The Oceana Echo - Volume 2, Issue 52, May 23, 2025 by theoceanaecho

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

This is the third and final article focusing on members of our community who, although they are not celebrated as traditional superheroes, nevertheless, every day that goes by, they are heroes in someone’s life. They deserve our attention, applause and support. We have already focused on corrections officers and police officers. For May 18-24, we focus on emergency medical service crews, the folks who respond to 911 calls and arrive by ambulance.

In Oceana County, we are served by Life EMS, a company that services 10 counties in West Michigan. Life EMS has three locations in Oceana County - Hart, Shelby and a brand-new office near Ferry. Each location has a facility with office space, bay space for vehicles and living space for the crew members who work 24-hour shifts. Normally, the crews cover two shifts a week and pick up one extra shift every six weeks. Since they are not assigned to a particular location, the crews rotate among the different locations in the county.

Part 3

Life EMS agencies vary in size according to the area they serve. Some may serve a single township or city, while others serve large regions. Oceana County, along with Mason, Lake and Newaygo counties, forms the North Operations. Jeff Stockhill is the director of North Operations and he has a deputy director and a team of supervisors to manage the counties mentioned above. He reports to a vice president whose office is in Grand Rapids. Stockhill has been with Life EMS for 36 years, starting as a paramedic and advancing as a field training instructor, a supervisor, a tactical paramedic and now a director.

“I entered the field because it sounded exciting, and I wanted to save lives. I stayed in it because I like to serve people. It doesn’t take long to realize that you don’t get the opportunity to save a life every day or week. You do, however, make a difference every time you respond to a call,” Stockhill shared.

Although he is in an administrative position, he still makes calls, filling in when a crew member is missing for some reason. Minimally there is one paramedic and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in each ambulance, and each location has three ambulances available for 911 calls. Crews in the four counties of North Operations cooperate to fill in for each other too.

What kind of training and education is needed to be part of an EMS crew?

Stockhill explained, “An EMT takes the most basic training for emergency medical responses, taking classes and passing an exam to get a license. A paramedic takes advanced training in respiratory and cardiovascular issues and some pharmacology classes to learn about emergency medications. As paramedics, we are also required to maintain certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Emergency Pediatric Care and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support….A tactical paramedic works with State Police SWAT team and with the county sheriff’s department.”

How about ambulance

Area Memorial Day Observances

• AnnaMae Bush/Echo

EMT Chris

stand by their vehicle in front

and

the

Pete

Life EMS station on Monday, May 19. Kurzer and Turnbull said Stockhill and his deputy director make sure there is something special for all the crew members every day of National EMS Week, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, a gift or the cookout dinner – each day brings an expression of appreciation.

driver’s training? “All our staff complete an emergency vehicle operators course (EVOC), followed by evaluation during our field training program. We also complete an online emergency driving course annually.”

There is no “average week” or “average number of calls.” There are slow days (only two calls) and busy days (eight calls) and calls in rural areas take more time than in urban areas. Patients often need to be driven to Muskegon. Calls to the Oceana County Jail are not unusual. In addition to emergency calls, the EMS crews also provide transfer transportation when ambulances are needed. It should be no surprise that “Oceana County seems to have an uptick in trauma during the summer.”

One of Stockhill’s tasks is planning strategies for big events. “Perhaps the biggest event I need to plan for is ‘Electric Forest.’”

Life EMS works closely with the law enforcement and fire departments. Fire departments have emergency first responders, but they have no vehicle to provide transportation to a hospital. Stockhill said, “When we arrive at an emergency department, we report our findings, assessment, and any interventions that were completed, giving physicians and nurses the best starting point that we can.”

Perhaps the biggest challenge for Life EMS crews is having to decide on treatment without the benefit of having lab results or X-rays or other tests first. Stockhill claims, “Sometimes it’s obvious; other times you are relying on what the patient is telling you, what you are seeing, and your own experiences.”

How valuable it is, then, when you have a paramedic with many years of experience.

Although there is little control one has in a medical emergency, one can influence the outcome with one’s attitude or perspective. Go into panic mode? Expect the worst? Remain calm? Hope for the best? Stockhill recalled one case that has really stuck in his memory.

He responded to a call from a person who obviously was critically ill. Examining the patient, he found what he thought was an abdominal aortic aneurysm. “When I returned to the hospital two hours later, expecting him to already be in surgery, I was surprised to see him still in the emergency department. I popped in to check on him, and he told me that the surgeon had given him a 10% chance of surviving the operation. As I was searching for something to say, he looked at me and said, ‘That’s twice as good as 5%’ with a smile.”

Two days later Stockhill was able to visit him after successful surgery, and the patient reminded him that he told him 10% was twice as good as 5%.

In his role as director, Stockhill’s greatest job satisfaction comes in building his team and in seeing his crew members grow and develop their skills. For him and his administrative colleagues, National EMS Week is all about “Leadership Serving Our People,” showing appreciation to all of their crew members. “We personally provide a meal for all our team members, grilling meat and making the rest of the food ourselves to tell them, ‘Thanks, we appreciate you.’”

Another Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and our community is encouraged to take a moment to remember, “All gave some, and some gave all.” Veterans, community members and groups are urged to attend one of the several opportunities listed below to commemorate this most solemn of all American holidays. “Freedom isn’t free.” It’s so important to honor those who’ve passed in service to their country, and to educate our younger generations about our shared history and the origins of this day.

Monday, May 26, 2025

• 9 a.m. - The Walkerville Memorial Day Observance will be held at Fairlawn Cemetery in Walkerville. The service will include remarks by veterans John Urick and Brian Burrell, singing of the National Anthem by Sharon Hallack, a recitation of the Gettysburg Address by veteran Gary Strait and the Veterans Ritual conducted by the Hart VFW and American Legion Honor Guards.

• 9 a.m. - The Rothbury Village Memorial Day Observance will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Rothbury. Community members and veterans are invited and encouraged to gather together for the annual ceremony.

• 9 a.m. - The Ferry Memorial Day Services will begin at the North Ferry Cemetery. This will be followed by the service at the South Ferry Cemetery at 9:30 a.m., the Otto Township Cemetery Service at 10 a.m. and will conclude with a reading at the pavilion by the River Park near downtown Ferry at 10:30 a.m. Each service includes a gathering with a rifle salute and Taps.

• 9 a.m. - The New Era Memorial Day Parade will begin at the New Era Christian School on Ray Street and proceed to the Veterans Park on First Street. Shelby American Legion will lead the observance, which will include an invocation by Pastor John Mendendorp, remarks from U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Wally Carrier, laying of a memorial wreath and a 21-gun salute.

• 10 a.m. - The Mears Memorial Day Observance will take place at the Mears Cemetery. Services will include music by the Hart High School marching band and the Veterans Ritual led by members of the Hart VFW.

• 10 a.m. - The Pentwater Memorial Day Parade will begin on First Street, across from the Pentwater Baptist Church and proceed to the Village Municipal Marina, where a special ceremony will remember all those who have perished while at sea. The parade will make its way to the Village Green for a second short ceremony. A final observance will be held at the Pentwater Township Cemetery. The Pentwater School Band will march in the parade and play at each location.

• 10 a.m. - The Shelby Memorial Day Parade will begin at the corner of Sixth and Elm Streets and proceed down Michigan Avenue to Centennial Park at State and Third Streets. There, a ceremony, led by the Shelby American Legion, will include the laying of a memorial wreath, remarks by U.S. Army veteran Darrell Hansen, and music by the Shelby High School marching band.

• 11 a.m. - The Hart Memorial Day Parade will begin at the Oceana County Courthouse in Hart, and proceed to the Hart Cemetery, where the Hart High School band will perform its traditional Military Anthem Melody, followed by a guest speaker and Veterans Ritual led by members of the Hart VFW. Following the Hart observance, a free lunch for veterans and their families, will be held at the Hart VFW Post.

• 1 p.m. - The Hart VFW will perform their annual observances at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility.

• 1:30 p.m. - The Hart VFW will perform their annual Memorial Day observances at Cherry Blossom Manor.

• 3 p.m. - National Moment of Remembrance - A special ceremony will take place in Independence, Mo. with a moment of silence at 3 p.m. followed by the playing of “Taps” at 3:01 p.m. by musicians of every age and ability or instrument.

All musicians across Oceana County are invited to join in wherever they might be at 3 p.m. by observing a moment of silence and then playing “Taps” as an act of national unity and a way of paying tribute to those who have died while serving in the U.S. military.

Above,

Turnbull

Paramedic

Kurzer

Shelby

Mullen siblings named UWL Student Volunteers of the Year

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

The Oceana Echo wishes to congratulate Ruby Mullen and Maddox Mullen for being named the United Way of the Lakeshore’s 2025 Student Volunteers of the Year. Ruby, a Hart Middle School sixth grader, and Maddox, a Hart High School ninth grader, began volunteering with their parents, Andrew and Dawn Mullen, after moving to Hart a few years ago.

Within the last year, Maddox and Ruby have helped with highway cleanups, the annual Hart Lake cleanups and a number of UWL food drives. It seemed appropriate that the Oceana Echo had to catch up with them at the United Way’s food truck Friday, May 9 in Hart to grab a quick interview!

Maddox Mullen, third from right, and Ruby Mullen, sixth from right, volunteered at May 9 UWL Feeding America food drive at Spitler Elementary. • Contributed Photo

When they aren’t volunteering, Ruby enjoys baking, crocheting and acting. She even utilized her baking talents to hold a bake sale for the animal shelter. “I like supporting our community and helping others,” Ruby said. “Volunteering helps me personally, helps our environment, helps our community and gives me the chance to make connections with the community.”

In his spare time Maddox enjoys perfecting his self-

taught craft of blacksmithing. He has begun selling some of his creations at the Maker’s Market downtown Hart.

Both were honored at a special “Heroes Celebration” at the Delta Hotel in Muskegon on May 1. “I volunteer because it’s a good way to pass the time, and it’s just a good thing to do,” said Maddox.

Ruby may only be a sixth grader, but her wisdom surpasses her years when she says, “If you’re not sure you’ll like volunteering, try it out. At first I thought, ‘This is going to be so boring, I’d rather stay home and watch TV.’ But it made me feel good inside. After my first food drive, I knew I wanted to do it again.”

“They are an amazing family and I’m pleased we can utilize their kindness in our Oceana community,” UWL Oceana County Director Barbara Sims concluded.

This page is brought to you by:

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

Edith Munger left her mark on local and national history

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

The following is a list of things that predate the adoption of the 19th Amendment: Levi Strauss & Co. (1853), the Nintendo gaming company (1889) and the Ford Motor Company (1903). Theoretically, you could drive a Ford automobile with a pack of Nintendo playing cards in the pocket of your Levi jeans all before women gained the right to vote in the U.S. in August of 1920. Also, by 1920, Edith Munger had been the president of the Michigan Audubon Society for seven years. With a nickname like “The Bird Woman,” I’d imagine the MAS would’ve had trouble keeping her out.

Edith Munger was born Edith Garnett Cushaway on November 19, 1865, in Muskegon County, but was adopted by Samuel and Emily Gotts, taking their surname as hers. She grew up in Whitehall and spent her early adulthood teaching locally, but later received nursing instruction in Chicago. Also in Chicago attending medical school was Louis Munger. Upon his graduation in 1895, the couple were married in Chicago - he was 24, and she was nearly 30. They moved to Hart soon after - Edith was the born Michigander of the couple. Dr. Munger was born in Kansas - to start a medical practice. Their first and only child, Robert, was born the following year. The year after, the young family moved into what, at the time, was known as the Chadwick House on the corner of Dryden and Lincoln Street in Hart. Edith was the type of woman who preferred to keep busy. For a time, she assisted Dr. Munger as he served the medical needs of Hart residents. When their son Robert was young, it was easy to keep occupied with raising him, but as he grew older and more self-sufficient, and with no other children to raise up after him,

Edith was in need of a project.

In the early 20th century, conservation was becoming an increasingly important topic. Michigan’s lumber industry had rapidly exploded throughout the lumber mill years of the mid-19th century, augmented by the rebuilding of Chicago after the 1871 fire. By the 1910s, much of Michigan’s old growth had been decimated. Edith shared a particular concern for the hundreds of bird species in Michigan who depended on their wooded habitats to survive and thrive. What’s worse, many birds throughout Michigan and the greater U.S. were being killed, with little to no oversight regarding overhunting, for their plumage. As a lifelong lover of nature, Edith found a cause for which to advocate; one of many she would collect over her lifetime.

The Michigan Audubon Society was only three years old when Edith joined in 1907. She first served as vice president under Thomas S. Palmer until 1913, when she became the first female president of the organization. During her tenure, she oversaw the support of much conserva-

tion legislation. The most important of which was the Migratory Bird Act, ongoing legislation that protects birds with migratory patterns passing through U.S. borders. Likewise introduced were regulations surrounding the hunting of birds while nesting in springtime and the Anti-Plumage Act, which protected birds such as scarlet tanagers, egrets and indigo buntings - whose numbers had been threatened by the demand for their colorful feathers.

Education was an important aspect of Edith’s ecological aspirations. She traveled throughout the entire state, speaking at conferences and schoolhouses alike. Throughout her career, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of people had the honor of hearing her share the importance of protecting the environment.

Edith also saw the proclamation of Michigan’s Arbor Day and Bird Day, ensuring that her interest in educating school-aged children extended beyond her lifetime. She was also an early adopter of radio for educational purposes.

Perhaps the most enduring part of Edith’s legacy is the designation of our state bird. In 1929, the MAS sponsored a statewide vote to determine the state’s bird in commemoration of the society’s 25th anniversary. Edith was instrumental in ensuring that the votes of schoolchildren counted the same as an adult’s votes. It was a packed ballot, to be sure, and no landslide victories were had, but after 190,000 votes were cast, the American Robin became Michigan’s state bird.

