The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 16, September 12, 2025 by theoceanaecho

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Change comes as old commercial building demolished in Hesperia

By Scott Kroepel

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

On Monday, Sept. 8, one of Hesperia’s oldest downtown commercial buildings was demolished, over 155 years after it was constructed. Time and decades of neglect contributed to the building’s demise, as the roof was collapsing, and it had been considered blight by the village.

According to the Hesperia Centennial 1866-1966 book, the two-story commercial building was constructed in or shortly before 1870. Occupied by A.C. Eldridge and later Russell Bush and Son (H.K.)

Hardware. The stock and business were purchased in 1913 by Charles Anderson and Guy W. Husband, who later expanded with a new brick building to the north in 1920-21.

“In the year 1883 the State Legislature passed an act which authorized Hesperia to become a village. The first village election was held in the H. K. Bush Hardware Store on May 15, 1883.”

The hardware later became Husband & Turple and finally Turple Hardware until the second generation of Turples retired in 2018. The building sat vacant for many years, as only the brick building was utilized. The buildings were purchased in

the upstairs. The floors were shaky and there were some broken boards. “The building has a lot of history. I'm sorry to see it fall, but the new owners promise to put that space to good use. It can only make downtown Hesperia a better place.”

• Scott Kroepel/Echo

2018 for an antique & curio store and earlier this year for a church. However, only the brick building was still being used by both owners.

Christine Turple remembers sneaking into the building as a child and exploring

Divided Shelby Village Council approves IGA Lease for

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

SHELBY - Monday,

a divided Shelby Village Council voted 5-2 to approve a lease agreement between the Village of Shelby and Shelby Township for Getty Field for a proposed community pool project.

The idea of a community pool was first proposed on Jan. 27, 2025, when a memo of understanding between the village and township was approved to explore the possibility of using Getty Field for a community pool. Since that time, Shelby Township has been in the process of

applying for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant, which requires a lease agreement between the two entities.

At the council’s Aug. 25 meeting, Village Administrator Phil Morse presented the lease for review, stating both village and township legal teams had reviewed it. Passage of the lease was tabled to give village council members a chance to read over the proposed lease more thoroughly and ask questions. The main concern by the council at that time was preservation of a space for playing pickup soccer, should a pool be built at Getty Field.

On Monday, Morse reported researching some alternative soccer field options within the village, however, each had its drawbacks. He told the council he had also spoken to Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli about the council’s concerns. Raffaelli told Morse he felt initial plans could be adjusted to make room for a soccer field, if that is what the council wanted. “I believe Richard to be a man of his word. If he says he’s going to do something, he does it,” Morse said. Monday, three community members spoke during public comment. Resident Don Wyns had a lot of questions and asked, “Who is really in favor of it? Who is going to use it, and who is going to pay for it? Who is going to watch over it? In my 60 years of living here, we’ve never had one. This is going to get expensive.”

(Please refer to the Jan-

uary 31, 2025 article, page 7 and the August 29, 2025 article, page 11 found at issuu.com/theoceanaecho for answers to these and other questions answered at previous village council meetings.)

Resident Tammy Carey spoke in favor of the proposed pool project, saying, “I moved here 33 years ago, and I’m so excited about the possibility of a pool. I grew up in suburban Detroit with a community pool. It offered swim lessons, employed lifeguards and was a gathering place for moms. There’s a perception that having a pool only open in the summer is a waste. But it’s a really great option. To my knowledge (the project) would be funded via grants…I don’t think it is going to be funded by our personal tax dollars. This is an opportunity to invest in our community and make it better. I’ve been saying for years, before I die, there’s going to be a pool. I can’t do laps without driving 45 miles.”

Swim instructor and Benona Township resident Beth Baker shared, “I’m blown away by the possibility. I think it (the project) is well worth considering.” Baker teaches swim lessons in several local townships and said she had 214 students this summer. “Having a (community) pool is something parents want, and I see a lot of potential.”

Morse told the council, “Your concerns are legitimate…it is on the table tonight because the DNR requires an Intergovernmental Lease Agreement

(IGA) to know if we are committed. The IGA allows them (the township) to use the land for three years only.” He added, “Mark (Olmstead, superintendent of Shelby Public Schools) is in favor of this,” and “Communities our size usually don’t have this opportunity.”

Highlights of the IGA lease include the following parameters: the pool would be constructed at no cost to the village; the township would use the property exclusively for a pool; the village would lease the property to the township at no cost; the village would waive tap fees for sewer and water as its contribution to the project; any substantial alterations to the project - before, during or after - would require village approval; the lease would essentially be an “on-paper” agreement which would not affect current maintenance responsibilities or utility arrangements; if the pool is not constructed within three years, the lease would automatically terminate; if and when a pool is built the lease would be for a term of 50 years, and after that time frame a renewal of 40 years could be considered.

Councilor Steve Crothers opened the discussion, saying, “We’ll never have this opportunity again.”

Councilor Samantha Gottschalk added, “It also offers something for our teens to do.” She followed up by asking, “But who is going to be allowed to use it? Is this going to be packed?”

Morse reminded every-

The current owners, Revive Life Community Church, plan to create a green space with a garden area and fire pit for community gatherings. They also hope to incorporate the old barn on the back end of the property into future plans. “We are committed to adding beauty and safety to our community,” Sara Richards from Revive Life stated. “We kept our word to the community, and we want to see it thrive.”

community pool

one what had been shared in January: the pool would be free for village and township residents; while everyone else would pay prorated fees based on where they lived.

At this point in the meeting, Village President John Sutton chose to allow additional comments from those in the audience. Carey said there would likely be capacity restraints, “Only so many people would be let in at a time. Swim lessons would likely be held early in the day.”

Police Chief Dean Roesler said, “There’s a ton of details, and I have a million questions, but this is not what you’re voting on.”

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to attend meetings and give input,” Crothers reminded.

Several minutes of discussion were dedicated to concerns about chlorinated water entering the village’s sewer system. That concern became a moot point when DPW Superintendent Jeremiah Helenhouse googled it and learned there are laws regulating how municipal pools treat water before it is released into a municipal system.

Crothers moved to approve said lease, with Councilor Curt Trott seconding the motion. Prior to the vote, Councilor Dan Zaverl said, “I think there’s too many questions. We need a public hearing.”

Councilor Mike Termer added, “If they can assure we have a soccer field and the water is ok, I’m in favor. Those are my concerns.”

When the roll call vote

was taken Crothers, Trott and Termer answered “Yes” without hesitation. Gottschalk was silent for several seconds before voting “Yes.” Sutton voted in the affirmative as well. Voting against the motion were Zaverl and Councilor Crystal Heykoop.

On Tuesday, The Oceana Echo contacted Raffaelli to ask two specific questions: what the timeline for the grant would be and if any additional meetings are planned. Raffaelli told the Echo there are several funding areas that need to be sorted out (before the proposed project could move forward). Number one, the state budget has not been approved by the Senate, and number two, the DNR grant will not be answered for several months. Once (and if) funding is sorted out, there would be a public hearing to discuss the preliminary design and seek public input. At that point residents would have a chance to voice their vote to have the project proceed or not proceed, he said.

In the meantime, a copy of the lease is available at both the village and township offices. Village of Shelby council meetings are open to the public and held the second and fourth Mondays of every month in the village hall beginning at 6 p.m. Shelby Township meetings are also open to the public and held at the village hall in downtown Shelby the first Monday of every month beginning at 6 p.m. (7 p.m. May-September).

News & Notes

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Congratulations

Congratulations to two more local business owners for being chosen along with 63 other statewide winners in the latest round of “Match on Main” grants - Tienda La Palma Mexican grocery store of Shelby (the first Match on Main grant for Shelby) and Hegg’s Furniture/Birch & Blossom of Hart. The program meant “to support new or expanding place-based businesses” has provided other Match on Main grants totalling over $150,000 in the past several years to the following businesses in Hart - Stella’s, La Probadita, Lakeside Fitness, Hart Pizza, and Pink Elephant.

Weather

WEEH-FM in Mears reports daily weather statistics to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids and will now be providing weather stats for the previous month to The Oceana Echo. According to “Radio Bob,” weather stats are taken at 7 a.m. each day for the previous 24-hour period. For August, the highest temperature recorded at the Mears radio station was 93 degrees on August 9. The August low was 71 degrees on August 27. Only 2.54 inches of precipitation fell on nine different days in the latter half of the month, between August 10 and August 28. Thank you to WEEH-FM for reaching out and sharing these weather stats with our readers!

Natural Resources

It was a historic day Thursday, Aug. 28, when six state and local officials, joined by nearly 100 supporters, held an official ribbon cutting marking the completion of the long-awaited Marshville Dam restoration project. What started as a parking lot renovation discussion, ended six years later with a $1.6M project involving numerous federal, state and local agencies and individuals working together to restore and renovate one of Oceana’s most beloved streams and the surrounding area. The project included removal of dam remnants and two one-lane (foot) bridges, installation of an open span bridge to replace three perched culverts beneath Marshville Dam Road, 500 linear feet of in-stream restoration improvements, 18 acres of wetland habitat, a universally-accessible walkway and platforms, and the connection of 6.5 miles of stream established for native aquatic and fish species. It was obvious after attending the ceremony that the past, present, and future of the area have been, are right now, and will be more than about fish; it’s about history, conservation, people and agencies working together and the memories made along the way.

Schools

of office staff would sort and organize supplies to be distributed to each of the district’s school buildings in the coming days. Those who stopped by the event were treated to snow cones and a chance to meet two of the county’s many dedicated police officers.

Agriculture

“Farming for the Future” field day was held Thursday, Aug. 21, at the West Michigan Research Station in Hart. The event hosted by Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and the Oceana Conservation District hosted over 50 ag producers and stakeholders. The all-day opportunity was specifically designed for fruit and vegetable growers, but this writer gained a new perspective on some of what it takes to produce our food, too! Presenters included experts from MSU, the state of Washington and the USDA. Topics addressed included fruit and vegetable storage, managing sunburn on apples (yes, that is a thing), a proof-of-concept design selective asparagus-harvesting mechanism currently in process at MSU, a spray drone demonstration, a demonstration of reflective material for red color development in apples and an autonomous apple robotic harvester demonstration. Mike Reinke of MSU Extension probably summed up the entire day best when he said, “This tool is for now, not for the future.”

The second annual “Cram the Cruiser” event was held in the parking lot across from The Ladder Community Center, Thursday, Aug. 28. Oceana County Police Officers Tim Simon and Joel Dickman were on hand to accept donations of school supplies in hopes of “cramming” their police cruiser. And cram they did. By the end of the event, their cruiser was packed almost to the vehicle’s ceiling with backpacks and miscellaneous school supplies for Shelby Public Schools (SPS). Simon, who is also SPS School Resource Officer, explained that all supplies would be dropped off at the district’s central office, where a hardworking team

In a recent article about this year’s 4-H livestock auctions, The Oceana Echo failed to mention the number of 4-Hers participating in each division. In the Junior and Small Market Divisions, numbers of participants with animals included Small Market Chickens - 1; Junior Market Goats - 8; Junior Market Feeder Calves4; Junior Market Geese - 1; Junior Market Ducks - 1; Junior Market Rabbits - 4; Small Market Chickens - 8; Small Market Feeder Calves - 9; Small Market Turkey - 1; and Small Market Rabbits - 3. In the Large Market Division, the number of participants with animals included Goats - 2; Lambs - 13; Beef - 43; and Swine - 44.

Stakeholders involved with Marshville Dam renovation officially open project

Spray drone

Reflective material for ripening apples

Pentwater Village approves service dog program and DPW truck purchase

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

The Pentwater Village Council met on Monday, Sept. 8, with all members present. After perfunctory approvals of the agenda and the treasurer’s report, the council considered a report from the personnel committee.

The committee had met with Toby Van Ess, currently the village’s zoning administrator and interim village manager, who applied for the permanent position of village manager. The committee suggested the council interview Van Ess at the Sept. 22 council meeting. The public would be invited to attend the interview, and questions for Van Ess could be submitted prior to the meeting. Council endorsed the suggestion.

Moving into New Business, the council looked at six items. Ryan Williams from Port View Wine, current president of the DDA, sought council approval for the second phase of the Petal Project. The first phase entailed planting 20,000 daffodil bulbs from the south entrance of the village up to St. Vincent's Catholic Church. The second phase proposes to plant 35,000 daffodil bulbs from the north entrance of the village up to Park Street. Because the cost exceeds $10,000, Williams needed council approval to proceed. Williams assured council the funds are available with $7,000 remaining in the Oceana Community Foundation Petal Project Fund, $1,100 in the DDA account and the offer of a match fund in the amount of $4,000. Council gave unanimous approval and thanked Williams for the beauty added to the community by the project. Williams said it is hoped the bulbs will arrive and be planted in early October.

The second item was a request to use Park Place for yoga classes formerly held at EnerG Fitness, which has closed. Class participants would pay for the classes. A decision was delayed until a policy is clearly articulated regarding building usages that are for the profit of an individual or group. Park Place was intended to be used free of charge by residents and groups for the benefit of the community. For several years all other requests have been denied. It was obvious to council that a use policy needs to be made that can be applied and might involve deposits to avoid repair costs.

