The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 32, January 2, 2026

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Volume 3, Issue 32 January 2, 2026

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Christmas light displays bring holiday cheer

Many outdoor light displays will run through this weekend yet, so be sure to take a drive and enjoy one or more of them if you haven’t had the chance. Above are Wambaugh’s Hill, 684 E. Polk Rd.; Wambaugh’s, 4051 N. 140th Ave.; and the Oceana County Courthouse in downtown Hart. • Amanda Dodge & Connie VanDerZanden/Echo

Pentwater Arts Council awards grants to 6 Oceana teachers Committed to the advancement of the arts in Oceana County, the Pentwater Arts Council recently awarded over $7,000 in grant money to six Oceana County teachers. The areas of art-related subject matter include art, vocal and instrumental music, graphic design, drama and performing arts. The 2025 Teacher Grant Awardees are: • Carrie Jeruzal, Pentwater Schools Art Department • Kirstie DeVries, Hart High School Media Department • Suzanne VanderZanden, Hart Middle & High Schools Performing Arts • Gustavo Morales, Shelby Public Schools Music Department • Stephanie Clark, Shelby Elementary School Art Department

• Kelsy Baune, Shelby Elementary School, K-5 STEAM Department Since the inception of the Oceana Teacher Grant in 2022, the Pentwater Arts Council has awarded grant money totaling $16,100 to Oceana teachers by application. The grant award criteria includes innovation and creativity of the proposed project, a clear project description with a cost-effective budget and the proposed project impact on students. The Teacher Grant Program runs annually from September, with awards granted in December. Beginning in September of each year, grant applications are available on the Pentwater Arts Council’s website: http://www.pentwaterartscouncil.org

Terry and Brenda Birkman Darrell Hansen

Standing, from left, Dan Pider, Tad TenBrink and Jackie Boukamp. Seated is Alan Lound. • Photo by Richard Lound

Shelby's Helena Agri-Enterprises named Branch of the Year in 5-state division Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC recently named its Shelby, Michigan branch as Branch of the Year in the five-state North Central division, which includes: Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky. Shelby Branch Manager Alan Lound received the award at a ceremony in Carmel, Indiana, a Helena Agri-Enterprises division office. There are 39 branches in the north central division, including seven offices located here in Michigan. Helena Shelby provides fertilizer, agricultural chemicals and consulting services to farmers mainly in Oceana, Mason and northern Muskegon counties. Helena has been a part of the ag scene in west central Michigan for the past 19 years after the company purchased the former Cheever’s ag business in December of 2006 from Jack Cheever and Paul Lound. The original Cheevers was started back in the 1920s by E. P. (Pat) Johnson and known as Johnson Produce. It became Cheevers when purchased by Jack’s father, Stan, in 1945, and at that time, besides agricultural products, it also provided coal and received some raw product fruit. Doug Eader joined Cheevers in 1964, Jack Cheever after college graduation in the late 60s and Don Lound in 1973. Alan has high praise for Paul Lound, the onetime partner in Cheevers, who stayed after the sale to Helena and recently retired Nov. 30 of this year. Paul started there while in high school, worked during his college years, and following graduation continued for many years in sales and advising. “Paul will be missed. He was highly respected in the local farming community,” Alan said. Alan, who has been with Helena for the past 16 and a half years, has a staff of six full-time employees plus a couple seasonal employees. He credits the staff, Dan Pider, Tad TenBrink, Rose Anderson, Jackie Boukamp, Danielle Oomen and Austin Fekken for helping win the award, for their efficiency, their experience and their dedication. Prior to joining Helena, Alan spent 12 years in the local agriculture business, first as a Pro-Fac Coop field man and later with Birds Eye Foods after the purchase of Birds Eye Foods by Pro-Fac. “It was a great honor for our branch to be recognized, and we look forward to many more years of quality service to our farming community,” Alan said.

2 JANUARY 2, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO

News and Notes By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Community Celebrations, Services and Programs, oh my! The month of December 2025 was a flurry of activity in these parts…from community tree lightings, parades, private light displays, school and church programs, choir and instrumental concerts, one didn’t need to venture far to hear the sounds and see the sights of Christmas. Thank you to those who graciously shared their photos and videos for this week’s News & Notes!

A large gathering enjoyed participating in the 2nd annual Shelby Tree Lighting ceremony at Getty Park, Saturday, Dec. 6. Participants enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies, caroling and visiting Santa, while enjoying music played by members of the Shelby High School Band.

ments to create their own personal masterpieces. tional Church. The concert followed a special breakSanta Claus made an appearance, spreading Christ- fast and was a joint endeavor of the Congregational mas cheer and making sure “his list was up to date.” Church and the First Methodist of Shelby (formerly Shelby UMC). Under the direction of music instructor Nicole Herremans, Spitler Elementary’s third and fourth grade classes performed for family and friends Thursday, Dec. 11, in the Hart Schools Auditorium. Third graders performed “A Prehistoric Christmas” mini concert, while fourth graders performed “Pie and Prejudice,” each offering a lighthearted, yet The students of Oceana Christian School permeaningful musical take on the Christmas season. formed their annual Christmas program Thursday, Dec. 18 for parents, grandparents and friends. The fourth and fifth grade students wrote the playlet and had the main speaking parts. All students took part in supporting roles, reenacting their interpretation of the Christmas Story found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Between each scene, grade levels led the audience in a favorite Christmas carol. A photo booth and cookie fellowship followed the performance. Stay tuned for another News & Notes next week, as we continue to recap additional December performances, events and more!

Dozens of community members gathered Friday, Dec. 12 near dusk to celebrate the Winter Solstice at the Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater. Kiki Wilson, outdoor educator with the Oceana Conservation District, led songs and shared a story as everyone watched the sun set over Lake Michigan. Next, the group took a rigorous hike up Mount Baldy in two feet of snow, thankfully tamped down by a The Oceana Singers, under the direction of Mar- group of volunteers prior to the hike. “It was a magicia Thatcher, performed their annual concert entitled cal evening culminating with toasted marshmallows “It’s Christmas” at the Hart United Methodist Church around the campfire,” Wilson said. on Sunday, Dec. 7. The choir, which has been performing two concerts a year for a number of years, included over 35 voices. Rehearsals for their summer performance will pick up again in April.

Nearly 1,000 community members attended one of two performances of Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God” concert held Dec. 12 and 13 and sponsored by the combined choirs and musicians of Rothbury Community Church and First Baptist Church of Hart. Neither snow nor cold could keep over 200 children and their families away from the Walkerville Boosters' annual Gingerbread House Making Night Tuesday, Dec. 9. Every age enjoyed using a variety of candy, frosting and embellish-

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A Christmas instrumental performance featuring the cellist and pianist duo, McCormack (Mac) and Lydia (Seaver) Wyn of the Grand Rapids area, was held Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Shelby UCC Congrega-

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THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 2, 2026 3