Throughout her 38 years of service to MAS, Edith contributed her writing to various journals, including the quarterly “Jack Pine Warbler” publication produced by the MAS. She strived for years to have the MAS officially become a branch of the National Audubon Society, which it eventually became in 1975 after her death.

Outside of the MAS, Edith was also a member of various groups, many of which

concerned women’s rights. She was involved in the League of Women Voters, Equal Suffrage Association and the American Birth Control League. Considering the ambitious positions she held, it’s no wonder these were the organizations she spread her time between.

On a local level, Edith’s conservation efforts saw an expansion of 1,500 acres added to Silver Lake State Park, an area which - as we covered last week - she adored and held in high ecological esteem. She also helped to establish Oceana County’s first public health nursing service, her medical training never forgotten. Edith also accomplished a first for women locally: she was the first woman seated on the Hart Board of Education, on which she also served as president for several years. Edith died in 1945. Even in her older years, she was known for taking 15-mile hikes, still managing to keep up with her many grandchildren, but by age 79, she dealt with vision loss and couldn’t traipse the dunes as she used to. In 2010, she was inducted into The Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. Now, more than half a century after her death, Edith Munger has gained the recognition she so clearly deserved as an early advocate for women’s rights, establishing herself as a powerhouse of the conservation world, whether the rest of the country was ready for her or not.

Child safety seat laws in Michigan changed April 1

In an effort to keep some of Michigan’s youngest as safe as possible, state car seat laws changed April 1. The following are Michigan’s new child safety seat usage laws that went into effect:

• Rear-facing child safety seats: Children must ride rear-facing until they are at least two (2) years old or outgrow the height or weight limits of their rear-facing car seat (previous Michigan law stated infants age one and under 20 pounds were to be restrained in a rear-facing car seat). It is safest to keep children rear-facing as long as possible to protect their neck and spine in a crash.

• Forward-facing child safety seats: Children must use a harnessed car seat (rear- or forward-facing) until they are at least five (5) years old or outgrow the car seat’s height or weight limits. (Previous Michigan law stated children under age four (4) were to be properly secured in a

child restraint system in the rear seat, if possible).

• For both rear- and forward-facing child safety seats, Michigan law states the safest practice is for children to stay in their appropriate-sized seat until they outgrow the car seat’s height and weight limits.

• Booster seat child safety seats: No changes were made. Children aged eight (8) and less than four (4) feet, nine (9) inches tall shall be properly secured in a booster seat or child restraint system. Children should use a booster seat until they can sit without slouching and the automobile’s seatbelt fits snugly across their thighs and shoulder.

• Children younger than 13 years of age must be restrained in the vehicle’s rear seats unless all rear seats are occupied by other children or the vehicle does not have rear seating.

“Keeping our children safe is of utmost importance, and the changes in the law reflect that feeling. We need to do everything possible to protect them for as long as we can. If anyone has questions about whether their child’s car seat is installed correctly (or if they have the correct car seat) they can contact me at the Hart Post or contact the sheriff’s office or DHHS for assistance,” State Trooper Todd Goodrich said. “There are certified car seat technicians at both the sheriff’s office and DHHS. We currently do not have any car seat clinics scheduled, but there will be car seat check stations for the next several months with alternating locations between Oceana and Mason counties.”

More information can also be found at alwayh@trinity-health.org. To schedule a car seat appointment to ensure your child’s safety seat is adequate, visit https://safekids-west-michigan.square.site/

Edith Munger

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.

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

FRI: (through August): Grillin’ for God, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

June 24 - Father’s Day Celebration for adults & youth ages 12 & up, 12-1 p.m. (buy tickets by 6/18)

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

Shelby UCC plans free breakfast May 31

All are invited to attend a free community breakfast Saturday, May 31, from 8-10 a.m. sponsored by the Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ in Shelby. This totally free “Fifth Saturday” community breakfast is open to all and a fun way to catch up with neighbors and friends or to meet some new ones! Stop in for hot and cold breakfast items, conversation and fellowship. The church is located at 51 E. Third St. in downtown Shelby. The next free community breakfast will be held Saturday, August 30. For more information, please contact the church at 861-4404.

Friends to host Garden Sale and Silent Auction

The Friends of Shelby Area District Library are celebrating spring with a silent auction of garden-themed baskets and their annual Garden Sale with Free Plants. Four beautiful baskets are on display now at the Shelby Library, with bids being taken through May 31. Winning bidders will be notified by phone.

The annual “Garden Sale and Free Plant Giveaway” sponsored by the Friends of Shelby Area District Library (S.A.D.L.) will take place Saturday, May 31, from 8:30-11 a.m. on the grounds of the Shelby Library, 189 Maple St. This popular event will offer donated plants, garden tools, pots, yard art and more. The community is encouraged to share plants from their own yards, shovels, rakes, extra pots, bird feeders or other garden items they may no longer need. Donations of garden items and plants can be dropped off at the library Tuesday, May 27 through the morning of May 31. Many freshly dug plants from the Shelby Library Garden will be available that morning!

Cash donations are encouraged to support the maintenance of the Friends of S.A.D.L. Garden. Those interested in helping to take donations, set up tables, and answer garden questions can show up early Saturday, May 31, to assist. Volunteers can sign up at the circulation desk. The best plants/items go first, so be sure to arrive early. Even if attendees aren’t bringing plants, they are still encouraged to stop by Saturday, May 31, to chat with other gardeners, make a monetary donation and help themselves to the free plants.

Fathers celebrated at The Ladder

The Ladder Community Center is honoring fathers Tuesday, June 24 at 6 p.m. All are invited to join for a delicious barbecue pulled pork dinner and meaningful time with their father, husband or friends. Youth and Men’s Coach Troy Love will share a short devotional on the importance of “The Kick.” Members and guests won’t want to miss this impactful evening of food, fellowship and a timely message. Purchase tickets by 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 by calling (231) 259-0211. Tickets cost $10 per adult, and there is no cost for youth ages 12-18. The Ladder Community Center is located at 67 N. State St. in Shelby.

OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY, MAY 24TH

May

May 24 - Main Street Market Chalets open, downtown Hart. May 24 - Pentwater VFW poppy sale, 8 a.m. to noon

May 25 - Women Veterans Retreat Benefit All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, Pentwater VFW, 8 a.m. to noon.

May 26 - Versiti Blood Drive, West Michigan Research Station, Hart, 8 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

May 26 - All Memorial Day Observances are on Page 1

May 27 - Red Cross Blood Drive, Hart VFW, 11:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m.

May 27 - Adult Book Club, Hesperia Comm. Library, 2-3 p.m., Adult Craft Night, Community Room, 6-7 p.m.

May 28 - Pentwater Academic Awards Program, 9:25 a.m.

May 29 - Last Senior Stretch Class, CUMC, Pentwater, 10-11 a.m.

May 30 - Sensory Play, Hesperia Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m.

May 31 - Downtown Hart Flower Planting & Cleanup, 8 a.m.

May 31 - Garden Sale & Plant Exchange, SADL, 8:30-11 a.m.

HCPAA announces Anne of Green Gables auditions

The Hart Community Performing Arts Association (HCPAA) is excited to announce open auditions for its upcoming summer production of Anne of Green Gables. Community members of all ages are invited to audition for this beloved adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel.

Audition Dates & Times: Location: Hart Middle School Auditorium

Sunday, June 2 from 3:30–6:30 p.m. and Monday, June 3 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Roles are available for a variety of ages and experience levels. HCPAA encourages anyone with an interest in theatre, storytelling or classic literature to audition— no prior experience is necessary.

Anne of Green Gables tells the story of Anne Shirley, a feisty, imaginative orphan whose arrival in Avonlea changes the lives of everyone around her. This family-friendly production will showcase the heart, humor, and timeless charm that have made the story a favorite for over a century.

Read through will take place on June 5, with rehearsals beginning June 16. The production will take the stage August 1–3, 2025.

Those interested in auditioning should contact Director Maggie Bowman at maggiemoo.moul@gmail.com with any questions and to get the audition packet.

Summer youth program offered at The Ladder

Starting Monday, June 16, The Ladder Community Center in Shelby will be offering “Summer Break Out,” a weekday youth program for 6th-12th graders. Break Out shows our community God’s love in very practical ways, offering many serving activities for youth. Break Out also takes youth on fun day trips once a week, called Escape Trips (ropes course, Lewis Farms, golf, Michigan’s Adventure and tubing.)

In addition to off-site activities, The Ladder offers on-site activities, such as pool, air hockey, foosball and basketball. Youth are even developing the habit of reading, listening to and applying the Word of God. Food will be provided Monday through Thursday by Shelby Public Schools.

Parents may register their teens for Break Out by visiting The Ladder at 67 N. State St. in Shelby Monday through Thursday, June 2-12 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Ladder’s youth program is made possible by generous donors and volunteers, at no cost to youth, apart from Escape Trips. If you are interested in volunteering or donating toward the cost of the youth program, please visit The Ladder or call (231) 259-0211.

11:00 am – 2:00 pm 10412 W. Woodrow, Shelby Lake Michigan access comes with this wonderful 4 bedroom, 3 full bath, cape cod home with approximately 2,800 square feet of living space and attached two car garage on over a half acre. Other association amenities include tennis courts, pickle ball courts and a very unique Crolf course. Come take a look! $449,900 DIRECTIONS: W. on Shelby Rd. to 16th Ave, N. to W. Woodrow, W. to house on the right.

Hilltop residents raise concerns, Hart approves Flock Safety trial

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

A considerably-sized audience attended the Hart City Council meeting this past Tuesday, primarily residents of Hilltop Drive in Hart who arrived as a collective to voice their concerns over the development efforts at Pointe Park. Pointe Park is a cityowned property located at the cul-de-sac of Hilltop Drive, and recent activities have included brush removal, which took place in March, to expand lake access.

Residents of Hilltop Drive came prepared with a multitude of concerns regarding the continued development, such as: further road degradation, the preservation of wetlands, noise pollution, road congestion as a result of parking, lowered property values and the safety of children and pets. Perhaps the most egregious complaint by Hilltop residents was that they were not consulted nor informed of the significant change expected on their street.

City Council listened to the residents who presented during public comment and assured them they would be taking these concerns into consideration moving forward regarding the future of Pointe Park. Council member Cunningham, a Hilltop resident himself, agreed with his neighbors and voiced his mutual concern.

Also brought to the attention of other council members was a grant application of interest to City Manager Rob Splane, the Community Development Block Grant administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This grant would be applied towards infrastructure improvements, and Splane proposed the addition of a redundancy loop to the city’s water line along Oceana Drive, a project that has been in development for at least seven years now. A redundancy loop would improve the water circulation of the city, taking water from the end of the water line back to the water tank.

As it is now, the northeast area of the city, the intersection of E. Main Street and Oceana Drive, is serviced by a single water line that does not loop back to the city’s water tank, resulting in inadequate water supply and pressure when compared to its substantial residential and commercial density. The medical care facilities on E. Main have raised concerns over the water quality and flow at the end of the line. Similarly, the fire department complained about the issue of water flow and pressure ten years ago when fighting the fire at the apartment complex. The project has a proposed price tag of $2.2 million, and, if awarded, the grant would provide $1.945 million, which the city would match with $266,000, which is well within the city’s water funds.

The council members unanimously approved going forward with the application for the grant. Though the project is uncertain, it is still notable as,

in order to apply for the grant, the city must provide and adopt an anti-displacement policy that would ensure the city minimizes inconvenience for residents who may be displaced while the construction is underway - which was, likewise, unanimously approved. As it stands, Splane does not foresee the construction resulting in any temporary displacement.

The council also considered the acceptance of a 90-day free trial of Flock Safety for the police department. Should it be accepted, Flock Safety would provide the city four cameras directed towards the road, which would snapshot and identify cars and license plates, which would then interface with other Flock Safety cameras, accessible to police departments across the country. The free trial would extend through the summer months, certainly the busiest time of year in Hart and possibly a time when the solving and deterrence of crime is of high concern with increased traffic.

Councilors Jim Cunningham and Andrew Mullen were leery of the implementation of cameras, but Hart Police Chief Juan Salazar assured them that there would be no facial recognition, no video recording, and that Flock Safety does not indicate having machinations of widespread surveillance efforts as feared in "1984."

After having their concerns addressed, Hart City Council unanimously elected to implement the Flock Safety free trial and will revisit its effectiveness at the end of 90 days.

Fatal crash in Newfield Township remains under investigation

A fatal crash took place Friday, May 9, at 9:42 p.m. on east M-20 near south 176th Avenue in Newfield Township.

Oceana County deputies were dispatched to an accident involving a Chevy pickup truck and a bicyclist. Upon arrival at the scene, deputies found that medical first responders were attempting to give aid to the cyclist who was lying in the ditch. The cyclist is a 57-year-old Hesperia man. Aid was attempted at the scene but, sadly, was unsuccessful.

The victim was identified as Aaron Andreas. Drugs, alcohol and speed are not believed to be involved in this accident. The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Oceana Life EMS, Ferry Fire/Rescue and Mason County Sheriff’s Accident Investigators.

The incident is still under investigation. Please keep the victim and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Deputies then located the driver of the 2015 Chevy pickup. He is a 42-year-old Hesperia man. He stated he’d been traveling westbound on M-20 when the crash happened. It was dark at the time of the crash, and the driver stated he thought he hit a deer. He stopped to investigate when he found the bike and rider along the road. The driver then contacted a nearby residence to have them call 911.

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Donald Walter ‘Don’ Knapp

November 18, 1935 ~ May 14, 2025

Donald Walter “Don” Knapp, 89, of Shelby, passed away peacefully May 14, 2025. He was born on November 18, 1935, in Shelby, the son of Walter and Donna (Parmer) Knapp.

Don graduated with the Shelby High School Class of 1954. He went on to attend the Milwaukee School of Engineering before proudly serving in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in various locations, including Japan.