The third item was a second presentation regarding a service dog program. Officer Darwin Mitchell provided information that had been requested at the first presentation regarding costs and value to both the school and the police department. Pentwater Public School Superintendent Craig Barter was also present to discuss the value to the school. Although costs could differ slightly according to the dog actually purchased, the initial costs were projected to be $6,600 and the annual expense was estimated to be $6,924.75. The request from the police department was for the council to approve $2,000 from the village budget to match another $2,000 from the school, with the balance coming from the community. Manager Rachel Witherspoon said a pledge of $1,000 had already been committed by a local donor. Although expressing a bit of discomfort with the unknown costs that could arise and with the possibility of the community not raising the balance of costs, the council voted unanimously to approve the request for $2,000.

The fourth item was a request from Van Ess to extend the deadline for receiving RFQ (Requests For Quotes) for purchasing the old village hall. He said thus far only two had been received, one local and one from Southfield, and neither one was promising. Council was very willing to extend the deadline, and Van Ess was sure he could market the RFQ elsewhere successfully.

The fifth item was a request to reconsider the purchase of a new DPW truck, this time without borrowing funds from an outside source and incurring interest costs. Van Ess had formulated and distributed an inventory of all the DPW trucks with their age, their mileage, their condition and their uses. He explained the current need for another truck and the wisdom of purchasing the new one that had been proposed previously. A motion was made to purchase the new truck with $60,000 in funds borrowed interest-free from the General Fund. The loan would be paid back at $10,000 a year for six years with money put into the equipment fund and redirected to the general fund. The motion passed with one dissenting vote from Don Palmer.

The sixth and final item was related to the village manager position. Witherspoon thanked the council members for their role in making her 11 months as

manager an amazing learning experience. She said that their insight, support and encouragement contributed greatly to her accomplishments. She thanked Van Ess for his work as interim manager and told council she thought they had a real treasure in him. She is confident in his ability to move the village forward. Van Ess also shared that in his five months as zoning administrator and working with Witherspoon, he was deeply impressed by her capacity for challenging work and her ability to get things done.

There were more than a dozen visitors present at the meeting. During the time for public comment, one resident remarked on the need for painting the street signs, which they said are barely readable and another resident shared concern about getting into the area of mental health with the service dog program. He wondered about the possible consequences of the dog biting someone.

Council President Mary Marshall closed the public part of the meeting with a positive comment, telling Witherspoon, “We are better because of you, and we will be better because of you.”

Then visitors were asked to leave while the council went into a closed session to discuss a memorandum of advice from the village attorney.

Monica Owens

This page is brought to you by:

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

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

I have been writing this weekly history column for a little over four months now, and I am blown away by the feedback I have received. Many are compliments and commendations that buoy me on days where I’m convinced I don’t know how to string two words together, but many others are those who have reached out in an effort to supply me with further information about previous topics, which truly excites me. Being a lone detective with limited resources is challenging, so when a community comes together to share information and insight in the shared purpose of solving a mystery, it's amazing the stones that can be overturned.

I received several leads regarding the Hart High School Class of 1910, which has been the subject of the column for the past two weeks. I’ll be transparent, an Ancestry. com subscription is not in my budget, and I couldn’t peruse that database for

information on some of the unknown students. However, one reader, Ms. Dianne of Pentwaterwho self-describes as a genealogy fan - was able to find the following information on Bessie Waterman, Pearl Stern and Janet (Janette) Richardson’s family.

Last week, while I was able to learn about Bessie Waterman’s relation to long-serving U.S. Senator Donald Wayne Riegle Jr., I couldn’t quite figure out when she passed away in Flint, Michigan. I figured, due to the language used in her obituary, she likely died in the early 1930s. Dianne was able to track down her death certificate, which lists her date of death as December 18, 1931, and the cause listed as an “internal hemorrhage post-operation” with “other contributory causes of importance” listed as “jaundice, anemia, duct obstruction.”

The operation in question was described as a “common duct obstruction” on the liver. So likely Bessie was suffering from some form of liver failure, and she died due to complications from the operation

School Class

to relieve the obstruction. She was 40 years old.

As for Pearl Stern, for whom I couldn’t even find her surname in the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society’s (OCH&GS) master index, Dianne possibly found a grave and some census information. Pearl was born in Indiana in 1894 and lived in Oceana County at the time of the 1900 and 1910 censuses. Her parents were possibly William E. Stern of Indiana and Nellie Shriver of Michigan. Pearl L. Stern is recorded as marrying Ralph H. Van Duzer in 1916 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The grave Dianne found, which lists the name Pearl L Stearns Van Duzer, lists her death

as 1917, the year following her marriage.

Janet/ Janette Richardson post-1910 remains an enigma - I guess that’s what disappearing to Los Angeles will do to a gal - but Dianne provided some more information on the Richardson family. As I discussed last week, her parents were early Crystal Valley settlers and are both buried at Ulysses Cemetery. Her mother, Louisa Beadle (b. 1849), was married three times, which gives her a couple half siblings - Charles Richardson and Mary Richardson Caldwell. Also discovered in the 1910 census, was that Janet was working as a live-in domestic servant for the Lyons family.

At the close of her email, Dianne regretted that she couldn’t be of more help, and I have to extend my genuine and dearest gratitude for the not-insignificant information she provided.

Finally, back when I first took up the history column in May, Ms. Karen (a friend and mentor from the OCH&GS) asked if I could “get the word out” on a European settler she was trying to fit into her extensive collection of family trees. I promised that, once I could find a topic that I could fit him into, I would.

George Devries came to the U.S. in 1881, and he settled in New Era. In 1890, he married Clara (Klassje) Redder. Does

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

anyone have information on George predating 1890? Better yet, can anyone confirm that he was born Gerardus Devries (b. February 16, 1857) in Drenthe, Netherlands, the son of Goosem Devries and Zwaantje Neizing? As always, I implore anyone who wishes to contribute their wealth of information to reach out, no matter how small. You can contact the Echo through the office phone number or email listed at the bottom of this page (we are in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays) or through my direct email cmarshall@ whitelakemirror.com.

Oceana Center Grange Agricultural Report for September 2025

By Phil Carter The Oceana Echo

Agricultural Consultant

Things are still "Ripe in the Land of Oceana." We just experienced a false fall, but have returned to more summer conditions. While the 154th Oceana County Fair is history, 4-H members in the large market project will long remember how ripe animal prices were as a new record was achieved.

Market goats averaged $15/pound, as the two brought a total of $2,995. A total of 13 lambs returned $16,727.50, averaging $9.87/pound. Beef exhibitors sold 43 steers at an average of $4.53/pound, grossing $250,9979.70. Swine producers sold 44 animals for

$119.136.50 averaging $9.99/pound. As published earlier, our community supported young people with a total outlay of $389,798.70. It is gratifying to see our community render such financial support.

On the farm scene, pear harvest is complete. Early Gala and Honeycrisp apples are being harvested. Other varieties, while still immature, will be picked as we progress into later September and October. Peach harvest continues with the season past the midway point.

Non-farmers often ask, "How do you know when to harvest apples?" The old taste test, or economically ready (skin color), has been replaced with more sophisticated methods that growers can

perform themselves. In the orchard, a penetrometer measures flesh pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). The end use will determine what psi is acceptable. Usually, 14 psi is the bottom end of acceptable for slicing. An apple's maturity is measured with starch tests by slicing a fruit, applying an iodine solution, and comparing the color to charts. Starch turns the flesh black; sugar content is indicated by a lightening of the color. Brix readings can also be performed on-site, with a reading of 11 or higher being preferred. Brix is a measurement of sugar content. Ethylene production is best determined in a laboratory setting. In addition, Michigan State University publishes expected harvest dates determined by bloom

dates and growing degree day data.

The dry summer and cloudy conditions are partially due to wildfire. Smoke has caused downward pressure on corn yield numbers. The recent rains have helped some. Soybean grain fill occurs later than corn, and the rains have been beneficial. Some early-planted beans are changing leaf color and will soon be dropping leaves.

We need to be mindful of safety on the roadways always, but especially during harvest time. School has begun its fall sessions, and buses will be picking up and returning students home every day. Please be aware of farm equipment and school buses while driving and be prepared to react appropriately around these.

Ongoing

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

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

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.

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.

* Donate returnable cans and bottles to the Hart VFW. Drop off at the hall or call Steve at 231-873-1727 for pick-up.*

2nd & 4th WED: Pentwater Community Food Pantry, First Baptist Church, Pentwater, 9-10:15 a.m.

Every other WED: Shelby Optimist Club meetings, Stony Lake Inn, 7-8 p.m. (Sept-May)

THURS - "Harts 'n Homes" Women's Fellowship, Faith Christian Fellowship, 400 S. State St.,10 a.m. to 1 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: Sept. 16: Share Our Stories: "Marshville Dam," 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Sept. 26: Live Music by the Jammers, 10 a.m. to noon. Oct. 6: Blanket Finger-Knitting Class, 6-8 p.m. (sign up by 9/29) The Huddle: 6th-12th grade after-school program," M-F 3-5 p.m.

Adult Hours: M-F 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

National Library Card Sign-Up Month at HCL

Hesperia Community Library (HCL) invites the community to join us for National Library Card Sign-Up Month during the month of September. Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year and to remind the community that a library card is an important free resource available for students. A library card has something great to offer everyone. This month, organizers are excited to celebrate both new and current cardholders of Hesperia Community Library.

Throughout September, if anyone signs up for a new library card either online or in the library, they will receive a special gift as well as be entered into a drawing for a Kindle. Already a cardholder? Stop in to the library this month and take a picture for social media with HCL's giant Hesperia library card to show some love for the library. Photo participants will be entered into one of two $50 prize baskets. Finally, love the Hoopla and Libby apps? Digital app users checking out materials during September will automatically be entered into an Amazon gift card drawing.

Want even more from the library in September and every month of the year? They also have 11 weekly/monthly programs available and free to the public. Sign up for their newsletter to receive their quarterly program schedule.

All-Pro Dad Kick-Off event planned for Sept. 16

An “All-Pro Dad Kick-Off” for the 2025-26 school year will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 4-7 p.m. with a free event at Craig’s Cruisers in Silver Lake. All Oceana County dads and their kindergarten through 5th grade children are invited to attend! There will be free mini-golf, free go-kart rides, and free hot dogs, chips, cookies, and dessert. This event, originally scheduled for last May, had to be postponed when unfavorable weather prevented it.

All-Pro Dads is a program of the Family First nationwide organization, co-founded by former NFL coach Tony Dungy. This character-based program, led by area co-captains, meets once a month before school in the months of October, November, January, February and March in all Oceana County elementary schools. Dates and times for this year’s schedule will be announced soon.

Organizers hope to see a big turnout next Tuesday as they kick off another year of character and relationship building. Questions? Please call program coordinator Dennis Foley at 561-762-5447.

S eptember

Sept. 13 - Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry, Shelby State Bank, 242 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, 2 p.m.

Sept. 15 - After School Movie, Hesp. Comm. Library, 3:30-5 p.m.

Sept. 16 - Unlock the Secrets of the Library, HCL,10 a.m., Board Meeting, Community Room, 4:30-6 p.m.

Sept. 16 - All-Pro Dad Kick-Off event, Craig's Cruisers, 4-7 p.m.

Sept. 16 - Hart Historic Preservation Board Meeting, Hart Historical Society, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 18 - Matinee Movie, Hesperia Comm. Library, 1-3:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 - “Bookish Bags” Craft Workshop for teens and adults (registration required), Shelby Area District Library, 5 p.m.

Sept. 18 - Friendship Ring Quilt Guild, New Era Reformed Church, 4775 First St., New Era, 7 p.m.

Sept.19 - United Way’s Day of Caring,

Sept. 19 - Library Card Sign-Up Celebration, SADL, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sept. 20 - Stewardship Day: At the Beach, sponsored by Oceana Conservation District, Cedar Point County Park, 9-11 a.m.

Sept. 20 - New Era Street Festival (pancake breakfast, car show, music, food, vendors, family-friendly activities) 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sept. 20 - Oceana Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, W. MI Research Station, 4 p.m. Tours; 5:30 p.m. Dinner & Business Meeting.

Sept. 20 - Hispanic Heritage Festival, downtown Hart, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 - Pre-See You At The Pole Rally, New Era Bible Church, 6 p.m.

Sept. 23 - Unlock the Secrets of the Library, HCL, 10-10:30 a.m., Adult Book Club, 2-3 p.m., Family Fun Night, 6-7 p.m.

Sept. 23 - Versiti Blood Drive, NECRC, 12:30-6 p.m.

Sept. 23 - Soup and Chili Fellowship, Rothbury Community Church, 6:30 p.m., please RSVP by Sept. 16.

New Era's Annual Fall Street Festival is Sept. 20

The entire community is invited to come out and “get their fall on” at New Era’s Annual Fall Street Festival, which will be Saturday, Sept. 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will start at 8 a.m. with a fundraiser Pancake Breakfast hosted by the New Era Christian Reformed Church located at The Avenue Event Center, 4747 First St., New Era. Food vendors will be available throughout the festival as well. The annual Craft Fair will begin at 9 a.m. and free kids activities for all ages will begin at 10 a.m. which includes climbing towers, axe throwing, a petting zoo and much more. Two musical acts are scheduled to perform on the festival Main Stage starting at 10:30 a.m. with M&M and the Byrds followed by Better than One at 1 p.m.

