adventure, and fine whiskey at White Lake Community Library Wednesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. Join author and shipwreck hunter Ross Richardson as he takes guests on a meandering exploration of Michigan’s deep-sea treasures and groundbreaking whiskey craftsmanship. Richardson will guide attendees through the fascinating world of sunken artifacts, lost vessels, and the innovative techniques used to recover and preserve these pieces of Michigan’s rich past. In a unique twist,

the evening will also highlight how Michigan whiskey makers are merging history with cutting-edge technology—including the revival of extinct rye grains harvested from Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the White Lake Community Library, this event is free and open to the public, but registration is appreciated at wlclib.org/calendar. Enthusiasts of maritime history, adventure seekers, and whiskey connoisseurs alike are invited to dive deep into this captivating presentation. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Michigan’s maritime heritage like never before.

DeMumbrum

1875-1919 – Montague’s original Central School Building, which housed all grade levels 1-12. • Courtesy Photo

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community Lakewood stuns Vikings in quarterfinals

Whitehall's run of 4 straight final four appearances ends

By Andy Roberts

Lake Mirror Editor

KALAMAZOO — Whitehall has built its considerable reputation in no small part on coming up with big wins as the underdog; its past decade includes several upset wins as the No. 5 seed in the quarterfinals or as the No. 3 seed in the semifinals, often swung by unheralded wrestlers pulling off amazing victories in key moments.

That's part of what made it so jarring to see the Vikings be the team getting stunned by an upstart Friday in the state quarterfinals, as No. 6 seed Lakewood pulled off a 38-28 win over Whitehall to end the team season one day earlier than the program is used to. Whitehall ended the season with a 28-6 dual record.

"I thought that they fought really hard," Whitehall coach Justin Zeerip said. "It's just a microcosm of life, where things don't always go your way. You've got to move on from it and learn from it and just try to improve yourself."

The match swung on the sort of upset Whitehall has made a living pulling off in these moments in recent years. In the 285-pound bout, regional qualifier Jordan Aguilera, down early to No. 1-ranked 215-pounder Wyatt Jenkins, turned the tables by grabbing both Jenkins' legs for a takedown and putting him in a headlock for a stunning pin.

"That stuff happens to the best of us," Zeerip said. "Wyatt fought really hard and wrestled really hard and he just got caught there. It's unfortunate."

Things were unfolding exactly as the

Vikings thought early on, as Whitehall took a 16-0 lead after three bouts thanks to technical falls by Blake English and Liam Leeke, followed by Gavin Craner's customary quick pin. Even Lakewood's first win was heartening, as regional runner-up Joel Simon had to work extremely hard to edge Parker Mott in a 1-0 decision.

However, the mood changed after Aguilera's upset win. The Vikes took another blow in the next bout, at 106 pounds, when a swing match between Tommy Leeke and Lakewood's Dakota Harmer went Harmer's way in overtime, 4-1. Another Lakewood win fol-

Quarterfinals

continued on page 6

Spring Lake torments Whitehall again in upset

Lakers score winning basket in final minute, upset Vikes for 2nd straight year

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — For the second year in a row, Spring Lake brought Whitehall's season to a stunning and premature conclusion Wednesday night, as the Vikings fell 46-44 in a district semifinal showdown.

The Lakers scored the winning basket in the final minute on a third-chance tip-in at the rim, and Whitehall was unable to get on the board again.

Just like the previous season, when the Lakers upset undefeated Whitehall, they snuck by Whitehall on the strength of remarkable execution on defense and clutch shooting.

Every time Viking star Camden Thompson touched the ball, he was swarmed by Laker defenders. It's a mark of how good Thompson is that he still shot 50 percent from the field and went for 29 points and 14 rebounds, but

Whitehall didn't quite hit enough shots to win.

"They're just a phenomenal defensive team," Vikings' coach Christian Subdon said of Spring Lake. "They had a good game plan. They doubled Cam. They made shots tough, and we didn't hit shots when we had the opportunities."

Whitehall (17-6) connected on only three three-pointers in 18 attempts

Wednesday, half the number it made in a regular-season win over the Lakers.

The third of those, though, appeared to put the Vikings in the driver's seat; Brock Morningstar drilled an open trey early in the fourth quarter to give Whitehall its biggest lead at 39-32. But Spring Lake, which every year seems to bring its best to the postseason, scored the next 11 points - the first seven of those by Jaden Core, who led Spring Lake with 20 points.