Shelby Village administrator's report sparks comment By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent SHELBY - Monday, December 22 was the last Shelby Village Council meeting of the calendar year, and the agenda held several items of interest. All council members were in attendance with the exception of Village President John Sutton and Councilor Mike Termer, who were excused due to unforeseen circumstances. In the village administrator’s report, with regard to the funding of the village’s downtown design project, Village Administrator Phil Morse reported he’d recently discovered that up to 50 percent of the village’s Major Streets Funds could be allocated to the village’s Local Streets Funds each year. If the village decided to pursue this option, the additional transfer of funds would total $500,000, which has already been reported would qualify the village for a match of the same amount from a local philanthropist. Morse proposed dedicating $200,000 from the General Fund and $300,000 from Local Streets via a Major Streets transfer ($150k in FY25-26 and $150k in FY26-27). This proposed transfer would leave a projected Major Streets fund balance of $877,000 at the end of FY25-26 and $727,000 after the transfer. (Previously the council had verbally agreed to allot $200,000 from the General Fund; $100,000 from Major Streets; and $50,000 from Local Streets for a total of $350,000 from the village toward the proposed downtown revitalization project.) When Morse asked for council member feedback on the option, Councilor Dan Zaverl said, “I don’t like the idea. This taking from one account to another sounds like ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ to me. We’ve got streets that gotta be done. We’re moving too fast.” Morse responded by saying, “The goal would be to collect $500,000 to qualify for available matching funds.” Even with the possibility of having $1M available for the proposed $1.9M downtown revitaliza-

tion project, Zaverl was not convinced. Councilors Samantha Gottschalk, Curt Trott and Steve Crothers spoke favorably of the transfers and the proposed downtown project, saying an upgrade in the downtown area is sorely needed and wanted. Councilor Crystal Heykoop followed up by asking that if private donations were to come in over $500,000, would the village be committed to fronting the full half million dollars. Morse said no, that to receive the match, the $500,000 could come from a combination of village funds and private donations. Other village business shared in Morse’s administrator report included: the creation of a dedicated webpage for the downtown redesign project; the receipt of a $300 donation from the Oceana Community Foundation’s Wish List grant program for 100 yards of Christmas lights to be used downtown; ongoing discussions with an Orchard View Drive resident about purchasing village-owned property; continued work on the CarvePrize event to take place next July; and congratulations to DPW Laborer Bradley Simons for passing his L-2 Lagoon Sewer Licensing test. Morse added that attaining this qualification takes a lot of work and dedication. Morse added that per the village’s position and licensing policy, Simons was promoted to DPW Utility Worker. The village is proud to now have two sewer-licensed staff members, a goal the village had set for themselves this past summer. In addition to Morse's report, three resolutions were passed. The first regarding Third-Quarter Budget Amendments, most notably for the following expenses: Streetlight Power Costs (electricity expenses have risen more than expected); Operating Supplies (several accounts reflect higher-than-expected supply costs); Engineering Services (this category saw the largest amendment; there is a need to better separate engineering costs from construction costs in future budgeting) and Health Insurance (premiums increased beyond initial projections). Next was a Category B Grant Agreement for the South Michigan Avenue project, which, once signed

and submitted, would release a $246,500 award of the construction contract from MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation). Morse noted the last time the village received a Category B Grant award was in 2021. The last resolution to pass authorized DPW Supervisor Jeremiah Helenhouse (and any successors) to issue parking tickets from 2-6 a.m. during the village’s Winter Parking Ban (November - April 1). Helenhouse is usually on duty before 6 a.m., especially after weather events. According to Police Chief Dean Roesler, there is a small window of time each day when police coverage is slim. He often adjusts his schedule to fill in. He feels the village has done a good job of educating the public about winter parking, and in most circumstances villagers are understanding and compliant. This new authorization gives Helenhouse the OK to issue civil infraction parking citations, which is allowable under the Michigan Compilation of Laws. “I’m confident this (authorization) will not (involve) many,” Roesler said. This would not give the DPW supervisor the authority to have a car towed, only to issue a ticket, Roesler added. “(Jeremiah) texts me if he thinks a vehicle needs to be towed, and I make the call.” During council discussion, Zaverl stated that he felt only police officers should issue tickets. Crothers also asked how much people would be fined. Gottschalk asked how many tickets might be issued, if there was a trend and if putting this responsibility on Helenhouse would create animosity toward him as a village employee. Heykoop said she felt this move would only affect a small percentage of residents and would be a good step between warning and impoundment. As a reminder, regular village council meetings for the 2026 calendar year will be held the second and fourth Mondays of every month, with Planning Commission meetings being held the third Tuesdays of every month. Both meetings are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the village hall.

4 JANUARY 2, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO Visit us!

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‘Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne’ By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Columnist I would reckon most are familiar with the experience of staying up until midnight on New Year’s Eve, likely with the Times Square ball drop playing on a TV in the background. You count down the seconds to midnight, cheer, kiss your significant other, and then join in with singing the traditional New Year’s song. It probably goes something like this: “Should old acquaintance be forgot and never come to mind… umm uh (what's the rest?) uhh… da da da… and Auld Lang Syne!” And then you probably hum until it's finished. It's understandable why “Auld Lang Syne” is one of those songs most everyone knows but couldn't sing all the lyrics to. It sounds like English, but isn’t quite English enough to easily commit lyrics to memory. The song is in Scots, a Germanic language branching off from Middle English, evolving alongside the UK English we know today. For a modern English speaker, Scots is close enough to understand, but can be rendered unintelligible by a thick, unfamiliar accent. Today, Scots is the official language of Scotland, but remains “vulnerable” due to the small number of native speakers. This begs the question, how did a song sung in an endangered language become a traditional New Year’s tune? It helps to understand the significance of New Year’s Eve and Day as a holiday in Scotland. “Hogmanay” is the Scots

name for the celebration of the new year, which can span several more days than just Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. What many may not know is that the Scottish capital of Edinburgh features one of the largest organized outdoor NYE celebrations in the world, on par with New York City’s ball drop. The festival features pipe bands, concerts, parades and a thrilling fireworks display over the most prominent landmark of the city, Edinburgh Castle. A parade stretching the length of Edinburgh’s Old Town makes its way to the city center, with participants carrying torches. At midnight, the city sings the world’s “largest” rendition of Auld Land Syne (while I can’t confirm or deny that it is indeed the largest, I can confirm I could hear the crowd from my flat several miles away during the ‘22/23 festival.) The festival itself is relatively new, only celebrated in any official capacity since 1993, but Hogmanay has been a significant holiday in Scottish culture for centuries. The name has several purported origins, ranging from Greek, Old French, or Gaelic and Norse - the various sources highlighting the surprising historical range of Scottish influence across Europe. And if you don’t know how to spell it, just take your best crack at it - you’ll probably land on at least one accepted regional spelling. Up until the last century, Christmas, on the other hand, was not a particularly popular holiday. During the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, Christmas was regarded by the Presbyterian Church

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(the Protestant Church of Scotland) as a Catholic holiday and subsequently banned until 1712. Despite the fact that Christmas still survived amongst Catholic Scots, the majority of the Protestant nation did not significantly celebrate it until the 20th century, only becoming a public holiday in the 50s. Because of this, Hogmanay became the dominant winter and solstice-based holiday in Scotland. Many Hogmanay traditions have Celtic and Norse roots. Fire-related activities are a longstanding pagan tradition in Scotland, with many believing they warded off bad spirits. Bonfires and hearth fires are common during Hogmanay. The town of Stonehaven has an infamous fire-swinging festival, and Shetland and Edinburgh both put on dazzling torch processions. Another important tradition is to clean the house during the New Year, blessing it with sprinkling water and burning juniper branches throughout the rooms. What’s better to start off the New Year than with a clean house? The most famous Scottish Hogmanay tradition is that of the “first-footing,” where the first guest invited into the house - and the gift they bring

discrimination and erasure, I’ve included the original lyrics. Hopefully you’ll study up - sets the tone for the New Year. and be ready for 2027. Some examples include coal (for a warm hearth), shortShould auld acquaintance bread (for plentiful food), be forgot whiskey (for high spirits and And never brought to mind prosperity) and salt (for good Should auld acquaintance health). Some also call for the be forgot “first-footer” to be a tall, dark And auld lang syne and handsome man. Auld Lang Syne was writFor auld lang syne, my jo ten by Robert Burns in 1788. For auld lang syne Burns - considered the naWe'll tak a cup o' kindness tional poet of a nation already yet chock full of them - specificalFor auld lang syne ly wrote in Scots to celebrate the language, which not even And surely ye'll be your pinta century earlier had been disstowp couraged by the English govAnd surely I'll be mine ernment following the unionAnd we'll tak a cup o' kindization of Scotland into the ness yet United Kingdom. For auld lang syne “Auld Lang Syne” translates roughly to “long time For auld lang syne, my jo since,” and asks listeners to reFor auld lang syne flect fondly, the mournful tune We'll tak a cup o' kindness (added about a decade later) yet heightening that necessary For auld lang syne sense of melancholy. The song was quickly adopted by ScotWe twa hae run about the land for Hogmanay, and as braes Scots immigrated throughout And pu'd the gowans fine the English-speaking world, But we've wander'd mony a so too did Auld Lang Syne. weary fit Now that the song has seen Sin auld lang syne widespread popularity, the lyrics have been translated For auld lang syne, my jo to a more universal English, For auld lang syne but for the sake of honoring a We'll tak a cup o' kindness language that has historicalyet ly (and still to this day) faced For auld lang syne

The Oceana Echo © is published weekly at P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436 • All rights reserved.

