The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 19, October 3, 2025 by theoceanaecho

Hart City unanimously rejects Ceres proposal

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

The Hart City Council was presented Resolution 202532 at their Sept. 23 meeting, which would consent to the sale of the Ceres Solutions property at 3 E. Main St. to S Hegg Real Estate, as presented, at the recommendation from the TIFA Board.

At the time TIFA closed submission for proposals for the Ceres property by the extended deadline of Aug. 12, 2025, the board had only received two proposals for the property, one of which was withdrawn, and another proposal was submitted past the deadline. This ostensibly made the only valid proposal that of S Hegg Real Estate, which would see the property developed into parking for the planned conversion of the 112 E. Main St. property (Hegg’s Furniture Store) into an event venue. Also in the proposed plan for the Ceres property were townhomes and duplexes, greenspace and the preservation of the historically valued old mill building as a storage or retail space.

There was some initial confusion amongst TIFA board members as to whether the initial vote on Aug. 19 had actually approved the sale of the property, as the proposal was approved by the majority of the present members but failed to garner the majority of the over-

all TIFA board. This was due to the absence and abstaining of a number of voting members. Members Caleb Griffis and Amy Trudell were absent, and Scott Hegg abstained, while Bill Hegg, Gale Goldberg, Deb Windell and Tracey Lipps voted yes, and Maria Rosas voted no.

At the time, the proposal was determined to have failed, but following the decision’s challenge and reviewing the board’s 2024 bylaws, the meeting’s minutes were changed to reflect the approval of the property sale, though some members still had misgivings regarding the “quick” decision and perceived lack of consideration of the community’s vision for the Ceres property.

Following the approval of the sale from TIFA, the property would then move to the Hart City Council for consent of sale at their regular council meeting this past Tuesday, in accordance with the approved 2024 TIFA bylaws.

At the Tuesday meeting, Stacie Hegg of S Hegg Real Estate presented, asking for the city council to “allow TIFA to do their job, as the state mandates, and allow their vote to stand.”

This was in reference to their questioning of why TIFA would need consent from the city to sell the Ceres property in the first place. Hegg referenced several other properties sold, which did not go before council for consent. She, likewise, spoke of S Hegg’s interest in the development of the property from their perspectives as local residents as well as business owners - wishing to see that a local property be purchased by local developers.

Of S Hegg’s credentials and development intentions, Hegg said, “We have an architect, contractors and motivation to make this property useful for the city again. We are not asking for a handout. Our offer was more than the price TIFA purchased it for, not that it matters. No other proposal had any monetary offer at all.” She also stated that, should the decision by the council not “go [their] way,” S Hegg Real Estate would take their investment elsewhere.

Following Hegg, Senior Redevelopment Services Director for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Daniel Leonard - one of the agencies that helped to develop the initial marketing

plan for the Ceres property in early 2024 - offered an alternative perspective for the potential of the Ceres property proposals. While Leonard said that “the fact that you have a proposal before you is a great first step, and frankly, it’s one that we are pretty excited about in terms of just having someone step up,” he also discussed similar proposals from communities like Hart and the failures the initial proposals made in the process of redevelopment. He advised the council to keep themselves open to different options, local and otherwise.

Once the meeting had moved forward to deciding action item Resolution 202532, Interim City Manager Nichole Kleiner said, “I think what was shocking about this [approval] from TIFA was the amount of time that we put into the community vision, what we wanted to see and how swiftly the action was taken without any parameters…I don’t think we need to completely disregard S Hegg’s proposal… but maybe we could consider some discussion where there’s a development agreement.”

Council Member Andrew Mullen came prepared with a letter addressing S Hegg Real Estate, regarding what he felt were deficiencies in the proposal submission. Mullen stated that the proposal from S Hegg “did not meet the minimum submission criteria for proposal.” He, likewise, took issue that “concept plans, drawings or renderings were not provided. Development experience information was nebulous and did not include completed project costs, completion dates or references. Fiscal capacity was merely stated as fact, and the requested supporting documents…were not provided. No resumes were provided. No timeline was provided…in fact, you requested the opposite by asking for the property without contingencies.”

Mullen went on to explain that, just because the other proposals for the property were not acceptable, it did not mean that the S Hegg proposal won by default, but rather that the Ceres property should have gone back out for submission. He also noted that stakeholders beyond TIFA were not given enough time to review and consider the proposals before the Aug. 19 TIFA meeting was called.

Mullen did commend the

Hegg family’s positive impacts on the city in the past, and how “it is because of [the Hegg family’s] history and reputation that the actions taken in regard to the Ceres property to seemingly undermine public priorities and expectations came as such a shock to myself and many others in the community.”

He also noted that it was possible more local business owners, developers and individuals would have proposed projects for the Ceres property, but that the community misunderstood the nature of the proposal. Mullen shared that local interested parties believed that the project was a request for bids for an already established project, rather than a general proposal following the guidelines set out by TIFA.

Overall, Mullen said, “I am not opposed to your proposal in general. The property as it stands now is blighted, and something needs to happen, and quickly. However, the way you went about this whole process is objectionable, and did not even meet the basic submission criteria for a proposal to the TIFA board.” He strongly encouraged S Hegg Real Estate to withdraw their current proposal and resubmit once TIFA reopened the submission process.

Other council members who shared their concerns over the project were Jim Cunningham - who objected to the vague nature of the proposal submitted by S Hegg, lack of contingencies and the low sale price of the property - and Mayor Amanda Klotz, who agreed with Mullen over the community’s confusion over the nature of the project and that more time was needed to consider all possible proposals.

The board, all of who m were in attendance, unanimously voted “no” to consent of the property sale, with the recommendation for the TIFA board to reopen proposal submission for at least a month and to put out another press release, which would, hopefully, alert a greater number of developers and business owners to the opportunity.

Immediately following the meeting, the Echo asked Stacie Hegg if S Hegg Real Estate was planning to resubmit their project proposal, to which she replied, “that’s something we [at S Hegg Real Estate] have to discuss.”

New dam options discussed at Hesperia open house

By Scott Kroepel The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

The Village of Hesperia had an open house Sept. 16 to discuss the preliminary plans to rebuild the White River dam. According to Village President Mike Farber, a recent study was completed with grant funding from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

The study concluded that the aging dam had a small crack and would not withstand a 200-year flood. But the study also concluded that the dam was critical in controlling the invasive sea lamprey.

"Sea lampreys have had an enormous, negative impact on the Great Lakes fishery, inflicting considerable damage," according to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission website. "Sea lampreys were able to thrive...because of the availability of excellent spawning and larval habitat, an abundance of host fish, a lack of predators, and their high reproductive potential—a single female can produce as many as 100,000 eggs."

After consulting with EGLE, DNR and the fisheries, the village approved engineers Fleis & VandenBrink and GEI Consultants to draft up some initial plans for a new dam.

The open house was held with the engineers and village council members on hand to reveal three new dam design options, along with two potential fish passage options. The residents were able to vote on which options they liked best and what concerns they have with the dam, as well as share memories that they have of the dam. An updated feasibility report from the engineers, including the incorporated voting results, is expected sometime in late October or early November.

The village is confident that grant funding will be available from both the state and federal governments once the plans and options have been determined. Farber said he was “pleased with the turnout, excited about the village moving forward, and glad to have some key players involved.”

The original dam was constructed in the 1860s to power lumber and flour mills, and a powerhouse was later constructed in the 1910s to provide electricity to the village. It now attracts anglers from across the county and provides a crucial barrier for the sea lamprey.

Shelby crowned their 2025 Homecoming royalty Friday, Sept. 26 at halftime of the varsity football game, where the Tigers won 50-7 over the Hesperia Panthers. Pictured above are Queen Bailey Dickman and King Alex Dealmonte. • Amanda Dodge/Echo

• Echo File Photo

OCEA Annual Update Breakfast is Oct. 10

Oceana County Economic Alliance (OCEA) is pleased to announce Peterson Farms and the Peterson Family will be the focus at this year’s Annual Economic Update Breakfast as the community gathers to celebrate OCEA's 45th year. The breakfast will be Friday, Oct. 10 at the MSU Research Station in Hart. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast.

Earl Peterson, a fourth-generation fruit grower, along with his wife, Linda, purchased their first farm in 1972. They continued to acquire acreage in Michigan’s Oceana County throughout the years. Peterson Farms, Inc. was established in 1984 as a secure home for Earl and Linda’s tart cherry tonnage of 250,000 lbs. Today, Peterson Farms is a marketing leader of frozen fruits in the United States, marketing over 150 million finished pounds of frozen fruits and 7 million gallons of single-strength apple juice/cider and juice concentrates. Peterson Farms Fresh, Inc. was established in 2004 as a state-of-the-art fresh-cut fruit processing company and is one of the leading processors of fresh-cut apples in the United States. Peterson Farms and the Peterson family have been directly involved in initiatives for housing, childcare, and community projects.

In addition to the presentation, the program will

include OCEA history from founding board member Paul Inglis, a regional economic development update from The Right Place VP Tim Mroz, an OCEA annual update from OCEA Executive Director Curtis Burdette.

Reservations are currently being accepted. Corporate tables of six are available for $750 or two tables of six for $1,500 while individual seating is available for $30 each. Corporate sponsorships including individual seating are also welcomed at $250 or $500. Reach out to Curtis Burdette at burdettec@ rightplace.org for more information.

BIDS WANTED VILLAGE OF NEW ERA

The Village of New Era is accepting bids for snow plowing for the upcoming season. For spec sheets, please call 231-578-1983. Bids open at 6:45 PM on October 9, 2025.

Registration Notice For Special Election

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

To the Qualified Electors of the County of Oceana, State of Michigan:

Please Take Notice that any qualified elector who is not already registered, may register to vote at the office of their City/Township Clerk; the office of the County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch office; or other designated state agency. Registration forms can also be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the correct City/Township Clerk. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www.expressSoS.com

The last day to register for the Special Election, in any manner other than in person with the local clerk, will be Monday, October 20, 2025

After this date, anyone who qualifies as an elector may register to vote in person, with proof of residency (MCL 168.497) at their local City/Township Clerk’s Office.

Please Take Notice that the voters in the following school districts will be voting on the following millage proposals as presented and listed below.

HESPERIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL

FOR BUILDING AND SITE PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $11,700,000

Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Hesperia Community Schools, 96 South Division Street, Hesperia, Michigan 49421-0338, telephone: (231) 854-6185.

MASON COUNTY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL FOR BUILDING AND SITE PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $22,375,000

Full text of the ballot proposal may be obtained at the administrative offices of Mason County Central School District, 300 W. Broadway, Scottville, Michigan 49454, telephone: (231) 757-3713.

The full proposal language for the above proposals can be obtained from the Oceana County Clerk, each respective Township/City Clerk, or at the website of the Oceana County Clerk at https://oceana.mi.us/departments/county-clerk/elections/upcoming-election-information/

Please Take Notice that for the November 4, 2025 election, some precincts have chosen to consolidate (MCL 168.659).

• Ferry Township, Greenwood Township, and Leavitt Township will be consolidating with Newfield Township. Registered voters for Ferry, Greenwood, Leavitt, and Newfield Townships will vote at Newfield Township Hall, 3890 S. 198th Ave, Hesperia, Michigan 49421, or are able to request AV Ballots from Newfield Township.

To request an absentee ballot, please contact your local City/Township Clerk or request online at mi.gov/vote.

Township/City Clerk Registration Hours Weekend Before Election

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP

Linda Hunt

5589 S. 200th Ave.

Hesperia, MI 49421

PH: (231) 854-0202

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 9 am – 5 pm

FERRY TOWNSHIP

Chris Ernst

4158 E M20

Hesperia, MI 49421

PH: (231) 571-8712

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025

10 am – 6 pm

NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP

Nancy Conley 3890 S. 198th Ave.

Hesperia, MI 49420

PH: (231) 854-4702

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

8 am – 4 pm

LEAVITT TOWNSHIP

Naomi Oomen 3715 N. 200th Ave.

Walkerville, MI 49459

PH: (231) 329-5490

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 8 am – 4 pm

WEARE TOWNSHIP

Melanie Sayles

4042 W. Hogan Rd.

Pentwater, MI 49449

PH: (231) 425-6818

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

6 am – 10 am

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025

6 am – 10 am

To register at times other than listed, please contact your Local Township Clerk.

Me lanie A Coon

Oceana County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Shelby Township

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 Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 6:45 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.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Golden Township

In accordance with Section 19.4 of the Golden Township Zoning Ordinance a Public Hearing will be held 6:30 P.M. Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, at the Golden Township Offices, 5527 W. Fox Road, Mears, to take public comment on Zoning Ordinance amendments for #14C Solar Ordinance to create a workable ordinance with State Public Act 233.

The proposed amendment may be seen at the Golden Township Offices during normal business hours or by contacting Shelly Peel at 231-873-4413 for an appointment. Written comments will be accepted until noon on Monday the day before the above-noted meeting date by mail, Planning Commission, P.O. Box 26, Mears, MI 49436, Fax 231-8731413, or email zoning@goldentownshipmi.gov.

NOTICE

PATRONS OF ALL SHELBY TOWNSHIP CEMETERIES, MT. HOPE, OCEANA & NEW ERA. All urns are to be emptied, and all artificial flowers removed from the cemeteries by Oct. 20, 2025.

Thank you, Bill Glover, Sexton Shelby Township Cemeteries

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Congratulations

News and Notes

Municipal

Congratulations to Carl Wiegand of Mears, who was honored for 75 years of service at the annual Mac Woods Dune Rides end-of-summer party Friday, Sept. 12. Carl began working for Mac Woods when he was a teenager. His first job was straightening nails and painting bolts. From there Wiegand would do nearly every job at the business, from building and maintaining equipment, building and grooming trails and driving dune scooters to greeting guests and parking cars. During Carl’s recognition, several staff shared memories and many of the things that have changed since he began with the company.

Three-quarters of a century ago there weren’t names on the scooters. They were stick shifts, twowheel drive and had manual chokes. In fact, over the past seven decades, the business has had five different versions of dune scooters, and drivers were all under the age of 50. The roads to and from the dunes used to be gravel. The dunes didn’t have dune grass on them, and they were a lot taller. Also, there used to be vacant land on Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.