Whitehall did respond to that 11-0

White

Whitehall's Caden Varela (left) keeps a hold of Lakewood's Bryce Goodemoot during Friday's quarterfinal match at Wings Event Center. Despite Varela's victory, Whitehall was upset by Lakewood, 38-28. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Corde Anderson snags the ball while being defended by Spring Lake's Max Feltner early in Wednesday's district semifinal game in Whitehall. The Vikings lost, 46-44. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

defeat

Whitehall's Colton Kyser (left) grapples with Lakewood's Calder Villanueva during Friday's quarterfinal match in Kalamazoo. Lakewood pulled off an upset of the Vikings, 38-28. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Spring Lake defenders knock the ball loose from Whitehall's Camden Thompson during Wednesday's district semifinal game. Thompson had 29 points and 14 rebounds in a 46-44 defeat. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Traverse City Central blanks R-P in regional final

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer narrowly missed a couple of scoring chances early and could never bounce back from an early deficit Wednesday night in a 4-0 regional final defeat to Traverse City Central.

The Rockets (16-8-2) were shut out for the first time all season.

Traverse City Central started the game playing with great physicality and speed and never let off the gas, creating early scoring chances. Reeths-Puffer didn't have as many opportunities early, but came very close to scoring a couple of times, falling just one connection or rebound short of an easy goal.

TCC began to wear down the Rock-

ets' defense later in the first period and scored twice - once on a slap shot by Cole Herzberg and the second on a rebound goal from Andrew Beattie. The Trojans further stepped up the attack in the second period, though they didn't score in those 17 minutes.

The Rockets were 0-for-2 on the power play in the first two periods, while Traverse City Central did not gain a man advantage until very late in the second period.

TCC added two more goals in the third period, one of them an empty-net tally in the final minutes.

R-P graduates a slew of top players from the team, including top scorer Ayden Hartzell, Trenton Hanks, Tyler Tindall, captain Connor Anderson and Montague student Bucky Aney.

Semifinal defeat

run with a Thompson three-point play with 2:44 to go, making it 43-42 Lakers; Thompson played at times as if he would continue to attack the basket provided he could walk.

"You never know when your last game is so you've got to really give it your all," Thompson said. "It doesn't matter if your body feels like it's pushing the limit. You've just got to go. That's just the mindset."

Unfortunately, after that, the Vikings came up empty a few times in a row, but even then their defense kept them in the game. Thompson went 1-on-3 and scored with just under a minute to go to give Whitehall a 44-43 lead, but that set Spring Lake up for the dramatic win.

Whitehall's final chance came when the Lakers' bid to intentionally miss the second of two free throws with 1.6 seconds left - to keep the Vikes from setting up a play - backfired when the miss didn't hit the rim, making it a dead-ball turnover and giving Whitehall a chance to inbound the ball. The pass came to Thompson at midcourt, who hit a streaking Osborne in stride for a pretty good look that came up empty.

The intensity of the game was remarkable, owing at least in part to the raucous crowd supporting each side. It seemed hard to believe anyone on the court had much left in the tank at the final buzzer.

"I think you could say that about this group for the

Quarterfinals

lowed, and suddenly the match was tied at 16.

Cody Manzo appeared to stabilize things by scoring a quick pin at 120, but Lakewood smelled blood and won the next two matches. The Vikes took the lead again, 2827, when Caden Varela picked up a pin at 144, but Lakewood again responded with two straight wins to secure the upset.

Whitehall couldn't help but reflect on what might have been had Ryan Goodrich, who would've been a season-long starter, and Anthony Raider, another experienced wrestler, hadn't both suffered football injuries that wiped out their wrestling seasons too.

"In general, the kids battled all year," Zeerip said. "Would we have liked to get to the semis? Absolutely. But I'm still really proud of the kids, and I told them I love every single one of them. It doesn't change how I feel about them at all."

For seniors Craner, Jenkins and Varela, the opportunity will be there this weekend at Ford Field to end their careers on a high note at the individual finals. For the remainder of the roster, Friday's bitter defeat will no doubt provide extra motivation for a program that

continued from page 4

entirety of their careers," Subdon said. "There hasn't been a game where you're watching it thinking they didn't give it all. I think they can hang their hat on that. They did a lot for our community and for our school and myself personally. I'll have a special place in my heart for all these guys for a long time."

The Vikings graduate several seniors, including Morningstar, Kal Koehler and Finn Muller, who played big roles on this year's team, and Subdon praised each one after the game. Of course, there's no void like the one Thompson will leave, as he holds virtually every notable career record at the school.

