The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 11, August 8, 2025

Community supports 2nd National Night Out with increased attendance

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

2025 marks the second year of National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign held nationwide, which works to bring together neighborhoods and their local emergency services.

This year saw over 20 organizations attend the event - held at the Shelby Township Community Park from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5 - to meet residents of Oceana County and share what services they provide.

National Night Out, while featuring all aspects of emergency service, was conceived with the primary goal of improving community and police relations. As Oceana County Undersheriff Ryan Schiller explains, the event “enables law enforcement and public safety to form relationships with the community… Community is what it’s all about.” Overall, it’s a “good event with a great motive.”

Along with the fire trucks and police cars, were a variety of public fixtures, from mental health organizations to

Shelby’s robotics club, in attendance, all with the shared goal of letting the public know who they were and their benefits to Oceana County. Leslie Best of Oceana/ Mason County’s joint 911 station said of their attendance, “we are here to get people informed about what’s available.”

In many instances, these service providers encounter community members who had no idea such organizations existed. Despite 10 years of operation, Rosa Avilez-Martinez of Shelby Adolescent Health Center is still working to inform folks that they are more than just mental health providers for Shelby Middle School, but that they work with adolescents ages 10-22 all around Oceana County.

Jeremy Shafer of Oceana County Police’s dive team explained, “last year we met people who were unaware Oceana County even had a dive team.” At this year’s event, Shafer has seen an uptick in kids under 10 who are curious about the dive team and filled with questions about the equipment on display. Many were rewarded for their curiosity with free life jackets, left

over from this summer’s Water Safety Day.

Another goal of many organizations was to inform the public about a new law in Michigan requiring gun owners to keep their firearms locked up if minors are present on the property. Should a minor be injured due to an easily accessible firearm, the owner will face felony charges. Because of this, Trinity Health and the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office were handing out gun locks and spreading awareness of this new law.

Other organizations, such as the Citizen Emergency Response Team, were out seeking volunteers to assist them in case of natural disasters.

Organizer David Noble has been working in emergency response for decades and even trav-

EVENINGS WITH THE ECHO SHELBY PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

eled to Muskegon County with C.E.R.T. following the disastrous windstorm earlier this year.

Besides spreading awareness and drumming up support, many organizations were just participating in a county-wide show-and-tell with their equipment. The Oceana County Road Commission brought in a highway plow for kids to use as a canvas to paint on, afterwards inviting them to climb into the truck to inspect the mechanics.

Other vehicles, such as Life EMS’s ambulances, were available for kids to explore so they might feel more comfortable should they ever need to ride one in the future.

ning, live demonstrations were presented by Great Lakes Energy and the collective Oceana County fire departments. If anyone wanted to watch a jaws-of-life demonstration outside of a real car accident, Shelby-Benona firefighters were more than happy to oblige with a junk car donated by Oceana Auto.

Lorrie VanDyke

Kevin VanDyke

Oceana and Mason Counties’ joint Special Emergency Response Team brought in an impressive armored vehicle, riot shield, and a specialized robot intended for hostage and live gunman operations. While Jeremy Swihart and Donny Hansen of S.E.R.T. would prefer to never need this equipment, “these are the tools we use to keep people safe.”

Throughout the eve-

In between the tents and demonstrations, families could enjoy inflatable slides, a rock climbing wall courtesy of Grace Adventures, free hot dogs, snow cones and refreshments, and the opportunity to dunk Oceana County’s boys (and girls) in blue (and brown) in a dunk tank. 102.7 WMOM radio station provided live music and broadcasting for the event.

Last year’s National

Night Out saw around 700 attendees, and so far numbers have nearly doubled. Hopefully attendees left learning more about the people who work day and night to provide public safety. For the Oceana County Sheriff’s Offices, they just want folks to know that “we are more than just writing tickets and bringing people to jail. We are partners to make Oceana a great place to live.”

The 95th Homecoming: Pentwater celebrates biggest annual event

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Homecoming, the most highly attended event on the Village of Pentwater calendar, kicks off on Thursday evening, August 14, with the ever-popular Strawberry Shortcake Social at 6 p.m. on the Village Green. The dessert sale is the sole fundraiser of the Pentwater Lake Association and helps to set a festive stage for the evening’s main event, the Les Bailey Memorial Concert.

Now in its 95th year, Homecoming has been celebrated since its earliest years with a joint band concert of the Pentwater Civic Band and the Scottville Clown Band. The concert honors Bailey, who was a prominent businessman and musician in the village, owning the hardware store and participating in the formation of both the aforementioned bands.

Although Homecoming started as a reunion for graduates of Pentwater High School, it has developed into a gathering of generations of families who have lived in Pentwater. It is a four-day-long celebration at homes and cottages that have been in the families for years. Already busy with vacationers and tourists in the busy summer season, Pentwater streets are jampacked with homecoming celebrants. It is estimated there are 10,000 people in Pentwater during the weekend.

Each year the Pentwater Service Club selects a theme for the sand sculpture competition sponsored by the club. This year’s theme is “Magic of Pentwater,” and one of the criteria for judging the sculptures is how closely the entries relate to the theme. The contest will be held Friday morning from 8 a.m. to noon, with prizes offered for multiple age groups and various categories. Families are encouraged to enter as intergenerational groups, and the public is invited to watch their work in progress as well as check out the finished sculptures.

The winning ticket for the “Sixty-Four Stars Over Pentwater” Quilt Raffle will also be drawn Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office. Raffle tickets for the king-size quilt, crafted by the Pentwater Women’s Club, have been sold since May by club members, at designated downtown merchants, and during the weekly civic band concerts. Still available through August 16, their sale benefits the club’s scholarship fund.

Another highlight every year is the Grand Parade, this year on Saturday, August 16 at 4 p.m. The parade begins at the school, follows Park Street to Hancock, goes through the shopping district, and ends at Cenzo’s Market. Parade enthusiasts have already staked out their viewing spots with chairs and blankets along the parade route Friday night and Saturday morning. Families are invited to enter their own float, along with entries from village churches, merchants, clubs and organizations. Fire departments from surrounding communities, politicians, county businesses and nonprofits, MSU and U of M fans also participate and crowds, up to six people deep, roar their approval. Kids bring bags to fill with the trinkets and treats distributed by parade marchers.

• AnnaMae Bush /Echo

Saturday ends with a bang, literally. A grand fireworks display, widely considered a better show than the Fourth of July display, is shot over Lake Michigan from the north pier at the channel. Waiting until it is dark enough for greatest viewing pleasure, crowds anchor their boats in Lake Michigan, fill the beach at Mears State Park, and set up chairs and blankets all along the channel. Following the finale of color in the sky, there is a long parade of green lights on Pentwater Lake as boats take families back home.

Readers are welcome to enjoy all Homecoming events. In addition to those already mentioned, Friday events include a movie on the Village Green at 8 p.m., “Frozen”; Saturday events include a Big Ten Tailgate Party behind the Village Café from noon until 8 p.m., and a Horseshoe Tournament at 1 p.m. (call Dennis Veine at 231-869-4169 to register participation). Sunday includes a Pancake Breakfast at the Pentwater VFW Hall from 8 a.m. to noon.

Those who decide to join in the fun and festivities, be sure to wear good walking shoes as parking space will be limited.

It is also very important to note that one exceptional person will be greatly missed during this year's Homecoming festivities. The role of Grand Parade Marshal is filled by the Pentwater Citizen of the Year, selected by the Pentwater Service Club for their contributions to the community. In a surprise move, the committee chose to honor Bart Zachrich, an active community leader who passed away unexpectedly in January of this year. Zachrich and his wife, Lynne, moved to Pentwater in 2019 after his retirement from a career in education in which he served as a teacher and as a principal. Always ready with a smile, he was soft-spoken and never sought attention. One might think he was shy. However, he never shied away from leadership or hard work. He was just as comfortable in highly visible roles of responsibility as

SEALED BID NOTICE

VILLAGE OF SHELBY

Date: 7/29/25

For Sale: 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD 94,000 miles.

Vehicle can be viewed at the Village of Shelby DPW Garage 88 W. Sixth St. Shelby, MI 49455.

Minimum bid is $10,000.00. Bid will be awarded to the highest bidder.

Submission Deadline: Sealed bids must be dropped off by 11:30 AM on August 12, 2025 to Shelby Village Hall 218 N. Michigan Ave. Shelby, MI 49455. Envelope must be sealed and marked as “2017 Interceptor”

Contact: Chief Dean Roesler at 231861-4400 ext. 5 or email droesler@ shelbyvillage.com with questions or for more information.

Bid opening will be at 12:00 PM on August 12, 2025 at the Shelby Village Hall.

he was in background roles of service. His servant heart and spirit of volunteerism inspired those around him to volunteer more freely.

In the Pentwater Service Club, Zachrich arranged the weekly speaker program (30 spots a year) for four years, managed the busy caramel corn production schedule, sold hot dogs in the Duncan Wagon at craft fairs, and served in the offices of vice president and president.

At the Centenary United Methodist Church, Zachrich chaired the Church Council for three years, served on the property management committee (often a time-consuming and underappreciated role), and faithfully worked in the kitchen and dining room for the Wednesday night Community Dinners. A congenial host, he was hospitable to strangers and friends alike.

In the Pentwater Historical Society, Zachrich served stints as treasurer and vice president, worked as a docent and helped create a marketing video featuring longtime village members. He had a creative mind and a sweet spirit. He has been and will continue to be deeply missed. His family will be present for Homecoming in his place and will return for the special October dinner in his honor at the Yacht Club.

Thank you to Mark Trierweiler for providing some of the information about Bart Zachrich.

in

by scanning the QR code at right or by sending a check

Inc. to P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI

Bart Zachrich

Hart and Shelby businesses among 63 chosen for Match on Main grants

On July 29, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) support for 63 small businesses across Michigan through the MEDC’s Match on Main program. The $1.49 million in grants awarded to small local businesses will create resiliency and strengthen downtowns in Main Street communities throughout the state.

The Match on Main program serves as a tool to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in funding for them to launch or grow in core downtown areas and commercial districts. The FY25 Match on Main application window yielded a total of 133 applicants from 59 organizations – the highest participation rate in the program’s five-year history.

“Michigan’s small businesses are the heart of our downtowns,” said Whitmer. “Today’s Match on Main grants will provide 63 small businesses across the state with the support they need to grow, thrive, and create bustling, vibrant main streets. By investing in our communities and developing attractive places across the state, we will continue to make Michigan a place where businesses and families choose to locate, grow and succeed.”

Following the results of a five-year program impact study conducted by Guidehouse, the MEDC doubled its investment into Match on Main with the MSF board approving an allocation of $1.5 million to the program for FY25 in December 2024, ensuring Michigan’s small businesses continue to succeed in the state.

“Match on Main is a critical tool for supporting place-based small businesses and communities across Michigan, serving as a catalyst in driving small business investment and opportunities for growth,” said Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President of Small Business & Talent at MEDC. “Since 2019, we’ve made a significant impact on small businesses and our local communities through the Match on Main program, with $17 million in private investment leveraged from awarded businesses and hundreds of jobs created and retained. Through

Match on Main, we’re continuing to foster economic growth throughout the state one entrepreneur at a time.”

FY25 Match on Main Recipients

Of the FY25 Match on Main grantees awarded, 17 are new businesses and 46 are existing businesses, including 20 restaurants, 22 retail establishments, four service businesses, and 17 other businesses that demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing community infrastructure and boosting local employment. Additionally, 50 businesses selected are located within Geographically Disadvantaged Areas.

West Michigan is brimming with small business creativity and that creativity is set to skyrocket.  With today’s approval from the Michigan Strategic Fund, 12 entrepreneurs are getting a boost from the MEDC’s Match on Main program, receiving up to $25,000 in grants to bring their visions to life. These projects show what’s possible when local vision meets statewide support.

Recipients in West Michigan include:

• Tienda La Palma (Shelby) – stocking a Latino grocery store and installing a modern POS system.

• S. Hegg Real Estate (Hart) – transforming furniture store space into a 500-person event venue.

• OTONO (Grand Rapids) – a hybrid vintage shop and café that doubles as a cultural hub.

• Fortino’s Store (Grand Haven) – a historic grocery expanding its retail footprint.

• Jones Homemade Ice Cream (Baldwin) – doubling its seating with an ADA-accessible patio.

• Acqua in Vino (Wayland) – building a “Piazza di Vino” gathering space and food trailer.

• Leaping Panda Hobbies (Hudsonville) – adding gaming tables and a new racing track.

• Happy Hang Café (Plainwell) – becoming a certified barista training center for local workforce.

• Kristina Gould Medspa (Greenville) – bringing high-end aesthetic services to Montcalm County.

• K5 Restaurants (East Grand Rapids) – expanding dining capacity and improving patio access.

• Lunabode (Allegan) – converting a 1930s building into a stylish home goods shop.

• Urban Apparel (Muskegon Heights) – completing renovation of a key retail anchor downtown.

“The Match on Main Grant plays a pivotal role in revitalizing downtown areas by providing the financial resources needed to spur economic development,” said Heather Hanover, executive director of St. Johns PSD/DDA. “The use of this grant program in Downtown St Johns has allowed for the retention and expansion of small businesses during these uncertain economic times. The Downtown Board is thankful that we have another tool to help our small businesses succeed.”

“The Match on Main program has been a powerful tool in our ongoing efforts to transform downtown Marquette,” said Tara Laase-McKinney, executive director of the Marquette Downtown Development Authority. “It not only helps us revitalize key areas that need renewed focus, but also supports established businesses looking to grow their presence and impact. A great example is Velodrome Coffee Co., which used Match on Main to relocate into a long-vacant building near NMU, tripling its seating and creating a welcoming community space for students and locals alike. This kind of momentum inspires additional investment and improvements, encouraging other business owners to take pride in their spaces and seek out opportunities through programs like our Downtown Facade Grant and the MEDC RAP Grant. With support from programs like Match on Main, we're not just imagining a stronger downtown, we're watching it take shape, one storefront at a time.”

Michigan’s small businesses are a vital part of the state’s economy, employing more than 1.8 million people. Helping businesses to open and grow is a key focus of the MEDC, and the Match on Main Street program provides opportunities for new and expanding businesses located in Main Street districts to ‘Make It in Michigan.’

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

‘Anne of Green Gables’ delights audiences with historical accuracy

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

L.M. Montgomery’s 1908 novel "Anne of Green Gables" is a mainstay of North American children’s literature. It follows the titular heroine, orphan Anne Shirley, as she’s brought to the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island to her new adopted family, middle-aged siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. At the train station, however, Anne and her new family come to realize a miscommunication has occurred - the Cuthberts had specifically ordered a boy to help with farm work, and Anne, a precocious chatterbox with a vivid imagination, is certainly not that.