At the depot, the number of customers, the ticket price, the size of the parking lot and the gift shop have all increased. People used to use cameras to take pictures. There used to be a payphone outside, and now there is an ATM. My, how times have changed!

“Congratulations Correction!” Penny Brubaker (not Penny Burillo) was the winner of the Friendship Ring Quilt Guild quilt raffle held during the National Asparagus Festival at the Oceana County Council on Aging in June! We hope you are enjoying your new quilt, Penny!

A contingency of City of Hart residents and stakeholders, including Mayor Amanda Klotz, Paul Cutter, Jami Cutter, Sharon Hallack, Vicki Platt, Maria Rosas and Rob Splane, traveled to Grand Rapids Wednesday, Sept. 17, to present the city’s art initiative “25 by 2025” in the Community Excellence Award finals as part of the Michigan Municipal League’s annual conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The city was one of four finalists from a field of 14 other applicants. Besides an energetic on-stage presentation - which included a slideshow presentation, a real-live tin man and a sung parody of “If I Only Had a Heart” - team members greeted attendees at their display table, handing out Hart swag and asking for their vote. While the city was not selected as the final winner, many great contacts were made. Several other municipal leaders shared they had been meaning to visit Hart and now will definitely plan to stop, which the team counts as a win! Other municipalities participating in this year’s finals included the Village of Milford, the City of Nauganee and the Village of Roscommon.

Churches

Shelby Congregational UCC’s Fifth Saturday Free Breakfast was very well-attended by residents and visitors of every age and a delicious end to summer, Saturday, Aug. 31. Many thanks for helping to build a stronger, well-fed community.

Community

The 10th Annual Golf United Oceana was in full swing Aug. 16 at the Oceana Golf Club in Shelby. With a record 104 golfers on 26 teams, the event raised an incredible $10,000 profit, marking their most successful year yet!

Thanks to the leadership of Co-Chairs Paul In-

glis, Lynne Cavazos and Nancy Fouty, and the support of sponsors, volunteers and local businesses, the tournament set new records in raffle prizes, hole sponsors, and community participation. A special highlight came when Mike Smith, winner of the “50/50 Ball Drop,” donated his winnings back, adding even more to the campaign kickoff.

This milestone event shows the power of coming together: every swing, sponsorship, and act of generosity will make a difference for children and families across Oceana County.

Friday, Sept. 19, approximately 25 volunteers from across the county and beyond came together for United Way of the Lakeshore’s Day of Caring in Oceana County. After breakfast and orientation at Camp Miniwanca, volunteers split into two project teams. The “Camp Miniwanca” team rebuilt a section of deck at the Health Center, worked on hammock villages in both the boys’ and girls’ camps, cleared brush and tackled other improvement projects to keep camp spaces safe and welcoming. The “Veteran’s Home” team focused on safety enhancements, cleanup, landscaping and home repair projects to support and honor a local veteran.

United Way wishes to thank the following organizations: Hart Rotary Club, Senior Resources of West Michigan, Staircase Youth Services, AmeriCorps Seniors & United Way of the Lakeshore and UA Local 174 (Plumbers & Pipe Fitters). Together, they’re building stronger communities in Oceana County! Day of Caring is about more than a single day of service — it’s about neighbors coming together to honor veterans, strengthen local resources, and show what’s possible when we all lend a hand.

This page is brought to you by:

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

Visit us! The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment. oceanahistory.org

An autumnal walk through historic Pentwater Township Cemetery

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

I was recently out to dinner with a young man who said to me, “I get the vibe that you like taking walks in cemeteries.” Out of all the assumptions made about me on first dates, that has to be the strangest and most accurate. It reminded me that I haven’t visited a cemetery in a while, so in celebration of October beginning this week, I took a trip to Pentwater Township Cemetery.

This cemetery was first established in 1860, but not in the location where it now sits. Following the death of his young son Willie, Jacob Brillhart established a block of land outside of Pentwater’s then-village limits to use as a burial ground for his son. By 1870, multiple Pentwater families had buried their relatives on this plot, now the site of Pentwater’s First Baptist Church. By this time, Pentwater’s village limits had expanded beyond the cemetery, leading to the acquisition of 40 acres farther outside of the city to use for a new cemetery. By September 1879, 99 remains and their

headstones were relocated from the original plot to the new cemetery, located north of the village along old US Route 31. The new cemetery saw expansion in 1992 and 2012, and, while much of the original 40 acres has been parceled off and sold, the current cemetery is spread across 20 acres of land.

When comparing Pentwater Township Cemetery with my trip to Mouth Cemetery in early August, I identified some stark differences. For starters, Mouth Cemetery is only 3 acres, making it relatively easy to walk up and down the haphazard rows of headstones. Pentwater Township, on the other hand, is over six times the size. While both cemeteries are set on high ground, overlooking water, Mouth Cemetery has little change in elevation. Pentwater Township’s plots are spread over multiple terraced hills. Finally, Mouth Cemetery, while it has several newer gravesites, is primarily filled with historic plots, which limits the number of new interments it can take. Pentwater Township is an active cemetery, which, likewise, receives a lot more care and upkeep.

Also, I didn’t get lost searching for Pentwater Township Cemetery, which is always preferred.

Because Pentwater Township Cemetery has an abundance of graves - and by extension grave markers - I was quite excited by the prospect of exploring the grounds. In an architectural history class, a professor shared with us that cemeteries hold a wealth of examples of “fad” architecture trends. Some examples he gave us were grave markers with Gothic-revival spires from the mid-19th century or pyramid-shaped mausoleums inspired by the Egyptomania trends of the 1920s. Since then, I’ve always had an eye out for interesting grave marker trends that present themselves in cemeteries across the U.S. and Europe.

Pentwater Township Cemetery was no exception. What surprised me when comparing Pentwater and Mouth was the former’s sheer number of obelisk-style grave markers. The popularity in the 19th century of obelisk grave markers began, in part, with an earlier Egyptomania craze following Napoleon’s military campaign in Egypt and the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1801. It persisted throughout the century with the British occupation of Egypt, beginning in 1883. Across the many colonial powers that have

occupied Egypt, obelisks were a common architectural feature to loot due to their relative ease of transportation and iconic design. (History joke: Why are the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo? Because they were too big for the British Museum to take to London!)

Of course, the obelisks we see in cemeteries are not stolen artifacts, but rather an homage to an ancient civilization that captured the cultural zeitgeist of Europe and the Americas for over a century.

Obelisks make up a large majority of 19th-century grave markers in Pentwater Township Cemetery, but they are not the oldest designs. The oldest grave markers, many of which would have been moved from the first site in Pentwater Village, are the thin, simple slabs

with rounded tops. Something notable about many of these traditional slabs in Pentwater is that several have broken over the years and have been subsequently reinforced by casting the pieces in a cement slab. The result looks a little off-kilter, I hate to admit, but it's a quick and cheap fix that preserves the original marker.

There were also several examples of what are called “white bronze” gravestones. The name is a bit misleading, as the markers are actually more of a bluish-grey and are made of zinc, not bronze. What’s striking about this trend of grave markers is that they are amazingly resilient to weathering. Despite the fact that these markers are almost 150 years old, they look as if they were carved just yesterday. Again, it’s misleading, as these markers are not carved, but in fact made from cast molds. Despite their elaborate designs, these markers

were surprisingly cheap to make. However, like most mass-produced items, the trend did not end up lasting as long as obelisks. As I ventured further into the newer, northern wing of the cemetery, the pine trees began to thin out, the terrain leveled, and grass lawns overtook needle and moss carpets. To my surprise, many of the granite headstones in this area were streaked in what looked like rust. Obviously, stone can’t rust, and I didn’t immediately have an answer for why the markers looked like this. Upon further research, other instances of this odd reaction were attributed to residue from water. Since these crops of markers spread over the sunny cemetery lawns were exposed to the elements and, presumably, to water sprinklers, this might be the reason for the discoloration.

I don’t know how many more pleasant days we’ll have this autumn, so I encourage readers to take a quiet, contemplative walk in a cemetery. I promise, it's not as spooky as you think.

The Draper family of Shelby is celebrating five generations with the birth of their newest member. Pictured above, from left, are Jim Draper, Carol Draper (90 years old) Baby Amelia Bixler, Jessica (Draper) Pollack and Abigail (Pollack) Bixler.

Ongoing

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.

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.

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

WED: Line Dancing, Park Place, Pentwater, 6:30-8 p.m.

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

1st FRI: Free Soup Supper, Ferry Comm. Center, 5-7 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, doors open at 4 p.m.

1st SAT: Baby Pantry, Trinity Lutheran Church, 8:30-10 a.m.

The Ladder Community Center: Oct. 11: Party Club for Kids age 5-12, 1-2:30 p.m.

Oct. 16: “Rise Up & Lean In” Women’s Event, 6-8 p.m. (sign up req.)

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: Oct. 7 - Nov. 25 Pit Stops for Men Age 12+, 6:30-7:30 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

Walkerville Thrives to host pancake breakfast fundraiser

The entire Oceana community is invited to enjoy an “All You Can Eat” Pancake Breakfast Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to help raise money for the Walkerville Fire Department. The breakfast will be served at the fire department located at 134 S. East St. and will include pancakes, sausage, maple syrup, applesauce, coffee and lemonade. Pancake and sugar-free syrup will also be available.

“We are hoping that many will turn out and give generously to help support our volunteer firefighters. Any funds beyond expenses will be donated to the fire department for purchasing needed equipment and supplies,” Walkerville Thrives Vice President Emma Kirwin said.

Donations outside the breakfast can be made by mailing a check made out to “Walkerville Thrives” to P.O. Box 84, Walkerville, Mich. 49459 or by visiting Lake Osceola Bank in downtown Walkerville, where donations can be deposited directly into the Walkerville Thrives bank account.

Oct. 3 - Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry (drive through), New Hope Community Church, Shelby, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 - Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry (drive through), Walkerville Public Schools, 5 p.m.

Oct. 3 - Hart High School Homecoming Parade, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 - Hesperia High School Homecoming Parade, 5 p.m.

Oct. 4 - Autumn Country Roads Shop Hop, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oct. 4 - ArtWalk, Downtown Hart, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 - Walkerville Boosters 16th Annual Spirit Day,, 4-6 p.m.

Oct. 6 - Love INC Fall Celebration, TLC, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 - Shelby Congregational UCC Railroad Supper, 5-7 p.m.

Oct. 10 - Oceana Economic Alliance Annual Update Breakfast, West Michigan Research Station, 7:30 a.m.

Oct. 10-11 Discipleship Conference, NERC

Oct. 11 - Oktoberfest, Downtown Pentwater

Oct. 11 - Walkerville Thrives Fundraiser, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 - Annual Penny Fair, Oceana Grange, 7 p.m.

Grange Annual Penny Fair planned for Oct. 11

The Oceana Center Grange invites the community to its 99th Annual Penny Fair Saturday, Oct. 11, beginning at 7 p.m. The grange is located at 55 W. Scout Rd. in Hart, the very center of Oceana County.

The evening will kick off with a short program and include a variety of local entertainment, followed by the traditional produce and baked goods auction upstairs, and games for the kids, a sloppy joe lunch and desserts for purchase downstairs.

Enjoy the neighborhood banter as friends and neighbors compete for fresh and locally made baked goods, crafts, apple cider, pumpkins or fall garden produce. Quilt raffle tickets will also be available for $1 each or $5 for six. The whole evening is a tradition that brings many people out to see neighbors and friends while enjoying some good, old-fashioned fun.

Oceana Center Grange is the only remaining active grange in Oceana County. At one time there were 17 active granges, including Benona Center, Blooming Valley, Elbridge, Ferry, Hart and Hart Juvenile Grange, North Weare, Pomona, Sylvan and Walkerville. New members are always welcome!

Monthly meetings are open to the public and held the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at the grange hall. Those wishing to be a part of next Saturday’s program or with other questions should contact Char Vanderstelt at 231-301-1678.

The Ladder to host Women’s

event

All women age 18 and up are invited to The Ladder Community Center in Shelby Thursday, Oct. 16 from 6-8 p.m. for a night of encouragement and fellowship. The event, titled “Rise Up & Lean In,” includes activities, snacks and crafts. There is no cost to attend this event. Call (231) 259-0211 to sign up by Oct. 10. Visit theladdercommunitycenter. com to view all their upcoming events.

Shelby Congregational UCC to host annual Railroad Supper Oct. 9

The community is invited to attend the Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ’s annual Railroad Supper, Thursday, Oct. 9 from 5-7 p.m. A full menu of a la carte items will be available for purchase. Main entrees will include Swiss steak and chicken pot pie.

It is unknown exactly how long Railroad Suppers have been going on at the church, but church history records state they got their start decades ago when the railroad still ran through town. There were many workers, and the ladies of the church began making food to sell to them.

Attendees today still pay a la carte, although extra donations are accepted too. All proceeds will go to benefit parachurch ministries and nonprofit organizations, including C.O.V.E., Elevate Oceana Women’s House, Emmaus House, Feeding America, Hope Project, Love INC, The Ladder, Medi Lodge (Pilgrim Manor), Muskegon Rescue Mission, Our Friends House, Oceana County Medical Care, Salvation Army and Women’s Board of Olivet University.

Those interested in ordering takeout are asked to call 231-861-4404 between 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Oct. 9. Takeout orders will be ready for pickup between 5-5:45 p.m.

Come check out

Patty’s Barn in Blooming Valley

SATURDAY,

PUBLIC AUCTION

October 11, 2025 @ 10:00 am

3601 Sass Rd. Manistee, Michigan 49660

Directions: From U.S. 31 head west on Morton Rd follow 2 ½ miles, Turn left onto Morton Rd follow ½ mile, Turn right onto Sass Rd. Continue to salesite. Watch for signs!

