The Oceana Echo - Volume 2, Issue 49, May 2, 2025 by theoceanaecho

Fire hydrants and food trucks discussed at latest Hart City Council meeting

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

HART - Tuesday, April 22, the Hart City Council was provided a city’s fire hydrants status report from DPW Superintendent, Brad Whitney. The 2025 report was to be shared at an upcoming fire board meeting as well.

In his report, Whitney stated that in 2023, he, Oceana’s Emergency Manager Troy Maloney and Hart Area Fire Chief Dwight Fuehring audited the city’s 186 fire hydrants, with the intent of developing a plan for hydrant maintenance and emergency planning.

Whitney referenced the city’s water Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) saying, “We’ve done a few rate studies, and I encourage the council to look hard at those.” The city has completed water main projects and hydrant upgrades throughout the city in the past few years, however, water department priorities also include water tower maintenance, well maintenance, water main capital improvements and lead service line replacements.

Of the 186 fire hydrants located within the city limits, the oldest fire hydrants with dates on them are from

Traverse City Ironworks, the oldest being dated 1942. There are other “legacy” hydrants without dates and Whitney guesses they date back to the 1930s. The remaining hydrants are either Waterous hydrants dating to the 1990s or East Jordan Ironworks, used exclusively now by the city.

At the time of their original audit, of the 186 hydrants, nine were found to be completely inoperable and out of service; six have no “steamer;” four are hard to operate; six need work and three could not be located, Whitney noted that two of the “missing” hydrants have since been located.

Adding to the uniqueness of the city’s fire hydrant inventory, all three models operate in a different way, not all share the same thread pattern and due to a couple of factors not every hydrant produces the same flow rate. Whitney explained saying that the city’s older cast iron pipes have probably corroded to a much smaller diameter than from when they were first installed. For example what was once an 8-inch diameter pipe, could now be as small as 2-inches in diameter on the inside. The number of elbows leading to any given line, can also affect a hydrant’s rate of flow.

In an effort to make the best use of the city’s fire hydrants and to be prepared for the future, Whitney explained his department’s plans going forward. At the fire department’s request, the city is painting the caps of its fire hydrants indicating what size water line the hydrant is connected to. The city’s CIP calls for the replacement of three hydrants a year. Whitney would also like to have the fire department learn more about the city’s hydraulic systems so they are better equipped in case of an emergency.

In action items the city held its first reading of four separate ordinance amendments - proposed Chapter 1245 A-Residential Zoning Amendment; proposed Chapter 1246 A1- Residential Zoning Amendment; proposed Chapter 1243 Landscape Zoning Regulations and proposed Chapter 870 Food Truck Zoning. City Manager Rob

Splane explained all four had already undergone public hearings at the Planning Commission level, and another public hearing would be held at the second reading at the next city council meeting. He said the city’s Redevelopment Ready Community designation allows for tiny homes and after discussing these at three separate meetings, the commission believes the square-feet amendments for new construction are good compromises. The A-Residential zoning amendment proposes reducing the minimum ground floor area in a one-story home to 400 square-feet from the current 720 square-feet requirement. For a two-story home, the amendment proposes reducing the minimum first floor area from 600 squarefeet to 500 square-feet for the ground floor.

The reduction may seem extreme, Splane said, but the planning commission is making the recommendation due to the city’s low housing inventory. “These amendments may allow people to be able to afford (materials) and build now,” he said.

The A-1 Residential Zoning Amendment is similar, but applies to buildings containing three (3) or four (4) dwelling units.

Councilor Catalina Burillo asked if there was an area in mind where this construction could take place. Splane said currently this zoning would be allowed citywide.

With regards to the Landscape Regulations amendment, it too was discussed at three separate planning commission meetings, and changes will most likely affect new builds and development going forward. “Basically, if you cut down a tree, you need to plant a tree. It provides a matrix, but trees can be planted anywhere in the city, whether on city property or private land. It’s not so broad, it’s going to chase away developers,” Splane said.

The proposed Food Truck ordinance addresses everything from permits and applications to regulations and insurance. “Food truck zoning is not RRC required, but it’s been talked about on and off for about

10 years. It’s such a hot-button issue,” Splane said.

According to Splane, the planning commission discussed the ordinance several times and have come up with what he called a “best case scenario.” While there is a concern from brickand-mortar businesses about fair competition, for special events such as the National Asparagus Festival or Hart Sparks, these establishments are easily overwhelmed. “Food truck lots are becoming more popular,” Splane went on. “Other municipalities are saying they bring in tourism.”

Splane concluded the first reading of said ordinance by saying, “This isn’t permanent. We will most likely do a 12-month review.”

Finally, the council discussed for a second time the possibility of changing the procedure for hearing public comments. Councilor Jim Cunningham reminded the council what he believes are the two options. One would be to give the public the right to comment for no more than three minutes on any item not on the agenda, with a total of 10 minutes being allotted for all comments on the same subject.

The second option would allow the public to provide comment on agenda items that had received a motion and a second, and after the council had held their own discussion first. These individuals, as well, would be given a three-minute time limit, with a total of 10 minutes being allotted for all comments on the same agenda item.

After questioning whether a three-minute time limit is too long and if the 10-minute time restriction was long enough, it was decided the council could extend a comment period if necessary.

It was discussed that the first public comment section remain where it is on the agenda, following the approval of the agenda, and that the second public comment section be added later during the action portion of the agenda. Council gave unanimous consent to use this format starting at the next council meeting, with the caveat that the new procedure could be changed or eliminated in the future if necessary.

• Contributed Photo

• Stacia Erickson/Echo

Emery Velat broke the mold by adding an environmentally-friendly “tractor” to the parade.

Officer Elizabeth Schoedel waves to the crowd. Students

Pentwater Village finds way forward from water line controversy

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

April was a challenging month for the Pentwater Village Council. Early in the month, letters were sent to residents on Third Avenue and Sands and Chester Streets regarding the progress on the installation of a new water line that would supply clean water to the village. The letter also informed them that pursuant to Ordinance 50.06 (A) they would be required to connect their homes to the new water line within a year of its fully operational status. The cost would be $2,500 for the original tap on the water line plus the cost of running a pipe from the main line into the house and installing a meter.

Many residents responded immediately and negatively. Homeowners claimed, “We were told that hookups would be optional and free of charge.”

Village President Mary Marshall and Village Manager Rachel Witherspoon were unaware of any such communication. Village residents on the south side of Pentwater Lake, as well as some on Third Avenue and Sands, have private wells. Most of the wells, installed at a significant cost, provide good drinking water and residents stated their preference to continue using their wells rather than paying to use the new village water system.

On April 15, Marshall and Witherspoon held an informal listening session from 2-3 p.m. at Park Place to hear public comments from residents on Chester and Sands Streets and Third Avenue regarding the letter residents had received. The room was full, emotions were high, and the crowd was very vocal. Remaining calm, Marshall and Witherspoon took many notes and promised to look into the concerns of audience members. Witherspoon apologized for the apparent disparity between communications of the prior and current administrations. Following the listening session, the Fleis and Vandenbrink engineering firm made a presentation about the new water line and answered questions from the audience.

True to their word, Marshall and Witherspoon researched records for references to the water line. They found video evidence from the prior village administration that verified residents’ claims regarding communication about optional and free-of-charge hookups to the village’s new water line. Witherspoon also contacted colleagues at other municipalities to explore how new utility systems were integrated with older systems and how residents were impacted.

Notes taken by Marshall and Witherspoon at the April 15 meeting, as well as multiple letters from res-

idents, were distributed to all council members, and Marshall asked council members about their availability for a special council meeting to deal with this controversy. They all agreed to a special meeting to be held on April 24 at Park Place, which would be open to residents’ observation and public comments. The meeting was announced on the village’s official website and an invitation was emailed to the residents.

The formal meeting was orderly and Marshall made clear at the beginning of the meeting that there would be two opportunities for attendees to comment, but it was not to be a Q&A session with council members responding to comments. Marshall listed facts that led up to the meeting and information discovered in researching the issues. Witherspoon reported on her interactions with colleagues and offered an option for the council to consider. The subsequent discussion among council members reflected a concern for residents’ responses and a concern for setting any precedent that could be regretted later.

Following a lengthy discussion, Don Palmer made a motion that was supported. The motion holds to the requirement that all residences and properties using a water supply and that are within 300 feet of the new water line shall be connected to the village’s water supply system. However, the timeline requirement of one year was replaced with a requirement for the hookup to be made at such a time as the property is transferred or sold or the well fails. For property owners who voluntarily choose to connect to the new water line within a year from the date of the motion (April 24, 2025 through April 24, 2026), the initial cost of the hookup ($2,500) would be free of charge. The property owner would still need to cover the

cost of a pipeline to the home and the meter installation. Furthermore, the motion clarified that well failure was to be defined as the situation requiring a new well permit from the health department. The motion was not to be considered a precedent for future utility installations or expansions. It is a policy for this situation at this time alone. The motion was unanimously approved.

Witherspoon noted that it is a common practice for municipalities to utilize a similar policy of requiring utility hookup changes upon property sale or transfer or well failures. Due to communication discrepancies over fees and the expediency (both physical and financial) of installing hookups sooner rather than later, the temporary removal of initial installation fees was meant to encourage timely voluntary participation by residents.

Several residents expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be heard, for the council’s willingness to consider their concerns and for the administration’s prompt response. A discussion continues over the condition of Chester Street and the timeline for and extent of repairs to be made.

STAMPIN' UP!®

SHELBY TOWNSHIP

Synopsis of Meeting April 07, 2025

Regular meeting called to order at 6:00pm Present: Scott Meyers, Becky Griffin, Cathy Anderson, Richard Raffaelli and 2 members of the public. Absent – Cindy Rapes

Items approved:

• Minutes from Board Meeting 03/03/2025, Minutes from Public Hearing 03/03/2025, Minutes from Public Hearing 03/24/2025, Minutes from Special Board Meeting 03/24/2025

• Resolution 250407-1 Equal Representation of Residents & Visitors

• Resolution 250407-2 Quote from Brickley DeLong for Fiscal Years Ending March 31, 2025, 2026, 2027, & 2028.

• Resolution 250407-3 Updated Master Plan for Shelby Township

• Resolution 250407-4 Shelby Township Code of Conduct & Ethics Policy Meeting adjourned at 6:49 pm

Copies of meeting minutes are available from the Township and approved minutes are on our website www.shelbytownshipoceana.com

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OF RESIDENCY OR LAND

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

Visit 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

Welcome to The 1306: Little Point Sable Association

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

You might notice some changes to the Echo’s history column. Firstly, the name: 1306 is the number of square miles, both land and lake, that make up Oceana County. Second, the graphic design. I do apologize if you were partial to Caleb’s Corner, but I couldn’t very well steal his moniker as well as his column. The books are a bit more up my alley anyhow. Finally, and most obviously, the new management!

My name is Claire Marshall, I am a local of Oceana County who has moved back home following the end of my Master’s Program. Outside of Oceana County, I’ve lived in Traverse City, Savannah, Georgia and Edinburgh, Scotland - the best way to compel me to live in a city is for there to be at least one robust ghost tour. I graduated from Hart High School in 2016 and attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, studying art history and illustration, and testing the limit of how much ABBA the human brain can tolerate while staying up all night painting. After graduating in the most illustrious year of 2020, I spent nearly two years working in Traverse City to save money for graduate school, which I attended from 2022-2023 at the University of Edinburgh, earning my MSc in art history.

Since moving home, I’ve begun volunteering at the Oceana County Historical and Genealogical Society and began writing for the White Lake Mirror earlier this year. Regardless of where I am and what work I’m doing, rest assured that I have trapped

someone in conversation about whatever new historical niche I’ve decided to become obsessed with. Now, through The 1306, I can be paid for it! My mother is thrilled.

My educational background is in art history, specifically in medieval manuscripts. A little fun fact regarding that, manuscripts are referred to by their host libraries and their accession/collection designations. For instance, the famous Book of Kells is TCD MS. 58; TCD for Trinity College Dublin, MS. 58 as it was the 58th manuscript acquired by the university in 1661. If you look at the little illustration replacing the Caleb’s Corner streetlight - you might see the Easter Eggs implemented.

But enough about me and foreign books written a millennia ago - let’s explore some local history. I don’t know about you all, but this weather is making me impatient for summer, and what better subject than Oceana’s long history as a wonderland for Chicagoans’ vacation cabins?

Before massive RVs and extortionate trips to Disney, many of the more fortunate amongst us would leave their polluted cities behind and travel to the pristine beaches and wild dunes of West Michigan. More often than not, their destinations would be a planned community of cabins or a lodge wherein vacationers could live out a rustic retreat without needing to provide fully for themselves. Little Point Sable Association, nestled on its namesake beach off the coast of Lake Michigan, is one.

This seasonal hamlet is well over a century old, purportedly founded before 1910 by Chicago attorney John H. Hill. By 1911, however, Hill had acquired two adjoining plats of land for his “colony,” which were given the

monikers North and South Glen. In the center of these two plats was the Old Orchard Lodge, a structure that provided a central meeting area for members of the Association, as well as fed and housed vacationers in the process of constructing their own cabins. Other buildings installed by Hill included a general store, Hill’s house and barn and the Tabernacle where residents could attend Sunday services given by a variety of guest pastors.