Regardless, after much convincing from Matthew to Marilla, Anne stays with the Cuthberts, who come to love her as their own. Her story follows her childhood as she explores the town of Avonlea, meets her quirky neighbors, makes "bosom" friends (such as Diana Barry) and mortal enemies (such as Gilbert Blythe), and grows into an intelligent young lady who defied the social conventions of the early Edwardian era.

The Hart Community Performing Arts Association’s (HCPAA) summer 2025 production of "Anne of Green Gables" not only breathes life into this treasured story, but paints a vivid picture of Canada at the precipice of the 20th century, filled with delightful characters and pastoral vistas, a result only possible through the dedicated work of the cast and crew.

Anne Shirley is played by 14-year-old Izabela Hernandez, who rose to the challenge of leading the production with the enthusiasm and quick wit one would expect from her character. Her voice carried throughout the auditorium with resounding clarity, and her timing and physical comedy delivered the charm necessary for the role.

Olivia DeBrot and Jesse Bowman appear as Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, respectively. Olivia captured Marilla’s development from a cold stranger to the stern, but ultimately loving, maternal figure for Anne. Her subtle acting choices highlighted the most emotional moments of the play. Jesse Bowman’s Matthew is shy but affectionate, offering encouragement and wisdom with a dry humor. Despite having fewer weeks to rehearse than the rest of the crew, nothing in Jesse’s performance would leave the audience wanting.

Clarisse Perigard played Diana Barry on Friday and Sunday’s performance, and her

soft-spoken and sweet nature is a delightful contrast to Anne, but Clarisse’s most standout moment comes during the iconic raspberry cordial scene, leaving the audience howling with laughter. Gilbert Blythe is the most eligible bachelor of Avonlea’s schoolhouse, and Carson Jensen certainly got the message, delivering a charming performance that makes the audience sympathize with Anne’s begrudging annoyance. Ronda Bowman’s Rachel Lynde - the nosy and hypocritical neighbor to Green Gables - was a clear fan favorite who stole each of her scenes and wrung humor out of every joke she could.

Anne of Green Gables is a beloved classic known throughout the world, but one deeply entrenched in the culture and environment of its setting, Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.). In many fans' opinions, the most successful adaptations are ones that treat P.E.I. and the fictional town of Avonlea as characters in their own right. HCPAA delivered this in spades.

Each citizen of Avonlea, no matter how small their role, was rounded into a believable person rather than a stock character, and this was by no means accidental. The play's director, Maggie Bowman, and assistant director, Grace McGhan, encouraged the actors, especially the ensemble, to come up with backstories, names and families. It’s one of the basics of theatre performance that Maggie particularly wanted to focus on during rehearsals, especially as “it's something that I think we’ve lost, not having a summer youth theatre program like we used to back in the day…the kids don’t grow up knowing all the acting basics, and one of them is building your character.”

Another tried and true method of directing a successful production, especially one with so many iconic adaptations, is to go back to the source material, advice Maggie has cherished from her time as a young actress under Tom Kirk’s direction. Even her own run as Anne Shirley in 2011 did little to cloud her ap-

proach to directing. “[Kirk] was always like, ‘Go to the source material. Don’t watch the movies, don’t watch the TV show.’ So, of course, I’ve seen those things, but I didn’t re-watch them for this production. I did, however, re-read the book, and that’s something that’s been really fun…”

Revisiting the books offered some new perspectives, especially when it came to characters who, for the sake of run-time for a stage production, are given less material to work with. Even major characters, such as Marilla Cuthbert, revealed new angles for the actors to explore. As Maggie explains, “Marilla, at one point, was engaged to Gilbert Blythe’s father, and they broke it off. And the book doesn’t say why, but I was like ‘Marilla should have a reason, [the actress] should invent that.’”

This information led Olivia DeBrot to decide, “I don’t think I [Marilla] would like Gilbert… I think I am annoyed by his presence the entire play,” a direction that Maggie encouraged her to bring to the stage.

The production was marked with incredible attention to detail. The costume department was headed by Hannah Johnson, whom Maggie describes as an expert in historical fashion and costuming, and it shows. Despite their limited wardrobe selection, each silhouette is believably Edwardian through the use of small alterations and accessorizing, from the lace-up boots to the “puff” sleeves.

Maggie credited the help of volunteer Justin Nelson, who grew up in Nova Scotia, when it came to contextualizing the setting of P.E.I. “It was very helpful to get some of his different tips on those sorts of things. Things you never think about, but then suddenly stand out in the script.” Her example is a scene where Diana enters while discussing the potato crop going out on shipping vessels. “You [realize], yes, of course, that's how they got to market. But that also meant it was really difficult for [P.E.I.] to sell their crops on the mainland because they were

reliant on the fishing boats and shipping trade, and that’s a little bit more sketchy than going by road.”

Another fun detail came from Marilla’s consistent use of the phrase, “Oh, go on with ya,” which is classic P.E.I. slang.

Perhaps one of the best examples of the production embracing the setting of P.E.I. was the use of music, from recorded tracks used to fill the silence between scene changes to hymns sung by the cast. For the latter, some of the hymns were suggestions by the script, but Maggie decided to take the musical choices a step further. “When I was getting a vision and theme for the show, I just decided to go in a musical direction because that’s what I really love.”

She explains researching the sort of music that would have been typical for the setting, the origins of the music and the shift in popularity of certain genres. “When you think about Prince Edward Island, in the 1890s it’s mostly going to be second generation immigrants from France, from Scotland and Ireland, primarily… When we think of folk music here in America, we think of Appalachian music, right? We think of Bluegrass… and that’s not Canada. I pulled a lot of inspiration from the Watersons from the UK, which was a Scottish group that collected folk tunes and made them really popular in the 60s and 70s.”

The keen listener would also recognize the shift from UK folk music to choral and harpsichord selections, denoting the introduction of recordings played on gramophones. Songs sung by the cast exemplified how music was approached back in a time when not everyone could read sheet music or reference recordings of popular hymns. Maggie explains how a lead singer in Amazing Grace “lines out the verse before [the congregation] sings it. Or during Country Life,

everyone learned the chorus, and then you had soloists that would pick up the individual verses."

The result of these efforts, where almost every song is one that would reasonably be heard in Edwardian-era P.E.I., helps Avonlea feel authentic and material, a real place where the characters of Anne’s story are right at home.

Maggie, of course, cannot take all the credit herself, especially with a crew of 15 other volunteers. She has recently been offered the job as Hart High School Drama Club director, but was up front about her trepidations, as her work as a midwife-in-training requires her to be on call 24/7.

“I have a ton of experience. I really love this program. I’m familiar with it. But if it has to be me sitting in a seat at 3:30 every day, it’s probably not going to work out. But if you’re willing to let me build a team of people… then I think this could work really well. I have grown up here. I have a lot of contacts, (and) a lot of people that I know that are really competent at different things.”

Maggie commends the previous directors of the program, but is grateful for the help and to bring fresh perspectives from her vast crew. This is, perhaps, why this production of "Anne of Green Gables" feels so well-rounded, from the dedicated work of the cast bringing life to their characters through the advice and expertise brought by a vast crew.

Christmas Caroling at Green Gables • Claire Marshall/Echo

Diana Berry and Anne

Anne and Matthew Cuthbert arrive at Green Gables

Ongoing

M&TH: Pentwater Farmers Market, Village Green, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

MON: Movies in the Park, John Gurney Park, Hart, starts at dusk.

3rd MON: OCDVA Coffee & Donuts for Veterans, Spouses and Veteran Widows, 9-11 a.m., Heritage Wedding Barn, Shelby.

TUES: Crafts for Kids, Shelby Area Dist. Library 9 a.m. to noon.

TUES: Tech Time, Hesperia Community 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.

2nd & 4th

TUES: New Era Farmer’s Market, NECRC, 4-7 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.

WED: Music in the Garden, Main Street Spa, Hart, 7-9 p.m.

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.

THURS - "Harts 'n Homes" Women's Fellowship, Faith Christian Fellowship, 400 S. State St.,10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

THURS: Maker’s Market, Hart Commons, 6-9 p.m.

THURS: Pentwater Civic Band concerts, Village Green, 7:30 p.m.

FRI: Story Time, HCL, 10-11 a.m., and Tween Night, 3-5 p.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:

Aug. 11-13: 3-Day Bible Club for kids age 5-12, 1-2:30 p.m.

FRIDAYS IN AUGUST: Grillin' for God,11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Aug. 16: Hymns in the Park, 6:30-8 p.m., Shelby's Memorial Park

Aug. 19: Share Our Stories: "Centennial Farms," 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Aug. 22: Live Music by the Jammers, 10 a.m. to noon

Aug. 25: Back-to-School Prayer Walk, 3-4 p.m., SHS parking lot

Aug. 28: Cram the Cruiser, 2-5 p.m.,The Ladder parking lot

Adult Hours: M-TH 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and FRI 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

M-TH: “Summer Breakout” for 6th-12th grade youth (June-Aug.)

MON: Women’s Bible Study, 1-2 p.m.

TUES: Men’s Bible Study, 10:30 a.m. to noon

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

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

Kids are invited to The Ladder for the 3-Day Club

Get ready for three days of fun for children ages 5 to 12! Children are invited to join this club for fun activities, Bible lessons, memory verses, great games and prizes. There is no charge for this event. The 3-Day Club meets for 90 minutes August 11-13 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Ladder Community Center, 67 N. State Street, Shelby.  The 3-Day Club is sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship, a Bible-centered ministry serving in every region of the world. All teachers and helpers have been trained and screened to ensure each child’s protection. Parents are welcome to attend. Drop-ins are welcome, or sign up in advance by calling The Ladder at (231) 259-0211. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the event start time to complete the registration process.

Hart VFW seeks donations of cans and bottles to help keep the post open for future programming

The Hart VFW William Negake Post 1329 is asking for the public's help in keeping the VFW Post in Hart open. Due to the continued increasing cost for utilities, building maintenance and insurance, the post is running out of funds to maintain the building. If the post is forced to close due to lack of funding, the community will lose out on the services that we currently provide, which are:

• VA medical teams that provide assistance to area veterans every Thursday.

• The American Red Cross conducts blood drives every other month.

• Military funeral services that are provided for Oceana County veterans.

• The support of local Scouting programs.

The hall is provided for the above programs at no cost.

The Hart VFW is asking for an ongoing program of donations of returnable cans and bottles for the post, to help offset their costs. They can be dropped off at the hall or the car wash across the street from the hall or pick-up can be arranged. The pick-up phone number is 231-873-1727, and ask for Steve or leave a call-back number.

A ugust

Aug. 8 - 82nd Annual Strawberry Social, Claybanks UMC, 5-7 p.m.

Aug. 9 - 2nd Annual Joe’s Spreading the Sunshine 5K, Shelby Township Park Pavilion, 9 a.m.

Aug. 9 - Community Carnival, NCCC, Hesperia, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Aug. 9 - Pioneer House Ribbon Cutting, Walkerville, 11 a.m.

Aug. 9 - Midsummer Madness, Community Picnic and Cornhole Tournament, Walkerville Village Park, noon.

Aug. 11-14 - Way of Christ Sports Camp VBS, Mears, 6-8:30 p.m.

Aug. 12 - Backpack Blowout, Trinity Lutheran Church, free backpacks, free walking taco dinner and more, 6-7 p.m.

Aug. 12-13 - Boater Safety Classes, PYC, 8 a.m. to noon. Pre-register at DNR website, https://michigan.storefront.kalkomey.com/em/events/8975

Aug. 14 - Southern Oceana Chamber of Commerce meeting, The Avenue, New Era, 12-1 p.m.

Aug. 14 - Strawberry Shortcake Social, Sponsored by Pentwater Lake Association, Pentwater Village Green, 6 p.m.

Aug. 15 - Sand Sculpture Contest, Charles Mears State Park Beach, Sponsored by Pentwater Service Club, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Aug. 16 - 10th Annual Golf United

Aug. 16 - Oceana County Hazardous Waste Collection, Hart DPW, 1010 State Street, Hart, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Aug. 16 - Shelby Fruit Festival, Shelby Township Community Park, 4101 Buchanan Road, Shelby, 12-6 p.m.

Aug. 16 - Shelby Fruit Festival Pie Contest and Auction, noon, judging; 2 p.m. auction.

Aug. 16 - Horseshoe Tournament, Art Audrey Horseshoe Pits, Pentwater, 1 p.m.

Aug. 16 - 95th Pentwater Homecoming Parade, 4 p.m.

Aug. 16 - Forward Human Trafficking Task Force "Dinner in the Vineyard" (RSVP required), Pleasant Valley Vineyard, 4-7 p.m.

Aug. 16 - Pentwater Homecoming Fireworks, Charles Mears State Park, dusk.

Aug. 17 - Pancake Breakfast, Eldon L. Chadwick Post 6017 VFW Hall, 8440 N. Business US-31, Pentwater, 8 a.m. to noon.

Aug. 17 - Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society’s “Pleasant Afternoon”, Mears Historical Museum, Mears, 1-4 p.m. Aug. 19-23 Oceana County Fair

Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR to walk in Pentwater Homecoming Parade

The Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR will meet at a different time and location for this month only. Since they will be walking in the Pentwater Homecoming Parade on the day of their normal meeting, they will be meeting at 2 p.m. at the Pentwater School on Saturday, August 16. Please enter from the back parking lot. There will not be a 10 a.m. meeting in Hart that day.

Check out the CHAIR-ity Auction for The Ladder

St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Shelby is hosting a CHAIR-ity Trail fundraiser for The Ladder Community Center. The chairs will be brought to the Shelby Fruit Festival for an auction event August 16 at 2 p.m.

The CHAIR-ity Trail is a vibrant, walkable (and photoworthy) fundraiser featuring hand-painted Adirondack chairs on display at 12 local businesses. Each chair is a one-of-a-kind work of art, decorated by local artists and inspired volunteers. From whimsical to breathtaking, bold to hilarious, every chair has a story to tell. To access the CHAIR-ity Trail map, go to www.ststephensshelby.org and scroll to the “CHAIR-ity” section. Visit them all, snap a selfie and vote for your favorite on Facebook!

Auction proceeds benefit The Ladder, which provides a year-round safe space for youth and adults. In addition, The Ladder’s meal program provides food by donation for the adults in this community. Your support helps The Ladder serve Oceana County, so that this community thrives.