A skilled and resourceful handyman, Don could repair nearly anything—a talent honed while working on the historic family farm. He spent the final 35 years of his career as an electrician in the Maintenance Department at Whitehall Leather.

Following retirement, Don and his wife, Margaret, served as custodians at the Congregational Church for 15 years, where they were also long-time members. In recent years, they have been attending Rothbury Community Church.

Don and Margaret were passionate square dancers, being honored for 60 years of dancing with the Melody Mates Square Dance Club. They were also active members of the West Michigan Square Dance Association and participated in four national square dance conventions across the country. The couple shared a love for travel and enjoyed many adventures together over the years.

Don is survived by: his wife of 68 & ½ years, Margaret (Fleming) Knapp; children, Randy (Mary Sundstrom) Knapp, Vicki Robinson-Kiel and Jeff Kerekes; grandchildren, Chad (Laura) Robinson, Pearl Slayton, Dr. Caitlin (Jimmy) Parson, Cori (Ryan) Klumpp, Jeriad Kiel and Abby Bobbitt, and Dr. Connor (Phoebe) Knapp; great-grandchildren, Addison Robinson, Ivan Robinson, Alden Robinson, Owen Klumpp, Bode Klumpp, Lily Klumpp, Georgia Knapp, Willa Knapp and Staley Parson; sister, Janet (John) Strahl; brother and sister-in-law, Kay (Jim) Nordlund; as well as many special nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rothbury Community Church, 2500 W. Winston Rd., Rothbury, MI 49452; Shelby Congregational Church Women’s Fellowship, 51 E. Third St., Shelby, MI 49455; or the Oceana County Medical Care, 701 E. Main St., Hart, MI 49420.

Memorial services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, MI 49455. Visitation was held one hour prior to services, with a luncheon immediately following at the Shelby Congregational Church, 51 E. Third St., Shelby, MI 49455.

Paul John Kissel

January 15, 1967 ~ May 19, 2025

Paul John Kissel, 58, left his earthly bounds for his heav enly home on May 19, 2025, after a valiant fight with can cer. Our community was a better place for Paul having been a vital part of it.

Paul volunteered at the Trinity Community Food Pantry for more than 17 years. He was the unofficial director of logistics and boxes. He was also in charge of traffic control, which made the pantry safer as well as more efficient. The Pantry was an integral and important part of Paul’s life, and he made lasting changes and contributions toward it and the people it serves.

Paul lived his life in service to others. We will surely miss his humor and wit and his colorful comments. In joyful memory of Paul, we ask his friends to do an act of kindness for someone in need in his memory.

Paul is survived by his: wife, Carol; beloved dogs, Penny and Tucker; brother, David (Sarah) Kissel; many in-laws, and nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by: his parents, Paul and Barb Kissel.

We are also thankful for the help and assistance of many friends during Paul’s illness and the wonderful care Paul received from the staff at The Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence - Harbor Hospice in Muskegon.

For memorial contributions, please consider the Trinity Community Food Pantry building fund in support of their new addition to expand dry storage space. Paul, as Director of Logistics for the Pantry, understood the great need for this project.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held May 31 at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church with Father Thomas Cavera and Father Charlie Hall presiding. Visitation will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Montague on May 30, from 5-8 p.m., as well as one hour before the service. In honor of Paul, we are asking people, if possible, to wear a Hawaiian or a colorful shirt to Paul’s celebration of life. A luncheon will follow the Mass. Interment will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Claybanks, Michigan.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is assisting with arrangements. harrisfhome.com

Celebration of Life – Kevin Michael Swihart

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life for Kevin (Mike) Swihart on Saturday, May 31, at the Hart Wesleyan Church, 3757 W. Polk Rd., Hart, Michigan. The service is at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Crystal Valley Care Fund.

Karen Gail Goodrich

March 27, 1938 ~ March 25, 2025

Karen Gail Goodrich, 86, surrounded by family at their home in Rapid City, S.D., met the goal of her faith when the Lord peacefully called her home on March 25, 2025.

Karen was born on March 27, 1938, in Montague. On April 10, 1955, she married Jim Goodrich, who predeceased her in 2013. She loved bird watching, shopping and being barefoot. But what Karen loved the most was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She shared his love and salvation message even after dementia started to take her memory from her.

She is survived by her children: Jim (Robynne), Joe (Kim), Jay (Michelle) and Ann (Wayne Webster); grandchildren: Jen Gordon (Barry), Joe Goodrich (Amy), Kristie McGivern (Ryan), Bobby Goodrich, Chris Goodrich (Natalie), Jim Goodrich (Katlynn), Adrielle Goodrich, Eric Goodrich, Kate Rossmiller (Kelby), Samantha Tate (Gordon) and Jeff Tate (Rebecca); over 30 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Robert and Leona Blackburn; husband, Jim; siblings, Donna, Norma, Bobby, Jo, Peggy, Maxine, Leone, Diane and MaryJane; grandson, David; and great-grandson Eamon.

A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, June 1, at 2 p.m. at Rothbury Community Church (2500 W. Winston Rd., Rothbury).

Julia (Gorman) Riggs of Montague

Juls died unexpectedly while on vacation. Her health had been compromised for a long time.

Juls was born in Chicago to Micheal and Helen (Fogg) Gorman on May 26, 1959, moved to Michigan when she was young and graduated from Montague in 1977.

Juls married Mark Riggs on Aug. 22, 1992. She enjoyed being wife, stepmom, grandma and great-grandma. But our funnest times together were camping and music festivals, especially Wheatland.

Juls worked many jobs besides all her volunteering. When she had her health she was an adult foster care, aide, cook, housemaid, and bartender to many a customer; but was very proud to be alcohol-free for almost 16 years.

But her proudest moments were the things she did for our veterans through the American Legion in Whitehall. There are too many to list - just ask an auxiliary member that’s been there awhile. She really enjoyed competing on the Drill Team, too. She was a member since 1987—38 years—and past president also.

She is survived by: her husband of 32.5 years, Mark; her stepson, Mark Jr.; her grandson, Tyler; and her great-grandson, Bellamy; one uncle, Butch Fogg; one aunt, Mary Beth Fogg; in-laws; and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be June 22 from 1-5 p.m. at the VFW on Walsh Road in Montague. Juls will be interred at Oakhurst Cemetery with family and close friends at a later date.

Kenneth Wayne Fenton

July 12, 1949 ~ May 20, 2025

Kenneth Wayne Fenton of Shelby, age 75, passed away peacefully at home, May 20, 2025. He was born July 12, 1949, in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Harry Leonard and Olive (Webster) Fenton.

Ken grew up in Mears. He worked on and off in the family water well drilling business with his father and brother. After his Army service in Washington DC, Ken worked as an offset printer at Muskegon Paper Box and other printing companies in the area. His last job was at the Home Depot in Ludington where he enjoyed helping customers in the hardware and plumbing sections of the store.

Ken enjoyed spending time with his friends outdoors or having a good meal at the Shelby Bakery. He also enjoyed having a drink with friends at Pete’s Pub from time to time. He loved his dogs and enjoyed walking them in the Pentwater plains. He was an avid golfer and spent many hours at Benona Shores Golf Course and Oceana Golf Club. In the winter, Ken enjoyed shooting with his friends at Oceana Archers and playing video games. And he was always in pursuit of Whitetail every bow and rifle season. Ken was a proud veteran and member of the American Legion in Shelby.

Ken’s fun-loving and generous spirit will be missed by his family, friends and neighbors, especially his companion Rita White and family.

Ken is survived by: his daughter, Cindy (Sam) Dudek; brother, Bill (Pam) Fenton; nephew, Michael (Erica) Fenton; and niece, Tonya (Casey) Rosenburg. Ken was preceded in death by: his wife, Mary; and his parents, Harry and Olive Fenton.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday, May 30, 2025 at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Michigan, 49455. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home, and invite you to share coffee and sweets with them after services at the funeral home for a time of fellowship.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

from his manuscript and altered the text to seem less “real,” since there just so happened to be a serial killer known as Jack the Ripper on the loose in the city at that time.

• On May 26, 1897, Bram Stoker’s now iconic horror novel “Dracula” went on sale in London. Stoker’s editors had deleted the first 101 pages from his manuscript and altered the text to seem less “real,” since there just so happened to be a serial killer known as Jack the Ripper on the loose in the city at that time.

• On May 27, 1949, the unemployed, 22-year-old model-actress Marilyn Monroe earned $50 for posing nude for a Los Angeles photographer against a red velvet backdrop. Though it became the most famous calendar photo in history, she never earned another cent from the picture, as she had signed away all her rights to it in a release form.

By Lucie Winborne

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STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20250512

FOR RELEASE MAY 12, 2025

By Lucie Winborne

By JoAnn Derson

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

• On May 28, 2005, Carl Edward Roland, who was wanted by police in connection with the murder of his ex-girlfriend Jennifer Gonzalez, was removed from a crane perched 18 stories above a construction site in Atlanta, where he’d spent three days. After his capture, he was eventually found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20250512 FOR RELEASE MAY 12, 2025

By Lucie Winborne

• More than 300 different species of bacteria are found in dental plaque.

• Bones found at Seymour Island indicate that 37 to 40 million years ago, penguins stood at a formidable 6 feet tall and weighed 250 pounds.

By Lucie Winborne

• More than 300 different species of bacteria are found in dental plaque.

• PEZ candies were originally anti-smoking mints.

• Great ways to remove stuck labels: nail polish remover (NOT for use on plastics), WD-40 oil, soaking in hot water, rubbing alcohol.

• Bones found at Seymour Island indicate that 37 to 40 million years ago, penguins stood at a formidable 6 feet tall and weighed 250 pounds.

Oceana County

ANIMAL SHELTER

This is Maisy, and she wants to share her wish list. She wants: 1. A human who won’t judge her for taking up half the bed (or the whole couch), 2. A lifetime supply of treats (negotiable, but highly encouraged), and 3. Someone who loves affection as much as she does – think cuddles, ear scratches and a few bear hugs. So, if you’re ready to have your heart (and maybe a few snacks) stolen by this lovable, treat-loving chunk of joy, Maisy is here to fill your days with slobbery kisses and endless snuggle sessions. Get ready to meet the best 95 pounds of love you’ll ever encounter! Maisy is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Shelter. If interested, please call the shelter at 231-861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35, and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and you will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/neuter, if needed. Every dog should have an ID tag. L.A.S.S.I. provides free dog ID tags to all Oceana County residents. To request tags, send a text to 231-730-3906. Free tags are also available at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.

• On May 29, 2014, transgender actor and advocate Laverne Cox appeared on the cover of TIME for its story “The Transgender Tipping Point,” following a public backlash over the magazine’s exclusion of Cox from its 100 most influential people reader’s poll the previous month.

• World War II is known as “the blessed war” to many Icelanders because the country has that conflict to thank for its independence.

• PEZ candies were originally anti-smoking mints.

• World War II is known as “the blessed war” to many Icelanders because the country has that conflict to thank for its independence.

On May 30, 1993, after being stalled for four days by a blizzard 4,000 feet below the summit, Joni Phelps became the first blind climber to reach the top of Denali, North America’s tallest mountain. She was guided by her twin sons.

• On May 31, 1977, the song “God Save the Queen” by the British punk band the Sex Pistols was banned from the radio by the BBC. Three decades after its release, lead singer Johnny Rotten aptly remarked, “There are not many songs written over baked beans at the breakfast table that went on to divide a nation and force a change in popular culture.”

• On May 30, 1993, after being stalled for four days by a blizzard 4,000 feet below the summit, Joni Phelps became the first blind climber to reach the top of Denali, North America’s tallest mountain. She was guided by her twin sons.

• On June 1, 1494, Friar John Cor distilled Scotland’s first whisky at Lindores Abbey, under a commission from King James IV to turn eight bolls of malt into “aqua vitae,” or “water of life.”

• Jeanne-Genevieve Garnerin was the first female parachutist. In 1799, she jumped from a hot air balloon. This jump was recorded to be around 900 meters high (over 3,000 feet). She was also one of the earliest women to fly in a balloon.

• “Do you love burgers? Here’s a great thing our family does that saves money and is very handy: When ground beef goes on sale, we buy a large quantity and premake many burger patties, seasoned and shaped just as we like them. Then we separate them with butcher’s paper cut into squares. We put them in stacks, into empty bread bags to store in the freezer. When we are getting ready to cook out, the patties don’t have to be all the way defrosted; just put on the grill and cooked up!” — A.J. in Florida

• In the 1920s and ’30s, many movie theaters had signs instructing ladies to “Please Remove Your Hats” to keep their elaborate headwear from blocking anyone’s view.

• “It’s easy to make custom art for your walls. If you find an image that you like, or have a great digital photo, simply take it to a copy shop and have it printed in a large format. Then you can frame it and hang it on your wall. Now I can enjoy all my grandbabies’ pictures.” — A.F. in Mississippi

• Jeannette Rankin became the first female member of Congress in 1916, four years before the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was ratified.

• In the 1920s and ’30s, many movie theaters had signs instructing ladies to “Please Remove Your Hats” to keep their elaborate headwear from blocking anyone’s view.

• Mike Tyson saw Muhammad Ali’s last match at the age of 14 and got mad at Larry Holmes for beating Ali. Tyson called Ali on the phone and told him, “I’ll grow up and get him back for you.”

• “When shopping for printers these days, make sure you take a peek at the cost of replacement ink cartridges. Some are more expensive than others, and your use could make a printer that looks like a great deal a not-so-great deal. Be sure to do your homework!”

— W.L. in Washington

Seven years later, Tyson met Holmes for a match, and the then-retired Ali stepped in the ring and said, “Remember what you promised.” Tyson made good on his vow in the fourth round.

• Jeannette Rankin became the first female member of Congress in 1916, four years before the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was ratified.