The Tabernacle was a significant location for the Association, due to the community’s ideals of faith and religion. Many long-time families were first introduced to the Association as guest pastors. The first location where sermons were held lives up to its Biblical name, hardly more than a large tent with movable seating. In 1928, however, the Tabernacle was replaced with a more permanent stone structure, now known to many in Oceana County as The Stone Church.

Preparing the cottages at the start of every summer was no small task for the Pointers. There were no roads leading to the land, and many of the families had to take multiple methods of transportation to arrive. Oftentimes, canned goods and furnishings were stored at the cottages over the winter so provisions would be readily available for families straightaway upon arriving. In fact, one popular summer pastime was the harvesting and canning of summer produce to preserve for the following year.

Throughout the decades, the Association grew in summer residents, and those residents added new additions or entirely new buildings to their plots. These summer cabins reached numbers into the 70s at one point,

many still visited by the fifth and sixth generations of the families who built them in the early 20th century.

However, the shores of Lake Michigan can be an impermanent location for buildings. Such was true in the 1940s and 1950s, when high water levels threatened some structures. Many cabins were moved back from the lakeshore or hidden behind breakwalls, and our notorious storms damaged several beyond repair. Despite the long years, the Association still remains today, and their famous Stone Church is a popular location in the greater community.

Next week, I’d like to expound on one of the long-standing families of the Little Point Sable Association, the Boynton Family, and discuss a surviving example of one of these old cabins, which can still be visited today.

When we discussed the particulars of handing over the torch for the history column, Caleb told me about the community’s eagerness in sharing their own connections to the county history - a relationship I am more than happy to keep. I volunteer at the Oceana County Historical Society building in Hart so you’re bound to spot me there, or you can email me at cmarshall@whitelakemirror.com.

Spring and summer calendar begins to fill for

By Mort Wiegand Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society

One hundred years ago - the headline on The Mears Newz for April 24, 1925 was “Apricot Blossoms are ripe in the Land of Mears.” Things around the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society grounds are coming alive in the new year.

The house next to Swift Lathers’ home is being renovated, and trees are being taken down in Mears. On May 4, a group of teenagers from the First Baptist Church in Hart are coming to sweep and dust the buildings for summer. On June 4, the fourth graders from Spitler Elementary in Hart are coming to the Mears complex to explore the grounds and buildings. June 21 is the opening of the Mears complex for visitors every weekend through Labor Day.

Over in Hart at the OCG&HS, things are buzzing with visitors, with about 14 in the last month. We are also gathering up stuff to sell at the upcoming yard sale during the National Asparagus Fesitval. And a final note, also from 100 years ago, on May 15, 1925, the main headline on the Mears Newz was “Renovated Tombstones are ripe in the land of Mears.”

Ongoing

MWF: Chair Yoga, Pentwater Township Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

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

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

1st & 3rd TUES: Tech help,Pentwater Twp. Library, 1-2 p.m.

3rd TUES: Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club - Feeding America

W. Mich. mobile food pantry, Pentwater Fire Dept., 11 a.m.

WED: Love INC and TrueNorth Housing Assistance satelliteplease call 231-861-4880 to make an appointment.

1st & 3rd WED: Free community dinner, 5-6 p.m., Hart Wesleyan.

1st & 3rd WED: Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/Chicken/Brat/ Ribs Night, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out.

Every other WED: Optimist meetings, Stony Lake Inn, 7-8 p.m.

FRI: Story Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m.

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

2nd & 4th FRI: Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m., St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave., Hart, doors open at 4 p.m.

Last FRI: Free Soup Suppers, Newman CCC, Hesperia, 5:30-7 p.m.

1st SAT: 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.

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

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

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

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

April 26 - Party Club: Resurrection Party, 1-2:30 p.m.

May 1 - National Day of Prayer Event, noon to 1 p.m.

May 9 - Mother’s Day Luncheon, 12-1 p.m. ($10 tickets by 4/25) Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

The following are OCCOA events for May. All activities take place at the Oceana County Council on Aging, located at 4250 W. Tyler Rd. in Hart, unless stated otherwise. Please call 873-4461 to sign up or make meal reservations.

Breakfast is available Thursday mornings, 8:30–9 a.m. Cost: $3, reservations required.

Medicare/Medicaid Assistance ProgramDuring Open Enrollment, call 873-4461 to schedule an appointment.

Birthday Party: Wednesday, May 7; noon.

SAIL Exercise Class: Mondays and Wednesdays, May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21 and 28; 10 a.m.

Yoga: Fridays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; 10:15 a.m.

Drum Fitness: Tuesdays, May 6, 13, 20 and 27; 9 a.m.

Zumba: Fridays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; 9 a.m.

Kentucky Derby Day: Friday, May 2; noon; special meal for lunch and activities

Cinco de Mayo: Monday, May 5; noon; special meal for lunch and loteria (Spanish bingo)

Spring Tea with Bradley: Friday, May 9; 2 p.m.

Mother’s Day Celebration: Tuesday, May 13; 12 p.m.

Green House Tour: Friday, May 23; 9 a.m.

Memorial Day: Monday, May 26; Center Closed Memorial Day Picnic: Tuesday, May 27; 12 p.m.

Shopping Trip: Friday, May 16; 9 a.m.

Beltone: Wednesday, May 28; By Appointment Caregiver Support Group: Wednesday, May 21; 10 p.m.

Art with Bradley Youngstrom: Monday, May 12, 10 a.m. The cost is $15, and reservations are required.

Board Meeting: Tuesday, May 27; 1:30 p.m. Location: Oceana County Council on Aging.

Parmenter O’Toole Office Hours: Please call 873-4461 for an appointment.

Lauren Eisenbarth, an elder law paralegal for Attorney Anna Urick Duggins of Parmenter Law, will offer a half-hour, no-charge introductory meeting from 2-4 p.m. at Oceana County Council on Aging. Topics to discuss include elder law services such as estate planning,

long-term care planning, Medicaid planning and VA aid and attendance.

Other Activities:

Farkle: Mondays at 10 a.m.

Mexican Train: Mondays from 9-11 a.m.

Walk With Friends: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

Mahjong: Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Fitness at Hesperia

American Legion: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9–10 a.m.

Euchre: Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Quilting: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Beltone Hearing Clinic: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 231-843-3039 for an appointment.

Bingo: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure Checks: Thursdays, 11 a.m. to noon.

Bridge: Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.

Cribbage: Fridays at 9:30 a.m.

May

May 2 - Tween Night, Hesperia Comm. Library, 3:15-5 p.m.

May 2 - Feeding America Food Pantry, New Hope CC, 4:30 p.m.

May 2 - All You Can Eat Pancake Supper, Walkerville Wesleyan, 5-8 p.m.

May 2 - SHS Bands Spring Concert and Senior Awards, 7 p.m.

May 3 - Brews & Beats, downtown Pentwater.

May 3 - Derby Day, Shelby Optimist Club, 6 p.m.

May 4 - Pirates vs. Lions basketball fundraiser, 1 p.m., HHS

May 4 - Shelby High School Baccalaureate, 7 p.m.

May 6 - Spitler Elementary, K-2nd Music Program, 5:30 p.m.

May 7 - Hart High School Spring Band Concert, 7:30 p.m.

May 8 - Wooly Creations Felting Group, PTL, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

May 8 - Small Business Expo, W. MI Research Station, 1-5 p.m.

May 8 - Teen Night, Hesperia Comm. Library, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

May 8 - Hart Middle School Spring Band Concert, 7:30 p.m.

May 9 - OCD Wildflower Walk, Nichols residence, 2-3:30 p.m.

May 9 - Feeding America Food Pantry, Spitler Elementary, 5 p.m.

May 9 - Spitler Elementary Daddy Daughter Dance, 5-7 p.m.

Hesperia Bands continue busy spring schedule

Hesperia Bands have had a busy festival season and have a busy spring full of performances.

For the first time in years, the Hesperia Jazz Band attended the State Jazz Band Festival held March 26 at Mona Shores High School and participated in a clinic, receiving very valuable feedback from the panel of judges. Friday, April 25, the band traveled to the Thornapple Arts Council Hastings Jazz Festival. “The kids had a blast and listened to many great jazz groups. We were given lots of helpful information in our clinic, which will help make us a better band,” reported Hesperia Band Director Stephanie Purvis. Ten band members have been invited to perform in the Cornerstone University Honor Band concert Friday, May 2 in Grand Rapids. Instrumentalists include Elyssa Wright and Karma Brimmer, flute; Jonathan Lotz and Bianca McCormick, clarinet; Jade Carroll, bass clarinet; Ana Doctor, tenor sax; Olivia Gerard, trumpet; Danielle Merritt and Jonathan Skok, trombone; and Hala Carroll, percussion. The 6th Grade Band will be performing for their annual “Nursing Homes & Blue Lake Tour” the morning of Tuesday, May 6. Their tour itinerary includes The River and A New Beginning Adult Foster Care homes and the Newaygo County Medical Care Facility. Following their performance tour, the 7th and 8th grade bands will join 6th grade for lunch and a walking tour at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

Upcoming Hesperia band events include “Senior Swing Out,” Friday, May 16; Graduation, Thursday, May 22; Hesperia Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26; 7th through 12th grade band field trip to Michigan’s Adventure, Thursday, May 29; and 5th grade beginning band instrument fitting, Thursday, May 29. Please visit www.hesp.net for performance times and locations.

Kaffeeklatsch: daily at 10 a.m.

Cards & Games: daily following lunch.

Brews & Beats Festival set for May 3 in Pentwater

The Pentwater Chamber of Commerce announces the return of Brews & Beats event, Saturday, May 3, on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater. This annual celebration brings together Michigan’s craft beverage scene, with a wide selection of tastings and live music, featuring Two Dudes in Flip Flops and SoniManic. Tickets include a tasting glass and six drink tokens, with additional tokens available for purchase at the event. Tickets for the event are available at pentwater.org.

Newfield Township supervisor re-elected to Michigan Townships Association Board of Directors

Newfield Township (Oceana Co.) Supervisor Joan David has been re-elected to the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) Board of Directors, serving as director of MTA District 11, which encompasses Lake, Mason and Oceana Counties. David was re-elected to the position by her township peers at a caucus election at MTA’s 2025 Annual Educational Conference, held earlier this month in Grand Rapids. Serving Michigan’s 1,240 townships, MTA is the largest municipal association in the state and one of the largest in the nation.

Prior to her election as supervisor in 2016, David served as township trustee for eight years. She has been on the township fire board since 2008, cemetery committee since 2012, and has served as secretary of the Oceana County MTA Chapter for four years. Active in Hesperia Schools, she was a member of the

parent-teacher association for six years, and in Positive Behavior in Schools (PBIS) for 20 years, from 2000-2020.

Collaboration and cooperation among her fellow local leaders who share a similar vision— and seeing the improvements and opportunities it has brought to her township—are among the most rewarding experiences of serving in local government for David. She will continue to bring that vision to her leadership role in the Association.

“I feel very blessed to have spent the last 17 years working with and for my township, and to see the growth in our community and see so many residents working together as a team,” David said. “I also enjoy being part of our local MTA chapter and serving on the MTA Board. I am thrilled to be part of a group that does so many amazing things.”

Shelby Township opens second Bark Park at Community Park

Shelby Township is excited to announce the opening of its second Bark Park, now located at the Shelby Township Community Park. This new addition offers even more space for dogs and their humans to play, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors in a safe and welcoming environment. A life-size fiberglass St. Bernard welcomes visitors entering the park. His name is “Roberto,” and he grew up in Shelby on a farm.

The new Bark Park is located in between the two baseball fields with benches, waste disposal stations, and easy access parking. The dog-friendly watering fountain is located by the playground facility. Its location within Shelby Township Community Park makes it especially convenient for families already enjoying the park’s recreational sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

“Our first Bark Park was met with an enthusiastic response, and we’re proud to now provide a second location for the community to enjoy,” said Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli. “The Shelby Township Community Park is already a hub for family activity, and this new dog park further enhances the experience for all members of the family—including the four-legged ones.”

The second Bark Park is part of the Township’s broader vision to foster community, outdoor activity and quality of life for residents across Oceana County with a focus on Shelby Township and Village residents.

For more information about both Bark Park locations and other recreation amenities, please contact the township office.

Joseph & St. Vincent Catholic Churches

Sunday Mass: 9 a.m.

Oceana County Council on Aging receives Great Lakes Energy People Fund grant

The Oceana County Council on Aging has received a $3,838.24 grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund. The grant was used to purchase a new Southbend double range for preparing onsite congregate meals that are served Monday through Friday. The OCCOA meal program offers home-cooked nutritious meals to Oceana County seniors.

In 2024, the meal program at Oceana County Council on Aging served over 13,000 meals. The meal program aims to provide nutritious, multi-course meals to Oceana County residents, 60 and over, in a warm, inviting atmosphere where they can interact with friends and meet new acquaintances.

OCCOA extends a heartfelt thanks to Great Lakes Energy and all People Fund contributors for supporting the health and well-being of local seniors.