CHICKEN BBQ

ELBRIDGE COMMUNITY CHURCH 2370 N. 136TH AVE., HART, MI AUGUST 16 from 12 PM - 4 PM

Tickets are $14.00 and are available from any Elbridge Church member. Children 6-10 are by donation. Children 5 and under are free. ALL DINNERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR TAKE OUT MENU: 1/2 Chicken, Baked Beans, Potatoes, Rolls and Drink. Dessert Bar Available by Donation. SILENT AUCTION Tickets will also be sold at the door, but we encourage buying tickets before the event so we can accommodate everyone. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 231-742-6466

Hoeing ‘In the Garden’ Part 5: ‘Thy Will be Done ’

By Janet Van Gunst Hasselbring

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

“Ellen,” the voice was soft, as a whisper, and oh so gentle.

“Yes, my Lord, I am here.” ("In the Garden")

“When you’re ‘in the garden’ with Jan’s mother and God, their conversations could easily be your own. Pour a cup of coffee, sit on the front porch, and get ready to be inspired by Jan’s mother, a remarkable follower of Jesus.” (Clare De Graf, about "In the Garden")

Sitting with my mother as she died ("Ready for Heaven," Oceana Echo, July 25, 2025) inspired me to write her story. Her death wasn’t the end of a life; it was a joyous, victorious transition to the next one. I didn’t want her story to be forgotten.

I soon realized that the key to her death was to be found in the way she lived, so I began “digging” through the soil of

her life. I talked with my siblings, seeking to get as much information as I could. I tried to “walk in her footsteps,” to experience, vicariously, her hurts, her joys, her sorrows, her faith and her relationship with her Lord.

I was married and had children. I tried to imagine what it was like to feed, clothe and nourish seven children on an income subject to unpredictable weather; to lose a beloved daughter; become estranged from a son bruised by war; to lose a husband of 60 years; and, finally, to lose one’s health and become homebound and confined.

My heart broke for her.

The finished manuscript recounted her life story; it was interesting, but it lacked something. The narrative seemed empty, hollow, somehow.

It was then I was inspired to write the conversations I imagined my mother had with her Lord “in the gardens” of her life and sprinkle them

throughout the book.

Their conversations brought her story to life and gave it a soul; they tied the book together with the theme that, in the end, prayer is the only thing humans can do to effect change. “If prayer is a force at all, it cannot be possible to pray without something happening.” (Fox)

This is the power of prayer: we do not always receive what we ask for, but it is in the waiting for God to act, that faith is born and nurtured.

After all, if we received everything we asked for immediately, why would we need faith? My mother’s life is a testament to the change that prayer brings about in a follower of God. It’s in the

waiting for our prayers to be answered – in the thundering silence from above – that we become the people God wants us to be. He is delighted when we put our faith and trust in Him, though we may not understand.

My mother did a lot of waiting – waiting for her daughter to heal; waiting for her son to come home; waiting for the rain to come; waiting, waiting, waiting, and through the waiting, she learned that prayer is not about getting God to do what we ask of Him; rather, it is about aligning ourselves with His will and fostering a deep, close relationship with our Heavenly Father.

“There is a communion with God that asks for nothing, yet asks for everything…{She} who seeks the Father more than anything He can give, is likely to have what {she} asks. {She} is not likely to ask amiss.” (George MacDonald) Turns out, the soil my parents worked on the farm (present-day Country Dairy)

was spiritual soil; God dwelt there, and as they toiled, they became intensely aware of His presence.

As I imagined my mother’s conversations with her Lord, I was struck by the reciprocal nature of their friendship. We often concentrate on our need for God; but my mother taught me that prayer is a two-way encounter. God also longs for connection with His children and delights in their trust and affection for Him.

My mother’s friendship with her Lord was a beautiful thing. It was what made her death so peaceful, so natural. Her last breath on earth was merely a pause in their conversation, to be continued when she arrived “home,” to be with her Lord face-to-face at last.

Note: Stay tuned for a closer look at Ellen’s conversations with her Lord.

For information about In the Garden, contact the author at janethasselbring23@gmail. com

Hymn Sing in Shelby’s Memorial Park with live music planned for August 16

Come one, come all, and gather at Memorial Park in Shelby (east of the Congregational Church) at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 16 to sing hymns and patriotic songs to celebrate our great God and our country. Weekly a group of people come together at The Ladder Community Center in Shelby and do as the Message Bible states in Psalm 32:11, “Cel-

ebrate God. Sing together - everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof.” Yes, they raise the roof of The Ladder, but on August 16 the group will sing outside to the heavens.

Bring a lawn chair and sing along with the group as Jared Griffis, Jim Young and Dan Gray lead everyone in worship. Hymn books will be provided. In

St. John the Baptist Catholic Chapel St. John the Baptist Chapel

S. 50th Avenue Claybanks Sunday Mass: 8:30 am Easter Sunday through the end of September Call 231-893-3085 for more information

#1 Rated Campground on Google and TripAdvisor in Silver Lake Christian Campground Family Activities Rental Cabins & RVs Full Hook-Up Sites Pool and Ice Cream Shop dunesharbor.org 231-873-3662

case of rain, the event will be held inside The Ladder. This will be a great evening of music!

Celebrate is an opportunity to gather the first four Saturdays each month to worship and praise the Lord. When applicable, they will not gather on the fifth Saturday of the month. For questions, please call The Ladder at (231)259-0211.

N. Ridge Rd., Mears graceadventures.org/summer-worship

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituA ries

Jill Ann Davis

July 1, 1945 ~ August 3, 2025

Jill Ann Davis, 80, of Pentwater, passed away August 3, 2025. She was born July 1, 1945, in Hart, the daughter of Stewart and Vivian (Barkel) Dillingham.

Jill was a spitfire in her younger years, leaving many memories and stories for her family to remember. Later in life, Jill was diagnosed with MS – Multiple Sclerosis, but despite her diagnosis, she never let it hinder her from living the life that she enjoyed; she took it in stride, as long as her teeth and hair were just right; she was a tad particular.

Jill enjoyed traveling and going on cruises. She loved relaxing on the ships and enjoying the destinations from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Alaska. Above all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Locally Jill was involved with the Oceana County Red Hat Society and TOPS, meeting many friends over those years. She and her husband, Richard, were also members of Hart Congregational United Church of Christ.

Jill is survived by: her husband of 20 years, Richard Davis; children, Karla Thomas and Kriste (Tommy) Salamon; stepsons, Tod Davis and Gregg Davis; grandchildren, Lucas (Brianna) Mangold, Amanda (Troy) Lutzke, Brenda (Wade) Holt, Samantha Davis and Sophie Davis; great-grandchildren, Logan, Lucianna, LauraLynn and Luke Mangold, Dominick, Amberlin, David and Natalie Garvey, Shelbe Lutzke, and Emily, Waylon, Brennan and Jace Holt; as well as her brother, Steve (Julie) Dillingham.

Jill was preceded in death by: her parents, Stewart and Vivian Dillingham; siblings, Jaqueline Salzman and Janice Kay; her husband, Lester Hansen; and son-in-law, Daniel Thomas.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Interment will be in Hart Cemetery at a later date.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com

Betty Amanda Huston-Baerman-Nafe

May 19, 1923 ~ August 3, 2025

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life and share the passing of Betty Amanda Huston-Baer man-Nafe who went to be with the Lord at the age of 102. She passed peacefully at home August 3, 2025.

Born at home in Oceana County, Betty was a woman of amazing strength and unshakable faith. She dedicated much of her life to serving others – most notably through her 30 years of preparing countless chicken dinners for those in need at the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Becoming affectionately known as “The Chicken Lady.”

When not serving others, Betty enjoyed cheering on her Detroit Tigers. Baseball brought her joy, but it was her faith and family that brought her the greatest fulfillment.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness and love. That legacy is being continued by: her four sons and one daughter; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held 11:30 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2025, at White Lake United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague, Michigan, 49437, with Pastor Timothy Dibble officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the start of service at the church. A luncheon will be provided after the service.

Please consider memorial contributions to: White Lake United Methodist Church, where Betty’s spirit and compassion will live on.

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

Celebration of Life

– Al Burmeister

We’ll be gathering to remember Al Burmeister on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 1-4 p.m. at his home on the farm: 5426 S. 64th Ave., New Era, MI 49446.

Come as you are and come hungry; there will be good food, cold drinks and great company— just the way Al would’ve liked it.

Barton ‘Bart’ Edward Geyer

June 15, 1937 ~ July 22, 2025

Mr. Barton ‘Bart’ Edward Geyer, 88, of Hesperia, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Bart was born in Hart, Michigan, June 15, 1937, to Herbert and Elinor (Schaner) Geyer.

In 1956, Bart graduated from Catholic Central High School in Muskegon, Michigan, where he excelled in track. Following in his father’s footsteps, he worked for the City of Muskegon Department of Public Works. He then studied to be an Electrical Substation Technician out of IBEW Local 876 and worked for Hall Electric and Newkirk Electric until his retirement. He served in the National Guard from 1956-1964 and was a member of the American Legion, Eagles and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Bart will be remembered best for his irreverent humor and ability to laugh at himself.

Bart found the love of his life, Pat (Thompson) Geyer and they married in 1990. They lived in the home Bart built in Oceana County. Together they enjoyed extensive travel, gardening and shared lots of laughter and great times with friends and family.

Bart will be greatly missed by: his surviving children, in whom he expressed considerable pride, Brad (Donna) Geyer, Brian Geyer, Julie Geyer and Daniel (Danny) Geyer; and his granddaughter, Tessa Geyer. Other survivors include: his brother, Bennett (Ben) Geyer; and Pat’s five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bart was preceded in death by: his loving wife, Pat (Thompson) Geyer; his father, Herbert B. Geyer; mother, Elinor M. Geyer; sister, Gloria Wood; and brothers, Herbert (Herbie) and Gilbert (Gil) Geyer.

There will be no formal funeral service; however, the family wishes you would join them in celebration of Bart’s life from 2-4 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the American Legion Post 411, 4075 S. 198th Ave., Hesperia, MI, 49420.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com

Frieda Marjorie Nichols November 11, 1934 ~ August 4, 2025

Frieda Marjorie Nichols, 90, of Shelby, passed away peacefully, Sunday, August 4, 2025. She was born No vember 11, 1934 in Shelby, the daughter of John and Ida (Martin) Henry.

Frieda married Joe Nichols in 1954 and went to live in Germany, where Joe was in the service. They came home and lived in the Stony Lake/Shelby area, where Frieda peddled the fish that Joe and his brother Walter caught in Lake Michigan and then smoked. In 1969 they moved to Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, where she worked for 30 years at the local hardware store, first stocking shelves and waiting on customers, then as the buyer of many plumbing parts, and finished her career as their bookkeeper. She loved to volunteer for the local museum and helping out with many events in her church and community. She loved to sew and made quilts for all her kids, grandkids and also all her great-grandkids. She also made many quilt tops for the Trinity Lutheran World Relief until her eyesight wouldn't allow her to sew anymore.

Frieda and Joe had many adventures over their 70 years together and visited almost every state in the U.S. Even when her eyesight failed, she loved to take rides and have Joe tell her all about the sights that were around them. She also loved to meet new people, and there was never a person that she didn't want to stop and talk to.

Frieda is survived by: her husband, Joe Nichols; children, Jane (Dan) Smith, Jeanene (Jim) Ferris, Lisa (Mike) Pranger, Charles (Jenny) Nichols and David Nichols; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren.

Frieda was preceded in death by: her parents, John and Ida; sister, Martha VanderWall; and brothers, John and Art Henry.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Michigan, 49455, with Pastor Steve Lister officiating. A coffee time will follow at the funeral home.

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

www.harrisfhome.com

Herman Fredrick Andreas

February 28, 1935 ~ July 26, 2025

Herman Fredrick Andreas, 90, of Hesperia, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025. He was born February 28, 1935 in Elbridge Township, the son of Clarence and Eva (Graham) Andreas.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until noon, Friday, August 8, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Michigan 49455. Interment will follow, with military honors, at Ferry Cemetery, 1650 E. M-20, Shelby, Michigan 49455. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com

CUSTOMER

By JoAnn Derson

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE,

300 W. 57th STREET, 15th FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10019

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

257

• On Aug. 11, 1806, while hunting for elk along the Missouri River, Meriwether Lewis was accidentally shot by one of his own men, likely Private Pierre Cruzatte, though Cruzatte, who was blind in one eye and nearsighted in the other, denied it. Historians suspect he mistook the leather-clad Lewis for an elk. Lewis made a full recovery.

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20250728

• On Aug. 12, 1994, Major League Baseball players went on a strike that lasted for 232 days and caused the cancellation of that year’s World Series for the first time in 90 years.

FOR RELEASE JULY 28, 2025

By Lucie Winborne

• On Aug. 13, 1941, Henry Ford displayed his “Soybean Car,” the plastic body of which was partially composed of the legumes. It weighed half as much as a steel-bodied car and Ford claimed it was safer, but the model never actually went into production.

• On Aug. 14, 1985, the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, bought the publishing rights to the vast majority of the Beatles’ catalog for a cool $47 million. After his death, Sony, one of his primary creditors, assumed full control of the catalog.

• On Aug. 15, 1950, Princess Anne, the second child and only daughter of England’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, was born. She has long been widely admired for her seemingly tireless work ethic (she does not plan to retire until she’s 90) and involvement with more than 300 charities, as well as her general practicality and reliability.

• On Aug. 16, 1987, a plane crash at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Michigan killed 156 people, including Nick Vanos, a center for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, and left just one survivor, 4-yearold Cecelia Cichan of Tempe, Arizona. The accident was determined to have been caused by pilot error, with speculation that the pilots might have been rushing their pre-flight checks to avoid incoming bad weather.

• On Aug. 17, 1977, the day after Elvis Presley died, FTD delivered more than 3,100 floral arrangements, not only cleaning out Memphis-area florists, but setting a record for the most flowers sold in America in just one day.

© 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

ANIMAL SHELTER

I’m Asher—a 2-year-old Pit/Lab mix—and I am currently auditioning for “America’s Next Top Dog Model: The Grocery Store Edition.” Why? Because I came into the shelter a little on the skinny side, and I’m looking for a forever home with a fully stocked fridge and a heart full of love.

I’m what you call “handsome with a side of charming.”

I’ve got the soulful eyes of a romance novel hero and the friendly personality of your favorite barista. I love people, snuggles, snacks, and pretending I’m starving when I just ate five minutes ago (it's called acting - look it up). Here are things I like to do:

• Walks that lead to snacks

• Treats that lead to more treats

• Being told I’m a good boy (because I am)

• Gaining weight the fun way — with YOU by my side I’m friendly with everyone, and I bring the kind of energy that says, “Let’s be best friends and maybe split a rotisserie chicken.”