• It’s worth a reminder now that picnic and barbecue season is in full force: The best tablecloths, especially on a windy day, are fitted single sheets. Simply fit the sheet over a standard picnic table and it’s in place and ready. The elastic at the corners keeps it from flying away. You can look at thrift and discount stores for fun patterns or just plain colors!

• The platypus doesn’t have a stomach at all: Its esophagus goes straight to its intestines.

• Rainbows are full circles when viewed from a different perspective, and everyone sees a unique version depending on how their eyes perceive light.

• Mike Tyson saw Muhammad Ali’s last match at the age of 14 and got mad at Larry Holmes for beating Ali. Tyson called Ali on the phone and told him, “I’ll grow up and get him back for you.” Seven years later, Tyson met Holmes for a match, and the then-retired Ali stepped in the ring and said, “Remember what you promised.” Tyson made good on his vow in the fourth round.

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

***

Thought for the Day: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

• The platypus doesn’t have a stomach at all: Its esophagus goes straight to its intestines.

• Rainbows are full circles when viewed from a different perspective, and everyone sees a unique version depending on how their eyes perceive

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and Johann Wolfgang von

Maisy

Ten members of the Hesperia High School band recently performed at the Cornerstone University Honor Band Concert. Standing in the back, from left, Bianca McCormick, clarinet; Elyssa Wright, flute/piccolo; Jade Carroll, baritone saxophone; Ana Doctor, tenor saxophone; Karma Brimmer, flute; Jonathan Lotz, clarinet; and Jonathan Skok, trombone. Silliness in the front, from left, Danielle Merritt, trombone, Olivia Gerard, trumpet and Hala Carroll, percussion.

• Contributed Photo

Hesperia school bands wrap up busy performance season

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

This silly photo, shown above left, taken of the 10 Hesperia High School band students who performed Friday, May 2 at the Cornerstone University’s Honor Band Concert, may best emulate the end of a busy band season for these young musicians. Under the direction of retired Grand Rapids Symphony

Director John Varineau and Cornerstone University Band Director Kerissa Silverthorne, band students from across the region were part of this “honor” to sit under university- and professional-level instruction.

The Hesperia 6th grade band had an exciting day on Tuesday May 6. The students played their Spring Concert music for residents of the River Adult Foster Care (AFC) and New Begin-

nings AFC in Hesperia before playing at the Newaygo County Medical Care Facility. Following their “on the road” concerts, the band picked up members of the 7th and 8th grade band for lunch at Culver’s in Whitehall and a walking tour of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp led by Rich Erne, Director of Arts Programs. “The camp still has a few openings left for 2025. Blue Lake is in its 60th season enriching students in the arts

Notice of Public Hearing on Increasing Property Taxes

The Common Council of the Village of Shelby will hold a Public Hearing on a proposed increase of 0.4295 mills in the operating tax millage rate to be levied in 2025.

Members of the Hesperia 6th grade band played their Spring Concert music for residents of the River Adult Foster Care and New Beginnings AFC in Hesperia. In the front, from left, Jayna Simpson, Camdyn Degarmo, Jazmin Pearson, Gavin Hunt. In the back, from left, Lilith Siegel, Lexa Snyder, Emelia Booher, Mia Alexander, Ariana Lattin, Serenity Hitts, Kaleb Groothuis, Christopher Lopez-Vega, Graham Conkle, Rain Pierce, Brandon Hesse and. Remington Hawley.

from around Michigan, across the United States, and around the world,” said Hesperia Schools Band Director Stephanie Purvis. “No, I am not an employee of BLFAC. I’m just a grateful teacher that this camp is accessible to my students.”

• Contributed Photo Kelly Delia • Hesperia, MI

Municipalities • Industrial

Licensed • Insured

• Free Estimates

(231) 854-0516 | C: (616) 885-4051 • Residential • Commercial

The hearing will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 6:15 P.M. at Village Hall, 218 N. Michigan Avenue, in Shelby.

The date and location of the meeting to take action on the proposed additional millage will be announced at this public meeting.

If adopted, the proposed additional millage will increase operating revenues from ad valorem property taxes 3.10% over such revenues generated by levies permitted without holding a hearing. If the proposed additional millage rate is not approved the operating revenue will increase by 8.68% over the preceding year’s operating revenue.

The taxing unit publishing this notice, and identified below, has complete authority to establish the number of mills to be levied from within its authorized millage rate.

This notice is published by:

VILLAGE OF SHELBY

NOTICE OF CLOSEOUT PUBLIC HEARING

FOR

MICHIGAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING FOR THE SEWER LIFT STATIONS AND WELL PROJECT

Village of Shelby Council will conduct a Public Hearing on May 29, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. at Shelby Village Hall 218 N. Michigan Ave. Shelby, MI 49455 for the purpose of affording citizens an opportunity to submit comments and receive a final report on the completion of the CDBG grant.

The CDBG grant provided funding to assist in the replacement of the Harvey Street and Industrial Street lift stations and to replace Well #2 in the Village of Shelby water system. The Village of Shelby committed a 25% local match from its Water and Sewer Funds. This project will benefit at least 51% low to moderate income persons. Zero people were displaced as a result of the project.

Interested parties are invited to comment on the project in person at the public hearing or in writing through May 28, 2025 and addressed to Phil Morse 218 N. Michigan Ave. Shelby, MI 49455 or by emailing administrator@shelbyvillage.com

Citizen views and comments on the CDBG project are welcome. Village of Shelby Crystal Budde, Clerk 231-861-4400

Pentwater golf claims title of Oceana County Cup champions

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana

Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – Oceana Golf Club was the destination for the annual Oceana County Cup Monday, May 19. Pentwater claimed victory over a field of local teams that included Hart, Hesperia and Shelby.

The Falcons were led by senior Nathan Macher who shot 18 over par with a final stroke count of 90 after 18 holes. Macher recorded three pars on the day, with the majority of his holes resulting in bogies.

Following Macher was a field of Falcons that in-

cluded Mikey Carlson in sixth (+20), Bode Powell and Aiden Henry tied in seventh (+22), Edgar Vazquez (+23) and Gavin Macher in 14th (+32).

Shelby had a pair of individuals that led the field, but they were unable to make up for larger stroke counts by their teammates. Titan Carter placed first individually, shooting a 74, which was just two over par. Carter tallied five birdies, along with eight pars. Next to him was Nathan Miller in second with an 86 (+14) that included five pars and a lone birdie.

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana

Echo Sports Editor

BRETHREN – Entering the Region 33-4 meet at Brethren High School Saturday, May 17, Pentwater only had one athlete who had qualified for the MHSAA D4 track and field state finals. Now, four additional athletes have qualified, bringing the Falcons’ total to five.

Senior Kaleb Brown made waves for Pentwater in 2025, breaking school records and be-

coming the only Falcon to meet early qualifying standards. Brown entered Saturday with a qualifying mark in the 400-meter dash, adding the 400 relay to his resume with a third place finish at regionals (46.28). Brown fell just short of qualifying for the 100, landing in third at 11.98.

Joining Brown in that relay were teammates Logan Fatura, Trey Johnson and Chase McGuire-VanGills – all

Hart girls take third, boys take fourth at regional meet

Pirates qualify 21 total athletes for state finals

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

REMUS, MICH. –Hart’s girls track team got over the final hurdles on their way to a potential fourth-straight D3 state championship. The Pirates took third as a team at the Region 22-3 meet at Chippewa Hills High School Saturday May, 17, qualifying multiple athletes for the state finals in the process.

The girls team has 11 athletes across nine events now qualified for state. The boys team – which took fourth as a team in Remus – qualified 10 athletes across seven events.

Hart’s girls entered the day with a plethora of athletes that had met the MHSAA’s Early Qualifying Standards (EQ). Among those who already had qualified for events throughout the season were Addi Hovey (400-meter relay, 800 relay), Lilly Hopkins (400 relay, 800 relay, 1,600 relay), Lexie Nienhuis (400 relay, 800 relay, 1,600 relay), Addison Hain (400 relay,

800 relay, 1,600 relay), Natalie Rosema (1,600 relay, 3,200 relay), Shelbie Choponis (discus) and Joselyn Flores (high jump).

Hovey had come close to meeting EQ standards in the short distance sprinting events throughout the season, but always fell seconds or milliseconds short.

On Saturday, Hovey qualified for the 100 (12.91) with a third place finish, while also taking first in high jump (5-2).

Hopkins led the way with the most events qualified for (five), adding the 400 (1:00.52) and pole vault (9-6) to her list. Nienhuis (9-0) and Lauren Hopkins (9-0) also qualified for pole vault.

Rosema qualified for her second relay event, joining Alaina Schaner,

Harriet Kidder and Bryn Riley (10:11.95) for a fourth place finish in the 3,200 relay.

On the boys side, Chase Lorenz finished off his incredible run of qualifying events by bringing his total to five. Lorenz reached EQ in the 200, 400 and 1,600 relay earlier in the year, but added the 400 relay (44.12) and 800 relay (1:32.77) at the regional meet.

Carter Ramseyer (400, 1,600 relay), Lyric Fielder (1,600 relay) and Jack Slotman (1,600 relay) were the only other Pirates on the boys team to have met the EQ standards. Ramseyer and Fielder both joined Lorenz to qualify for the 400 and 800 relays. Fielder also qualified for the 300 hurdles (41.46) on Saturday, claiming first place.

A bevy of Hart’s boys qualified for their first events on Saturday as well. Eman Hertzler was part of the 400 and 800 relay teams that qualified, while Trevor VanderKodde, Grant Ackley, Mason Opalewski and Martin Fetterhoff took fourth in the 3,200 relay (8:31.21) to qualify.

Freshman Silas Ackley finished off state qualifiers for the boys, taking fourth in the 3,200 with a personal record time of 10:05.20.

All 21 of Hart’s state qualifiers will compete at the MHSAA D3 State Finals Saturday, May 31 in Kent City. That day will kick off with the boys pole vault at 9 a.m.

HART • HESPERIA

SHELBY

Pentwater’s Nathan Macher watches a putt travel on the green. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Groups of golfers gathered at Benona Shores Golf Course Monday, May 19 to take part in the First Tee West Michigan Golf Fundraiser. Each group had a dollar

pledged per hole, par, birdie and eagle. Don Anderson led the pack

300 holes played, while Melissa Dyer, Brianne Lentz and Laura Sly golfed 180 holes. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

(From left to right) Hart’s Addison Hain, Addi Hovey and Lilly Hopkins race toward the finish. All three are among the Pirates’ 21 athletes to qualify for the D3 State Finals Saturday, May 31. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Carter Ramseyer (left) and Chase Lorenz (right) battle for first place in the 100-meter dash. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Rafael Davis Jr. (+40) came in 19th for the Tigers while Ray Hacker (+42) placed 20th to round out the roster. Shelby tied for second as a team.

Hart’s team was the other half of that second place tie, shooting 386 as a team, led by senior Kaden Bond who placed fourth individually. Bond shot 91 (+19) with four pars and a host of bogies included.

Braydan Baron was the only other Pirate to earn a top-10 finish, slotting in at ninth with a stroke count of 95 (+23).

Rounding out Hart’s field was Logan Dean in 11th (+27), Jackson Bishop in 12th (+29), Luke VanderWilk in 16th (+34) and Connor Riker in 18th (+36).

Hesperia finished at the bottom of the pack in fourth place despite a great round for junior Alex Scott. Scott finished in a tie with Bond, shooting a 91 as well. Tim Hoaglin (+30), Logan Kammer (+33), Ryan Fuentes (+35) and Taylor Ackerberg (+73).

All golfers will now prepare for regionals which will take place next week. Shelby and Hart are slotted in D3 Regional

14 which will be at Katke Golf Course at Ferris State University Tuesday, May 27 at 9 a.m. Pentwater and Hesperia are in D4 Regional 20 which will be Wednesday, May 28 at Clearbrook Golf in Saugatuck at 9 a.m.

34 Oceana County athletes compete at West Michigan All-Star Track and Field Invite

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo

Sports Editor

MUSKEGON – The best of the best in West Michigan gathered at Reeths-Puffer High School in Muskegon Wednesday, May 21 for the annual All-Star Track and Field Invite. This year, that included 34 athletes from Hart, Hesperia and Pentwater combined.

Hart was the bulk of that number, sending 28 athletes to compete. The Pirates were ultra successful, claiming six top finishes between the boys and girls events.

Chase Lorenz took first in the 200-meter dash with a mark of 22.59 while Carter Ramseyer was first in the 400 (50.50). Relay teams had a good day for Hart on the boys team, with the 800 and 1,600 relays taking first. Ramseyer, Lorenz, Lyric Fielder and Eman Hertzler ran the 800 relay (1:31.00) and Ramseyer, Fielder, Jack Slotman and Pablo Ortega-Rubio ran the 1,600 relay (3:31.16).

Silas Ackley didn’t finish first, but the freshman did take second in the 3,200 (10:18.22). Also claiming a top five finish was the 3,200 relay team of Trevor VanderKodde, Martin Fetterhoff, Grant Ackley and Mason Opalewski (8:37.79) and Jag-

ger Lenon in pole vault (10-6). VanderKodde also placed eighth in the 800 (2:06.08).

For Hart’s girls team, top placements included Addi Hovey in the high jump (5-2) and Lexie Nienhuis in pole vault (90). Earning second place finishes were Shelbie Choponis in discus (1087), the 400 relay team of Lilly Hopkins, Nienhuis, Hovey and Addison Hain (51.50) and the 800 relay team of Hopkins, Nienhuis, Hain and Hovey (1:48.00).

Hovey also took fourth in the 100 (13.13) while Hain took sixth in the same event (13.19). Hopkins finished fifth in the 400 (1:01.21), while her sister Lauren Hopkins took fifth in pole vault (8-6). Rounding out top five finishers for the girls was the 3,200 relay team of Harriet Kidder, Alaina Schaner, Bryn Riley and Emery Velat along with Ellie Gross in the 300 hurdles (51.13).