For more information about OCCOA programs or to get involved, please contact (231) 873-4461 or visit www.oceanacoa. com.

Members of Great Lakes Energy support the People Fund by voluntarily rounding up their bills to the next highest dollar. The rounded-up amount is distributed to non-profit organizations and charitable activities that benefit people in the communities served by the cooperative. Please contact Great Lakes Energy at 1-888-485-2537 or visit gtlakes.com for details.

National Volunteer Month highlights opportunities to serve in Oceana County and beyond

April was National Volunteer Month in the U.S., yet all year long there is a chance for us to recognize the volunteers around us and promote volunteerism. Every nonprofit organization is looking for more volunteers.

Like to walk and be outside? Volunteer at one of the many “Adopt-a-Highway” groups working together to keep our highway roadsides clean. Like to read and help kids? Volunteer to be a mentor at your local school or afterschool program. Like to organize or do fix-it jobs? Local historical organizations always have something that needs organizing or repairing. Like to work with kids or adults? Volunteer at one of the many summer camps in the area or at one of the wonderful senior living facilities in the county.

St. Vincent, Pentwater 637 E. Sixth St. Saturday Mass: 4 p.m.

Confessions: 1/2 hour before all Masses Rev. Phil Sliwinski, Pastor

Want to see your community prosper and make it better? Volunteer for any of the philanthropic community service organizations actively working together for a better community for all. There are numerous ways to be involved; this is just a start! And if you have a volunteer story you’d like to share, please contact us at The Oceana Echo; we’d love to hear about it!

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Phyllis Jean Moak

July 26, 1936 ~ April 29, 2025

Phyllis Jean Moak, 88, of Mears, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025. She was born July 26, 1936, in Shelby, the daughter of Lewis and Dorothy (Easton) Riggs.

Phyllis is survived by: her children, Gary Gebhart, Colleen (Juan) Reyna and Amy Moak; grandchildren, Tonya (Sean) Singleton, Christopher (Savannah) Gebhart, Daniel Reyna (Jenny Zaverl), Elizabeth Moak and Kassandra Moak; great-grandchildren, Whitney Gebhart, Taylor Gebhart, Emily Gebhart, Hannah Gebhart, Owen Reyna, Marley Reyna and Zaidan Phyllip Moak; sisters, Marlene White and Diane (Brian) Spray; sister-in-law, Beverly Riggs; and several nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by: her parents, Lewis and Dorothy; son, Brian Gebhart; brother, Donald Riggs; brother-in-law, Patrick White; and daughter-inlaw, Terrie Gebhart.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ, 51 E. Third St., Shelby, Mich., 49455. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., Wednesday May 7, at Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ. Interment will be in Hart Cemetery.

Please consider memorial contributions to: Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ - Women’s Fellowship or Oceana County Medical Care Facility – Christmas Present Fund.

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

Memorial Service ~ William Herman Wagner

William (Bill) Herman Wagner, 88, of Rothbury, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Oak Grove Cemetery, in Rothbury. Following the services, a luncheon will be held at Grant Township Hall, 7134 S. Oceana Dr., Rothbury, MI 49452. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Memorial Services ~ Roger Martin Schultz and Roger Alan ‘Buck’ Schultz

Military services and interment for Roger Martin Schultz will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2025, at Mt. Hope Cemetery of Shelby. Immediately following, a graveside service and interment for his son, Roger Alan "Buck" Schultz, will also be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Shelby approves zoning variance request

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

SHELBY - Monday, Shelby Village Council gave their approval to a zoning variance request from Russ Pretty on behalf of his mother, Patricia Thembo, who had submitted a zoning request to be able to build a wheelchair ramp off the front of her home at 154 Deming Road. Regretfully, Village Administrator Phil Morse had to deny their first request because it did not meet the village’s ordinance requirements.

Due to the size of the lot and Thembo’s home, the proposed ramp would extend too far into the village’s required setback area for that size lot. Given it was impractical to build the ramp in any other location, the village needed to hold a Zoning Board of Appeals hearing to consider the variance request.

As part of the hearing (held during the regular village council meeting), councilors considered six standards this type of request must meet in order to be allowed. Thembo’s request met all six, and the zoning variance was approved.

The approved variance will allow the construction of a ramp with a landing made of wood deck material that will be accessed through the front door. The 24foot will run from almost one side of the front of the house to the other and extend approximately eight (8) feet into the area where projections are prohibited.

Following the approval, Pretty expressed his thanks to the council for working with him. Having a ramp will allow his mother to stay in her own home and be able to get in and out more safely. He hopes the village will modify the ordinance so that more people will be able to stay in their own homes. Morse added that in the village’s upcoming ordinance update, the village plans to make amendments to it so that other families won’t have to go through what Pretty and Thembo had to go through.

In other business, the village approved the following as well - a Shelby

Oceana County

ANIMAL SHELTER

Looking for a new roommate who doesn’t steal your snacks (okay, maybe just once)? Then Becca’s your girl. At just 2 years old, Becca has already mastered the fine art of being the perfect blend of silly, sweet, and slightly dramatic when you’re five minutes late for belly rubs. She’s a Staffy mix with a heart as big as her smile and a tail that could power a small windmill.

Becca’s as sweet as sugar, plays well with others (just give her proper intros; she likes to keep things polite), and promises to guard your heart and your snacks with equal dedication. Becca is spayed, vaccinated, and ready to move in—preferably somewhere with treats and someone who will laugh at her jokes.

Adopt Becca today and experience unconditional love, Staffy snuggles and a sidekick who always looks like she’s up to something—because she probably is.

Becca is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Shelter. If interested, please call the shelter at 231-8615395. 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 231-7303906. Free tags are also available at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.

ANIMAL FRIENDS

Hello, I’m Reenie! I’m young and full of life. My days are spent chasing my own tail, leaping after elusive laser pointers and exploring every nook and cranny of my world. I’m gentle, always taking care not to scratch or bite during playtime. I’m also incredibly loyal - I’ll follow you around, always ready for a cuddle or a game. I’m sweet - my purrs are like little love songs just for you. I’m playful - my antics are sure to bring a smile to your face. I may be living in a shelter now, but I dream of a forever home where I can share my love and loyalty. Adopt me, and I promise to fill your life with joy, laughter, and endless cuddles. If you would like to adopt Reenie, please fill out an application through the OCAF Facebook page: Oceana County Animal Friends or online at: oceanacountyanimalfriends.wordpress. com

Acres Street Light request to adjust the number of street lights needing to be installed yet at the development; a Water Distribution System Materials Inventory bid in the amount of $33,880 (to be reimbursed through an EGLE Drinking Water Asset Management grant); an Oceana County Road Commission road work maintenance bid in the amount of $158,854 from Major Streets and $81,020 in Local Streets for specific road maintenance (chip seal, fog seal, crack seal, and patching); and a School Zone Sign Replacement bid in the amount of $3,154.45 to replace a required sign that could no longer be repaired.

Morse reported he had been a part of a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) walking audit prior to Monday’s meeting, along with 27 other Shelby residents and exclaimed, “Shelby is kicking it!”

Morse also shared that the SRTS Senior Operations & Evaluation Coordinator with the Michigan Fitness Foundation, Colleen Synk, said that Monday’s audit was “the biggest group they’d ever had!”

That’s quite an accomplishment considering Synk has been doing walking audits for eight years.

The audit is the next requirement in the application in the SRTS process. Auditors were divided into three smaller groups and asked to make observations in a number of areas like lighting, sidewalks, and distance of roads from walkways. This information will be used to develop an action plan to be used when applying for the available $900,000 in grant dollars.

“It’s super important that we get the community’s support on this project. It’s going to make a big impact on the safety and accessibility for students and residents alike in the Village of Shelby,” Oceana County Program Implementer with REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) Catalina Burillo said, following Monday’s meeting.

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By JoAnn Derson

• On May 5, 1945, Elsie Mitchell and five neighborhood children were killed while attempting to drag a Japanese balloon out of the woods. The balloon was armed and exploded soon after they began tinkering with it. They were the only known American civilians to be killed in the continental United States during World War II.

257 STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20250421 FOR RELEASE APRIL 21, 2025

By Lucie Winborne

• On May 6, 2013, Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus were rescued from a Cleveland, Ohio, house where they’d been held captive for years by their abductor, Ariel Castro. Also rescued from the house was Berry’s 6-year-old daughter, who was fathered by Castro.

• On May 7, 1824, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony premiered in Vienna even as the composer was suffering from severe hearing loss. The performance earned him five standing ovations and also caused a stir with its use of voices during “Ode to Joy” in its final movement.

• On May 8, 1886, the first-ever serving of Coca-Cola, created by Dr. John Pemberton, advertised as a health tonic and originally including coca leaf extract, made its debut at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. While it originally sold at the rate of about nine glasses per day, by its 50th anniversary it had become an American icon.

• On May 9, 1671, Thomas “Colonel” Blood, disguised as a priest, was captured while attempting to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. Remarkably, King Charles II was impressed enough by Blood’s nerve that he restored the would-be thief’s Irish estates and even made him a member of the royal court, with an annual pension.

• On May 10, 1970, Boston Bruins star Bobby Orr slipped the winning goal past St. Louis Blues goaltender Glenn Hall during Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final, then leaped into the air before landing flat and sliding into the embrace of his teammates — a moment immortalized by photographer Ray Lussier, whose image remains one of the most famous sports photographs in history.

• On May 11, 1987, Klaus Barbie, former Nazi Gestapo chief of Germanoccupied Lyon, France, went on trial in Lyon and was charged with 177 crimes against humanity. Convicted two months later, he died of cancer in a prison hospital in 1991.

• Spring planting supplies are on sale now in home-improvement stores, and here is a handy and fun twine keeper that you can make with your kids using two repurposed clay flowerpots with drain holes. Choose a size that can easily fit a ball of twine or thin rope. Set the ball inside and invert one pot on top of the other, threading the line through the drain hole of the top pot. Secure with tape or even hot glue. Pull twine through the hole, and the ball doesn’t get tangled up.

• “If you have a poster that has been rolled up and you want to hang it up, try rolling it the opposite way overnight. When you unroll it, there will be less bumps and the edges won’t curl so bad.” — R.L. in Idaho

• The best way to cool canned and bottled drinks down fast is in a mix of ice and water. The water is a better conductor of the cool. Then make your ice last longer and stay colder by sprinkling a little salt on the ice/water mixture.

• “After too many mornings of rushing to find uniform pieces before a game, we decided to get smart. Now, sports uniforms get hung up with all accessories in the coat closet right after washing. They’re ready as soon as it’s game night — no looking under beds or in the back of overstuffed teenager closets!” — P.P. in Texas

• “To hold all my daughter’s bobby pins, I mounted a plastic cup with doublestick tape right to her vanity mirror. I used to vacuum them up all the time, but now that she has a place to put them, it’s better.” — L.E. in New Hampshire

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By Lucie Winborne

• Over the course of her 63-year reign, Britain’s Queen Victoria survived no fewer than eight assassination attempts.

• Like humans, male kangaroos flex their biceps to impress females.

• The word “sock” comes from the Latin word “soccus” — a loose-fitting slipper worn by Roman comic actors.

• In Europe, nickel is banned in all alloys for widespread allergy reasons.

• Studies have suggested that gifted people often have bad handwriting because their brains work faster than their hands.

• The New York Times predicted that humans wouldn’t be able to fly for at least a million years … in 1903, the same year as the Wright brothers’ first manned flight.

• Alexandre Dumas used a particular shade of blue paper on which to write his fiction. For poetry, he used yellow paper, and his articles were penned on pink paper. Once, he ran out of blue paper and had to use a cream-colored pad instead, which he believed had a negative impact on that work of fiction.

• The first American alarm clock was invented in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1787 by Levi Hutchins. It was never patented and rang only at one time, 4 a.m., to rouse him for work.

• Raspberries are a member of the rose family.

• The first American alarm clock was invented in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1787 by Levi Hutchins. It was never patented and rang only at one time, 4 a.m., to rouse him for work.

• Raspberries are a member of the rose family.

• Despite creating some of the most legendary guitars in the world, Leo Fender, the founder of Fender, Music Man and G&L Guitars, couldn’t actually play the instrument.

• The pressure in a champagne bottle is three times higher than that of a car tire.

• Despite creating some of the most legendary guitars in the world, Leo Fender, the founder of Fender, Music Man and G&L Guitars, couldn’t actually play the instrument.

• When in danger, a hairy frog will break its own bones in order to create claws that it pushes through its skin to scratch a predator.

• The pressure in a champagne bottle is three times higher than that of a car tire.

• When in danger, a hairy frog will break its own bones in order to create claws that it pushes through its skin to scratch a predator.

***

Thought for the Day: “The service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” — Muhammad Ali

***

Thought for the Day: “The service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” — Muhammad Ali

Carter, Powell lead the pack at Shelby Invitational

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo

Sports Editor

SHELBY – Titan Carter is back at the top of the golf rankings, placing first in yet another meet. This time, the Shelby sophomore scored a win with home course advantage, beating out a field of more than 50 golfers at Oceana Golf Club Tuesday, April 28. Carter hovered around +1 for the majority of the day. Six pars on the front nine helped keep him in front, while a single birdie on that same stretch of holes balanced out a pair of bogies.