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

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 satellite please call 231-861-4880 to make an appointment. 1st & 3rd WED: Free community dinner, 5-6 p.m., Hart Wesleyan. 1st & 3rd WED: Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out. * Donate returnable cans and bottles to the Hart VFW. Drop off at the hall or call Steve at 231-873-1727 for pick-up.* 2nd & 4th WED: Pentwater Community Food Pantry, First Baptist Church, Pentwater, 9-10:15 a.m. 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 a.m. FRI: Preschool Story Hour, HAPL, 11 a.m. 1st SAT: Baby Pantry, Trinity Lutheran Church, 8:30-10 a.m. 5th SAT: Free Community Breakfast, Shelby UCC, 8-10 a.m. The Ladder Community Center: Jan. 10: Party Club for Kids ages 5-12, 1-2:30 p.m. 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. Jan. 8 & 22: Blanket Finger-Knitting Class, 6 p.m. (sign up req.) Jan. 13 & 27: Knitting Group, 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 2,9,16 & 30: Strum It Club,11 a.m. to noon MON: Adult Bible Study, “Truth Rising”, 1/12 - 2/2, 1-2 p.m., TUES: Men’s Bible Study, 10:30 a.m. to noon SAT: “Celebrate” Worship Service, 6:30 p.m. Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

Registration open for Knights of Columbus local spelling bee competition in Hart All boys and girls grades 4-9 are eligible to compete in the annual Hart Knights of Columbus spelling bee set for Saturday, Jan. 24 at noon. All spellers who place in the local competition held at 214 S. Peach Ave. in Hart are eligible to compete at the regional level, with regional winners to proceed to the state level bee. Youth from grades 4, 5 and 6, and 7, 8 and 9 will spell against others from their grade bracket. No school affiliation is required. Please call 231-845-5436 for more information and to register. Study lists are available online via the QR codes at right. LEVEL 2 WORD LIST LEVEL 1 WORD LIST

January Jan. 6 - Tween Night, Hesperia Community Library, 3:15-5 p.m. Jan. 6 - Kids Book Club, 3:30- 5 p.m., (sign up required) Jan. 8 - Teen Night, Hesperia Community Library, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 12- Adult Crafter Afternoon, Panda Punch Art, HCL, 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 13 - Adult Book Club Movie, HCL, 2-4:30 p.m. Jan. 15 -Friendship Ring Quilt Guild, NERC, 11:30 a.m. Jan. 15 - Matinee Movie, Hesperia Community Library, 1-3:30 p.m. Jan. 15 - Family Fun Night, Hesperia Community Library, 6-7 p.m. Jan. 18 - Hart Performing Arts Series, John Riesen performance, Hart Schools Auditorium, 3:00 p.m.

4th Annual Frozen Tinman Golf Outing set for Jan. 31 Bundle up, grab those clubs and enjoy a winter round that’s become a Hart favorite at the 4th Annual Frozen Tinman Golf Outing. Located at the City of Hart irrigation property on Polk Road, this event takes place in the snow. Teams of two-to-four players are welcome to join in for nine holes of golf where tennis balls are used instead of golf balls. Participants can walk the course or ride their golf cart or ORV. There is a cost of $35 per player, which includes entry, three tennis balls and participation in a raffle. New this year, golfers can purchase a limited-edition 4th Annual Frozen Tinman sweatshirt for $35. Sweatshirts must be ordered before Jan. 11 to ensure delivery on time. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. The event will feature prizes, a raffle, hot dogs, chili, music and a bonfire to keep attendees warm. This year, organizers are also offering three levels for sponsorship. More information can be found on the events page at www.takemetohart.org or by visiting City Hall.

Area food pantries and free dinners Mondays & Thursdays: Hesperia United Methodist Church, 187 E. South Ave., Hesperia (red brick building behind church), Mondays 9-11 a.m. And Thursdays 4-6 p.m. 2nd Mondays: Rothbury Community Church, 2500 W. Winston Rd., Rothbury, 231-893-4965, food distribution hours are 9-11:30 a.m. (number system). 3rd Tuesdays: Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club - Feeding America West Michigan mobile food pantry, Pentwater Fire Department, 486 E. Park St., Pentwater, 11 a.m. Wednesdays: Bread of Life Food Pantry, a ministry of St. Gregory/Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Churches, 11 Washington St., Hart, 231-873-2660, 3-5 p.m. food pickup. Wednesdays: Community Dinner, September through May, Centenary United Methodist Church, 82 S. Hancock St., Pentwater, 4:30-5 p.m., call 231-8695900 to reserve a takeout meal, 5-6 p.m., dine-in, no reservation required. Frozen meals are available at no charge and can be picked up during church hours Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and Wednesday during the community dinner, noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays: Christ the Rock World Harvest Church, 6985 Indian Bay Rd., Montague, 231-893-8900, noon to 6 p.m. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: Hart Wesleyan Church, 757 W Polk Rd, Hart, free meal, 5-6 p.m., free clothing closet, 4-6 p.m. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: First Baptist Church-Pentwater Community Food Pantry, 101 S. Rush St., Pentwater, 231-869-5149, also basic clothing and household needs offered, doors open at 9 a.m., register by 9:30 a.m. 3rd Wednesdays: New Hope Community Church, 244 79th Ave. Shelby, 231861-0536, 6 p.m., food pantry (closed in January & July). 1st Saturdays: Trinity Lutheran Church Baby Pantry, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, 8:30-10 a.m. 2nd & 4th Saturdays: TLC Food Pantry, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, 231-861-4059, 8-10 a.m.

OCCOA offers many January events for area seniors The following are OCCOA events for January. All activities are held at the Oceana County Council on Aging, located at 4250 W. Tyler Rd., Hart, unless stated otherwise. Please call 873-4461 to sign up or make meal reservations. Breakfast is available on Thursday mornings from 8:30-9 a.m. Cost: $3 and reservations required. Birthday Party: Wednesday, Jan. 7; noon. Tai Chi: Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 5, 7, 12, 14, 21, 26 and 28; 10 a.m. SAIL Exercise Class: Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 5, 7, 12, 14, 21, 26 and 28; 10 a.m. Chair Volleyball: Tuesdays, Jan. 6, 12, 20 and 27; 9 a.m. Drum Fitness: Tuesdays, Jan. 6, 12, 20 and 27; 10 a.m. Medical Yoga: Wednesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28; 4 p.m. Zumba: Fridays, Jan. 9, 16, 26 and 30; 9 a.m. “Sew In” with Mary: Saturday-Monday, Jan. 17, 18 and 19; Call OCCOA for more information and ask