Beyer Auction has been commissioned to sell the following personal property at public auction including: Massey Ferguson Tractor with cab and snow blower attachment, Kubota B6200 4WD tractor with backblade, Honda Shadow aero Motorcycle, 1986 Model Honda Shadow Motorcycle, Vector 500 4-wheel drive utility sideby-side UTV, JJ50QT-4 Moped. 3 point Brush Hog, 2000 PSI powerwasher, VectorXL/C Gas Powered Walk behind String trimmer, Milwaukee Heavy-Duty Sawzall, Battery and Corded Power tools, assorted hand tools and fasteners, and much more!

See our website for a complete list and pictures @ www.beyerauction.com

Auctioneers Note/Terms: PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY! Cash or check with a positive ID. No out of state checks will be accepted. Credit/Debit Cards may only be available if there is viable service and a 5% charge will be added on any payments other than cash or check. An announcement on sale day will be made if cards can be accepted. All announcements on sale day take precedence over any printed material.

Beyer Auction Service is not responsible for accidents or loss. NO FOOD TRUCK, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH.

Beyer Auction Service Inc. Hesperia, MI 49421 Wade Schuberg • 231-855-8555

Hoeing ‘In the Garden’ Part 8: In the Cleft of the Rock

By Janet Van Gunst Hasselbring The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

As I revisit the memoir of my mother, "In the Garden," Alexander McCall Smith’s words ring true: “Memory has the effect of a telescope, making things we see through its lens, bigger than they really are.” ("Trains and Lovers")

“On Christ the solid rock I stand…”**

Rocks symbolize a grounding presence, a reminder of deep roots; a sense of timelessness and a link to the eternal; they are fitting symbols of God and our relationship with Him:

God is a rock, a source of strength and refuge. “The Lord is my rock and my fortress, my deliverer, my strength in whom I will trust.” (Psalm 18:2)

Jesus is the cornerstone, the essential foundation of Christian faith. He is the first stone and aligns all the rest. “Therefore, you are…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20)

Believers are living stones; parts of a spiritual temple on earth. “As you come to Him, the living Stone…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…“ (I Peter: 4,5)

Like the durability of rocks, my parents learned perseverance. They developed inner wisdom - the capacity to remain calm and steadfast amidst life’s challenges — and like rocks, whose porousness allows repeated abrasion, such as a river current, to wear away rough edges, making them rounded and smooth. So my parents, through suffering and hardship, became malleable, humble, obedient followers of their Lord, seeking His will instead of their own – they were the clay on the wheel of the Potter - created beings in the hand of their Creator.

“He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock”**

The words of the beloved hymn refer to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, providing a shelter, a safe place and refuge for mankind. “…one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, bringing a gush of blood and water.” (John 19:34)

It was in the cleft, the crevice of the Rock, her Lord, that my mother found shelter, protection, intimacy, communion and a place where God revealed Himself and His

will to her. It was there she met her Lord, when life came at her hard; when she came to the end of herself:

Early in their marriage, Ellen helped Henry plant an asparagus field, only to find out, when they harvested the crop they had so painstakingly planted and tended, that the profits were not what they’d been promised. It was a painful blow.

Ellen is pinning the bedsheets on the clothesline to dry. “Oh, my Lord. Woe is me! We were promised the profits from the asparagus crop, and…”

“Ellen, I know what happened, my dearest one. I know how hurt and mistreated you feel.”

“My Lord. We worked so hard, and we needed the money! It was so unfair!”

“Ellen, I know.”

“But, but…”

“Ellen, when He comes, He will judge the world regarding right and wrong; it is no concern of yours.”

“But…,” she wailed. She couldn’t let it go. “It was so unfair!”

“Ellen,” His voice enveloped her with an aura of love, so tangible she felt sheltered as a babe in the womb. “You live in a fallen, disjointed world, where events disappoint and are constantly unraveling. You need to put your trust in Me, so you do not become unraveled too.”***

“In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Her cares ebbed away like the tide at noonday. “My Lord, I’m overwhelmed with the responsibilities of being a helpmeet for Henry and caring for my children. Teach me to trust You.”

“Ellen, my dear one. I will always be here for you. ‘Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink…Look at the birds of the air {which you love}: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you {and Henry} not of more value than they?’”

And then He was gone. Ellen finished pinning the bedsheets and went inside to fix supper, with a feeling of peace in her heart. She had met her Lord in the “cleft of the Rock.”

For more information about "In the Garden," contact Janet at janethasselbring23@gmail.com.

**Hymn tune, "He Hideth My Soul" ***"Jesus Calling," Sarah Young

Love INC Harvest of Love Fall Celebration is Oct. 6

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

The community is invited to Love INC's “Harvest of Love Fall Celebration” starting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd. in New Era. Tickets can be reserved in advance or purchased at the door for $15 each. A table of eight may be reserved for $100. Reservations are preferred, but organizers say last-minute attendees are always welcome.

“The night will be an enjoyable time to celebrate the harvest of ‘love.’ Harvest means to gather in, and that is what we want to celebrate. God’s love through Jesus has and is bringing about a harvest of freedom to those whose hearts are all bound up, to open the eyes of those who have lost perspective, and to restore those who have suffered oppression. Love INC (In the Name of Christ) is all about increasing God’s love harvest,” shared the new Executive Director Steve Leinbach.

The evening will include an hors d’oeuvres and dessert bar and a wide variety of silent auction items. The evening will also include inspiring stories, a concert by bluegrass group Down Home Music Ministry and a giving opportunity.

“We hope many will be able to come out and enjoy hearing more about how God’s love harvest is transforming Oceana County one life at a time,” Leinbach concluded. Tickets may be reserved by visiting www.loveincocena.org or calling Love INC at 231-861-5619.

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Larry Lee Snider

October 10, 1941 ~ September 23, 2025

Larry Lee Snider, 83, of Hart, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus, Tuesday, September 23, 2025. He was born October 10, 1941, in Troy, Ohio, the son of Earl and Marguerite (Shroyer) Snider.

Larry grew up in Clark County, Ohio, on a 500acre grain farm near South Charleston, where his father, Earl, was a sharecropper. Eager to start his own career, Larry bought his own goats in high school and sold milk to buy his first dairy cow. Larry continued building his herd of registered Brown Swiss, graduated from high school in 1959, and was married to Becky Ropp in 1960. Together, they built their herd to 80 head by 1964. Through these first few years, Larry and Becky had two children, Andy and Abby. It was at this time that Earl and Larry bought their first farm when their landlord wanted to sell, so Larry and Becky sold the dairy herd to have enough money for their share of the down payment. In 1972, after the early passing of Larry’s mom and Earl’s wife, Marguerite, Earl and Larry decided to sell the farm, and Larry and Becky moved 120 miles north to Ashland, Ohio, and bought a dairy farm there.

Four years later, in 1976, after much expanding, Larry and Becky sold that farm and moved to Hart, Michigan, where they bought the home place of the current Snider Farms. Larry and Becky, with Andy and Abby when they weren’t in school, did all the work on the small farm. In those first few years they milked 29 cows in the old barn, had some asparagus and cherries, grew corn on sandy ground, and then added hogs in 1979, developing a much different farming operation than the Ohio roots.

Larry’s son, Andy, graduated from high school in 1981 and was ready to join the farm full-time. Andy married Beth Riley, and in 1982 the two couples began farming together full-time. Larry was the senior partner at Snider Farms from 1982 through 1994, and the farm began expansions of the cows and hogs that have continued over the years since. It was also during this time that Larry spent 10 years on the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors and enjoyed being involved in the local community. In December 1994, as the farm was expanding into turkeys, Larry and Becky decided to retire from farming and moved to Lady Lake, Florida, full-time, to pursue a warmer climate and other interests. Larry, never afraid to try something new, went to school to become a massage therapist. Larry graduated from massage therapy school and became an apprentice at a local office, and then after passing his state board license, opened his own business, quickly becoming very busy with his own clientele. Leesburg Massage Therapy was very successful, and after 10 years, Larry retired again.

The latter half of this second career found Larry and Becky making trips “Up North” to the panhandle of Florida, where they had bought a small acreage near Graceville. About one long weekend a month they would make these trips for remodeling and other beautification projects on their little farm. After selling their places in Leesburg/Lady Lake and liquidating the inventory of Becky‘s silk flower business, they moved full-time to Graceville. Larry’s love of goats found him purchasing Boer goats. They built a barn and fences and started building a herd over the next few years to as high as 100 head after all of the kids were born. This retirement hobby turned into a lot of work, and eventually they sold the herd. Larry began and ended his farming career with goats and had many other adventures in between.

In 2010, plans were made and construction of a retirement home near the farm in Hart began. Moving back just in time to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Larry and Becky would oversee the construction of their new “summer home,” (since not being in snow was part of their plan!) The following year they enjoyed doing all of the finish work of the basement of the new home. Over the next 10 years, Larry enjoyed taking care of his garden and lawn, and doing useful things around the farm, always keeping busy.

Besides traveling to Florida during the cold months, they loved to play cards and go out for dinner, which they did both often. Larry always wanted to help where he could, even though these last years saw him suffering with his Parkinson’s disease.

Larry entered the Oceana County Medical Care Facility in October 2023 and always enjoyed Becky‘s daily visits. The staff there enjoyed Larry and took great care of him until his peaceful passing. Larry and Becky loved and took care of each other well over their 65 years of marriage.

Larry is survived by: his loving wife, Becky Snider; children, Aaron Andrew ‘Andy’ (Christine) Snider and Abby Arlene (Randy) Crow; grandchildren, Luke (Marissa) Snider, Holly (Jonathan) Buck, Amanda (Ernesto) Tovar, Nichole (Matt) Dibenedetto, Steve (Carly) Crow, and Priscilla Snider; great-grandchildren, Jaren Snider, Paxton Snider, Sawyer Snider, Violet Buck, Ava Buck, Hailee Scofield, Raegan Tovar, Brelen Tovar, Ava Tovar, Barrett Dibenedetto, Gunner Dibenedetto, Carson Crow and Cameron Crow; and daughter-in-law of 39 years, Beth (Riley) (Snider) Butler.

Larry was preceded in death by: his parents, Earl and Marguerite Snider; sister, Linda Strickland; and grandson, Zackary Snider.

A memorial service for family and friends will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Mears Methodist Church, 1990 N. 56th Ave., Mears, MI 49436, with Pastor Bev Williams officiating; there will be an ice cream and cake fellowship to follow.

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

James ‘ Jim ’ Russel Mason

May 20, 1935 ~ September 24, 2025

James "Jim" Russel Mason, age 90, of Hart, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 24 after a coura geous battle with lung cancer and complications from a fall. He was surrounded by his loving family and is now rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.

Jim was born on May 20, 1935, in Swanton, Ohio, to Russell and Ethel Mason. He joined his beloved sister, Mary Louise, and from an early age developed a deep love for sports. After graduating from high school, Jim attended Bowling Green University for a year before proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps for two years. Following his service, he completed his educa tion with the help of the GI Bill, earning a bachelor's degree in education from Bowling Green. Jim earned his master's degree in counseling from Siena Heights in 1970.

At age 29, Jim met the love of his life, Mary Ellen. They were married on September 5, 1964, and shared 61 beautiful years together. They raised three children—Russ, Natalie and Andy—instilling in them the same values of faith, family and service that defined Jim's life.

Jim began his career teaching and coaching the Swanton Bulldogs football, track and basketball teams, and he was an inaugural member of the Swanton Athletic Hall of Fame. The family moved to Hart, Michigan in 1972, where he and Mary Ellen owned the Western Auto Hardware store in Hart for a few years. When the recession hit, Jim returned to his true calling—education. He served for many years as a dedicated junior high principal and coach. Football was his favorite, and he coached at Shelby Public Schools, where he impacted countless young lives. Jim also coached Hart JV as an assistant after retiring from teaching in 1988.

In 1979 Jim and Mary Ellen committed their lives to Christ. From that moment on, his faith became the cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted Gideon, Sunday School teacher and missionary, sharing the love of Christ wherever he went—from local churches to the Dominican Republic, Canada and Indiana. Jim worked as a Friend of the Court in Hart and was a park ranger at Jellystone Park.

Jim had a zest for life and adventure. He and Mary Ellen rode their motorcycle all over the nation and Canada. Together, they spent eight years serving with Christian non-profits like the SOWERs ministry and six years with New Horizons Youth Ministry. He was also part of the team that helped fundraise and build the Creation Museum in Kentucky.

Jim was known for his kindness, infectious laughter and love of storytelling. He cherished music jam sessions with his grandchildren, never missed a game, and remained a passionate fan of all sports—especially football. Above all, he put God and family first.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen; his children Russell (Charlotte), Natalie (Bob Adams), and Andrew (Karen); grandchildren Chris (Lauren), John, Shelby, Erika (Eric), Mason, Forrest (Maribel), Luke (Kayla), David, Josiah (Annika) and Matthew; and great-grandchildren Logan, Hannah, Reid, Paislee, Asher, Rowan, Tobias and Taliesin.

Jim's legacy of faith, love and service lives on in the many lives he touched. He will be dearly missed, but we rejoice knowing he is with his Savior in heaven—and we look forward to the day we will see him again.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 11 at the Hart Wesleyan Church in Hart, Michigan. Following the service there will be a reception and a bluegrass gospel jam session. Please feel free to bring your instrument to join in.

Donald Rae Hasselbring

September 22, 1943 ~ September 22, 2025

Donald Rae Hasselbring passed away in Grand Haven, Michigan, on his 82nd birthday, Monday, September 22, 2025. Don was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1943 to Rae and Helen (Curry) Hasselbring. He spent his formative years in Edgerton, Ohio, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Always a Hoosier at heart, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Don held various positions throughout his career, including several as CFO, before concluding his professional life at Grand Haven Stamped Products. In retirement, he continued to give back by mentoring young entrepreneurs through SCORE.

Don had many pastimes, which he shared with family and friends. He loved running and driving his Porsche, and as a devoted sports fan, he followed his beloved St. Louis Cardinals closely. He had a great capacity for intellectual pursuits, was a prolific reader, and collected books, antiques and coins. He also enjoyed traveling, which his career allowed him to do extensively. In later years, Don relished countless rounds of cards—played both in person and online with family. His dry sense of humor and competitive streak will be especially missed by all those he bested at Michigan Rummy.

Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Janet Hasselbring; three sons, Curtis (Alona) Hasselbring, Chris (Kirsty) Hasselbring, and Jack (Leslie) Hasselbring; three stepchildren, Andrew (Nicki) Timmer, Annie Timmer, and George (Georgie) Timmer; six grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; and three siblings, Kent (Ilene) Braden, Kay (Duane) Sheets and Larry (Barbara) Braden. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held for Don at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI, 49444. A memorial Visitation will be taking place prior to the service from 1:30–3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to Trinity Health at Home. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.

• On Oct. 6, 1927, “The Jazz Singer,” a part-talkie film featuring six songs by Al Jolson, debuted in theaters, marking the end of cinema’s silent film era even though it only contained about two actual minutes of synchronized dialogue.

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STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20250922 FOR RELEASE SEPT. 22, 2025

By Lucie Winborne

• Sloths might be the only mammals that don’t fart.

Oceana County

ANIMAL SHELTER

• Sloths might be the only mammals that don’t fart.

By Lucie Winborne

• On Oct. 7, 1944, several hundred prisoners in the Nazi death camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau revolted and destroyed most of the gas chambers and crematoria in which they were forced to work. A small number of Nazi officers were killed in the struggle, but after a brief escape, the perpetrators were captured and executed.

• Austrian-American composer Arnold Schoenberg feared the number 13 so intensely that he deliberately misspelled his opera “Moses und Aron” to have 12 letters instead of 13. He also died on July 13, 1951, which would seem to confirm his phobia.

• On Oct. 7, 1944, several hundred prisoners in the Nazi death camps of

Nazi officers were killed in the struggle, but after a brief escape, the perpetrators were captured and executed.

• On Oct. 8, 1871, the Peshtigo Fire, today considered the most devastating fire in American history, started in Wisconsin, killing about 1,200 people and consuming 2 billion trees. Despite its massive scale, however, the smaller Great Chicago Fire, which began later that night, dominated newspaper headlines over the next days.

• On Oct. 9, 1635, Roger Williams was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony by the General Court of Massachusetts for protesting the right of civil authorities to punish religious dissension and to confiscate Native American land. He went on to found present-day Providence, Rhode Island, with assistance from the Narragansett tribe.

• On Oct. 10, 1973, less than a year before Richard M. Nixon’s resignation as President of the United States, his vice president, Spiro Agnew, resigned in disgrace, pleading no contest to a charge of federal income tax evasion in exchange for dropped charges of political corruption. He was fined $10,000, sentenced to three years’ probation, and disbarred by the Maryland Court of Appeals.

• On Oct. 11, 1962, Pope John XXIII convened an ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church for the first time in 92 years, in the hope of bringing a spiritual rebirth to Catholicism as well as fostering greater unity among other branches of Christianity.

• On Oct. 12, 1945, Private First Class Desmond T. Doss of Lynchburg, Virginia, became America’s first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor for outstanding bravery as a combat medic.

• The first round of women’s golf was played in 1811 — four centuries after the sport was invented.

He also died on July 13, 1951, which would seem to confirm his phobia.

• The first round of women’s golf was played in 1811 — four centuries after the sport was invented.

• Almost all of the first major television networks — NBC, ABC and — still exist today, but the second network to get off the ground, the DuMont Television Network, is mostly forgotten, though it aired the first two seasons of “The Honeymooners” and “Mary Kay and Johnny,” which is widely considered to be the first sitcom.

• Almost all of the first major television networks — NBC, ABC and CBS — still exist today, but the second network to get off the ground, the DuMont Television Network, is mostly forgotten, though it aired the first two seasons of “The Honeymooners” and “Mary Kay and Johnny,” which is widely considered to be the first sitcom.

Brody is a 6-year-old, neutered male Great Pyrenees who was supposed to be a livestock guardian… emphasis on supposed to. Let’s just say the chickens laughed at him, the goats ignored him, and Brody decided farm life wasn’t for him. He has officially retired from the “working dog” life and is now seeking a cushy indoor position where he can specialize in couch warming, snack supervision, and gentle companionship.

• Believe it or not, May is Zombie Awareness Month, which celebrates zombie media and recognizes ways to prepare for a zombie apocalypse. Participants are encouraged to wear gray ribbons to spread awareness of the potential dangers of the undead.

• In 2023, North Dakota was named the best state for surviving a zombie apocalypse.

• We obtain 60% of our energy intake from just three plant species — rice, wheat and maize.

• In 2023, North Dakota was named the best state for surviving a zombie apocalypse.

• We obtain 60% of our energy intake from just three plant species — rice, wheat and maize.

Spiders recycle webs by them.

• We obtain 60% of our energy intake from just three plant species — rice, wheat and maize.

• Spiders recycle webs by eating them.

• The sitcom “30 Rock” was known for its fast-pace writing, with one reporter calculating in 2014 that there was an average of 7.44 jokes per minute.

• Spiders recycle webs by eating them.

• The sitcom “30 Rock” was known for its fast-pace writing, with one reporter calculating in 2014 that there was an average of 7.44 jokes per minute.

• After “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” first aired in 1966, Charles Schulz’s California office was inundated with shipments of candy sent from kids who were upset that Charlie Brown only got rocks in his Halloween goodie bag.

***

*** Thought for the Day: “Liberty means responsibility. That is why most people dread it.” — George Bernard Shaw

***

Thought for the Day: “Liberty means responsibility. That is why most people dread it.” — George Bernard Shaw

Brody walks like a gentleman on a leash, has impeccable manners, and dreams of a calm, cozy home where he only has to guard the remote control. If you’re looking for a giant floof who failed farming but will excel at loving you endlessly, Brody is your guy. Brody is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. If interested, please call the shelter at 231-861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35 and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/ neuter if needed. Every dog 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.

2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

obituaries

Roger Joseph Bowen

February 23, 1940 ~ September 15, 2025

Roger Joseph Bowen, 89, of Shelby, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025. He was born July 22, 1936, in Grand Haven, the son of Willard and Helen (Smith) Bowen.

Who can forget being greeted with that ear-to-ear grin – the spark in those eyes — and for the men, a firm handshake and a “How ya’ doin’, fella?”

And always seeing him busy — even when there was nothing to do, the man did something anyway.

So it’s fitting that in the suggestions he made for his obituary, there’s a list titled “Some Things I Did.”

He hunted and fished, swam many lakes (Spring, White, Crystal, Torch and Geneva in Wisconsin), skied wa ter and snow, tobogganed, kayaked and canoed and ran track in junior and senior high school (placed 2nd in State Finals Class A for the 800yard run).

He power parachuted twice, spent two days on the Mississippi and seven on a cruise from Montreal to Boston, traveled England and Wales and Ireland, and straddled the border between Italy and France on Mont Blanc at 10,000 feet.

He hiked the Grand Canyon multiple times, usually with his brother Les and brother-in-law Joe, and followed the path the Klondike Gold Rush prospectors took, the Chilkoot Trail, between Alaska and British Columbia.

He built a drift boat, flew RC planes, and got a ham radio license. He made jewelry from rocks he’d tumbled and even made knives.

And the miles he and Sharon put on that trailer: every winter from Shelby to Quartzite; a 91-day trip to Alaska; and 30 days to Montana (with Henry and Judy).

It’s hard to imagine no more itineraries, no more adventures. But the man who never stopped moving found a way to continue his adventure: through those of his children, and theirs, and theirs.

At the end of visits to his house, he’d wave as we backed out his drive; we’d honk twice as we left and wave back.

As he waves goodbye today, we honk twice for the very last time.

For Roger (from Jon)

When he finally lost his get-up-and-go

The notion seemed remote.

Now he’s checking the paint

On St. Peter’s gate

And offering to give it a coat.

Roger is survived by: his children, Lisa (Bruce) Snider, Laurie (James) Newell, Nanette (Jon Snider) Bowen and Jennifer (George) Coulier; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Marsha (Joe) Lemieux; and brother, Les (Patricia) Bowen.

Roger was preceded in death by: his parents, Willard Lincoln Bowen and Helen Mae Turner; wife, Sharon; son, Brian; wife, Phyllis Schlee; and brother, Bruce.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 2380 W. Jackson Rd., Hart, Michigan 49420, with Father Phillip Sliwinski presiding. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the Church on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Interment to follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Shelby, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to: The Nature Conservancy, ATTN: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 USA, or preserve.nature.org.

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

Louisa

February 23, 1940 ~ September 15, 2025

Louisa Mae Nichols, 85, of Montague, passed away Monday, September 15, 2025. She was born February 23, 1940, in Anvil, Michigan, the daughter of Reino and Judith (St. Arnold) Koski.

Louisa was a member of St. James Lutheran Church since 1965. She was a member of the St. James Quilting Guild and a lifetime member of the White Lake Eagles Auxiliary. Louisa drove bus for Montague Schools, worked part-time for Joannes Café, retiring from Whitehall Products after many years of work.

Louisa is survived by: her children, Lynn Nichols, Sherrie (Jeff) Hren, Dorothy (Bill) Treptow, Robert (Lisa) Nichols and Dan Nichols; grandchildren, Sandra, Clinton, Jason, Kelly, Kyle, Alicia, Michelle, Matt, Betsy, Becca, Jacob, Danielle and Dylan; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Matthew (Carolyn) Koski; sisters-in-law, Susie Nichols, Sandra King, Melinda (Jeff) O’Connel; and many nieces and nephews.

Louisa was preceded in death by: her parents, Reino and Judith; grandson, Christopher Vanblargan; and siblings, Inez, Reino Jr., Bill, Jim and John.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague, Michigan 49437, with Reverend Eric Nelson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the start of services Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the church. A luncheon will be provided at the church.

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

Performing Arts Series begins with trumpeter Kris Johnson

The Hart Community Performing Arts Series will begin its 2025-2026 season on Friday, Oct. 10, when it presents the Kris Johnson Group in concert. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Hart Public Schools Auditorium, located in the Hart Middle School. Tickets are available at the door or online at hartseries. org.

Kris Johnson is an empathetic, intelligent and efficient trumpeter, composer, arranger, film composer and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. His professional career is expansive for an artist so young, including: composing several musicals, including "Jim Crow's Tears" and "Hastings Street: The Musical"; scoring films, such as the Emmy-nominated web series "King Ester"; producing successful personal projects, such as The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy; and serving as the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band through the Detroit Symphony.

With contributions to six Grammy-nominated albums as a trumpeter and arranger, including the 2024 Grammy-winning "Basie Swings the Blues" by the Count Basie Orchestra, Kris is a recognized force in the industry. His career highlights include touring globally as a member of Endea Owens and the Cookout from 2023-2024, and with the esteemed Count Basie Orchestra from 2008-2019 as a soloist and arranger, performing at prestigious venues like the Apollo Theater, Hollywood Bowl, the Sydney Opera House,

Kennedy Center and more. His collaborations extend to musicians like Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Leslie Odom Jr. and Wycliffe Gordon, showcasing his versatile talent.

Currently, Kris is an assistant professor of jazz trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. His journey as an educator began with his own education at Michigan State University, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in jazz studies in 2005 and 2007, respectively. He has gone on to serve in the role of Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah from 2015-2019; a Project Director for Pontiac School District, leading a U.S. Department of Education Arts in Education - Model Development and Dissemination Grant from 2009-2010; as the Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum in 2021; and as the Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School-Detroit from 2022-2024. Additionally, he has served on the teaching faculty at The Ohio State University, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles, and as an Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through a partnership with ArtOps and the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation.

For further information, visit the series website at hartseries.org or contact Series Artistic Director Tom Kirk at tomkirk@hartseries.org.

DISCIPLESHIP CONFERENCE

Friday, Oct. 10:

6:30-7:00 pm Registration & refreshments 7:00-9:00 pm “Becoming a Disciple” Free Will Offering: Operation Christmas Child

Saturday, Oct. 11:

9:30-10:00 am Registration & refreshments 10:00-12:00 “Making Disciples” Free Will Offering: The Ladder Community Center

Saturday, Oct. 11: 12:00-1:00 pm Lunch & Fellowship Time

Saturday, Oct. 11: 1:00-3:00 pm “Bringing Discipleship to the World”

Free Will Offering: Good News Nepal

Tigers win defensive battle in rivalry

Penalty kick accounts for game’s only goal

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

HART — A penalty shot by Shelby senior Alex Dealmonte was the only goal by either side in Monday’s rivalry battle in Hart, and the Tigers came away with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, snapping a five-game losing skid.

The result was something of an echo of the teams’ first meeting nine days prior, when Hart defeated the Tigers by shootout after a scoreless regulation game.

“It was really nice to be on the winning end of the penalties this game,” Shelby coach Damian Gonzalez said. “Credit to Hart. It was a fun game to watch, back and forth. We knew that was going to be the case, so we knew we had to be ready to play. “

Indeed, the first half of the game especially was a closely contested battle in which neither team scored but both had chances. Not much of the game was played in the midfield, as each side played aggressively and attacked into the offensive third. Shelby’s Andrew Hayes came closest to

finding the net, launching a free kick that narrowly missed going in, instead glancing off the top left corner of the goalposts.

Dealmonte’s penalty kick came under 10 minutes into the second half when Hart (4-12-1, 2-7 West Michigan Conference) was called for a handball just inside the box. The senior, recently named homecoming king, got another chance to celebrate when he fired a well-placed ball past Hart keeper Miguel Escamilla despite the latter guessing where Dealmonte would shoot the ball.

Hart did get one last great scoring chance, a corner kick in the final minutes, but Shelby keeper Oliver Gorton continued his impressive season by leaping up and punching the ball away before a Pirate could head it into the net.

“I don’t know who it was for them, but there was a kid right there to head the ball, so that was awesome,” Gonzalez said. “He’s been huge all season. He’s going to be a stud. In my opinion, he’s already a stud. It’s great knowing we’ll have a capable keeper. We have two capable keepers. Our backup on JV is pretty good, too.”

Gorton said he stayed locked in on the play, knowing the stakes.

“I was looking up and I could see

the ball in the silhouette of the sky, and I was backpedaling,” Gorton said. “All I thought was, ‘I just have to do it because our team’s depending on me.’”