The back nine proved to be more of a challenge. Carter started with a birdie on hole No. 10, but followed it

up with a double bogey on 11. After splitting a pair of pars with a pair of birdies on 13-16, Carter ended his day with a double bogey, bogey and a par on 18. That landed Carter with a 75 stroke total, landing him at +3 on the day. As it turned out, that mark was far better than anyone else managed to post. Bode Powell of Pentwater was the closest, striking a tie in second place with Ravenna’s Dylan May with a score of 85 (+13).

Powell’s day was highlighted by five pars and one birdie, helping lead the Falcons to a third place finish as a team.

Mikey Carlson scored an 89, landing him a top 10 finish, while Nathan

Shelby Invite continued on page 10

Rosema’s hat trick lifts Hart girls soccer over Ravenna

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

HART – Natalie Rosema was in a league of her own Monday, April 28, as the sophomore speedster finished at the net three separate times to lift Hart over Ravenna, 3-1.

Rosema was a threat from the jump, manning the outside wing and terrorizing the Bulldogs with killer speed. That led to a goal in the first 20 minutes of the first half, as Rosema collected a wayward ball, made a defender miss and fired a low shot past the Ravenna keeper.

The Pirates had several other scoring opportunities in the first half, but failed to convert them. With only a single goal on the board,

Ravenna punished Hart for not gaining a larger advantage, knotting the game up with 14 minutes remaining until halftime.

That goal came from Irene Faidi, a Spanish foreign exchange student that Hart Head Coach Joe Gilbert acknowledged as a key threat.

“We knew (Faidi) was the one person we had to watch today,” Gilbert said. “We had to be on her and be her best friend. All she needs is 10 seconds of time from 25 yards out and she can convert. That’s what led to (Ravenna’s) goal.”

Hart’s defensive tactics were clear, keep the ball away from Faidi and if she did manage to collect a pass, trail her closely. Olivia Bradley and Addison Barefoot were tasked with that

job for the majority of the game, only allowing Faidi to get by on a few occasions.

Bradley was also key on offensive, helping turn the tide in favor of the Pirates to start the second half. With the wind at her back, Bradley launched a high ball for Rosema to collect deep in Bulldog territory. Rosema pressured Ravenna’s keeper on the pass, forcing her to misread the bounce, allowing the ball to bound over her head and toward the goal. Rosema finished it off in the back of the net, pushing Hart in front 2-1.

Only a minute passed after that goal before the Pirates struck again. After a ball traveled out of bounds, Rilynn Porter took advantage of a throw in opportunity.

Porter launched the ball over the defense, finding Rosema who had already taken off. Rosema placed a shot toward the back post, beating the keeper to complete her hat trick.

“I don’t have a lot of money, but I’d bet every dollar on Natalie winning a foot race against any girl,” Gilbert said. “She is freakishly fast, so we wanted to take advantage of that. Then you have Olivia who pinged a ball to the net and allowed Natalie to crash. Then, Rilynn knew she had Natalie up top and – for as scrawny of arms as she has – took advantage of a huge throw in.”

Hart improved to 4-41 overall with a 3-2 record in the West Michigan Conference.

Hart track wins at home, downs Hesperia, MCC and Shelby

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

HART – A highly successful day for Hart’s track and field team saw the Pirates dispatch Hesperia, MCC and Shelby in a conference meet Tuesday, April 29.

There weren’t many events that the Pirates didn’t dominate. Across 34 events for the girls and boys teams combined, Hart failed to place an athlete in the top spot just nine times, with one of those events not including a Hart competitor.

The girls were highlighted by stellar performances from junior Ad-

dison Hain and senior Lilly Hopkins. Hain managed a first place finish in the 200-meter dash before joining forces with teammates for top finishes in the 400 and 1,600 relays. Hain also took third in the 100 dash.

Hopkins finished second in the 100, only to add a pair of first place finishes. Those first place finishes were in the 400 and 400 relay, where she raced alongside Hain, LexieBeth Nienhuis and Addi Hovey. Hopkins was also a member of the third place 1,600 relay team for Hart.

Also placing first in individual running events for Hart’s girls

were Hovey (100), Natalie Rosema (800), Bryn Riley (1,600) and Alaina Schaner (3,200). Hart’s 3,200 relay team of Luisa Vander Zwaag, Rosemary Hernandez, Harriet Kidder and Kenai Kokx joined the 800 relay team of Her-

nandez, Hovey, Joselyn Flores and Ava Johnson as first place finishers in relay events.

Field events were highlighted by the usual suspects. Shelbie Choponis took first in discus with a throw of 109-0.5, before taking fourth

with a shot put of 28-9. Flores claimed first in high jump with a leap of 5 feet, while Nienhuis vaulted 8-6 to take the top spot in pole vault.

For Hart’s boys, Chase Lorenz continued his phenomenal season. Lorenz placed first in the 100 and 200 individually before taking first as part of the 400 and 800 relay teams. Carter Ramseyer was a member of the 400 and 800 relay teams, also taking first place in the 400 individually.

Other first place runners for the boys included Grant Ackley (800), Mason Opalewski (1,600) and Silas Ackley (3,200). Joining the first place 400 relay team alongside Lorenz

and Ramseyer were Lyric Fielder and Tyler Larios-Mendez while Jack Slotman and Bryce VanderKodde joined Lorenz and Ramseyer in the 800 relay. Slotman, Trevor Vande Kodde, Aiden Schaner and Noah Wolff won the 1,600 relay and Martin Fetterhoff, Grant Ackley, Wolff and Trevor Vander Kodde won the 3,200 relay. Hart’s boys didn’t have quite as much success in the field events, but they did snag a pair of top finishes. Caleb Ackley claimed first in shot put with a throw of 38-11 while Trevor Vander Kodde was a

Track & Field continued on page 10

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Hart’s Joselyn Flores bends over the bar during the high jump event. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart’s Natalie Rosema (left) embraces teammate Zoily Sarabia (right) after scoring her second of three goals in a 3-1 win over Ravenna. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart’s Natalie Rosema catches up with a pass in Ravenna’s defensive territory. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Shelby sophomore Titan Carter watches a ball sail through the air after teeing off. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Shelby Invite Track & Field

Macher (93), Gavin Macher (100), Edgar Vazquez (101) and Aiden Henry (120) followed in behind.

Hart finished in fourth as a team, with Ayden Dodge (89) and Braydan Baron (91) grabbing finishes in the top 10. Kaden Bond finished 13th with a 92 and Logan Dean (97), Luke Vanderwilk (103) and Wyatt Johnson (126) rounded out the Pirates’ competitors.

Joining Carter in the Tigers’ fifth place finish were Rafael Davis Jr. (93), Nathan Miller (96) and Ray Hacker (135).

Hesperia rounded out Oceana County teams in attendance, placing sixth. Jared Tanner and Nacho Lozano finished tied for 13th with a 92 to lead the Panthers. Logan Kammer (109), Tim Hoaglin (116), Alex Scott (131) and Ryan Fuentes (144) wrapped up the field of Hesperia golfers.

Sarabia scores two as Hart girls soccer controls Oakridge

By: Brendan Samuels

The

Oceana Echo Sports Editor

HART – There was nothing Oakridge could do to stop the freight train that was Hart’s girls soccer team Wednesday, April 23 as the Pirates rolled to a 5-1 victory.

From the start, Hart controlled the pace of play. Oakridge struggled to maintain possession as the Pirates continually dominated the middle of the field.

That was in large part due to the efforts of Hart’s three-headed monster of distributors that rotated between attacking and holding midfielders. Addison Barefoot, Breslyn Porter and Olivia Bradley all have their own niches, with each serving up a unique advantage.

“It’s the perfect triple threat,” Hart Head Coach Joe Gilbert said. “You’ve got Olivia Bradley who can ping balls anywhere she wants and be our metronome. Breslyn is the enforcer with that physical presence that doesn’t allow girls through easily and Addison Barefoot has the drive and technical ability to find decisive passes.”

Barefoot is just a freshman, but her impact

on the game was felt throughout. More times than not, she’d find herself dribbling the ball up the field while leaving defenders grasping at the air behind her following quick footwork. That, paired with some big swings from Bradley, delivered Hart plenty of scoring opportunities.

“We had a pressing strategy ready to go for what we saw (Oakridge) liked to do,” Gilbert said. “We found our rhythm in the middle and the only thing we had to adjust to was them throwing girls into our back line. They got a couple through, but we trusted our girls to find scoring opportunities.”

The first of those opportunities to find the back of the net, didn’t come until 12 minutes remained in the first half.

Natalie Rosema drove a ball to the corner of the net, sending an angled ball toward the left post.

Senior striker Addison Kokx crashed on the ball, tapping it through for a 1-0 lead.

That fueled Hart for another goal late in the half, this time with only five minutes left until halftime. Bradley fired a long ball from the left side of the field to Zoily Sarabia who received it inside the Eagles’ penalty area.

first place finisher in high jump at 5-6. Hesperia had standout performances from Hunter Tinkham, Nate Ruhstorfer and Cam Cousineau on the boys team. Tinkham took third in the 800, Ruhstorfer was second in the 110 hurdles and Cousineau snagged fourth in shot put with a throw of 34-2.5.

The Panthers’ girls team was successful in a few of the field events. Emily McCallum continued her dominance in shot put, tossing a first place mark of 33 feet. Betty Jo Gerhardt came in second in the high jump, matching Flores’ 5 foot mark.

For Shelby, there was just one first place finish on the boys team. Venancio Cadena leaped 18-8 in the long jump to beat out Larios-Mendez (183.5) from Hart.

Several Tigers on the boys team finished near the top, however. Casey Lamblin took second in discus (1112.5), Trey Gauthier claimed fourth in the 100, Isaac Garcia placed second in the 200 and Elijah Dashiell was a second place finisher in the 400.

Both of the relay teams for Shelby finished runner-up to Hart. Garcia, Gauthier, Cadena and Jaylin Henderson finished in second in the 400 relay while Garcia, Gauthier, Cadena and Dashiell finished second in the 800 relay.

Shelby’s girls team struggled to keep pace with the other teams in a number of events. The best placements of the day for the Tigers were from Kathryn Beyer (third) in the long jump, Annabelle Stark (third) in the 100 hurdles and Noel Parker (fifth) in the 1,600.

The 400 relay team for the Lady Tigers did see a successful second place finish with Nova Gottschalk, Jade Har-

• Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Sarabia collected herself and sent a shot past the keeper for her first goal of the 2025 season.

Sarabia wasn’t done yet however. After Oakridge found a goal to start the second half, Sarabia netted her second of the night on a one-on-one situation with the Eagles’ keeper after Rilynn Porter found her open in front of the net.

Rilynn and Sarabia connected once more in the second half, this time with roles reversed. Sarabia put a ball across the penalty box where Rilynn waited to convert and send the Pirates up 4-1.

Barefoot closed out the game with a goal, sending a fastball through after intercepting a pass and taking it in herself.

Defense was seldom needed for Hart, but the back line of Kailey Edenburn, Faith VanderVlucht, April Chaffee, Destiny Rodriguez and Arianna Vela-Cantu allowed just six shots for Oakridge. Keeper Emma Jeffries made four total saves in net.

The Pirates moved to 2-4-1 overall, while also scoring their first conference win of the year. Hart now sits at 1-2 in the WMC.

ris-Anderson, Ava Lamberg and Stark filling out the squad.

Carter takes first, Hesperia golf claims third at Northwood Family Traditions

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

FREMONT – At their home course of Northwood Family Traditions, Hesperia golf claimed third out of seven teams Thursday, April 24. Shelby sophomore Titan Carter claimed first individually, shooting a 36 through nine holes – good enough for +1.

Carter had a close field of competitors, filled exclusively with Bulldogs. Ravenna took first as a team, placing three in the top five with a combined stroke count of 117. Still, Shelby’s top performer from the 2024 season held on, notching four pars to start play and closing out with two birdies in his final

five holes.

Hesperia, who shot a 180 as a team, was led by senior Nacho Lozano who shot a 41 and placed fifth individually. Following Lozano was Ryan Fuentes in 10th (43), Alex Scott in 12th (45), Tim Hoaglin in 24th (51) and the duo of Jared Tanner and Logan Kammer who tied for 30th (58).

Shelby and Hart each scored 186 total strokes as a team, leaving them tied for a fourth place finish. Behind Carter for Shelby were Rafael Davis (42) in eighth, Nathan Miller (47) in 14th and Ray Hacker (61) in 33rd.

The Pirates were led by Kaden Bond – a state qualifier in 2024 – who tied Davis in eighth with a 42. Logan Dean (47) came in 14th, Luke Vanderwilk (48) placed 17th, Jackson Bishop (49) finished 20th while Braydan Baron (50) and Wyatt Johnson (56) rounded out Hart’s roster.

Shelby sophomore Titan Carter eyes the green to get a line on his putt. • Brendan Samuels/ ECHO

Hesperia’s Nacho Lozano tees off. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Pentwater’s Bode Powell reacts to a shot. Powell finished tied for second with a stroke count of 85. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

(Above, top) Hesperia’s Hunter Tinkham runs toward the finish line during a relay event. (Above, bottom) Shelby’s Venancio Cadena leaps forward for a first place finish in the long jump. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart freshman Addison Barefoot powers a ball off her right foot. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart sophomore Zoily Sarabia uses her chest to collect a pass near the goal.