Asher is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. 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 will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/neuter if needed. Every dog

• Keep a pretty basket by your front door for anything that needs to go out with you when you leave. This can be store returns, backpacks, exercise gear for the gym, your sunglasses, whatever. When you leave the house, check the basket!

• “I use small tension rods to hold wrapping paper in my laundry room. I have the birthday/general use ones upright under a desk (they fit and don’t fall over, so I can store them close together) and the holiday ones are in the very top of a high shelf in the cabinet, out of the way.” — C.S. in Mississippi

• If you have a little bit of touchup paint left in your gallon can, transfer it to a mason jar. Write the exact color and brand on the lid, and it will be much easier to store.

• Fold and snip a coffee filter into a paper snowflake. Lay over an iced cookie or cake to sift a sugar design on top.

• “Our basement was dark and a little claustrophobic. My husband painted it a lovely sunny yellow and that helped, but it needed something else. I took a photo of the spectacular view at our son’s house in Montana, and had the photo blown up. We mounted it on the wall with some dummy curtains! It’s perfect, and it reminds me of him.” — R.W. in New York

• Need to chill a bottle of wine quickly? Wet a kitchen towel, then wrap it around the wine. Twist the ends to secure, and put the whole thing in the freezer for 30 minutes.

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

By Lucie Winborne

• James Doohan, beloved by Star Trek fans as “Scotty,” was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Milwaukee School of Engineering after it was discovered that half of the school’s students had been inspired to pursue engineering careers by the fictional character he portrayed.

• A boy born with only 2% of his brain defied doctors’ expectations when the organ grew to 80% of the average size.

• The first written ice cream recipe was found in a 1665 recipe book.

• Rocking chairs were used in mental facilities and hospitals to soothe and comfort patients long before their widespread adoption in homes.

• Some asteroids get pulled into a planet’s gravity and become their moons.

• White-tailed jackrabbits are the greatest land jumpers, having been recorded leaping 21 feet vertically.

• In early 1949, Victor T. Hoeflich introduced the “Man-from-Mars Radio Hat,” featuring a portable radio built into a pith helmet. It retailed for $7.95 and was sold across the country for a while, but lost popularity due to its technical limitations, which included losing its signal and making annoying squealing noises.

• A man was jailed for two years for cheating at poker. His method? Using infrared contact lenses to see cards premarked with invisible ink.

• The Finnish word “kalsarikännit” means to get drunk alone at home in your underwear.

• In Alaska, plants can grow exceptionally large due to receiving up to 20 hours of sunlight daily, which greatly enhances their photosynthesis process.

• When Nebraska implemented a law allowing parents to leave unwanted newborns at safe havens, no age limit was specified. Within just weeks, 36 kids had been dropped off, but not one was a newborn and the oldest was 17. ***

Thought for the Day: “A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” — Ruth Graham

© 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

© 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

Oceana Center Grange Agricultural Report for August 2025

By Phil Carter

The Oceana Echo Agricultural Consultant

Summer is ripe in the "Land of Oceana." Harvests are also ripe. The sweet and sour cherry harvest is finished here and across most of the state. Oceana growers had the best volume of tart cherries in the state this year. The normal high winds that occur just before harvest held off this year, and grades were better than previous years. Processors had most farmers on delivery quotas, which made for a longer harvest period. Prices were in the 60 cents per pound range, which was the best in several years. Apricot picking is complete. Early peaches are coming on, and the peach harvest will continue for several weeks.

The second and third hay cuttings are ongoing with a smaller volume due to the recent limited rainfall. Wheat combines are mostly finished, and yields are reported to be very good. Low market prices are making profitable returns limited at best. Nationally, the corn and soybean crops are pre-

dicted to hit almost record levels. Michigan's crops are well below the five-year average due to limited rainfall. Silking and corn pollination are at a critical stage, so adequate moisture is needed to produce good yields. Grain traders are not actively buying because of the large nationwide bean and corn predictions.

Michigan Farm Bureau's MACMA processing apple division is forecasting a 25-million-bushel crop, which is down from last year. The New York estimate is 30 million bushels, with Washington state looking at 130 to 150 million "packed units." The Oceana crop is variable, with some blocks showing limited fruit, and the trees in nearby orchards having a full crop. A heavy bloom, hot weather causing a short bloom time and limited bee activity may be causal agents. Many have noted a heavy "June drop: as well. Good processor demand is a positive note.

Oceana County Fair activities begin August 17, with most visitor interests running August 19-23. All those involved hope you can attend and support this important agricultural activity.

Forward Human Trafficking Task Force Dinner Fundraiser

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Human trafficking is not an easy topic to think about. Some believe it is something that just happens in third-world countries on the other side of the globe. Unfortunately, it happens in every country across the world, including the United States, and sadly yes, in Oceana County.

Thankfully, since 2020, the Forward Human Trafficking Task Force (FHTTF) has formed and is working hard to draw attention to and fight against this crime against some of the area’s most vulnerable.

To bring more awareness and help to educate the community about human trafficking, the FHTTF invites the community to “Dinner in the Vineyard,” Saturday, August 16, at Pleasant Valley Farms, located at 522 N. 69th Ave., Hart from 4-7 p.m. Besides presentations from law enforcement and a trafficked survivor, the event will feature a catered dinner and silent auction. The cost for the dinner will be by donation only, however, organizers ask that individuals RSVP to the FHTTF Zeffy link (see QR code below) so they have a headcount.

“Our upcoming event, Dinner at the Vineyard, will allow our community to see all that is actually being done here locally to fight trafficking and advocate for survivors. Along

with our team, we have law enforcement that will be sharing to the extent that they can. As well as a survivor, with ties to West Michigan, who will share her story, one that has many threads connecting to teens here in Oceana and Mason Counties,” said Sherry Motcheck with FHTTF.

“We are always excited to host these community events, where we can gather people together and provide a snapshot of the fight against trafficking in our neighborhoods. We focus on a tough subject in an engaging way. Anti-human trafficking is often viewed as a silent fight because, as a task force, we don't share a lot of details, especially when it comes to children. Our silence is for their protection; we don’t want to exploit those we are fighting for. It may appear that nothing is being done, or that we have nothing to fight for here in our hometowns, and that is the farthest thing from the truth,” Motcheck continued. “This is why we encourage the community to come out on August 16 and hear about what Forward has been doing.”

Motcheck and her husband have been fighting human trafficking for years by financially supporting other agencies and organizations that were doing it well. All that changed in 2020 when they learned that someone they loved and living in Oceana County had been trafficked.

“That's when we realized two things. The first

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituA ries

Robert Scott Poort

July 27, 1961 ~ July 10, 2025

Robert Scott Poort, 63, passed away unexpectedly, July 10, 2025. He was born July 27, 1961, in Muskegon, the son of Richard and Pauline (Bringedahl) Poort. A lifelong resident of Shelby, Scott dedicated much of his career to Shelby Public Schools, where he served not only as a valued staff member but also as a beloved coach and volunteer. His positive influence was felt by countless students, families, and community members over the years.

Scott is survived by: his wife, Betty (Inglis) Poort; son, Daniel Poort; daughter, Kari (Poort) Kroning; grandchildren, Charlie, Casey and Cooper Kroning, and Evelyn Poort; brother, Jim Poort; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Richard and Pauline (Bringedahl) Poort; sisters, Constance and Janet; and brothers, Richard and Ron.

In honor of Scott’s lifelong love for animals, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to your local animal shelter.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home, 367 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, MI 49455. Friends and family are invited to gather for a time of visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, with a luncheon to be held afterward at Shelby Elementary School, 1285 S. Oceana Dr., Shelby, MI 49455. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Darlaine Marie Edel

April 25, 1940 ~ August 6, 2025

was that we were completely ignorant of what trafficking truly was, and the second was that every dollar we were sending to other organizations never reached our hometown. That's when ‘Forward’ was born,” Motcheck shared. “From that day on, we threw ourselves headlong into learning how to keep the children in our community safe. Separate from what we do with Forward HTTF, I also travel the country working with law enforcement in big cities to locate the missing, exploited, and trafficked teens. I have brought those experiences back home to ensure we are doing all we can to keep our local children from being the ones we are having to locate. With the help of law enforcement, prosecutors, pastors, educators, and others, we are continuing to advance this fight here in West Michigan.”

For those not able to attend the fundraiser on August 16, donations can be accepted by visiting https://www.forwardhttf. org/#/ and clicking on the donate button. FHTTF also maintains an Amazon Smile wish list and Facebook page.

Any other questions can be directed to info@ forwardhttf.org.

Darlaine Marie Edel, 85, of Scottville, formerly of Hart, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025. She was born April 25, 1940, in Hart, the daughter of Robert and Gloria (Mitteer) Pierce.

Darlaine loved raising different kinds of animals on the farms she grew up on. She also loved to watch the wildlife in her front and back yards.

Darlaine is survived by: her son, Donald E. Allen; grandkids, Shanna, Darek, Brandi (Craig), Chelsey and Tara; great-grandkids, Emiliano and Raeven; as well as sister-in-law, Ricky Pierce; and numerous step-children, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, neph ews and friends.

Darlaine was preceded in death by: her parents, Robert and Gloria Pierce; her loving husband, Michael E. Edel; daughter-in-law, Kelly Allen; and sons, Tim and Richard Allen.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420. Visitation will be held Friday from noon until the time of services at the funeral home. Interment will be in Hart Cemetery.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Obituary Information:

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

Village of Shelby moves forward in downtown vision

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

SHELBY - The Shelby Village Council moved one step closer to a revitalized downtown Monday, July 28 when they approved a proposal from Spalding DeDecker, of Lansing, for $13,950.00 ($3,487.50 from the Village of Shelby and $10,462.50 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation) for Phases I and II of a proposed downtown Shelby village beautification project. The proposed project would encompass the east and west sides of Michigan Avenue, from Fourth Street to Third Street, and 50 yards north, south, east and west of both streets.

“This dream started years ago,” said Village Administrator Phil Morse in his presentation to council.

Both past and present village council members and interested community members have been imagining a renewed downtown for decades. A community survey in January saw over 100 respondents and provided the village with a direction. Shortly after the village received its Redevelopment Ready Certification (RRC), a Shelby Vision and Implementation Team (VIT) was organized. The current VIT includes several subcommittees, of which the Downtown Refurbishment Emphasis (DRE) is one. Taking the lead on this committee are Andy Carter, John Foss, Paul Inglis and Richard Raffaelli, and they are in charge of drafting a Request for Proposal to present to design firms.

The details of Phases I and II were outlined at the village council meeting. Phase I would include two in-person public hearings to gain feedback from resident stakeholders, while simultaneously developing and rolling out a virtual survey option, then combining feedback for committee review. Phase II includes the development of an initial concept for review, using feedback from the resident surveys held in January, and the development of a budget based on those designs.

(Read more about downtown Shelby’s VIT in a related article in this week’s paper on page 11.)

Morse informed the council the DRE had reached out to three design firms, and all three submitted proposals. Two proposals stood out, however, after careful review, the committee was recommending the village go with Spalding DeDecker, the firm also used in the development of Shelby Township’s Community Park, and the firm currently working on the all-season sports center at the park.

“What ultimately set Spalding DeDecker apart was their proposed fee structure,” Morse’s memo to council read. “While Fleis & Vandenbrink proposed a fee of 11.5%, Spalding DeDecker offered a rate of 9%. This nearly 2.2% difference (would) translate into a potential savings of approximately $33,000 on a $1.5 million project.”

Morse also went on to say that while the village has not received official confirmation from the MEDC RRC it would pay the $10,462.50 for design fees. The MEDC representative indicated approval is likely. (Having the Redevelopment Ready Certification opens up many more funding opportunities for the village than they’ve had in the past.)

Most of the questions surrounding the proposed project came from Council Member Mike Termer, who stated upfront he was all for downtown revitalization, but wanted to know more about where the money was coming from to fund the $1.5 million project. In response, the DRE committee shared there is another subcommittee working on how to fund the project, and if the resolution passed, they would have the information they needed to proceed. Although funding the project would ultimately fall to the fundraising committee, the DRE committee said $600,000 has been committed by a private donor, the village would be asking for a state match, and the Township of Shelby has already

voted to commit $300,000 of road funding to the project. Morse assured those assembled that the money would not come from taxpayer dollars. He said funds needed would come from private donations, some street money and grants.

Raffaelli of the DRE committee emphasized that without this document the village won’t be able to apply for grants. He also brought out that the process they are following is similar to how the Getty Park project was developed and funded, and that if the council gave their approval to the resolution, the village would be working with Spaulding DeDecker throughout Phases III and IV as well.

Following discussion, Councilor Steve Crothers made a motion, with Termer supporting, for the resolution. All four of the other council members in attendance voted in the affirmative as well, Samantha Gottschalk, Curt Trott, Dan Zaverl and Village President John Sutton. Crystal Heykoop was absent.

The other big news of the evening was the approval of a DPW revised salary structure. Within the past six months, the village reviewed and clarified roles within the DPW related to associated licensing requirements. With the resolution, Morse and the Personnel Committee were recommending transitioning the DPW salary schedule to a base-rate plus position-specific multiplier model, effective March 2026. The only exception would be a salary adjustment for the DPW Lead Worker position as soon as someone is hired. The village is interviewing candidates this week for the position recently vacated by Owen Peterson, who is entering military service.

According to Morse’s memo, the maximum impact, for the remaining seven months of FY25/26, would be no more than $10,750. “It all depends on what qualifications and background potential applicants have,” Morse said. For comparison, Morse presented council with information on what other nearby municipalities in Oceana, Mason, Muskegon and Newaygo counties pay their DPW employees and his and the committee’s reasoning for the passage of the resolution, which included increased market competitiveness, strengthened leadership capacity, licensing incentives, merit-based advancement and simplified financial planning.

“I wish we could see their budgets,” Zaverl voiced. “These other municipalities have a lot bigger budgets.”

Chair of the Personnel Committee Termer added, “We do need to do something for our Lead Worker position. We’re expecting more licensing-wise. We need these positions.”

After a brief discussion, Termer moved for approval of said resolution; Personnel Co-Chair Gottschalk offered her support. Crothers, Trott and Sutton voted for passage, while Zaverl voted against it. Heykoop was absent.

Two other resolutions passed unanimously. First quarter budget amendments approved were mainly related to increases in revenue from a grant received for the Master Plan update, as well as donations for the Chainsaw Carving Festival and Getty Park, reimbursements for water meters ordered for Shelby Acres Development, and interest revenue in the General Investment Fund.

Council also gave approval to purchase firewall hardware and licensing at a cost of $2,894 from SonicGuard with installation by VC3 in the amount of $2,475 for a total of $5,366. Licensing will need to be renewed annually, and in three years system hardware will need to be reviewed again.

