The Oceana Echo - Volume 2, Issue 42, March 14, 2025 by theoceanaecho

Hart family’s farmland purchased by Consumers Energy in auction

By Mitch Galloway Reprinted with permission from Farm News Media

Out on Jackson Road, east of Oceana Drive, hundreds of acres of land belonging to Todd Greiner Farms Packing LLC could become the site of a future renewable energy project, sources tell Michigan Farm News.

On March 7, Consumers Energy placed the winning auction bid on roughly 800 acres of Todd Greiner Farms, an Oceana County fruit and vegetable farm that also packages product for many producers.

The Greiners, who said they wanted to reduce acreage and focus on marketing and sales, have been farming in Hart for 30 years, growing everything from asparagus to cherries, and packing and selling asparagus and other vegetables. They plan to continue farming and packing.

Consumers Energy confirmed the purchase but said site use — including use as a solar farm — will be determined later.

An area producer who asked to remain anonymous due to his connection to local farmers said the sale “caught everyone off guard.”

“A lot of people are worried about the tax base now,” he told Michigan Farm News.

“If you’ve got 200 acres of land next to this, what’s this going to do for land prices,

land rent, tax increases, and the availability of dirt that might lie next door to this? Realistically, in farming, we can’t compete with Consumers Energy.”

In Michigan, the average acre of farm real estate in 2024 hit $6,310, according to USDA, which is up more than 7 percent year over year. According to Miedema Auctioneering Inc., Consumers Energy paid roughly $7,000 per acre for the Greiners’ farmland.

As part of its Clean Energy Plan, Consumers Energy plans to add 8,000 megawatts of utility-scale power by 2040.

Previously, the company said solar will “meet Michigan’s changing energy needs without building a large, new fossil fuel power plant.”

The energy provider has already announced a project

in Calhoun County, dubbed Sunfish Solar Farm, which will be built over roughly 6,000 acres and capable of supplying 2 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year. That’s enough to power roughly 183,500 Michigan households, according to Hecate Energy, the facility provider.

Still, “a lot of growers are frustrated in the area,” said Michael DeRuiter, an Oceana County fruit grower who also serves as District 7 director for Michigan Farm Bureau.

“This is why local control over zoning decisions is so important. We lost the local control over zoning issues in December of 2023, and this is kind of what we get. There are a lot of question marks right now in the local community.”

Miedema Auctioneering Inc. hosted the March 7 and 8

auctions, where the firm sold off 900 acres of Greiner farmland and more than 30 of their tractors, trucks and trailers, and fruit and vegetable equipment.

According to Miedema’s website listing of the auction, “Todd and Sarah Greiner of Todd Greiner Farms Packing LLC have been successfully farming for 30 years, raising asparagus, cherries, apples, as well as other crops and also packing and selling asparagus and other vegetables. They have decided to focus on marketing and selling Michigan asparagus, pumpkins and other vegetables, so they will be selling over 900 acres of land, including migrant housing, a beautiful cabin/home only two years old in the woods, plus prime farm land. They also will be selling a large lineup

of extremely well maintained, housed, farm equipment featuring over 30 tractors and over 30 trucks and trailers. The Greiners are known for taking very good care of their land and equipment. This auction offers prime real estate and well-maintained equipment selling at live public auction with Internet bidding. This will be an outstanding opportunity to buy from a successful farmer!”

In a statement to “The Packer,” Todd Greiner said that by reducing total acreage, “we can better target our investments in time and resources and add value to better serve Michigan’s growers and ensure that the exceptional products from our region, like asparagus, sweet corn, and pumpkins, continue to reach consumers nationwide.”

Pentwater Village Council approves 2025-26 budget

By AnnaMae Bush The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

The Pentwater Village Council met Monday, March 10, at Park Place for their monthly meeting. All council members, council treasurer and deputy clerk, Police Chief Laude Hartrum and village attorney Brian Monton, were present, along with eight community residents. The agenda included a public hearing for the proposed 2025-2026 budget. Department and Committee reports were given, followed by questions and discussion.

The Services Committee summarized their special interim meeting to review the contract for operating the wastewater treatment plant. The group considered the questions raised at the February council meeting and met with staff from Infrastructure Alternatives Inc (IAI). Dave Bluhm, the committee chair, reported “We are confident that the IAI contract is a good contract which will provide the village with savings over the current year’s operational cost. We recommend approval of the contract.”

Bluhm also gave an update about dredging the channel. “There is no doubt it needs to be done again this year. But we’ll have a better idea of how much needs to be done

when a depth sounding is made at the end of March. A dredging company has estimated the cost at $120,000 and they are willing to schedule it if the funds are secured by May 1. We need to come up with $80,000 in private donations in the next six to seven weeks.”

Clerk/Treasurer Rande Listerman presented the proposed budget by individual funds and pointed out any significant changes from the current budget. One new expense was $15,000 for a part-time police department officer to help enforce ordinances during the busy summer months. Village utility bills are expected to increase by 4 percent, and the council plans to hold meetings with residents to explain why the increase is necessary.

The council approved a recommendation from the finance committee for the village to divest itself of the water taxi service and the assets. Committee Chair Kathy O’Connor explained, “The service was initially established to ensure access to downtown without requiring travel through Hart, following the closure of Longbridge Road due to flooding. That service is no longer necessary. Repairs needed last year cost more than the original purchase price of the boat and liability insurance was an additional expense.”

When questioned after the meeting about

what would happen with the boat, she reported, “There are parties who have expressed interest in buying the boat.”

Total budget figures are difficult to ascertain because municipal budget reporting is required to be done by individual funds. Additionally, bond payments, grant funding and enterprise funds (direct billing and payment: village sewer, water, marina) complicate total figures. But calculations indicate that 20252026 revenue and appropriations will approximate $2.5M to $2.6M. The current fiscal year had unexpected expenses with the road repairs needed on Fourth Street, and the wastewater treatment plant costs exceeded the budgeted funds. However, surplus funds accumulated over the years easily covered the unbudgeted amounts and will be available if needs arise in the next fiscal year.

Village Manager Rachel Witherspoon was excited to announce that a new software program is in process of installation that will make ordinance information accessible to all residents online. “If you want to know what ordinances are in effect for any situation (raising chickens, building setbacks, noise limits, rental regulations, etc.), you will be able to go to the village website, do a search for specific ordinance topics and find the information you need.”

The Greiners, who said they wanted to reduce acreage and focus on marketing and sales, recently auctioned 900 acres of farmland, above left, with Consumers Energy purchasing approximately 800 acres of the land (across numerous parcels, some seen above right), according to company spokesperson Tracy Wimmer.

• Photos by Miedema Auctioneering/Reprinted with permission

Discussion items have good things on horizon for Hart

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

HART - Two beneficial proposals were brought before the Hart City Council for discussion last month; an MDOT Turn-Back Roadway proposal and a renewal of the city’s water tower lease with AT&T.

The MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) has contacted the city and provided a draft Memo of Understanding (MOU) for transferring jurisdiction of a .72 mile portion of State Street from Polk Road to Johnson Street currently under the jurisdiction of MDOT. City Manager Rob Splane told council the road probably should have been transferred after US-31 was opened, but it never was. “My guess is MDOT has bigger fish to fry with I-75 and other trunk lines than a portion of State Street in Hart,” Splane said.

In the draft MOU, MDOT agrees to transfer jurisdictional control of the specified roadway, pay the city a one-time project cost amount of $1.75M (estimated) to reconstruct or redesign State Street, and to transfer an additional payment each fiscal year calculated at the average revenue worth per mile under MCL.247.60a(2).

In return, the City of Hart agrees to assume full jurisdictional control of the .72 mile portion of State Street, perform maintenance and project work that meets or exceeds the standards set forth in the MOU, and complete any project for the estimated $1.75M. The city may spend more resources on any projects, however, those costs would be the responsibility of the city.

Splane said the city would have five years to spend the money and could be in charge of any projects it pursues. He recommended the city consider doing something sooner than later, due to rising costs. He noted that at face value it seems like a great idea. In addition to roadway improvements, funds could be used for such things as landscaping, bus stops, sidewalks, bike paths and lighting.

According to Splane, he’s been in contact with the Oceana County Road Commission, and it is likely they will be receiving Polk Road back. “The state wants to lose responsibility on local roads,” he added. Splane anticipates the paperwork to be finalized within the

VACANCY NOTICE

The Oceana County Department of Veterans Affairs Committee is a seven-person board appointed by the OCBOC upon the review of applications submitted with recommendations from a current committee member, accredited VSO within the county, or a post within the county. There is one vacancy expiring 12/31/2026. Interested applicants must submit an application through the county VSO, a current committee member or a post within the county.

next several weeks and be ready for council’s final approval early this spring.

Other positive news up for discussion was a proposal from MD7 on behalf of AT&T with regard to cellular equipment mounted on the city’s water tower on the south side of the industrial park. “MD7 has partnered with AT&T to offer selected landlords… the opportunity to minimize business risk associated with industry uncertainties and to increase the value of your cell site lease,” the proposal read. The current lease with AT&T is over 10 years old and offers the city less than 10 percent of the new proposal. A new proposal giving the city three options was first discussed at the Jan. 14 council meeting. Council was in favor of a lump sum payment, but asked Splane to try and negotiate for a higher amount.

According to Splane, the company only adjusted their first proposal slightly, knowing the first was already quite competitive. Option 1 offers the city a lump sum rent payment of $633,000 in return for a 99-year easement for equipment on the water tower. Option 2 offers a lump sum payment of $625,500 for a 40-year easement. Option 3 would pay a monthly lease of $3,005 per month commencing June 1, 2025, with an additional 10 percent rent increase every five years, commencing Nov. 1, 2026, and an extension of the lease through Oct. 31, 2053.

Splane assumes this location is a primary target for the company as the AT&T offer was about 25 percent above the state average. He told council after doing some informal figuring that if the city took the Option 2 lump sum payment of $625,500 and invested it at 4 percent for 20 years, it could generate $1.8M for the city. “A percentage of the lease should go to the water department for maintenance,” Splane said. He added that because the water department doesn’t pay rent on the property the tower sits on, an arrangement will be made for rental using some of the proceeds from the lease. Council was in agreement that Option 2 seemed like the best choice.

The contract proposal outlines the following pro-

PUBLIC NOTICE

OTTO TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING

ON THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025, AT 6:30 P.M. AT THE OTTO TOWNSHIP HALL 5458 S. 128th Avenue Rothbury, MI Regular Meeting to Follow

*The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.

A copy of the budget is available for public inspection at 4262 E. Arthur Road, Hesperia.

Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or service should contact the Clerk at 861-5342.

Township of Otto Patricia Budde, Clerk 231-861-5342

ZONING AMENDMENT NOTICE

TOWNSHIP OF OTTO COUNTY OF OCEANA, STATE OF MICHIGAN STORMWATER ORDINANCE

Notice is hereby given that the Otto Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM at 5458 S. 128th Ave., Rothbury, MI 49452 to hear and consider an amendment to the Township’s Zoning Ordinance, to among other things, require Oceana County Drain Commissioner review of stormwater discharges for certain improvements; and to repeal any ordinances or parts of ordinances or resolutions in conflict with this Ordinance; in order to maintain the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of and visitors of Otto Township. Full Ordinance may be obtained from Todd VanNett, Zoning Officer, phone number: 616402-6889.

Patricia A. Budde Otto Township Clerk

visions: AT&T would be responsible for all equipment repairs, upgrades, expansions and relocations, and would reserve the right of first refusal, should a third party come forward with a written offer. Besides AT&T, T-Mobile and Syncware also rent space on top of the water tower. Splane said the new AT&T lease proposal still needs to be reviewed by the city’s legal counsel, but thinks it will be ready for approval by council this spring.

In the city manager’s report, Splane alerted council that city offices, along with a dozen other entities in the area, had experienced some serious cyber attacks within the past two weeks. He was relieved to say the city’s IT department had investigated the incident and found that the hackers were unable to infiltrate the city’s system, but it was a wake-up call for sure. Apparently the perpetrators send emails using names of people you know and are very “normal” sounding. But once they are opened, the damage is done.

Splane assured the council that protections were already in place for the future, including the recent server upgrade that took place earlier in February, staff training, the regular use of network penetration testing, as well as the implementation of “Ironscales.” This program scans every email, eliminates spam and finds phishing emails. Council member Andrew Mullin vouched for the Ironscales program, saying it is a very solid option, used mostly by governments and the medical field. Splane reported that on Tuesday, Feb. 25 alone, Ironscales screened 640 emails that were received by the city; 286 were spam and six phishing emails were discovered and eliminated.

Splane gave an update on the ongoing Safe Routes to School project the city is working toward in cooperation with MDOT, the Oceana County Road Commission and the Pentwater-Hart Trail organization. His latest communication with MDOT said MDOT’s archaeology department would be bringing cadaver dogs this spring to search for remains of bodies that may lie in unmarked graves along Tyler Road in the Hart Cemetery.