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Everyone pitches in at White Lake Trash Bash

The annual White Lake Trash Bash brought well over 100 people to the Chamber & Visitor's Bureau building Sunday to help clean up the area, but there was one big quest in particular that occupied a lot of attention - and produced a big reward.

The Gnarly Heifer restaurant set up its Bullpen next door to the Chamber building, selling burgers to those who built up an appetite, and offered a free burger to anyone who could fetch a 55-gallon drum that was stuck in the lake and get it out.

According to a Heifer Facebook post, a man named Josh took on the challenge after seeing the sign. He snapped up a kayak - WaterDog Outfitters provided free rentals to anyone who was using the opportunity to clean up the lake - and set to work. After a while, it became clear Josh would need some help, and he called upon three nearby

According to a Heifer Facebook post, a man named Josh took on the challenge after seeing the sign. He snapped up a kayak - WaterDog Outfitters provided free rentals

to anyone who was using the opportunity to clean up the lake - and set to work. After a while, it became clear Josh would need some help, and he called upon three nearby

to anyone who was using the opportunity to clean up the lake - and set to work. After a while, it became clear Josh would need some help, and he called upon three

Trash Bash

continued on page 2

the

to try to

First Run Like a Viking 5K raises Peer to Peer funds

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Whitehall High School hosted its first-ever Run Like a Viking 5K race Sunday afternoon to raise funds for Shoreline Elementary's Peer to Peer program.

The top three finishers in the race were Zach Kidd, Nick Hanline and Patrick Naulty.

WHITEHALL — Whitehall High School hosted its first-ever Run Like a 5K to raise funds for Shoreline Elementary's Peer finishers in Hanline and

WHITEHALL — Whitehall High School hosted its first-ever Run Like a Viking 5K race Sunday afternoon to raise funds for Shoreline Elementary's Peer to Peer program.

The top three finishers in the race were Zach Kidd, Nick Hanline and Patrick Naulty.

a state of Resources

The Peer to Peer program is based on a state Department of Education program called the Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) Project. Headed by Shoreline social workers Emily MacArthur and Molly Kriesel and special education teacher Jessie Przeworski, the program pairs students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder with those not diagnosed in an effort to help both develop positive social skills.

runners

Headed social ers MacArthur Kriesel special students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder not in an to help skills.

said the aim of benefiting sides the relationship distinguishes the Peer to Peer program from a Big Brothers Sisters type of program. Peer to Peer, which covers kids pre-kindergarten through second pairs children who are drawn to

Kriesel said the aim of benefiting both sides of the relationship distinguishes the Peer to Peer program from a Big Brothers Big Sisters type of program. Peer to Peer, which covers kids from pre-kindergarten through second grade, pairs children who are drawn to

others socially with those who need a boost developing those social skills.

"If we just pair kids with those who want to help other kids, that's not a friendship; it's a helper," Kriesel said.

has been in existence for a few years and has "gotten smarter about fundraising," Kriesel said.

Shoreline's Peer to Peer program

"If we just pair kids with those who want to help other kids, that's not a friendship; it's a helper," Kriesel said.

Shoreline's Peer to Peer program

Voters will weigh in on Tuesday special election

Tuesday, May 6 marks voting day for this spring's special elections, which feature a countywide museum millage proposal and Whitehall District Schools' operating millage.

Every precinct in Muskegon County will be voting on the museum millage proposal. The ballot language for the proposal asks voters whether to approve an additional millage of 0.31 mills (31 cents for each $1,000 of taxable value) for the next 20 years to provide funding for the Muskegon Museum of History and Science. According to the ballot language, the millage would fund the construction of new museum space, renovations to the ex-

Tuesday, May 6 marks voting day for this spring's special elections, which feature a countywide museum millage proposal and Whitehall District Schools' operating millage. Every precinct in Muskegon County will be voting on the museum millage proposal. The ballot language for the proposal asks voters whether to approve an additional millage of 0.31 mills (31 cents for each $1,000 of taxable value) for the next 20 years to provide funding for the Muskegon Museum of History and Science. According to the ballot language, the millage would fund the construction of new museum space, renovations to the ex-

isting museum, new furniture, equipment and fixtures, and exhibit updates. The county would collect approximately $1.9 million in total revenue for the millage in 2025 if it is approved.

Also on the ballot in Whitehall District Schools precincts is the school's operating millage for 2026-35, back on the ballot after voters turned it down in November. The operating millage's approval to collect 18 mills from non-homestead properties - primary residences are exempted - is necessary for the school district to obtain its full per-pupil funding from the state.

While the ballot language calls for the district to obtain up to 20 mills on

non-homestead properties, the district said only a maximum of 18 mills will be collected; the higher number is to account for potential Headlee amendment rollbacks. The 18 mills, if approved, would result in $4,178,297 being directed to the school in budget year 2026.

Muskegon Charter Township has two other items on its election ballotsa public safety funding millage request and a street lighting funding millage request.

The public safety millage, if approved, would increase the millage from the current rate of 2.6802 mills to 5.25 mills for the next 10 years. The

ballot language says the millage would fund the operation and maintenance of police, fire and other public safety services in the township. It would also increase the limitation of ad valorem taxes (levied on all non-exempt properties). The total revenue for 2025 would be $2.736 million.

A smaller millage request asks for a five-year renewal of a 0.7-mill funding of upgrades and operation of street lighting; the ballot language estimates that $365,000 in total would be collected this year.

A crowd gathers prior to the start of Sunday's Run Like a Viking 5K at Whitehall High School. The first-time event raised funds for Shoreline Elementary School's Peer to Peer program. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Several runners get off to a quick start early in Sunday's Run Like a Viking 5K

A group well into the triple digits scattered throughout the White Lake area Sunday to participate in the annual Trash Bash. Clockwise from above left, two participants team up to pick up near the Lions Club park pier; good citizens work near the Whitehall-Montague walking bridge; one participant uses a large branch to try to fish out a loose item; and a Whitehall student scoops garbage out from the lake. • Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

Several runners get off to a quick start early in Sunday's Run Like a Viking 5K

Whitehall-Montague walking bridge; one participant uses

large branch

fish out a loose item; and a Whitehall student scoops garbage out from the lake. • Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

White Lake Mirror Editor

nearby

get to a quick start early in Sunday's Run Like a Viking 5K in Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall hosts property tax informational event

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Whitehall treasurer Alyssa Seaver and deputy treasurer Brook Schiller said in talking with other treasurers in the area, they weren't alone in hearing confusion from local homeowners and home buyers about property taxes.

What makes them go up? What goes into their calculations? Why are they so much higher than I was told when I bought the house?

"Everyone experiences those stories at the counter," Schiller said.

In an effort to clear up some of those questions, the two joined with other local treasurers and a few representatives of the Muskegon County equalization department for a property tax education event at City Hall last Thursday.

Justin George, Shirley Wyatt and

Kelli Navarro were the county representatives on hand, joined by Seaver and Schiller, Montague treasurer Melissa Beegle and Whitehall Township treasurer Madge Kraai. Around two dozen homeowners turned out to get information on the topic.

The evening opened with a presentation about what a property tax bill looks like and how taxes are calculated, but what Seaver and Schiller were particularly interested in was the following Q&A session, and there they were pleased to see several insightful questions asked.

"It didn't feel like residents were using the event to protest their own personal agendas," Seaver said. "They addressed broad topics that apply to everyone."

One such topic was the "sticker shock," Seaver said, of property taxes in the first year following a home

purchase. Homeowners, particularly first-timers, are not always aware that a property's taxable value is usually well less than its assessed value, due to a state law that limits rises in the

April 10 adopt-a-highway cleanup event was first of two such opportunities each year

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

Members of the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of Realtors helped organize a Michigan Department of Transportation adopt-a-highway cleanup Thursday, April 10. The realtors' community, advocacy and impact committee helps MDOT coordinate these twice a year, one in the spring and one in the fall.

Six community volunteers assisted in the cleanup of the Whitehall park and ride lot, off of Colby Street. This is almost double the amount of volunteers they had during the last cleanup, in fall 2024.

“We recruit help from family, friends, colleagues and the public is always welcome to assist as well,” committee member Angela Ferrier said. “Our group cleans the parking lot

Run Like a Viking

"The first year and a half we were basically borrowing money from whatever pot we could at the school," Kriesel chuckled.

This year, in addition to the 5K, Peer to Peer raised funds through a penny war at the school. The added funds will help the program arrange more ambitious field trips. Rather than go to a city park or something similar as has taken place in the past, Kriesel used Muskegon Luge as an example of a place the program could visit now.

The Run Like a Viking race is intended to be annual and is transferable to other school organizations if others would like to use it as a fundraiser. Kriesel said the Peer to Peer program would happily continue to helm it for its own fundraiser but would also be open to handing it off to other organizations to run.

(Whitehall park and ride lot), as well as the surrounding area. We clean the fences, the road and into the woods as far as we can.”

The adopt-a-highway program consists of a two year contract where participants are required to organize a cleanup twice a year at that location, a minimum two-mile stretch. The West Michigan Lakeshore Association of Realtors has two locations, one in White-

hall and the other in Muskegon.

The next MDOT adopt-a-highway cleanup will take place in late September. Gloves and trash bags are supplied, and signup is not required. Updates and more information on the fall 2025 cleanup can be found on the State of Michigan website (www.michigan. gov) and the event should be posted on the White Lake Chamber of Commerce’s online event calendar.

former to whatever is less between 5% and the rate of inflation. However, that

Whitehall deputy treasurer Brook Schiller (in background) delivers a presentation about property tax bills at last Thursday's informational event at City Hall.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Saturday, May 3

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Montague hosts its free monthly community breakfast, 9-10:30 a.m. All are welcome for great food and fellowship.

Faith Lutheran Church hosts a spring craft show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mother's Day and spring gift possibilities. Youth group will also be serving lunch during the show.

Kyle Brown performs @ Red Rooster Tavern, 8 p.m.

The Formers perform @ North Grove Brewers, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 4

White Lake Chorale Disney-themed spring concert @ White-

hall High School, 4 p.m. Free tickets available at either local library, Book Nook or White Lake Chamber. Free will donations accepted.

Monday, May 5

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

Live trivia @ Red Rooster Tavern, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 6

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

Wednesday, May 7

Eric Michaels & Chris Kennedy perform @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 11:30 a.m.

Youth Open Studio @ ACWL-Nu-

veen Center, 3-5 p.m. Bring in projects you’re working on or start something new with help from staff.

room.

Echoes of History: Illinois Villa - F. J. Lewis Estate (Pt. 1) Community Calendar

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

Frank J. Lewis and his first wife, Alberta, started coming to the White Lake area from Illinois in the summers and in 1922 started building the house that would become Illinois Villa.

Francis James “Frank” Lewis was born in Chicago April 9, 1867, to William Francis and Ellen (nee Ford) Lewis. He was raised on the family’s Illinois farm along with his siblings.

Frank desired to become a physician and he studied intensely in that profession until 1883, when he left school at age 16, put his career plans on hold and went to work to raise money to help support his family. By the time Frank was 20 years old, he had acquired a good business sense. He learned the roofing trade from an uncle who he worked for in Omaha, Nebraska.

He met and married his first wife, Alberta Dilley, March 3, 1889 in Woodbury, Iowa. They had seven children: Charlotte (1889-1920); Jerome (18921968); John (1895-1977); Joseph (18991931); Josephine (1902-1996); James (1911-1965); and Thomas (1918-1978).

Returning to Chicago, he set up the

F. J. Lewis Manufacturing Company, a plant that manufactured tar, paving, and roofing products. It was not unusual to see him scale rooftops to instruct workmen on the proper installation of the materials that his company made.

Sadly, Frank’s wife Alberta died March 13, 1923, before their summer home in Whitehall was completed. She had been instrumental in the founding of the Big Sisters for the purpose of assisting friendless young girls in Chicago.

Frank’s business, however, continued to flourish during the 1920s and he and his son John soon began the development of a 400-acre tract of land called Fair Elms Estates and began to build 2,000 homes.

In 1927 Frank sold the F. J. Lewis Manufacturing Company and retired from business life at age 60.

In 1928, five years after his first wife died, he married 40-year-old Julia Mildred Deal Nov. 12, in Pima, Arizona, with whom he had two more children: Philip (1929-2012) and Edward (19322016). Julia was also involved in many charitable organizations and founded both the Illinois Club and the Illinois Club of Catholic Women for which the Illinois Villa was later used.

Informal conversation about the seed library @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. If you have a green thumb, or if you just wish you did, local gardening resource Ken Hansen will be available to share knowledge & answer questions.

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

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

Thursday, May 8

Adult Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring studio materials from home or explore available supplies in the class-

Live trivia @ Pub One Eleven, 7 p.m.

Friday, May 9

Montague Police Department hosts Bike Rodeo at the Montague Farmer's Market, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your bike to participate in the obstacle course; come riding with a helmet on and get a free t-shirt. Bike donations accepted now.