for Mary at 231-873-4461. Movie and Snack at OCCOA: Fridays, Jan. 9 and 23; 1:15 p.m. Art with Brad: Monday, Jan. 12; 10 a.m. Craft with Kay: Tuesday, Jan. 13; 10 a.m. Center closed for MLK Day: Monday, Jan. 19. “For the Birds” Nature Craft with Brad: Tuesday, Jan. 20; 10 a.m. “India” Dinners Around the World: Saturday, Jan. 24; doors open at 5:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up, call 231-8734461, visit the Facebook event post or use Zeffy to sign up. Dinner and a Movie: Tuesday, Jan. 27; leave time and movie to be determined. Beltone: Wednesday, Jan. 28; call Beltone to make an appointment. Board Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 27; 1:30 p.m. Location: Oceana County Council on Aging. Parmenter Office Hours: Please call 873-4461 for an appointment. Lauren Eisenbarth, an Elder Law Paralegal for At-

torney Anna Urick Duggins, of Parmenter Law, will offer a half-hour, no-charge introductory meeting from 2-4 p.m. at Oceana County Council on Aging. Topics to discuss include Elder Law services such as Estate Planning, Long Term Care Planning, Medicaid Planning, and VA Aid & Attendance. Other Activities: Farkle: Mondays at 10 a.m. Mexican Train: Mondays from 9-11 a.m. Cribbage: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Walk With Friends: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1:30 p.m. Mahjong: Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Fitness at Hesperia American Legion: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-10 a.m. Euchre: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. Quilting: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Bingo: Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Blood Pressure Checks: Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Bridge: Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Cards & Games: daily before and following lunch.

6 JANUARY 2, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO

Tiny stockings and big smiles as Santa visits NICU babies

Church Directory

Christmas came early to the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), as Santa Claus made a visit to the tiny fighters and their families. Santa spent time with the babies and spread cheer to their families, who are celebrating their child’s first holiday season. “Having a baby in the NICU is never something parents anticipate, and the holiday season can make the experience even more challenging,” said Kirstie Dixon, clinical services manager, Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU. “Our NICU team is dedicated to bringing comfort and special moments to these infants and their families in every way we can.” The babies are not

able to leave the hospital for a traditional first visit to Santa, so one of the NICU Cuddlers – a specially trained volunteer who helps hold the NICU babies and provides extra support – dressed up as Santa and visited, taking a photo with each baby. “Our goal with holiday photos is to bring joy and a sense of normalcy to families and staff during a season most long to spend at home, surrounded by loved Grand Rapids NICU. that families can look ones,” said Lauren Ter- “We hope these photos back on as a joyful moHorst, RN, Trinity Health create lasting memories ment during their NICU stay. As nurses, we have so much fun getting St. James Catholic Church Lighthouse the babies all dressed A WELCOMING FAITH COMMUNITY up for Santa, creating Lutheran 5149 Dowling Street individualized ChristMontague, MI 49437 Church LCMS mas-themed costumes, Mass Times: 8786 N. Business US-31 and capturing these Saturday: 4 p.m. Pentwater, MI • 49449 special moments! In Sunday: 11 a.m. 231-869-2527 the NICU, every mileTuesday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. stone and holiday is a Pastor John C. Hansen Phone: (231) 893-3085 Sunday Worship 11 a.m. chance to celebrate the Office Hours: M–Th 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 231-233-7703 happiness these little Pastor: Rev. Ron Hutchinson stjamescatholicparish.org

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church

3000 Winston Road Walkerville Wesleyan Church Rothbury, MI 49452 Love our community toward Christ Mass Times: Sunday - 8:30 a.m. Sunday 10:30AM Please call 231-893-3085 Streamed on for more information Contact Information stjamescatholicparish.org 231.873.5040 144 S Hamon St, Walkerville

Office@walkervillewesleyanchurch.org

Ferry Memorial Reformed Church

White Lake UMC

Worship God, Follow Jesus, Love & Serve all

Sunday Worship

ones bring.” Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU is a licensed 15-bed, Level III NICU, that cares for 200 to 300 newborns on the unit every year. They have successfully cared for babies born at 22 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 11 ounces. To learn more about our NICU services, visit www.trinityhealthmichigan.org.

First Methodist St. Joseph & St. Vincent Catholic Churches oF shelby (Formerly Shelby UMC)

9am Traditional Service We are an independent, local church serving our communities and reaching beyond. 11am Praise Band Service 11am Kids Church/Youth Class/Nursery SUNDAY WORSHIP: 11 AM Weekly Faith Groups for All Ages Shelby Congregational UCC building Choir and Handbells FMCShelby@gmail.com Mission Opportunities Find us on Facebook: Home of the White Lake Free Store First-Methodist Church Of-Shelby and The Gathering free meals MAiling Address Worship Address 8555 Cook Street Montague, MI 49437 8463 W. Shelby Rd., 51 E. 3rd St., (231) 894-5789 www.whitelakeumc.org Shelby Shelby

St. Peter’S-By-the-Lake ePiScoPaL church 8435 Old Channel

followers gathered. disciples scattered

4775 First St • 231-861-2501

Office: 231-873-5776

www.stjosephweare.org Check out our Facebook page

St. Joseph, Weare 2380 W. Jackson Rd., Hart Saturday Mass: 7 p.m. Sunday Mass: 9 a.m. St. Vincent, Pentwater 637 E. Sixth St. Saturday Mass: 4 p.m. Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.

- Easter through October 82 S. Wythe St. in Pentwater Trail, Montague SUNDAY SERVICE: 9:30 a.m. Barrier Free • Nursery Provided (231) 869-7351 Confessions: 1/2 hour before 616-894-0172 Children’s SS: 9:45 a.m. Youth Group: Sundays 5-7 pm Join Us For Worship all Masses, except 10:30 Mass Nursery Provided SUNDAY EUCHARIST – 10 am 231.894.9415 Sundays at 10 a.m. Rev. Phil Sliwinski, Pastor

Sunday Worship: 10:00 am

8637 Old Channel Trail Montague, Michigan

www.ferrychurch.org

joinus@stjamesepiscopalpentwater.org

We Believe That God Loves You - No Exceptions

Pastor Benjamin Oliveira stpetersmontague@gmail.com stpetersbythelake.weebly.com Coffee fellowship after service

Blessings Abound!

newerareformedchurch.org

Hart United Methodist Church Our independent, non-denominational church is committed to reaching and serving those in our communities.

Sunday Service: 10 am

Wed. Family Night: 6-8 pm Last FRI: Free Soup Supper, 5:30-7 pm

4075 S. 132nd Ave., Hesperia 231-861-5007

NEWMANC3.ORG

2500 W. Winston Rd. • 231-893-4965

231-873-3516 9:30 a.m. Morning Service 11:15 a.m. Sunday Bible Classes hartunitedmethodist.org 6 p.m. Evening Service (1st and 3rd Sundays) www.facebook.com/HUMCmichigan

Nursery provided Senior Pastor - James Enns Associate Pastor - Bryan Wolff Associate Pastor - Luke Craymer Adult small groups and family ministries every week Second Monday Food Pantry 9:15-11:30 a.m. www.rothburycommunity.com Becoming Committed Followers of Jesus Christ

Mears United Methodist Church

3757 W. Polk Rd. Hart, MI 49420 Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay In Love With God

Sunday Services

English: 10 a.m. Spanish/Español: 12:30 p.m. Clothing Closet: Every Wed. 4-6 p.m. Family Dinner: 1st & 3rd Wed. 5-6 p.m.

(231) 873-0832

Full class schedule on our website:

hartwesleyanchurch.org

308 S. State St., Hart, MI 49420

1990 N. 56th Ave. Mears, MI 49436 10 am Service 231-873-0875 www.mearsumc.org Pastor Bev Williams

All Are Welcome

10:30 AM Sunday Service Pastor Cydney Idsinga

If you would like an appointment with Pastor Cyd, please call 231-873-3516

St. Stephens

1820 Ray Ave. 231-861-5554 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Rev. John Medendorp www.neweracrc.org

Growing in Relationship with God, with Each Other, and with Our Community.