Right before adjournment, Zaverl wished to thank Morse for all of his work on the first Chainsaw Carving Festival. “I appreciate all the work you put in. Everyone I’ve talked to loved it and hope it happens next year.”

Chief of Police Dean Roesler also announced the county law enforcement’s “National Night Out” event, which took place Tuesday, August 5 from 4-8 p.m. at the Shelby Township Community Park.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day scheduled for August 16

Now is the time to clean out basements, garages or barns and look for old, unusable or mystery products that require safe disposal. The Oceana County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection day is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event takes place at the Hart Department of Public Works, 1010 State St., Hart, MI 49420. This event is only held once a year!

Items accepted for disposal:

• Motor oil, gasoline and other automotive fluids

• Household cleaners

• Alcohols, aerosols, dyes

• Herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers

• Oil-based paints

• Electronics (TVs, computers, DVD players, radios, phones, printers)

• Small Appliances (microwaves, window AC units, dehumidifiers and small refrigerators)

• Batteries (household, automotive and power tool batteries)

• Pharmaceuticals (expired or unused medications, Sharps in puncture-proof container and inhalers)

• Vaping devices

These items are considered hazardous because they could cause contamination to the environment, particularly drinking and surface water, if dumped or leaked. They also typically aren’t accepted through regular trash services. By bringing these items to the HHW event, these products are reused, recycled or safely disposed of by certified contractors, ensuring they stay out of the local soil, forest and water resources.

Residents can expect to be greeted upon entering and directed to the appropriate drop-off station based on the type of materials they have. Residents are asked to remain in their vehicles while volunteers unload their items to help keep traffic moving efficiently. The event will close promptly at 1 p.m., and late drop-offs will not be accepted. The first hour tends to be the busiest, so those planning to arrive early should anticipate a short wait.

Items not accepted:

• Tires • Styrofoam

• Ammunition • Household trash

• Fiberglass • Latex and acrylic paints

Important note on paint disposal:

Only oil-based paints will be accepted, so individuals are encouraged to take a closer look at the paint they wish to dispose of. Latex and acrylic paints are water-based paints and are not considered hazardous once dried. A drying agent such as cat litter or sawdust can be added to latex or acrylic paint cans, or simply leave the lid off and let it dry out naturally. Once fully dry, the cans can be thrown in regular trash bins.

Tips for identifying oil-based vs. water-based paints:

• Oil-based paint typically has a more potent odor than water-based paint.

• Check the label and see if it says cleanup requires “mineral spirits” or look for the word “alkyd” -  this is an oil-based paint. If the label says cleanup requires only soap and water, this is a water-based paint.

• Rubbing alcohol will remove dried water-based paint, but not oil-based paint. If there are any dry patches on the sides of the can, apply some alcohol to a rag or cotton ball and see if any residue comes off.

Residents intending to bring a large load of 200 lbs. or more are required to call the Oceana Conservation District, at 231-861-5600, in advance. This allows staff to adequately manage and prepare for what will be coming in so that as much material as possible can be collected and individuals aren’t turned away.

This event is open to Oceana County residents only, though Mason and Manistee counties also hold their collections on the same day. The annual event is coordinated by a three-county committee composed of conservation district staff and community members within Manistee, Mason and Oceana counties. The three-county committee is responsible for the planning, coordination, execution, and funding of the event. Financial contributions from counties, townships and villages and donations on the day of help keep this valuable service running. The committee asks for a suggested minimum donation of $15 per load to help support this year’s event.

For questions or additional information, contact the Oceana Conservation District at 231-861-5600 or visit https://www.oceanaconservation.org/household-hazardous-waste/.

Downtown Shelby Vision and Implementation reviews accomplishments, outlines upcoming activities

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

SHELBY - The downtown Shelby Vision and Implementation Team (VIT), formed in midApril, following the village’s Redevelopment Ready Certification designation, recently met to review progress toward their stated goals and discuss next steps.

Shelby’s VIT purpose statement reads, “Implement initiatives designed to elevate the aesthetic appeal of downtown Shelby, attract local businesses, entrepreneurs, and visitors, foster community pride, and enhance connectivity among community members.”

The group met Friday, July 18 to report on recent activity. Within the VIT, seven “Emphasis Groups” were originally formed: Aesthetics, Connection Team, Development, Downtown Refurbish, Events, Fundraising and Marketing. However, as these groups have been working together for the past three months, it was determined it might be more efficient to combine a couple of the original Emphasis Groups.

As a result, the “Downtown Refurbish” and “Aesthetics” groups were combined and will be led by Co-Chairs Richard Raffaelli and Andy Carter. “Events” and “Marketing” groups were combined and will be led by Chair Damian Omness. The “Fundraising” group will remain as is and be led by Mishelle Comstock. The “Development” group will remain as is and be led by Chair Deanna Fox.

A “Connection Team” group was eliminated. Originally its purpose was to foster connections, enhance community involvement, ensure residents are informed and encouraged to participate in events. However, it was determined that these tasks were more in line with the newly merged “Events and Marketing” group.

At the group’s first meeting in April, those in attendance were divided into three different groups to determine top goals for downtown Shelby, with the main goals being: making downtown Shelby more affordable, offering more parking, beautifying Shelby, bringing more businesses and people to the downtown area, instilling more pride

in Shelby, improving communication and connectivity and addressing walkability and wayfinding.

Next, the VIT listed some of the activities each “Emphasis Group" would focus on in the coming months (May-July). The “Aesthetics” group was tasked with coordinating the planting of annual flowers downtown, designing and coordinating holiday decorations, organizing volunteers for spring and fall cleanups and ensuring everything stays weeded and watered. The “Development” group was to identify housing development sites, incentives, processes and review zoning language to promote and attract housing and commercial development. The “Downtown Refurbish” group planned to lead and oversee a downtown renovation plan. The “Events” group would work in conjunction and cooperation, offering support where possible, with groups hosting both current and new events planned in the village. The “Fundraising” group would focus its attention on raising funds to implement the village’s vision. And the “Marketing”

group would focus on branding and promoting Shelby.

At their July meeting, the Vision and Implementation Team reviewed the work accomplished thus far with the Downtown Refurbish group leading out. Over the past three months, this group has interviewed different firms for performing work in the downtown area. In Phases I and II the group will focus on the design and budget of proposed projects. The first two phases will involve more public hearings and opportunities for feedback from residents. Phase III would see the creation of a construction plan and bidding. Phase IV would be the actual construction and oversight. Ideally any plans would be completed by the end of 2026.

“During the next 60 days, residents and stakeholders will have ample opportunity to provide feedback and offer suggestions to help us create the design. After that we would work the plan, the time for suggestions will be past,” Raffaelli said.

The Marketing group chair, Amanda Mazur, was not in attendance on July 18, however, various marketing ideas were

discussed, including websites, Facebook pages, news outlets and billboards to notices on water bills, flyers and word of mouth.

The Events group has been involved with Movie Night coordination and the Chainsaw Carving Festival since April and is looking to offer support to the chamber’s Halloween and Christmas events. They also mentioned several other possible activities and events in the works they would like to bring to Shelby in the coming year. Stay tuned!

While the Development group did not have anything specific to report, group representative Malcolm Carey shared the need for more places that young, single people like himself could rent.

Village Administrator Phil Morse also mentioned the MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) grants that can help people with roofs and window replacement and the USDA No Down Deposit home loans. “I’d like to see more people involved in these,” he said.

At the conclusion of their July 18 meeting, Morse asked each Emphasis Group to come up with an idea of what funding their group would need to do what they want to do. While some grant funding is frozen right now, there are other untapped opportunities

Morse is anxious to pursue.

Meetings of the Shelby VIT will be held quarterly, with their next meeting scheduled for Friday, October 17 at 9 a.m. at the village hall. All interested individuals are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

Missed Connection

To the Barnes & Noble “Most Beautiful Smile” and the Chainsaw Carving Festival “Jesus is My Savior, Trump is My President” cap lady: Please meet me Thursday nights ‘til the end of Summer, at the Pentwater Civic Band Concerts, near the steps, 7:00 to 7:40 p.m. - K

BENONA TOWNSHIP

Synopsis of Meeting

July 28, 2025

The regular meeting of July 28, 2025, was called to order at 7:10 PM with all Board members present and 32 visitors present. The agenda was approved as submitted. The minutes of the regular meeting of June 23, 2025 were approved. Action was taken on the following:

-Propane price cap fee approved.

-Resolution for 2025 Millage Levy adopted.

-Bills approved for payment, with additions. Meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM.

A copy of the complete minutes is available from the Clerk at Benona Township Hall or on the township website (www.benonatownship.org).

- Margie Shaw, Clerk

SPORTS

Oceana County Legend Bud Tice: A lifetime in a blender

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

PENTWATER – Small town legends seem to lurk around every corner in Oceana County. Bud Tice’s story however, may just top them all.

Tice, now in his 70s, has spent the majority of his time scaling the mountain of life, reaching new heights with every challenge he encounters. That all started in Hart where Tice grew up after his family relocated from Detroit when he was just a toddler.

After advancing through high school as a Pirate, Tice found it difficult to get his secondary education while staying in Michigan. That prompted him to apply to Indiana State University, something he acknowledged as the launch of a successful career.

“(Getting into Indiana State) was really a life changing event,” Tice said. “My thinking at that time was that I wanted to be a football coach because I didn’t have the abilities to play college football. The people and connections I made ended up being huge.”

With no ability to make it home for Thanksgiving while at Indiana State, Tice decided to try and get a job at the on-campus sports complex. He tried hunting down the equipment manager, but instead he found the head athletic trainer Mel Blickenstaff and was immediately offered a job in that department.

In his third year under Blickenstaff, a minor degree in athletic training was added to the university’s curriculum. Tice became the first graduate of that program in 1968, and was highest in his class – something he still holds over the head of the only other student that graduated with the same degree that year.

“That started my ath-

letic training career –or at least the idea that it would be my career,” Tice said.

Life quickly threw a wrench into Tice’s plans. After graduating, he accepted a dual position at Wilmington College in Ohio where he’d serve as a coach as well as an athletic trainer. Tice remembered the excitement around the position, as Wilmington served as the home of training camp for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL).

Two weeks into his stint at Wilmington, Tice was drafted into the Vietnam War in October of 1968.

“I had to leave that job before the season started,” Tice said. “I came back (from the war) with all 10 of my fingers and all 10 of my toes. I was unscathed physically and mentally for the most part.”

Vietnam provided Tice with some of his most formative years. He credits most of what he accomplished later in life, to his time in the army.

“If anything else, my time in Vietnam gave me the confidence to go back to the real world and know that I’d survive,” Tice said. “I spent two years in the army and when I came out, I wanted to get my Master’s (degree). I wanted to use my V.A. benefits, so I went to Eastern Michigan University.”

After two years as an Eagle, Tice obtained his degree and headed back to college, this time for a career rather than an education.

Northwest Missouri State University offered him its athletic trainer position in 1971. For four years Tice served in that capacity, but despite loving his job he yearned for something more fulfilling. In 1975, Tice flew out to the University of West Virginia where he interviewed with legendary college football coach Bobby Bowden. Tice was offered a job

with the Mountaineers, serving under Bowden for his first year before the coach took the head coaching gig at Florida State University. Tice stayed in West Virginia for two more years, but made a leap to the professionals when he heard the Buffalo Bills had an opening for an assistant trainer.

Tice found himself working under another legend in the sport as NFL Hall of Fame center Jim Ringo was at the helm in Buffalo.

“With Bowden and Ringo, at least I got hired by two big names in the business,” Tice joked.

Ringo lasted for Tice’s first year with the Bills, but was replaced by Chuck Knox after the team continued to struggle. Knox’s job was to build the team into contenders. Tice’s job was to help get him the information needed to bring the right players onto the team.

“My first job was to prepare for the draft and review all the top candidates that might fall to us,” Tice said. “I wrote medical profiles on players based on what we knew from their records, as well as our contacts from college trainers.

“We got through our first year, and drafted a

Joe Ferguson and Bill Munson.

In 1982, Tice took part in what was the inaugural NFL scouting combine. Only five teams were involved – the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.

Knox was let go in 1985 and was replaced by Kay Stephenson. Around the same time Tice married his wife Paulette.

was about. He boarded a plane and, as his feet touched the ground for the first time in that state, Tice fell in love.

“When the plane landed, it just felt different,” Tice said. “I fell in love with it instantly. I made a promise to stay there for five years, and during that time life got so good. Paulette and I ended up staying for another five years before retiring.”

guy named Phil Dokes (1976 Oklahoma State University All-American).”

That move was one that Tice looked fondly on, particularly after recalling O.J. Simpson gave Dokes the nickname “Okie-Dokie.”

The best move Tice remembers from his time with the Bills, was actually one that he didn’t end up making.

Leading up to the 1979 draft, the Bills had a choice to make in the second round between Mark Gastineau and Fred Smerlas. Buffalo ended up selecting Smerlas 32nd overall, while Gastineau was scooped up by the New York Jets nine picks later.

“We looked at our data and, based on what we thought we knew, Gastineau would end up having leg, knee and back problems,” Tice said. “Fred was flexible, and he proved to be the better player over time because he played every game and never got hurt. Gastineau was constantly hurt in the back and lower body area.”

Outside of football, Tice spent the occasional night out with some of the older players on the team. That included names like former quarterbacks

Two kids later, Tice was ready to make a change. That shifted his focus to a career where he could enjoy life with his family. A remote position with American Hospital Supply allowed him to stay in Buffalo. That company was acquired by Baxter International in 1985, leading to several rounds of cuts that included Tice’s branch.

That’s when Tice interviewed with Buffalo General Hospital (BGH) who had just gone through a massive overhaul of their own with a new CEO/President at the top. Tice became the administrative assistant to the CEO, putting him in the world of hospitals. After 18 years in that position, Tice’s former mentor who left three years into his stint at BGH and spent over a decade in Flint, called and swooned over the technology and advancements made at his newest job in Nebraska.

Naturally, Tice wanted to see what the buzz

That’s where Bud and Paulette have been ever since. They do however, set aside time to visit Oceana County, a place that still holds great memories for Tice.

“I brought Paulette up here before we got married and showed her the sand dunes and Pentwater,” Tice said. “I told her this place was important to me and I hoped it would be for her too. Come to find out, it’s more important to her than it is to me. I’m pretty sure she’d leave me to come here for the summer if she had to.”

With a lifetime of accolades and accomplishments, Bud has plenty to be proud of. When asked to name the brightest feather in his decorated cap, he couldn’t settle on just one. He simply hopes he’s made an impact on those he’s worked with.