Dave Burel performs @ Danny'Z Rothbury Tavern, 6 p.m.

Kindred performs @ Pub One Eleven, 7 p.m.

Illinois Villa was started around 1929 as a summer institute for members of the Illinois Club for Catholic Women by Chicago philanthropist F. J. Lewis and his wife Julia Deal Lewis. It was located on the property of their summer lakeside estate.

In the 1930s, F. J. Lewis founded the Lewis Memorial Maternity Hospital in the vacant Lakota Hotel in memory of his first wife Alberta and their daughter Charlotte.

Between the 1935-36 season, the Villa underwent extensive remodeling. Twelve private rooms were added to the main building and additional cabins were built along the lake trail. Mrs. Thomas J. Conner was the proprietress

of the Illinois Villa, which had many steady guests in the inn and cottages. It appears the Illinois Villa was being used by the Illinois Catholic Women’s Club as well.

In January 1946, Frank J. Lewis purchased Mellody Farm, a country estate built by the late J. Ogden Armour, of Lake Forest, Illinois.The purchase price was approximately $400,000. The estate adjacent to Lake Forest consisted of 846 acres and an Italian-style villa. The house, known today as Reid Hall, is on the campus of Lake Forest Academy. Lewis also purchased the 17-story Tower Court Building for $500,000 cash, for use by Loyola University and the Illinois Club for Catholic Women.

From Page to Canvas - Erin Bartels set to visit

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

You’re invited to a special evening with Erin Bartels, award-winning Michigan author, as she visits the library Thursday, May 22, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss her latest novel, The Lady with the Dark Hair - a 2025 Michigan Notable Books award winner. This marks Erin’s third time receiving this prestigious honor, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to our library!

In The Lady with the Dark Hair, a woman struggling with grief embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a mysterious painting, leading her deep into the world of art, history and hidden secrets. Art lovers will especially enjoy this event, as Erin will also share insights into female Impressionist painters, shining a light on some of the unsung women of art history.

Erin, who writes “character-driven fiction for curious people,” is also the author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words Between Us, All That We Carried, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, and Everything Is Just Beginning - each blending rich storytelling with deep emotional themes.

Register today at wlclib.org to save your seat for this program, which is perfect for readers, art enthusiasts, and history buffs alike! Books will be available for purchase and signing.

This event is made possible through the generous support of The Friends of the White Lake Community Library, Michigan Humanities, The Center for the Book, the Library of Michigan, and the Library of Michigan Foundation.

Book Sale Set For May 10

The library’s next book sale will be held Saturday, May 10. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but plan to arrive before noon for the best selection. With prices set at $1 for paperbacks, $2 for hardcovers, and $5 for a whole bagful, the best books go fast!

Donations and volunteers are always welcome. Volunteer sign-up

sheets are available at the library, or call 231-894-9531 to volunteer. We are looking for a little help setting up the sale Friday and packing up any unsold books Saturday afternoon. We are always accepting clean, gently-used books, DVDs, and puzzles for our sales. You can check out our donation guidelines on the website at wlclib.org/book-donations. Please call ahead if you have more than two boxes you’d like to drop off.

FUN FACT: Thanks to your donations of gently used books, our quarterly book sales brought in a total of $3,264.36 last year! The funds are used to support our Summer Reading programs and to help cover the cost of Ancestry, our popular genealogy research subscription.

Harvest for All: The Woven Trifecta Farm Donates CSA Share to Library

Sixteen local families will be receiving a basket of fresh produce courtesy of The Woven Trifecta farm this summer! We are excited to announce a new partnership with Woven Trifecta, a local farm offering Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares.

CSAs are a way for community members to support local farms by providing seed money up front and then getting a share of the crops in return. This year, The Woven Trifecta is making one of those weekly shares available to the library at no charge. A different family will be able to collect the share each week, so 16 area families can experience a taste of a CSA between mid-June and early October. Watch for details coming soon about how to claim one of the 16 shares for you and your family, enjoy some great local produce, and get to know a local farmer!

DeMumbrum

Illinois Villa - Undated. • Courtesy Photo

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community Vanderstelt's spirit lives on in rivalry game

After pregame tribute to the late Viking, Montague scores 6-1 victory

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — The on-field happenings of the Whitehall vs. Montague game have almost taken a backseat in recent years as the contest has become a celebration of Ava Vanderstelt's life, but Wildcat players credited her example for driving them to a second-half surge and a 6-1 win over Whitehall Wednesday night.

The game annually honors Vanderstelt, who passed away in 2022 and loved soccer, playing with several of the current Viking and Wildcat upperclassmen in youth leagues growing up. She would be a senior this year.

Wednesday's contest began with Ava's mother Bridget Knapp, brother Corbin Vanderstelt and youth coach Brandan Pranger delivering the game ball to officials while the teams wore purple t-shirts with Ava's jersey numbers. That was followed by each team taking a knee on the field in silence, sans a striker (Ava's position), while the first 11 seconds of the game clock were run off without action.

"It's definitely emotional, but it's a good way to bring our whole team together," Montague's Kiley Miller said. "We grew up playing with her since age 10, so remembering her and how important she was to the game of soccer, I think it's really important to keep that alive."

•

Miller's return added an extra dimension of emotion to the game; she suffered a season-ending knee injury against Ravenna last year and came back for Wednesday's contest.

The two teams battled pretty evenly throughout much of the first half, with Ava Pelton scoring the only first-half goal, but a big momentum boost came Montague's way when keeper Addison Pranger was able to turn back a penalty shot with her team ahead 1-0 in the final minute of the half.

"We talked as coaches at halftime about it really being a 2-0 lead at halftime (instead of 1-0) because of the momentum that we got off of that huge save," Montague coach Chris Aebig said.

It didn't take long for Montague (66, 3-2 West Michigan Conference) to capitalize on that momentum. Braylyn Bultema busted loose from the Whitehall defense only a few minutes after halftime and put the ball in the net to make it 2-0, and Pelton struck for three

more goals in the following 25 minutes to give her four on the night. One came on a 30-yard long ball shot, and the last of the three was a brilliant off-balance score off an assist by Lilly Rice.

Pelton also capped the scoring when she, after a good hustle play by

Viking vaulters among big winners at home tri

Mulnix wins 3 sprints, nears 100-meter school record

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Whitehall's boys track team is always good at a lot of events, but this year the Vikings are proving unusually adept at pole vault, a skill that was on display again at Tuesday's home tri meet.

Four Whitehall vaulters cleared at least 10-6, led by an 11-6 from Graysen Olstrom. Keegan Frees, Isaiah Lewis and Hunter Parsons all got at least 10-6 in the meet as well.

"Heading into the city meet (Friday), I think we're going to have five vaulters qualified for that meet," boys coach Kirk Mikkelson said. "That was really nice to see."

The vaulters racked up a bunch of points, helping the boys rout both Oakridge (100-37) and Orchard View (113-23). The Viking girls also earned a sweep, winning 92-29 over Oakridge and 76-43 over Orchard View.

Another big performance came from senior Mason Mulnix, who despite being in his first year running

•

high school track (he previously played golf) has quickly made waves with his sprinting acumen. Mulnix won all three sprint events Tuesday, highlighted by his 10.89-second performance in the 100-meter dash, a personal bestand, Mikkelson said, only 0.05 seconds away from the school record.

"He's got a chance (to break it)," Mikkelson smiled.

Mulnix also took the win in the 200 (22.52) and the 400 (54.33) and anchored the 1,600 relay team to a win. He joined Jevon Hilliard, Tyler Van Antwerp and Andon Palmer to take the

race in a time of 3:47.9. Stewart Waters and Camden Thompson were also multiple winners. Thompson continued to star in hurdles, winning both events with personal best times (15.06 in the 110 and 41.49 in the 300). His 110 hurdles time was his fourth time setting a PR in it in his last five attempts. He joked, out of breath, after his 300 hurdles win

that he wouldn't be running that race again. He also won in discus with a throw of 142-7.

Waters won both long-distance events, with times of 4:44.3 in the 1,600 and 11:50.4 in the 3,200, as well as helping the 3,200 relay team of Hilliard,

Whitehall keeper Kaylyn Blaske kept her from putting in yet another goal, was waylaid to the right side of the net but found teammate Allyson Bald-

Montague's Ava Pelton (left) goes down after Whitehall keeper Kaylyn Blaske narrowly beat her to a loose ball during Wednesday's game at Montague. Pelton scored 4 goals in the Wildcats' 6-1 win. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Mason Mulnix starts pulling away from Oakridge's Jayden Dailey during the 200-meter dash at Tuesday's home tri. Mulnix won three sprint events and came close to a 100-meter school record. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Camden Thompson (left) and Corde Anderson race around the turn during the 300-meter hurdles race at Tuesday's home tri meet. The two athletes earned the top two spots in the event.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

Ava Vanderstelt's mom (Bridget Knapp), brother (Corbin Vanderstelt) and youth coach (Brandan Pranger) deliver the game balls prior to Wednesday's Whitehall/Montague game. The teams annually honor the late Vanderstelt, who passed away in 2022 and would've been a senior this year, prior to the game. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague's Abby Dyer (right) and Whitehall's Izzy Causie duel for a loose ball during Wednesday's game at Montague. The Wildcats won, 6-1.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

Rich Tompkins Award latest to enter Thompson's trophy case

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Whitehall senior Camden Thompson's ever-expanding list of awards added another one Monday, when he was announced as the male Class B recipient of the Rich Tompkins MultiSport Athlete Award.

Named after the Hart High School alum, Reeths-Puffer teacher and former executive director of the Michigan High School Coaches Association who passed away in 2015, the award honors a boy and a girl in each enrollment class who plays multiple sports, with winners selected on the basis of their athletic performance, scholarship, leadership and service. Thompson will formally be presented the award at Whitehall's senior awards night May 18.

Thompson said it meant a lot to him to win the award, especially as an athlete on the west side of the state, which often doesn't get as close a look for awards as stars on the east side.

In a sports climate in which specialization is a common sight, Thompson's ability and desire to play three sports and excel in all of them - he's achieved all-state in football, basketball and track and field - is something he takes pride in.

"I just want to compete," Thompson said. "That's the main thing. As many things as I can compete in, that's what I want to do. The more things they give me that showcase all I've got, I'm going to give it all I've got."

Whitehall boys track coach Kirk Mikkelson is, like Tompkins, a Hart grad, adding an extra layer of sweetness to Thompson's award.

"I've known him for quite a while," Mikkelson said of Tompkins. "He taught me a lot about track and field. The man's a legend. For one of my athletes

Whitehall's Camden Thompson lets fly with a shot put attempt during Tuesday's home tri meet. Thompson was announced as the male Class B recipient of the Rich Tompkins Multi-Sport Athlete award Monday. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

to get the award named after him was just outstanding."

Mikkelson is, like several area coaches, a proponent of multi-sport participation, with Thompson probably the most notable current example, but far from the only one.

"The thing a lot of people have lost sight of is, if you want to be a good athlete, you need to play a lot of sports," Mikkelson said. "I encourage all of these guys to play a fall sport and play a winter sport. If they don't have a winter sport, we get in the (Viking Athletic Center) and train and go to indoor meets, (and I encourage them to) play baseball in the summer. Even if you're not going to play baseball for the school, play baseball in the summer if you have a chance to do it. It's fun. You'll find a lot of enjoyment out of any sport you play."

Whitehall track

Drew Boeringa and Rex Pumford to win that race (9:22.3).

Ayden Mendoza won the high jump with a 6-0 mark, and Kal Koehler won the long jump with a leap of 20-4.

Mikkelson said the team is confident going into the GMAA meet, an event dominated by the Vikings in recent years.

"We've got a lot of guys doing a lot of good things, and we're going to score some points and we'll have to see if anybody can generate more than us," Mikkelson said. "We're hoping no, but that's why we have the meets."

Several different athletes had success for Whitehall in the girls' meet, with Adalyn Britton leading the way with two individual wins. Britton set a personal best in the 3,200 (13:21.4) and also won the 1,600 (6:50.0). Fellow distance runner Cami Kraai won the 800 (2:25.8). The duo contributed to distance relay wins, too; both ran with Aryah Lewis and Isabella Izaguirre to win the 1,600 (5:13.98), and Kraai joined Ella Nicholson, Izzy Hesse and Ryleigh Hershey to win the 3,200 (12:50.3).

However, girls coach Jeff Bassett said he was most impressed by his team's versatility and openness to new events.

"I liked our people stepping up to run events they don't normally run and getting a better understanding of what allows the team to win and being more on board for that," Bassett said.

Lewis won the 400 for the Vikings in a time of 1:08.1, and

Sports in Brief

Baseball

Montague 5-5 Grant 4-2

The Wildcats scored 5 times in the 7th inning to take the opener on the way to a sweep. Kellan Francis had the winning hit, a 2-run double. Ryver Jarka dominated on the mound in game two, striking out 13 and allowing only 1 hit in 6 innings. He also got 2 hits in the game.

Reeths-Puffer 8 Caledonia 4

Cade Paugh laced a 2-run triple to help cement the win, and Quinn Alderink had an RBI single in a 4-run fourth inning. Brayden Mitchelson got the win, allowing 2 earned runs on 5 hits.