Shelby

Congregational

Lutheran Church United Church of Christ (LCMS)

51 E. Third St.

231-861-4404 • shelbycucc@gmail.com 7400 W. Johnson Rd., on Facebook • website under development Shelby • 231-861-2952 Sunday Service - 9:15 a.m. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. Coffee time follows School (Ages 4-12) • Nursery available • Chancel Summer Outdoor Service Sunday Choir & Bell Choir meet Wednesdays • Adult Bible Studies - Thursdays, Fall - May • 5th Saturday - Free Breakfast 8-10 a.m. • Hearing Loop • Barrier Free Rev. Kurt Overway

www.ststephensshelby.org

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

5631 W. Stony Lake Rd. New Era, MI 49446 • 231-861-4059

office@tlcnewera.org • tlcnewera.org Rev. Sarah J. Samuelson Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m. Barrier Free Access

Nursery Provided

claybankS united MethodiSt church

Sunday WorShip 10:30 a.m.

A warm welcome is extended to all who worship here

9197 56th avenue Montague, Mi

231-923-0573

claybankSuMc@gMail.coM

THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 2, 2026 7 In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries George Edwin Kieft Jr.

October 31, 1981 ~ December 27, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of George Edwin Kieft Jr., of Shelby, Michigan. George was born on October 31, 1981, in Muskegon, Michigan, and passed away on December 27, 2025 surrounded by family. George has been through many trials and tribulations throughout his life due to his ongoing medical needs, but he never complained or let it stop him from living life to the fullest. After graduating from Shelby Public Schools, he enjoyed spending time volunteering for Shelby Elementary, where he would help in any capacity he could while he socialized. Being a Tiger was in his blood, as he attended many sporting events always dressed in his purple and white, even while attending his nephew's sporting events at MCC. George was a member of the Shelby Rotary and was the recipient of the Paul Harris Award. George was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Shelby, volunteering time here as well. His greatest joy was being an uncle to Landon and Addyson, never missing an athletic event, dance recital or event that they were involved in. George will never know the countless lives he touched and the things that he taught us while on this earth. He was loved and respected by many. A thank you to the caretakers from St. John’s House in Ludington for the exceptional care and love that was given to George over his short time there. As well as Turning Leaf in Scottville for their love and compassion over the last few years. He leaves behind a legacy of hope, compassion and love that will continue to inspire those who knew him. May his memory live on in the hearts of family, friends and the community he cherished. George is survived by: his parents, Guy and Judy Clements; father, George Kieft; sister, Sally (Mike) Smith; nephew, Landon Smith; niece, Addyson Smith; step-sisters, Karmen Fox, Karen (Tom) Petersen, Nancy (Heidi) Fox and Amanda Clements; grandfather, Raymond Wybenga; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins; special friends Brenda and Bo Hawkins. George was preceded in death by: his grandparents, Al and Josephine Kieft, and Audrey Wybenga, and stepmother, Brenda Kieft. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ, 51 E. Third St., Shelby, Michigan 49455, with Pastor Russell officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Michigan 49455, and on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until the start of Services at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family, as they will be establishing a scholarship in his name for students entering the medical field at Shelby Public Schools. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Jolene Rae Maressa

March 31, 1972 ~ December 5, 2025 Jolene Rae Maressa, 53, of Newaygo, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025. She was born March 31, 1972, in Trenton, New Jersey, the daughter of Joseph Maressa and Janel Morin (Fletcher). Jolene graduated from Olympia High School in Washington State in 1990. After high school, she moved to Michigan and became a prominent financial consultant in the White Lake area for banks such as Comerica Bank, PNC, as well as Shelby State Bank. She was an absolute whiz with numbers and built many lasting relationships with her banking customers as well as her coworkers. Jolene’s smile lit up a room. Her lighthearted attitude always made everyone around her feel comfortable and welcome. She loved sports, playing soccer in her youth and continuing with adult softball and volleyball leagues in Muskegon. She loved spending time with her fiancé and their dog, Gunner, out at their Newaygo property, where they built a gorgeous log cabin alongside her son in the woods. She was a huge fan of country music and absolutely loved concert-going, especially to see Luke Bryan. But above all, she loved her family and loved to spend time with them. In recent years, Jolene attended Life Church of Grand Haven, where her faith deepened tremendously. She loved Jesus and was baptized in Lake Michigan by her son-in-law, Trevor, on July 28, 2024. Jolene is survived and will always be loved by her children, Nathanial (Kanda) Parrott, Cassy (Trevor) Kleinmeyer, and Kendra (Derek) Meyers; brother, Justin Maressa; her niece and nephews, Raelyn, Jaden and Mason Maressa; father and stepmother, Joseph and Jan Maressa; mother, Janel Morin (Fletcher); her seven grandchildren, Gracelynn, Nova, Jovi, Lucy, Truett, Cooper and Truett’s baby brother (due later this month); as well as her fiancé, Samuel Zimmerman. She is fondly remembered by her extended family and friends. In accordance with Jolene’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at Life Church of Grand Haven, 1000 Waverly Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417, Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Menopause Society: raising funds for education, advocacy and scientific studies on midlife women’s health, covering areas from heart disease to mental health impacts. The Menopause Society: https://menopause.org/ Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Debra Lucille Gleason

September 18, 1957 ~ December 25, 2025 Debra Lucille Gleason, 68, of Whitehall, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2025. She was born September 18, 1957 in Shelby, the daughter of Otto and Beverly (Adams) Verschueren. Debra, Deb, Debbie, Miss Deb; however you knew her, you loved her. She was in a car accident at 23 where she suffered a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), yet she lived a happy life full of love and support. Debra was always smiling and trying to make others smile. She lived the last 27 years in an AFC home where she welcomed any and all residents that came through the door. She has been referred to as the OG and Queen. Debra is survived by; her mother, Beverly; children, Beverly (Daniel Colon) Figueroa and Lori (Ignacio) Ramirez; grandchildren, Charles, Christopher, Kim, Beyonka, Dakota, Jessika (Michael), Rusty (Andreya) and Brandon (Samantha); great-grandchildren, Logan, Madelyn, Steffon, Jamal, Za'Khiyah, Jasiah, Elijah, Magnolia, India, Sophia, Bentley and Silas; sisters, Mary, Connie and Vicky; and her family and many friends from NeuroRestorative. Debra was preceded in death by: her husband, Thomas; father, Otto; brother, Rusty; granddaughter, Tristan; and great-niece, Hayley. Per Debra’s wishes cremation has taken place. No services are scheduled at this time, but will be held in the spring. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

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

Oceana County Council on Aging delivers care packages to 31 seniors The holidays can be isolating for many seniors in Oceana County, with most services and businesses, including grocery stores, closing early. Oceana County Council on Aging (OCCOA), with the support of local churches, the Oceana Community Foundation and many volunteers, worked to address the holiday isolation by delivering care packages to 31 seniors in all corners of Oceana County on December 23, 2025. The care packages included fresh food and pantry items thanks to the partnership with the St. Stephens Lutheran Church and the Pentwater Centenary United Methodist Church. The OCCOA also received support from the Oceana Community Foundation’s Investment Fund and Bessie E. & Ethan Allen Gray Health Fund for a sharing shelf, which helped supply personal care items. “This time of year can be hard for many reasons,” OCCOA Executive Director Stephanie Moore said.

“The packages not only supply extra food and care items to help get through the holiday break, but also serves as a reminder that each person is valued and that we’re thinking of them this Christmas.” If anyone knows of someone that could benefit from a care package over long holiday weekends, please contact the OCCOA Senior Care Services Director at jsmith@oceanacoa.com or by calling 231-873-4461 to be registered for the next delivery.