Hart struggled to get as much offense going in the second half of the game. Gonzalez exhorted his Tigers to win more 50/50 balls at one point, and the message was taken to heart as Shelby (6-10-2, 2-6-1 WMC) indeed won more balls out of the air as the game went along.

“It’s conditioning, 100 percent,” Hart coach Jonah Kelley said of Shelby’s later success winning the ball. “We’ve been struggling with it all season. They definitely started to win a few at the end there.”

Kelley said his players had been improving of late at staying on their man and not merely sticking their feet out to try to snatch the ball, but he felt

Pick-6 hat trick sparks Shelby to homecoming triumph over county foe Hesperia

By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Echo community correspondent Amanda Dodge contributed to this story. Shelby’s offense did not get out to a hot start in Friday’s intracounty homecoming football matchup, but that was just fine for the Tiger defense.

The defense stepped up to do its part early on, recording three interception returns for a touchdown in the first half against the Panthers, staking Shelby to a 22-0 lead and sparking the Tigers to a 50-7 victory.

“Three pick-sixes, I’ve never experienced it,” Shelby coach Phil Fortier said. “I’ve never seen it. A great effort by our defense. We really emphasized overcommunicating this week. Our scheme is one that has some nuance to it, so we’ve messed up quite a bit with our coverage in the back end. We had one breakdown tonight, and that led to a touchdown, but other than that, we were really good in coverage tonight.”

The first of the three defensive scores might have been the biggest. Hesperia’s Zach Loughridge picked off a pass on Shelby’s first drive to set the Panthers (1-4, 0-2 West Michigan Conference Rivers) up in Tiger territory, and the visitors worked their way to the 20-yard line before Jaylin Henderson provided the spark his team needed with an 85-yard pick-six.

“They were moving the ball on us,” Fortier said of the drive leading up to Henderson’s pick. “Jaylin broke on that ball and made a great play and then took it to the house. That just changed our energy, and there was so much confidence out there with us.”

That didn’t immediately spark Shelby (3-2, 2-2 WMC Rivers) offensively - its next drive was a three-andout - but when Hesperia took the ball to the Tiger 32, Isaac Garcia delivered this time, grabbing a pass and going 70 yards to pay dirt. Trevor Weiss nabbed a 60-yard pick-six just two plays later.

Hesperia got off the mat after that turn of events and responded with a touchdown drive - Tucker Bolles hit Ben Westendorf for a 52-yard score - but the Tiger offense, which to that point hadn’t gotten a first down, finally came alive with a scoring drive

of their own. Garcia hit Henderson for a 35-yard pass, and a few plays later it was that combo connecting again for a three-yard score.

Shelby’s usual two-quarterback system was really just one Friday, with Garcia recording all but one of the team’s pass attempts - he threw for 77 yards - but Henderson made up for that by getting involved everywhere else, Fortier said.

“Jay’s returning kicks. Jay’s catching passes. Jay is intercepting and doing it all, and doing a great job of blocking on the edge,” Fortier said. “Jaylin Henderson, you just love having athletes that can perform like that.”

Shelby’s defense largely stone-

walled Hesperia the rest of the way after that first touchdown drive, thanks in no small part to the play of Ethan Viterna, who rang up 10 tackles. Hesperia had only 74 yards rushing. The Tigers put the game away with three more touchdown drives in succession following their first one.

“They couldn’t run the ball against us,” Fortier said. “We were stout. We made a change at linebacker, and that seemed to work out really well. Ethan Viterna had a huge game.

“It was exactly what we want homecoming to be for our fans and

Penalty kick continued on page 11 Football

Hart’s Kevin Hernandez tries to stop Shelby’s Javier Cervantes from getting to the ball during Monday’s WMC game at Hart. The Tigers won a close battle, 1-0.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

Shelby running back Brody Fessenden (33) follows a block from teammate Trevor Weiss against Hesperia during Friday’s game at Shelby. Fessenden ran for 97 yards in a 50-7 win. • Amanda Dodge/Echo

Hesperia’s Eli Edens tries to get past Shelby tackler Jerry Ross during Friday’s game at Shelby. • Amanda Dodge/Echo

Penalty kick

Monday was a step back in that department.

“We’ve got to build up our attack better,” Kelley said. “We’ve got to mark up and quit stabbing (at the ball). That’s something we’ve been working on a lot. It has gotten a little bit better recently. We’ve just got to finish our opportunities.”

Shelby hasn’t had a ton of success scoring goals this season, only going over two goals scored in a game twice since August. However, Gonzalez said he feels his team has done well in most other areas and just needs to im-

continued from page 10

prove in cashing in their chances.

“We played great today, but that’s how we’ve been playing all season,” Gonzalez said. “We just haven’t been able to put goals in the net, so I’m happy that we put one in the net. We were able to defend, and we finally got a win. I’ve felt like we deserved a lot more wins this year, but haven’t been able to capitalize.

“As long as we keep playing the way we’re capable of playing, I feel like we can do anything we want to do in our district. I really do.”

Hart teams dominate at Shelby jamboree

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Another perfect score by the Hart boys and a near-perfect score by the Hart girls made for a great day for the Pirates at Tuesday’s Shelby jamboree.

Hart’s boys had the top five finishers in the race, with Grant Ackley the winner with a time of 18:11.5. His four scoring teammates all finished within 20 seconds of him. Trevor VanderKodde took second (18:19.5), followed by Aiden Schaner (18:24.2), Julian Lopez (18:31.1) and Timothy Wolff (18:31.5).

On top of that, Mason Opalewski and Carson Ackley took seventh and ninth place respectively to also earn top-10 finishes.

The Pirate girls had to settle for merely five of the top eight finishers in their victory, with Natalie Rosema leading the way by taking second place.

Rosema’s time was 21:00.3. Alaina Schaner was third in a time of 22:11.1. Bryn Riley placed fifth (22:35.7) and Luisa VanderZwaag sixth (22:42.2).

Football results

our alumni...We were disciplined, we were determined, we were unselfish, and we gave great effort.”

Brody Fessenden posted 97 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns.

The Panthers were without Dominic Rivera, which contributed to Shelby’s defensive success as well. Still, Eli Edens had a nice game in his own right, with 100 total offensive yards. He also led the defense in tackles, with eight. Ryan Fuentes added seven. Bolles threw for 121 yards.

For Panthers’ coach Tyler Fehler, seeing that Shelby has ascended to a competitive level after previously being a young, struggling bunch gives his team something to aspire to. Holton dropping to the eight-man game in football after three straight years of serving as a win on Hesperia’s schedule made the climb even steeper, but Fehler believes his players have what it takes to make it. A challenging homecoming battle against Ravenna looms next.

“They are where we want to be in a few years, to be honest with you,” Fehler said of Shelby. “We’ve got to go to work and take whatever it is like a man, and come out. Because the program’s growing. We’re doing what we can do, and the future is bright.

“The film is never as good as you thought, and it’s never as bad as you thought. I don’t think we’re terribly far off. really. When you’re young, you’re not as big, you’re not as fast, you’re not as strong. I need to be a better coach in areas just to minimize the advantage other teams have.”

Pirates battle hard, take tough loss

Hart battled North Muskegon well into the fourth quarter in Friday’s key West Michigan Conference Rivers battle, holding three different leads during the game, but the Norsemen answered every time and punched in a clinching touchdown with just under six minutes to play, sending Hart to a 29-18 defeat.

Two Hart drives deep into North Muskegon territory came away with no points, proving to be instrumental in the final outcome.

The Pirates (2-3, 1-2 WMC Rivers) opened the scoring with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Kolton Rockwell to Logan Jorissen. Kole Thomas set

continued from page 10

•

Hart up for the scoring drive by picking off a pass from Bryce Colbert.

However, the Norsemen struck back on their next possession with the first of two touchdown runs by Hunter Wilder.

Hart came back with a very impressive 14-play 89-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by a 38-yard pass from Rockwell to Chase Lorenz. The Pirates capped the drive with a short scoring run from Kyle Greiner early in the second quarter, but Wilder scored again barely two minutes later, and when the Norsemen turned back a 12-play Hart drive with a clutch interception, the Norsemen were ahead 1412 at halftime.

Hart again grabbed the lead in the third quarter with its second passing touchdown of the game; this time Keaghan Monroe found Rockwell for 21 yards. However, the Norsemen again came back with a quick drive of just over two minutes, capped with a 14-yard scoring toss to Beckett Hoppa.

The Pirates went on a 14-play drive in response, getting into the red zone and giving themselves a chance to once again seize the lead. However, North Muskegon came up with a clutch fourth-down stop at the 18-yard line. Cullen Bartos had two big runs on the ensuing possession, including the 37-yard score that was the last of the game.

Abigail Studer rounded out team scoring in eighth place (23:16.3).

The Hesperia boys picked up second place behind Hart thanks to some solid runs by their later scorers. Nate Ruhstorfer led the Panthers in eighth place with a time of 18:41.2, and Andy Lopez-Garcia was 17th with a time of 19:21.7. Hunter Tinkham placed 28th (21:47.3) and Tony Lopez-Garcia was 30th (22:17.7). Kolt Milner closed the scoring in 37th (23:00.1).

Shelby runners finished third as a team in the girls’ race and fourth in the boys’ race. Parker Weirich was the top Tiger individual, picking up sixth place in the boys’ meet with a time of 18:32.6. Brycen Brown finished 15th (19:05.3). Also scoring were Declan Waller (46th, 25:02.5), Emilio Bustos (50th, 26:21.7) and Brandon Mitteer (52nd, 29:35.3).

Kathryn Beyer paced the Tiger girls by placing ninth (23:41.2). Noel Parker wasn’t far behind, in 12th (24:08.9). Ava Lamberg (22nd, 27:09.9), April Luna (26th, 27:54.3) and Michelle Peterson (34th, 30:50.8) also got on the scoreboard for Shelby.

Hesperia had four finishers in the girls’ race, led by Rokhaya Ruhstorfer in 16th (25:08.7). Other finishers were Elyssa Wright (39th, 33:39.8), Danielle Merritt (43rd, 42:37.1) and Alana Javinsky (44th, 43:19.9).

Hesperia quarterback Tucker Bolles looks downfield for a receiver while being pursued by Shelby’s Ethan Viterna during Friday’s WMC Rivers game at Shelby. Viterna had 10 tackles in the Tigers’ 50-7 win.

Amanda Dodge/Echo

Hart’s Logan Dean (left) races upfield with the ball while Cesar Cadena defends for Shelby during Monday’s game at Hart. The Tigers won, 1-0. • Andy Roberts/Echo

At left, Hart’s Alaina Schaner (far left) and Natalie Rosema pursue a pair of Mason County Central runners early in Tuesday’s Shelby jamboree. At right, the Pirates’ Silas Ackley (right) and Hesperia’s Andy Lopez-Garcia race towards the finish line of the boys’ meet. The Pirate teams rolled in the jamboree. • Connie VanDerZanden/Echo

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Whitehall alum receives Voyager Scholarship

Whitehall alum Allison Tate, a current University of Michigan junior, was announced last week as a recipient of the 2025-27 Obama-Chesky Voyager scholarship, which focuses on public service. The award is presented by the Obama Foundation and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky and is in its fourth year of existence.

Tate, who like her dad Brad and brother Brady received the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete award during her high school career, is the only UM student among this year's honoree class. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in public policy with minors in international security, norms and cooperation, and

community action and social change.

"I hope my selection serves as a reminder to young students in rural communities that they, too, can achieve anything they aspire to," Tate said in a release announcing her award. "Over the next two years, I look forward to exploring post-conflict reconstruction policy, transitional justice, and peace conciliation as I prepare for a career in international public service."

The Voyager Scholarship was created by President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Chesky in hopes of encouraging those interested in public service careers to familiarize themselves with new places and experienc-

Whitehall

es to generate more understanding of those from different backgrounds. Recipients receive up to a total of $50,000 in financial aid for their junior and senior years and a $10,000 stipend and Airbnb travel credits to pursue a work-travel experience of their own design the summer after their junior years.

Recipients are also invited to a fall summit and an ongoing speaker series to network and inspire their public service careers.

The 2025-27 recipients include 100 students representing 34 states and territories and 71 colleges and univerities.

celebrates Good Neighbor Day

Whitehall celebrates Good Neighbor Day

The annual Good Neighbor Day dinner took place last Thursday evening on Slocum Street next to the Playhouse at White Lake. Dozens of local residents took part in the event, which fosters community and conversation in commemoration of National Good Neighbor Day. Hanson Hill Waterfront Grill provided meals for the dinner. • Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

Montague honors heroes at Wildcat Salute

Montague High School hosted its annual Wildcat Salute prior to Friday's football game against Ludington. The brainchild of retired former music teacher Jacquie Wood, the event honors veterans, first responders and community heroes. This year's Hometown Hero honor was presented to Arland Cederquist and Wanda Lee Suits (far left), and the game ball was delivered via skydive (near left). There was also a flyover prior to the game. Game coverage is on page 4.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

Chemours lime pile cleanup a pleasant surprise to CEIC

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The announcement at the Sept. 9 White River Township board meeting that Chemours had begun work to clear out a layer of lime product near Mirror Lake was one that pleased the Chemours Environmental Impact Committee. CEIC has worked to spur rehabilitation work at and around the Chemours site for years.

It was also a rather big surprise, as

CEIC was not aware the work was going to be done and had not specifically pushed for it. While the lime product is among the 18 environmental issues CEIC has enumerated as ones it feels should be addressed, it had not focused on that particular one in any recent correspondence with Chemours.

"There's no through-line," said CEIC member Marisa McGlue. "We don't have any agreement. We talked about asking why, and we didn't, mostly because we were just glad it was happen-

ing. In a way, it almost didn't matter to us why it was happening, though we're interested to know why."

CEIC in fact was not even aware the work was going to take place until Chemours submitted a permit application to the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) in March to begin the process, McGlue added.

Chemours has not addressed any specifics as to why this move is taking place at this time. The company's global

communications leader Heather Connors confirmed to the Mirror via email that the work has begun, but did not include a reference to what motivated the company to take that action.