Eagle Towing Bike Giveaway is on the schedule and will be awarding several bikes this year. “This free giveaway is available for all ages,” said organizer Michele Amstutz. “Between our sponsors and the New Era Chamber of Commerce, most everything is free. It’s a great chance to come out with the family and have some fun.”

For more information, please visit neweramichigan.com

Chunky Blanket Knitting Class at The Ladder

Everyone age 8 and up is invited to The Ladder Community Center this fall to learn how to knit chunky blankets. There are two class dates to choose from at this time: Monday, Oct. 6 and Monday, Nov. 10 from 6-8 p.m. This step-by-step finger knitting tutorial by instructor Kelli Gleason does not require knitting needles and is also easy for kids to learn. Participants are required to bring their own yarn (Yarn Bee #7 or Bernat Blanket Extra Thick). The cost for each class is $10 per person. Class participants will be entered in a giveaway drawing with prizes valued at $5-$120 each time they attend one of the classes this fall (through Nov. 10). The sign-up deadline for the October class is Sept. 29 and the deadline for the November class is Nov. 3. Call or text Kelli at (231) 301-1983, or email her at crazeeblanketlady@yahoo.com. To sign up, email or text Kelli anytime; or call her during these hours: Mon-Thu: 11-11:30 a.m. and anytime after 4:30 p.m. Fri-Sun: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Ladder Community Center is located at 67 N. State St. in Shelby.

PLA board meeting set for Sept. 22

The Pentwater Lake Association board of directors will meet Monday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Centenary Methodist Church at 82 N. Hancock St., Pentwater. The public is invited to attend and asked to enter at the Hancock Street Hall entrance. Membership in the Pentwater Lake Association is open to all individuals interested in the lake, its natural resources and water quality. Members do not have to own lake property in order to join the non-profit organization.

More details and past meeting minutes are available on the Pentwater Lake Association website at www.pentwaterlakeassociation.com.

Michigan Dunes DAR meeting is Sept. 20 in Hart

The Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR, monthly meeting will take place Saturday, Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Oceana County Services Building, 844 Griswold St. in Hart. Guest speaker Leslie Craymer, who is a chairman with the Air National Guard and will be sharing her military experience, will be hosted by Nancy Rakosky.

First Baptist welcomes new associate pastor

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

The First Baptist Church in Pentwater recenlty welcomed Associate Pastor Matthew Seaver.

Seaver comes with 18 years of experience. He graduated in 2012 from Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Bible, youth and music. While working at a church in Warsaw, Indiana, he decided to pursue a master’s degree in local church ministry from Grace Theological Seminary.

He moved from the church in Indiana to Grace Chapel by the Lakeshore in Zeeland, Michigan (now called: Family Church) and was there for eight years. At that time Grace Chapel had a membership of 150. Since then it has grown from one campus to five campuses. Seaver was the worship pastor at the Redwood campus.

On July 4, Seaver's sister Anna told him her church (First Baptist Church of Pentwater) was still looking for an associate pastor. He said he was intrigued, as he and his wife, Sara, had decided they needed a change in ministry that would allow for a slower pace and deeper relationships. Seaver said, “I also was thirsty for strong mentorship

in pastoral ministry.” At Redwood he preached only a couple times a year, and he yearned for a teaching and preaching ministry. He called Pastor Mark Lillie on July 4 and accepted the invitation for an immediate visit. When Lillie found a cottage they could rent, Seaver changed their vacation destination to Pentwater to spend a week here.

Matthew and Sara Seaver had an instant connection with Mark and Melanie Lillie. The Lillies have over 40 years together in ministry, and the Seavers wanted the mentoring Mark Lillie could provide and the parish ministry available at FBC. Subsequent meetings with the leadership

John the Baptist Catholic Chapel St. John the Baptist Chapel

team and the congregation at FBC quickly “sealed the deal,” and the Seaver family moved to Pentwater the first week in September.

Matthew and Sara Seaver have five children. Their four sons are Hudson (10), Maverick (8), Rocky (6), and Gibson (4) and their daughter is Cali (3). Homeschooled until now, the three older children are enrolled in grades 4, 2 and 1, respectively, at Pentwater Public School, a short walk from their home on Park Street. “Our family shares a love of music and all things outdoors. Together we hike, mountain bike, downhill ski, sail, camp, hunt, fish, and kayak. Sara has a BA in music and taught elementary music for five years before staying home with the children. She and I often sing and lead worship together.” A talented vocalist and guitarist, Matthew also writes music.

He looks forward to his family’s assimilation in the community through the school and local events. He anticipates meeting with and learning from other local pastors who talk about common concerns and shared goals. He welcomes the support of prayers…”and meals,” he added with a smile. They are overwhelmed by the welcome they have already received.

Pre-See You At The Pole Rally set for Sept. 21

CARS Youth Center is hosting a Pre-See You At The Pole Rally on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. Attendees should meet at New Era Bible Church, 5308 S. Oceana Dr., New Era. This event is for all middle school and high school students and leaders. The guest speaker will be Ben Vander Kodde from Grace Adventures, and the worship band will be Sounds of Praise. The event will feature time for games, prayer, worship, encouragement and prizes.

Pet Memorial opens in Shelby Township

Woodside Pet Memorial, a new pet burial park developed by Shelby Township, is now open and welcoming families who seek a peaceful and respectful resting place for their cherished animal companions.

Located in the heart of Oceana County, the park was thoughtfully designed as a sanctuary of remembrance—a space where love and loss intersect in nature’s embrace. With wooded surroundings and open green spaces, Woodside Pet Memorial provides both natural burial and cremation interment options, serving pet owners with compassion and dignity.

One of the park’s most meaningful features is the Courageous Companions Garden, a special section of the memorial dedicated to pets who served with strength and loyalty—law enforcement or military animals, therapy animals, and service animals. This garden provides a place of honor and tribute, recognizing the selfless roles pets play in our lives.

“This park represents the love we all feel for our ani-

mals—unconditional, lasting and worthy of remembrance,” Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli said. “Woodside Pet Memorial is a peaceful space for reflection, for healing and for honoring the bond between people and their pets.” Woodside Pet Memorial is one of the few public pet burial grounds in the region. In addition to burial services, the website offers resources for grief support, local veterinary partnerships, and full details on available services and pricing.

To learn more, visit www. woodsidepetmemorial.org, or contact Shelby Township at (231) 861-5853 or info@shelbytownshipoceana.com.

The Seaver Famly

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituarie S

Ellen Margaret Verschueren

January 31, 1947 ~ August 23, 2025

Ellen Margaret Verschueren, 78, of Walkerville, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. She was born in Hart, the daughter of Wayne and Margaret (Feister) Shafer.

Ellen enjoyed crafting many projects for family and friends, as she was skilled at sewing and crochet. This was one of her many ways to show people how much she cared for them.

Ellen was a caregiver most of her life, working for the Oceana County Medical Care Facility for many years. Following her employment with the medical care facility, she continued to provide kind and compassion ate in-home care for many elderly people in the area.

Ellen cared deeply for her family, her dogs, her friends and her community, and she will be deeply missed.

Ellen is survived by: her loving husband of 62 years, James Verschueren; children, Toni Verschueren, James Verschueren and David (Cathy) Verschueren; grandchildren, Charles, Tasha, Kendra, Justin, Spencer, Tiffanie and David; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her siblings, Richard and Sharlene, Gerry, Joyce and Donald, and Jeffery; and sister-in-law, Barb Shafer.

Ellen was preceded in death by: her parents, Wayne and Margaret Shafer; daughter, Susan Verschueren; mother-in-law, Lucille Bowman; brother, Darrel Shafer; sister-in-law, Sherry Shafer; and brother-in-law, Richard Bectel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Hart Wesleyan Church, 3757 W. Polk Rd., Hart, MI 49420.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box 451, Hart, MI 49420.

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

Mark Alan Piegols

April 23, 1950 ~ September 3, 2025

Mark Alan Piegols, 75, of Lansing, passed away peaceful ly on September 3, 2025, after battling complications from diabetes, at Burcham Hills rehab center in Lansing. He was born April 23, 1950, in Hart, to Alton and Martha Ann (Hawley) Piegols.

Mark grew up in Hart on his family’s farm. During that time, he discovered and developed his lifelong enjoyment of reading, downhill skiing, canoeing, playing bridge, and traveling with family and friends. He also decided that farming was not his vocational calling.

Following his graduation from Hart High School in 1968, Mark attended Michigan State University for several years, making some great friends and becoming an unlikely Cupid between one of those friends and his sister Nancy. Mark made his home in Lansing for the rest of his life. He eventually found his career with the Michigan State Police (MSP), starting as a file clerk in their Firearms Records department and finishing at headquarters as the Mail Services Coordinator, retiring in 2019 after nearly 35 years. At the MSP, Mark was known for being dependable and good-natured, having a wealth of information on many different subjects, and sharing apples from the family farm every fall.

As an adult, Mark completed a number of items on his “bucket list.” He took up ballroom dancing and became quite accomplished. He also learned to kayak. In 2013, he took part in the 54th Annual Bridge Walk across the Mackinac Bridge. He bought a yellow Ford Mustang (his “Palamino”), which was a lifelong dream, and drove it to the four-day Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary celebration at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2014. While there, he drove a (very expensive) racecar around the track. Mark enjoyed a number of other trips throughout the U.S. and Canada with family and friends, including a Colorado River raft adventure through the Grand Canyon and a different sort of adventure to John Ball Zoo, where he carried a backpack of food and beverages and helped wrangle six great-nieces and nephews, mostly toddlers and preschoolers. He was a generous and thoughtful gift-giver.

Mark is survived by: his two sisters, Nancy (Bob) Shannon of Rockford and Joann (Dave) Rennhack of Hart; as well as many other family members and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents and many other relatives and friends.

Mark became ready to embark on the adventure of his life, to see Jesus, before his death. He requested that memorial donations be made to the Salvation Army. There will be no funeral, just a small family memorial service graveside later this fall. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Celebration of Life – Jane Kay Routley

Jane Kay Routley, 80, of Mears, passed away suddenly at home on August 22, 2025. She has gone home to be with her Lord and Savior.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at noon, Friday, September 26, 2025, at New Hope Community Church, 244 S. 79th Ave., Shelby, MI 49455, with a luncheon to follow. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until time of services at the church. www.beaconfh.com

Mark Eugene Babinec

July 5, 1947 ~ September 8, 2025

Mark Eugene Babinec, 78, of Hart, passed away Mon day, September 8, 2025, in the home of his loving son and daughter-in-law.

Mark was born July 5, 1947, in Shelby, the son of Edward and Lawain (Near) Babinec. He grew up in Shelby, where he attended Carpenter Country School and enjoyed the coveted middle spot among his seven loving brothers and sisters. After graduating from Shelby High School in 1965, he attended Western Michigan University to study social work and loved to joke that he spent a lot of time learning guitar. During the Vietnam War, he counseled struggling Vietnam veter ans who had returned stateside.

Mark married Nancy Huntoon on February 6, 1971. They lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for two years during Mark’s military service and came back to Michigan to live in Wayland before settling in the Hart area in 1975.

Mark worked for 25 years as a protective service agent for the Family Independence Agency, followed by another 10 years with Oceana Friend of the Court. Ever the counselor, scores of his friends and family members attest to his ability to listen carefully and offer fitting advice. Mark was a wonderful friend and did not know a stranger: he learned names and remembered them. He adored his grandchildren and spent hours in his pool on East Main Street with them as well as at his grandsons’ hockey games and sporting events. He loved to sing and play the guitar, as well as ride his bike on the rail trail. After his beloved wife Nan became wheelchair bound, he was her dedicated and doting caregiver. Mark played in a golf league two nights a week with dear friends and his brothers, and also shot pool in a league for years. A beloved and respected member of the Oceana Eagles Club, he cherished his visits with his fellow club members and sorely missed them during his long illness.

Mark is survived by: his children, Anna (Mark) Wassa, Benjamin (Nikki) Babinec, and Lindsey Franz; grandchildren, Ben Wassa, Max Wassa, Niko Babinec, Crew Babinec, Vivian Franz, Stella Franz and Hazel Franz; siblings, Mike (Sue) Babinec, Judie (Mike) McGovern, Sandy (Lee) Ingalls, Kathleen (Scott) Brown, Barb (Steve) Kartes, Gary (Brenda) Babinec and Greg (Etsuko) Babinec.

Mark was preceded in death by: his wife, Nancy Babinec; parents, Edward and Lawain Babinec; granddaughter, Cecelia Babinec; brother-in-law, Lee Ingalls II; nephew, Lee Ingalls III; and great-nephew, Tad Siuda.

Memorial services will be conducted at 3 p.m., Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, MI 49455, with military honors. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until the time of services at 3 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home. A celebration of Mark’s life will follow the service at 4:30 p.m. at the Oceana Eagles Club, 4535 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, MI 49420. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Electric Forest Festival deepens investment in Oceana County, driving community impact

With students returned to local schools, they will see some new equipment in their band and music departments. This summer, the Electric Forest Charitable Fund awarded $20,000 in grants, including another $10,000 earmarked for their Music in Schools program. Continuing their commitment to uplifting local communities, Electric Forest also provided four grants to support community, arts, music and preservation.