8 JANUARY 2, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO

By Lucie Winborne

• On Jan. 5, 1914, SERVICE, Henry Ford made FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY the welcome announcement that he was assembly-line 300 W. 57th STREET, 15thdoubling FLOOR,his NEW h FLOOR, NEW employees’ pay. However, there was a perhaps not-so-welcome catch — • Cookies are so fun to make (and to FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, YORK, NY 10019 home inspections to check for alcohol eat). To save some of your favorites for consumption and untidy living quar- the new year, simply place dough balls 300 W. 57th STREET, 15th FLOOR, NEW on a cookie sheet and freeze. Pop into CUSTOMER SERVICE: ters. (800) 708-7311 EXT. 800) 708-7311 EXT. • On Jan. 6, 1996, snow began blan- a freezer-safe bag, and you can have YORK, NY 10019 257 keting Washington, D.C., and the east- freshly baked cookies pretty much anyern seaboard in a blizzard that killed time! CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. 154 #12345_20251222 people and ended up costing • Many people have heard of using STRANGE BUT TRUE 45_20251222 more than a billion dollars in damages applesauce in place of oil or fats, but here’s one from T.L. in Georgia about before ended. 257 FOR RELEASE DEC. 22,it2025 • On Jan. 7, 1891, future novelist a sugar replacement: “You can use 2025 and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston was pureed grapes in place of white sugar NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20251222 By Lucie Winborneborn in Notasulga, Alabama. Though in some quick bread or muffin recipes. she would eventually publish more It’s pretty easy to make in the blender, FOR RELEASE DEC. 22, 2025 books than any other Black woman in and all you need to do is adjust the dry America, by the time she died in 1960 ingredients a little bit so that your mufshe’d failed to gain a mainstream audi- fins are not too moist.” By JoAnn Derson ence and was poor and alone in a wel- • “Wine. Nobody I know is wasting fare hotel. Today she is considered one it. But if you’re done before the bottle of the most important Black writers in is, you can pour the leftover wine into American history. ice cube trays to save it. You can use it • On Jan. 8, 1963, Leonardo da Vin- later in recipes, or (my favorite) to chill ci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, was a glass of wine!” — E. in Florida exhibited for the first time in the U.S. at Washington, D.C.’s National Gal- • If you have a lot of overnight guests, lery of Art. More than 2,000 dignitar- here is a good trick so that everybody ies, including President John F. Ken- can hang up his or her towel: Grab nedy, came out to view it. The exhibit some S hooks from the shop and hang opened to the public the following day. them off the towel bar. Now everyone • On Jan. 9, 1984, Angelo Buono, can have a towel hook. one of the Hillside Stranglers, was • I have two carafes that I use for my sentenced to life in prison for his role breakfast bar. In one I keep coffee and in the rape, torture and murder of 10 the other holds milk or cream. On holyoung women in Los Angeles. His iday nights, I prep the cream carafe cousin and partner in crime, Kenneth and put it in the fridge. In the morning, Bianchi, testified against Buono to while the first pot of coffee is brewing, escape the death penalty himself. I fill the coffee carafe with hot water • On Jan. 10, 1863, the London and let it sit. It keeps the coffee hot lonTube, the world’s first urban under- ger. Then guests may serve themselves ground railway, opened. Since its first some coffee while the next pot is brewtunnel ran under the River Thames and ing. had no ventilation, it was always filled Send your tips to Now Here’s a with smoke. Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, • On Jan. 11, 1775, Francis Salvador, FL 32803. the first Jewish person to hold an elect-

WEEKLY SERVICE,

ed office in the Americas, took his seat on the South Carolina Provincial Congress. In July he earned the nickname the “Southern Paul Revere” when he rode 30 miles to warn of a Cherokee attack on backcountry settlements, and just a month later he became the first recorded Jewish soldier to be killed in the Revolutionary War. © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

Oceana County ANIMAL SHELTER Who is ready for some fun? Who wants a new friend that will provide hours and hours of fun? Meet Scrappy-Doo! Scrappy is a one-year-old mixed-breed boy who is neutered and ready to bring joy and love to his new owner. Scrappy-Doo 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 231-7303906. Free tags are also available at the OCEANA Meet Scrappy-Doo County Animal Shelter.

© 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

• In 1997, a woman from Louisville, Kentucky, left actor Charles Bronson all of her money, a total of about $300,000, in a handwritten will. She didn’t know him, but it can be deduced that she was a fan. • The Woolsey Hall auditorium at Yale contains an extra-wide seat built to fit alumnus and former professor William Howard Taft. • The corpse flower was the official flower of the Bronx for 60 years. • Adults typically produce about 2 pints of gas each day, in an average of 14 farts. However, it’s apparently quite normal to pass gas up to 21 times per day. • At his inauguration, Teddy Roosevelt wore a ring with a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair. • In 1866, Cathay Williams became the first African American woman to serve in the U.S. Army. Women were barred from joining the military at the time, so she enlisted as a man under the pseudonym William Cathay. • Crime novelist James Patterson co-wrote the famous “I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid” jingle. • The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 handbook classifies caffeine withdrawal as a mental disorder. • Because Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is home to a large Amish population, Costco constructed a livestock parking stall for customers arriving via horse and buggy, with a rail for the animals and a roof to shield them from bad weather. • When that “inner voice” speaks in your head, it triggers small muscle movements in your larynx. • Michelangelo may have accidentally left a thumbprint on a wax sculpture’s butt. • Sometimes it snows on Mars, but the snowflakes are made out of carbon dioxide rather than water. The flakes don’t fall, but create a fog-like effect. *** Thought for the Day: “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” — Aristotle © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 2, 2026 9

Part two: G2S Academy offers a hands-on education to all By AnnaMae Bush The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent Last week we looked at Journey, a school in Ludington that for 10 years offered an alternative option for education. However, unable to overcome some facility issues, limited funding and other challenges, the school closed in the spring of 2014. Like the mythical phoenix rising out of the ashes, G2S (Gateway to Success Academy) opened its doors in the fall of 2016 to grateful and excited teachers and students. G2S is a charter public school whose district encompasses Mason County, Oceana County and part of Lake County and includes seven school districts in those counties. As its own district, it collects state funding directly per student. Journey Principal Jamie Bandstra reported the Leadership Board received two large grants from the state to start G2S and private donations from some very generous donors. John and Anita Wilson from Ludington (“Pennies from Heaven”) funded the purchase of the property and the facility. The career experience and passion of board members, past and present, has always been invaluable. Today G2S has a student body of 120 students in grades 6-12. “We own a bus which makes a two-hour run to pick up students in Hart, Ludington, Fountain, Custer At G2S, they use Project-Based Learning (PBL), a hands-on teaching philosophy, in core classes to emphasize reading, writing, presentations and project work – preparing students for life after high school in a fast-paced world.