Gross also placed eighth in the 100 hurdles (17.22) which set a new personal record (PR). Rosemary Hernandez placed seventh in the 400 (1:04.91), Evalyn Flores placed 12th in discus (85-2), Choponis was sixth in shot put (30-5.5), Joselyn Flores was eighth in high jump (4-8), Ava Johnson set a new PR with a fourth place finish in long jump (15-5.5) and Sarah Kranz placed 11th

of whom also own the school record for that event.

Fatura excelled in the field events as well, qualifying for both throwing events. Fatura placed second in shot put with a throw of 4011, taking second in discus as well with a personal record (PR) toss of 128-0.

The girls team also

had a state qualifier. Pentwater junior Lauren Davis took second in the 300 hurdles with a time of 51.84, earning her a spot.

In total, Pentwater earned 28 medals and five PR marks in Brethren. Bailey Case came close to qualifying for the 1,600, placing third with a PR time of 6:12.10. Also earning

PRs were Karina Olivarez in discus (78-1), Tyler Zimmer in the 800 (2:31.24) and Sam Gaylard in discus (79-2.25). Pentwater’s five state qualifiers will compete in the D4 State Finals at Hudsonville High School, Saturday, May 31. Field events will kick that day off at 10 a.m.

Stark scores hat trick in loss to Montague

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

SHELBY – Shelby nearly found a way to score a major upset of one of the West Michigan Conference’s top teams, falling 4-3 to Montague Monday, May 19.

The Tigers struck gold in the form of freshman Annabelle Stark. Stark

in the long jump (141.25).

Pentwater had four athletes across five events, with all but one resulting in a top-10 finish.

Kaleb Brown ran the 400 in 51.44 which gave him the Falcons best finish of the day in second place. Trey Johnson leaped 18-8 in long jump to take sixth and Logan Fatura finished the boys team off with a ninth place finish in shot put (37-5.5) and a 13th place mark in discus (113-9).

Lauren Davis was Pentwater’s only female athlete in attendance. Davis took seventh in the 300 hurdles (51.51).

Hesperia had two athletes that were invited, one from both the boys and girls team. Nate Ruhstorfer competed in the 110 hurdles and placed 11th (17.10) while Emily McCallum took fourth in shot put with a toss of 31-0.5.

scored a goal in the first half, allowing Shelby to get on the board early. Montague was not deterred however, scoring three goals of their own in that same frame.

In need of answers, Stark got it done in the second half. Shelby’s freshman scored two in the final 40 minutes to complete the hat trick.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, Montague was able to reclaim the lead at 4-3

with nine minutes left in the game.

The loss dropped the Tigers to 4-13-2 overall on the season where they finished with a 1-9-1 conference record.

Shelby will be back in action when they kick off the D4 District Tournament with a road trip to take on McBain Northern Michigan Christian Tuesday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m.

Up & Coming

Girls Soccer

Tuesday, May 27:

Hart vs. Manistee/Kingsley (TBD) - District Semifinals

Friday, May 30:

Hart vs. TBD - District Finals

Tuesday, May 27:

Shelby at McBain ChristianDistrict Semifinals, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 29:

Shelby vs. TBD at BuckleyDistrict Finals, 5 p.m.

Baseball

Friday, May 23:

Shelby vs. White Cloud at Marsh Field (Muskegon), 5 p.m.

Hesperia at N. Muskegon, 12 p.m.

Tuesday, May 27:

Hesperia at Manistee - Pre-District (Winner will take on Hart), 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 28:

Shelby at Orchard View, 4:30 p.m.

Hart at Pine River, 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 29:

Hesperia vs. Chippewa Hills, 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 31:

Shelby vs. MCC at Hart - District Semifinals, 12 p.m.

Hart vs. Manistee/Hesperia - District Semifinals, 10 a.m.

District Finals (Winners of Semifinal games), 2 p.m.

Softball

Friday, May 23:

Hart at Spring Lake, 4:15 p.m.

Shelby at Montague, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, May 27:

Hart vs. Shelby - Pre-District (Winner will take on Montague), 4:30 p.m.

Pentwater at MCC, 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 29:

Hesperia vs. Chippewa Hills, 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 31:

Hart/Shelby vs. Montague at HartDistrict Semifinals, 10 a.m.

Hesperia vs. MCC at Hart - District Semifinals, 12 p.m.

District Finals (Winners of Semifinals Game), 2 p.m.

Track & Field

Saturday, May 24:

• Distance Night Under the Lights at Houseman Field (Grand Rapids)

• MITCA D4 Team State at Hillsdale College

Saturday, May 31:

at Hudsonville HS, 10 a.m.

Shelby’s Titan Carter sweeps up grass on his follow through. Carter placed first individually at the Oceana County Cup on Monday, May 19 at Oceana Golf Club. • Brendan Samuels/ ECHO

Hart’s Sarah Kranz leaps forward while competing in the long jump event. • Andy Roberts/ECHO

Reflections

Reflections of our community

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New arena welcomes new era in lives of Class of 2025

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Perhaps it was fitting that Montague High School's first major public event in its new arena ended up being MHS graduation, which was moved from its usual spot in the football stadium to the new gym due to power outages from the thunderstorm that came through town the night before.

It was also a fortunate decision, given that it began raining less than a half hour after the ceremony concluded. But then, nothing could've dampened the Class of 2025's spirits after receiving their long-awaited diplomas.

The themes of the graduation speakers were not new, but that didn't make them any less poignant. The focus was on the hope that the Class of 2025 will make a bright future for itself, and that its members would do so with an individualistic spirit.

As principal Christy Thommen said

during her remarks, "Just be you. You can't be anybody else...As you go forth, be bold...but most of all, be you."

The class selected history/geography teacher Tyler Frank to deliver the commencement address, and Frank, after joking that being around Montague students was easily the thing he likes fourth-most about teaching - June, July

and August were the top three - shared that focus on the future.

"The next pages in your life story are blank," Frank said. "But they're already numbered. Protect your blank pages. Guard them like they're the rarest re-

source in your life, because they are." Frank also shared his top 10 favorite quotes from past American presidents. There were many nuggets of wisdom

Montague grads continued on page 6

Montague council green-lights tattoo business

Council also honors outgoing student rep Bailey Tallquist

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — The Montague city council voted 5-1 to approve a special use under the city's zoning ordinance for tattoo parlors and body piercing businesses during its regular meeting Monday.

Council member Paul Schultz was the lone dissenting vote for the move, which was made after Pret-

ty in Polish owner Shannan Myers told the council tattoo artist Meah Snider would like to bring her Nature's Canvas Tattoo business to Montague. Snider, who according to her business' Facebook page has been tattooing since late 2023, actually went through most of the steps necessary to begin renting space in Myers' Water Street Spa and Suites building, where Pretty in Polish is located, and had a list of clients ready to book with her before she and Myers found the business required the special use permit.

Myers said Tuesday in a phone interview that a site review has now been scheduled for Monday, June 9, and believes Snider's business will pass that process. As long as that happens, Snider hopes to begin appointments that week.

"I'm excited," Myers said. "I have quite a few clients who have asked about it. I think it'll be a great addition to the community... Having someone who's young and can bring a fresh look to tattooing

City council

City council continued on page 2

White Lake Community Fund distributes over

White Lake Community Fund distributes over $88K

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The White Lake Community Fund, a branch of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, was pleased to distribute over $88,000 worth of grants in its spring round of awards Monday, May 12 at the White Lake Community Library.

Four organizations received five-figure grants, with the largest amount - $15,000 - going to AgeWell Services of West Michigan. The organization is using the money to fund Meals on Wheels distribution in the White Lake area. AgeWell's Laura Beechnau said the extra money will limit, if not hopefully eliminate, needing to create a wait list for the many residents who request help from the service and will fund over 1,100 meals. The meals go to residents 60 years of age and older, primarily homebound, who have trouble cooking for themselves.

The Montague Museum received a grant of $13,315, which will be used to fund the preservation of some of its

artifacts as well as purchasing security cameras. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission is free, and local people are invited to become museum members for only $6 per year. The all-volunteer staff has digitized Montague school annuals and placed them on their website for viewing.

"It has things in there you've never seen before," said WLCF board member Beth Pickard; some of the exhibits include old military uniforms, the dress former Miss America Nancy Fleming wore when she won Miss Michigan en route to that honor, and old rotary phones and typewriters guests can use.

The Montague High School Band Boosters received a grant of $12,800, which will fund an exploratory program that will allow every sixth-grade student at NBC Middle School to try band for a month. Montague band director Emma Greenwood said she got the idea for the program from a colleague in White Cloud who used it. The program will introduce new middle school students

to band, as well as choir and other activities, on four-week rotations to see if it sparks an interest in band from those who may otherwise not have had the chance to explore it. Students will be able to try multiple instruments to see which one they might gravitate to.

Greenwood added that the upcoming leadership conference, funded by a WLCF grant the Montague band boost-

ers received last fall, is taking place June 10-11. Renowned speaker Dr. Matthew Arau, whose Upbeat Global aims to foster leadership in young people through music, will be visiting to speak to local students June 10 before spending a full day with Whitehall and Montague band

Several members of the Montague High School Class of 2025 fling their caps in the air in celebration after being declared graduates at the end of Friday's graduation ceremony. The event took place in the new MHS arena due to weather. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

The Montague High School band performed the hit country song Take Me Home, Country Roads during Friday's graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

White Lake Community Fund grant recipients celebrate their awards Monday at the White Lake Community Library. Over $88,000 of grants were announced in this round of funding for various local programs and projects. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Members of the Montague city council present high school representative Bailey Tallquist (seated) with a certificate to commemorate her time in the role. Tallquist began serving as rep last fall and graduated from Montague last week. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

The Montague High School band performed the hit country song Take Me Home, Country Roads during Friday's graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague Twp. considers senior millage uses

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

At its Tuesday, May 13 meeting, the Montague Township board proposed using a portion of this year's senior millage to offer green mile markers to senior township residents. The mile markers would aid in emergency medical situations, helping first responders find the home more easily. The board is thinking of asking for input from the White Lake Senior Center to see how many township residents would be interested.

With the remaining money, the board plans to put handrails on the ramp outside of the township hall, as

well as adding a 3 feet by 6 feet informational shadowbox.

A community member voiced concerns about extreme flooding in Clear Springs. Supervisor Jeff King said the township previously put in some boards at the dam to temporarily address the issue, but they seem to have weathered. The board feels there are two choices - either fill the space with dirt or sand, or “let nature take its course” and eventually build a bridge over what would then be considered a creek. The water is now an estimated 4-5 feet deep, but the board does not believe the flooding poses any serious danger to pedestrians.

City council

in the community will be great."

The Montague city council also had a lengthy discussion about the White Lake Senior Center, though no action was taken on the building itself.

The discussion began because the council voted 5-1 - Laura LaGuire was absent and Lisa Kiel dissented - to transfer matters involving the Senior Center from the facilities subcommittee to the senior millage subcommittee. This was done because of concerns about the building's future and whether Senior Center activities may have to someday move to another facility.

"There are serious problems with the building," council member Paul Schultz said. Schultz added that while he is on the senior millage subcommittee, that was not the reason he wanted this move made, and he was willing to leave that committee to prove it if needed.

Schultz went on to say he fears that the building may not be far from an outside authority telling the city that it isn't usable any longer without extensive - and expensive - repairs. He isn't sure what the correct path forward is, but said he felt it was important the public know that so it could provide informed feedback to the council.

According to Schultz, the senior center building was not given to the city strictly as a senior center, but as a community center; use as a senior center was decided later. Senior center activities could, if deemed necessary, take place at a school or church in the area.

The council voted 6-0 to extend its agreement

with the city's social district participants another year and revisit how things are going in May 2026, and also voted 6-0 to reduce the charge for a plastic cup in the district from $1 to 50 cents. The city hopes the latter move increases interest in participating among residents and visitors. While she wasn't present to vote, LaGuire emailed the rest of the city council and city manager Jeff Auch within the last month to register her support for both decisions.

Property owners who are just above the federal poverty line will now be eligible for partial property tax exemptions in Montague after the council voted 6-0 to approve them. Previously, the only exemptions available were full exemptions for those whose income fell under the federal poverty line. Under the new structure, those whose income is up to $1,000 above the line will now receive a 75% exemption, $1,000.01$2,000 above will receive a 50% exemption, and those $2,000.01-$3,000

above will receive a 25% exemption. Auch said a few different structures were considered, but the one approved is the closest to those used by other nearby municipalities.

After Schultz said he could not support the new Muskegon County hazard mitigation plan as presented, the council agreed to discuss it further before considering approval. The plan has been presented to county municipalities over the last month, but Schultz said there were several items involving Montague that he felt included "bad information" and needed to be addressed before he is willing to give the plan a 'yes' vote.

The council voted 4-2 - Schultz and Bob Hires dissented - to provide up to $1,750 in funding for local students to participate in the Sports and Shorts program this summer. A White Lake Area Community Education program, Sports and Shorts invites children ages 5-12 from several municipalities - Montague and Whitehall, and White River, Dalton, Fruitland and Laketon

With the new adult soccer league starting this summer and playing in the outfield of the softball fields, the idea of knocking down the surrounding trees was discussed. This would allow for more parking to be put in.

The board approved a chip and seal of Walsh Road for this fiscal year. The total cost will come to $59,000, but the township will only have to pay half of the cost, with Muskegon County picking up the remainder. The board said doing the chip and seal will add seven or eight years of life to the road.

Trustee Jay Goodrich shared a heavy update from the White Lake Fire Authority. He said the fire department

has received 162 calls so far this year, most of them medically related. He proposed staffing two people on different overnight shifts. With five people retiring in the next few years, Goodrich and other fire board members believe this would allow appropriate time to properly train new volunteers.