"I came in with him (as the varsity coach)," Subdon said. "I watched him grow up. I've been through a lot with him - injuries and road trips and hundreds of (basketball) games and football games. It's going to be tough to watch him go, but he's going to do big things whatever he does."

"It's an amazing place," Thompson echoed of Whitehall. "I love everyone here. A great group of coaches. They're all like other dads to me. They taught me a lot these past four years."

Jaden Core scored 20 points for the Lakers, who advanced to Friday's district finals and a date with Oakridge.

rarely lacks for it anyway.

"I told our guys to bottle this feeling up and use it as a motivator," Zeerip said. "Our underclassmen have something to work for next year. The seniors have really contributed a lot to the program. They made the state finals twice and were in the semis three times. My heart breaks for those guys, though. Some matches just didn't go our way.

"We had a good season. Advancing to the state tournament is no small feat...I was really proud of their effort and it just didn't go our way."

Sports in Brief

Boys Basketball

Whitehall 76 Orchard View 41

Whitehall exploded for 26 points in the 2nd quarter to put the game away. Camden Thompson had 21 points, 11 rebounds, 6 steals and 5 assists, and Kal Koehler and Hunter Osborne each had 13 points

Muskegon 84 Reeths-Puffer 53

R-P couldn't slow down the powerful Big Reds. Marvin Moore scored 18 points for the Rockets and Brayden Mitchelson added 14.

Greenville 65 Reeths-Puffer 47

Reeths-Puffer kept things close early before the 22-1 Yellowjackets pulled away in pre-district play. Brayden Mitchelson scored 19 points and Marvin Moore had 11.

Girls Basketball

Muskegon 69 Reeths-Puffer 42

The Big Reds avenged R-P's win earlier this season. Ashlyn David led the Rockets with 15 points and Raquel Walker added 14.

Whitehall 45 Orchard View 26

Clare Westerlund led Whitehall with 19 points and 13 rebounds in the easy win. Sidney Shepherd had 10 points.

Shelby 50 Montague 34

Montague held a 21-18 lead at the half, but Shelby dominated the second half to get the win. Maizie Collins had 12 points for the Wildcats. W.M. Christian 44 Montague 34 The Wildcats couldn't maintain a good start offensively and managed just 15 second-half points. Adilynn Peterson and Addison Pranger each scored 11 points for the 'Cats.

Cheer

Montague 9th at regionals

Montague scored 695.82 points in their final meet of a strong season. The Wildcats scored 294.1 points in the final round, their best score of the day, but 10 penalty points in round 2 hurt their chances. Reeths-Puffer 4th at regionals, advances to state The Rockets leapfrogged 3 teams in the final round, scoring 310.6 points, to secure the 4th and last qualifying position. R-P edged out Northview by 0.46 points, scoring 746.6 in all.

Reeths-Puffer 5 Grand Haven 2

R-P scored 3 first-period

Whitehall's Wyatt McFarren (left) attempts to hold down Lakewood's Bryson Boucher during Friday's quarterfinal match in Kalamazoo. Lakewood won the match, 38-28. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall fans celebrate after the Vikings' Caden Varela earned a pin during Friday's quarterfinal match against Lakewood. The Vikings lost, 38-28. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer's Trenton Hanks tries to collect the puck for a close shot at the goal while goaltender Kiel Knapp defends for Traverse City Central during Wednesday's regional finals game at Lakeshore Sports Centre. The Rockets lost the game, 4-0.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Kal Koehler pulls up for a jump shot over Spring Lake's Reid Grimmer during Wednesday's district semifinal game in Whitehall. The Vikings lost the game, 46-44. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Oakridge turns back Montague in districts

By Andy Roberts

Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — It wasn't difficult to divine Montague's game plan early in Monday's pre-district tilt against Oakridge; the Wildcats were going to drive to the basket at all costs and take the fight to the Eagles.

The plan largely worked for a half, and Montague trailed by just five points at the break. Eventually, though, the Oakridge offense came alive, and the Wildcats couldn't keep up in a 57-41 defeat.

Montague (4-19) certainly looked like a team ready to do whatever it took to win in the first quarter. Jack Degen, one of the smaller Wildcat players, was willing to put it on the line for two big offensive rebounds in the early going (he later got into foul trouble). Logan Hansen and Oakridge's Evan Miller ended up on the floor as time expired in the first quarter, wrestling for a loose ball.