Montague 9-10 Calvin Christian 8-18

Bryton Belinger capped a 4-run 5th inning with an RBI single to give the 'Cats the win in game one. He had 3 hits in all. Eli Petersen got the win in relief. He got 3 more hits in game two, but the Squires dominated to salvage a split against the Wildcats.

Montague 19-6 Mason Co. Central 4-3

Montague scored 14 times in the 2nd inning of game one. Fletcher Thommen had 5 RBI and Cole Herremans doubled and tripled to bring in 4 runs. Herremans got the win. In game two, Cooper Bradley had a 2-run double and Remi Lohman picked up the win. Mona Shores 4-6 Reeths-Puffer 3-5

The Sailors rallied late in both games to steal wins from R-P. Holden Earnest and Lukas Johnson each had 2 hits in game one, and Brayden Mitchelson struck out 5. Mitchelson and Connor McManus had 2 hits in game two, and Colton Bessinger struck out 3 on the mound.

Whitehall 14-13 Orchard View 0-1

Eli Winters had a 2-run triple and Brock Morningstar had 2 hits and 3 RBI in game one. Morningstar allowed only 3 hits, all singles. In game two, Cody Manzo ripped a 2-run double and Evan Thomas got the win, striking out nine in 4 1/3 innings.

Montague 13-6 Manistee 1-0

Wildcat pitching was impressive in the doubleheader sweep, allowing only 8 hits in the 2 games combined. Eli Petersen struck out 8 in 4 2/3 innings in game one. Kellan Francis and Bryton Belinger each got 3 hits, and Francis had 5 RBI. In game two, Belinger and Ryver Jarka combined for a 2-hit shutout in 6 innings. They struck out 11 batters between them. Belinger and Cooper Bradley each had 2 hits.

Mona Shores 12 Reeths-Puffer 6

R-P committed 6 errors and couldn't hold an early 6-2 lead, with 7 of Shores' 12 runs unearned due to the fielding miscues. Holden Earnest and Lukas Johnson each had 2-RBI hits in the game.

Softball

Montague 13-15 Grant 10-13

Montague's bats starred in the sweep. Jocelyn Rodriguez-Perez hit a 3-run home run in the opener, and Reagan Cederquist got 3 hits. Greta Auch led the 'Cats in game two with 3 hits, including 2 doubles.

Reeths-Puffer 11 Caledonia 1

Lainey McDaniel had a standout game, allowing only 2 hits and striking out 10. She had 3 hits and 2 RBI. Madison Reichert tripled twice and had 3 overall hits with 4 RBI.

Big Rapids 13-14 Montague 3-22

continued from page 4

Whitehall also swept the throws. Aaliyah Jamison took a discus win (83-5), and Evelyn Darke won in shot put (32-6). Lexi Poulin continued a strong season with a win in high jump (4-6).

Bassett said his team is in good shape to hopefully send a few athletes to the state meet at the end of the season, even more so if the Vikings can bounce back from some

injury concerns. "Hopefully some girls will come back and we'll be stronger for the conference and city (meets)," Bassett said. "Some of these non-dual meets, if we can have some other schools displace some people, I think we'll fare a lot better. I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do in a bigger setting."

Montague's bats came alive in game two to salvage a split. Jocelyn Rodriguez-Perez had 3 extra-base hits and 6 RBI, and Reagan Cederquist and Hayden Boutell each had 4 hits. Greta Auch went 5-for-5 with 5 runs. Sophia Beishuizen and Addyson Hall had 2 hits each in game one. Sparta 8-19 Whitehall 5-0

Annabel Kevwitch hit a 2-run homer in the first inning of game one, but that was the last big highlight for the Vikings. Megan LeaTrea had 3 hits. No Viking reached base in the second game.

Reeths-Puffer 13-12 Mona Shores 1-4

Lainey McDaniel struck out 13 in a two-hitter in game one and got 3 hits and drove in 3 runs. Kyleigh Bilek had a 3-run double, Tessa Ross had 4 hits and Brook Buchan had 3. Mady Snyder blasted 2 home runs in game two and got the win in the circle with 4 strikeouts.

Whitehall 17-17 Orchard View 0-5

Megan LeaTrea pitched a 3-inning no-hitter in game one. Janie Fagan had 3 hits and 5 RBI in the win. Lianne Fagan had 3 hits and 3 RBI in game two, and Bella Fogus added 2 hits and 2 RBI. Beth LeaTrea got the win, striking out 4 batters.

Reeths-Puffer 10 Mona Shores 0

Lainey McDaniel helped the Rockets complete the sweep, striking out 6 and allowing just 1 hit in 5 innings. Mady Snyder went 4-for-4 with 2 RBI, and McDaniel and Abbie Critchett each had 3 hits, including a 2-run triple by Critchett.

Girls Soccer

Reeths-Puffer 4 Jenison 1

Four players - Chloe Brainard, Morgan Rekeny, Mallorie Messer and Jaslynn Kops- had a goal each as the Rockets earned their first win. Hart 2 Whitehall 1

Aaliyah Jamison scored Whitehall's goal, with Reese Hesse assisting.

Fruitport 2 Montague 0 The Trojans scored late in each half in a closely-contested win. Montague had 2 shots on goal to Fruitport's 16.

Reeths-Puffer 0-2 at Holland Round Robin tourney

The Rockets lost 1-0 games to both Holland and South Haven. Statistics from the games were not reported.

Montague 8 Orchard View 0

Brayden Bultema led an offensive explosion with 4 goals for Montague, which evened its WMC record at 2-2 with the win.

North Muskegon 3 Whitehall 1

The Vikings played a tough game against the WMC powerhouse Norse and were tied 0-0 at halftime. Kate Beda had Whitehall's only goal.

Reeths-Puffer 10 Muskegon 0

The Rockets poured in so many goals that the game ended at halftime by mercy rule. Statistics had not been reported at press time.

Girls Tennis

Reeths-Puffer 7 Kenowa Hills 1

Hope Latsch, Molly Matz and Mylie Neel won their singles matches. In doubles play, Gabrielle Borgeson/Malania Eilers, Lauren Matz/Elana Weiden, Ava Dietz/Kaitlyn Darow and Maddie Hutchinson/Makayla Smith all came out on top. All 7 wins were in straight sets. Byron Center

Reeths-Puffer 0 Byron Center dominated the Rockets. Mylie Neel had a solid showing at No. 4 singles, pushing the 2nd set to a tiebreaker before falling short.

Whitehall's Drew Boeringa keeps the mood light as he pursues a pair of Oakridge runners early in the 3,200-meter run at Tuesday's home tri. The Vikings swept the meet. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Adalyn Britton (left) and Cami Kraai race early in the 3,200-meter run at Tuesday's home tri meet. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Clutch late victory propels R-P to Ludington Quad title

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Reeths-Puffer edged Ludington by just one point Saturday to earn the championship at the Ludington Quad.

The Rockets won 18 matches to the Orioles' 17, going 3-0 at three different flights.

Molly Matz and Mylie Neel won all their matches at No. 3 and No. 4 singles respectively, earning all their wins in straight sets. Lauren Matz/Elana Weiden also went 3-0 at the No. 2 doubles flight, highlighted by a clutch victory over Kennedy Feyers/Khloe Wachowski of Ludington, 6-2, 1-6, 108, that enabled the Rockets to get that final point necessary to win the quad.

R-P's top two singles players, Olivia Smith and Hope Latsch, each went 2-1. Kaitlyn Darow/

Rivalry game

er with a centering pass for the game's final tally.

Pelton was certainly the scoring star of the game, but Aebig also credited midfielder Abby Dyer with relentless effort.

"I felt like I saw number six all the way across the field front, back, left, right," Aebig said. "She's going to sleep really good tonight, I'm sure, because she was everywhere."

Pranger, whose only goal surrendered came on a second-half penalty shot by Reese Hesse, gave her defensive teammates the credit for pushing aside Whitehall's scoring opportunities.

"Our defense did a really good job today of trying to force their offense out, especially since they have some faster players," Pranger said. "I was really proud of how they played and didn't give up."

Montague has had a tough week, Aebig noted, losing to three consecutive quality foes on the road (Western Michigan Christian, Fruitport and North Muskegon), and players entered the game hoping to show they were better than the 5-6 record on their ledger.

"I think before tonight's game, our goal differential was that we've scored 39 and our opponents have scored 25, and we're still sitting at 5-6," Aebig said. "It just doesn't

Ava Dietz and Jayla Brink/Makayla Smith went 2-1 at No. 3 and No. 4 doubles respectively, and Gabrielle Borgeson/Malania Eilers earned a win at No. 1 doubles.

continued from page 4

Montague's Ava Pelton (center) closes in on the Whitehall goal as keeper Kaylyn Blaske puts the pressure on during Wednesday's game at Montague. Pelton had 4 goals and an assist in a 6-1 Montague win. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

seem quite right. We're winning big and we're losing small, but they put it together tonight, and I want to carry this momentum into next week, and then the week after that as we roll into our postseason."

Whitehall coach Laicey Chamberlain didn't think the penalty kick save totally deflated the Vikings (2-6-1, 0-4-1 WMC), but with so many emotions already in play due to the Vanderstelt tribute, she did feel like the team's energy level might have been lessened in the second half.

"I think it was a really emotional game," Chamberlain said.

"I think they dug in deep for the first half...I don't want to say their

emotions got to them, but there were a couple mistakes, and Montague capitalized on (them)."

While Chamberlain is in her first year coaching Whitehall, she was obviously aware of the Vanderstelt tributes already, and said it's a great annual event.

"It's a really special thing that these communities can do," Chamberlain said. "There's something really amazing about being from a small town. This is why people come here. It's because of this sense of family that people have, and it doesn't matter what side of the river you're from. All these girls, they've grown up playing together."

Ludington 5 Whitehall 3

In a close battle, Ludington edged the Vikings. Izzy Gould and Riley Shafer each won their singles matches, and Brianna Bentz/Avarie Bentz won a doubles match.

Boys Golf

Reeths-Puffer 4th at Caledonia Jamboree

Kristian Brown, Ayden Hartzell and Aiden Waggoner tied for the team lead in scoring, each shooting a 39. The Rockets' 158 was their best score of the season, 12 shots behind first-place Mona Shores.

Whitehall 3rd, Montague 4th at

The

R-P 5th at O-K Green midseason tournament

The Rockets struggled with fast greens in the meet. Kristian Brown's 87 led the Rockets, good for 7th place individually. Kye Grant shot a 96.

Track

Reeths-Puffer loses league match to Byron Center

The powerful Bulldogs were too much for R-P. Marvin Moore set a new personal best to win the 200-meter dash and also helped win the 400 relay. Jersi Bilek scored the Rockets' lone girls win, in the 800.

Montague girls 4th, boys 5th at Kent City Elite Invite

Amanda Cederquist and Riley Mulder both set personal bests in shot put and finished second to highlight Montague's finishes. Cederquist also PR'd in discus, taking 6th. Addison Smith was 4th in pole vault. Isaac French was 3rd in shot put and 4th in discus.

Whitehall boys 3rd at Grand Rapids Elite Challenge

Camden Thompson and Ayden Mendoza were Whitehall's two winners. Thompson won the 110-meter hurdles, and Mendoza won in high jump. Thompson set 3 personal bests, and Mason Mulnix had a PR in the 400, finishing 4th. Lexi Poulin, 10th in high jump, was the girls' top finisher.

Montague teams defeat Manistee Annelyse Schneider scored 2 individual wins for Montague, in long jump and high jump. Amanda Cederquist won the 100 hurdles and set a season best time. Isaac French (shot put), Logan Hansen (discus) and Isaiah King (high jump) set personal bests in wins.

R-P girls get split at Jenison Tri Raquel Walker won both sprint events and set new personal bests, and Jersi Bilek won the 800. Dalton Radosa's 2nd-place in shot put was the Rocket boys' top individual event finish.

Lacrosse

Reeths-Puffer 10 Northview 9

Cohen Beck scored 4 goals to lead the Rockets to victory. Ian Wright had 3 goals and Owen Greiner chipped in 2.

Grand Haven 13 Reeths-Puffer 6

Statistics were not reported from the Rockets' defeat.

Viking bats struggle in losses to Shelby

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Whitehall's bats were unable to do as much as they needed Thursday in a doubleheader against Shelby.

The Tigers squeaked out a 4-3 win in game one and blanked the Vikings 5-0 in the nightcap.

Camden Smith delivered the big blow for Shelby in the sixth inning, lacing a two-out, two-run double that nearly cleared the center field fence.

Until that point, Whitehall had led since the first inning, in which it scored three runs.

Brock Morningstar connected on an RBI triple and scored on

an error to open the Vikings' scoring, and Myles Welch had an RBI single later in the inning. However, it was all the offense Whitehall could muster; the Vikings didn't get another hit in the game.

Welch took a hard-luck loss, striking out seven and allowing nine hits in six innings.

Whitehall managed three hits in game two and hung tough until the sixth inning, when DayDay Garcia broke the game open with a two-run triple. Ethan DeShong pitched well, allowing no earned runs in four innings and striking out four.