The Music in Schools Program, now in its seventh year, supports music in Oceana County public schools. Its goal is to make music education accessible for area students and that impact continues to expand. Inspired by Electric Forest’s seed grant of $10,000, nine more Foundation funders contributed matching funds that have quadrupled this year for a $40,000 investment in music education. These contributors included: Little Point Sable Arts Fund, David P Markiewicz Memorial Fund, Carnes Family Fund for Music Arts Camp, Patrick "Rick" Aerts Band & Music Therapy Fund, Happy Farmers Art of Living Fund, Malcolm "Pete" Wood Memorial Fund, Randall and Linda Wagner Family Fund, Edward & Evelyn Kolbe Family Fund and the JT Sackett Memorial Fund. Grants were distributed throughout Oceana County public schools. This year the program fully supported all submitted requests from Hart Band, Hesperia Band/Choir/Music, Montague Band/ Choir/Music, Shelby Band and Walkerville Band/Music programs.

This generous financial support is

making a lasting difference—providing schools with new instruments, sound systems, recording equipment and more. At Walkerville Public Schools, this has paved the way to relaunch the middle school band for the 2025–26 school year and continue growing the elementary music program, which returned in January 2024 after a five-year hiatus. The revival of music and band is more than a program restart—it’s a powerful investment in creativity, learning and student engagement. The Electric Forest Charitable Fund also places strong emphasis on preserving and promoting the arts and natural environment in area communities. The fund awarded $8,000 through the Foundation’s Community Grant Round to support projects that creatively blend art and nature—including a mural in the Village of Hesperia, beach restoration in Pentwater Township and the removal of invasive species at the Walkerville Women & Girls Camp. And finally, a Community Support Grant was awarded to the Oceana Community Foundation to help sustain daily operations and expand its impact across the region.

By Lucie Winborne

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• On Sept. 15, 1916, British troops employed tanks for the first time in history, during an offensive against the Germans during the Battle of the Somme. While some were too slow to hold their positions during the German counterattack and were subject to mechanical failure, General Douglas Haig realized their potential and ordered the war department to produce hundreds more.

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By Lucie Winborne

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By JoAnn Derson

• On Sept. 16, 1845, Phineas Wilcox was stabbed to death by fellow Mormons in Nauvoo, Illinois, on suspicion of being a Christian spy. The crime reflected the frequently violent conflict between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and surrounding communities.

By Lucie Winborne

• On Sept. 17, 1967, British rock band The Who ended their nationally televised performance of their hit “My Generation” on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” with a literal bang from a blast of fireworks that Keith Moon had packed into his bass drum. Guitarist Pete Townshend’s hair was badly singed, Moon’s arm was hit with shrapnel and the show was momentarily knocked off the air, but everyone survived intact.

• On Sept. 18, 1974, actress Doris Day won a $22.8 million malpractice suit against her former attorney. Day had allowed her third husband, Martin Melcher, to handle her finances, but following his death discovered that her $20 million in life savings had disappeared, and sued her lawyer for mismanagement.

• On Sept. 19, 1959, during a trip to California, Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev’s famous temper displayed itself in his exasperated reaction to learning that he could not visit Disneyland, as he’d previously requested, due to government authorities fearing that the crowds would pose a safety hazard for him.

• On Sept. 20, 1988, at the Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, American diver Greg Louganis won the gold medal on the springboard despite nearly knocking himself out during a qualifying round dive, becoming the first man to win back-to-back gold medals in both the 3-meter springboard and 10-meter platform events.

• On Sept. 21, 1996, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette married at the First African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island, Georgia. Because the wedding began late and the old building didn’t have electricity, the priest conducted the ceremony with the aid of a flashlight.

ANIMAL SHELTER

At just 9 months old, Emmy is a Beagle/Pit mix, which basically means she’s a perfect blend of detective and meatball. She’s got the nose of a bloodhound and the energy of a toddler who just discovered espresso.

Emmy is friendly with people – even if she’s just met you, she’s pretty sure you're her new best friend. She loves other dogs – she’s always ready for a playdate, a wrestling match, or a synchronized nap.

Emmy is still learning about the world—leaves blowing in the wind? Fascinating. Squeaky toys? Hilarious. Your slippers? Potentially delicious. But don’t worry, she’s also smart and eager to please, especially if there are treats involved.

If you’ve been looking for a fun-sized friend with a big personality, Emmy’s ready to be your snuggle buddy, walking partner, and loyal sidekick in whatever adventures life throws your way.

Emmy is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. If interested, please call the shelter at 231861-5395. 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 should have an ID tag. L.A.S.S.I. provides free dog ID tags to all Oceana County residents. To request tags, send a text to 231-730-3906. Free tags are also available at the OCEANA County Animal Shelter. Meet Emmy

• “Wet a plain kitchen sponge and place it in a zip-top baggie in the freezer. It’s great for bumps and bruises, tired eyes and overheated kids.” — V.I. in New Hampshire

• Always rest your bar soap on a sponge. You won’t have a soap slime problem ever again, and the soap stays put. When the sponge starts to look questionable, you can replace it or just toss it in the wash with your towels.

• “Sunday dinner is great for so many reasons, as our family reserves this day to be together at mealtime. It has also become a day to touch base on appointments and obligations for the coming week. We discuss what each of us has going on upcoming, and we post our schedules on the fridge on Sunday evening. This way, we can help one another and keep each of us accountable. It works for us!” — A.A. in California

• “A really nice gift for a family with young children is a family membership to a local science and history museum. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s very flexible, because with a membership, you can go all day or just a few hours to keep it light.” — C.W. in Virginia

• A great way to organize in the kitchen is to use the space on the inside of your cabinet doors. You can install a metal sheet (to stick magnetic items to), a chalkboard, a small rack or a section of pocket organizer. The possibilities are endless.

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

• AI systems can simulate the language patterns and personality traits of the dead using their digital footprints, resulting in “deadbots” or “griefbots.”

By Lucie Winborne

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have warned that this “afterlife industry” could cause psychological harm unless strict design safety standards are implemented.

• According to one study, most dogs reach peak cuteness between 6 and 8 weeks old.

• AI systems can simulate the language patterns and personality traits of the dead using their digital footprints, resulting in “deadbots” or “griefbots.” Researchers from the University of Cambridge have warned that this “afterlife industry” could cause psychological harm unless strict design safety standards are implemented.

The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 handbook classifies caffeine withdraws as a mental disorder.

• According to one study, most dogs reach peak cuteness between 6 and 8 weeks old.

• A Canadian police officer named Ward Clapham created a program that gives “positive tickets” to people who do good deeds.

• The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 handbook classifies caffeine withdraws as a mental disorder.

• A Canadian police officer named Ward Clapham created a program that gives “positive tickets” to people who do good deeds.

• “Baby,” “sport” and “waterproof” sunscreens don’t exist. They’re just marketing tactics.

In 2016, scientists measured pollution variation in Los Angeles and Chicago, and found that violent crime rose when pollution was worse.

• “Baby,” “sport” and “waterproof” sunscreens don’t exist. They’re just marketing tactics.

• In 2016, scientists measured pollution variation in Los Angeles and Chicago, and found that violent crime rose when pollution was worse.

• Snow in Alpine regions can be pink due to pigments produced by algae, resulting in what’s known as “watermelon snow.”

• Michelle Pfeiffer was literally vacuum-sealed into her Catwoman costume in “Batman Returns.”

• Snow in Alpine regions can be pink due to pigments produced by algae, resulting in what’s known as “watermelon snow.”

The Venus flytrap plant can count — it waits for something to tap its pads twice before they shut.

• Michelle Pfeiffer was literally vacuum-sealed into her Catwoman costume in “Batman Returns.”

In 1864, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman captured Savannah, Georgia, and in a telegram to President Lincoln wrote, “I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, also about 25,000 bales of cotton.”

• The Venus flytrap plant can count — it waits for something to tap its pads twice before they shut.

• In 1864, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman captured Savannah, Georgia, and in a telegram to President Lincoln wrote, “I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, also about 25,000 bales of cotton.”

• The largest playable instrument in the world is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, located in the Luray Caverns in Virginia. It uses rubber mallets to tap on the cave’s natural stalactites.

• At a specific temperature and pressure, water can exist simultaneously as a solid (ice), liquid (water) and gas (steam).

***

• At a specific temperature and pressure, water can exist simultaneously as a solid (ice), liquid (water) and gas (steam). ***

Thought for the Day: “Life ought to be a struggle of desire toward adventures whose nobility will fertilize the soul.” — Rebecca West

BENONA TOWNSHIP

Synopsis of Meeting

August 25, 2025

The regular meeting of August 25, 2025 was called to order at 7:02 PM with all Board members present, except Shaw, and 12 visitors present. The agenda was approved as submitted. The minutes of the regular meeting, Truth in Taxation hearing, and Public hearings on Road Improvements and Parks & Recreation of July 28, 2025 were approved with one correction. Action was taken on the following:

- Date correction on adopted millage certification approved.

- Parks Community Involvement Policy draft to be submitted to our attorney for review.

- Contract for three years with Ace 1 PortaPotties approved.

- Resolution to approve property line adjustment for Neil L. and Cynthia L. Kimball and Karen J. Dyson Trust adopted.

- Cindi Schouten appointed to complete the ZBA term of Adam Schouten.

- Dave Zoller appointed to complete the ZBA term of Warren Van Overbeke.

- Proposal from Tree Hugger for tree removal at Evergreen Cemetery accepted.

- Bills approved for payment, with additions. Meeting adjourned at 8:16 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

Pirates sweep Shelby in rivalry showdown

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Hart and Shelby opened West Michigan Conference Rivers action against one another Tuesday night, and the Pirates won this round of the rivalry with a three-game sweep, 2513, 25-15, 26-24.

The final game of the match was easily the closest. Shelby (2-8, 1-0 WMC Rivers) grabbed an early lead in that game, but the Pirates were able to rally to secure the sweep.

“We struggled early in the third, but (the girls) held their composure and made a strong comeback to win the final set,” Hart coach Shawn Bectel said. “The girls had a strong night tonight, playing consistently throughout.”

Hart (6-7-1, 1-0 WMC Rivers) hit a respectable .141 as a team for the evening, with Reese Smith leading the offense with 13 kills. The Pirates also served nearly 92% of their attempts into play. Rilynn Porter had four aces, and Jenna Babbin added three without making any service errors.

Alayna Schiller had a big night defensively for Hart, racking up 28 digs. Babbin added 13. Cali Eisenlohr passed out 17 assists, with Grace Tucker contributing 14.

Tigers’ coach McKenna Peters credited the team’s defense with keeping them in the match. Five Shelby players had at least 10 digs, led by

Peyton Rapes with 17. Delanie Smith chipped in 15 digs.

“We’ve really focused on improving that part of our game the last couple of weeks, so that’s a huge highlight for us,” Peters said. “Hart is a tough team, and the girls worked hard defensively to keep rallies alive. We just weren’t able to finish on the offensive end as well as we needed to.”

Rapes led the Tiger offense with 17 assists, setting up Brylee Friedman for a team-best seven kills. Izzy Rudat had three aces.

“Briar Peters delivered a consistent performance all around last night, contributing five kills, one ace, and playing a key role in the back row with 13 digs,” coach Peters said.

Hart scores thrilling overtime win over ‘Dogs

Clutch fourth-down efforts on both offense and defense in overtime delivered Hart a thrilling 16-8 victory Friday night against Ravenna to open West Michigan Conference Rivers play.

The Pirates got the ball first in overtime but quickly put themselves in a hole with a first-down penalty that brought back Kyle Greiner’s touchdown and moved the ball back to the 20-yard line. Facing fourthand-goal at the 12, quarterback Kolton Rockwell found Halen Boos at the five-yard line, and Boos battled through Bulldog tacklers - with an assisting push from teammate Haegan Hansen - to get into the end zone.

Hart’s defense was equally impressive when it took the field for Ravenna’s overtime possession. On fourth-and-goal at the nine-yard line, Bulldog quarterback Jaxson Wilburn tried to get to the end zone, but the Hart defense took him down at the 5, sealing the win.

All the regulation points in the game came in the second quarter. Greiner, who totaled 132 yards rushing and scored both of the Pirates’ two-point conversions, got the ball in the end zone to open the scoring before Ravenna’s Colton Rolison responded on the Bulldogs’ next drive with his own touchdown.

Hart thought it had scored a second regulation touchdown in the

third quarter, but Greiner’s scoring run was called back on a facemask penalty against the offense.

In addition to the winning touchdown, Boos totaled 69 offensive yards and was a huge factor on defense, posting a team-best eight tackles and recovering a fumble - the game’s only turnover. Rockwell added seven tackles on top of his work at quarterback.

Above, Hart’s Kyle Greiner (2) tries to battle through several Ravenna tacklers during Friday’s WMC Rivers game at Hart. Below, the Pirates bring down Ravenna’s Jaxson Wilburn. The Pirates won an overtime thriller, 16-8. • Jill Tanis/Courtesy Photos

Hart’s Reese Smith (10) tries to get the ball over the net as Shelby defenders Kylie Brown (4) and Peyton Rapes try to stop her during Tuesday’s WMC Rivers match in Hart. The Pirates won the match, 3-0. • Jill Tanis/Courtesy Photo

At left, Shelby’s Brylee Friedman spikes the ball at Hart defenders during Tuesday’s match at Hart. At right, Friedman digs the ball out on defense. The Tigers dropped a 3-0 decision to Hart. • Jill Tanis/Courtesy Photos

Hart 2nd, Hesperia 3rd at Panther Invite

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Hart finished second and Hesperia placed third Tuesday at the Panther Invitational, played at Northwood Golf Course in Fremont.