“Going from job to job, it’s been a long, but nice trail,” Tice said. “I’ve learned a lot, but I hope I’ve given just as much.”

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Bud Tice (pictured above, right) hangs out on the sideline, donning his Buffalo Bills gear as an assistant athletic trainer. • Contributed

Bud Tice spent two years with the army after being drafted for the Vietnam War. • Contributed

Reflections

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS

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SOURCE

Soul & Story Creative celebrates grand opening

Soul & Story Creative celebrates grand opening

Soul & Story Creative celebrates grand opening

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Nicole McDonald, a longtime professor of psychology at both Cornerstone and Grand Valley State universities and owner of a psychology doctorate from Michigan State University, has been focusing on whole-person wellness since long before it became the common focus it is today.

WHITEHALL — Nicole McDonald, a longtime professor of psychology at both Cornerstone and Grand Valley State universities and owner of a psychology doctorate from Michigan State University, has been focusing on whole-person wellness since long before it became the common focus it is today.

WHITEHALL — Nicole McDonald, a longtime professor of psychology at both Cornerstone and Grand Valley State universities and owner of a psychology doctorate from Michigan State University, has been focusing on whole-person wellness since long before it became the common focus it is today.

Now she's bringing that focus to her own retail space in Whitehall - Soul & Story Creative, which is located in the Colby Street plaza that will soon house Aldi. It's located between that Aldi site - currently under construction - and Elite Air Heating and Cooling. The new business has been open for just over a month, and it celebrated its grand opening last week, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.

Now she's bringing that focus to her own retail space in Whitehall - Soul & Story Creative, which is located in the Colby Street plaza that will soon house Aldi. It's located between that Aldi site - currently under construction - and Elite Air Heating and Cooling. The new business has been open for just over a month, and it celebrated its grand opening last week, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.

Now she's bringing that focus to her own retail space in Whitehall - Soul & Story Creative, which is located in the Colby Street plaza that will soon house Aldi. It's located between that Aldi site - currently under construction - and Elite Air Heating and Cooling. The new business has been open for just over a month, and it celebrated its grand opening last week, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.

"Sometimes when we think about wellness, we think about diet and exercise," McDonald said. "Which is very important, but I've seen how it's much

"Sometimes when we think about wellness, we think about diet and exercise," McDonald said. "Which is very important, but I've seen how it's much

"Sometimes when we think about wellness, we think about diet and exercise," McDonald said. "Which is very important, but I've seen how it's much

of the new retail space.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

broader than that. It's about, what kind of sleep do you get? It's about the time in nature. It's about creativity and play. It's about spirituality.

broader than that. It's about, what kind of sleep do you get? It's about the time in nature. It's about creativity and play. It's about spirituality.

broader than that. It's about, what kind of sleep do you get? It's about the time in nature. It's about creativity and play. It's about spirituality.

"Across my academic career, I started to research all these different areas.

"Across my academic career, I started to research all these different areas.

"Across my academic career, I started to research all these different areas.

The 15

The 15

personal

areas

consists of

We can trace them back to studies that show that gratitude and creativity actually impacts how we think. It impacts how we relate to other

The 15 core areas that I believe whole personal wellness consists of are all research-based. We can trace them back to studies that show that gratitude and creativity actually impacts how we think. It impacts how we relate to other

of are all research-based. We can trace them back to studies that show that gratitude and creativity actually impacts how we think. It impacts how we relate to other

Those 15 core areas are each represented by a color - for example, blue is

Soul & Story

continued on page 2

History Cruises end (for now) after 4 successful years

History Cruises end (for now) after 4 successful years

History Cruises end (for now) after 4 successful years

Chamber may bring cruises back for special occasions in the future

Chamber may bring cruises back for special occasions in the future

Chamber may bring cruises back for special occasions in the future

Madison Lajewski

By Madison Lajewski

White Lake Mirror Writer

White

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

Lake Mirror Writer

The White Lake area experienced year four of their annual history cruises Sunday, July 27. After taking a hiatus in 2010 from the cruises, the White Lake Chamber & Visitor's Bureau brought them back in 2022 and they have been a big hit for the community ever since.

The White Lake area experienced year four of their annual history cruises Sunday, July 27. After taking a hiatus in 2010 from the cruises, the White Lake Chamber & Visitor's Bureau brought them back in 2022 and they have been a big hit for the community ever since.

The White Lake area experienced year four of their annual history cruises Sunday, July 27. After taking a hiatus in 2010 from the cruises, the White Lake Chamber & Visitor's Bureau brought them back in 2022 and they have been a big hit for the community ever since.

“I was brand new to the Chamber in the fall of 2021, and that winter we made the decision to bring the History Cruises back for 2022,” Chamber executive director Stephanie Ware said. “The entire process was new to me. Looking back, there have been so many standout moments over the past

“I was brand new to the Chamber in the fall of 2021, and that winter we made the decision to bring the History Cruises back for 2022,” Chamber executive director Stephanie Ware said. “The entire process was new to me. Looking back, there have been so many standout moments over the past

“I was brand new to the Chamber in the fall of 2021, and that winter we made the decision to bring the History Cruises back for 2022,” Chamber executive director Stephanie Ware said. “The entire process was new to me. Looking back, there have been so many standout moments over the past

four years, but year one holds a special place in my heart. With no existing script or timeline to follow, it took a lot of research, collaboration, and time, especially working alongside our incredible local historians. I knew how important it was not to get the history wrong. We jumped in and the cruises really took off.

four years, but year one holds a special place in my heart. With no existing script or timeline to follow, it took a lot of research, collaboration, and time, especially working alongside our incredible local historians. I knew how important it was not to get the history wrong. We jumped in and the cruises really took off.

four years, but year one holds a special place in my heart. With no existing script or timeline to follow, it took a lot of research, collaboration, and time, especially working alongside our incredible local historians. I knew how important it was not to get the history wrong. We jumped in and the cruises really took off.

“From what I could gather, the earlier cruises from 2010 were organized by several different groups, so there wasn’t one central organization that had a saved plan or script. Thankfully, we found old programs that listed the historic sites covered, which gave us a good start. That first year stands out because I had the privilege of working closely with some of our community’s most knowledgeable historians, and

“From what I could gather, the earlier cruises from 2010 were organized by several different groups, so there wasn’t one central organization that had a saved plan or script. Thankfully, we found old programs that listed the historic sites covered, which gave us a good start. That first year stands out because I had the privilege of working closely with some of our community’s most knowledgeable historians, and

“From what I could gather, the earlier cruises from 2010 were organized by several different groups, so there wasn’t one central organization that had a saved plan or script. Thankfully, we found old programs that listed the historic sites covered, which gave us a good start. That first year stands out because I had the privilege of working closely with some of our community’s most knowledgeable historians, and

History Cruises continued on page 2

History Cruises continued on page 2

Cruises continued on page 2

• Greg Johnson/Contributed Photo

Voters narrowly pass MADL millage request

Voters narrowly pass MADL millage request

Voters narrowly pass MADL millage request

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Muskegon County voters narrowly gave approval to the Muskegon Area District Library's millage request in Tuesday's election. Of 15,428 voters, 50.44% voted in favor of the request, giving approval by a margin of 136 votes.

Muskegon County voters narrowly gave approval to the Muskegon Area District Library's millage request in Tuesday's election. Of 15,428 voters, 50.44% voted in favor of the request, giving approval by a margin of 136 votes.

Muskegon County voters narrowly gave approval to the Muskegon Area District Library's millage request in Tuesday's election. Of 15,428 voters, 50.44% voted in favor of the request, giving approval by a margin of 136 votes.

The approval will install a millage rate of 1.5143 mills, or $1.5143 per $1,000 of taxable value, over the next 10 years (2026-35) for properties within MADL's service area, which includes Montague and its surrounding townships as well as the Reeths-Puffer district. (Whitehall is served by the White Lake Community Library, which

The approval will install a millage rate of 1.5143 mills, or $1.5143 per $1,000 of taxable value, over the next 10 years (2026-35) for properties within MADL's service area, which includes Montague and its surrounding townships as well as the Reeths-Puffer district. (Whitehall is served by the White Lake Community Library, which

The approval will install a millage rate of 1.5143 mills, or $1.5143 per $1,000 of taxable value, over the next 10 years (2026-35) for properties within MADL's service area, which includes Montague and its surrounding townships as well as the Reeths-Puffer district. (Whitehall is served by the White Lake Community Library, which

is independent of MADL.)

is independent of MADL.)

is independent of MADL.)

According to ballot language, an estimated $6.3 million in revenue will be generated by the millage in its first year. MADL said before the election that the slight increase in the rate from the existing 1.2143 mills was due to planned additional services, anticipated rises in cost of providing current services, and the possibility of Headlee amendment rollbacks.

According to ballot language, an estimated $6.3 million in revenue will be generated by the millage in its first year. MADL said before the election that the slight increase in the rate from the existing 1.2143 mills was due to planned additional services, anticipated rises in cost of providing current services, and the possibility of Headlee amendment rollbacks.

According to ballot language, an estimated $6.3 million in revenue will be generated by the millage in its first year. MADL said before the election that the slight increase in the rate from the existing 1.2143 mills was due to planned additional services, anticipated rises in cost of providing current services, and the possibility of Headlee amendment rollbacks.

An estimated 90% of library services are funded by the millage.

An estimated 90% of library services are funded by the millage.

An estimated 90% of library services are funded by the millage.

"We would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who spoke out in support of your local libraries and to everyone who voted," the Montague branch of MADL said in a Facebook post. "We look forward to 10 more amazing years

"We would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who spoke out in support of your local libraries and to everyone who voted," the Montague branch of MADL said in a Facebook post. "We look forward to 10 more amazing years

"We would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who spoke out in support of your local libraries and to everyone who voted," the Montague branch of MADL said in a Facebook post. "We look forward to 10 more amazing years

bringing great library services to our communities."

bringing great library services to our communities."

bringing great library services to our communities."

Montague Township voters approved the millage 94-93, and White River Township voters approved it 156102. City of Montague voters voted 'no' by a 200-192 margin, and Blue Lake Township voters turned it down 74-61.

Montague Township voters approved the millage 94-93, and White River Township voters approved it 156102. City of Montague voters voted 'no' by a 200-192 margin, and Blue Lake Township voters turned it down 74-61.

Montague Township voters approved the millage 94-93, and White River Township voters approved it 156102. City of Montague voters voted 'no' by a 200-192 margin, and Blue Lake Township voters turned it down 74-61.

Voters in Dalton Township and Muskegon Charter Township, each of which includes, in part, the Reeths-Puffer district, voted against the library millage. Dalton voters turned it down 557-379 and Muskegon Charter Township voted against it 1,326-979.

Voters in Dalton Township and Muskegon Charter Township, each of which includes, in part, the Reeths-Puffer district, voted against the library millage. Dalton voters turned it down 557-379 and Muskegon Charter Township voted against it 1,326-979.

Voters in Dalton Township and Muskegon Charter Township, each of which includes, in part, the Reeths-Puffer district, voted against the library millage. Dalton voters turned it down 557-379 and Muskegon Charter Township voted against it 1,326-979.

Muskegon Charter Township also was presented two public safety millage requests. Voters approved a renew-

Muskegon Charter Township also was presented two public safety millage requests. Voters approved a renew-

Muskegon Charter Township also was presented two public safety millage requests. Voters approved a renew-

al of an existing millage but rejected an additional millage.

al of an existing millage but rejected an additional millage.

al of an existing millage but rejected an additional millage.

The existing millage of 2.6802 mills was easily renewed for another 10 years despite having been rejected by voters back in May. The approval received 62.35% of the vote, with 1,436 votes in favor. According to ballot language, $1.396 million in revenue will be generated by the millage in its first year of renewal.

The existing millage of 2.6802 mills was easily renewed for another 10 years despite having been rejected by voters back in May. The approval received 62.35% of the vote, with 1,436 votes in favor. According to ballot language, $1.396 million in revenue will be generated by the millage in its first year of renewal.

The existing millage of 2.6802 mills was easily renewed for another 10 years despite having been rejected by voters back in May. The approval received 62.35% of the vote, with 1,436 votes in favor. According to ballot language, $1.396 million in revenue will be generated by the millage in its first year of renewal.

An additional millage of 2.5 mills, however, was roundly rejected in the township as just under 65% of voters turned it down. The additional millage drew 1,345 'no' votes. $1.303 million was the estimated first-year revenue for that request.

An additional millage of 2.5 mills, however, was roundly rejected in the township as just under 65% of voters turned it down. The additional millage drew 1,345 'no' votes. $1.303 million was the estimated first-year revenue for that request.

An additional millage of 2.5 mills, however, was roundly rejected in the township as just under 65% of voters turned it down. The additional millage drew 1,345 'no' votes. $1.303 million was the estimated first-year revenue for that request.

core

that I believe whole

wellness

are all research-based.

Those 15 core areas are each represented by a color - for example, blue is

Nicole McDonald (in white) celebrates the grand opening of her new Soul & Story Creative store Friday. With McDonald, from left, are husband Matt and children Kennedy and Hayden. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

An easel outside the Soul & Story Creative store in Whitehall Friday struck an optimistic tone for the grand opening

The White Lake History Cruise sets sail from the White Lake channel July 27. Originally revived as a one-time event in 2022, the cruises stuck around for three more years due to community response. This year marked the last cruise, at least for now.

• Greg Johnson/Contributed Photo

Nicole McDonald (in white) celebrates the grand opening of her new Soul & Story Creative store Friday. With McDonald, from left, are husband Matt and children Kennedy and Hayden. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

An easel outside the Soul & Story Creative store in Whitehall Friday struck an optimistic tone for the grand opening of the new retail space.

The White Lake History Cruise sets sail from the White Lake channel July 27. Originally revived as a one-time event in 2022, the cruises stuck around for three more years due to community response. This year marked the last cruise, at least for now.

• Greg Johnson/Contributed Photo

core areas that I believe whole personal wellness consists

people."

Those 15 core areas are each represented by a color - for example, blue is

Nicole McDonald (in white) celebrates the grand opening of her new Soul & Story Creative store Friday. With McDonald, from left, are husband Matt and children Kennedy and Hayden. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

An easel outside the Soul & Story Creative store in Whitehall Friday struck an optimistic tone for the grand opening of the new retail space.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

By

The White Lake History Cruise sets sail from the White Lake channel July 27. Originally revived as a one-time event in 2022, the cruises stuck around for three more years due to community response. This year marked the last cruise, at least for now.

Miller's Oil & Lube Express celebrates 20 years

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Miller's Oil & Lube Express in Whitehall celebrated 20 years in business over the last week with balloons and decorations in-house, as well as discounts, custom cookies and prize drawings for customers, including gift cards to other local businesses. There was also a drawing for a prize package that included, among other things, a company t-shirt, an Armor-All car care package and an Igloo cooler.