Montague Jamboree

Vikings narrowly outscored Montague, 178-182. Brayden Bultema of Montague was the top local scorer with a 42, and Brady Tate shot a 43 to lead the Vikings. Royce Freed, Kellan Mikaelsen and Jones McDowell tied for Whitehall's 2ndplace score with a 45.

Reeths-Puffer's tennis team celebrates earning the first-place trophy at Saturday's Ludington Quad. • Courtesy Photo

Whitehall 6th, Montague 13th at Ludington Invite Brady Tate's 86 led all local players. Jones McDowell shot a 94. For Montague, Brayden Bultema had a 92 and Bucky Aney a 93.

G.R. Christian 14 Reeths-Puffer 3 Ian Wright had 2 goals, but the Rockets were unable to keep up with the explosive Eagles' attack.

Whitehall's Evan Thomas (left) fields a pickoff throw at first base as Shelby's Jaden Furman slides back into the bag during Thursday's doubleheader at Whitehall. Shelby swept the games. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Cody Manzo steals second base under the tag of Shelby's DayDay Garcia during Thursday's doubleheader at Whitehall. The Vikings lost both games. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall 7 Manistee 1

Whitehall's doubles pairs were excellent, all winning by straight sets. Brianna Bentz/Avarie Bentz, Emily VanDam/Braelee Fogus, Addie Broton/Beatrice Lewis and Ella Sumerix/Delaney Konecny all won. Riley Shafer, Grace McDowell and Izzy Gould won singles matches.

Montague's Lilly Rice and Whitehall's Liz Fox close in on a loose ball during Wednesday's game at Montague. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

New owner hopes for good season at Thunderbird

Heidi Morell has been track

photographer

last 9 years

By Jerry Mattson White Lake Mirror Contributor

MUSKEGON — For the past nine years, Heidi Morell has spent more time in Thunderbird Raceway's winner's circle than anyone - not as a driver, but as the track’s photographer.

Over the years, she has seen the track experience good and lean years, different owners, promoters and classes of race cars competing. Most of these changes are recorded in her photos, negatives and digital files.

“I just love stock car racing,” she said.

Starting this season, she will be the image of Thunderbird Raceway, the latest owner and operator of the 1/3-mile dirt oval at 350 W. Riley Thompson Road in Dalton Township. The seven classes of cars competing this year will range from youngsters in mini-wedges to older drivers in high-powered super stocks.

“Some people don’t even know we are open,” Morell said.

Part of that problem is the outdated information found on a web search for the raceway. Efforts to remove that information so far have failed. The correct information is on Facebook.

Returning this year, on June 21, will be the Great Lakes Super Sprints, last seen here in 2021. The GLSS is a 360-cubic-inch, winged dirt sprint series that travels to local tracks in north-

west Ohio, northern Indiana, southern Michigan and southern Ontario, Canada. Of the 37 events scheduled for this year, 15 will be in Michigan. Of the 122 drivers gaining points in 2024, 61 were from Ohio and 32 from Michigan.

Two Michigan drivers, Gregg Dalmann from Bellevue and Chase Ridenour of Perry, are tied with three victories at Thunderbird in the eight times the GLSS have raced here.

A young local driver, Trent Musk, 24, of Muskegon, will be racing in the Super Sprint event this year. Thirteen years ago, he began driving a 4-cylinder Honda Civic at the Winston Speedway, as Thunderbird was closed then. After three years, he moved up to the Street Stock class for two years, then up again to the IMCA (International Motor Contest Association) Modifieds. After four more years, he began racing

Property tax

cap only lasts as long as someone owns their home; upon a transfer of ownership, the taxable value can rise to the assessed value.

(This also explains why property taxes almost never decrease even when the housing market negatively fluctuates, as has occasionally happened; even if the assessed value of a home decreases, the taxable value is often far lower due to those caps holding it down over time, so it doesn't affect the tax bill.)

The discussions regarding value assessments were also enlightening, Seaver said. She noted that homeowners can have a leery reaction to seeing an assessor evaluate their property, believing it will swiftly be followed by a rise in their property's assessed value and in turn higher taxes. In fact, both said in talking to the assessors, the idea for a future informational event focused on that side of things might be a good one.

"A homeowner shouldn't have fear that if an assessor walks on their property that it will necessarily be a property tax increase," Seaver said.

"(Assessors) definitely face some interesting situations out in the field wandering on properties," Schiller added. "They deserve to be safe and for people to know they're just out there doing their job. It doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a bill."

The crowd appeared to be mostly, if not solely, comprised of long-time homeowners. Both Whitehall treasurers expressed the hope of hosting future events and potentially even helping launch events like it elsewhere in

the high-powered, sprint cars.

He was introduced to racing at the a young age of three or four, attending NASCAR races at Michigan International Speedway with his family. His grandfather, Frank Musk, raced in lower stock car classes, then moved up to Sprinters. Trent’s mom, Amanda, was instrumental in getting him started in the mini stocks. Along the way, many others have helped in the family effort, including Matt Sprague, Eddie Reyes, Varney’s Automotive, RET (Racing Engines Technologies) and Jason Harris with Team Freight Logistics.

In addition to the 360-cubic-inch winged sprinters, GLSS also promotes Traditional Sprints with up to 410-cubic-inch engines and no wing. Musk has two sprinters, one for each of these classes. They each have a chassis built by J & J Auto Racing of McKenzie, Tennessee. Frank does the engine work while Trent fine-tunes chassis.

His best feature finish in the Traditional class was in 2021 with his 360 powered car at the Silver Bullet Speedway near Owendale, across the state. He also received the Hard Charger award by passing the most cars to finish third.

“At the finish, I had two 410s ahead of me and several 410s behind me,” he said.

He plans to do more racing this year, in both classes, including a visit to the Eldora Speedway near Rossburg, Ohio.

• Jerry Mattson/Mirror

He put some hot laps on the car at Thunderbird on their test and tune day April 19, and was pleased with the results.

“This car will get a wrap (less expensive than a paint job) before long. The non-winged one is much better looking,” he said.

No matter what the car looks like, he should have many fans on hand for the event June 21.

There will be special nights this racing season recognizing local districts. Adults who wear something identifying that district get a $2 discount on general admission tickets. Military veterans’ night is July 12, when they get in free with proof of service,

Again, Morell says, “Check Facebook for the latest information at the Raceway.”

continued from page 2

Several county and municipality representatives were on hand last Thursday to field questions about property taxes during an informational event at Whitehall's City Hall.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

the area and in the state and attracting prospective first-time home buyers, as those are often the people who need the information the most. Both recommend buyers visit the municipality in which they're considering buying to get more information about what their property taxes may look like after a purchase goes through.

"We would much rather get those calls than when it's too late (to help)," Justin George said.

"With real estate prices the last few years being so high, it's a giant investment buying a new home," Schiller said. "If you immediately can't afford it (because of not anticipating the higher tax bill), that's bad, and we don't want that to happen to people."

Muskegon native Trent Musk takes the wheel of his sprint car before an April 19 test run at Thunderbird Raceway.

• Jerry Mattson/Mirror

Trent Musk of Muskegon (left) follows in grandfather Frank's footsteps as a smalltown racer. Trent will be racing in the June 21 Great Lakes Super Sprints at Thunderbird Raceway.

Police activity this week

Behind the Badge

Whitehall Police Report

April 23

Whitehall Police investigated a 4-car crash that happened as school let out at 2:50 p.m. All the vehicles involved were traveling west on White Lake Drive when the first car slowed for a vehicle waiting to turn left. A second vehicle was approaching and, in an attempt to avoid a collision, drove off the right side of the road. The second car did strike a road sign with the driver’s mirror. The third car was unable to stop and rear-ended the first car and was then itself rear-ended by the fourth car. All the drivers were 16 and 17 years old and students at the high school. There were also several passengers in the vehicles, but no one was injured in the crash.

April 24

At 10:54 p.m. officers were dispatched to the 200 block of S Franklin St on a family dispute. The man told the officer the woman was intoxicated and told the caller she was going to “cut him up into little pieces.” The man said he wanted to leave but was

high from smoking marijuana and wanted the officer to make the woman leave. The woman said she just wanted to go to bed and was going to sleep on the couch. There was no alleged assault and no further action was taken.

April 25

Whitehall Police were dispatched with White Lake Fire Authority to a possible structure fire in the 300 block of Elizabeth St. When the officer arrived at the 6:12 a.m. call, he located a large brush fire in the backyard being attended to by the resident. When told the fire department was en route, the 34-year-old started putting out the fire. The man was later cited for the illegal burning.

An officer observing traffic downtown at 11:26 p.m. observed a red-light violation that led to an arrest for OWI. The police report noted that about 15 seconds after the light changed to red for Colby Street, a vehicle entered the intersection fully over the crosswalk before stopping. The officer then initiated a traffic stop and contacted the 53-year-old driver, who said he was looking for a business in the area. The officer noted signs of intoxication and asked the Ada man to perform sobriety tests. After the tests were completed, the officer arrested the driver for OWI. A subsequent breath test at the Muskegon County jail showed a result in excess of the .08 BAC limit for Michigan. After the test, the man was lodged at the jail for the night.

April 26

An assault between two women was reported at 4:22 p.m. According

Legislative Breakfast May 12 offers businesses chance to connect with lawmakers

The White Lake Area Chamber & Visitor's Bureau will host a Legislative Breakfast event Monday, May 12 from 7 to 9:15 a.m. at The Playhouse at White Lake, giving local businesses the opportunity to engage with state policy leaders.

The Gnarly Heifer will cater the breakfast, which will include state senator Jon Bumstead and state representatives Will Snyder and Curt VanderWall, as well as Wendy Block, the senior

vice president of business advocacy at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance or fill out a Q&A card during the breakfast and networking portion of the event.

Tickets to the event are $35 for current Chamber members or $50 for non-members.

Registration is open now at whitelake.org, or by calling the Chamber office at 231-893-4585.

to the police report, both women were at a Funnell Field baseball game watching the same child; one as the mother and one as the girlfriend of the father. According to the girlfriend, she was approached by the mother, who began calling her names and “got into her face”. The mother, who is 31 years old, then pushed and punched the victim. The mother told the investigating officer it was the girlfriend that approached and threatened her and she only pushed the 23-year-old girlfriend because she was in the mother’s way to exit the area. The case has been sent to the Muskegon County Prosecutor for review.

A Whitehall officer was called to check the well-being of a resident in the 1200 block of Colby St. after neighbors noted the apartment door standing open and no one was answering their knock. After arriving on the 6:16 p.m. call, the officer knocked multiple times before the resident came out. The resident said they were napping and the door was an oversight. No further action was taken.

April 27

Neighbors of a home in the 100 block of N Livingston St. called police after hearing a loud argument between two men who resided at the house. The 11:41 a.m. call was the result of an argument between the men over a dog at the house. One man, who the police report indicated was intoxicated, claimed he was bitten by the dog. The officer was shown a minor abrasion that did not appear to be a bite mark. Eventually, both agreed to separate for a time of cooling off

and no further action was taken.

April 28

A boat that appeared to be free floating with a passenger led to a call for Whitehall Police. An officer responded to the lakeshore at 7:45 p.m. and could see the boat, but the officer was unable to contact or communicate with the passenger. While the officer was still observing the boat, a second towing boat arrived on scene and towed the stranded boater away.

April 29

Whitehall Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Thompson St. to assist on a medical call. A Montague resident on the bike path began to have a seizure and good Samaritans who witnessed the situation called 911 at 6:18 p.m. and assisted the 18-year-old before first responders arrived. The citizens noted a medical alert bracelet and had also contacted the parents of the victim, who arrived on scene shortly after. The victim was later transported home by family.

April 30

Officers responded to a suspicious situation at the White Lake Fire Authority at 2:41 a.m. The on-duty fire officer could hear someone banging on the outside of the building but had not located them. When the police arrived, they located a man who had transported his wife from Montague to the fire station because she was exhibiting signs of a heart attack. Medical assistance was provided by WLFA staff until Trinity Health EMS arrived and transported the woman to the hospital.

Common Ground Community hosting local leaders for budget discussions

The Common Ground Community of White Lake will host an event Tuesday, May 6 to discuss how spending cuts on the federal and state level could affect the White Lake area and local residents.

The event will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the White Lake Community Library and is free for all to attend. It will consist of presentations followed

by a Q&A session with several local leaders, including the Whitehall and Montague school superintendents, White Lake library director, and representatives of White Lake Area Food Service and Disability Network West Michigan.

The library itself does not sponsor or endorse the event.

WLACAC electronics recycling event set for May 24

The White Lake Area Climate Action Council invites you to gather and drop off items at their upcoming electronics recycling event. Volunteers from the council will help unload items from your vehicle. The event will take place May 24, 2-4 p.m. at the

Montague Farmers Market. Accepted items include flatscreen TVs, outdated or broken computers, laptops, towers, printers, phones and tablets, old cords and chargers, household batteries (no car batteries,light bulbs and inkjet printer cartridges.

No cathode ray tube TVs/monitors, air conditioners or large appliances.

A donation is suggested of $2 for your first 10 items or $5 for a load of more than 10 items.