PUBLIC NOTICE TOWNSHIP OF BENONA ANNUAL MEETING

In accordance with Michigan Statutes, the undersigned clerk of the township listed below gives notice of the Annual Meeting of Township Electors to be held in their township. Monday, March 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Benona Township Hall 7169 W. Baker Road, Shelby, MI 49455

Budget and financial statements for the year may be inspected and will be reviewed. Discussion will be held on such other township matters as may properly be considered at the annual meeting. Copies of the proposed budget are also available for inspection at the office of the undersigned township clerk and on the Benona Township website (benonatownship.org).

- Margie Shaw, Clerk

NOTICE OF LEAVITT TOWNSHIP

PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING AND BUDGET APPROVAL MEETING

The Leavitt Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for their 2025/2026 fiscal year on: Monday March 17th @ 7 pm at the Leavitt Township Hall, 2401 N 184th Ave. Copies of the budget will be available for inspection at the office of the township clerk.

This notice is posted in compliance with Public Act 267 of 1976, as amended, the Open Meeting Act, MCL 41.27a, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Leavitt Township Board will provide necessary reasonable a, such as signers for the hearing-impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon 5 days of notice to the Leavitt Township Board by writing or calling: Naomi Oomen, Leavitt Township Clerk, PO BOX 67, Walkerville, MI 49459 or 231 329-5490. Naomi Oomen Leavitt Township Clerk 3715 N 200TH AVE., Walkerville, MI 49459 CORRECTED

This page is brought to you by:

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

By Caleb Jackson The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

A few weeks ago, we discussed the early days of Shelby Township. This week I would like to take a look at an early pioneer whose name crops up once or twice in the early pages of Shelby’s history, Ezekiel J. Shirts. Shirts’ story is a bit different from the typical Oceana pioneer. That is, he didn’t come here to work in the lumber business. But what he did do was probably just as essential to the growth of the little village. He opened up the first dry goods store.

Shirts was born in New Lisbon, Ohio in 1825. At the age of 20, he moved to Indiana, but returned to Ohio just two years later, in 1847. He then entered into the grocery business in 1853, when he was 28. In 1846 we see him making his way to Michigan, settling in Lansing and engaging in the mercantile business until 1871, when he finally moved to Shelby. Hartwick and Tuller give us a bit of insight as to what an undertaking this was. “He built the first store building on the village plat,” they wrote, “putting in the first stock of goods. At that time only three families resided on the plat. He had to pay the freight upon his goods at Whitehall, there being no depot or agent at Shelby until later.” It would seem this mercantile flair runs

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

in the family, as Shirts also got his children in on the business. Page’s History of Oceana has a section dedicated to some of the commercial enterprises in the town of Shelby, where they have this to say about a store run by Ezekiel Shirts and his son:

Shirts Bros.’ general store on Michigan Avenue was established in 1881, doing about $10,000 annually. Partners are E. J. Shirts and his son, J. D. M. Shirts. They established the first store in what is now Shelby village, September 1, 1872; sold in 1874, to D. P. Glazier, and he to G. W. Newman and since May 15, 1881, A. G. Avery occupies the same building with a general stock, doing a business of about $10,000 annually.

For those of you who are curious, $10,000 in 1881 is worth about $311,500 when adjusted for inflation. Considering how small the village was at that time, the Shirts family was doing pretty well for themselves.

Outside of his role in the grocery business, it would seem Mr. Shirts was also one of the men responsible for demonstrating the successful nature of fruit trees in our county. So impressed were Hartwick and Tuller with the appearance of a limb from one of Mr. Shirts’ plum trees, they found it necessary to include a sketch of it, having this to say: “It is not an exaggeration of the

appearance of plum trees ladened with fruit, but on the contrary exhibits the average. Thousands of plum trees in the orchards of Oceana County would never sustain fruit that yearly appears upon them unless supported by many props.”

Mr. Shirts also worked as a carpenter and joiner, another role that I am sure served the village well, and he served as a deputy sheriff in both Ohio and Indiana, as well as in Oceana County. He married Elizabeth Imhoff, from Wayne County, Ohio, in 1852 and the two of them had four children together.

Oceana Center Grange Agricultural Report for March 2025

By Phil Carter The Oceana Echo Agricultural Consultant

Spring is trying to” ripen” in the Land of Oceana. We have 1.5 hours longer daylight than in December, daytime temperatures are now above freezing and our snow cover is slowly disappearing. Another signal that spring is almost upon us is the placement of seasonal weight and speed restrictions of paved roads, otherwise known as load limits. We also just had to “spring forward” to daylight savings time on March 9.

The first crop of the season, maple syrup boiling, has begun. Trees have been tapped, and the first sap runs have been collected. It takes about 42 gallons of

sap to produce 1 gallon of finished product and begins with daytime temperatures above freezing and nighttime temperatures below freezing. The old days of hand dumping sap pails are now replaced with plastic lines running to a central collection point. Putting a vacuum on the lines will encourage more sap flow, increasing the sap volume collected. A reverse osmosis membrane before the boiling evaporator reduces the need to boil all 42 gallons. Wood-fired evaporators are being modernized with propane or natural gas as the fuel source. Light-colored syrup is produced with the first runs, and darker syrup occurs toward the end of the sap run. Often the dark is wholesaled, but the taste remains the same. Pure maple syrup is a natural, non-GMO product.

March is farm auction time. Several have already occurred, with many more listed in farm publications, with at least four upcoming sales within Oceana and Newaygo counties occurring this month. With very tight farm profit margins, folks are downsizing, retiring or disposing of unused or obsolete equipment. Both equipment and land are being offered on the auction block.

Uncertainty is a major part of agriculture. Things we cannot control, like the weather, have been with us forever. With spring upon us, please be on the lookout for farm machinery on the roads again. Most of us do not like moving equipment on public highways, but it is a necessary evil. Please work with us so that all of us can return safely home each evening.

scanning the QR code

Ezekiel J. Shirts

Shirts’ plum tree, laden with fruit

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 TrueNorth Housing Assistance satellite - 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.

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

Share Our Stories: History of Medicine, March 18, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

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

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition, March 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

Areawide STEAM Challenge in Hesperia March 15

STEAM programs expose students to “big picture” concepts seen in their real, physical environment. STEAM education encourages a hands-on approach, emphasizing creativity, problem-solving skills and critical thinking.

Each year, TrueNorth’s Out-of-School Time Programs hold a friendly and fun STEAM Challenge where Project FOCUS and Project FOCUS Rural Grit students from 13 school district sites come together to participate in a series of judged challenges around science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. From engineering challenges to 2D and 3D art projects, this year’s challenge theme is “Braving the Storm!”

The Challenge takes place on Saturday, March 15, at Hesperia Community Schools, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families of Project FOCUS and Project FOCUS Rural Grit students and community members interested in learning more about the program or volunteering, are invited to join us for a day of fun.

Questions should be directed to 21st Century Program Director, Danielle Siegel, at (231) 924-0641, ext. 109, or dsiegel@truenorthservices.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Set For Monday

As is tradition, the Oceana Center Grange will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17 at 6 p.m. Enjoy seeing tractors, horses, floats, emergency vehicles and more at this annual herald to spring! More parade participants are welcome with the lineup to begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday, at the corner of 116th Avenue and York Road in Elbridge Township. The parade will travel west on York Road to the grange located at 55 W. Scout Road. The majority of the spectators will gather at Scout Road and 112th Avenue, however, spectators are welcome anywhere along the route, as York Road will be closed from 112th to 116th Avenues for the length of the parade. Afterward, everyone is invited to the grange to enjoy a soup supper (free will donation), live entertainment, silent auction and quilt raffle ($1 per ticket or $5 for six tickets). The grange wishes to thank their many local sponsors for silent auction donations, local law enforcement for their assistance on the parade route, as well as neighbors and friends from far and near who meet up after a long winter. Please contact Char Merten at 231-301-1678 to be included in the parade or for further information.

March

March 14 – Book Sale, Hesp. Comm. Library, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

March 15 - Storytime, Ferry Community Center, 10-11 a.m.

March 15 - “Braving the Storm,” STEAM Challenge, HCS, 10 a.m.

March 15 - Daddy Daughter Dance, Shelby Optimist, 6-8:30 p.m.

March 17 – After School Movie at Hesp. Comm. Lib., 3:30-5 p.m.

March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Oceana Center Grange, 6 p.m.

Mar. 17 - HAPL “Fly Me to the Moon,” Hart Comm. Center, 6 p.m.

March 17 - PLA board meeting, Centenary Methodist, 6:30 p.m.

March 18 – Tech Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Board Meeting, Community Room, 4:30-6 p.m.

Mar. 18 - Tweens Pizza & Pages Book Club & Discussion, HAPL, 3:30 p.m., registration required

Mar. 18-19 - Summer Job Fairs

March 19 - All Pro Dads, Oceana Christian School, 7:30-8 a.m.

March 19 - Oceana Conservation District Tree Sale orders due

March 20-22 - Oceana Robotics Team Competition, GVSU

Mar. 20 - All Pro Dads, New Era Christian School, 8-8:30 a.m.

March 20 – Matinee Movie, Hesp. Comm. Library, 1-3:30 p.m., Family Fun Night Community Room, 6-7 p.m.

Mar. 20 - Quilting Class, HAPL, 6 p.m., registration required

March 20 - Agricultural & Natural Resources Banquet, W. MI Research Station, Hart, 5-9 p.m. Tickets required.

Mar. 21 - All Pro Dads, Spitler Elementary, 7:45-8:15 a.m.

March 21 – Story Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m.

Mar. 21 - Pentwater/Teacher/Community Organization Carnival, Pentwater Public School, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

‘Mary Poppins the Musical’ set to enchant audiences in Hart March 21-23

By Stacia Erickson The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

In 1964, when the original film “Mary Poppins” hit theaters, the American public was enchanted! And generation after generation have fallen in love with the story and its cast of characters ever since. Julie Andrews and Dick VanDyke brought one of the first hybrid, animated/live action, fantasy, musical comedies to life!

Hart High School Drama plans to bring the nanny and chimney sweep story to life again on stage in the Hart Middle School auditorium Friday, March 21st at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. The cost for tickets is $10 per adult and $5 per student.

“Hart High School Drama invites everyone to experience the magic, music and wonder of ‘Mary Poppins the Musical!’ With toe-tapping tunes, dazzling choreography and a heartwarming story. This is a theatrical event you won’t want to miss,” Technology/ Auditorium Manager Phil DeBrot shared in a press release.

The show promis-

The Hart High School Drama cast and crew were deep in rehearsal Tuesday afternoon as they prepared for their upcoming presentation of “Mary Poppins the Musical.”

• Contributed Photo

es to entertain one and all, youngsters who have never experienced the story as well as those who remember it fondly. The cast and crew of about 30 young thespians, high school students for the most part, with a sprinkling of middle school students rounding out their numbers. New talent and seasoned performers are sure to delight everyone as they entertain young and old alike.

DeBrot’s press release stated that the classic characters are a sight to be seen as “Bert, Jane, Michael, and the practically perfect nanny herself will take you on an unforgettable adventure

filled with flying umbrellas, chimney sweeps, and a spoonful of theatrical magic! From the all-time classic ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ to ‘Step in Time,’ this spectacular production is bursting with energy, laughter and the timeless message that with a little imagination, anything is possible!” This musical is an opportunity to show children that having fun, being kind and helping others hasn’t gone out of style! Seating is limited and audience members are encouraged to reserve their tickets now. Tickets may be purchased online at hartdramaclubs.ludus. com/200478162 or by using the QR code above.

By AnnaMae Bush The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Chances are the answer is both if you live along the shoreline in West Michigan counties. The challenge is in knowing the percentages of sand, gravel, silt and rock that lie below the surface. On Saturday, March 8, the Oceana Conservation District (OCD) held an event at their offices on Industrial Park Drive in Shelby, attended by 22 people interested in the geologic history of lakeshore counties in West Michigan.

The guest speaker was Dr. Patrick Colgan, a geology professor at Grand Valley State University and a geological mapper contracted by the state of Michigan to map Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, and Montcalm counties. “The most densely populated counties are given priority over the more sparsely populated counties,” he said. “Ottawa is currently the fastest growing county in the state.”

The Michigan Geological Survey (MGS) was established in 1837, the same year Michigan statehood was established. Geological mapping of Michigan counties has been an ongoing project requiring approximately two years to complete each county. Most of Michigan’s 88 counties have not been done yet. Michigan lags other states because it has put minimal resources into the project.

Colgan spoke about his recent findings in Muskegon County, which borders southern Oceana County. “I would expect Muskegon provided findings similar to Oceana County.”

Colgan distinguished geological mapping from soil mapping, talked about

Built on rock, or sand?

what we know regarding geological history, how we collect the information, and why the information is important to us. Soil mapping provides information on soil content three feet deep under the land surface. It is readily available and helpful in residential construction and landscaping.

Geological mapping provides information on ground formation to the depth of bedrock, which can be more than 100 feet. It requires the use of specialized boring equipment and is available only for the limited areas where it has been done.