• AnnaMae Bush/Echo and Walhalla. Baldwin schools transport their own students. The route changes year by year as students change. We have transient students,” current principal Kerry Newberg shared. “Some change districts frequently, and we make stops where it benefits the students most. If students come from outside our district, like Manistee, they provide their own transportation.” On Thursday, Nov. 20, G2S hosted its fall exhibition to give the public an opportunity to visit the school and hear students explain their projects. The Oceana Echo was privileged to attend. There was a wide range of demonstrations, topics and interesting classrooms to explore. There was a chemistry demonstration showing how to produce a blue light by adding hydrogen peroxide to another chemical compound. The junior high students were explaining their electromagnetic discoveries and sharing podcasts in which they imagined and illustrated a person whom they interviewed. There were 12th graders who designed an animal, illustrated the animal, and described its diet, habitat and adaptations to its environment. Another group of students made outdoor greenhouses on raised garden beds to grow a variety of plants and vegetables, experimented

with propagating them and even learned how to preserve beets by pickling them. Two students displayed the different forms of stitching they were learning in an elective class, and two more explained their project of identifying a trend and exploring the reasons behind the trend. One student chose to examine the trend of wearing baggy clothes. Another class assignment was designing and constructing a model of a small house for oneself that did not exceed 600 square feet. Then there was a woodshop, a space for welding instruction, a room dedicated for guitar lessons with professional musician John Merchant, a drumming class and a recording studio for audio-visual projects. G2S has a variety of unique curriculum features. In the trimester program, students have required core classes and one hour each day for an elective per trimester. The elective is scheduled before everyone’s lunch hour. However, on Thursday every week they all participate in SEL (Social Emotional Learning), which focuses on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship skills. The experience gained through the Leadership and Resiliency program at Journey laid the foundation for SEL at G2S. Another feature is a

NOTICE OF ADOPTION

class in personal finance and consumer math – money matters for grades 11 and 12 taught by Greg Taranko. The project for each student is to choose a job, research what the job pays, extrapolate the annual income after making all the necessary payroll deductions, then budget the income to cover all the expenses necessary for living independently – housing, food, transportation, entertainment, etc. There is also the Food Club, which works with the Ludington Food Club. Students staff the store, unloading and shelving food deliveries on Tuesdays and Thursdays. An inventory is kept, and each student has their own barcode under which to make purchases. Food and personal hygiene items can be “purchased” with points. Students receive 20 points per week, which they are free to spend when and how they choose. Bread, ramen noodles, mac and cheese, milk, eggs, various meats, canned beans and fruit, are available for modest amounts of points for the students and their families. Some of these “prices” include: a quart of milk was 4 points, a dozen eggs was 2 points, a loaf of bread was 3 points, cheese was 4 points, a container of yogurt was a ½ point, etc. This is a creative and dignified way to meet the needs of students regardless of their income.

G2S has an unusual grading system. Students still get letter grades A–F, but they know what the baseline requirements are for each class. Completing the minimum requirements earns a D. Students must go “above and beyond” to reach a C, B or A, and are told what they need to do for each level. Superintendent Melissa Zumbach and Principal Newberg admit G2S is still working to shed misconceptions and labels associated with Journey and its students. “Many people misunderstand who we are and what we do. We may be an alternative school, but not in the sense of being a lesser option or a poorer value. Our method of education is simply different. Some students come because they struggle in a traditional classroom. Recommendations and referrals come from school administrators and parents. Some high academic achievers come because they want project-based learning. One of our recent graduates got a full-ride scholarship to the University of Michigan. Thirty-one of our graduates have gone on to West Shore Community College.” G2S has eight teachers and a large support staff of tutors, para-pros, special ed teachers, a social worker and a behavior specialist. The office administrator, Brenda Anderson, has been with

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law in the United States that provides educational rights and services to children and youth experiencing homelessness, ensuring they can enroll in school and receive necessary support regardless of their housing situation. It defines homeless individuals as those lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and it mandates that schools provide immediate enrollment and transportation services for these students.

Journey and G2S from the beginning. Formerly principal at Journey and G2S, Jamie Bandstra is now director and principal of Summit Tech Center, a career and technical education program operated by West Shore Educational Service District on the campus of West Shore Community College. This gives him an opportunity to work with G2S grads who are among the 465 students in the program this year. Any student in the Shelby, Hart, Pentwater, Walkerville, Ludington, Baldwin or Mason County school districts is eligible to attend G2S. As mentioned earlier, education is not a “one size fits all” formula, so it is a great benefit to have this alternative as an option for students. Families who are interested in learning more about the school or in registering a child can go to the school’s website (g2sacademy.org) or can call the school office at 231-845-0922. Current G2S Board Members are: Margaret Mitchell, president; Jack Provencal, vice-president; Wayne Brown, treasurer; and Karen Haldeman, secretary; and members Karl Schrumpf, Lesley Murphy and Chris VanWyck.

NOTICE OF ADOPTION

OF NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE NT2025-1 ZONING ORDINANCE

OF NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE NT2025-2 MARIHUANA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDINANCE

The Newfield Township Board, by a 4 to 1 Resolution, has approved Newfield Township Ordinance NT2025-1 at its regular Township Board Meeting December 16, 2025. The Ordinance may be summarized as follows:

The Newfield Township Board, by a 5 to 0 Resolution, has approved Newfield Township Ordinance NT2024-3 at its regular Township Board Meeting December 16, 2025. The Ordinance may be summarized as follows:

1. Defining Zoning Districts 2. Defines allowable uses within Zoning Districts 3. Defines lot sizes, minimum residence standards, parking requirements (if any), permits required 4. Establishes administrative procedures for permits 5. Establishes administration of the Ordinance This Ordinance shall be applicable to all Zoning Districts within the Township. This Ordinance will be effective February 16, 2026. A copy of the Ordinance may be viewed or purchased at the Newfield Township Hall 3890 S. 198th Ave. Hesperia, Mi. 49421 during Township office hours, Mondays 9 AM to 12 PM. Or by appointment.

1. Moves the administrative activities and requirements from the Zoning Ordinance to a stand-alone Ordinance 2. Establishes administrative procedures for the permitting of Marihuana Facilities and administration of the Ordinance This Ordinance shall be applicable to all Zoning Districts within the Township. This Ordinance will be effective February 16, 2026. A copy of the Ordinance may be viewed or purchased at the Newfield Township Hall 3890 S. 198th Ave. Hesperia, Mi. 49421 during Township office hours, Mondays 9 AM to 12 PM. Or by appointment.

10 JANUARY 2, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO

SPORTS

HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE

Never enough baseball for Shelby’s Wright Longtime Tigers coach ascends to Muskegon Clippers top job By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor When Muskegon Clippers head coach Logan Fleener accepted the hitting coach job at NAIA Tennessee Wesleyan University after the 2025 season, longtime assistant Brian Wright - Shelby’s 46th-year head baseball coach - was a logical choice to replace Fleener. Except for one problem - initially, Wright wasn’t really interested. Wright was happy being an assistant, just as he was before Fleener took over following Walt Gawkowski moving from head coach to a general manager’s role. It wasn’t until a postseason meeting with Clippers coaches after the team lost out on a playoff bid by percentage points in the standings, that Fleener was able to show Wright that, as Fleener said, “It’s your time.” “The day we got beat out...(Fleener) said, ‘Tell me one reason you shouldn’t take this,’” Wright said. “I didn’t have a reason. I love baseball and I love working for the Clippers. That’s not why I became an assistant, to be a head coach down the road, but I took a couple days and then I called Walt and said, ‘Yeah, I’d like that job.’ I didn’t know if it was something I needed or wanted, but I’m all the way in.” Wright’s move continues something of a tradition within the Clip-

pers to keep the top position in the family. Gawkowski, who coached North Muskegon and Mona Shores for many years and whose late brother Pete was the origWright inal owner of the summer collegiate league team, coached the Clippers their first seven years of existence, helming the organization into the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League. He then handed off the coaching reins to Fleener, who was a Clipper during his playing days. Wright, the team’s third head coach, has been with the team since its start - Gawkowski is a close friend and brought him on as an assistant - and will now be making the calls from the dugout. Gawkowski said Wright’s natural gift for relationship-building made him an easy choice to move into the head coach position. In summer baseball, there’s not much time for players and coaches to get to know each other. Players, fresh off their college seasons, don’t need to work their way into shape, so teams assemble, have a few workouts, then jump right into the season. A leader who can quickly develop a rapport with his players is a valuable thing to have. “He’s been an educator and has been around kids his whole life, which certainly helps,” Gawkows-