Gerrie Miller is the owner and operator of Miller's, and many locals know he has significant business lineage in the area, as his late mom Gloria was longtime

owner of Big John's Pizza. He said he attributes his success and community-oriented business philosophy to what he learned from her.

"I knew what I was getting into," Miller said of learning from his mom. "The public is the best part. It's about the public and the people. It's not about getting rich, it's to provide service to the people. My mom always taught me that."

Miller's received plenty of community support for its celebration, as other local businesses contributed gift cards to be handed out to customers. Its Facebook page also shouted out White Lake Greenhouse for the gift of a flower arrangement that celebrat-

Soul & Story

water, cleansing and hydration; red is learning, curiosity and wonder; and brown is gratitude, generosity and givingand each applies in at least one way to each item McDonald offers in her store. Items range from organic lip balm to wellness-focused books to puzzles to toys. Art, home decor, crocheted sweaters and crafting supplies are other available wares.

"The 15 core areas, that's really how I make the decision of what will be in here," McDonald said. "Each product, the coaching, will all be based on that model. Each product can be traced back to one or more of those areas. The products are meant to support wellness in all those areas."

Wellness coaching will also be offered. McDonald plans to work with individuals, families, teams, groups and anyone else who's seeking out ways to develop healthier habits. Vocational coaching, for those considering a career change or changing jobs involuntarily, is another available service.

McDonald differentiates the coaching she's making available from therapy. It's a somewhat fine distinction, but an important one.

"Therapy is medically based," McDonald said. "You have to have a diagnosis, and it's a medical treatment. Coaching is just like an athlete being coached. They're being coached on certain skills and on certain challeng-

ed the occasion.

Miller said he's glad to call many of the other local business owners longtime friends.

"They've all contributed to the small hometown feel of Whitehall and Montague, which I almost consider as one town," Miller said. "It was great to see the support. I love to contribute to the people I support."

"Community" is an often-used word with Miller, and for good reason. He's been fortunate enough to see not just his business grow, but also his customers. He said he's known some of his customers "since they were in car seats," and now they come in and get oil changes on their own cars.

Miller's is very much

a family business. Gerrie and wife Amanda's kids, Montague High School grads Kaden and Kiley, are fixtures in the building, and he credits Amanda with a lot of behind the scenes work that keeps the company going.

"My son Kaden started working here when he was five," Miller said. "Now he's in the pipefitters trade. My daughter Kiley's working here now for the summer and will work here when she's home from college at Ferris State. It's great to get family involved because they learn the behind the scenes of business. It's not, 'You shut the doors and you're done.' You're here 24/7. "They've learned that from me, dealing with problems and struggles, but also the love of the community and giving back. That's grown into them now as dedicated workers."

History Cruises

es that they have. I work with all ages, but with kids and teens, it usually surrounds either an academic challenge or friendships, that kind of thing.

"Sometimes kids are navigating through a hard family circumstance. I think about a child starting a new school. What are all the anxieties? How can I help that child walk through that experience, so it's a little more issue-focused or challenge-focused?"

McDonald has already found that word of mouth has driven some of her business. She also has a Facebook page set up for Soul & Story, noting, "It's hard to have a business these days without that." She's active on the page, which already has over 400 followers.

This is all in pursuit of not just a successful business, but helping lo-

cal people and visitors make sure they're making a healthy self a priority.

"Sometimes we look at things like creativity and play, and even rest, as 'The work and achievement is what's really important and those things can come later,'" McDonald said. "We flip that model on its head and ask, 'Are we living well intentionally?' The achievement and the accolades in your profession, or whatever else, will come if we are taking the best whole-person care of ourselves and the people who are around us. The achievement and the attainment and all those things that we all strive for comes on its own. When we prioritize whole-person wellness and creativity, the benefits are limitless, really."

even more as we continued into year two, three, and four. They were instrumental in helping me build the script and ensure accuracy. We, as the Chamber, can do the logistics and marketing that need to be done, but without the historic information and accuracy, there would be no cruises.”

The cruises included a discussion of various historical sites on or surrounding the water of White Lake.

“Twenty locations are mentioned, primarily former resorts and/or boats and ferries,” said Ware. “There was a lot more on the history of our lake, but this primarily focused on the resorts and tourism aspect, with mentions of other things such as the lumber mills and factories along the lake, as those were of course a huge part of the history surrounding White Lake.”

The Chamber will not host the cruises next summer, not wanting to see interest in them fade if they are annual events. However, Ware hopes to bring them back again in the distant future, as was done in 2022.

“When we launched the White Lake History Cruises in 2022, they were meant to be a one-time experience,” Ware said. “But the community response was so overwhelming, we

kept going all the way into year four. That said, part of what’s made them so successful is that they’ve remained something special, unique, well-attended and worth the effort it takes to bring a ship like this to White Lake. Rather than let interest taper off or risk them feeling routine, we’ve decided to give them a rest while they’re still a hit. When they return down the road, we want them to do so with the same excitement and energy that made them such a standout from the start.”

Ware said though the history cruises will be going away, community members should look forward to them possibly being brought back for special occasions.

“It’s hard to say, but in my mind, I see these possibly coming back on certain milestone years,” said Ware. “For example, if one of our municipalities is celebrating a milestone year, or our Chamber is, I could see us bringing them back for one year to keep them alive and special, but it’s hard to say. I know we’ll see them back someday, but it’ll be a minute. When they return, we want them to have the same anticipation and interest as they have.”

SEALED BID NOTICE

CITY OF MONTAGUE

For Sale: 2016 Utility Police Interceptor AWD approximately 135,500 miles. Vehicle can be viewed at the City of Montague DPW Garage 4976 Bowen St. Montague, MI 49437

Minimum bid is $3,000. Bid will be awarded to the highest bidder.

Submission Deadline: Sealed Bids must be dropped off by 11:00 AM on August 18, 2025 to Montague City Hall 8778 Ferry St. Montague, MI 49437. Envelope must be sealed and marked as “Bid for 2016 Interceptor”

Contact: Melissa Beegle by telephone at 231-332-6756 or email finance@ cityofmontague.org with questions or for more information.

Bid opening will be at 11:30 AM on August 18, 2025

Miller's Oil & Lube Express celebrated 20 years in business over the last week. The Miller family, from left, includes Kaden, Amanda, Gerrie and Kiley. • Courtesy Photos

Saturday, Aug. 9

Zack Fedor performs @ Red Rooster Tavern, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 10

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

Monday, Aug. 11

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

FAN Club Mondays @ Fetch Brewing, 7 p.m. Live music on the North Mears Promenade.

Tuesday, Aug. 12

Steve Thielman performs @ Book

Community Calendar

Nook & Java Shop, 10 a.m. to noon.

Playtime Power Hour @ MADL Montague, 11:15 a.m. Designed for children age 0-5 and their families, exploring different play stations will focus on developing ready-to-read skills. Registration required at madl. org/calendar.

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

ACWL-Nuveen Free Summer Concert Series continues its 2025 season with Silver Creek Revival, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 13

White River Light Station hosts its summer kids' program, 2 p.m. Open to 1st-4th graders, these programs aim to inspire and educate children about lighthouse history, maritime Great Lakes history and more. Register at splka.org.

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

Thursday, Aug. 14

Design a tote bag @ MADL Montague, 2 p.m. Customize your own canvas tote bag using colorful paint

and a variety of stamps. Registration required at madl.org.

Sea Shanty Sing-along with Ben Traverse @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Join in communal singing of old sailor classics. Registration at wlclib.org.

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

The Reverend Jesse Ray performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

The Thorntons perform @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

Echoes of History: Armistice Day storm makes landfall

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

Terrifying wind and darkness held the White Lake area in its grip Monday, Nov. 11, 1940. The full force of the storm hit this area about three o’clock that afternoon, diminishing throughout the night. Those who first saw the dark wind funnels sweep in off Lake Michigan reported they were drawing shafts of water high into the air. As the clouds approached land, they appeared to flatten out, losing their vertical swirling suction powers, but none of their force.

The thermometer dropped from more than 60 degrees at about 2 p.m. to as low as 25 degrees in the evening. The storm that swept across the land left a path of wreckage behind it, razing frame sheds and houses, tearing huge trees from the ground by their roots, and leveling electric and telephone poles by the hundreds, and causing untold damage in general.

In the vicinity of San Juan and Pine Bluff, more than 30 giant pines split and tore from the ground. The area near Lloyd’s Landing was also hard hit, with many big trees being destroyed. On the Whitehall side of the lake, in the Michillinda and Sylvan Beach sections, more than a score of beautiful trees were uprooted and destroyed. The damage at

the F. J. Lewis estate was particularly bad.

Sheds on White Lake Dock & Fuel Company property were blown down. The bathhouse at the Maple Grove tourist park in Montague was turned over.

Two cars parked at the tannery were crushed under falling trees. A water tower derrick on the Whitbeck farm was twisted into a pretzel-like loop.

A door was torn off the Congregational Church and a window was blown out.

The Whitehall bandstand sign was torn off and hurled on the village dump. Many streetlight globes were lifted from their stands by the wind and shattered on the sidewalk. During the height of the storm, a huge metal sign floated high over the business section and disappeared in the direction of the tunnel. Power lines were torn down about 5 p.m. Monday and all lights and power in the Whitehall area were out of commission for more than 15 hours.

Streets, highways and private roadways were blocked in many sections by huge trees or power or telephone poles which fell across the right-of-way. Branches littered all streets in both towns.

A plate glass window in Ripley’s Drug Store in Montague was broken. A

chimney was blown from the Montague A&P store. The front windows at the Farm Bureau were also among those broken by the storm.

Part of a new barn on the Joe Parker Dairy Farm was blown down, and a steel windmill tower on the Merle Whitbeck farm was twisted out of shape. Roofs were blown off the barns on the Charles Coors and Otto Glassner farms. Part of the roof was missing from the Robert Stuart home on White Lake, near Maple Grove, and a water tower on an adjoining property was completely demolished when struck by a falling tree. A barn at the Barney Eilers farm in White River was demolished. The turkey roosts at the Guy Turkey Farm were ripped from the ground and scattered over the entire farm.

At the Montague Garage, the wind blew a large sign off the front of the building and William Stewart was trying to remove it from the street when a sudden gust of wind hurled both Mr. Stewart and the sign through one of the large plate glass front windows, removing the glass entirely but not even cutting Mr. Stewart.

Seven of the huge plate glass windows in the Bell & Carleton garage were smashed by the wind that afternoon. The roof of Swidens Tavern was blown

off and roofing paper was strewn the length of Colby.

Considerable damage was done in the Muskegon area and similar damage to property was reported in Grand Rapids.

Pre-warned of the approaching blow, White River Coast Guardsmen were busy Monday morning checking on local crafts and making ready for the threatening storm. Yachts anchored on the lake were moved to more protected moorings. No great damage was reported to local crafts.

White River coast guardsmen patrolled a 22-mile stretch of the Lake Michigan beach in the aftermath of the storm. Daily patrols were made as far south as Duck Lake and once a day a shore patrol was made as far north as Little Point Sable. It was expected the patrols would continue for some time in the hope that bodies of the many seamen lost during the storm would be recovered.

Following on the heels of Monday’s storm, Michigan suffered its first snow the nexr day, accompanied by driving winds, with the thermometer tumbling to 20 above Tuesday night. Wednesday saw slight snow flurries and decreasing wind, with the temperature going to 15 above at night.

Library book sale offers big selection

will host its quarterly book sale Saturday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering hundreds of gently used books and other items. Most items at the sale are $2 or less, and visitors can fill a bag of books or $5. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to get the best selection.

library's

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Mark your calendar now and plan to join us at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, for a reception in honor of the library’s 25th anniversary. We’ll have food, swag, a brief presentation about the history of the library, and more. Come visit with founding board members, district library campaign volunteers, and elected officials as we reflect on all that has happened since the library transformed from a city department to an independent district library a quarter-century ago.

inclusion. Through reading programs for children, digital literacy workshops for adults, and countless author talks, craft nights, and book clubs, the library has not only evolved with the times but also remained a place where every voice is welcome, every story matters, and the next chapter is always just a page away. Please plan to join us as we celebrate in October!

The White Lake Community Library stands as a testament to what can happen when a community chooses to invest in imagination, connection, and

FUN FACT: The White Lake Community Library was the first district library in Muskegon County. We officially became a district library in 1998, though it took two more years to pass the construction millage and build the library. In 2002, Hackley Public Library also formed a district. The Muskegon County Library followed suit in 2006, becoming the Muskegon Area District Library, or MADL for short. Fruitport District Library is the newest district library, voting to be independent from MADL in 2016.

Check Out the Newest Partner on Libby!

We are excited to announce yet an-

other partner library system on the Libby app. With the addition of Southwest Michigan Digital Library, your library card now gives you access to virtually every eBook and audiobook available through any public library in the whole state! Adding new libraries to your Libby app not only lets you borrow titles our library might not own, it also helps you find the shortest wait for the book you’re looking for.

New to Libby? Simply download the Libby app from your app store, enter your library card information, and start borrowing eBooks and audiobooks wherever and whenever you like. To add additional libraries, choose “add a library” from the main menu and follow the prompts. Besides the new Southwest partner, there are 12 other libraries you can add. To see the full list, along with step-by-step instructions, visit wlclib.org/digital-library.

Cookbook Club Meets Monday

The library’s cookbook club meets next Aug. 11, and is always open to new

members. Join the group at 5:30 on the second Monday of each month and bring a dish to share that fits the theme. The August theme is blueberries or tomatoes. Please bring a copy of the recipe, as well. At the meeting, participants will discuss the cookbooks, dishes, and cooking techniques, and sample each other’s dishes. For more details about how this club works, please visit wlclib. org/cookbook-club. All are welcome, and there is no fee to attend.

DeMumbrum

The White Lake Community Library

Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community WLGC hosts Junior Tour season finale

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Greater Muskegon Junior Tour concluded a successful season Monday at White Lake Golf Club, with a season-high 67 golfers competing.

The previous high for the season was 66 at Old Channel Trail, and both numbers were increases from last year's tour, which topped out in the low 60s. It continued a trend of steady growth for the summer staple.

It was another strong day for local players, as Montague's Cadence Fox earned the top spot in the high school girls age group, shooting an 80, including a birdie on the par-5 14th hole. Her performance clinched the season tour championship. Teammate Brynlee Kessler finished in third place with an 89, and birdied the same 14th hole.

Reeths-Puffer's Olivia Ambler, Whitehall's Kelsie McClure and Montague's Addison Smith each also competed in the high school flight.