Colgan reported, “We have learned from the MGS that 26,000 years ago the state of Michigan was completely covered by glacial ice, and that there were several earlier glacier advances and retreats over the state.” Retreating ice from the most recent glacier cover formed the Great Lakes at its southern perimeter. MGS findings also testified to the directional change of the water flow from the melting ice. Whereas it originally flowed toward the Mississippi valley, it later reversed toward the St. Lawrence seaway.

Geological mapping starts with gathering information that is already known. (Well drilling companies are required to submit water well records. Road construction also provides information.) This knowledge is enlarged by visiting and observing sites where excavation has taken place. (Examples might be commercial construction sites, gravel pits or archeological digs.) The next step is drilling with specialized boring equipment to collect deep bore samples for analysis. Typically, one deep core per township is drilled in a county. The new information

St. Joseph & St. Vincent Catholic Churches

Sunday Mass: 9 a.m.

St. Vincent, Pentwater 637 E. Sixth St.

Saturday Mass: 4 p.m.

Confessions: 1/2 hour before all Masses

Rev. Phil Sliwinski, Pastor

is recorded electronically and finally formatted to share with the public.

Colgan explained a recently developed technology that has proven very helpful and accurate in providing geological data. “It is called LiDAR, light detection and ranging. Using lasers, it has been effective where sonar technology has not been useful.”

Why is geologic mapping information important? It is crucial to engineering companies for construction of roads, bridges and large commercial buildings. It is helpful to well drillers, oil companies, government agencies and residential builders. It is useful for agriculture and forestation projects because different soil compositions will promote or detract from crop production.

Knowing the water absorption or drainage quality of soil will help to predict flooding and runoff of rainwater. The location, capacity and water quality of aquifers is crucial to safe groundwater supply to the communities that use them. Even backyard gardeners will benefit from knowing how well their soil will hold nutrients.

Although geological mapping has not been done yet in Oceana County, soil mapping has been done twice. The most recent soil survey was conducted in 1996 and is easily accessible online at oceanaconservation.org, as well as in a written publication available free of charge at the Oceana Conservation District office, located at 1064 Industrial Park Dr., Shelby.

The Oceana Conservation District offers nearly a dozen programs to benefit the environment and the residents of Oceana County. Following the presentation by Dr. Colgan, two staff members

from the OCD also spoke. District Forester Rod Denning highlighted the invasive diseases and insects that are putting Michigan trees at risk, which counties are currently involved, and what is being done to combat the problems.

He also explained the forestry assistance program, which helps landowners manage their forested land for timber production, wildlife habitat, recreation and improved ecological health. He informed the audience of a surprising fact: “A property tax deduction is available to property owners with 20-40 acres of forested land (non-homesteaded) who participate in a qualified forest program.”

Lynda Herremans, Conservation Technical Assistance Program, works with the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) to certify farms of all sizes and commodities, fruit orchards, and livestock farms for environmental safety. “Currently there are about 100 participants in the program,” Herremans said. Program participants are evaluated to identify any potential risk to groundwater and given information on best practices to protect against risk to groundwater. Participants who are given certification receive a distinctive sign to post on their property for public recognition.

The Oceana Conservation District again worked with The Oceana Echo to build and distribute their 2024 Annual Report inside the March 7 issue of the newspaper. The special insert included an order form for the annual sale of trees, shrubs, fruit bushes and vines, dune grass and assorted landscape items. The deadline for submitting orders is March 19 - don’t miss out!

I would like to thank everyone who sent cards and flowers for my daughter’s funeral, Cynthia Ann Williams. With gratitude, Mrs. Lovedia Miller

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Joseph (Joe) John Orlando

August 1, 1931 ~ March 7, 2025

Joseph (Joe) John Orlando, 93, of Rothbury, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025. He was born August 1, 1931, in Reed City, Mich., the son of Pat and Mary Ann (Giammalva) Orlando.

Joe was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. Joe enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Joe is survived by: his wife of 72 years, Barbara (Morse) Orlando, married on October 25, 1952; children, Linda (John) Zuder and Diane (Martin) Balkema; grandchildren, Polly (Steve) Mikkelson, Heidi (Matt) Perdue, John J Zuder, Marty (Amanda) Balkema and Angie (Tim) Teal; great-grandchildren, Hannah (Brenden) VanHaver, Haden Mikkelson, Matthew J Perdue, Carly (Ethan) Vitek, Hadley, Charleston, Hobie and Sadie Balkema and Jackson, Brennan and Aaron Passmore; a great-great-grandchild is due to be born in July.

Joe was preceded in death by: his parents, Pat and Mary Ann; and brother Tony Orlando.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Hospice of Michigan, 1675 E. Mt. Garfield Rd., Suite 175, Muskegon, MI 49444, https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ hospiceofmichigan.

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

Nicholas ‘Nick’ William O’Connell

December 18, 1947 ~ March 4, 2025

Nicholas “Nick” William O’Connell, 77, of Shelby, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025. He was born December 18, 1947, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Werner (stepfather) and Anna (Lehman) Storch.

Nick was born in Chicago, but in his early teens, the family would spend weekends in Shelby until they decided to move here permanently. He was drafted into the Army and served his country in Vietnam. Upon returning, he met Debbie. They were married a few years later and raised three kids, Chris, Rhiann and Daniel. Nick enjoyed a quiet life; he loved his family, spending time working on his yard and being home with the dogs and the cat. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children and their spouses and many grandchildren.

Nick is survived by: his loving wife of 51 years, Debbie (Schultz) O’Connell; children, Christopher (Mindy) O’Connell, Rhiann (David) Satterlee, and Daniel O’Connell; grandchildren, Gracelynn (Lucas) White, Nicholas Satterlee, Laney O’Connell, Samuel (Shiloh) Satterlee, and Caelen O’Connell; great-grandchild, Lucilia White.

Nick was preceded in death by: his parents, Werner and Anna Storch; motherin-law, Shirley Schultz; sister, Maryann Rudnick; brother-in-law, Rod Schultz.

Memorial services were conducted at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Mich., 49455, with Pastor Paulette Zoulek officiating. Family received friends for visitation Tuesday, March 11 at Harris Funeral Home from 1-2 p.m. prior to memorial services. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Register today for the West Central Spring Horticulture Meeting

The 2025 West Central Spring Horticulture Meeting will be held on March 25 at the West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center in Hart, Mich. This meeting is hosted by Michigan State University Extension. MSU Extension educators and industry partners will provide a full day of informative talks and answer questions.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and educational presentations will begin at 9 a.m. Lunch is included. The meeting will provide attendees with updated information related to commercial tree fruit production. The program will start with a MAEAP update and a MDARD update on regenerative agriculture. Dr. Randy Beaudry will discuss the work being done on lenticel breakdown in apples. Following Dr. Beaudry’s talk, information will be shared about the biocontrol efforts against Spotted-wing Drosophila, updated information on water rules from the Produce Safety Team and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Dr. George Sundin will discuss the various tree fruit diseases for the 2025 growing season, and Dawn Drake will provide a market update.

Following lunch, there will be indoor presentations and an outdoor show-and-tell about precision agriculture tools in orchards with a focus on tart cherry production. Invited speaker, Dr. Brent Black from Utah State University, will share his work leading a collaborative project with Dr. Todd Einhorn, Dr. Richard Price, and Jack Sinnaeve from Michigan State University.

Precision agriculture tools are widespread in both row crops and orchard systems, yet many producers still struggle to interpret the data to implement effective conservation strategies to boost profitability. While every farm and field have its own

unique circumstances, the fundamental approach to leveraging data to benefit the farm remains the same. Three MDARD RUP credits will be provided, and CCA CEU credits have been requested.

Come learn more about how precision agriculture tools can be applied to orchard systems and how researchers are using this information to develop orchard management strategies to enhance fruit quality and financial stability on

the farm.

Early registration (on or before March 21) is $25, with late and on-site registration (after March 21) for $40. Any cancellations received on or after March 21 will incur a $25 cancellation fee.

To register and view the updated agenda, please visit https://events.anr. msu.edu/WestCentralSpringHorticultureMeeting2025/ or contact Oceana MSU Extension at 231-8732129 or walicki@msu.edu.

Every Friday during Lent (including Good Friday) February 16 - March 29

March 7 - April 18

Serving from 5 - 7 p.m.

Dinner includes choice of Fried or Baked Fish, vegetable, parsleyed potatoes, coleslaw, dinner roll and your choice from our famous dessert selection!

Dinners are $14.00 for ages 9 & up

Donation for Children (ages 8 & under)

All Take-Out Dinners are $14.00 each St. Joseph’s Parish Hall - Weare 2349 West Jackson Road, Hart 231-873-5776

Allen “Mick” Anthony Cox, 93, of Montague, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025. He was born May 10, 1931, on the family farm in Walkerville, the son of Albert and Nettie (Lathrop) Cox.

Mick has gone to Heaven to be with his beloved wife Helen. Mick will always be remembered as the best husband and father to his children and grandchildren and his friends. He was a farmer, then joined the Army and was deployed to Korea. He was a machinist at Johnson Products, SPX. Mick was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. Loved his many dogs.

Mick is survived by: his children, David Cox, Sue and Robert Hillard; Paul and Sadie Keats; grandchildren, Kurt and Sherry Hillard, Clint and Chelsi Hillard, Brittney Cox, Kyle and Makiah Cox, Molly and Jeremy Adkins, Laura Holman and Allison Cox; and eight great-grandchildren.

Mick was preceded in death by: his parents, Albert and Nettie; wife, Helen; son, Wayne Cox; brother Carleton Cox; sisters, Carol Cartwright, Alberta Zaremba, Marie Webber and Norma Swiftney.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2025, at Oak Grove Cemetery, 5390 Dowling St., Montague, Michigan, 49437, with Pastor Craig Smith officiating. Military honors will be presented.

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

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

FROM KING

FEATURES

By Lucie Winborne

• A Spanish civil servant went unnoticed for six years after he stopped showing up for work until someone tried to give him an award for his long service.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. 257 STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20250303 FOR RELEASE MARCH 3, 2025

WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

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

• On March 17, 1905, future president Franklin Delano Roosevelt married Eleanor Roosevelt, his fifth cousin once removed, in New York. Former President Theodore Roosevelt gave away the bride.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

By Lucie Winborne

257

By Lucie Winborne

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20250303

• On March 18, 1911, composer Irving Berlin obtained the copyright for “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” a multimillion-selling hit that helped turn American popular music into a major international phenomenon.

FOR RELEASE MARCH 3, 2025

By Lucie Winborne

By JoAnn Derson

• On March 19, 1957, Elvis Presley arranged to purchase the Colonial mansion on the outskirts of Memphis called Graceland for $102,500, with a cash deposit of $1,000. It is still preserved exactly as Elvis left it when he died in 1977 and is one of America’s most popular tourist attractions — the second-most-visited house in the nation after the White House.

• On March 20, 1345, according to scholars at the University of Paris, the Black Death, aka the Plague, was created from “a triple conjunction of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in the 40th degree of Aquarius,” though it was actually carried by fleas that typically traveled on rats. It cut a swath across Europe, the Middle East and Asia during the 14th century, leaving an estimated 25 million dead in its wake, and popped up periodically until the 1700s, but never again reached epidemic proportions.

• On March 21, 1980, President Jimmy Carter announced that the U.S. would boycott the Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Moscow that summer, after the Soviet Union failed to comply with his Feb. 20, 1980, deadline to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. Four years later, in retaliation, the Soviet Union boycotted the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles.

• On March 22, 1983, the Pentagon awarded a production contract worth more than $1 billion to AM General Corp. for the development of 55,000 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles. Nicknamed the Humvee and designed to transport troops and cargo, the vehicles were used by the American military during the 1989 invasion of Panama and the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s.

• On March 23, 1839, the initials “O.K.” were first published in The Boston Morning Post. An abbreviation for “oll korrect,” a popular slang misspelling of “all correct” at the time, OK steadily made its way into the American vernacular.

• My family’s spring-cleaning checklist is in full effect. Some people dread seasonal chores, but I relish the sense of accomplishment that comes from a job well done. With the right planning, and some helpful tips, spring-cleaning can be a breeze. Here are some of the best we have to share.

• “Stainless steel appliances are very popular, and in the kitchen, they get plenty of chances to get fingerprinted up. My appliance guy recommended using a light-mist, wax-based aerosol dusting spray once or twice a week to keep my stainless steel appliance fronts looking their best.” — R.C. in North Carolina

• In the closet, we all want to pare away unused items, but sometimes it seems like you wear clothes that you don’t. Turn all the clothes hangers the opposite way (facing out instead of in). When you use an item and it is returned to the closet, replace the hanger normally. In a few months, if an item has not been worn, it’ll be apparent. If it’s not likely to be worn, it should go.

• Spring is a wonderful time to clean the walls inside your house. It clears away hidden dust and really freshens a room. Clean painted walls by dusting them first with a dry mop, then washing with a rag dampened in water. If you need a little extra oomph — say, in the kitchen or bath — add a couple drops of mild dish soap.