"This is in addition to work being done under the 2024 Corrective Action Consent Order entered into with EGLE," Connors said.

Additionally, Chemours remedia-

"This is in addition to work being done under the 2024 Corrective Action Consent Order entered into with EGLE," Connors said.

Additionally, Chemours remedia-

Lime pile continued on page 2

pile

Lime pile continued on page 2

Allison Tate

Lakeside Solar application for facility now public

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The Lakeside Solar energy facility project will be the subject of a public hearing Oct. 21 at NBC Middle School in Montague, where the White River Township planning commission will solicit feedback regarding the project.

Residents have provided feedback at township board meetings since the 2022 announcement of the project, with most residents speaking in opposition to the facility, though some have also spoken in favor. Those in favor have generally focused on the need to provide renewable energy in the face of climate change as well as on the rights of the landowners who signed lease agreements with Lakeside Solar, while those against have shared, among other concerns, worries about preserving local farmland and the pastoral charm of the township.

The company, a subsidiary of Geronimo Power, has submitted its application for a special use permit to the township and recently posted that application to its project website. The application calls for 1,575 acres of land to

be used, utilizing 44 parcels, for which the company has entered into lease agreements with the parcels' owners (it said it has a purchase option on one of the parcels). Those agreements were originally executed in 2019 and, according to the application, were renewed earlier this year. The application noted the project's anticipated life cycle could be as many as 35 years before decommissioning of equipment.

The company also said it's been in contact with the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners since 2024 to provide updates, as well as being in contact with several local entities, such as the Montague school district, Montague FFA, the Chemours Environmental Impact Committee and the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce.

The boundaries of the project extend as far south as Old Channel Trail Golf Course and as far north as Meinert Park Road. Lamos Road, which is the dividing line between White River and Montague townships, is the easternmost boundary of the project.

Lakeside Solar said it anticipates acquiring all other necessary permits for the project by the third quarter of 2027

- the application said it has met with the Muskegon County drain, water and road commissions to determine which permits are necessary and that it anticipates needing permits from the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) - and all necessary equipment by the fourth quarter. Construction would begin late in 2027 with operations scheduled to begin by late 2029.

As it has previously, the company stated in the application that it could not consider the township's renewable energy district, enacted last fall and placed mostly on Chemours land, due to several factors. Among the reasons enumerated in the application are that insurance costs for the area would be prohibitively high due to the environmental history of the area, that 200 acres of trees would need to be cleared out to permit construction, that the 20 megawatts a project could generate on that land would not make such a project viable, and that the corrective measures currently being undertaken in the area do not allow the soil evaluation methods that would be necessary for construction.

The company claimed in its application, citing multiple studies, that property values are not adversely affected by the presence of nearby solar panels. Several township residents have stated at board meetings since the project was first announced that they believe their property values will decrease due to the project.

Lakeside Solar said in the application that the design of the facility minimizes the amount of disturbance necessary to trees in the area and that, per the township's ordinance, where necessary, a "visual landscape buffer" of trees and shrubs will be used to screen the project from homes.

The application lists several ways in which the project will aim not to disturb the "prime farmland" on which the facility will operate, including maintaining the existing topography as much as possible and not using permanent mounts for the solar panels.

The full application is available for viewing at https://geronimopower. com/in-development/lakeside-solar-project.

Giving Tree season set to begin, donations being accepted

The White Lake Giving Tree season is beginning. This community-wide outreach program provides food and gifts to families in need for Christmas that live in the Montague and Whitehall school districts. Over 315 families re-

Lime pile

tion project director for the Montague site Sathya Yalvigi did not return an email seeking comment on the work being done.

McGlue said once CEIC became aware of the permit application, it organized supporters online to attend the public hearing, which took place May 27. CEIC also learned the Muskegon Conservation District was involved "and had a robust plan for testing" the area where the lime product is.

The work does not, McGlue said, have anything to do with the Lakeside Solar project, for which the company recently submitted an application to White River Township. Mirror Lake was not part of the renewable energy district the township created by ordinance in 2024, and in any case the company released a statement this summer ex-

ceived assistance last year. Each family receives perishable and nonperishable food boxes, as well as each child (newborn to 18) receiving a clothing gift and a toy or personal gift.

Numerous local businesses, church-

es, area schools, nonprofits, and individuals have been instrumental with assistance in years past. Ways to help include adopting a family, or through the donation of food and gifts. This year’s distribution day is Saturday, Dec. 13. Many volunteers are needed to make deliveries to the recipient families.

Monetary donations are now being accepted. If you are interested in donating, adopting a family, volunteering, or in need of an application, please contact Steve Lohman at 231-855-1617. All applications need to be submitted by Nov. 1.

plaining why it believes the renewable energy ordinance is not compatible with its project. The land is not near enough to any part of the proposed solar facility that the lime product would have affected operations.

McGlue said she suspects that the cleanup is "low-hanging fruit" for Chemours, a project that can be completed without much fuss or financial overextension, but without direct comment from the company, the motivation for the work can't be known for sure.

"When we heard (that MCD) had a robust plan for monitoring and native planting (at the site), we were pleased," McGlue said. "They said they wanted to start sooner than later, and they have started already. They've started the dredging."

Saturday, Oct. 4

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

Join the voting group for the Manhattan Short Film Festival @ The Playhouse at White Lake, 12 p.m. View and vote for the finalists. Free tickets avaialble at Playhouse website, theplayhouseatwhitelake.org. Refreshments available for purchase.

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.

Medicine Men perform @ Red Rooster Tavern, 8 p.m.

Community Calendar

Monday, Oct. 6

Family Storytime @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Open to kids of all ages and their caregivers.

Join the first meeting of a group dedicated to knitting and crocheting at 5:30 p.m. @ White Lake Community Library. Those who come will spend this first meeting deciding on a time and day to meet and the purpose of the group. Registration appreciated at wlclib.org/calendar.

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

Tuesday, Oct. 7

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, Oct. 8

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

Montague Fire District fire prevention open house, 6-8 p.m. Free cider and donuts, fire truck rides, and a chance to spray the fire hose.

Carved pumpkin open studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 6-8 p.m. Get tips from artist Chris Rogers on creating a unique pumpkin. Free event, but register @ artswhitelake.org to ensure pumpkin availability.

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

Thursday, Oct. 9

1-2-3

Play with Me @ White Lake Community Library, 5 p.m. Designed for caregivers and children, the program includes an early childhood specialist to answer parenting questions. Registration required @ wlclib. org.

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

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

Friday, Oct. 10

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: The Fair Affairs (part 3)

By Tom Eitniear Volunteer Contributor

Parts 1 and 2 of this story ran in the Sept. 19 and Sept. 26 issues of the White Lake Mirror.

The fairgrounds served a dual purpose as a racetrack for the Montague Driving Association. This association was made up of some of the same individuals involved with the WLWOAS and focused on attracting people who had an interest in horse racing. The first races held by the Montague Driving Association occurred July 2-4, 1885, and were considered successful, but once completed the focus of the board members shifted to preparation for the upcoming fair.

The board members of both the WLWOAS and the Montague Driving Association were encouraged by the success of the July races and the fair attendance in 1885 but were noticing ominous signs in 1886 when the July races experienced less than expected attendance even with fine weather during the events. The fair, which took place Sept. 27-30, 1886, experienced

poor participation and attendance, and the receipts fell far short of covering the expenses.

The Hart vs. Montague baseball game was part of the fair entertainment but failed to come to fruition as the Hart team leveled accusations that Montague imported men to play on their team.

The game started after the accusation was addressed but lasted only to the third inning when the Hart pitcher engaged in a squabble with the umpire, which led to a breakup of the game and disgusted spectators. The Hart team was outperforming Montague and most likely would have won the game and the premium if they had continued.

The challenges faced by the fair and the horse races were indicative of the economic and social environment of the White Lake area. The halcyon days of the lumber era were a distant memory for nearly everyone as the lumber resources had been exhausted. Lumber mills were shut down permanently and many people faced tough

decisions brought on by the need to survive. This condition was not conducive to volunteer activity and led to greater responsibility and workload to those individuals who were helping to bring the fair and horse races to fruition.

A common problem for associations or societies is sustained participation by volunteers. When an insufficient number of volunteers is experienced, the association or society inevitably dissolves. This was the case

for the WLWOAS as it sought assistance from the population but was unsuccessful. The final fair held by the WLWOAS Sept. 24-27, 1889 experienced frigid weather which led to receipts being less than expenditures. The Oct. 16, 1890, issue of the Montague Observer summed up the fate of the WLWOAS:

“Hart had a good fair. Fremont had a good fair. Big Rapids had a good fair. Montague might have had a good fair had the people been alive to their best interests.”

The little free costume library is back

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

How We Got Here - Part 2

DeMumbrum

This October, the library is turning up the fun with a Little Free Costume Library! Looking for a great trick-ortreat costume? Clearing out your outgrown costumes? Swing by the library to browse - or add to - a delightful collection of gently used costumes for all ages, all free to borrow or swap. It's a festive way to celebrate creativity, community, and a little bit of dressup magic!

FUN FACT: The first Little Free Library was built by Todd Bol in 2009. Since then the idea has spread globally and spawned numerous variations, including Sled Libraries, Kindness Rocks Libraries, Yarn Libraries, and even Little Free Art Galleries and Hot Wheels Libraries.

After a long history of library service in Whitehall dating back to the1880s, an important decision had to be made in 1940. The Village of Whitehall (it didn’t become a city until 1943) was forced to choose between accepting state funding for the library or keeping their trusted librarian, Lavina Landberg. In a move that continues to reverberate today, the village council voted to keep Lavina and maintain local control of the library.

The Village of Whitehall and Whitehall Township quickly worked out a deal to jointly fund library operations for a few years. When the village became a city in 1943, the city’s budget included operating funds for the library and the first library board was formed. The library managed nicely for the next several decades despite not having a truly suitable space to house the collection. It earned state certification in 1953, and by 1959 the collection had grown from 500 books to more than 8,000.

By the 1980s the library was housed in a small wing of City Hall. Bette Carl-

son was the director, and she had two part-time staff members - Pam Osborn, who still works at the library, and Kathy Nielsen, who retired in 2005. In 1984, Bette began to offer children’s programs at the library, and her wildly successful story hours were a driving force in the crisis that came to a head in 1996. Tune in next week to find out what happened when the city voted to defund the library!

Read the Great Lakes

Explore the stories, voices, and landscapes of the Great Lakes this fall, one book at a time! Join our Read the Great Lakes reading challenge and chart your literary course by reading books set on, near, or about each of the five Great Lakes.

Pick up the program brochure at the library, or download it from our website at wlclib.org, and start exploring! Each book you complete earns you a chance to win a Great Lakes-themed prize pack made possible through the Friends of the White Lake Community Library. Need book ideas? The brochure has you covered! You are invited to log your reading on the Beanstack

app or right in the brochure, whichever you prefer.

This fall, our reading challenge celebrates the Big Read Lakeshore’s selection of the novel I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger—a lyrical post-collapse odyssey set on the shores of a transformed Lake Superior. Looking ahead, you won’t want to miss hearing Leif Enger in person at MCC's Overbrook Theater Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. The acclaimed author of Peace Like a River and I Cheerfully Refuse will discuss his novels and his lifelong connection to the Great Lakes at this free event. Learn more at wlclib. org/calendar.

Circa 1885 – The grandstand at the fairgrounds located near Whitbeck and Wilcox roads in Montague. • Courtesy Photo

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community

Wildcats hold off Vikings for rivalry win

Pink-Out match raises money, awareness for Hope Scarves

By Andy Roberts

Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Neither Whitehall nor Montague has had the regular season they hoped for so far, but Tuesday's Pink-Out rivalry contest between the teams delivered the drama, as it so often does. Ultimately the Wildcats staved off a late surge from Whitehall and earned the win, 25-14, 25-17, 19-25, 25-20.

The match featured special uniforms for the Vikings, who hosted several activities to raise money for Hope Scarves during the night.

It appeared for some time that Whitehall (3-20, 0-3 West Michigan Conference Lakes) would push the contest to a decisive fifth game when it took a commanding 9-4 lead early in the fourth, this on the heels of an impressive game three win. However, the Wildcats called timeout and collected themselves, putting the mental skills coach Gretchen Schneider has emphasized all year into action.

Reagan Cederquist lines up an attack against Whitehall defender Lou Mulder during Tuesday's match at Whitehall. Montague won, 3-1.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

"We set our minds to it, is really what it was," Schneider said. "We did a mental reset in our timeout and came back, and they actually did it. That was pretty exciting, to see the stuff that you're working on, even the non-volleyball skills - the skills of teaming up with each other, that positivity along with the mental strengthening we've been doing. I think it all really played a part tonight."

Ella Evans helped boost the 'Cats into the lead with a lengthy serving run, and Montague forced a Whitehall timeout by extending that lead to 22-15 - an 18-6 scoring run. Whitehall made another push late in game four, but Montague held it off and secured the win.

The win meant a lot for Montague (6-14-1, 2-1 WMC Lakes), not just in the league standings, where the Wildcats are still hoping to stay in the race for the top spot, but for the rivalry. The seniors will graduate having beaten Whitehall in all four of their regular-season conference meetings.

"It's been a huge thing for us all four years, so just being able to do it the last time together, just as a team having fun, it's a really good experience," senior libero Gentry Knop said.

Knop has been among the statistical leaders in several categories in many matches this season, and rang up a team-best 36 digs again Tuesday.

"She's our senior libero, and she's all over the court," Schneider said of Knop. "There's only one rotation where she doesn't come on to the court. She's constantly talking to everybody out there."

The Vikings largely dominated game three, moving into the lead 14-7 early on with a serving run by Clare Westerlund. Montague stormed back to get within a point, 18-17, but Whitehall responded again with its best volleyball of the night. One key point saw Delaney Kramer run all the way into the bench area to keep a ball in play, which result-

ed in a Viking kill.

"Lots of great plays from my players," Whitehall coach Claire McGrew said. "They took a bit to get their bearings, but once they found that spot they took it and ran with it. I’m very proud of them regardless of the outcome."