Goodrich also shared the news that the WLFA will have to replace one of its fire trucks in the next year. This will cost approximately $800,000. He said the fire department is not eligible for any grants for this since the department is volunteer-led and not a full-time staff. The truck will not be purchased within this fiscal year.

townships - to participate in recreational activities Mondays-Thursdays from July 7-Aug. 7. The funding will provide for up to five city children to participate; Auch said each of the past two years saw four children from Montague in the program, and so far this year two have registered.

The council presented Montague High School student representative Bailey Tallquist with a certificate commemorating her time in the role. Tallquist stepped into the role last fall and graduated from Montague Friday, May 16. She expressed the hope that a current MHS junior will take up the role next year.

During the city manager's update, Auch reported that renovations to the upstairs part of city hall will begin June 9, with an expected sixweek timeline. He said it's possible, depending on where city workers move to accommodate the renovations, that the June city council meeting may move somewhere else as a result.

Memorial Day

ceremony at Covell Park

The White Lake VFW Post 3256 in Montague and the Whitehall American Legion Algot Johnson Post 69 will take part in their annual Memorial Day commemoration event Monday, May 26, with the ceremony at Covell Park beginning by 11 a.m.

Groups from both organizations will march from their towns and meet up at Covell. The event may start shortly before 11, so plan accordingly if you wish to attend. Both groups will honor memorial posts along the route.

continued from page 1

• Mungujakisa Edmond/Courtesy Image

Saturday, May 24

Memorial Weekend open house @ Claybanks Pottery, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cookies available.

Red White & BBQ @ Rivers Ace Whitehall, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free grilled food samples and Memorial Day crafts for kids.

Sip & Shop indoor craft show @ Double JJ Resort, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eighty-plus local artisans.

White Lake Area Climate Action Council electronics recycling event @ Montague Farmer's Market, 2-4 p.m. All household batteries and portable

Community Calendar

electronics accepted - no CRT or projection TVs or monitors. Suggested donation of $2 for first 10 items, $5 for 10-plus.

Sunday, May 25

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

White Lake Ukulele Club meets @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 1-2 p.m. Penny Rushing teaches on stage.

Monday, May 26

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

Tuesday, May 27

Eugene Morningstar performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 2-4 p.m.

Summer youth camp sign-up night @ VAC, 6-8 p.m. Get any information you need about summer sports camp opportunities for students. Inflatables and yard games.

Wednesday, May 28

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

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

Community focus group event @ Pioneer Park Lodge. Share feedback on the Shoreline Trails and Greenway

plan in its early stages.

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

Thursday, May 29

Depoloarizing Ourselves workshop @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Learn how to be more aware of your “inner polarizer" and how to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population. Register at wlclib.org/calendar.

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

Friday, May 30

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

Echoes of History: Ladies Cornet Band (Part 2)

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

See last week's Mirror for Part 1 of this story.

Josephine M. “Josie” LaVille was born Sept. 17, 1860 in West Bend, Washington Co., Wisconsin. According to the 1880 census, she was living on Colby Street with her older brother Charle Henry, age 27, and her younger sister Julia, age 16. It appears that she never married, and that she moved to Chicago, where she died Aug. 27, 1933.

Mary Elizabeth (nee Watkins) Johnson was born July 12, 1854 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Jacob Watkins and Hannah Winter. She married Charles John Johnson March 21, 1877 in Whitehall. They had seven children, five of whom were still living when she died from pneumonia March 7, 1902. She is buried in Oakhurst Cemetery along with a daughter and a son.

Cora (nee Hinman) Jackson was born in Whitehall 6 March 6, 1871, the daughter of Fred A. Hinman and Mary Brockman. She was the sole graduate from Whitehall High School in 1887. She married Dr. James Gordon Jackson June 27, 1889 in Whitehall. They had a son, Samuel Adam (1890-1945), and two infant daughters, Myra Gertrude (1891-1891) and Edith Miriam (1892-1892). Her husband died Jan. 9, 1912 in North Muskegon. She died there also May 26, 1952.

Grace R. Carpenter was born Sept. 26 of an unspecified year in Indiana. She was first married to Walter R. Hawley, an actor from New York, Jan. 18, 1888 in Muskegon. She then married Charles E. Park in August 1889 in Whitehall. They had a daughter, Marguerite, in February 1891. Grace died March 29, 1944 at the for-

mer Dornbush Convalescent Home in Norton Shores.

Lillie “Lillie” Hanson was born in August 1862 in Claybanks to John D. Hanson and Betsey Austin. She married William M. Peck March 2, 1877 in Montague. He was the son of William Peck, the Franklin House hotelkeeper. Lillie and William had a son, Charlie (1888-1974). Lillie died May 9, 1944 at the age of 81. She is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Edith “Edie” Kenfield was born in 1873 to Henry M. Kenfield and Lucy Canterbury of Massachusetts. According to the local 1893 City Directory, her occupation was listed as Dressmaker. She died from consumption Aug. 15, 1894 at the age of 21. She is buried in Oakhurst Cemetery.

Harriet A. “Hattie” Kenfield was born in Illinois in March 1867 to Henry M. Kenfield and Lucy Canterbury. She married Quincy Brooks Oct. 16, 1889 in Whitehall. They had four children. She died Sept. 1, 1937 and is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Lillian Eliza Rogers was born May 18, 1862 to Samuel Rogers and Betsey Miner. She married Benjamin Paine in Whitehall in October 1881, and they had six children. They moved to Grand Rapids, where Benjamin died Oct. 18, 1895, at the age of 39, leaving his wife and three children. Lillian died from pneumonia Feb. 22, 1899, while in Whitehall visiting friends. Earlier in the week, Feb. 19, 1899, her 13-year-old son Frank had died at the family home in Grand Rapids. They are both buried in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Unfortunately, at this time, no information could be found for Stella DeMass/Dumass or other spelling variations, or for Mrs. Nielson of Montague.

As for Professor Christie, who started the Ladies

Cornet Band, an article from Jan. 17, 1889 indicated he spent six years in college in Christiania, the capital of Norway, pursuing all branches of the study of music. It seems the study of violin was his favorite musical instrument. His ability as a composer and writer of violin music had long been recognized. For many years he gave his attention to the local opera house playing and leading the orchestras. He had done more for the advancement of music in Whitehall and Montague and had the means of bringing into the two towns more musical instruments than anyone else. In many instances he gave his knowledge, time and money free of charge and built up musicians from mere novices.

The only other bit of information about him was an early local City Directory listing from 1887-90 for Andrew Christy, which indicated that he was a bookkeeper for G. J. Moog. That probably explains how Mrs. Moog became the band director at one point.

Summer reading programs are coming soon

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

mentary aged kids through a series of fun musical games and activities.

include scavenger hunts, nature rubbings, finger prints, and more.

For Adults:

Get ready to “Color Our World” at White Lake Community Library this summer! This year’s summer reading program promises exciting activities designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for reading. The free program runs from June 12-July 31 and is open to all ages, from infants to adults. Program participants can pick up a welcome kit with all the information needed to get started - plus a few fun itemsbeginning June 12.

Visit the library’s website at wlclib. org or our Facebook page for a complete listing of event information, and check out some of the highlights below.

For Kids and Families:

Music Mondays - At 10 a.m. each Monday, Library Beth will lead ele-

Family Night - Families can look forward to a special event each Thursday at 5:30. These programs are designed to entertain and educate all ages. Highlights include a “how to draw your dragon” event, a special Christmas in July event at Stibitz farm, and a storytime at the Cole Family blueberry farm. The final Family Night will be a messy celebration: a foam party thrown by Stormy’s Foam Parties.

Outdoor Explorers - at 10 a.m. Fridays, families will spend the hour exploring the woods, building forts, playing lawn games, looking for critters, and walking the story trail.

Afternoon Hangout - Fridays from 2-4, youth ages 10 and up are invited to the library's hangout sessions, where they can engage in games, book discussions, creative projects, and video games. The Nintendo Switch and VR headset will be available to use each session!

Drop-In Fun - Each week there will be a new drop-in activity for kids that can be done on any day, at any time that we’re open. Activities will

There will be two art-related programs this summer, including a takeand-make craft kit available beginning June 16th (while supplies last) and an in-person craft event at 5:30 on July 28th making colorful mini libraries.

Adults are also invited on a colorful journey through time as we learn about the history of the shades and hues of colors we see around us in a live virtual presentation July 16th at 5:30pm.

This program will be available to watch at the library or from home on Zoom.

As a special end-of-summer event, musician Ben Traverse will visit the library Aug. 7 and lead us in a rousing sea shanty sing-along filled with music and history. No prior experience necessary - pirates weren’t all good singers, and you don’t have to be either!

As you can see, the library's summer reading program is about books—and so much MORE! It's about creating experiences that in-

spire and engage. Get ready to read, learn, imagine, and color our world together!

FUN FACT: Feet on the Street began in 2017 after the Colby Street road project concluded. It continues to be an annual summer kick-off event put on by the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and is now held in the North Mears Promenade instead of in the street. We look forward to being there again this year on June 1 from 2-7 p.m. for this community-wide block party. There will be food trucks, live music, and plenty of activities and crafts for all ages.

DeMumbrum

May 1889 – Members of the Ladies Cornet Band include, left to right, front row, Lillian (nee Rogers) Paine, Mary Johnson, Josie LaVille and Cora (nee Hinman) Jackson; second row, Edith “Edie” Kenfield, Adella (nee Ruggles) Van Kuren, Hattie (nee Kenfield) Brooks, Miriam Moog, her son Jud Moog, and Stella DuMass.

• Courtesy Photo

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community

Cold, rain doesn't deter All-Stars at showcase

R-P's Mason Darke and Whitehall's Camden Thompson earn All-Star first-place finishes

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Local athletes didn't let bad weather conditions deter them from competing Wednesday at the annual West Michigan All-Star meet, bringing together some of the top track stars in the area.

Cold temperatures and a steady rain likely contributed to smaller fields in most events - and significantly less attendance - than the meet is used to seeing, but most qualifiers from Whitehall, Montague and Reeths-Puffer took the track and competed, with many earning medals for their perseverance.

Two such stars, Mason Darke of Reeths-Puffer and Camden Thompson of Whitehall, earned the top spot in their events. Darke swept the two hurdles events, recording times of 14.72 seconds in the 110-meter race and 38.92 seconds in the 300, and Thompson won the high jump with a mark of 6-4.

Several other local boys athletes finished in the top six in their events and earned medals. Riley Mulder of Montague took second place in the 100-meter dash

Montague's Annelyse Schneider soars through the air during the long jump event at Wednesday's West Michigan All-Star meet. Schneider finished 10th in the event.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

in a time of 11.47 seconds, and Thompson edged out teammate Caden Bowyer by just six inches for second place in discus, with a mark of 144-9; Bowyer took third. The Vikings' Keegan Frees placed second in pole vault with a mark of 12-0, and Kamarion Davis of Reeths-Puffer was second in long jump (20-6.5).

R-P's Marvin Moore placed third in the 200 (23.08), and Whitehall's Stewart Waters was third in the 1,600 (4:38.0). Whitehall's Hunter Parsons picked up a personal best in the 3,200 and finished fourth (10:30.9).

Whitehall's Caden Bowyer winds up for his discus throw during Wednesday's West Michigan All-Star meet at Reeths-Puffer. Bowyer finished third in the event.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Thompson was fourth in the 110 hurdles (15.28). Three fifth-placers were London Rankin of R-P in the 100 (11.54), Whitehall's Cole Essebaggers in the long jump (19-1), and Wyatt Fairchild of Montague in the

Warren Zweigle scores 600th win as Whitehall coach

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall coach Warren Zweigle, already a state coaches' association Hall of Famer, achieved a remarkable milestone Friday, winning his 600th career game at the Vikings' helm during a doubleheader sweep of West Michigan Conference Lakes foe Oakridge, 6-5 and 14-4.

The wins assured the Vikings of a second-place finish in the conference standings - they are 8-3 with a suspended game against Ludington to complete - and also ensured rival Montague will win the league outright.

According to the MHSAA record book, Zweigle is the 35th coach in the state to achieve 600 wins, and the alltime wins leader among Muskegon County-based coaches.

"More than anything, 600 wins really affirms how long I've been doing this," Zweigle said. "I am so grateful to have endured 31 years of coaching in an era where longevity is no longer the norm."

Zweigle has been at the helm of Whitehall baseball long enough that one of his sons, Zach Zweigle, whom he coached as a student from 2010-13, is now serving as assistant coach.

Whitehall staved off a valiant effort by Oakridge to come back in game one after the Vikes built a 6-0 lead. The Ea-

gles rallied to load the bases with one out in the seventh inning, down only a run, before Evan Thomas came on to get a popout and a groundout and get the save.

The Vikings took advantage of a hit batter and a dropped third strike to turn three hits into five runs in the second inning and take command of the game. Justin Jensen added another run in the third on an RBI triple.

Eli Winters got two hits in the win, and Jensen drove in three runs. Brock Morningstar picked up the win, allowing two earned runs in 6 1/3 innings and striking out four.

Whitehall's bats took over late in game two, scoring 13 times in the final four innings. A two-run Cody Manzo double really got things rolling in the fourth, and Morningstar's RBI double in

the fifth boosted the lead further, to 6-1. Thomas had a two-run single in the sixth and an RBI double in the seventh, and Nate Betz had a two-run single.

Betz, Thomas and Myles Welch each got two hits in the win, and Welch scored three times. Ethan DeShong led a four-pitcher effort to get the win, allowing one earned run on two hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Zweigle credited the Whitehall community and the program's support system for helping him to the coveted 600win milestone.

"While I certainly inherited an already successful program when I first got here, it took years of love and passion for the game, an endless run of great players, great assistants and the support of both parents and the community to keep it rolling," Zweigle said.

Vikes fall just short of regional 3-peat

Whitehall finishes close second, wins 5 individual events

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The Whitehall boys track team narrowly fell short of winning its third straight Division 2 regional championship Saturday at Allendale, but there was plenty to celebrate for the Vikings. Whitehall added a few more state qualifications to its ledger Saturday, on top of the athletes who had already secured early qualification.