The Pirates’ team score was 484 to the Panthers’ 499. Western Michigan Christian won the meet with a 470.

Ali Fleming was the top county scorer, placing second overall and shooting a 111. Kennedy Symons shot a 120 and Lauren Hopkins had a 121 to take sixth and seventh respectively. Renleigh Schiller’s

132, a new personal best, rounded out Hart scoring.

“This team is crushing it in their first season,” Hart High School said in a Facebook post.

For Hesperia, it was Sarissa Conkle leading the way with a 113, finishing fifth. Kloe Graham’s 122 placed her in the individual top 10, in eighth. Olivia McGahan shot a 130 and Britney Budde had a 134.

“(We) are proud of the team’s determination, growth, and commitment throughout the season,” Hesperia coach Roxanne Kammer said in a Facebook post.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Notice is hereby given that the Shelby Township Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing, to receive feedback on the proposed Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map rewrite, for Shelby Township, Oceana County. The Public Hearing will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 7:00 pm in the Shelby Township Hall, located at 204 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, MI, 49455. The proposed Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map may be viewed in person at the above address or online at www.shelbytownshipoceana.com

As an alternative, written comments may also be submitted to Sara Bizon, Zoning Administrator, by US Postal mail at PO Box 215, Shelby, MI, 49455, email: sara.bizon@ shelbytownshipoceana.com or phone (231) 861-5853.

GOLDEN TOWNSHIP

Synopsis of Meeting September 9, 2025

Regular Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM. Present: Robert Draper, Connie Cargill, Rachel Iteen, Bill Kolenda, Doug Dykstra and 11 guests.

Items approved:

• Minutes of Last month’s Township Board Meeting

• Bills Approved for Payment

• Silverback Off Road Speedway race date change and extension to midnight

• Installation of Emergency Services Building Sign.

Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Copies of meeting minutes are available from the township and approved minutes on our website, www.goldentownship.org.

- Rachel Iteen, Clerk

Tigers, Falcons play to tough tie

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

SHELBY — Shelby and Pentwater played a thrilling match for the second year in a row Friday at Shelby’s home field, but this time the Tigers’ Samuel Castro was able to avert a loss with a late goal, salvaging a 1-1 tie.

Castro received an assist from Andrew Hayes on the goal, which came with 5:13 to play and prevented Shelby from losing a game in which it held possession much of the way. The Falcons defeated Shelby last year, 2-1.

“I think we dominated the game but just weren’t clinical enough in the final third to win the game,” Shelby coach Damian Gonzalez said. “Credit to Pentwater. They’ve given us a good game two years in a row now.”

The first half was scoreless, but not for lack of opportunities for the Tigers. Shelby had several corner kicks and scoring chances in the

opening half, but the Falcons’ keeper, Ben Wisenbaugh, and the defense was able to turn back those chances over and over again.

The second half started much the same way, but the Falcons got on the board first 10 minutes into the half when they got their own corner kick opportunity and executed a brilliant play in which Aaron Mascorro booted the ball into a spot where Brayden Stein could go get it, which he did, heading it into the Tigers’ goal.

From there the emboldened Falcons were able to keep up with

Shelby a bit better, and they kept the Tigers out of the goal for 25 more minutes until Castro’s tying tally. One key play took place with just under 10 minutes to go, when Wisenbaugh made a good hustle play to prevent Alex Dealmonte from getting loose for what would have been a tying goal.

Pentwater coach Ralph Achterhof expressed pride in his team’s effort, particularly given how young the roster is, with mostly underclassmen on the field.

“We competed very well,” Achterhof said. “We passed the ball across the field better, and our defensive line and goalie really stepped up to hold Shelby to only one goal...The team continues to grow and improve every game.”

Football results

Shelby shows improvement in tough loss

Shelby didn’t come away with the win Friday at North Muskegon in its West Michigan Conference Rivers opener, but the Tigers showed how improved a team they’ve become in a hard-fought 33-30 defeat.

It’s the closest Shelby has come to defeating the Norsemen since the Tigers’ last win in the series, a 3814 triumph by the 2013 team that made it to the state semifinals. Outside of a 32-20 loss in 2015, every other meeting since had gone to North Muskegon by at least 27 points. The per-

continued from page 10

formance was a benchmark for coach Phil Fortier’s squad.

The Tigers got great performances from Jaylin Henderson, Brody Fessenden and Isaac Garcia on offense to spearhead their efforts. Henderson rang up 257 total offensive yards

HELP WANTED HART CEMETERY

Qualifications include: Ability to run a lawn mower, weed whipper and a backpack blower. Must be able to rake and dispose of debris. Other duties as assigned. Starting wage is $15/hour. Could be up to 40 hour/week. Must have current MI Driver’s License and be able to pass a background check. Deadline to apply is Oct. 1, 2025. Please send a resume to: Hart Cemetery P.O. Box 813

Hart, MI 49420

ATTENTION: Andrew Bosse, Sexton

- 109 rushing, 97 receiving and 51 passing - and scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion. Fessenden had 88 offensive yards - 60 rushing and 28 receiving - and punched in a touchdown and a pair of two-pointers. He was also the leading tackler on the team, with 10 takedowns.

Garcia ran the show at quarterback, going 9-of-17 for 141 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 46 yards and a score, caught an 11-yard pass from Henderson, and pulled in an interception. Camden Smith had a fumble recovery on defense as well.

Hesperia stifled by Grant Hesperia couldn’t

get untracked Friday night against nonleague foe Grant, coming up short in a 35-0 defeat.

The visiting Tigers took a 21-0 lead into halftime and never looked back as Hesperia’s offense was limited by the Grant resistance. Tucker Bolles threw for 70 yards for Hesperia (0-2), with Eli Edens the leading receiver, going for 30 yards. Dominic Rivera ran for 62 yards, with Ryan Fuentes adding 33.

Noah Walker had seven tackles and a fumble recovery for the Panther defense, and Rivera had six takedowns, but the Tigers were able to have enough success to ensure a win.

Shelby quarterback Isaac Garcia (9) powers through a tackle by North Muskegon’s Drew Gabriel during Friday’s WMC Rivers road game. Ethan Viterna (50) and Colin Fenton lay blocks for their teammate on the play. The Tigers played a strong game in a 33-30 defeat.

• Phillip Hayes/Courtesy Photo

Hart’s golf team celebrates its 2nd-place finish at Tuesday’s Hesperia Invitational at Northwoods Golf Course.

• Courtesy Photo

Pentwater’s Damian Montoya defends against Shelby’s Jaden Furman during Friday’s game at Shelby. The teams played to a 1-1 tie. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Shelby’s Javier Cervantes tries to keep Pentwater’s Gabe Villarreal from the ball during Friday’s game at Shelby.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Solar permit submitted to White River Twp.

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Geronimo Power project manager Kendra Harrington confirmed Tuesday to the White River Township board that the company sent the township a digital copy of its application for a permit for its planned solar energy facility.

She added that the paper copy of the application should be received by the

township by the end of this week, and that a digital copy will be posted to the project website soon. She declined direct comment to the Mirror following the meeting.

The project website states that it will encompass "approximately 1,500 acres" and be a 150-megawatt project. If it gains the necessary approval, construction would begin in 2027 and the facility would be operational by 2029.

Under the township's current re-

newable energy ordinance, it seems unlikely the project would gain township approval, and multiple public commenters urged the board to turn down the application on that basis. However, under Public Act 233, Geronimo and any other renewable energy developer is permitted to petition the Michigan Public Services Commission for approval if the municipality involved has more restrictive ordinances than those of the state.

Public comments about the proposed project again indicated a split between opponents and supporters. Paul Schroeder, who owns farmland in the township, expressed support for the proposal, saying landowners have the right to lease with Geronimo. Opponents stated the project is too large and would harm tourism and property

Pat's Media Market poised to make a move

Open since June, used bookstore will move to old Healthy Pantry location in Aldi plaza

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — He's only run his own brick-and-mortar store for a few months, but already Pat Armstrong is ready to upsize his business.

Armstrong, who owns and operates Pat's Media Market in downtown Whitehall, will soon move his store to the previous Healthy Pantry (now Healthy Roots) location in the coming weeks, with a goal of an Oct. 2 opening. The opening will include giveaways, drawings and other special events.

He wryly noted that Healthy Roots is located next door to the hallway that houses his store, so in a way, he and the health-food grocery are swapping locations.

Armstrong works in the automotive department at Walmart, but has had a dream of opening a used bookstore going back to his days growing up in Anderson, Indiana in the east central part of the state.

"There were two used bookstores that were within a block of each other, and besides the library, I visited those quite a bit when I was a kid," Armstrong said. "I always thought it'd be cool to have this."

While Armstrong has "dabbled" in selling books online, a conversation with his wife Stephanie one evening spurred him to pursue that dream, and his store opened on Colby Street in Whitehall June 5. The majority of Armstrong's wares are books, but he also sells DVDs, CDs and other physical media - even planning to add VHS tapes.

Most of the available fare are items Armstrong has purchased himself, but he does accept donations of material others do not want anymore if they're in good condition. He's been asked if he buys used books as well, although due to the extremely low prices charged by

the store, it's unlikely he'd meet the asking price many have.

"I haven't decided what I'm going to do as far as a buy-sell-trade thing yet," Armstrong said. "That will probably come in the future. I just haven't decided how I'm going to do that yet."

Armstrong said business was strong in both June and July before slowing down somewhat in August, though some of that was because he and his wife went on a week-long vacation during the month. His hours are somewhat irregular right now as he works around his day job - the store is open Mondays through Wednesdays from 5-9 p.m., Thursdays 9-5 and Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. - though once the move is complete, he plans to devote more time

to the store and be open full-time hours from Thursdays through Saturdays.

"Being in the same shopping center, where the Aldi is going to open, and right across from the Colby Cafe, hopefully we'll be able to get a lot more walkin, drive-by traffic," Armstrong said.

to the store and be open full-time hours from Thursdays through Saturdays. "Being in the same shopping center, where the Aldi is going to open, and right across from the Colby Cafe, hopefully we'll be able to get a lot more walkin, drive-by traffic," Armstrong said.

"Being in the same shopping center, where the Aldi is going to open, and right across from the Colby Cafe, hopefully we'll be able to get a lot more walkin, drive-by traffic," Armstrong said.

He added that he's hoping to sell coffee in the near future and has friends and acquaintances for whom he'll sell some artisanal items once he's in the new storefront. On the media front, vinyl records is an area Armstrong would like to get into.

Many of the additions will take advantage of the new premises' added

Media Market

Shutdown wouldn't stop Montague schools right away

District says it can operate into November if state government shuts down

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — The Montague school district has enough money in its fund balance to continue operations through the second pay period in November in the event of a state governmental shutdown, said district director of business affairs Stacey Brown at Monday's regular school board meeting.

The specter of a state shutdown persists amid the lack of a state budget be-

ing agreed upon by the Michigan state house and senate. The fiscal year begins Oct. 1, and without a budget, the state government will shut down.

According to nonprofit news source Bridge Michigan, the only other two recent shutdowns in the state were in 2007 and 2009, and both were resolved within a day.

While other factors are in play in the state budget debate, as far as public education funding is concerned, the main issue, according to a Monday analysis by the nonprofit and nonpartisan Mackinac Center for Public Policy, is regarding restrictions being placed on funding. The Republican-led House of Representatives favors a plan with

far fewer restrictions for the money distributed to school districts, while the Democratic-led Senate wants targeted budget items such as free breakfast and lunch for students, at-risk student services, special education services and others.

Superintendent Jeffrey Johnson said school districts would likely be sharing more information on the potential aftereffects of a state government shutdown as the Oct. 1 deadline draws nearer.

The board - which is now full again after new trustee Ben Rupert took the oath of office at the meeting, having been appointed last month - unanimously approved two new district improvement expenditures at the meet-

ing, both of which will be paid by the sinking fund: A $509,440 improvement in the fire suppression systems at the elementary, middle and high school buildings, and an $84,884 roofing improvement for the gymnasium at NBC Middle School. Between the two, the projects will take up most of the money currently in the sinking fund, though Johnson said the district expects to replenish some of that in upcoming property tax collections.

The fire suppression improvements will be made by Johnson Controls in a bid that was obtained through the

Pat Armstrong owns and operates Pat's Media Market, currently located in downtown Whitehall. The store is poised to move to the old Healthy Pantry location across from Colby's Cafe and Brew next month. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall council tables snowblower purchase

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall city council tabled a resolution regarding the purchase of a snowblower during its regular meeting Tuesday, with city manager Dan Tavernier stating he wants to look into the purchase further before bringing it to the council for a vote.

The resolution was for a $50,002 purchase of a Ventrac sidewalk snowblower. Mayor Steven Salter shared that after speaking with the Department of Public Works, it was in favor of the purchase as the machine would be "a big improvement" over the city's current

equipment.

However, council member Scott Brown wanted to obtain more specifics about the snowblower, saying the current one was too wide, which caused issues. Tavernier said the quoted snowblower's wheel base was 45 inches, compared with the 48-inch width Brown said caused issues with city sidewalks. Fellow council member Jeff Holmstrom said the snowblower had dozens of potential attachments, enabling it to be put to other uses besides snowblowing. However, given the number of questions the council had, Tavernier agreed he wanted to get more details about the purchase before an approval

Permit submitted

continued from page 1

was made.