"A lot of credit to Oakridge," Montague coach Nick Thaler said. "They're a nice team. They've got five veteran players. We thought that if we wanted to be competitive in this contest, we had to make the game a little messy and play physical. In these district contests, officials let you play a little bit more.

"I thought we played some of our best basketball this season (in the first quarter), which is what you want to see now."

Montague still trailed 13-7 at the first quarter break, but continued to keep it close through the first half despite not having much luck on offense. Riley Mulder, who led the team with 13 points, was an offensive bright spot early, scoring with toughness.

Out of halftime, Oakridge began to assert itself, especially with a good zone defense that forced Montague into some poor decisions and turnovers. The Eagles then converted a lot of those chances into easy layups on the other end. Montague played with effort in getting back on defense, but the Eagles were just too quick.

"There were a couple times down in transition where it was 2-on-1," Thaler said. "We would get back defensively, but they would miss it, get the rebound and put it back in. That makes it tough."

Montague did get as close as four points early in the third quarter, but those fast-paced baskets, as well as a game-high 20 points from Eagles' guard Peyton Ruel, allowed Oakridge to grab control of the game. Within a few minutes of game time, that four-point lead stretched to 14, and the Wildcats, not a potent offensive team all season, just couldn't come back.

The Wildcats weren't blessed with veteran ballhandlers this year, and that was an issue for much of the second half when the Eagles went to a zone defense. That forced Montague into decisions that at times were rushed or not made with confidence.

"We knew that we had to play, probably, one of our perfect games of the season in order to beat these guys," Thaler said. "On the season, we're shooting 3235 percent...You've just got to make good decisions and move the ball. I think if the ball gets too quiet (against a zone), it makes it easy for them to kind of sit and guard spots versus guarding people."

Montague will likely look much different stylistically when next season tips off, as the team will lose a lot of its size but bring in a promising group of guards

from a JV team that had its share of success. However, with the emotions of a season-ending defeat, the focus was on five graduating Wildcats whom Thaler said have "poured blood, sweat and tears into this program since they were in fourth or fifth grade" - Degen, Mulder, Kellan Francis, Braylen VanSickle and Cortland Schneider, the latter of whom unfortunately was out due to injury. While the season was surely disappointing for those seniors, that never makes it easier when it ends.

"Unfortunately, that's the finality of high school sports," Thaler said. "It's tough. We had a nice long talk and a nice long cry in there, and it's just about being a family and loving each other and being there for them when they need it the most."

Half-dozen local bowlers advance to state meet

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Four local bowlers earned bids to the state meet at last week's Division 3 regional tournament, which took place at Northway Lanes Wednesday and Thursday.

The individual finals will take place at the JAX 60 lanes in Jackson Saturday, March 1.

Three boys players - Ethan Hite and Logan Hunter of Montague and Mason Slaughter of Whitehall - placed in the top seven individually to earn trips to the finals, as did Felicity Dingman of Whitehall in the girls' meet.

Hite was the highest placer among them, taking third in the boys' tournament. The individual regional meet consisted of six full games, and Hite made the most of them, scoring a total pinfall of 1,217. Hite's key game was his fourth, in which he bowled a 268 - the highest score anyone bowled all day.

Slaughter finished sixth with a pinfall of 1,143, highlighted by a 220 score in his final game, and Hunter was seventh with a score of 1,094. His highest game was a 222, scored in his second game.

Montague's Matthew Leatherman (14th place, 1,057) and Whitehall's Max Schneider (16th place, 1,038) also placed in the top 20 at regionals.

In the girls' meet, Dingman placed seventh to grab the last individual qualifying spot, scoring a total pinfall of 936. Dingman came up big in her last game, rolling her highest score of the day, a 173, to lock in her state bid. Montague's Alanna Hysell round-

ed out the individual top 20, with a six-game score of 832.

In Wednesday's team competition, the Montague boys team narrowly missed qualifying for state, placing fourth (the top two teams qualify). In eight Baker games and two full games, the Wildcats' total pinfall was 3,006 - 65 pins away from qualification. Whitehall finished 10th with a score of 2,673. In the girls' meet, Whitehall finished 10th (2,207) and Montague was 11th (2,181).

Pair of Rockets reach state

Reeths-Puffer bowlers Liam Copenhaver and Carter Hekkema earned bids to the state meet Friday at the Division 2 individual regional meet in Comstock Park.

Copenhaver and Hekkema advanced to the Division 2 finals, set for Saturday, March 1 at Century Bowl in Waterford.