• New drapes or even new pillow covers in a fabulous pattern can really jazz up a room. Consider switching smaller furniture accents between common rooms or a fresh furniture arrangement to change it up.

• Keep a bottle of club soda handy for spot stains on carpets or upholstery. It’s good for more than just drinks.

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

• The Spangler Candy Company named their famous lollipops “Dum Dums” because it was a word that was easy for any kid to say.

By Lucie Winborne

• The Spangler Candy Company named their famous lollipops “Dum Dums” because it was a word that was easy for any kid to say.

• A Spanish civil servant went unnoticed for six years after he stopped showing up for work until someone tried to give him an award for his long service.

• In the 1960s, the Goodyear tire company tested the bright idea of lighted tires, to be available in a range of colors. They looked pretty cool in the dark, but their unfortunate tendency to melt under heavy braking and poor performance in wet conditions doomed the concept to the dustbin.

• The Spangler Candy Company named their famous lollipops “Dum Dums” because it was a word that was easy for any kid to say.

• A 2016 study revealed that only 27% of the words spoken in the biggest movies were uttered by women.

• National Donut Day originally started as a way to honor Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to soldiers in World War I.

• When a man allegedly found a dead mouse in his can of Mountain Dew, Pepsi had an expert claim in an affidavit that the drink was so acidic it would have dissolved the mouse after 30

• When a man allegedly found a dead mouse in his can of Mountain Dew, Pepsi had an expert claim in an affidavit that the drink was so acidic it would have dissolved the mouse after 30 days.

• A 2016 study revealed that only 27% of the words spoken in the biggest movies were uttered by women.

• National Donut Day originally started as a way to honor Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to soldiers in World War I.

• The Hubble Space Telescope is so powerful that it can spot the glow of a firefly from some 7,000 miles away.

• Professional wrestler and mixed martial arts champion Ronda Rousey confessed on the “Jim Rome on Showtime” TV show that she tries to have as much sex as possible before a match because it boosts her testosterone levels.

• When a man allegedly found a dead mouse in his can of Mountain Dew, Pepsi had an expert claim in an affidavit that the drink was so acidic it would have dissolved the mouse after 30 days.

• The Hubble Space Telescope is so powerful that it can spot the glow of a firefly from some 7,000 miles away.

• During his inauguration, Teddy Roosevelt wore a ring that contained a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair.

During his inauguration, Roosevelt wore a ring that contained a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair.

• The mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, once hired 420 mimes to make fun of traffic violators, believing his fellow countrymen feared ridicule more than fines.

• During his inauguration, Teddy Roosevelt wore a ring that contained a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair.

***

• The mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, once hired 420 mimes to make fun of traffic violators, believing his fellow countrymen feared ridicule more than fines. ***

Spring events, resolutions approved by Hart City Council

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

HART - Spring is obviously on its way as several upcoming events were approved at the Hart City Council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 25. One very unique special event permit council gave the go-ahead for was a personal request from Mike Stevens of Oceana Bike and Boat to set up his four- to six-person mobile sauna on the John Gurney Park pavilion pad adjacent to the open water on Hart Lake. Stevens said he would like to use the area to practice what is called “Sauna-Cold Plunge Cycling,” an activity that has been used in Finland for hundreds of years, where people go to and from a sauna into the cold water and back again. “It’s taking hold all over the country,” Stevens said. While the activity is only in the “project conception” phase at this point, Stevens said if it proves to be doable, he may turn the activity into a group event in the future.

Council also OK’d a “Celebrate Trails” day, Saturday, April 26, starting at 9 a.m. at the Hart Commons to be hosted by Oceana Bike and Boat and the Pentwater-Hart Trail group. The event coincides with the national Celebrate Trails Day held annually across the United States. The event will begin and end in downtown Hart. Another request to hold an Easter Sunrise Service, sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Hart, was accepted and will take place at Hart Commons Sunday, April 20, starting at 7 a.m. The fourth special event permit approved was the 5th Annual Hart Hills Bike Race set for Saturday, May 10, starting at 10 a.m. in downtown Hart.

Only two resolutions were approved by the city council in the month of February.

Resolution 2025-05 accepted a proposal from Daupler (a municipal communications app) and authorized implementation of their response management and public communication services. The city had previously used the TextMyGov application, however, City Manager Rob Splane said only 242 city residents ever opted into the service. “I’m unimpressed with that number,” he said.

While the new Daupler system contract will cost the city $10,000 in the first year, the cost will be covered mostly by the Hart Energy Department, which relies on being able to send mass notifications in an emergency. The new system will come with the following options: has the ability to notify the right people at the right time; allows citizens to opt-in to receive communications (and in their home language) while maintaining compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act; gives the city the ability to manage outages and service disruptions; gives citizens the ability to respond to a mass notification with additional information or pictures; and will be able to integrate with city systems already in place. And similar to TextMyGov, the Daupler system has the ability to send notifications to those that “opt-in” for non-emergency notifications such as local events or city service notices. “We (are comparing) the upgrade from TextMyGov to the Daupler solution, like going from a pedal bike to a Cadillac,” said City Manager Rob Splane. “It’s definitely another step forward as we strive to meet and exceed our expectations to serve our population.”

According to Splane and Hart Energy Superintendent Mike Schiller, this system will streamline responses to citizen and municipal concerns and emergencies much more efficiently and economically. Splane feels the new system will be much more user-friendly, which could have caused the low enrollment with the former system.

“During emergencies, we will now have the ability to push notifications to either the city at large or specific neighborhoods. For instance, during a boil water advisory, we will be able to push a text message to all homes in a given area. The system is smart enough that it will recognize a landline telephone and automatically convert that typed message to a voice call, so we won’t miss anyone. When the advisory is over, we can also send another notification and include easy instructions to field any follow-up questions,” Splane said.

Resolution 2025-06 Adoption of Poverty Exemption Policy and Guidelines will be used for homeowners seeking a property tax exemption. Under

Oceana County

Animal Shelter

Meet Bode, a 3-year-old Pit Mix with the brains of a scholar, the energy of a toddler on espresso and the sweetness of a dog-shaped marshmallow.

Bode loves adventures, playtime, and showing off his mad skills. He’d be a perfect running buddy, a great student for continued training or your new couch companion (once he wears himself out, of course).

Bode is looking for an active home where he can show off his smarts, get plenty of exercise and, most importantly, be completely adored. If you’re up for the Bode experience—equal parts fun, chaos and unconditional love—adopt him today.

Bode is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Shelter. If interested, please call the shelter at 231-861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35, and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and you will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/ neuter, if needed. Every dog should have an ID tag. L.A.S.S.I. provides free dog ID tags to all Oceana County residents. To request tags, send a text to 231-730-3906. Free tags are also available at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.

Meet Bode

Animal Friends

Hello there, I’m Jewels! I’m a young, sweet, cuddly ball of fun. I’m a little goofy, but that’s just part of my charm. I love to play and make people laugh with my amusing antics. I’m friendly to everyone I meet, and I’m very loyal. I absolutely adore kids! They always know how to have fun, and their giggles make my day. I promise to be your best friend, your confidante and your source of endless laughter. I’m waiting for a family to share all my love and loyalty with. Adopt me, and let’s fill our days with joy and laughter together! If you would like to adopt Polly, please fill out an application through the OCAF Facebook page: Oceana County Animal Friends or online at: oceanacountyanimalfriends.wordpress.com We also just had a stray that was dropped off last month pregnant, give birth to seven kittens this week! Her name is Milady. She and her seven kittens will be available for adoption after they are all spayed/ neutered.

the policy, homeowners may apply once each year and need to fulfill seven requirements to be eligible. Those requirements include owning and occupying the property as their principal residence; filing a claim with the Board of Review within the allotted time period; providing federal and state income tax returns for all persons residing in the principal residence; providing valid identification; producing ownership of property evidence; meeting the federal poverty income guidelines for the household as well as meeting the claimant and total household asset levels as set by the City of Hart ($25,000 for 2025). Anyone with questions on this policy is invited to contact the city office for further clarification and requirements.

Volunteers needed

We are looking for both a Volunteer Dairy and a Volunteer Goat Superintendent for Oceana County Agricultural Society’s 2025 Fair! Please submit a letter of interest, including qualifications, experience, history with our Fair, and your contact information. Submissions should be mailed to O.C.A.S. Board of Directors, att. Stacia Erickson, PO Box 194, Mears, Michigan 49436 before April 7, 2025. Come join the team for fun and adventure in our world of people and animals!

Sanford Meridian upsets Hart in regional semifinals

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

BEAL CITY – A highly successful season for Hart’s girls basketball team came to a close Monday, March 10, as the Pirates fell to Sanford Meridian 45-40 in the regional semifinals.

Hart, the No. 8 ranked team in D3, didn’t appear to be in any danger of dropping the contest until the fourth quarter.

The Pirates had an early advantage in the opening frame, going on a 7-3 run to start the game. A string of made baskets from the Mustangs – including backto-back three pointers – helped give them a narrow 13-10 advantage after eight minutes.

Hart didn’t let that discourage them, switching up their lineup in the second quarter to help take away the Mustangs’ top threat, Halen McLaughlin. Addi Hovey had essentially taken on the task of shutting down McLaughlin, but Sanford Meridian’s senior guard still had half of her team’s points in the first.

Sophomore Macy Riley spelled Hovey for a majority of the second quarter, taking on the assignment of guarding McLaughlin. Riley is used to shutting down opposing threats, having been Hart’s go-to defensive specialist. The switch benefitted Hart, holding the Mustangs to just two points scored for the majority of the quarter.

The Pirates took advantage of their opponent’s scoring drought, adding 13 points to their total in the second quarter, including eight unanswered. That had Hart sitting at an eight point lead in the closing minutes of the first half, until McLaughlin found her footing again.

McLaughlin scored on back-to-back possessions for the Mustangs, closing out the quarter with five more points and a buzzer beater from three point range. Hart’s lead took a hit, but they still stood tall with a 23-20 advantage at halftime.

The second half started with shots being traded from both sides. Hart did a nice job of drawing fouls on Sanford Meridian, forcing their two best players into foul trouble. Both McLaughlin and sophomore Kam Fillmore – the Mustangs’ top scorers in the game to that point – picked up their fourth fouls early in the third quarter, forcing them to sit for a considerable amount of time.

Hovey and sophomore Reese Smith took advantage of their opportunity to stack on to the lead with Meridian’s best athletes out of the equation. Hovey scored nine in the third quarter and combined with Smith for a 7-2 run to close out the stanza with a 36-32 lead.

Hart’s chances of closing out the game appeared to take an in-

Hart

Girls continued on page 11

SPORTS

Hart claims district title, claim third rivalry win over

By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SCOTTVILLE – For the third time in five years, Hart’s girls basketball program seized a district title, defeating Shelby 41-27 Friday, March 7.

A pair of possessions worked against the Pirates in the early minutes of the first quarter. Shelby found the opening points on a Kylie Brown layup, and forced Hart into turnovers. Luckily for the Pirates, the Tigers were unable to convert those turnovers into points.

Shelby held a 5-2 advantage after freshman Ava Lamberg knocked down a three-pointer, but quickly saw their offense dissolve. That allowed Hart to kick it into gear, ending the first quarter on an 8-0 run.

With their first lead of the game at 10-5, Hart opened things up in the second quarter. The Pirates scored the first six points of the quarter, allowing them to build an 11 point lead that held throughout the frame.

“(Our defense) was huge,” Hart Head Coach Travis Rosema said.

Shelby in 2024-25

“We knew without Peterson that other people would have to handle the ball. We just wanted to make them uncomfortable.”

Shelby attempted to make inroads at several junctions, but they could not find more than three made baskets in response to Hart. The Tigers struggled holding onto the ball, due in large part to their lack of ball-handling guards.

Sophomore Lydia Soelberg missed a majority of the year and officially had her season ended in recent weeks with a torn ACL. Pair that with an ankle injury for freshman Michelle Peterson, and Shelby was forced to start talented, but less experienced players to run their offense. The result was a bevy of costly turnovers that turned the game squarely into Hart’s favor.

“Our one thing we have to get better at is handling the ball,” Shelby Head Coach Sarah Wolting said. “If our point guard gets hurt, we have to have other people that can handle the ball. For being put out of position and having to run different plays, I’m proud of the girls.”

The Pirates entered the second

half with a 22-11 lead, extending that advantage in the third quarter. Hart owned a 16 point lead before the Tigers found an answer. Jayna Burmeister did her best, scoring seven of her team’s 10 points in the stanza. Still, Hart sat pretty at 35-21 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Scoring slowed to halt in that final quarter, allowing Hart to close things out with a three point dagger from Natalie Rosema. Hart (23-1) was led by Addi Hovey with 13 points while Rilynn Porter followed up with 10. Reese Smith had nine points and Kelsey Copenhaver had four.

Shelby’s Burmeister led all-scorers with 15 points. Lamberg finished the night with five points.

The Tigers finish their year at 19-5 and will return the entirety of their current roster as they have no seniors.

“This is a weird year, because nobody is crying in the locker room (after the loss),” Wolting said. “(Teams who have to play us next year) should be crying because we’re all coming back and we’re going to get better. We have so much to look forward to.”