There was some discussion regarding a request from this summer's Monday night FAN Club to repeat the closures of the North Mears Promenade each Monday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It was ultimately approved 6-1, with Brown sharing his standing objection to public property being closed for private events.

Council members Tom Ziemer and Tanya Cabala, Tavernier and public commenters discussed issues with Americans with Disabilities Act compliance at the FAN Club shows, saying in the past tables have been moved around during the event in such a way that they

do not have the minimum three feet of space for those with wheelchairs to maneuver through.

Cabala said the city should check with the owners of Fetch Brewery to ensure ADA compliance next summer. She also shared that she attended most of this summer's shows and enjoyed herself, praising local musician Tommy Foster for his showmanship. Foster showed off that showmanship himself during the public comment period, playing a short song he wrote to thank the city for accommodating the FAN Club events.

Pumpkinfest coming Oct. 11

values in the township.

In other business Tuesday, zoning administrator Bill Schmiege reported that a property owner who wanted to build an event space on his Lost Valley Road property has requested his escrow money be returned. Schmiege said the township would consider this a withdrawal of the application for the space if completed. He added that the property is now listed for sale.

There will be a Nov. 4 election in the township with a millage request from the White Lake Ambulance Authority. The WLAA will request a renewal of its current 1.9-mill rate ($1.90 per $1,000 of taxable value) this November, which would take the current rate through

2030. The rate is currently in place through 2026 after last being approved in 2021.

The board stated that the millage request is being made well in advance in part because of current state house bills that, if passed, would limit millage requests to November elections. The WLAA would have to wait until November 2026 to make the request if that bill is passed.

The board approved a $500 expenditure to plant two more trees at Hubbard Cemetery as part of an ongoing beautification process there. Township resident Jon Howell has told the board he will aid in the planting of trees.

Montague schools

continued from page 1

The White Lake Area Pumpkinfest is coming Oct. 11 to welcome residents and visitors to the fall season. In addition to the famous pumpkin roll down Dowling Hill, which will take place at 11 a.m., there will be an artisan market and farmers' market, bake sale, best pumpkin pie contest, biggest pumpkin weigh-in contest, pumpkin seed spitting contest, carved pumpkin contest, hay rides, kids' activities, enter-

tainment, food vendors, and more. Pumpkins to roll are $1 if you bring your own or can be purchased on-site for $4.

There will also be an Arts and Crafts Fair with vendors selling a wide variety of items including holiday decorations and home items, jewelry, clothing, photography, different forms of art, knitting and crochet, candles, wood crafts, food dips, candies and sweets, and more.

Pat's Media Market

space. Right now his store is tucked into the hallway of the downtown building and is only 200 square feet, while the old Healthy Pantry location is four times that size.

continued from page 1

Three months in, Armstrong's dream is showing no signs of slowing down, and he's excited for "It's been very fun," Armstrong said. "I've really enjoyed it."

Sourcewell cooperative bidding process. Sourcewell is a company that works with public entities to obtain bids for major projects in order to streamline the process.

Arrow Roofing and Supply, a company based in Grand Rapids, will handle the roofing replacement. Johnson said at their suggestion, the district is also renting a pad that will protect the outdoor basketball courts adjacent to the gym from potential damage during the project. He added that the project, weather permitting, will be completed in three days and will be done before this winter.

The district was pleased to report that according to early student counts, there are more students in the district than were budgeted for. Johnson said

there are over 40 more than the district planned for. Of course, given the current state budget, it's unknown what the financial benefit will end up being for the district, but presumably it will be significant.

Johnson also reported that over 57,000 pounds of food were distributed in the summer meal pickups that took place both at the high school and at the Rothbury village hall, commending the staff members who helped give them out.

The board unanimously approved an eighth-grade trip to Chicago scheduled for May 29. Johnson said the visit will include an outing at Medieval Times restaurant near the city, as well as a tour of Willis Tower and a meal at deep-dish favorite Giordano's Pizza.

Saturday, Sept. 13

White River Light Station hosts a free kids program, 2-3:30 p.m. The purpose is to inspire and educate children about lighthouse history, maritime history of the Great Lakes, and Michigan history through teaching, hands-on learning, and play.

Sunday, Sept. 14

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

Monday, Sept. 15

Family Storytime @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Open

Community Calendar

to kids of all ages and their caregivers.

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

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Baby Time @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Stories, songs and play time. Intended for babies ages 0-2 and their caregivers.

Toddler Storytime @ MADL Montague, 9:30 a.m. Intended for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

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

Pretty Fun trivia @ Book Nook &

Java Shop, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Currents of Change @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. A panel on waterways and development in West Michigan.

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

Thursday, Sept. 18

Join the Muskegon Conservation District for a stewardship day @ Slocum Switchback, 8:30 a.m. Volunteers will remove invasive and unwanted plants and replace them with

native species. Gloves, tools and sun and bug protection provided.

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

Friday, Sept. 19

Play & Learn @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Stories, songs and playtime for kids 5 and under and their caregivers.

Afternoon Hang @ White Lake Commuinty Library, 2 p.m. Tweens 10 and up are invited to play video games, do crafts, eat snacks or just hang out!

Echoes of History: Mystery of George Wiard

By Tom Eitniear Volunteer Contributor

On April 1, 1869, Francis “Frank” Wiard married Eunice Burnham, and shortly thereafter moved from Otsego, Michigan to Montague. This union produced 10 children, 7 boys and 3 girls: George (1870-1891); Charles Alva (1873-1933); Almon Vincent (18771935); Frank Orley (1878-1934); Lillie (1880-1880); Willie (1880-1880); Pearl May (1881-1959); Jessie O. (1886-1963); Tracy Eliday (1889-1936); Blanche Estella (1892-1963).

George grew to manhood and, in 1891, was the picture of robust health. The 178-pound strapping lad was working in Muskegon when he contracted a sickness known at the time as “La Grippe” - an old-fashioned term for the highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, headache, sore throat, and other symptoms - but more commonly known now as influenza. Peculiarly, he came down with the sickness 22 years to the day of his parents’ wedding day, and it hit him hard, making it impossible to work, so he returned to his parent’s home in Montague to convalesce.

Recovery was a fleeting desire and he continued to grow worse, able to move around the house and assist his mother with some minor tasks but unable to go back to work. On May 1, 1891, while assisting his mother, he toppled

over in a fit. He was moved to a bed and a doctor was called, who promptly diagnosed him with a case of nervous prostration. It was unknown to all that George would spend the next three months sleeping in a trance-like state 24 hours a day, unable to be aroused from his stupor.

D. A. B. Clements of Muskegon, was called to attend the case and the Sept. 3, 1891, issue of the Montague Observer printed his statement:

“I was called to Montague to see a young man named George Wiard, aged 21, who has been confined to his bed for three months past. During seven weeks of this time he has lain unconscious, apparently in a trance. He seems to have lost control of every one of his senses excepting that of touch. When he is touched on the arm with a slight downward pressure he will raise his arm; when an attempt is made to move his head to the right he will turn it to the left; in trying to open his eyes he closed them so firmly that it was impossible to open them with the usual means at hand. Numerous physicians and specialists from different parts of the country have visited the young man and without exception they pronounce the case the most extraordinary on record.

Mr. Wiard visited Muskegon in the early spring, taking orders for rubber stamps and may be remembered by some of the citizens of that place. I do

not consider it strictly a case of trance, for in a trance if the person is shaken up, they will sometimes open their eyes, but this man does not. It is a clear case of Carus which is shown by the limbs acting in opposition to the force applied, this alone distinguishing it from coma, trance, and catalepsy. I never expect to meet such another case, it is one in 50,000.”

On Oct. 23, 1891, George showed signs of recovery and the Oct. 29, 1891, issue of the Montague Observer provided the details as follows:

“George Wiard Regained Consciousness – The strange Case of George Wiard, which has attracted such widespread attention, is said to be taking a change for the better.

Last Friday George was aroused for a few moments, and seemed to have full power of reason. He seemed to recognize both mother and grandmother, who were giving him a foot bath, and with their help took a turn round the room on his feet.

They again lay him on the bed, gave him a little to eat. He then pulled the covers over his head, and when his mother told him to “leave them alone; now mind!” he answered, “don’t I mind!” than lapsed into his former stupor.

George has lain in this queer condition for five and one-half months, but his parents feel a little encouraged now,

and will increase their efforts to bring him back to life.”

To facilitate feeding, four of George’s front teeth were removed. This action, seemingly extreme, was required to be able to feed him through his nearly closed mouth. George was fed a diet that consisted of beet tea, crackers soaked in milk, and gruel. Such a diet was barely able to keep him alive, but was all they could accomplish due to his condition.

Over the six months after he became bedridden, George’s weight had dropped to 48 pounds, 130 pounds less than his weight when he became ill, rendering him as little more than a skin-covered skeleton. His illness had become well known and many newspapers printed his story. This notoriety led to several offers to the family for George to appear in a “dime museum freak” which were all denied with indignation.

On the evening of Nov. 8, 1891, George passed away, ending one of the most befuddling cases of illness ever observed in the greater White Lake area. George was buried in the Oak Grove cemetery in Montague.

Frank Wiard was born in New York March 17, 1847. He died in Montague Jan. 6, 1896.

Wife Eunice was born June 20, 1851 in Ohio and died June 12, 1907 in Montague. Both are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Get #VoteReady at voter registration event Tuesday

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Although the November 2025 elections are sometimes referred to as “offyear” elections, there are numerous offices and proposals on White Lake area ballots this fall that will shape the future of our community.

To help make sure all voices are heard, the library will join a coalition of thousands of partners across the country to celebrate National Voter Registration Day Tuesday, Sept. 16. This civic holiday is all about celebrating democracy by working to get every eligible American registered to vote in time for the November elections. You’re invited to visit the event table at the library anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to check on your registra-

tion status, register to vote, or simply pick up your National Voter Registration Day sticker.

National Voter Registration Day is an annual nonpartisan event held each September. As the nation’s largest nonpartisan civic holiday, it has facilitated over six million voter registrations since 2012. National Voter Registration Day is endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State, the National Association of State Election Directors, the US Election Assistance Commission, and the National Association of Election Officials.

FUN FACT: Registration is now open for the Good Neighbor Day dinner, and it fills up fast. Visit wlclib.org/ calendar right away to save yourself a seat at the table! The dinner will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, 6-8 p.m. next to the Playhouse at White Lake. There is no charge to attend, though donations toward next year’s event are always welcome at bit.ly/wlcl-give.

Currents of Change

Sept. 17

There are still some seats left for

the upcoming panel discussion about West Michigan's water resources. This moderated discussion will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, and will feature local and regional experts. We’ll also hear from Ravenna High School’s FFA Stream Team about their efforts to study and protect Crockery Creek. Together, these speakers will explore the history, challenges, and opportunities at the intersection of waterways and development.

This event is free and open to all, and refreshments from Colby’s Cafe & Brew will be served. Registration appreciated at wlclib.org/calendar.

This program is the first in a series of three in partnership with Muskegon Area District and Hackley Libraries, as well as WGVU, called "Shared Waters." The other two events include a guided bicycle tour along Muskegon Lake Sept. 27 and a presentation about safe drinking water Oct. 21. Funding is provided by The Community Foundation for Muskegon County. More information on the series can be found at wgvu. org/community-conversation.

Coming Soon: Manhattan Short Film Festival Mark your calendar now and plan to attend the upcoming short film festival! You can be part of an international jury by voting for your favorite short films from among the 10 finalists. Watch the films at the library Wednesday, Oct. 1 or at the Playhouse Saturday, Oct. 4. Tune in next week for all the details, or visit wlclib.org/calendar for more information and to see a preview of this year’s finalists.

DeMumbrum

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Montague surges late to earn draw with Vikes

Second-half goal, clutch keeper play salvages draw in rivalry matchup

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — When Whitehall meets Montague, recent results against other foes rarely seem to matter, and that was certainly the case again Wednesday as the two teams fought to a 1-1 tie.

The result was on paper perhaps a bit of a surprise after Montague was mercy-ruled by Ludington last week and the Vikings pulled off an upset of the Orioles Monday, but for the visiting Wildcats, it was a sign of what they hope is growth among their young team.

"(We) feel like we're finally starting to hit that stride, where we're starting to feel like we can put things together," Montague coach Brandon Mahoney said. "You can see the passing. That's when we had that opportunity. That's when we scored. We connected four or five passes. The boys are finally seeing it on the field. We can practice it, and we can talk about it, but to actually see them connect it (is great)."

Indeed, the Wildcats got their goal after a string of nice passes early in the second half, capped by Isaiah King launching a note-perfect shot from the right of the net on a line across to the far corner. That score tied the game barely two minutes after halftime.

Whitehall opened the scoring with

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

11:10 to go before halftime when Evan Jud broke loose from the defense and fired the ball into the net. The Vikings possessed the ball more and created more scoring chances than Montague, but were unable to cash enough of them in, despite a flurry of opportunities late in the game.

"Rivalry games are all so emotional," Whitehall assistant coach Kevin Reid said. "You never can call this thing. We played a little bit tight and had a slow start. We didn't get the breaks that we were hoping for and we got desperate."