It was all Montague in game one, as the Wildcats grabbed control and never let go. Game two started out in Whitehall's favor with a 7-4 lead, but an 11-point serving run by Abrielle Tallquist sent the 'Cats into the lead for good.

Montague's struggles in game three

Ludington stonewalls Wildcats in shutout

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Montague's offensive strategy Friday night against Ludington wasn't much different than the one it employed the previous week against rival Whitehall - hold onto the ball and keep an explosive opponent's offense off the field.

The strategy nearly worked against Whitehall in a close loss. It was less successful Friday because the Wildcats were unable to hold onto the ball, turning it over six times in a 49-0 defeat to the Orioles. The last time Montague was shut out was two years ago against Whitehall.

Montague (1-4, 1-3 West Michigan Conference Lakes) had turnovers on the final three of its four first-half possessions (although the last one, an interception in the end zone on the final play of the half, was no different than an incompletion given the circumstances). Its first possession was largely successful, as the 'Cats moved the ball into Ludington territory, but Kian Peters had to jump on a fumble for lost yardage to save possession, which led to the drive stalling out.

Montague was in position to get a third-down stop on the ensuing Oriole possession, but Oriole quarterback

Montague's Kian Peters (24) meets Ludington quarterback Cameron Gunsell near the goal line during Friday's game at Montague. Peters got the stop on this play, but Gunsell ran and passed for two touchdowns each in a 49-0 win over the Wildcats. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Cameron Gunsell escaped defensive pressure and found junior speedster Taj Williams for a 64-yard gain on third down. Williams then scored on a jet sweep pass the next play.

Gunsell would make several plays like that the rest of the game - he was responsible for four scores running or passing - but Montague coach Phil Koops was just as impressed with the offensive line protecting Gunsell and making a lot of those plays possible.

"I want to credit those guys," Koops said. "They pass protect and they run block, and they do a good job up front. It's not just backyard football with some really fast, talented kids running around. They do some unique things on offense and some good things that really play to (Gunsell's) talents."

Williams is just one of several Ludington skill players that presented new challenges to Montague. Orioles' freshman Mikey Himes displayed great speed and instincts throughout the game as well, including that end-of-half

pick, which came after the ball deflected off two other players. Brother Messiah Himes had a pick-six for Ludington in the final minutes.

"You just get stretched so thin as a defense," Koops said of trying to slow down Ludington. "You've got to fit their run scheme and then you've got to fit things in a way that you've got to have an extra free player there to make the tackle, because the first guy is proba-

Montague's Emalee McGee tries to get to the ball before Whitehall's Rachel Szot (9) and Braelee Fogus can do so during Tuesday's match at Whitehall. The Wildcats won, 3-1.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague's Eli Petersen is unable to find any more room as a host of Ludington defenders converge on him during Friday's WMC Lakes game at Montague. The Wildcats lost, 49-0. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

White

Montague's

Vikings take 2nd at conference tourney

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Whitehall enjoyed a solid performance while hosting Wednesday's Coastal Conference meet, earning second place behind Ludington.

The Vikings won 13 matches on the day and put six of their eight flights into the conference finals match. Two doubles pairs emerged as league championstop doubles pair Ian Sampson/Evan Thomas and No. 3 doubles pair Cameron Cook/Elijah Roberge. Sampson/Thomas dominated throughout the day, winning all three of their matches in straight sets. Cook/Roberge only had to take the court twice, though their finals match might have felt like two matches; the Viking duo won a very close first set against Oriole foes Landon Killips/Tyler Albrecht and then bounced back from a lopsided loss in the second set to win by third-set tiebreaker, 7-6(4), 1-6, 10-6.

Four other Viking flights finished second in the conference. No. 2 singles' Evan Schuitema went 2-1

with a pair of 6-0, 6-0 victories, and No. 3 singles' Wyatt Burger did the same. Adam Sikkenga/Remington Whelpley also went 2-1 at No. 2 doubles and won both their matches in straight sets. No. 4 doubles Lukas McKee/Jonathan Roberge went 1-1 on the day.

No. 4 singles player Scout Freiheit also scored one victory at the tournament.

Whitehall plays complete game, blanks Manistee for 4th straight win

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall played perhaps its most complete game of the season Friday night, dispatching Manistee 46-0 for its fourth straight victory.

The Vikings' defense might have had the most to be proud of, holding a tricky wing-T Mariners' attack to just 115 total yards, including 2-for-17 on third down conversions.

"Any time you get a shutout, I think, is huge for your defense's confidence, especially for the second half of the year," Whitehall coach Tony Sigmon said. "I thought our defense played really well, and we got a turnover with a score with Colten Kyser getting a pick-six right before halftime."

Kyser's touchdown extended Whitehall's big early lead to 26-0, effectively sealing the win.

Sigmon attributed the Vikings' success on defense in part to their schedule. Whitehall's recent week one battles with Unity Christian,

which runs a wing-T attack, have helped prepare it to face Manistee's similar offense.

Corde Anderson was everywhere for the Viking defense, with seven solo tackles and 11 takedowns in all, two of them for a loss.

Kolten Weiler also had a pair of tackles for loss.

Manistee's best drive was its first, which bled nearly half the first quarter's clock before Whitehall came up with a fourth-down stop at the Whitehall 3-yard line.

The Whitehall (4-1, 3-0 West Michigan Conference Lakes) offense got things going quickly when Cole Essebaggers hit Anderson for a 74-yard touchdown on his team's third offensive play of the game - on a third-and-22 to boot.

As effective as the Vikes were early on, Sigmon said he felt the team had "things to clean up" for the second half, and was impressed with the players for doing so. Whitehall had three efficient, methodical touchdown drives in the second half, including a few

good throws by Essebaggers in the middle of the field, a point of emphasis for the coaches.

"That will be a big help to us moving forward," Sigmon said. "We had some 15, 20-yard chunk plays in our pass game. It's one thing to set them up, but it's another to convert them.

"It was great to see Judd Musk make a nice catch, and Hunter (Osborne) made a couple big plays in the run and the pass game. And we had a big play on the first drive with Corde. I like being able to get more guys involved. The more guys we can feature, it makes us a more dynamic offense."

Essebaggers led the running game with 94 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to 111 passing yards and a score. Liam Leeke added 65 yards. The Vikings had a lot of success up front, typical of their victorious performances.

"Our offensive line did a really nice job winning the line of scrimmage, which was critical tonight," Sigmon said.

Rockets rip off 37 straight points in league win at Union

Reeths-Puffer rolled past Union 37-9 Friday night, earning its second victory in three games.

Whitehall players Ian Sampson

and Jonathan Roberge stretch out to make a play on the ball during their respective doubles matches in Wednesday's Coastal Conference tournament. Six Viking flights made the finals, helping the team finish in 2nd place.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Sports in Brief

Soccer

Caledonia 3 Reeths-Puffer 1

Despite getting 10 corner kicks, the Rockets were unable to score enough goals against a strong league foe. Owen Ritsema had R-P's goal.

Reeths-Puffer 6 Grandville 0

Liam Copenhaver recorded his 11th shutout of the season, breaking R-P's single-season record. Owen Ritsema had 2 goals and an assist, and Cohen Beck had a goal and an assist. London Carpenter made 3 assists.

W.M. Aviation 2 Whitehall 1

Statistics were not reported from the Vikings' tough loss to the Aviators.

Ravenna 1 Montague 0

The host Bulldogs scored the only goal of the game in the first half, sending the Wildcats to their 6th straight defeat.

Fremont 3 Whitehall 0

Whitehall was unable to pull an upset against Fremont, which through Monday boasted an 8-0-1 record in WMC competition.

Reeths-Puffer 4 Mona Shores 1

Cohen Beck led the Rockets with 2 goals as they retained the Causeway Cup rivalry trophy. Owen Ritsema and Carson McCollum each scored a goal as well in the R-P win.

Volleyball

Montague 0-2 at Spring Lake Double Dual The Wildcats lost 3-game sweeps to Coopersville and to Spring Lake. Gentry Knop had a strong night with 38 digs and 5 aces. Emalee McGee had 29 assists and Reagan Cederquist posted 11 kills.

Caledonia 3 Reeths-Puffer 0

R-P had some passing issues against a very good Fighting Scots team, though libero Carlee Bowen earned a 2.54 passer rating (measured from 0-3). She also had 14 digs. Kate Tindall notched 13 assists.

North Muskegon 3 Whitehall 1

The Vikings won game 1 against the WMC Rivers favorite Norse before falling short in a 23-25, 25-15, 25-13, 25-14 matchup. Statistics were not reported from the match.

The Rockets (2-3, 1-1 O-K Green Conference) trailed 6-0 before tying the game late in the first quarter. That sparked a 37-0 scoring run that saw R-P take complete control of the game in the second and third frames.

down - and Cal Millis had 108 yards and a pair of scores.

R-P's running game was a huge factor in the win, as Cole Piper and Cal Millis each ran for over 100 yards. Piper ran for 140 yards and a touchdown on only 13 carries - he also had a punt return for a touch-

Montague football

bly not going to get them on the ground."

Montague was also dealing with injuries. Explosive receiver Cole Moss was out for the game, as were, Koops said, three starting offensive linemen.

"We had hurt kids all over the place tonight," Koops said. "We had musical chairs up front on the offensive line...those make for hard nights."

Even the one bright spot for Montague, an interception by Dane Roesler on Ludington's first

third-quarter possession, worked out poorly for the Wildcats, because when Roesler landed from making the catch, he was at his own two-yard line. The Wildcats got one first down on the ensuing drive, but had to punt, and Ludington went down the field for a touchdown that made the score 28-0.

Three of Montague's six turnovers were fumbles, and two of those were on botched read option exchanges (as was the fumble Peters jumped on early in the game).

As much as the Wildcats would

Braylon Swain was efficient through the air, completing 14of-21 passes for 126 yards. Hunter Adams led the Rocket defense with eight tackles.

continued from page 4

prefer the tweaks made to the playbook overnight would seamlessly take, these things take time - and more so when injuries force changes to the personnel.

"It's part of the growing pains of trying to run some option offense," Koops said. "We threw some interceptions that were bad. You just don't want to put handcuffs on the kids and not call certain plays. You can't do that. You've got to run your offense and do what you do."

Golf

Montague 3rd, Whitehall 6th at Ludington Invite Montague enjoyed a strong performance against a field of larger schools. Cadence Fox led the 'Cats, shooting an 84 to score a 4th-place tie individually. Marguerite O'Connell shot a 93. For Whitehall, Riley Shafer shot an 85 and Morgan Garcia had a 95.

Reeths-Puffer 4th at Jenison Jamboree

Sophia McCollum and Olivia Ambler tied for the Rockets' team lead in scoring, each posting a 39 to tie for second place. It was Ambler's career best score for 9 holes, and she made 2 birdies in the round. Whitehall 2nd in regional preview

Whitehall ventured to Water's Edge, where next week's regionals will take place, and finished 2nd of 5 schoosl. Kelsie McClure paced the Vikings with an 89 to finish 3rd overall, and Riley Shafer shot a 90.

Tennis

Big Rapids 6 Whitehall 2

Evan Schuitema and Wyatt Burger won their matches in straight sets at No. 2 and No. 3 singles respectively.

Reeths-Puffer 4 North Muskegon 4

The Rockets won all 4 singles matches against the Norsemen. Ethan Frang, Cory Judd and Roman Ponce each picked up straight-set wins at Nos. 1, 2 and 4 singles respectively, while Jackson Baldus fought off Emery Price in a 2-6, 6-2, 10-8 win at No.

Whitehall 0-3 at Spring Lake Quad

Whitehall lost in 3-game sweeps to Spring Lake and Plainwell, then played a much tougher match against Ludington before dropping a 2522, 19-25, 25-18, 25-11 decision. Statistics were not reported.

North Muskegon 8 Montague 2 The WMC unbeaten Norsemen scored early and often, outpacing the Wildcats to spoil the team's senior night. Whitehall 7 Ravenna 0 Whitehall celebrated senior night with a dominant victory. The Vikings improved their league record to 7-2-1, tied for 3rd in the conference.

R-P players star at Gull Lake Invite

Sophia McCollum earned medalist honors with a 75 at the meet, which took place at the Bedford Valley course that will host the Division 2 state finals. Olivia Ambler

(left)

Whitehall boys win again at Montague jamboree

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — The Whitehall boys' team continued its excellent start to the West Michigan Conference Lakes season Tuesday by earning first place in the Montague jamboree, outdistancing Fremont 3649.

Junior Bobby Jazwinski, of course, dominated again for the Vikings, winning the race by over a minute and posting a time of 16:14.1. Hunter Parsons and Rex Pumford, though, boosted Whitehall even further by each moving up a spot in the standings from last week.

Parsons placed third with a time of 17:19.6, edging out Oakridge's Bryce Falbe at the line, and Pumford was sixth in a time of 17:27.5, coming in less than a half-second behind Fremont's Isaac Romero.

Parsons said he would love to see Jazwinski, himself and Pumford earn the top three spots before the conference season is over.

"I love my team so much," Parsons said. "I want to go 1-2-3 at some point in all these races, and I think that day might come."

Prior to Jazwinski's transferring in, Parsons had been lined up to be the Vikes' top runner this year, but he's enjoyed holding down the No. 2 position and has been impressed with the now school-record holder going back to middle school.

"He's had a lot of training ever since middle school," Parsons said of Jazwinski. "I think the first time he got in the 17(-minute) range was in seventh grade or something. He was impressive. His family

has (had) a long time of athletic success, so it's not surprising with all the conditioning he's gone through that he's as good as he is."

Parsons said Montague's is one of his favorite courses, especially the woods area, and with warm, dry temperatures, the ground was nearly ideal for running. He kept pace with Gabe Grierson of Ludington, the second-place runner, until the final mile and still ended up just over a second behind him.

"Pretty much right off the bat, I felt like challenging," Parsons said. "The whole time, I felt like I was really pressing, especially on that back section, which is all downhill."