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY

WALKERVILLE

Hart’s girls basketball team claimed a district title Friday, March 7 with a 41-27 win over Shelby. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart sophomore Reese Smith drives past a defender as she crosses midcourt. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

(Above, left) Hart sophomore Rilynn Porter bends around Shelby freshman Ava Lamberg in an attempt to find the net. (Above, right) Shelby freshman Jayna Burmeister adusts her shot in the air as Hart senior Breslyn Porter applies heavy presssure. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart Girls

crease in the starting minute of the fourth quarter. Fillmore picked up her final foul, taking her out of the game and putting the pressure squarely on McLaughlin.

McLaughlin answered the call, playing a smart brand of basketball that kept her away from her fifth foul. Eight points in the final frame for McLaughlin proved to be key, as Hart struggled to find needed points to keep them ahead. Rilynn Porter and Hovey scored the only two baskets in the fourth quarter for Hart, as several shots missed the mark for the Pirates.

“We had to send two people at (McLaughlin),” Hart Head Coach Travis Rosema said. “We just let her dance with the ball when we needed to put more pressure on her and get the ball out of her hands. When we did that, No. 11 killed us and we didn’t stay in front.”

In the end, Hart was forced to intentionally foul. Meridian went 5-for-8 at the line in the final quarter, finishing their night with an upset win.

McLaughlin led all scorers, posting a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Hart was led by Hovey with 15 points, while Porter finished with 14.

Hart finished the year with a 23-2 overall record, winning WMC Rivers and district titles along the way. The Pirates will lose a few key pieces as three

continued from page 10

members of their starting five – Hovey, Breslyn Porter and Kelsey Copenhaver – are set to graduate in the spring.

“They’re great kids,” Rosema said. “They put a lot of heart into it and we’re going to miss them. Hopefully these other girls saw what they put into it and continue to build off their legacy.”

The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch Partners with SCIF to Give

Away 2,500 Copies of

“How to Talk About Hunting”

BITELY – The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch is excited to announce the addition of 2,500 copies of the influential book “How to Talk about Hunting: Research-Based Communications Strategies,” from the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF). This vital resource will be distributed to visitors as part of our ongoing mission to educate the public about the positive impacts of legal, regulated hunting on wildlife conservation. In 2024, we had over 3,400 students and over 1,500 adults visit the museum. We anticipate around 6,000 visitors will come through The Wildlife Center in 2025.

Robert Sergi, Ranch Director of The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch, expressed his gratitude for SCIF’s important donation, stating, “We are incredibly thankful to the Safari Club International Foundation for their support. These books will play a crucial role in helping us educate the public on the vital contributions that

ethical hunting makes to wildlife conservation. Together, we can empower hunters to share their stories and foster a deeper understanding of our shared values.”

The addition of these books aligns perfectly with The Wildlife Center’s mission to advance knowledge and appreciation of wildlife conservation. With overwhelming public support for legal hunting affirmed by NRA research, “How to Talk about Hunting” provides key insights into correcting misconceptions and fostering allies among non-hunters. Notably, the book reveals that 46% of Americans wrongly believe legal hunting endangers species—a misunderstanding that hunters must address directly.

For more information about The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch and upcoming educational opportunities related to hunting and conservation, please contact us at wildlifecentermi. org.

The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch expands its Hunter Education Team

BITELY — The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch is excited to announce its Hunter Education Instructor team is growing. The team started with a dedicated group of seven Wildlife Center employees and has grown into a team of nineteen dedicated instructors. This new roster includes twelve volunteers, some of whom were already certified instructors and others who have achieved certification through the DNR while working with The Wildlife Center team.

The expansion is a testament to the commitment and collaborative efforts of The Wildlife Center team and MI-DNR CO Steve Orange, who has played an instrumental role in guiding the team through the certification process and pioneering the Field Day events. With this expanded instructor base, The Wildlife Center is poised to provide even more comprehensive training and education for aspiring hunters. “The camaraderie and passion for teaching conservation that I have experienced with this team is incredible,” said volunteer instructor Andrew Broton from New Era. “It’s a fulfilling opportunity to inspire future generations of hunters, helping them understand the importance of wildlife stewardship.”

The Hunter Education Field Days at The Wildlife Center have rapidly become a highlight for Michigan’s aspiring hunters. Each class features exciting giveaways, including four Rossi .22 long rifles per session, donated by Legends Ranch. In addition, the WLC Team has partnered with several hunting-related companies to provide additional equipment free to the students. Ric Genthner from Reed City emphasized, “The Hunter Safety Team at Legend’s Wildlife Center is well trained, highly knowledgeable, and has a passion for wildlife conservation. The team excels at demonstrating safety skills to all our participants, no matter what their experience level!”

Looking ahead to 2025, The Wildlife Center is proud to host five Hunter Education Field Days on the following dates: Saturday, August 23rd, Satur-

day, September 6th, Sunday, September 20th, Saturday, October 11th and Saturday, November 1st. Registration for each Field Day opens thirty days prior to the class.

The Wildlife Center’s unique approach to education, set within a functional deer ranch, allows students to engage with the principles of hunting and conservation directly. “Having taught Hunter Safety at multiple facilities, I can confidently say that the experience provided by the wildlife center is unparalleled. The hands-on learning opportunities, immersive environment, and connection to real-world conservation efforts make it an invaluable setting for students. This facility doesn’t just teach safety-it instills a deep respect for wildlife and responsible hunting practices in a way no other location can,” says Nick Johnson, volunteer instructor. With partnerships alongside various chapters of Safari Club International (SCI), 2025 promises to be a year filled with enriching experiences that emphasize not just the basics of hunting, but also the ethical and conservationist responsibilities that come with it.

For more information about the Hunter Education Field Day program or about becoming a Hunter Education Instructor at The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch, please visit our website at wildlifecentermi.org.

Monday, March 3: Hesperia 24, MCC 75

Wednesday, March 5:

66, MCC 42

March 7:

Monday, March 3: Pentwater 20, MCE 37 Walkerville 21, Brethren 67

Hart senior Addi Hovey elevates as she releases a floater. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Contributed Photo

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

New owners, same place: The "old Wayside" is back

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Chloe McCarthy, one of the co-owners of the new Wayside Bar and Grill in Montague, briefly worked at its predecessor, Big Shotz, but said "no matter what it was called," people tended to refer to it as the old Wayside. McCarthy, along with mother-in-law Amber Scott - who worked at Wayside when her sons were littleand brother-in-law Colin Flahive, are in charge now, and they've gone back to the classic name. The trio celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday along with the White Lake Chamber & Visitor's Bureau.

The restaurant was known under the Wayside name for decades prior to ownership twice changing hands in the past six years. It was recently known as Big Cat Daddy Walleye and later Big Shotz before Scott, McCarthy and Fla-

hive took over and brought back the Wayside name.

"This was her first bar job," McCarthy said of Scott's prior work experience. "She said she loved the sense of community. The regulars taught her how to bartend. We worked here briefly under Big Shotz, but everybody still called it Wayside. We're trying to bring it back to its former glory, and bring it back to the staple that it's always been."

It was a cheerful atmosphere after the ribbon-cutting, as tunes began playing in the bar, sports were on TV, and the owners set right to work assembling food and drink orders.

The new owners were the beneficiaries of some work done by prior owners over the years, as there is now a deck that provides outdoor seating and space for potential events. McCarthy said she hopes to have some live entertainment this summer when the

warm temperatures arrive, and there might yet be some tweaks made to the outdoor seating area.

"We're going to do some stuff on the patio," McCarthy said. "Good food, good drinks and good times."

The new owners are excited about

the community feedback they've received and look forward to living up to the name they chose to revive.

"The community's been really excited about it," McCarthy said. "It's gone over really well."

Whitehall students, teacher honored by VFW

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Several Whitehall High School students, and teacher Brian Milliron, received awards from the White Lake VFW Thursday afternoon at the high school for their efforts in the VFW's annual Patriots' Pen essay contest, as well as a special award for the recent veterans night spearheaded by students Lianne and Janie Fagan. Milliron, also the girls basketball coach, was named local teacher of the year for a third straight time, but also earned district teacher of the year honors. The Fagan sisters were awarded special commendations for their efforts in putting together the annual veterans night celebration, which took place during a Feb. 7 girls basketball game against Oakridge.

It was the second year of the veterans night, which Lianne Fagan assisted now-graduated Taylor Ottinger with last year. Both were National Honor Society

Milliron, also the girls basketball coach, was named local teacher of the year for a third straight time, but also earned district teacher of the year honors. The Fagan sisters were awarded special commendations for their efforts in putting together the annual veterans night celebration, which took place during a Feb. 7 girls basketball game against Oakridge.

It was the second year of the veterans night, which Lianne Fagan assisted now-graduated Taylor Ottinger with last year. Both were National Honor Society

High School students, and teacher Brian Milliron, received awards from the White Lake VFW Thursday afternoon at the high school for their efforts in the VFW's annual Patriots' Pen essay contest, as well as a special award for the recent veterans night spearheaded by students Lianne and Janie Fagan. Milliron, named year for a third straight time, but also the year ors. The Fagan sisters were awarded for putting the night took basketball Oakridge. year of night, assisted now-graduated Taylor Ottinger with last year.

legacy projects and featured pregame ceremonies honoring local veterans - 27 were in attendance this year, with Lianne now leading the project with support from Janie.

As was the case last year, a cornhole board was raffled off to raise money for both the VFW in Montague and the American Legion post in Whitehall. This the board was made by Brian Peets' class. Over $1,000 in total was raised in the raffle, which the two organizations split evenly.

As was the case last year, a cornhole board was raffled off to raise money for both the VFW in Montague and the American Legion post in Whitehall. This time, the board was made by Brian Peets' construction trades class. Over $1,000 in total was raised in the raffle, which the two organizations split evenly.

"You ladies touched many a heart," Gloria Hesse of the VFW said of the "We are indebted to you. Your skills were exemplary."

"You ladies touched many a heart," Gloria Hesse of the VFW said of the Fagans. "We are indebted to you. Your leadership skills were exemplary."

Lianne Fagan said preparations for the veterans night began last summer, following the steps Ottinger started in 2023-24.

Lianne Fagan said preparations for the veterans night began last summer, steps Ottinger started in 2023-24.

Lianne Fagan said preparations for the veterans night began last summer, following the steps Ottinger started in 2023-24.

the first football game in the we were selling tickets at home

"From the first football game in the fall, we were selling tickets at home games," Lianne said. "Then we sold them at the VAC, for basketball games, for wrestling. It's just been so much work

Lianne said. "Then we sold at VAC, for basketball games, for wrestling. It's just been so much work

"From the first football game in the fall, we were selling tickets at home games," Lianne said. "Then we sold them at the VAC, for basketball games, for wrestling. It's just been so much work

trying to raise all the money."

Lianne added that the veterans support was a natural progression of the program's goal to celebrate accomplishments, which is a common discussion point.

"I think each and every year, we're just trying to find new ways to bring more attention to (the veterans night) in

"I think each and every year, we're just trying to find new ways to bring more attention to (the veterans night) in the community, and also just encourage community members to celebrate the veterans not only on special nights like this," Lianne said. "I think it's more of an awareness thing that we're excited to share because I think it's something that

the community, and also just encourage community members to celebrate the veterans not only on special nights like this," Lianne said. "I think it's more of an awareness thing that we're excited to share because I think it's something that

Whitehall mayor advocates for region on Capitol Hill

Salter supports renewal of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

By Madison Lajewski White

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

WHITEHALL — Whitehall mayor

WHITEHALL — Whitehall mayor Steven Salter was recently invited to join Benton Harbor mayor Marcus Muhammad and Inkster mayor Byron Nolen to advocate for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in Washington, D.C. Salter first discovered the Great Lakes Task Force, which supports the GLRI, in December when it led a presentation in Muskegon. He found it to be interesting and important, resulting in him joining it.

Steven Salter was recently invited to join Muhammad and Inkster mayor Byron Nolen to advocate for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in Washington, D.C. Salter first discovered the Great Lakes Task Force, which supports the GLRI, in December when it led a presentation in Muskegon. He found it to be interesting and important, resulting in him joining it.

The main purpose of the trip was to represent one of the many communi-

ties that feeds into a Great Lake and to advocate for the renewal of the Great Lake Restoration Initiative in 2025. This initiative aids in the restoration and preservation of the Great Lakes, providing $475 million in funds annually. It is set to expire in fiscal year 2026 if not renewed, though a bipartisan proposal to renew it for five more years - and slightly bump its funding to $500 million per year - has been introduced in Congress. Local representative John Moolenaar is among many members of Congress from Great Lakes states to cosponsor the bill.

The main purpose of the trip was to represent one of the many communi-

ties feeds into a Great Lake and to for renewal of the Great Lake Restoration Initiative in 2025. This aids in restoration and preservation of the Great Lakes, providing $475 million in funds annually. It is set to expire in fiscal year 2026 if not renewed, though a bipartisan proposal to renew it for five more years - and slightly bump its funding to $500 million per year - has been introduced in Congress. Local representative John Moolenaar is among many members of Congress from Great Lakes states to cosponsor the bill.