Copenhaver finished in fifth place at the regional meet with a six-game total of 1,210, and Hekkema took the seventh and last individual qualifying spot with a score of 1,182 - just one pin more than Sparta's Gabe Fowle.

Copenhaver started red-hot in the regional meet, bowling a 259 in his first game - the highest score anyone rolled all day. He then scored a 202 in his second game and hung on from there for the state bid.

Hekkema bowled the day's second-best score, a 257, in his third game of six, which pushed him into the top seven. He also bowled a 208 in game two.

Tanner Bahr finished 10th for the

Rockets, and Quinn Alderink was 13th.

In the girls' individual regionals, Ella Mattson led R-P with a six-game score of 981, good for ninth place. Three other Rockets finished in the top 20; Brook Buchan placed 11th, Rowan Bluhm was 15th and Hailey Johnsen was 17th.

Both Rocket teams competed at regionals as well, those taking place last Thursday. The R-P girls finished in fourth place with a total score (six Baker games and two regular games) of 2,599, and the Rocket boys were fifth with a score of 3,062.

PUBLIC NOTICE

MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW

The MONTAGUE Township Board of Review will hold their organizational meeting at the Montague Township Hall 8915 Whitbeck Rd. Montague Mi. 49437 at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025. No petitions heard at this time. The Board of Review will receive and examine the assessment roll for the current year as submitted by the Township Assessor.

The Board of Review will meet to hear citizen’s assessment protests.

Monday - March 10, 2025 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-4:00pm Tuesday- March 11, 2025 2:00pm-5:00pm & 6:00pm-9:00pm

Mailed protests are welcome and must be received by Monday March 11 2025. Petition to Board of Review Form can be found at WWW.Michigan. gov>documents>4035F_2658_7

Mail or personally deliver the protest to the Montague Township Hall before 1:00 pm on March 11, 2025.

Muskegon County Equalization department 2025

White

Montague's Riley Mulder powers between Oakridge defenders to get to the hoop during Monday's pre-district game at Whitehall. Mulder led the Wildcats with 13 points, but Montague lost 57-41. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague's Cole Herremans has his shot contested by Oakridge's Chase Dutton during Monday's pre-district game at Whitehall. The Eagles won, 57-41.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague's Logan Hunter sends his ball down the lane during a January match against Whitehall. Hunter was one of 6 local players to earn spots at state at last week's regional meet.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror File Photo

Police activity this week

about 12:10 p.m. about loud music in the 1200 block of Colby St. The officer was completing another task and did not arrive on scene until about 1:35 p.m. and when he arrived, could hear the music outside the building. The source of the music was located but they claimed it was the apartment across the hall that had been excessive earlier. The resident was warned and no further action was taken.

again spoke with him for some time before creating a follow-up plan with HealthWest. Shortly after leaving, the resident began calling 911 again. The officer returned and again transported the man to the hospital and informed him of the consequences if he called 911 again. No further action was taken.

Feb. 23

Feb. 20

At 11:18 p.m. a loud music complaint was made in the 1200 block of Colby St. The officer’s report noted that when they arrived they could hear the music in the parking lot. The offender was contacted and agreed to keep their music low.

Feb. 21

Whitehall Police were called at

Whitehall Police responded to a 911 call in the 1200 block of Colby St just after 6 p.m. The man that called was despondent and had been drinking and told the officer that it was the anniversary of his wife dying. After speaking with the man for a time, he agreed to go to the hospital for an evaluation and the officer transported him there. Less than two hours later, the 61-year-old, released from the hospital, was calling 911 repeatedly. The officer returned with assistance from HealthWest and they

A caller reported that they believed someone was abusing a dog in their apartment in the 1200 block of Colby St. The officer responding to the 6:42 p.m. call was told there was a commotion over the dog, as the dog had bit the resident in the lip but the dog was not abused. The officer did not see any evidence of abuse and no further action was taken.

Feb. 24

An officer responding to a 911 hang-up call located a victim of an assault in the 800 block of Alice St. The call came at 10:26 p.m. and the history

associated to the phone identified an address where the officer located the victim. She reported that she and her boyfriend had been out drinking and after arriving home began to argue. During the argument the 42-year-old began to ‘smack” her on the head as he said, “Think. Think.” The victim later agreed she would stay at the house anyway. The case report was sent to the Muskegon County Prosecutor for review.