Not helping Whitehall's cause, but boosting the Wildcats', was the best game of the season by freshman keeper Chayse Maddox. Down the stretch, Maddox made several saves and displayed his rapid improvement on one with a perfectly timed jump on a long shot from just inside the box, tipping it

over the net. Mahoney called it the best save he's seen Maddox make. Also late in the game, the Wildcat keeper stood his ground when Whitehall's Javi LeBlanc was racing toward him with the ball, and managed to deflect LeBlanc's shot harmlessly out of bounds.

"I've got to give credit to the keeper," Reid said. "We caught a kid who had a great day."

"He's not the biggest keeper we've ever had," Mahoney said. "He can get to that top bar, but he's got to time it just right. He had a phenomenal save...He is coming into his own, and to have him step up as a freshman right now, looking in the future is bright."

Maddox got help, too, from defensive stalwart Michael Jones. With just under eight minutes left, Maddox had

to vacate the goal to make a save, but Whitehall quickly regained possession and looked to be in position for a game-winner before Jones effectively took over the keeper spot and got in the way of a shot to preserve the tie.

"MJ, I can't say enough good about him today," Mahoney said. "He was lockdown in the middle. Him and Austin (White), those two, they make that defense what it is."

Mahoney also credited Presley Smith, Tyson Schattenberg and Korben Sanchez for their work on defense. The 'Cats had to rebuild the back end this season after many key defensive players graduated, and now they're starting to

Rivalry draw continued on page 6

Vikes hit on all cylinders in league opener

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Finishing drives was the mantra of the Whitehall offense heading into Friday's game against Orchard View, and the Vikings answered the call with five first-half touchdowns on the way to a dominating 48-22 win to open West Michigan Conference Lakes play.

The Vikings (1-1, 1-0 WMC Lakes) seized momentum immediately when Liam Leeke recovered a bad Cardinal snap on the first play of the game and took it in for the touchdown. That was the first of four times in a row Whitehall scored to open the contest.

Quarterback Cole Essebaggers was the main engine of the offense, rushing for an impressive 217 yards, most of them in the first half, and throwing or running for four first-half scores. One of those touchdown runs, from 15 yards out, came on a fourth-and-8, showing off the Viking coaches' confidence in their young signal-caller.

Essebaggers was the first to credit an impressive offensive line that gave him massive holes to run through all night.

"They really stepped up this week," Essebaggers said. "During practices, our intensity was way (higher) than it was the week prior. Our guys up front,

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

especially our sophomore (Billy Darke), stepped up a lot in this game."

Essebaggers didn't do that much throwing, in part because of the wind and in part because the run game was working so well, but he did show off his arm at the end of the first half, tossing a jump ball pass to the end zone for Ayden Mendoza. The star high jumper showed off his athleticism by battling through pass interference by his Cardinal defender and grabbing the scoring toss to make it 35-6. (He's also the team's kicker and was 6-of-7 on extra points in the game.)

"It's really great to see Ayden Mendoza come to life as far as being a deep threat on the opposite side, because with everybody trying to bracket and go over to Corde (Anderson), hopefully we can build off that and they can't do that anymore and we'll be more balanced," Vikings' coach Tony Sigmon said.

The Whitehall defense, meanwhile, didn't have to deal with OV's star quarterback, Saginaw Valley State commit Peyton Babbitt, as he was injured the previous week. However, that doesn't

diminish a dominant performance by the Viking starting defensive unit, which didn't allow the Cardinals to run a play in their territory until the fourth quarter. Anderson provided the biggest numbers, with nine tackles, 3.5 of them for a loss, and a sack. Sigmon said it helped the senior pass rusher, who recently announced his own college commitment to Ferris State, that teammate

Vikes' big win continued on page 5

Montague's Michael Jones boots the ball away from Whitehall foes Tommy Leeke (4) and Carter Burrous during Wednesday's WMC game at Whitehall. Jones' defense was key for Montague to earn a 1-1 tie. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall quarterback Cole Essebaggers breaks away from the Orchard View defense during Friday's WMC Lakes game at Whitehall. Essebaggers had 217 rushing yards in his team's 48-22 win. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Corde Anderson (right) drags down Orchard View's Tre Thomas on a fourth down during Friday's WMC Lakes game at Whitehall. Anderson had 3.5 tackles for a loss in the Vikings' 48-22 win.

Whitehall's Carter Burrous sends a shot at Montague keeper Chayse Maddox late in Wednesday's game at Montague. Maddox made several big saves in a 1-1 tie.

Mistakes cost Wildcats in tough loss to Oakridge

Team again plays hard, but unable to get offense moving

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Montague did not take the step forward it hoped Friday night against West Michigan Conference Lakes foe Oakridge, but as in week one, strong effort helped the Wildcats push the opponent to the end in a 15-7 defeat.

The difference in the game on the scoreboard was an 82-yard touchdown run by the Eagles in the first half, plus a two-point conversion. However, coach Phil Koops was equally dismayed with several errors of unfamiliarity on offense that kept the Wildcats (0-2, 0-1 WMC Lakes) hamstrung on that side of the ball.

"We didn't execute well enough to win," Koops said. "We had lots of penalties and lots of missed as-

signments, especially on offense. We thought we'd take a big step forward this week, but one mistake led to two, and two led to three. You can't win football games that way. We applauded the effort tonight, and the effort of our opponent, but we were really upset with the level of execution."

The bumps in the road haven't been unexpected given the new system Koops is trying to install on offense, but that doesn't make them less frustrating. Montague has some play calls on player wristbands, and on one play, a player misheard the call and came off the field, believing he was being subbed out, which created confusion.

"Some of it is kids being new to me and me being new to them," Koops said. "We're bouncing between personnel groupings. Oakridge did a good job mixing up their defensive fronts. Sometimes they gave us a four-man front, and sometimes they gave us a fiveman front. Then you get some mental mistakes."

Devlin Dean scored the Wildcats' lone touchdown on a 21-yard run in the third quarter, getting Montague back to within a score, but an interception in the final minutes enabled Oakridge to stave off the comeback. Koops credited the Wildcats' high effort, particularly on defense, which held the Eagles to two touchdown drives. It's the effort and the atmosphere within the program that gives the coach confidence good results are coming.

"The kids have to stay together...and I think they will," Koops said. "We have good senior leadership, good kids at Montague, and they're passionate about football. They know if we have internal infighting, that won't help the cause. All our goals for the season are right in front of us.

"Tonight was a tough one, very tough. Everyone wants to beat Oakridge. It hurt and we've got to get better if we want to win football games."

Slow start dooms R-P in loss to Caledonia

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Reeths-Puffer couldn't slow down Caledonia early in Friday's non-conference game, and the Fighting Scots made sure R-P paid for it in a 56-21 defeat.

The home team ripped off the first 34 points of the game, digging the Rockets a huge hole they had little chance to surmount.

Caledonia was efficient, with quarterback Bryce Backus completing 11 of his 14 pass attempts for five touchdowns. The offense also averaged over six yards per carry on the ground, and on top of that the Scots had a 78-yard kickoff return in the game. R-P, meanwhile, struggled to move the ball with only 162 total yards, 27 of them in the running game.

Braylon Swain was a bright

Vikes' big win

Caden Bowyer was taking up a lot of space in the middle.

"Maybe the unsung hero of our defense, when you're watching the film and watching the game, was probably Caden Bowyer," Sigmon said. "He forced a couple of bad snaps. I felt like every time I was looking (at) the end of the play, matter-of-factly, Caden had four or five offensive linemen on him and he was a yard and a half to two yards in the backfield. He really stepped up in a big way."

Bowyer's presence, in addition to Babbitt's absence, was likely a factor in OV having all kinds of trouble just getting going in the first half. Five times in the first three quarters, the Cardinals committed an unforced fumble, with four of them coming directly off the snap, forcing quarterback Kenyon McCauley to fall on the ball for a big loss. Later in the game, OV began snapping the ball directly to one of its most dynamic players, Ca'Mari Reese, with better results, albeit with victory in hand for the Vikes. Reese had a kickoff return score and a rushing score in the game.

After Essebaggers carried the bulk of the load rushing in the first half, Leeke largely took over in the second, and ended the night with 72 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground. He's the latest in a long line of Viking middle-weight wrestlers to show off their athletic gifts at the running back position.

Having a night where so much went well was a nice boost to the Vikings after a tough week one game, and should provide a boost as they prepare for another bigtime clash in week three against Zeeland West.

"It's a big deal," Sigmon said. "We don't get a 30-game schedule.

spot for the Rockets (0-2) at quarterback, completing 17-of-26 attempts for 135 yards and a pair of touchdowns, both to Mason Darke. He also didn't throw an interception.

Connor McManus was R-P's top receiver in yardage, catching five passes for 32 yards. Cal Millis gained 32 rushing yards. On defense, Darke posted a team-best four tackles.

continued from page 4

We get nine of them. Every win is a little bit sweeter. Every loss is a little bit harder."

Both Sigmon and Essebaggers noted that the 2024 district champ Vikings started their season the same way this team has so far, with a loss to Unity Christian and a win over Orchard View. Whitehall would like to deviate from the script next week, given the 2024 team's defeat to Zeeland West. It wasn't all perfect for Whitehall - two drives ended with OV

fumble recoveries - but the best may be yet to come.

"I would like to see some turnovers cleaned up," Sigmon said. "I'd like to see some of the execution things cleaned up at times. That's going to be a huge deal next week, and really for the entire season. When it comes to those types of things, I definitely want to make sure we are moving forward. (But) it's really good to be 1-0 in our conference right now."

Sports in Brief

Soccer

Caledonia 0 Reeths-Puffer 0

Reeths-Pufefer had 4 shots on goal to the Fighting Scots' 7. Liam Copenhaver made 7 saves to earn the shutout in goal.

Whitehall 3 Big Rapids 1 Carter Burrous powered the Vikes early with a goal in the first minute of the game, and Javi LeBlanc and Basil Savage each earned their first goals of the season later in the contest.

Orchard View 2 Montague 0 The visiting Cardinals had a goal in each half and shut out Montague.

Whitehall 1 Ludington 0

The Vikings' impressive defensive effort led to the Orioles' first WMC loss in over a year. Raymond Hesse, Mason Kotecki, Javi LeBlanc and Keegan Frees spearheaded the D. Carter Burrous had the game's only goal.

Reeths-Puffer 1 Mona Shores 0

Kiel scored the game's only goal after Zac Sampson drew a foul in the box. Liam Copenhaver picked up the shutout in goal.

Volleyball

Reeths-Puffer 0-2 at Mona Shores Tri

The Rockets lost a close match to Grandville (25-21, 25-22, 25-21) and also fell to West Ottawa (25-18, 25-14, 25-19). Stats were unavailable.

The Wildcats defeated MCE 25-12, 25-15 and fell to Shelby 25-23, 25-16. Emalee McGee had 27 assists to lead the offense, and Annelyse Schneider had 11 kills. McGee and Gentry Knop had 28 digs each.

Ludington 3 Whitehall 0 The Vikings played a close match, but fell short 28-26, 29-27, 25-20. Peyton Schultz had 13 digs and 14 assists for

Golf

Reeths-Puffer 16th at Bedford Valley tourney

Only two Rockets shot under 100 in the Next Tee event. Sophia McCollum finished 10th with an 84, and Ella Voorhies shot a 97.

Reeths-Puffer, Whitehall play at East/West Showdown In the 16-team event (8 from each side of the state), the Rockets placed 11th and Whitehall 14th. R-P's Sophia McCollum had an 84 to finish in 6th place, and Olivia Ambler had a 97. For Whitehall, Morgan Garcia was the top scorer with a 94, and Riley Shafer had a 100.

Cross

Country R-P teams 5th at Mona Shores jamboree

Jersi Bilek had the Rocket girls' top finish, coming in 24th place (22:39.5). The boys were led by Dylan Sturr, who was 52nd (19:37.6). Montague 1-1 at MCE Tri

Montague, R-P race at West Ottawa Invite

Montague's boys and R-P's girls teams each placed 12th, and the Rocket boys were 15th. Jersi Bilek's 19th-place finish was the best local finish (19:56.3), and Dylan Sturr paced the boys in 84th. For Montague, Nolan Kessler was 49th, and Erica Hansen took 99th to lead the girls, who were unable to score as a team.

Whitehall boys win Fremont Hill & Bale

Bobby Jazwinski picked up another individual win to lead the Viking boys to victory, finishing over a minute ahead of everybody else (16:09.2). Justin Jensen placed 17th and Ian Dennis 25th. The Viking girls had 3 finishers, with Reese Hesse's 26th-place finish leading the way.

Whitehall boys win again at WMC Mega Meet Bobby Jazwinski paced the Vikings to a win in the 14-school race by winning the boys' race in a time of 16:48.2. Montague's Nolan Kessler was 3rd, and the Vikings' Rex Pumford and Hunter Parsons placed 4th and 6th respectively. Reese Hesse led Whitehall's girls by taking 17th, and Carmen Howard paced Montague, finishing 37th. Montague took 9th as a team, while Whitehall could not score.

Tennis

Whitehall 1-2 at home quad

The Vikings blanked Harbor Springs 8-0 but fell to Glen Lake (5-3) and Grand Rapids South Christian (6-2). Evan Schuitema and Wyatt Burger, Whitehall's No. 2 and 3 singles players respectively, each went 3-0.