“The act is administered by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and was initially founded by the Chicago mayor (at the time, Rahm Emanuel),” Salter said. “Their goal is to preserve and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem.”

Salter was thrilled to represent something that is very important to him, living so close to Lake Michigan, and being a part of a community directly connected to and impacted by it. During his trip, he also learned more about other organizations from other states whose large bodies of water are being affected by pollution.

“The trip consisted of a whirlwind of meetings with congressional leaders,” said Salter. “One of the most moving parts for me was having breakfast at the French ambassador's residence. It was a relatively small gathering, consisting of about 50 people.

"There’s a newer organization called the Mississippi River Cities Initiative.

New Wayside Bar and Grill owners, from left, Amber Scott, Colin Flahive and Chloe McCarthy join Olivia McCarthy for a ribbon-cutting Saturday to celebrate their new business. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall students Lianne and Janie Fagan (far left and far right respectively) received special awards from the White Lake VFW last Thursday for their work on February's veterans night girls basketball game. With the Fagans are, from left, Ken Giddis, Tracy Giddis and Gloria Hesse of the VFW. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall mayor Steven Salter takes a selfie during a recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he, along with two other Michigan mayors, represented and advocated for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

• Courtesy Photo

D.C. visit continued on page 2

Andy Roberts/Mirror

• Courtesy Photo D.C. visit continued on page 2

Business expo, pancake breakfast set for March 22

The White Lake Community Business Expo returns to the Whitehall High School gym Saturday, March 22, offering residents a chance to browse the many businesses and services available to them in this area.

The event, free to the public, takes place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be concurrent with the Mon-

tague-Whitehall Rotary Club's annual pancake breakfast (7:30 a.m. to noon).

Event attendees can expect to meet local business owners and learn about their offerings, participate in giveaways with a chance to win prizes all day long and learn about exclusive deals or specials that may only be available at the expo

For additional information about the Expo or to reserve a booth for your business, reach out to the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitor's Bureau by phone at 231-893-4585 or by email at info@whitelake.org. More information is available by visiting whitelake.org.

The pancake breakfast is among the Rotary's most public and popular

Whitehall council awards sidewalk contract

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL

— The Whitehall city council unanimously approved awarding a sidewalk repair bid to Jaekel Construction during its regular meeting Tuesday, subject to negotiating a smaller project than originally planned.

The negotiation, recommended by public works director Brian Armstrong, will be necessary because the city had only budgeted $90,000 for sidewalk repair, anticipating that would be sufficient. However, the bids that came in surprised city manager Scott Huebler, as they were "nearly double" what similar projects were running last summer; Jaekel's was the low bid at $135,000.

The originally planned projects were the 400 block of Slocum Street, the 100 block of West Muskegon Avenue, the 200-300 blocks of South Livingston Street, and the walk from Carleton Street to Lake

Street, those having been identified as the ones most in need of attention. It was not stated which of those could be affected by the reduction in the project. Council member Scott Brown asked about separating the Gee Park sidewalk from the rest of the project and bidding it out, but Huebler said the project was kept together in hopes that "economies of scale" would benefit the city.

The council also had some discussion about affordable housing - namely, the definition of it.

Council member Steven Sikkenga stated he wasn't sure how to define it, though all were in agreement there's a housing shortage in the area. WaterDog Outfitters owner Steven Crooks offered an example during a public comment that the same house he lived in during an earlier stint in Whitehall now costs three times as much as it did 10 years ago without any significant upgrades made. It's a tricky subject

and no one knows precisely how to proceed, but Crooks said more options are needed, "or this town is going to die."

Crooks also suggested a yield sign be put up at the crosswalk from Lake Street to Hanson Street, saying he's seen too many near-misses from drivers not paying sufficient attention to pedestrians. No action was taken on that suggestion.

During the preceding work session, the council was presented with several companies offering their services in recruiting the next city manager, since Huebler is retiring in August. A final decision will be made during a coming council meeting, though Huebler recommended a company called Strategic Government Resources. Though much of its experience is in the Southeast, Huebler cited an impressive track record and strong list of candidates already on hand as reasons for his recommendation.

has been lacking recently."

In addition to the Fagans, three studentssenior Brian Mulac and sophomores Ava Gardner and Henry Chen - were honored as local essay contest winners for their work with the theme Our Forefathers' Vision. While none were district winners - Hesse said it has been some time since the area did not produce a district-winning essaythe local VFW members who judged the essays still felt they were very good and required several perusals to choose winners.

"Your essays mean a lot to all of us," said Ken Giddis, a VFW member who recounted shabby treatment upon returning from war in 1969 after being drafted.

Milliron, who has won the district teacher of the year award four years in a row, said he will not be applying for the award in future years in hopes that other "great young teachers" in the district - which comprises Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola and Wexford counties in addition to Muskegon - are recognized in the future.

"Gloria Hesse always does a great job coordi-

nating with our school to set up (our veterans night), along with Lianne & Janie Fagan this year," Milliron said. "We had another great night. We have a number of veterans on staff at Whitehall and I am happy to help honor their time in the military."

In addition to Milliron's award, the VFW recognized Shoreline Elementary teacher Stacy VandenBosch as local teacher of the year later in the day Thursday. Students were able to share cards made for veterans the previous Veterans Day and perform the Pledge

of Allegiance along with Giddis.

Hesse said the only thing she would ask of young people is that in future Christmas and Fourth of July parades, which the VFW partici-

pates in each year, they pay their respects to the American flag when it is displayed. She said flag etiquette has not been modeled well of late and would love to see that change.

fundraisers each year. Tickets for the breakfast are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children five years and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitor's Bureau, at HarborLight Credit Union, at Shelby State Bank's Montague branch, directly from any Rotarian, or at the door.

Their focus is primarily looking at plastic pollution in the Mississippi River system that runs through so many states and communities, and so many other rivers feed into it. It was an opportunity to talk with people who are a part of that and learn more about it. Just hearing the French ambassador speak was very thrilling.”

Salter said he is proud to be a new member of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and to help advocate for the Great Lakes region.

“This experience made me realize how important water is not only to our community, but our state, our country and the world,” Salter said. “I’m very excited to be a part of this organization. It’s made up of over 270 municipalities within the Great Lakes region that consists of members who are working together to preserve and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem.”

Whitehall High School teacher Brian Milliron (left) shakes hands with Tracy Giddis as he accepts his VFW district teacher of the year award last Thursday. It was Milliron's fourth consecutive award. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall mayor Steven Salter (far right) poses with other Michigan and national representatives during a trip to Washington, D.C. to represent and advocate for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. • Courtesy Photo

Saturday, March 15

Build a Birdhouse workshop @ Rivers Ace Hardware in Whitehall, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All necessary materials will be provided for kids to construct their own unique backyard bird haven.

Oat Bran Boys perform a St. Patrick's Day-themed concert @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

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

St. Patrick's Day Karaoke Contest @ Danny'Z Rothbury Tavern, 8 p.m. Wear green to participate.

Sunday, March 16

White Lake Ukulele Club meets @

Book Nook & Java Shop, 1 p.m. All are welcome. Penny Rushing teaches on stage.

Monday, March 17

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

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

Tuesday, March 18

Steve Thielman performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 10 a.m. to noon.

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

Pretty Fun trivia @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, March 19

White Lake Lenten Luncheon Series continues @ White Lake UCC, 12 p.m. Guest speaker Bill Crawford, pastor of Ferry Church. All are welcome; free will donations accepted.

Youth Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 3-5 p.m. Bring in projects you’re working on or start something new with help from staff.

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 20

Original Dulcimer Players Club

hosts its monthly acoustic jam @ the VAC, 1-6 p.m. (break at 3 p.m.) All are welcome to listen, and bring your own acoustic instrument to join in.

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.

Dueling Pianos @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

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

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

Echoes of History: Mysterious deaths on the lake (Pt. 1) Community Calendar

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

A deep and unfathomable mystery hung over the tragic death of three of Whitehall’s prominent citizens, Josiah C. Hazeltine, and brothers Julius and Martin Salomonson, who lost their lives in White Lake Saturday, Nov. 14, 1908, while scouting on the lake in a rowboat in search of fishermen who were netting for fish illegally. The bodies of the three drowned men were found by members of the lifesaving crew in about 7 1/2 feet of water 600 feet out from the shore of Indian Bay. Coroner Moog took charge of the bodies after they were recovered and took them to his undertaking rooms.

Owing to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the drowning of these men, who were all good swimmers and accustomed to the water, Coroner Moog adjourned an inquest until a later date to allow time to make a thorough examination of the case.

Game Warden Julius Salomonson and his brother, Martin Salmonson, started out Saturday afternoon in search of illegal nets. During the afternoon the men succeeded in lifting one net which contained a large quantity of fish and cut loose four more from their moorings which they discovered.

The colony of fishermen who

lived near the mouth of White Lake were considered dangerous and were known to have threatened police officers who questioned their netting methods.

Apparently expecting trouble, the brothers returned to Whitehall and secured the assistance of Deputy Sheriff J. C. Hazeltine, and the trio returned to Paul Long’s farm on the Whitehall side of the lake, about four miles below the village. Here they secured a flat-bottomed boat and, leaving their horses and lantern near the lake, started for the north shore somewhere near midnight.

In the morning the horses and lantern still remained where they had been left and Mr. Long, unaware of anything being wrong, cared for the horses.

Salomonson had agreed to telephone his wife at 8 a.m. Sunday and let her know how matters were progressing. About 2 p.m. Sunday, when no word had yet been received from him, his family grew alarmed and the life saving station was notified.

Captain Henry Curran and three of his men immediately started out in their surf boat and another member was dispatched up the shore on foot in search of the missing men. The man on shore discovered two hats and a

pipe on the beach near San Juan dock, which were identified as belonging to the ill-fated men, and soon after an oar and the false bottom of a boat were picked up. This discovery was conclusive evidence the missing men were in the lake, and the crew dragged the lake for several hours until it became too dark to see.

Others continued the search for the boat and at 11 p.m. Sunday were rewarded for their diligent search by finding the boat in the bulrushes bottom side up and only a short distance from where the bodies were afterwards found. The life saving crew came out again at midnight but their search was fruitless until daylight, when all three of the drowned men were recovered.

Hazeltine had his overcoat and

gloves on and Julius Salomonson had on his fur-lined outer coat and mittens. Martin did not have an overcoat with him. The most mysterious part of it all is that they did not remove their overcoats and attempt to swim ashore when they were so close. A logical explanation of the accident seems to be that the men became numbed by the cold and perished while clinging to the overturned boat. The wind on Saturday night was blowing from the southwest and bitterly cold.

The boat in which the ill-fated men set out from the sheltered east shore at 11 p.m. Saturday was a poor excuse for a boat, and those who saw it did not wonder that it did not stand up under a heavy sea. It was a scow-shaped row boat, 12 feet long, 3 1/2 feet wide with sides only 12 inches high. With three men in it, there would be only six inches above water. The force of the seas evidently did not strike them until they were in the middle of the lake opposite the channel, where the wind had a clear sweep from the big lake. Here no doubt is where the seas broke over the sides of the frail craft in greater quantities than it was possible to bail it out and finally it waterlogged and capsized, with the men too exhausted and stiff with cold to swim ashore in the icy water.

Seed library set to open soon!

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about when this year’s seeds will be available, and the answer is soon!

We have ordered a variety of vegetable, flower, and herb seeds. Some have arrived, and the rest are on their way.

This year’s One Seed One State selection is “Little Finger” carrots, which reach their full size of 3”-4” in just 65 days. The seed library will officially open as soon as we have everything packaged and labeled, hopefully by the end of March. As in years past, everyone is welcome to “borrow” and plant seeds, with a limit of one packet per variety and five packets total for the season.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete a survey about our seed library! Your responses will help us to continue and improve this unique community service. We are also accepting monetary donations to keep the seed library going until enough “borrowers” are able to save seeds and return them, making the project self-sustaining. For your convenience, donations can be made online at wlclib.org.

Business Expo and Pancake Breakfast Next Saturday!

Don’t forget to join us at the White Lake Chamber’s annual business expo Saturday, March 22. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast at the Rotary Club’s annual fundraiser while you’re there. Both events are at the Whitehall high school on White Lake Drive, with the breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to noon and the expo from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The library will be offering free seed packets from last season’s seed library, plus free books for the first 100

children. We’ll also have a door prize drawing for a Barbara Bull gift basket. The basket includes a signed copy of “A Point of View” by this popular local author, a “Cloud Cottage” jigsaw puzzle, and more.