The Vikings' final two scorers were Justin Jensen, who was 13th (18:35.3), and Ian Dennis in 15th (18:49.4). With a bona fide top runner leading the way and a consistent corps of good scorers providing support, the team is hopeful of potentially earning a spot at the state meet this year.

"It's very possible," Parsons said. "Last year, we were one place, team-wise, behind qualifying for state, behind Fremont. This year, we've been doing a bit better than Fremont, and it's probable that we'll get them at the regional. Whether it'll be enough for state, I don't know. As long as we keep putting in the work for the rest of the season, we'll probably get it."

Montague's boys finished in fourth place, led by a pair of top-10 finishers. Gibson Smith placed ninth in a time of 18:16.9, and Nolan Kessler was 10th in 18:25.8. Brock Hunter added a 23rd-place finish (19:17.1), and Matthew Leatherman was 27th (19:58.2). Wesley Mair rounded out the scoring in 31st (20:43.8).

Whitehall finished fourth in the girls' race, with

Jazwinski breaks own school record

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall's Bobby Jazwinski made some more Viking history Saturday at the Allendale Invitational, breaking his own school record for a 5K time by crossing the finish line in 15:10.1.

Jazwinski surpassed his previous mark, set at the season-opening Grand Rapids South Christian Under the Lights Invitational, by five seconds.

The Vikings finished sixth in the small-school Falcon division of the boys' race but were only nine points behind thirdplace West Michigan Aviation, with several runners submitting terrific races.

Hunter Parsons placed 13th for Whitehall with a time of 17:04.7, a season best, and Ian Dennis ran a personal best time of 18:07.7, taking 34th. Justin Jensen was 45th in a time of 18:39.0, and Scout Freiheit set a personal best time of 18:42.7 to close out the scoring in 47th.

All three local teams competed at the Allendale meet; Montague placed eighth in the small-school division, with Nolan Kessler leading the team. Kessler placed 14th in a time of 17:14.1. Gibson Smith took 27th and shattered his personal best time by nearly 50 seconds, finishing in 17:45.98.

Montague in sixth. The Vikes' Reese Hesse was the top local finisher, just missing the top 10 in 11th place (23:20.8). The next three Whitehall runners finished consecutively; Ella Nicholson (26:25.8), Kassidy Parmley (26:31.4) and Ryanne Ellsworth (26:35.8) occupied the 22nd through 24th positions. Kassie Sapp was 29th (27:34.2).

Montague's top finisher was Erica Hansen, in 25th place (26:52.6). Also scoring for the 'Cats were Carmen Howard (32nd, 28:33.5), Carlee Gillis (34th, 29:29.1), Peyton Sweet (43rd, 32:52.1) and Willa Van Loon (50th, 37:56.0).

Whitehall takes 2nd, Rockets 3rd at GMAA

Whitehall had a very strong performance in Saturday's GMAA tournament, finishing a close second to Mona Shores. Reeths-Puffer, which won the 2024 GMAA, tied for third place with North Muskegon.

The Vikings won three flight championships in the tournament, including one from top doubles pair Ian Sampson/Evan Thomas. Sampson/Thomas dominated the competition to earn three straight-set victories.

Also atop the leaderboard was No. 3 singles player Wyatt Burger. The standout freshman had to go the maximum three sets in two of his matches to get the job done Saturday, but he was able to do it, edging North Muskegon's Emery Price 6-1, 4-6, 10-2 and defeating Mona Shores' Jackson Hurley 3-6, 6-1, 10-4.

score of 6-4, 6-7(5), 10-4.

At No. 4 doubles, Lukas McKee/Jonathan Roberge finished in second place, winning once by default and a second time in straight sets.

Whitehall also had a pair of thirdplace finishers. No. 2 singles player Evan Schuitema went 2-1, as did No. 2 doubles pair Adam Sikkenga/Remington Whelpley. Both of Sikkenga/Whelpley's wins came in straight sets.

On the Rockets' side, top singles players Ethan Frang and Cory Judd continued their season-long leadership of the team by each taking second place in their flights.

Frang easily won two matches in straight sets, and Judd also picked up a couple of straight-set wins.

Wesley Mair and Brock Hunter both set personal best times of 18:34.0 and 18:35.2 respectively, taking 42nd and 43rd place. Matthew Leatherman set a season best time of 18:39.5, finishing 46th.

The Reeths-Puffer boys finished 16th in the large-school Scarlet division, paced by Dylan Sturr in 85th place (19:04.5). Other scorers were Gabriel Luna (96th, a personal best 19:42.5), Kyron Novak (101st, 20:21.2), Jonathan Visscher (105th, a personal best 22:09.8) and Zayden Kingman (106th, 22:31.3).

Montague finished ninth in the Falcon division, with Erica Hansen leading the team in 26th place (23:19.0). Carmen Howard was 34th (24:27.2) and Carlee Gillis finished 55th (27:49.4). Willa Van Loon (61st, 29:51.2) and Arianna Mueller (64th, 32:19.5) also scored. Howard, Gillis and Van Loon all set personal best times.

Whitehall could not score as a team, but two of its three finishers - Reese Hesse and Kassie Sapp - set season best times. Hesse finished 25th (23:12.4), Kassidy Parmley was 47th (26:08.3) and Sapp was 54th (27:45.97).

In the girls' race, R-P was 14th in the Scarlet division. Jersi Bilek led the Rockets in 33rd place (20:12.0). Darcy Keefe finished 69th (21:53.8), and Charli Belinger finished 87th (23:31.8). Sidney Shackelford (95h, 26:52.2) and Olivia Yonkman (96th, 27:36.95) also scored for R-P. Yonkman's time was a personal best, and Keefe and Shackelford set season bests.

No. 3 doubles pair Cameron Cook/ Elijah Roberge made it three Viking flight winners at the meet. After two straight-set wins to start things off, Cook/Roberge got into a tight battle with Mona Shores' Miles O'Brien/Caleb McCumber, eking out a close win by a

R-P's other two singles players, Jackson Baldus and Roman Ponce, earned third place. Baldus benefited from Western Michigan Christian's Reed VanStraat being forced to retire from their match after Baldus had dropped the first set, but he also won a straightset match. Ponce got both his wins in straight sets.

Rivalry match

and early in game four were emblematic, Schneider said, of the "roller coaster" the team has been on much of the year.

"When we came out in set three, we had gone down the other side of the roller coaster," Schneider chuckled. "It took a lot to get them mentally back into the game in game four. We struggled at the beginning of game four, but eventually we got there."

The Wildcats' next conference matchup will be next Tuesday at Ludington, a match that will hold extra significance. Not only is Ludington still unbeaten in the conference, but Orioles' first-year coach Alex Hoffman was previously part of the Montague program.

"It's going to be fun," Schneider said.

continued from page 4

"It's going to be our Pink-Out game. It's going to be a lot of excitement. I think if we can take this momentum, that is one of our team goals this year is to take conference."

Whitehall coach Jeff Bassett (left) celebrates with Hunter Parsons (center) and Bobby Jazwinski after the Vikings' performance at Saturday's Allendale Invitational. Jazwinski broke his own school record in the race, and Whitehall finished sixth. • Courtesy Photo

Whitehall's Bobby Jazwinski (in front) leads the pack early in Tuesday's Montague Jamboree. Behind him are teammates Hunter Parsons (168) and Rex Pumford. The trio each placed in the top six, leading Whitehall to victory in the boys' race. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague's Ella Evans (12) and Hallie VanTuyl leap to block an attack by Whitehall's Lou Mulder during Tuesday's match. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

William “Billy” Bailey Leeke, born May 4th, 1969, died on Sept. 19, 2025, leaving his two beautiful sons, Liam John and Thomas Farley Leeke. He left them with the knowledge that he loved them deeply, and they are a family of resilience and strength.

Billy was the only child of Mariam Bailey Leeke, deceased in September 2023, and Lyle Leonard Leeke, deceased in April 1990. Billy graduated from high school as a Montague Wildcat, competing in golf, playing the trombone and with academic honors. He attended Northwestern University, where he graduated with academic honors and was a fraternity brother.

At 19 years old, Billy lost his father. The impact was devastating, so he took a year off college and worked in Florida, expanding his knowledge of golf course maintenance and mourned his loss. Billy went to Russia after graduation, where he had the opportunity to assist Eastern Europe with computer science infrastructure. He then worked in the IT department for the largest hospital system in Chicago. While in Chicago, he met his first wife, Heather. The two returned to Montage to help manage the family golf course, Old Channel Trail Golf Course, after his mother, Meriam, was diagnosed with breast

cancer. He returned to Chicago after his divorce from Heather and his mother’s recovery, where he met Maggie, the mother of his sons. Billy has also worked in the technology departments for Johnson & Johnson and Apple.

Billy was a very skilled golfer, a technology genius, had a pilot's license, a love for music and a passion for good food. His sons will remember throwing a football across the valley at Old Channel Trail Golf Course, their dad teaching them the game of golf, bike rides and adventurous hikes down to remote areas of Lake Michigan, barbecuing in the snow in the backyard, swimming in the pool at their apartment in the Pink Palace in Chicago, the “Star Wars” soundtrack hummed as he took them to bed and naps with the best cuddles possible.

Liam and Tommy appreciate the love and comfort that they have received from their extended family, coaches, teammates and friends. Liam and Tommy feel truly blessed by the White Lake Community.

A celebration of life will be held at the VFW Post 3256 (9370 Walsh Rd, Montague, MI 49437) Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 from 1-4 p.m.

Puppy Pals live show coming to the Playhouse at White Lake

Puppy Pals Live, the action-packed comedic stunt dog show, is coming to The Playhouse at White Lake Friday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. The popular show has previously appeared on America's Got Talent.

up for 29th annual event Oct. 11

Kick your fall celebrations into high gear Saturday, Oct. 11 with the 29th annual White Lake Area Pumpkinfest. Downtown Montague will again be the site for the festival filled with pumpkins, contests, local shopping and family fun.

Included in this year's celebrations will be various pumpkin-related contests, including a biggest pumpkin weigh-in contest, a carved pumpkin contest, a seed-spitting contest, a best pumpkin pie contest, a pet costume contest and more.

One of the event's biggest highlights each year returns with the Pumpkin Roll down the Dowling Street Hill, which begins at 11 a.m. Pumpkins will

be available for purchase for $4.

Don't forget to participate in the free hay rides, arts and crafts, kids' activities and more. There will also be pony rides available for $5.

The Montague Artisan and Farmer's Markets will be open providing their usual array of handmade goods, produce, baked treats and more.

Food vendors will also be on site with a variety of delicious wares.

The Arts and Crafts Fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with even more vendors offering fall-related items, like home decorations, jewelry, clothing and wood crafts.

For more details, visit www.whitelake.org.

1 person

and no smoking

otherwise unfurnished

TOWNSHIP OF WHITE RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING

Date: October 21, 2025 Time: 6:30 p.m. AT NELLIE B. CHISHOLM (NBC) MIDDLE SCHOOL

Address: 4700 Stanton Blvd, Montague, MI 49437

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission for White River Township will hold a special meeting and public hearing on October 21, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Nellie B. Chisholm (NBC) Middle School, 4700 Stanton Blvd, Montague, MI 49437. The purpose of the special meeting will be to consider any business that comes before the Planning Commission and to hold a public hearing on a request for a special land use permit submitted by Lakeside Solar, LLC to construct and operate a utility- scale solar energy facility on the properties and parcels listed below.

The special land use application may be examined at the White River Township Hall, 7386 Post Rd, Montague, MI 49437 during regular business hours. Written comments regarding the application may be submitted in care of Julie Goericke, White River Township Clerk at 7386 Post Rd, Montague, MI 49437 or clerkwrtownship@gmail.com before 4:00 P.M. the day prior to the hearing.

Julie Goericke, 9-24-2025 White River Township Clerk 7386 Post Rd, Montague, MI 49437

Tickets to the show are $20 for students and $15 for adults, and they may be purchased at the Playhouse website and in person at Whitehall City Hall.

Adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats as part of the show. There are a variety of stunts and acts, from climbing and diving off ladders, doggy backflips, and many other surprises.

Learn more about local recycling at ROAD event Oct. 16

Reviving Our American Democracy welcomes the public to an Oct. 16 gathering at Montague City Hall at 7 p.m. to learn more about local recycling.

What organizations handle our solid waste? Where does our waste go? Is it recycled or dumped? Given our currently overflowing landfills, what are the best options for waste reduction, storage and recycling?

ROAD invites the public to hear from local experts in waste management on these and other questions. Tim Tibbetts, manager of the White Lake Transfer Station and Jeff Auch, Montague City Manager, will share their recycling knowledge and experience. They will present the available options to appropriately dispose of our solid waste and entertain your questions.

This notice is posted in compliance with the Open Meetings Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services who are planning to attend the hearing should notify Julie Goericke at (231) 894-9216 or clerkwrtownship@gmail.com within a reasonable time in advance of the date of the hearing.

Eilers Rd 61-01-123-200-0002-10

Post Rd 61-01-123-400-0001-00

Chase Rd 61-01-123-300-0006-00

Hancock Rd 61-01-123-300-0004-00

61-01-123-200-0005-00

Old Hwy 99

Lehman Rd 61-01-123-100-0005-00

Eilers Rd 61-01-123-100-0002-00

Fruitvale Rd 61-01-112-300-0001-00

Chase Rd 61-01-111-100-0004-10

Chase Rd 61-01-111-100-0005-00

Chase Rd 61-01-111-400-0003-00

Old Hwy 99 61-01-111-400-0004-00

Chase

BENONA TOWNSHIP

Synopsis of Meeting

September 22, 2025

The regular meeting of September 22, 2025 was called to order at 7:00 PM with all Board members present and 3 visitors present. The agenda was approved as submitted. The minutes of the regular meeting, and public hearings on Road Improvements and Parks & Recreation of August 25, 2025 were approved as submitted. Action was taken on the following:

- Bid from Tree Hugger for tree trimming at the town hall approved.

- Fire District budget for 2026 adopted.

- Five Year Plan for Road Improvements 2026-2030 adopted.

- Five Year Plan for Parks & Recreation 20262030 adopted.

- Bills approved for payment, with additions. Meeting adjourned at 8:22 PM.