Byron Center 7 Reeths-Puffer 1

The Rockets only won once, but it was a big one; at No. 1 singles, R-P's Ethan Frang upset Terrence He, who made the state semifinals last year at No. 2 singles, by a 7-5, 7-6 score.

Whitehall. Delaney Kramer had 8 kills and Ryleigh Smith had 3 aces.

North Muskegon

Montague

The Norse won by a score of 25-16, 25-17, 25-16. Gentry Knop led the way with 14 digs and 3 aces. Emalee McGee had 18 assists and Hallie VanTuyl led the attackers with 5 kills.

Whitehall's Liam Leeke races past Orchard View defender Ca'Mari Reese during Friday's WMC Lakes game at Whitehall. Leeke ran for 72 yards in the Vikings' 48-22 win. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Drew Zuniga pursues an Orchard View Cardinal jumping on a loose ball during Friday's WMC Lakes game at Orchard View. The Vikings won big, 48-22. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall opens league season with big win

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Whitehall opened Coastal Conference action Monday with an impressive 5-3 win over a perennially strong North Muskegon squad at home.

All five of Whitehall's wins came in straight sets, with the doubles pairs starring. The Vikes went 3-1 in doubles play, and the three winning pairs only allowed five total games to their Norsemen opponents.

No. 3 doubles pair Elijah Roberge/ Cameron Cook were especially dominant, earning a 6-0, 6-0 win, and Adam Sikkenga/Remington Whelpley won at No. 2 doubles by a 6-1, 6-1 margin. Lukas McKee/Jonathan Roberge won their No. 4 doubles match 6-2, 6-1.

In singles play, top player William

Whitehall's Evan Thomas winds up to hit a shot during Monday's match against North Muskegon. The Vikings earned a 5-3 win over the Norsemen.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Burger fought off a tough early challenge from opponent Kaden Bartolameolli to win a 7-6(3), 6-2 match. His brother Wyatt Burger continued an impressive start to his freshman campaign with a 6-0, 6-2 victory at No. 3 singles.

Montague, Whitehall again earn top 2 spots at Fremont Jamboree

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

It was another big day for Montague and Whitehall Thursday at the Fremont jamboree, as the two squads respectively earned the top two spots on the leaderboard for the third straight West Michigan Conference meet.

Four of the Wildcats' six players set new personal bests on the course, and including a third-place tie, the four top finishers were all local players.

Cadence Fox picked up medalist honors for the Wildcats, shooting an 85. Whitehall's Riley Shafer was one stroke back and scored a birdie during her round. Montague's Addi Smith and Whitehall's Kelsie McClure tied for third place with an 87, which marked a new personal best for Smith.

Brynlee Kessler and Molly Mulder tied for seventh place overall, both shooting a 92. It marked Mulder's personal best score. Marguerite O'Connell

• Courtesy Photo

didn't score for the team, but was ninth overall and shot her own personal best, a 93. Genevieve Reavey made her varsity debut with another personal best, a 115.

For Whitehall, Morgan Garcia shot a 94 and Avarie Bentz had a 107.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Rivalry draw

see progress.

Whitehall, meanwhile, badly wanted a win in order to remain in the West Michigan Conference race; the tie ended their three-game league winning streak after an opening loss to North Muskegon. Anyone besides Fremont knocking off the Norsemen might seem like a long shot - the teams tied Wednesday, and North Muskegon has three lopsided shutouts in its other league games - but that's why they play the games.

R-P wins Silver bracket in Fruitport Invite on busy

day for local squads

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

It was a busy day for local squads Saturday at the Fruitport Invitational, as Whitehall, Montague and Reeths-Puffer were all in action.

Of the three, the Rockets enjoyed the most success, taking home the Silver bracket championship by beating Coopersville in a three-game finals thriller, 18-25, 25-17, 18-16. That capped off a 3-2 day for them; R-P also beat local foe Whitehall in the semifinals, 25-14, 25-9, after going 1-2 in pool action.

R-P (8-8) picked up a close win over Montague in pool play, 28-26, 25-21, losing matches to Mona Shores (25-12, 25-19) and North Muskegon (25-13, 2522).

Kate Tindall passed out 87 assists for R-P on the day, and Mairyn Peterson led with 27 kills and a .230 hitting percentage. Lexie Danz was just behind her, with 24 kills and a .229 hitting percentage. Carlee Bowen had 41 digs to pace the Rocket defense.

"I thought we battled hard all day, and all 11 of our girls contributed in meaningful ways," R-P coach Justin Birr said. "We do not have a 'superstar' on this team, and sometimes that may hurt us offensively. With that said, this is the most complete team I have coached in several years. It is visible during our practices, which helps us win close games."

Birr was impressed with his Rockets' response to adversity from Thursday through Saturday, a span in which three

different coaches acted as head coach due to various circumstances that included an injury to Birr's son and an assistant coach's wedding.

"Our girls fought through a late bus, coaching changes, and more and still brought their best effort on Thursday and brought that tenacity with them on Saturday," Birr said.

Montague and Whitehall each struggled to 0-4 marks at the invitational, though the Wildcats played solidly overall. In addition to the close loss to R-P, the Wildcats also took a game off North Muskegon before falling short in pool play, 25-22, 13-25, 15-13, and also took Coopersville to three games in the Silver bracket semifinals, losing 25-23, 24-26, 15-10. Another pool play match against Mona Shores ended in a 25-10, 25-10 loss.

Gentry Knop had a good day for the Wildcats, totaling 39 digs and 13 aces to lead the team in both categories. Annelyse Schneider paced the offense with 18 kills, and Emalee McGee added 15. McGee also had 46 assists.

Whitehall dropped pool-play matches to Fruitport (25-17, 25-19), Gull Lake (25-9, 25-6) and Coopersville (25-15, 25-18), then fell to the Rockets in bracket play. The team struggled to convert offensive chances, posting a .000 hitting percentage, and had 20 service errors on the day. Mayson Milliron and Delaney Kramer led the defense with 17 digs apiece, and Kramer and Ryleigh Smith each had three aces. Kramer also paced the attackers with 11 kills, and Lou Mulder had 34 assists.

White Lake Chorale to open season

continued from page 4

Conference race or not, both squads, young as they are, have their focus squarely trained on the district.

"I think we're definitely on the upward swing," Reid said. "We have to make sure that our heads are right...Every day we hope to get better."

"There would be nothing more fun than if we get to the district finals, and it's us and Whitehall," Mahoney said. "It would be dreamy. We were kind of hoping for it last year."

The White Lake Chorale will begin its fall season Monday, Sept. 15. Individuals who are high school age or older and able to carry a tune are welcome to join. Registration will take place at 6:30 p.m., followed by a listening session and first rehearsal from 7-9 p.m. at Lebanon Lutheran Church, located at 1101 S. Mears, Whitehall.

The fee for the session is $40, which is payable when music is distributed Monday. Payment plans and scholarships are available to accommodate participants’ needs.

Prospective singers do not need to

be able to read music, as veteran chorale members will provide assistance throughout the season. Newcomers are encouraged to listen to the Christmas concert pieces during the Monday session before deciding whether to sign up.

Those unable to attend the initial sign-up day are welcome to join at the first full rehearsal, which will be held from 7-9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 at Montague High School, 4900 Stanton Boulevard. The White Lake Chorale is under the direction of Cindy Moore.

Whitehall's Wyatt Burger lines up a return shot during Monday's match against North Muskegon. Burger earned his sixth straight individual win to help the Vikings to a 5-3 triumph. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague's Noah Raeth goes down while trying to beat Whitehall's Tommy Leeke to the ball during Wednesday's game at Montague. The Wildcats tied the Vikings, 1-1.

Montague's Cadence Fox winds up for a shot during last Thursday's Fremont Jamboree. Fox was medalist at the meet as her Wildcats took 1st place.

Pumpkin to apple, my heart says hello to autumn

By Margaret Heaton Volunteer Contributor

This column feels as if it should start with an apology from me to you. Last month I said I wasn’t ready for fall and all the flavors and scents. But then…the cool weather comes in and BAM! I want all things pumpkin, cinnamon and apples. Out go all the salads, barbecue and ice cream recipes. Bring on the tastes and scents of pork roast in the Crock-Pot, simmering soups, and breads baking.

I’ve already made my first batch of pumpkin bread. It was delicious! Here is an easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe for making 4 small loaves:

1 ¾ cup flour

1 tsp. Baking soda

½ tsp. salt

2/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar.

½ tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. cinnamon.

Mix together. In separate bowl, mix 2 eggs, 1/3 cup water, 1 – 15 oz. can pumpkin puree, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Mix wet ingredients together and add to dry ingredients. Don’t over-mix this combination. Pour into 4 small greased bread pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35–40 minutes. Cool five minutes and remove to rack to finish cooling.

This is a simple go-to recipe for pumpkin bread. But you know me, I can’t leave it at simple. So to take this recipe from good to great, replace the water with maple syrup, add one cup of mini cinnamon chips, and ½ cup of candied walnut. People will be asking for your recipe.

Fall has clearly arrived. My first run to Bush’s Farm Market on M-20 brought me home with a small eighth-bushel of mixed apples—just enough for an apple pie and a little applesauce to serve with the

pork roast that’s simmering as I write. I always buy from Mr. Bush. He’s so knowledgeable and always willing to offer advice.

Life is especially busy right now as we prepare to leave for Texas to help build a classroom onto a church. As departure day gets closer, the todo list only grows longer. One son needs a roof, the other drywall. I’m making cowboy candy and finishing up printing 18 Bible studies for our ladies at church. And of course, high school football season is underway. Go Wildcats!

Before we leave, I’ll make one more trip to Bush’s for a full bushel of mixed apples to take on the road. And one more apple pie - my favorite kind, baked in a sheet pan. Here’s the recipe I’ll be packing with us.

Pie Crust for my Apple Slab Pie

Flour pie crust for double crust quarter sheet pan size.

2 ½ cup flour

1 tsp. salt

1 cup butter (2 sticks) cold

2 tbsp. cold vodka

5 tbsp. ice water

In bowl of food processor, place flour and salt. Pulse to combine. Add butter that has been cut into small pieces. Pulse until mixture resembles the size of peas. Put vodka through the chute of the food processor. Pulse 3-4 times. Add ice water, a tablespoon at a time until dough comes together and pulls from the side of the bowl.Remove from the

bowl and pat 2/3 of the dough into a round disc shape and repeat with the remaining 1/3 of the dough. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours. (This will allow the gluten to form and makes a nicer dough.)

As an option, this dough can be easily mixed in a bowl by cutting the butter into the flour using a pastry blender or two knives. To make dough for a full half sheet pie, simply double the ingredients. If your food processor isn’t large enough, make the dough in two batches and combine after it is mixed.

Apple Slab Pie

Use crust recipe for ¼ sheet pan.

Filling

12 Apples, peeled, cored and sliced

1/3 cup White Sugar

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

1/3 cup Flour

2 tsp. Cinnamon

½ tsp. Nutmeg

2 tbsp. Milk

Glaze:

½ cup Powdered Sugar

1 tbsp. Milk

½ tsp. Vanilla

Preheat oven to 350°.

Roll 2/3 of crust to fit a ¼ sheet pan. Line a ¼ sheet pan with crust.

In a large bowl, put apples, sugars, flour, and spices. Mix well and pour into crust.

Roll remaining 1/3 of crust to fit ¼ sheet pan. Cover apples with crust. Cut four slits into crust. Brush milk over top

Feeding America mobile food pantry set to return to White Lake UCC

The Feeding America-West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry will make another appearance at White Lake Congregational UCC, Mears Avenue in Whitehall, Saturday,Sept. 20.

The pantry provides supplemental groceries at no cost to anyone in need of emergency food. No ID is required to receive food. A simple registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the church parking lot. Drive-thru style distribution is scheduled for 10-11 a.m. rain or shine. For additional information and updates, please visit the church's Facebook page.

mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over pie.

Historical Society welcomes public to September meeting

The White Lake Area Historical Society invites the public to its September meeting Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center on Ferry Street, Montague. Members and guests are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

The featured program, "Victory Over Japan Day", commemorating the 80th anniversary of V-J Day, will be presented by Dr. James Husiak, whose rich educational and professional background brings depth and authority to this important historical topic. He is an engaging, knowledgeable speaker and will provide well-researched handouts based on his presentation.

Dr. Husiak has degrees in biology, history, secondary education and dentistry. He began his career teaching high school biology, then practiced dentistry from 1981 until his retirement in 2020 in the White Lake area, where he now lives.

This multimedia presentation will include audio, visuals, and a PowerPoint timeline of events leading up to, during, and following World War II’s conclusion in the Pacific. Dr. Husiak will address compelling questions, never answered in high school history, such as:

How did we get to Victory Over Japan Day?

Where did the phrase "Death Before Dishonor" originate?

What about "Tora! Tora! Tora!"?

What was the human and material cost to Japan and the United States—military and civilian?

How did broken codes shape the war?

Bring your questions. The program encourages audience participation, giving attendees the opportunity to explore these and other questions in detail.

crust. Bake for 40 minutes

until apples are tender and crust is a golden brown. Remove from oven to cooling rack. When cool,

Margaret's apple slab pie is sure to be perfect for the oncoming fall weather. • Courtesy Photo