Whitehall scored 99 points, just 3.75 behind regional champ Allendale, to finish in second place as a team.

The Vikings scored five regional event championships, including two by Mason Mulnix. The senior sprinter

earned the top spot in both the 200 and 400-meter dashes, finishing with respective times of 22.77 and 51.10 seconds. He also took third in the 100 with a time of 11.32 seconds. He'd already qualified for state in all three races.

Camden Thompson won the regional title in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.24 seconds, Ayden Mendoza won the high jump at 6-2, and Kal Koehler took the top spot in long jump with a leap of 20-8.75. Thompson was second to Mendoza in high jump, also leaping 6-2 (Mendoza won by tiebreaker).

Thompson and teammate Caden Bowyer earned state qualifications in discus with personal best throws. Bowyer finished fourth in the event with a mark of 151-1.5, and Thompson threw the discus 147-4. Each beat the state qualifying standard to earn a spot at

the state meet.

Corde Anderson, who'd already earned an early qualification in the 110 hurdles, finished third in that event Saturday with a time of 15.76 seconds. He was also fourth in the 300 hurdles, with a time of 43.51 seconds.

The Vikings picked up several other medals as well. Keegan Frees finished fourth in pole vault with a mark of 11-8.

Whitehall's 1,600 relay team of Andon Palmer, Rex Pumford, Tyler Van Antwerp and Mulnix finished fifth (3:33.9), and the 3,200 team of Pumford, Jevon Hilliard, Van Antwerp and Stewart Waters was sixth (8:39.3). Waters also finished sixth in the 3,200 himself, with a

Mendoza Koehler Mulnix Thompson

Zweigle

Rockets go 2-3 at elite Canton weekend tourney

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Reeths-Puffer took advantage of the chance to compete against some of the state's best teams over the weekend, going 2-3 at the Canton Challenge tournament.

The Rockets lost to Division 2 honorable mention Linden 5-3 Friday. They split two games Saturday, losing 7-4 to Division 1 honorable mention Lakeland and then edging Clinton 109. R-P ended the tournament Sunday with an 11-4 win over Division 1 hon-

orable mention Midland Dow and a 5-0 loss to No. 6-ranked Walled Lake Northern. R-P led Linden 3-0 in the third inning before a late rally by the Eagles, who hit a two-run single in the fifth for the winning runs. Kyleigh

McDaniel

Bilek opened the scoring with a tworun double in the first and drove in all

three Rocket runs. Lainey McDaniel struck out 11 and allowed two earned runs on three hits.

The Rockets (18-10) also had an early lead against Lakeland before the Eagles scored four times in the third inning. Abbie Critchett and Tessa Ross each got two hits, and Mady Snyder allowed one earned run in four innings.

R-P staged its own comeback against Clinton, tying the game with four runs in the fifth inning and scoring the winning run on a Brook Buchan RBI single in the sixth. Aubrey Clark's two-run single highlighted the fifth-in-

Viking tennis takes 7th at regional tournament, ending solid year

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall ended its season at the Division 3 regionals at Holland Christian last Thursday, scoring seven points to finish in seventh place.

The Vikings' biggest highlight was No. 3 singles player Izzy Gould advancing to the finals at her flight. Gould, who was seeded

third in the bracket, downed Sparta's Olivia Sella in her first match, 6-2, 6-2, then topped Coopersville's Sadie Kelly 6-0, 6-1 in the semifinals after Kelly upset No. 2 seed Summer Hill of Spring Lake. Only top seed Esmay Klingenberg of Holland Christian could stop Gould in the finals.

Brianna Bentz/Avarie Bentz, who were seeded third at the top doubles flight, reached the semi-

Track regionals

time of 9:58.6.

On the girls' side, senior Cami Kraai extended her career for another couple of weeks by earning state qualification in the 800-meter run. She ran a season best time of 2:22.2 to qualify on time and finish in third place.

Evelyn Darke also finished in third for Whitehall, in shot put, with a mark of 33-6. Adalyn Britton took seventh in the 800 (2:30.3), and Lexi Poulin was seventh in high jump (4-9). The 3,200 relay team of Britton, Kraai, Ella Nicholson and Kassidy Parmley rounded out Whitehall medalists with an eighth-place finish (11:43.0).

Wildcat boys 3rd at regionals

The Montague boys team finished in third place, only two points out of second, at Friday's Division 3 regional meet in Saugatuck. The Wildcat girls finished seventh.

Montague earned state qualification in several events. Isaac French took second in shot put to reach state, posting a mark of 4511. Devlin Dean's personal best 20-8.5 in long jump earned him third place and got him to the state meet by beating the qualifying standard. The Wildcat boys also reached state in the 3,200-meter relay, where Gibson Sholes, Nolan Kessler, Alix Draves and Noah Raeth finished third in a time of 8:28.6.

Wyatt Fairchild also advanced to state with his efforts in the 200 and 400-meter adaptive races. Though he was the only competitor in both, Fairchild earned new personal best marks each time, with times of 57.30 seconds in the 200 and 1:23.2 in the 400.

In the girls' meet, Amanda Cederquist qualified for state in

two events, winning the regional championship in shot put with a mark of 32-3 and beating the standard in the 100-meter hurdles, finishing fourth in a time of 16.60 seconds.

The Wildcats also earned medals in many other events. Raeth finished fourth in the 1,600, setting a new personal best with a time of 4:38.5. Kessler was fourth in the 3,200 in a time of 10:28.97. Logan Hansen finished fifth in discus with a throw of 117-6.5, and Riley Mulder medaled three times, finishing sixth in the 100 (11.74), sixth in the shot put (a personal best 43-6.5) and eighth in the 200 (24.03). Isaiah King added a seventh-place in high jump (5-7).

Montague also medaled in the two sprint relays. Mulder, Dean, Talan Degen and Wyatt Grawey were fourth in the 800 relay (1:35.9), and Degen, Dean, Grawey and Clay Jordan took fifth in the 400 relay (45.89).

Annelyse Schneider picked up a pair of medals for the Wildcat girls, earning fourth place in high jump (4-10) and eighth in long jump (14-9). Addison Smith also medaled twice, earning a personal best in pole vault, where she was fourth (8-6), and taking fifth in the 100 (13.78). Molly Mulder set a personal best by finishing sixth in shot put (29-0.5), and Grace Torsch also earned a personal best, in the 3,200, and finished sixth (6:00.3). Gabriella Dietz was seventh in high jump (4-4).

The 'Cats earned two relay medals. The 800 relay team of Cederquist, Cadence Fox, Smith and Schneider was sixth (1:54.4), and the 400 team of Fox, Dietz, Smith and Celina Pruitt was eighth (55.14).

finals with an easy 6-0, 6-1 win over Madison Slovinski/Cadence DeAugustine of Fremont and pushed No. 2 seed Aliya Williams/ Lydia Recor of Spring Lake to a third set before falling short, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.

Winning first-round matches for Whitehall were Grace McDowell at No. 2 singles and Emily VanDam/Braelee Fogus at No. 3 doubles, each in straight sets.

continued from page 4

R-P boys add another state qualifier

Reeths-Puffer added one new state qualifying event to its tally last Thursday at the Division 1 regional meet at Zeeland East, with the boys' 400-meter team earning a spot.

The team of Marvin Moore, Emcee McLaurin, Mason Darke and London Rankin earned a spot in the state field with their 5th-place finish and time of 42.95 seconds, which beat the MHSAA qualifying standard.

Both Darke and Moore earned medals in all four of their events, teaming up for three of them via relays. Darke once again broke his 300-meter hurdles school record and won the regional championship in the event with a time of 38.13 seconds; he'd previously earned an early qualifying spot at the state meet in both hurdles events. Moore finished fourth in the 200-meter dash in a personal best time of 22.78 seconds, narrowly missing state qualification.

In addition to their state qualification in the 400 relay, Darke and Moore, along with Rankin, helped the Rockets to fourth-place finishes in both the 800 and 1,600 relays. The trio joined with McLaurin to run the 800 in 1:30.5 and finished in a time of 3:29.3 in the 1,600 with Ethan Rolewicz in the race.

The Rocket girls medaled in three events at regionals. In the 400-meter relay, Raquel Walker, Addison Mitchelson, Amani Starr and Melana Johnson finished fourth in a time of 50.75 seconds, and in the 800 relay, Walker, Mitchelson, Jersi Bilek and Ivanna Kass took fourth in a time of 1:47.7. Bilek also finished eighth in the 800 with a season-best time of 2:21.1.

ning comeback. Bilek got three hits and Clark had two. Snyder got the win, allowing three earned runs and striking out four.

The Rockets scored in all four innings they batted against Dow. Ava Gibbs got a two-run double, and Snyder had two hits and scored twice. McDaniel got the win, striking out eight and allowing six hits.

Walled Lake Northern stifled the R-P offense in the final game of the weekend, holding the Rockets to three hits. McDaniel and Snyder combined for 10 strikeouts in the circle.

Sports in Brief

Baseball

Jenison 10 Reeths-Puffer 0

Jenison scored 7 runs in the 5th inning to blow open a close game and end it by mercy rule. The Wildcats' AJ Park hit a home run in the game. Cade Paugh and Holden Earnest each had a hit.

Whitehall 8-11 Mason Co. Central 2-4

Evan Thomas had 3 hits and 3 RBI in game one, and Cody Manzo had 2 hits. Noah Peterson allowed only 4 hits and got the win. In game two, Thomas had 4 RBI and Nate Betz got 2 hits. Myles Welch struck out 6 to pick up the win on the mound.

Reeths-Puffer 2-0 at Zeeland Invite

The Rockets' bats came alive in the event, as they beat Zeeland East 8-4 and Zeeland West 17-0. Cade Paugh and Brendan Guikema each hit a 3-run homer against the Dux, and Quinn Alderink and Jack Yonkman collected 3 hits apiece. Brayden Mitchelson threw 6 1/3 shutout innings. Against the Chix, Ethan Frang and Holden Earnest got 2 hits each, and Colton Bessinger picked up the win on the mound.

Whitehall 8-6 Newaygo 1-2

Whitehall got great pitching in each game. Noah Peterson allowed 4 hits in game one and Myles Welch permitted 8 in game two. Eli Winters got 2 hits in the opener, and Nate Betz got 2 hits in the second game.

Softball

Jenison 3 Reeths-Puffer 2

A 5th-inning error enabled Jenison to score the winning run to defeat the Rockets. Mady Snyder hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 5th. Snyder pitched 4 shutout innings, and she and Kyleigh Bilek each got 2 hits.

Oakridge 4-13 Whitehall 2-0

Whitehall came very close to pulling an upset of the WMC Lakes unbeaten Eagles in game one, when Janie Fagan hit a 2-run home run to give the Vikings a 2-0 lead they took into the 4th inning. Oakridge rallied, though, to get the win. Megan LeaTrea allowed 3 earned runs in the game. Ryleigh Smith got 2 hits in game two. Newaygo 6-8 Whitehall 5-7

Whitehall rallied to tie the score in game one before Newaygo walked it off in extra innings. Annabel Kevwitch got 3 hits and Megan LeaTrea allowed 6 hits and one earned run. In game two, the Lions rallied from down 7-2 to win. Megan LeaTrea and Beth LeaTrea each got 2 hits.

Girls Soccer

Reeths-Puffer 9 Muskegon 0

Madilynn Dyer scored 4 goals to lead the Rockets to a mercy-rule win. Jaslynn Kops and Mallorie Messer each had a goal and 2 assists. R-P did not allow a shot on goal in the win.

Manistee 2 Whitehall 1

All 3 goals in the game came in the first half. Manistee scored the gamewinner with 5 minutes left before halftime.

Montague 4 Shelby 3

The Wildcats scored the game-winning goal with 9 minutes to play. Statistics had not been reported at press time.

Fremont 8 Whitehall 0

The Vikings closed out regular-season play with a tough defeat.

Boys Golf

Reeths-Puffer 14th at Katke tournament

The Rockets had a score of 718 at the two-day event - 360 on day one and 358 on day two. Kristian Brown had an 82 and an 83, leading the team in scoring both days. Ayden Hartzell also scored both days (93 and 95).

Whitehall 15th at Rockford Invite

The Vikings had a team score of 368 at the meet. Royce Freed led the team with an 88, and Bradeon Bond had a 91. Bond made 2 birdies in his round, and Freed made one.

Reeths-Puffer 14th, Whitehall 17th at Shores Invite

The Rockets edged Whitehall by 5 strokes. Kristian Brown led local players with an 83 for R-P, including 4 birdies, and Aiden Waggoner shot an 88. For Whitehall, Finn Novy had an 89 and Jones McDowell shot 90.

Whitehall 4th, Montague 6th at Whitehall Jamboree In a close jamboree, Whitehall finished 9 shots behind first-place Ludington and 8 ahead of the Wildcats. Rylan Johnson led the Vikings in scoring with a 43. Teammates Brady Tate, Braedon Bond and Jones McDowell each shot a 45, as did Montague's Maxwell Welch. Wildcats Tanner Devries, Bucky Aney and Ethan Balon each had a 47.

Lacrosse

F.H. Northern 17 Reeths-Puffer 3 Owen Greiner, Gabe Feirick and Braeden Monette each had a goal, but the top-seeded Huskies were too much for R-P in the pre-regionals.

Oakridge 3 Whitehall 1

The Vikings had beaten Oakridge during the regular season, but suffered a tough defeat in the pre-district round at home despite getting 9 shots on goal against the Eagles.

All-Star meet

400 (1:27.8); Fairchild normally competes in the adaptive race, but with a field of five competitors, the event was able to accommodate him in the finals.