Feb. 25

A transport vehicle was struck as it was parked in the 1100 block of Colby St. It is unknown when the damage occurred and no suspect vehicle was identified. According to the police report, the suspect vehicle was backing up when it struck the van and damaged the hatch and broke the rear window. The case remains under investigation.

A winning season, no matter the scoreboards

The Junior Jacks PeeWee B Team - a youth team sponsored by the Muskegon Lumberjacks - was halfway through its best season: Friendships bloomed, camaraderie filled the locker rooms, the coaching staff goofed around with each other like their 10-year-old charges, and morale was always high. New players had been welcomed onto the ice with the more experienced athletes, some of whom had been playing together for years. Every out-of-town hockey tournament meant pool parties, potlucks, and hide-and-seek until the exasperated hotel managers caught on. The only thing those kids didn’t have was a win.

The coaching staff didn’t waver in its optimism, though, and the parents remained loyal to the team with the worst record in the league. But the week before Thanksgiving, Coach Strychar sat down with his team and bargained. It was the last practice before the next tournament, and he wanted his kids to experience the elation of winning. Determined to find a little more fight in each of the players, Coach Strychar told them to head to the tournament and win one game.

The Jacks were guaranteed three games, but he just wanted one win. One victory, he said, and they, the 10-year-olds looking up to him, would be allowed to shave off his beard. The salt-and-pepper fuzz on Strychar’s chin was not only substantial, it was iconic. He had never been seen without his voluminous beard. The other coaches looked at each other with bemusement. Strychar’s facial hair was probably safe. Although they had plenty of talent and enthusiasm, the Jacks hadn’t come close to a W in any of their games.

Day one of the tournament brought a resounding defeat to the Jacks, with the winning team reaching double digits on the scoreboard. Exuberant cheers echoed off the metal walls of the small rink. When

the final buzzer rang out, the Jacks skated off the ice with their chins up. Some stayed and watched their hometown rivals, the Chiefs, as they clinched an easy victory. Many of the players on both black and gold Muskegon teams had drifted in and out of the organizations as coaching staff, mergers, and life events took them toward one program or another. Some were related, some were schoolmates, and some were just solid hockey buddies, united in their love of the sport, no matter the uniform.

The second day of the tournament began early for the Jacks, who still fought mightily, but failed to secure a win. The Chiefs were scheduled to play after them, and after seeing how well they performed earlier, most of the Jacks now remained to cheer on the hometown team. Black and gold warmups dotted the bench, where their rivals’ parents sat huddled under fuzzy blankets on the cold aluminum seats. When the clock hit zeroes, the Chiefs threw their gloves in celebration, and everyone wearing Muskegon colors cheered. The Chiefs were headed to the finals.

The championship match was scheduled to begin before the Jacks' last game, and this time, every member of the Jacks family was in attendance. Every parent, player, and staff member sat in the stands with their hockey gear. The final game for the Chiefs was everything anyone could want in a sporting eventintense, fair, enjoyable, and ultimately, victorious for the home team. The top two teams touched gloves in recognition of a job well done, and the Chiefs ran a victory lap of the rink before heading off the ice. As they exited, every Junior Jack in attendance stood at the door to the rink with their stick raised, like a pint-sized sword detail, to honor their buddies. Two ranks of players lined the walkway for their friends, slapping backs, hollering until voices cracked, and punching each other’s pads. Muskegon had brought home the gold.

The Jacks were out of the running for any consolation and were scheduled to play the latest slot, well

past dinner time and after dark. The hallways and common areas should have been empty, with all the other teams headed home with at least one win under their belts. When the Jacks hit the ice for the final time that evening, though, the stands were packed to bursting with black and gold warmups. The entire Chiefs team and their families stayed behind to cheer them on. Other teams, who had seen the heart and determination of the Jacks, also remained to cheer on the underdogs. Spectators who didn’t know a single player from the area stayed behind to catch a glimmer of whatever it was that Muskegon had.

The noise generated in the last three periods of that tournament was enough to rattle windows. Cowbells, whistles, shouting, synchronized cheering, pounding on the hockey glass, stomping on the aluminum bleachers - all of it combined for one frenetic, adrenaline-inducing percussive spectacle that never paused. Friends and family could be seen weeping at the intensity of emotion pouring out of the Chiefs' families as they yelled louder than the rest of the audience for their friends.

At its finale, the Chiefs waited at the door, with their sticks raised in salute to the most victorious team of the weekend. And nearby, a coach’s wife sought a razor.

scanning the

Leslie Bond Strychar White Lake Mirror Contributor