FUN FACT: The vintage cameras on display in the library lobby are owned by a high school sophomore who began his collection about five years ago. Thomas Waugh started making short films at an early age, and became interested in old cameras when he found one at a resale shop and fixed it up. He especially loves hearing the backstories on the cameras he collects. He is happy to be sharing a small part of his growing collection with library visitors. If you have an interesting collection you’d like to share, please let us know! Shipwreck Whiskey Program on Wednesday

There are still a few seats left for the Shipwreck Whiskey program Wednesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. There

is no cost to attend, but registration is appreciated for this intriguing presentation about shipwrecks, artifacts, and craft Michigan whiskey. Be one of the first to learn how Michigan is at the forefront of combining old history and futuristic technologies as sunken cargo is being resurrected and turned into craft whiskey. For more information or to register, visit wlclib.org/calendar.

DeMumbrum

Josiah C. Hazeltine (left) and Julius A. Salomonson. • Courtesy Photos

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community Spring Lake's hot start too much for Montague

Lakers hit five treys in 1st half, pull away late for district title

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Montague entered Friday's district finals game against Spring Lake with a plan; dare the Lakers to beat them from long distance rather than make it easy for them to score in the paint.

Spring Lake happily took the bait, knocking down five three-pointers in the first half - three of them after offensive rebounds - and rolling to a 49-29 victory.

"It was one of those things where we (wanted to) let them live and die by (the three), and they lived by it tonight," DeBruin said of Montague's game plan.

However, the biggest trey the Lak-

ers hit came in the second half, after Montague had clawed its way back within seven points, 30-23, with strong defense and four straight points by Braylyn Bultema, her first four points of the game. Spring Lake's Ellie Wrona got herself open in the corner and drilled a trey a half-second before being fouled. Wrona knocked down the free throw too, and the play sparked a 10-0 Laker run that included a couple of Montague turnovers and sealed the win.

"It was a momentum changer," Montague coach Jess DeBruin said. "Then they went on a little bit of a run, and we just couldn't come back from it."

Spring Lake wasted little time jumping ahead, hitting three-pointers on consecutive possessions to take an

District finals continued on page 5

Phil Koops hired as Montague football coach

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Even while having some success at his alma mater - Hamilton - the past several years, Phil Koops knew the difference that a community fully bought into football can make. When he passed Montague on U.S. 31 on a vacation in summer 2024, Koops told his girlfriend that if the Wildcat job ever came open, she'd better get ready to move.

"(I love) the tradition," Koops said. "I love the small-town feel. People here know how to win and they know how to support winning."

Koops, who took over as head coach at Hamilton in 2019 after two seasons as an assistant, enjoyed his best season there last fall. The Hawkeyes posted a 5-4 regular season record, earned the program's first playoff berth (outside the all-in 2020 season) since 2016 and won Koops a Division 4 regional coach

of the year award from the state coaches' association.

However, the Montague job did in fact come open, as predecessor Justin Dennett resigned to take the Kelloggsville head coach position, and Koops pursued and won the Montague job, which Montague announced last Wednesday. He'll also take over the strength and conditioning program across the athletic department, work he has experience doing at Hamilton.

"The experience, leadership, and passion for developing all student-athletes make him the perfect fit for this role," Montague athletic director Jay Mulder said of Koops in a press release

announcing the hire. "We are confident that under his guidance, the Montague football program will continue to grow and achieve great success in the years to come."

"They have a beautiful new weight room facility in Montague," Koops said. "They were looking for, in the interview process, somebody to fill that void. They felt like it was something they needed across their athletic programs. I've done that at Hamilton for six years. I'd stand our kids (at Hamilton) against anybody as far as how they operate and how they perform lifts and the physical look of our kids compared to where they were six years ago."

Koops is friendly with former Montague coach Pat Collins, who's now leading the West Ottawa program, and was excited to take on the promise of the Wildcat team without, as he said, "following 'the guy,'" which Collins, winner of three state championships,

is at Montague.

"You want to follow the guy after the guy," Koops said.

The new coach met with his team Friday - sticking around to watch the girls basketball team play in the district finals against Spring Lake - and distributed the players a handout with a list of get-to-know-you questions and instructions to text him their replies. He plans to get back to each player about their responses as the first step in building a relationship, which he views as paramount to building a program.

"This player-coach thing, everybody thinks it's just 'coach tells player what to do,'" Koops said. "It's all based on trust. I met with them today and told them what I was leaving, my hometown and a bunch of kids that love me. It's been a tear-filled last cou-

MCD offers tips to landowners fighting woolly adelgid

Conservation district can help combat hemlock parasite

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

TWIN LAKE — Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) continues to plague trees in West Michigan, with the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network estimating that 170 million trees in the state are at risk of dying as a result of the invasive parasite. The Muskegon Conservation District is among the organizations trying to fight back.

MCD forest pest manager Lance McCarty did a presentation and a demonstration on protecting hemlock trees from HWA Wednesday evening at the Dalton Township library. About

a dozen landowners turned out to receive pointers on fighting HWA.

MCD, based in Twin Lake, offers its services to those who suspect HWA is on their property or want to fight it. The organization offers free site visits and, as a nonprofit, says it does not charge for anything that isn't necessary to complete a job, which includes surveying and, if necessary, treating hemlock trees.

According to several sources, HWA first made it to the United States by accident from Japan in the 1950s when plants imported from the country brought it over. It was first observed on the East Coast of the U.S. at that time and has slowly propagated since. It's been known to be in Michigan for about 10 years. The parasite, which manifests as white woolly sacs on the

branches of trees, takes nutrients the trees need to survive and slowly kills them as a result. If untreated, trees often die within 4-10 years of being exposed to HWA.

This invasive species is an even more urgent issue than some others, McCarty said, because of the importance of hemlock trees to ecosystems.

"It's a keystone species," McCarty said, meaning that other species gain benefits specifically from hemlocks. "There's really no replacement for them."

While the MCD is a recommended method for treating afflicted trees, landowners can do so themselves, but the MCD recommends care be taken.

Woolly adelgid

Montague's Maizie Collins puts up a shot over tough defense by Spring Lake's Nia Theune during Friday's district finals game at Montague. The Wildcats lost, 49-29.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Koops

Muskegon Conservation District forest pest manager Lance McCarty demonstrates a spray treatment during Wednesday's Save MI Hemlocks event in Twin Lake. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Muskegon Conservation District set for annual meeting

The Muskegon Conservation District will host its annual meeting Monday, March 24 at the Viking Athletic Center in Whitehall.

The event begins at 5 p.m. and includes board elections, a year in re-

view, and presentations by Kali Rush of Ducks Unlimited and Mark Peterson, Shelby native and owner of Worldwide Trophy Adventures. The Gnarly Heifer will provide catering.

Rush, a regional biologist, will high-

Woolly adelgid

The chemicals needed to treat HWA are dangerous, and it's imperative safety steps are taken, including the covering of all possible skin when doing the treatments. In addition, to avoid the chemicals seeping into groundwater, the MCD recommends until at least 12 and ideally 24 hours of dryness surround the treatments, that wind speeds are under 10 miles per hour at the time, and that treatments do not take place within 50 feet of a well if the property has well water.

One of two chemicals, McCarty said, are usually used to treat HWA. One, imidacloprid, is a longer-lasting treatment, protecting trees for 5-7 years. However, the downside is that it takes 12-18 months for it to take effect.

continued from page 4

For trees in more imminent danger, dinotefuran is a quicker fix, taking effect within a month; however, that treatment only provides about a year of protection. It is possible to use both chemicals, though the MCD recommends at least two weeks lead time in between.

McCarty said to determine how much of the chemical to spray on hemlock trees, measure the circumference of the tree in question and divide by pi (3.14) to get the diameter. For each diameter inch, 1.5 fluid ounces of chemical should be sprayed onto a tree. (Injection treatments are also possible, but due to the required equipment probably would not be done by a landowner.)

Alternatively, landowners who

light a joint project with Ducks Unlimited and MCD that will take place on the celery flats in Whitehall just west of U.S. 31. Peterson, who also hosts The Journey Within show, will be the keynote speaker.

The MCD will host several workshops later this year, concerning watersheds, fruit trees, floral life, and perennials. For more information on these coming events, visit www.muskegoncd.org/events.

About a dozen interested landowners attended Wednesday's Muskegon Conservation District event at the Dalton Township library, which provided information on ways to detect and combat hemlock woolly adelgid. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

detect HWA could log their trees, as McCarty told one attendee who asked about it. However, due to Michigan quarantine rules surrounding HWA, again care should be taken; he said any logging company a landowner would work with should be made aware of the

issue beforehand so they can take appropriate precautions.

Anyone with questions is welcome to contact MCD at its Twin Lake location or by email at muskegoncd@ macd.org.

Dirt Dauber Garden Club to host seed swap at library

The Dirt Dauber Garden Club is partnering with the Muskegon Area District Library’s Montague Branch and Tri-County Feed to host a Seed Swap in the Montague City Hall chambers Wednesday, March 26 from 5:30-7 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public, and bringing seeds is not required. All seeds are free and the Dirt Dauber club will provide envelopes for

sharing and storing.

The Seed Swap was the idea of member and Master Gardener Laura Bostick, who realized not many people knew of the library’s Seed Bank and Lending program. Both libraries in the White Lake area have seed libraries, and anyone with a card can come in and select from a variety of seeds for their garden. The hope is that borrowers will also harvest the seeds and

District finals

8-3 lead. The Lakers dominated the offensive glass, not only getting three treys off second chances in the first half, but other buckets besides, including a buzzer-beating layup to end the first quarter ahead 13-7.

Spring Lake went ahead by double digits in the second, but the Wildcats stayed in the hunt with consecutive baskets by Jocelyn Rodriguez-Perez, which made it 21-15. However, another Laker second-chance three was the response.

DeBruin said the offensive boards were in part a result of the type of defense Montague was playing - some of them bounced directly to Laker players - but did add that her team ought to have boxed out better.

"They're definitely a lot quicker than us," DeBruin said. "Sometimes quickness doesn't mean everything. It's a matter of how much effort and how much you actually want it in the end."

Still, Montague displayed its toughness by its push back to within seven

New coach

ple of days. But I'm coming here because I have a dream of winning a high school state championship. This place has done it.

•

points early in the third. At that point, the game was being played in a physical, high-paced fashion that DeBruin said suited the Wildcats. After the fourpoint play, the whistles began coming out more often, and that kept Montague from forcing Spring Lake into the style of play the 'Cats preferred.

Lexi Baker led the Lakers with 12

share their bounty, but like everything concerning the garden, sometimes things don’t work out.

For those with an abundance of seeds they would like to donate, the Dirt Dauber club will gladly accept donations for the event and the Montague Seed Library. Donors are asked to have the seeds be clean, dry, and identified.

In addition to Dirt Dauber Garden

Club member seeds, the complete MADL Montague Branch Seed Library and donations from Gered Dahl at Tri-County Feed of Montague will be on site to select from. Both flowering plants and vegetable seeds will be available.

For more information, contact the Dirt Dauber Garden Club through its Facebook page or reach out via email: slevy1165@gmail.com.

points, followed by Kloe George with 11 - all in the first half - and Wrona with 10.

Montague graduates a slew of high-achieving seniors from this Wildcat team, and in fact every single point the 'Cats scored Friday came from a senior, led by six each from Bultema, Adilynn Peterson and Avah Vandermeulen. Rodriguez-Perez, Addison Pranger and Maizie Collins also got on the board Friday and will be departing the roster next season.

"They all have other sports that

they're going into," DeBruin said. "This was a learning experience for them these last couple years...Sometimes you have to lose some to win some.

"We're losing a lot. It's going to be a rebuilding year for a couple years. I think the girls know after this season what they need to do to get back to where we were."

Friday's game also may end up being the last high school basketball game in the Montague gym; the new performance gym is set to open in the coming weeks and will likely host all high school events going forward.

Koops, who played offensive line at Hamilton and later at Olivet College, is naturally a proponent of establishing a run game on offense, but said throwing is a part of his philosophy too - just not doing it for the sake of doing it.

"I like throwing the ball, but not just

"'All the things that you need to do it are right here in this room,'" Koops said he told the team. "'If we can all get on the same page and start pulling the same direction, that'll happen again.'"

to say we threw it," Koops said. "I like to throw the ball for yards and touchdowns. Defensively, I've got to get with the current staff to see what we've done, (look at) some other schools in the league that we compete against, make sure our coaches can coach it, and our kids can line up and play fast."

As Koops noted, leaving Hamilton was not an easy decision. However, he said he needed a new challenge after battles with school higher-ups about

"pieces (I felt) like were crucial" to program success. Having been named coach last Wednesday, Koops said the conflicted feelings about pursuing the job have given way to excitement about the new opportunity in front of him.

"Now it's just excitement about the next opportunity, and what's going to happen here, what we can do, what we can build," Koops said. "It's just refreshing to have all the possibilities of what could be."

Montague's Adilynn Peterson keeps her eye on the basket during Friday's district finals game against Spring Lake. The Lakers won, 49-29. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague's Jocelyn Rodriguez-Perez powers past Spring Lake's Tessa Britt for two points during Friday's district finals game at Montague.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague Twp. board approves energy district

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

At Tuesday's Montague Township board meeting, there was an updated announcement on the recently approved renewable energy district. Following planning commission approval in February, the updated ordinance was passed to Muskegon County before being sent back to the board, and Tuesday it was officially approved. Foster Swift was hired to write the three ordinances required for this project, which are similar to the ordinances passed by White River Township last fall.