In the boys' relays, the Rockets' 400-meter team of London Rankin,

continued from page 4

Moore, Emcee McLaurin and Cole Piper finished second (44.83); the 800-meter team of Rankin, Darke, Moore and Piper took fourth (1:34.9); the 1,600-meter team of Rankin, London Carpenter, Callahan Millis and Ethan Rolewicz

Community fund

students June 11.

The Playhouse at White Lake received a $12,500 grant to fund its summer theatre festival, which director Beth Beaman called its "keystone project of the year," with eight weeks of programming scheduled. The festival will include productions by Central Michigan University, a Bon Appetit cabaret in partnership with the Muskegon Museum of Art, and a Playhouse production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Beaman also noted that the Playhouse will be bringing back a program that provides tickets and transportation to shows for low-income seniors in the area and that 10 free tickets are provided to the library for each Playhouse production each year, with cardholders able to check out tickets up to two times per person.

The Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center's $6,500 grant will help fund the restoration of the Sailboat Trees sculpture in Covell Park in Whitehall, right next to the Whitehall/Montague bridge. The sculpture is one of the first sculptures to be part of the Art Walk when it began in 2010, which now has about a dozen sculptures. ACWL-Nuveen member Kathy Rogers said the organization hopes to have the restoration work done in June.

Walk the Beat White Lake's $6,000 contribution from the WLCF enabled

continued from page 1

the organization to give some sort of award to all 33 students who applied for one through its scholarship program this year, something it hadn't been able to do in the past. Director Sara KaneSmart said while Montague students have long been well-represented in applications, she was pleased to see an uptick in Whitehall applications as well in 2025. She relayed one story of a dad who told her his son, who received a guitar at the annual kickoff event in April, played it for two hours the evening it was presented to him.

Camp Miniwanca's $5,000 grant from the WLCF will allow 12 students each from Whitehall and Montague schools to be part of its fall activities at no cost. Part of the Michigan Middle School Leadership Initiative, the camp brings students together from around the state to participate in activities and create community action projects they then put into action where they live.

Another $5,000 went to the West Michigan Symphony for its Link Up program. Geared to grades 3-5, the Link Up program - a nationwide program which, according to president and CEO Andy Buelow, originated at Carnegie Hall - is a year-long music curriculum which brings students in to work directly with symphony musicians, learning notation and melodies. Students receive a recorder and are able to perform along-

their diplomas during Friday's graduation ceremony at the high school. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague grads

among them, but the one that fit his theme best was the first he presented, via Abraham Lincoln: "The best way to predict your future is to create it."

Senior class president Greta Auch also spoke and had the traditional honor of passing the color staff - a wooden object emblazoned with the Montague Wildcat logo - to junior class president Fletcher Thommen, declaring that the Class of 2026 was the new senior group. Prior to school board president Brent Raeth conferring the honor of graduation on the Class of 2025, superintendent Jeff Johnson closed out the speakers' portion of the evening by emphasizing finding what you care about, pursuing it, and learning from any failures that come along the way.

"Those who make a difference in the lives of others do so with passion," Johnson said. "Live life with perseverance. Failures are opportunities for growth."

was second (3:34.0); and Montague's 3,200-meter team of Gibson Sholes, Alix Draves, Noah Raeth and Nolan Kessler was sixth (8:39.95).

Several girls earned medals as well, with three athletes finishing third. Montague's Amanda Cederquist took that spot in the 110-meter hurdles (16.60), R-P's Jersi Bilek was third in the 800 (2:23.2), and Whitehall's Evelyn Darke

side the symphony at a special concert; this year's took place Wednesday at the Frauenthal Theater in Muskegon.

"The sound of 1,000 kids playing recorder with an orchestra has to be experienced," Buelow smiled.

This award, said Buelow, will allow children from White Lake elementary schools to participate in the program. A total of about 50 schools from West Michigan are involved in the program, and Buelow said he believes the West Michigan Symphony is the only orchestra that has put on the program each year of its existence, which dates back over 20 years.

A third $5,000 grant was presented to First Tee West Michigan, a junior golf organization. The grant will cover costs for local children who would otherwise not be able to be part of the organization's events. The programs last 4-6 weeks at a time, and while they teach golf, Erik Sanford - who played golf for Whitehall - said there's also a focus on building life skills.

Sanford also mentioned First Tee's Junior Mentor Initiative, which hires teenagers - those who have participated in First Tee and others recommended by adults - as de facto assistant coaches. This creates leadership opportunities for the teens and mentee opportunities for junior golfers.

The Ferry Memorial Reformed Church accepted a $4,000 grant for its Food and More program, which delivers food baskets the weekend before Thanksgiving each year to area families

was third in shot put (31-10). The Rockets' Addison Mitchelson finished fifth in the 100 (13.14) and Addison Smith of Montague was sixth in pole vault (8-6). Two R-P relay teams medaled: Raquel Walker, Mitchelson, Amani Starr and Melana Johnson finished third in the 400 (52.18) and Ivanna Kass, Mitchelson, Bilek and Johnson were fourth in the 800 (1:50.3).

in need. Volunteer Kathy Oakes said during her time with the program, meals have been delivered from North Muskegon to Ferry, near Shelby.

"It's heartbreaking to see how many people are in need, but it's also heartwarming to be able to provide help," Oakes said.

The Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association received a $2,000 grant, which will help boost five youth programs this summer at the White River Light Station. Site manager Sarah Johnston said the grant money will fund purchases of hands-on props for kids to explore, and SPLKA hopes to expand the offering to its other four lighthouses in future years.

New this year, the youth events are geared to those from grades 1-4 and will focus on lighthouse and maritime history in hopes of sparking interest in the field. Each session will cover a different part of lighthouse life, from what life was like for kids who lived at lighthouses to mysteries and urban legends of the Great Lakes. As of now, the SPLKA website lists June 25, July 9 and Aug. 13 from 2-3:30 p.m. as sessions for the program.

White River and Fruitland townships were the smallest grant recipients, being given a total of $1,100 to fund their life ring programs. The money will be used primarily to fund life rings that are taken from their township locations. Fruitland Township supervisor Jeff Marcinkowski said the life rings are particularly important to him, as he has been a U.S. Coast Guard reservist for 20 years.

Registration open to participate in July 4 parade

Registration is officially open for the White Lake Area’s annual Fourth of July Parade. The celebration begins at 10 a.m. Friday, July 4, (participants begin line-up at 9) and promises to bring all the small-town charm and big-time spirit our community is known for.

Parade entry is free for White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce members, nonprofit groups, and individuals not representing a business. Non-member

businesses and political entries may join the fun for $25.

Whether you're marching, rolling, dancing, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a can’t-miss tradition in Montague and Whitehall.

To register or learn more, visitwhitelake.org and click “Event Applications,” or call the Chamber at 231893-4585.

Montague junior class president Fletcher Thommen (left) accepts the color staff from senior class president Greta Auch during the Class of 2025's graduation ceremony Friday. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

The evening also included a choir performance of the Class of 2025's song, You Raise Me Up by Roger Emerson, and the MHS band performing the famous country staple, Take Me Home, Country Roads.

Virtual

public hearing about Mirror Lake set for May 27

A public hearing requested by the Chemours Environmental Impact Committee regarding the cleanup of Mirror Lake will take place Tuesday, May 27 at 6 p.m.

After many decades there is progress in the cleanup and restoration of Mirror Lake. Located in White River Township, just south of a massive lime pile, this area has long been affected by a berm breach in the 1960s at the DuPont property allowed lime to make its way into Mirror Lake.

The cleanup of Mirror Lake has been a goal of the Chemours Environmental Impact Committee (CEIC) since the group formed in 2018. When EGLE posted a Public Notice March 26 that Chemours had submitted a plan

to EGLE to dredge the lime, CEIC responded by having members submit comments for two purposes: to ensure that Chemours has a robust restoration plan, and to obtain a public hearing. By the time the announcement of the public hearing had been made, a restoration plan from the Muskegon Conservation District, at the request of Chemours, had been submitted. You can register to attend the hearing virtually by typing https://bit.ly/ WRD0527 into your browser. If you would like to see a copy of the site plan, restoration plan, have a link sent to you, or have any questions, email makeitrightchemours@gmail.com.

Montague Class of 2025 graduates line up to collect

Police activity this week

Behind the Badge

Whitehall Police Report

May 14

A 15-year-old middle school student was cited for MIP of a vape device after being caught with it by the principal. The principal was told by another student that the girl had a vape and when confronted, she surrendered it from her computer case where it was hidden. The SRO issued the citation after her parents were notified of the 9:30 a.m. call.

The SRO was called to the high school at 3:14 p.m. after school staff was notified of a student being threatened. A student reported an incident that involved two other students where a 14-year-old girl threatened a 15-yearold boy. After the SRO and staff spoke with the reported victim, the matter was turned over to the school for further action.

Whitehall Police are investigating an incident at a massage parlor in the

100 block of S Division St. A Montague resident reported he was accosted by an employee who touched him inappropriately during a massage session. The investigation is ongoing.

A routine computer check of a license plate eventually led to the driver being cited for DWLS. The officer noted the vehicle parked in the space by the lake at the end of White Lake Dr. The computer showed the owner, a Whitehall Township resident, had a suspended license. While patrolling WLD later in the shift, the vehicle was spotted near Blank Road and stopped at 10:07 p.m.

The 24-year-old had failed to pay a previous ticket leading to the suspension and the additional ticket.

May 15

At 3:05 p.m. Whitehall officers were called to assist a parent with a child that had run away the night before. According to the mother, the 14-year-old had left after a dispute at home but when she came to pick him up at the middle school, he fled on foot. The officer was unable to locate the student, who was already listed as a runaway by the Muskegon County Sheriff.

During a Thursday storm, a Montague resident got stuck on a large fallen branch in the 300 block of Division St. Officers were called at 10:12 p.m. and found the vehicle had gone partially over the branch but the undercarriage was now caught on the branch. There was no obvious damage to the vehicle

Peter "The Potter" exhibit at ACWL-Nuveen through

The Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center is exhibiting the work of Peter "The Potter" Johnson and many of his apprentices in its gallery space through Saturday, June 7. The exhibit, titled Peter "The Potter" Johnson: The Art of Apprenticeship, is a snapshot of styles and themes that have resonated with Peter throughout his 60+ years dedicated to clay.

In addition to Peter's work, the exhibit includes artwork from former apprentices Reed Minty (1978), John

June 7

Dix (1983), Chandra Stubbs (1991), Jennifer Daugherty (1995), Chikako Kitaoka Dix (1998), Chester Winowiecki (2000), Rachel Drelles (2007), Cody Breese Thomas (2009), Autumn Aslakson (2010) and Kim Funk (2021), and an ‘informal apprentice’, Peter’s wife, Jan Johnson.

There will be a closing reception for this show June 7 from 1-3 p.m. This event is free and will feature an artist talk by Peter starting at 1:15.

Feet on the Street returns June 1

The annual Feet on the Street event returns to downtown Whitehall Sunday, June 1, from 2-7 p.m.

Feet on the Street is an annual block party to celebrate the beginning of summer in the White Lake area. The free event is open-house style, so guests are welcome to spend as much or as little time there as they'd like.

Live music, food trucks, activities

and crafts will be offered by various local businesses and organizations.

All local organizations are encouraged to participate. Those interested in being part of the celebration are welcome to contact the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitor's Bureau at 231-893-4585 or by email at info@ whitelake.org.

and the 48-year-old driver had already called for a wrecker and other calls were coming in, so no further action was taken.

May 17

Whitehall Police were called to investigate a boating incident involving both watercraft and docks in the 400 block of Lake St. The officer investigating the 10:13 a.m. call found that during the wind storm of the previous night, a boat had come loose from its mooring and pushed by the wind collided with several other boats and the dock multiple times. Two of the other boats had notable damage but the other boats had only minor damage.

At 2:52 p.m. a suspicious vehicle was reported in the Oakhurst Cemetery. The officer responding to the call found an empty vehicle at the end of the north drive. After checking the area, he located a man with his children as they all were playing together in the creek. No further action was taken.

May 18

An officer on patrol in the 200 block of Robinwood Dr. noticed there was a woman on the ground near the driveway. The officer stopped and spoke with the woman, who had fallen while retrieving the newspaper. She could not get up on her own and the officer assisted her up and into her house as part of the 8:48 a.m. incident.

At 3:44 p.m. the on-duty officer spoke with a resident about a text mes-

sage they received about owing a toll fee and threatening to suspend her license if it was not paid. The officer quickly recognized the situation as a scam and directed the potential victim to ignore the text and not use links sent in texts from unknown persons.

A family dispute was reported at 5:58 p.m. in the 300 block of Main St. The argument began over what was intended to be a prank when the man jokingly told his mother-in-law that he had run over the mailbox when leaving a family party the day before. The mother-in-law took it seriously and the argument over that devolved to how the man was treating her daughter. There was no assault and they decided to separate for the night so no further action was taken.

May 20

A resident of the 1200 block of Colby St. called police to report someone had broken into his apartment and moved a garbage bag on the counter. The police report on the 9:12 p.m. call said the man was home and napping on the couch with the door unlocked. The man reported nothing was taken, only that the person had lifted and set the garbage bag back down. The officer noted anyone entering or leaving the apartment would have been in the line of sight of the caller but the caller insisted he did not see anyone and only heard the bag move. The investigation was closed.

Pair of local grads receive DAR Good Citizen awards

Graduating seniors Ryan Goodrich of Whitehall and Annette Jensen of Montague were among the recipients of the Daughters of the American Revolution Muskegon chapter's Good Citizen scholarship awards for 2025.

Honorees are nominated by their teachers and peers and are invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program, with a personal statement and an essay.

According to the DAR's website, the "award recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities."

Graduating local seniors Annette Jensen of Montague (fourth from left) and Ryan Goodrich of Whitehall (second from right) were among the recipients of the Daughters of the American Revolution Muskegon chapter's Good Citizen Award for 2025.

• Courtesy Photo