Montague's Tanner DeVries led

three area boys in the high school flight, placing 11th with an 84. He birdied the par-4 17th hole.

Reeths-Puffer's Carter Hekkema and Montague's Van Thommen joined him on the course as well.

Younger players again played nine-hole rounds. Sawyer Brown of Twin Lake led the middle school boys group, tying for 3rd place with a 44. Phil Kerr of Whitehall was close behind with a 46. Montague's Chase O'Connell and Fitzgerald Fullmer also entered the field.

Montague's Gabrielle O'Connell and Twin Lake's Stella McCollum competed in the middle school girls flight, with O'Connell finishing third and McCollum sixth. Denzik Fullmer was the lone local player in the elementary school field and finished seventh out of 12.

Former Wildcat XC star Jensen takes over as coach

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Montague has welcomed back one of its most successful past runners as the new Wildcats' coach, as Cole Jensen has taken over the cross-country program from Joe Brunson.

Brunson stepped down earlier this summer from coaching both cross-country and track in order to accept a position at Holland Christian, where his kids attend school. Jensen, who ran at Calvin University and Hope College during his collegiate career, knew Brunson from occasionally doing offseason runs with the Wildcats during Brunson's time as coach and received a call from his predecessor encouraging him to apply.

Jensen graduated in 2019 and was an all-state performer as a Wildcat, and still holds the school record for a 5K run with his 15:54 at the 2018 GMAA meet. He viewed coaching as a great

chance for him to stay connected to the sport. He credits his own Montague coach, Terry Fick, with inspiring him to get into coaching.

"He was an incredible influence on me when I was running at Montague," Jensen said of Fick. "Somewhere around my freshman or sophomore year (of college), I started to realize the impact he'd had on me, the kids around me and the community he created. I wanted to be part of creating and building a community like that and having relationships with runners about running. I love this sport the way he does, and I want to be part of that."

Jensen said he and Brunson were also able to connect over their love of the sport when their paths crossed. While the Wildcats' participation numbers aren't quite where they were when Jensen was helping make the team a

West Michigan Conference contender, they remain strong, and Jensen attributes that to Brunson. He said the two have been in contact since Jensen got the job, as he's picked Brunson's brain for information and further inspiration.

"He was worried there'd only be 3-4 girls on the team this year, and lo and behold, my roster says there are 12," Jensen said. "That's all his work. I'm really excited to pick up where he left off. He'll be missing out on some athletes now that he'd be super proud of."

Jensen's goal is to build an athlete-driven program at Montague. His motivations in hoping his athletes can take the lead within the program are pragmatic as well as holistic; Jensen doesn't have a teaching position at the school and so won't be as easily able to recruit students to compete. He is currently running a small construction company, having taken a year after leaving school to learn the trades.

"In my experience at Calvin, at a school where coaches were really proficient at making sure their teams were well-prepared, regardless, the kids

were in control of the team," Jensen said. "I believe having kids be the base of decisions on the team, outside of us coaches pointing in the right direction, is very important. They have a decision over where the team goes in the future. Their commitment attracts other kids."

Already Jensen has been pleased with the response from some of the athletes on the team, shouting out returner Brock Hunter specifically for putting in a lot of work.

"He stepped up this year in terms of his summer mileage," Jensen said. "There are a couple kids who have really stepped up and have been working hard. I'm really looking forward to seeing them progress and go places with it."

As fall approaches, Jensen is looking forward to his "schedule of chaos."

"I'm excited for the school year to start to get off work a little early and have a 3 p.m. practice," Jensen said. "I'm really excited to grow a couple relationships with the kids who are really interested in this sport and really want to get better at it and who are leaders on the team."

The Greater Muskegon Junior Tour, a regular feature of the summer sports calendar, ended its 2025 season Monday at White Lake Golf Club. High school players took the course for 18-hole rounds, while younger players played nine holes. Players fifth grade and below played a modified nine-hole round and teed off from designated spots on each hole.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

Jensen

Jensen credits predecessors Fick, Brunson for inspiring his coaching career

Fox

Float-a-Palooza readies for year 4, set for Aug. 23

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The White Lake Snow Farmers' annual Float-a-Palooza is set for Saturday, Aug. 23, as the organization aims to raise money for its activities and continue progressing towards an eventual run at the world record for a connected flotilla.

That record is 3,150, which was set in New York by another nonprofit, One Square Mile of Hope. The Floata-Palooza isn't there yet - last year saw a slight downturn in participation as just under 400 people rowed kayaks out into White Lake - but the Snow Farmers knew when they launched the event that it would be a building process to get there.

Part of boosting the numbers, the nonprofit reasoned, is getting the word out earlier and casting a wider net. John Hanson of the Snow Farmers said the group is accomplishing that by enlisting help spreading the word in nearby Grand Haven and Spring Lake.

The annual event invites all to bring their kayaks to White Lake, starting

A drone photo captured participants in the 2024 Float-a-Palooza. The fourth annual event will take place Aug. 23.

• Courtesy Photo

at 12:30 p.m., and park them next to a boat that includes local musician Tommy Foster performing contemporary and past favorites before a drone takes a group picture of all gathered kayaks at 2 p.m. Hanson said last year that while the Snow Farmers want to see more people on the lake, the ones that do come consistently express their enjoyment of what's quickly become a local tradition. Funds raised go to wards the Snow Farmers' creation of synthetic snow, which is most notably used on the Hanson Street sledding hill

R-P junior softball wins summer league title

The Reeths-Puffer 14U softball team brought home the West Michigan ASA summer league championship in 2025. Team members include, from left, Makayla Jewett, Abby Davis, Emily DeLong, Charleigh Carpenter, Violet Kwiatkowski, Whitney Gomez, Kiley Heykoop, Cecelia Halmon, MJ Goven, Maeva Wright and Lacey Carr. Not pictured are Arleigh Achterhoff and Avery Medema. The team's coaches were Craig Halmon, Allen Davis and Makayla Maskell. • Courtesy Photo

DNR Fishing Report

Here is this week's fishing report provided by the Michigan DNR.

Muskegon - Salmon action slowed down slightly compared to the previous week. Anglers found fair numbers of salmon in 50 to 120 feet of water. Green and blue glow spoons worked well along with glow plugs. Pier anglers tried casting spoons for salmon but were unsuccessful.

Grand Haven - Boat anglers found the salmon to be scattered from the pierheads out 130 feet of water. A mix of meat rigs, glow spoons and glow plugs have all worked well. Pier anglers caught a few salmon on alewife or

while casting glow spoons.

Ludington - Chinook salmon were caught at Big Sable Point in 45 to 140 feet of water when fishing 30 to 70 feet down, as well as just past the piers in 35 to 45 feet of water. A good mix of coho salmon and Chinook salmon were caught to the south and off the projects in 70 to 130 feet of water; steelhead were also caught in the top 40 feet. Spoons, flasher/fly combos, and plugs produced good bites, though a few fish were also taken on meat rigs. The piers were slow, although baitfish were spotted in the harbor.

Participants in the 2024 Float-a-Palooza event wave at the drone taking their photo. The annual fundraiser for the White Lake Snow Farmers is set for Aug. 23 and aims to increase last year's turnout. • Andy Roberts/Mirror File Photo

in Whitehall. Snow Farmers members also volunteer in other ways throughout the year; Hanson recently contributed to the launch of the White Lake Community Gardens.

Prior to the 2 p.m. drone photo, Hanson said, there will be a blessing of the kayaks performed at 1:45 for those who wish to participate. Squirt guns

nated recipient is the West Michigan Underwater Preserve. Part of the Michigan Underwater Preserve Council (MUPC), the group works to preserve shipwrecks along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Local wrecks are identified by GPS coordinates on the group's website, michiganpreserves.org. One of its activities is the placement of safe

Wally Wojack rodeo Aug. 30

The Double JJ Resort will play host to the Wally Wojack Memorial Rodeo Saturday, Aug. 30.

The rodeo will feature an act by Super Kicker Rodeo, a Newaygo County-based group that travels the state putting on high-energy rodeo shows. The show will inclue bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, team roping, rodeo clown acts and activities for kids.

The event will take place from 7-9 p.m. and be preceded by a barbecue pig roast at 5:30. Tickets to the rodeo

are $7 for kids under 12 and $12 per person otherwise. There will also be a $5 parking fee, which will benefit a local nonprofit to be determined. Pig roast tickets are $15 per person and will include pulled pork and drinks. A rodeo afterparty, open to guests 21 and over, will also take place at Shooter's Saloon on the Back Forty. The party, which is free to attend, will include live music, a cash bar, a bonfire and yard games.

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp set to cap season of free summer concerts

Concerts each evening provide variety of musical performances

The Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is capping off its latest season of free summer concerts with a packed final-week schedule. Concerts take place at the Blodgett Recital Hall, the Miller Theater or the Stewart Shell. The latter is the only outdoor venue of the three.

Some of the events are broadcast on Blue Lake Public Radio, 90.3 FM. All concerts are from 7:30-8:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, Aug. 9: Falcone Adjudicator Recital, Blodgett Recital Hall; Faculty Showcase, Stewart Shell.

Sunday, Aug. 10: Festival Band and Falcone Soloists, Stewart Shell. Conducted by Dr. Trae Blanco, with soloists Dr. Fernando Deddos, euphonium and Albert Khattar, tuba. Broadcast on Blue Lake Public Radio. Also Aug. 10: Duo MemDi - Dr. Igor Kalnin on violin and Dr. Rochelle Sennet on piano, Blodgett Recital Hall. Part of the Visiting Artist Series.

Monday, Aug. 11: Falcone Competition, 7-9:30 p.m., Blodgett Recital Hall; Carina Yee performs on violin,

Miller Theater. Part of the Faculty Recital Series.

Tuesday, Aug. 12: Dr. Elizabeth King-Bennett performs on saxophone alongside Dr. Valerie Nuzzolo on clarinet, Blodgett Recital Hall. Part of the Faculty Recital Series.

Wednesday, Aug. 13: International Community Band performs a Homecoming Concert, conducted by Gail Brechting, Miller Theater; Dr. Ya-Ju Chuang and Dr. Zhao Wang perform on pianos, Blodgett Recital Hall, part of the Faculty Recital Series.

Thursday, Aug. 14: Dr Hajin Kim performs on piano, Blodgett Recital Hall. Part of the Faculty Recital Series.

Friday, Aug. 15: Staff Band performs, conducted by James Ross, 7:158:15 p.m., Stewart Shell; Dr. Hsin-Hui Liu and Dr. Hyeji Seo perform on piano, Blodgett Recital Hall. Part of the Faculty Recital Series.

Saturday, Aug. 16: The Festival Orchestra performs in the season finale, conducted by Dr. Salvador Brotons, Stewart Shell. Live Broadcast on Blue Lake Public Radio.

Celebrating reading season

The White Lake Community Library hosted a foam party last Thursday to celebrate the end of the 2025 summer reading season. It was the first time for the event, but youth program coordinator Beth Hall said the library will likely be making it an annual tradition.

• Andy Roberts/ Mirror Photos

Brandon Ogborn brings his "Cry for Help" to the stage

One-man show examines Ogborn's life as a stay-at-home dad

By Ross Field Playhouse Contributing Writer

If you ran into Brandon Ogborn and asked him what he’d been up to lately, you might get many answers: producing scripts for sitcoms and comedy routines, writing a play about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and Scientology, podcasting about Michael Jackson’s criminal cases, or spending nights bartending.

However, for sure he is going to tell you he has been parenting - as in being a full-time stay-at-home dad for his two children, ages four and six.

“When I’m not raising my children,” said Ogborn, “I’m writing and bartending.”

The fruit of Ogborn’s parenting and writing is his one-man comedy show, “Cry for Help: Life and Death as a StayAt-Home Dad”, the world premiere of which he brings to the Playhouse at White Lake Aug. 8-9 at 7:30 p.m.

“In the last few years, I’ve been posting on Instagram about my kids, kind of fly-on-the-wall commentary on parenting,” said Ogborn. “And over and over people were like, you’ve got to do something with this stuff with your kids.”

Ogborn is a Muskegon native, and after high school and a stint in college in Kalamazoo, he ended up in California, and then in Chicago, where he spent a decade doing improv at the Annoyance Theater and Second City and trying out for Saturday Night Live. This is a reunion of sorts for Ogborn, as he appeared on the Playhouse stage in the summers during his Chicago years.

It was in Chicago that Ogborn’s path changed.

“Shortly after I showcased for Saturday Night Live a couple of times, I wrote a play about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and Scientology,” said Ogborn. “That play was called The TomKat Project, and it went on to sold-out runs in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.”

After years spent in comedy and improv, Ogborn had found a new direction.

“I found I was better and more in-

terested in true stories than writing sitcoms,” said Ogborn. “I wrote a movie about Oprah Winfrey (Young Oprah) that got options, and I did a podcast about Michael Jackson’s criminal cases (Telephone Stories: The Trials of Michael Jackson) that got a lot of attention.

Along with his parenting adventures, his own parents inform Ogborn’s “Cry for Help”. Without giving too much of the story away, Ogborn’s father’s perseverance while trying to create a board game based on Rush Limbaugh, and then the accidental death of his father back in Muskegon figure heavy in “Cry for Help”. Upon his father’s death, he returned to Michigan to care for his mother and deliver his father’s eulogy.

“I documented the entire thing on Instagram Stories as it was happening,” said Ogborn. “And the response was so heartfelt of how sad and funny it was, and it went viral, and I was approached about doing a documentary about it with Judd Apatow.”

The turns in his life were piling up.

“It was just one thing after another,” said Ogborn, “And I was like, there is something here, and my agent said I should really think about doing a live

show about of all it. Out of nowhere, Cindy Beth (Dykema-Davis, the Playhouse’s Arts Education & Marketing Director), who I knew while growing up, reached out and told me there was a slot open here at the theater.”

And now Ogborn finds himself back in West Michigan bringing the world premiere of “Cry for Help: Life and Death as a Stay-At-Home Dad”, in his old stomping grounds on the stage of the Playhouse of White Lake, presenting his hilarious and heartfelt take on the joys and madness of being a parent, of being a son.

“I joke that 10 years ago I looked like Ryan Gosling,” said Ogborn. “And after having two kids I look like Alec Baldwin now after just three years of being a stay-at-home dad. If you really want kids, do it, because it is the hardest job there is, and it is loud and it is annoying and it seems to never end, but if you give yourself over to it, it is really, really rewarding.”

Brandon Ogborn’s ‘Cry for Help: Life and Death as a Stay-At-Home Dad’ will be presented Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9, both shows at 7:30 p.m, at the Playhouse at White Lake.