It was stated that these ordinances were written and passed with the board bearing in mind the township master plan, which includes continuing support of local agriculture. These ordinances are aimed at allowing the township control over potential future projects. The renewable energy district covers approximately 580 acres of land. There was continued discussion about a proposed adult soccer recreational league, as a representative of the league spoke, addressing questions such as how many players are anticipated, how many fields would be needed and when they would be used. The representative said there are not hard numbers yet, depending on interest from the community. The hope

is four teams per age group and about 150 total participants, which would require two fields for two nights per week, for which the league is willing to pay the township. The season would be expected to run most of summer, June through August - generally a time when the fields are not being used as much. The league is flexible and willing to work with the township on the schedule.

Board trustee Jake Seaver is already a member of a similar Oceana County league, which brings some comfort to board members.

The board, along with the head caretaker of the township, did express concerns about the fields not getting enough “rest” during what they consider to be the “off season.” Proper rest of the field ensures appropriate maintenance. The league does not include any practice time or space, seeing as most adults would not have the time for that.

Additionally, township supervisor Jeff King voiced concerns over the league maintaining responsibility over organizing equipment, such as goals and anchors. He said if anchors are left in the ground and the caretaker mows over them, it can result in serious damage to the blades of the mower. King stressed the importance of removing the goal anchors after each game. The representative said they would ob-

tain their own goals that the township would not need to provide.

The board requested an official presentation at the next meeting April 8 before considering the proposal.

The township recently discovered that its 2022 senior millage allocation of $9,500 was never spent. Usually, municipalities don’t receive the funds and millages they are approved for until the end of that year, which King said can result in funds being forgotten about or “lost in the mix” of other important payments. The board didn’t make an official decision on what to do with those funds, but the idea of giving it to the senior center was discussed.

A recent expense of the township was the replacement of light fixtures in the town hall. This included the main meeting space, the halls, the main office, bathrooms and the basement. Board members commented on the noticeable improvement this has made. Another expense the board approved was the replacement of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in the town hall.

The township board also approved doubling the wages for members of the board of review, from $10 an hour to $20. King favored this because he feels it’s a deserved expense, citing how much the board of review does for the township and that members only get paid once per calendar year.

The township caretaker requested a new “thatcher” replacement for the mower. This will cost approximately $1,000 and is important to the quality of maintenance of public land in the township. He also shared his frustration with the high amount of snowmobile action on the fields. Although there are signs stating that snowmobilers should refrain from riding in those areas, they have been disregarded. The use of snowmobiles on these fields results in serious damage, which requires more maintenance, time and repair once the grounds thaw in the spring. He plans to relocate the signs, hoping that will help.

King announced that Muskegon County recently contacted the township about potentially brining certain township roads this summer. Some board members felt many roads do not require brining. King, who lives on one of the roads that has been brined in the past, said he believes it's a wasted expense that doesn't do enough good to counter the inconvenience it causes residents who live on the roads. A road that would be prioritized for brining if it's done this year is Water Road leading to Country Dairy, which receives the most “action” during the summer. No official decisions were made on this matter.

Montague school board approves van, trailer purchase

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — The Montague school board unanimously approved the purchases of a new cargo van and refrigerated trailer for a combined sum of around $102,000 at its regular Monday meeting. The van was purchased from Great Lakes Ford for $49,000plus, while the trailer was purchased from Polar King International for just shy of $53,000, both coming out of the food service fund.

ality and efficiency, and food service director Dan Gorman recommended the purchase of a new one.

The two new purchases were made, said superintendent Jeff Johnson, because the district's existing food truck was facing limitations in both function-

The new van and trailer, Johnson said, will help the district with its annual summer food distributions, which take place at the high school and in Rothbury on a weekly basis when school is not in session. He added that

the trailer in particular would aid the district in transporting locally grown food to the schools, strengthening existing partnerships with nearby farms. The current truck will be repurposed, likely for the maintenance department,

Montague

board continued on page 7

Discussions continue about Whitehall Twp. PUD

Lead developer expresses frustration at speed of process

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall Township planning commission made an amendment to Article 17C during its Wednesday, March 5 meeting, giving final approval of commission proposals to the township board.

The commission will continue to do research and present facts and recommendations to the board, but felt it's made recent decisions that are better left to the board's approval, especially involving land and building permits. The amendment will go to the county for approval before it's presented to the board.

Also during the meeting, planning commission member Carmen Rodriguez shared communication from Kyle Zack, a Whitehall High School alum and lead developer of the new Hickory Place planned unit development the commission has been considering the past several months. Zack is the founder of Go West Investments and is based in Salt Lake City.

In the email, Zack voiced his frustration with the commission regarding the speed of permit approvals. He said he feels that every meeting, he receives new questions and that they are “going backwards instead of forwards” in the process. Going forward, he requested commissioners reach out to him directly with any questions they may have.

Colored pencil drawing class at ACWL-Nuveen Center March 22

The Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center will offer a colored pencil drawing class Saturday, March 22 from 1-3 p.m.

This course, taught by Grand Rapids-based artist Tatsuki Hakoyama, will cover the basics of color theory and different techniques of layering and blending soft-core colored pencils like

Prismacolor. The students will draw still life objects on different types of paper to practice how the colored pencil responds to the surface. Tickets to the class are $30 or $27 for ACWL-Nuveen members and can be purchased at artswhitelake.org. The class is limited to 10 sign-ups.

Rodriguez voiced her distaste for the email, stating she disliked the general tone of it and found it frustrating that Zack himself has not made a physical appearance at any of the township meetings; a representative has come to the meetings in Zack's place to write down the commission and attendees' questions. Rodriguez, along with other commissioners, agreed Zack should come to the township that he wants to build in and talk with the residents himself.

Zack’s email also shared his frustration that the township has not approved anything within the past year, although township records show his proposal was only submitted nine months ago.

The main concern for the commission and residents has been whether

the new development would be able to use Whitehall city water or construct wells for each home. Zack has said his company would be willing to build wells, but both options would be costly. The commission is also worried about Zack's questioning what would happen to the first lots he breaks ground on if the project falls through.

No further decisions have been made and the commission has tabled discussion on the matter until its next meeting April 2. Commissioners have said although they have read Zack’s email, they do not care about his frustrations, because their priority is to ensure all residents and commissioners' questions are answered before approving any permits.

The sale will feature a variety of books and genres at a low cost, all $1 and $2 each. All proceeds go directly to supporting the Montague Branch Library and literacy in the White Lake area. All are welcome to support their local library by checking out the selection. Friends of Montague Library book sale March 22

The Friends of the Montague Library will host a used book sale Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the city council chambers at Montague City Hall, 8778 Ferry Street.

Feeding America food pantry at White Lake UCC Saturday

The Feeding America mobile food pantry will return to the White Lake Congregational United Church of Christ Saturday, March 15 from 10-11 a.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The mobile food pantry will distribute food drive-through style. The food pantry provides a variety of wholesome groceries to anyone in need at no cost.

Police activity this week

along with the ambulance to the 1200 block of Colby St. for a report of a fall. The caller made a comment to the 911 Dispatcher that they wanted to “fall asleep and not wake up.” The officer spoke with the victim, who reported recent drug use and said that he wanted to go to the hospital for his injury but also to talk to someone there. The person was transported by Trinity Health EMS.

their brother. This came to light when the suspect sent messages, including a photo of a weapon, to their mother. The suspect was also accusing the caller of “jumping” him. The caller told the officer investigating the 8:18 a.m. call that the suspect had stolen a puppy the caller owned and was covetous of the caller’s girlfriend. The image of the weapon appeared to be a non-lethal object and no further action was taken.

day they argued over the man texting someone else. During the argument, a phone and bedroom door were broken but there was no physical assault. The woman took her two children and left with her mother to allow some cooling down. No further action was taken.

March 6

A middle school student was cited for MIP of a vape device after the incident from the day before was reported to the SRO. The principal reported the 13-year-old was suspected of having a vape earlier in the week and questioned them and they denied having one. Later, a staff member aware of the situation saw the suspect with two other students enter the bathroom and followed them in and saw the student exhale a large amount of vapor and a vape device on the floor. The parents were informed and the student was also disciplined by the school.

Whitehall Police were dispatched

A call of an unwanted person was made from the 1300 block of Timberview Dr. The Whitehall officer responding to the call could hear an argument as he approached the residence and spoke with the three involved. The man had left his house in the southwest corner of town to pick up his daughter from school. When he didn’t return, his wife walked to the Timberview address, where the man was found at his mother’s house and the argument ensued. The man did not want to return home, so the officer transported the woman and daughter to their residence and then took medication back to the man. No further action was taken as no assault was alleged.

March 7

A caller reported to Whitehall Police that they were being threatened by

Montague board

and could be used for snow removal in the winters.

Johnson also discussed some recent and pending uses of the district's sinking fund, which currently has a balance of $606,830. The district has completed upgrades to its HVAC systems and is working on air-conditioning systems. Next up is an investment that could near $400,000 into the district's fire suppression systems at its three older buildings - the elementary, middle and high school. Work on that might be completed by the end of June. At that point the sinking fund would have a balance of approximately $185,000, which would need to be replenished. Future uses of the sinking fund could include work on district

roofs, parking lots and an elevator at Oehrli Elementary School.

On the topic of finances, Johnson noted that due to pending federal and state legislation, it's possible the district's budget for next school year will be delayed. He said financial officer Stacy Brown would need to have numbers in front of her by May to allow her time to assemble a budget, and added that he believes a deficit is likely, with budget amendments being made as necessary.

The board unanimously approved the Michigan Forestry Company's scope of work and assessment, with discussion revolving around the district hoping to take advantage of what Johnson called "good pricing" on red

March 8

At 9:30 p.m. Whitehall Police were called to the 100 block of Livingston St. on a burning complaint. When the officer arrived, an officer of the White Lake Fire Authority was already on scene, evaluating the fire. A resident of the home would not allow the officer on the property to investigate. The fire was not in compliance with ordinance and it was also possible fireworks were involved. The resident was given a warning for the violations.

March 11

Whitehall Police responded to an 11:05 a.m. family dispute. The call to the 300 block of Division St. was initially made by a woman’s mother after being called by her daughter. The woman reported that the two of them had been living together for some time and to-

pine lumber. Montague Township was already logging some declining red pines on Skeels Road, which led to the assessment. Brett Kuipers, president of the forestry company, was in attendance and said many red pine trees in the area are declining, which affects the trees' needles and leads to a root rot, which can bring disease. The township, and potentially the school, is looking to harvest the trees' lumber before the decline gets worse, which Kuipers said happens very quickly with that type of tree. While not directly related, Kuipers also stated the forestry company has a learning and stewardship program available to students to help interested students learn about the field.

The board also unanimously approved an updated property easement with Great Lakes Energy. Johnson said the company is redoing some power lines, but did want to make sure he

At 1:33 p.m. Whitehall Police responded with White Lake Fire to a grass fire that was out of control in the 1300 block of Warner St. Officers spoke with the 52-year-old resident, who said he was initially burning boxes before the fire spread. The man was cited for the burning violation after fire officers extinguished the flames.

An officer on patrol at 10:21 p.m. observed a car with an expired license plate tab and then that the vehicle exited a parking lot and immediately re-entered the same lot. The officer then contacted the driver of the car, who was not the owner. During a subsequent investigation and consent search, the officer discovered several items of drug paraphernalia including items for smoking and injecting drugs. A 52-year-old Hart man along with a 39-year-old woman, also from Hart, were cited for possession of drug equipment and released.

got a look at the easement before signing, as the paperwork mentioned the easement being with Wolverine Power Cooperative, a company from which Great Lakes purchases energy.

Other moves by the board included unanimous approval of the Schools of Choice resolution - Johnson said the district currently has 215 non-resident students, which is more than the number of residents who utilize the program to go elsewhere - unanimous approval of Amanda Dahl again being appointed to be the board representative at the county intermediate school district's budget review, and unanimous approval of an unnamed student's reinstatement. The student had previously been removed from the school system through a disciplinary process, but will now be given a virtual education option through Muskegon County.

Stage & Savor series to conclude at Playhouse with Brews & Bowls

The three-part Stage and Savor series to benefit The Playhouse at White Lake will conclude Saturday, March 22 with the Brews and Bowls event.

Taking place from 4-7 p.m., the Brews and Bowls will invite attendees to experience favorite bowls of food, including varieties of fresh and raw salads, grain bowls, pasta salads, and more, all provided by local eateries.

There will also be live music by The Formers and Alida Muller, a local singer representing the White Lake Youth Theatre, on the Playhouse stage for attendees to enjoy.

Tickets to the Brews and Bowls are $30 in advance ($35 at the door) and can be purchased online at theplayhouseatwhitelake.org.

Of course, the 'brews' can't be forgotten either, and a wide selection of drinks will be available to pair with the food bowls.