Shelby baseball coach Brian Wright (second row, second from right) is excited to continue his decades-long career leading the Tigers this spring, then will spend the summer embarking on a new challenge as first-year head coach for the Muskegon Clippers, a summer collegiate league squad. • Echo File Photo

ki said. “I think it’s a skill that’s innate....I suppose you can develop that to a degree, but I think it’s more of a skill you have or you don’t. Kids like him and he likes them. They know he cares about them as people, and that’s what coaching really is about.” Wright turns 68 in April, but apart from a couple of knee replacements, you’d never know it; Tigers fans, players and parents alike have seen the energy he brings to the baseball diamond each day. It’s energy Wright said has never abated. He still loves the game, and you’d have to in order to coach as many games as Wright has over the decades. Perhaps his experience in the game is what gives Wright another quality Gawkowski loves in a coach - a predictable and relatively easygoing manner day to day. “Brian is pretty much the same every day,” Gawkowski said. “It’s not

a situation where you come to the park and you’re not sure how he’ll be that day. He’s always approachable and he’s always positive. That’s a comforting thing that people appreciate.” Wright says part of what keeps him in both jobs is the different atmospheres of the game. He loves coaching high school kids, and he said the 2026 team is “a special group” that will include several players whose fathers he also coached. When he gets to Marsh Field each summer, the college-level players provide a different atmosphere that keeps things fresh. “They’re there because it’s their craft,” Wright said of Clippers players. “They’ve been doing it forever, and they come to Muskegon to hone their skills before they go back

Brian Wright

continued on page 11

Girls wrestling takes the spotlight

Shelby’s April Luna (top) holds down North Muskegon’s Sevrianna Bennett during Sunday’s girls Mat Cat Classic in Montague. Luna finished second in the B team 125/130 pound bracket. • Andy Roberts/Echo

All 3 county teams compete at Montague By Andy Roberts

pete. The girls Mat Cat Classic has taken place at Montague for a few years, but it has rapidly grown from a handful of MONTAGUE — Girls wrestling is schools - almost none besides Monone of the fastest-growing sports in tague from West Michigan - to the the state, and it had a showcase event over 60 schools that had representaSunday at Montague High School, with all three county squads sending wrestlers a few miles south to comThe Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Girls wrestling continued on page 11

Above, Hesperia’s Lacey Mey (top) tries to score more points against Mason County Central foe Raelyn Wilson during Sunday’s girls Mat Cat Classic in Montague. Below, Hart’s Emma Miller tries to wriggle free of a hold by Hartland’s Emma Kozsa.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 2, 2026 11

MHSAA reports Michigan continues Hart MS boys team to outpace its population ranking in celebrates conference title sports participation Michigan’s national rankings for participation in high school athletics – overall, and separately for girls and boys participation – remained steady during the 2024-25 school year and continued to outpace the state’s national ranking for high schoolaged population, according to the annual national participation study conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Michigan remained eighth for overall participation nationally, based on a total of 298,246 participants. The total counts students once for each sport played, meaning students who are multiple-sport athletes are counted more than once. Michigan also remained seventh nationally for boys (173,320) and eighth for girls (124,926) participation separately, and again despite currently ranking 10th for both high school-aged boys and girls populations according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Michigan’s national rankings in eight sports

for which the MHSAA sponsors postseason tournaments improved from 2023-24, while eight sports also moved down on their respective lists from the previous year. Two sports jumped two spots on their respective lists, with Michigan’s football total (all full-contact formats combined) of 36,119 athletes moving up to fifth and its girls track & field participation total of 18,108 athletes moving up to sixth nationally. Among sports played in Oceana County, boys track & field (fifth) and boys cross-country (sixth) also moved up on their respective lists. Keeping with annual trends, participation in several more MHSAA sports also continued to outpace the state’s rankings for high schoolaged population. Participation nationally again exceeded 8 million participants after reaching that milestone for the first time in 2023-24, with the total of 8,260,891 an increase of

Brian Wright to their respective schools. The relationships I’ve made the past 11 years coaching the Clippers, somewhere along the line I’m (constantly) getting a text from one of my old Clippers. I feel blessed to have done it this long. “When you walk down that ramp going into Marsh Field, you look out and that field is 110 years old, and it seems like every year it gets better. I played on that field in high school and post-college, and it’s so neat. When you get there on a summer night and there’s 400-500 people in the stands, it’s a dream. It’s not 40,000, like the major leagues, but it’s pretty darn special.” Another nice thing about doing both jobs is there is not much overlap. Since the Clippers’ roster is largely set by the spring, and the players are busy with their college seasons, Wright is able to fully lock in on Shelby’s season. He’ll send the occasional encouraging text to the guys he’s set to coach a couple months later, but otherwise it’s all Tigers in the spring. (And to some extent in the winter as well; Wright said the team has begun optional Sunday sessions to work on hitting in advance of the season.) The relationship between coach and GM certainly won’t be an obstacle, either. Wright and Gawkowski have been friends for decades, and Gawkowski has favored a collaborative approach to the two jobs since

2.5 percent from 202324. The total includes 4,723,907 boys and 3,536,984 girls – both record highs – according to figures obtained from the 51 NFHS member state associations, which include the District of Columbia. Eleven-player football remained the most popular boys sport nationally, totaling 1,031,039 athletes. Next on the boys list were outdoor track & field, basketball, soccer, baseball, wrestling, cross country, golf, tennis, and swimming & diving, respectively. For girls, outdoor track and field, volleyball and soccer remained the top three participatory sports, in that order. Basketball ranked fourth, followed by softball, competitive cheer, tennis and cross-country. The NFHS participation survey was started in 1971 and compiled in its current form through the 2018-19 school year, resuming annually with the 2021-22 survey.

Hart’s middle school boys basketball team recently celebrated a West Michigan Conference championship. Team members include, left to right, front row, Gabe Cuevas Salazar, Robert Payne, Micah Stuckey, Easton Hopkins, Kaleb Edenburn and Manager Koye Hlady; second row, Travis Riley, Agustin Hernandez, Lincoln Nienhuis, Kacen Klotz, Alex Schiller, Weston Clark and Roman Rosas; third row, Coach Garrett Talmadge, AJ Hertzler and Coach Steve Hlady. • Connie VanDerZanden/Echo

Shelby’s Olivia Casarez (bottom) tries to escape a hold by Portland’s Lillian Teachworth during Sunday’s girls Mat Cat Classic in Montague. • Andy Roberts/Echo

continued from page 10

his days coaching the team. That won’t change with Wright. “I think it was (longtime NFL coach) Bill Parcells that said, ‘If I’m going to cook dinner, I should be doing the grocery shopping,’” Gawkowski chuckled. “I sign the kids and I try to get input from a lot of people - their college coaches for one - but certainly I talk to Brian about that too. If he says, ‘I really want this kid,’ I’ll sign him.” Wright said Gawkowski has his own gift for relationship-building when it comes to college coaches, which helps the Clippers get good players each year. That’s certainly shown in recent years’ standings the 2023 Clippers won a GLSCL record 33 games, and the 2024 team reached the league championship series, a franchise first. That creates a lot of optimism that Wright’s time in the head coach chair will be a productive one. It’s certainly one he’s looking forward to, now that he’s realized he did in fact want the challenge. “The shoes are a little bigger now,” Wright said. “I’ll be the one to make the lineup out, pull a pitcher in the eighth inning with the bases loaded, or make the decision of whether we hit and run or bunt. After coaching at first base the past seven years, it’ll be nice to switch to the third-base box. It’ll be a little more intense over there.”

Girls wrestling

continued from page 10

tives there Sunday, including Oceana schools Hart, Shelby and Hesperia. For those three, the event was a success. All three schools had at least one wrestler earn a spot on the podium. The results were almost beside the point, though, as the girls, who rarely receive their own spotlight in wrestling, got to take center stage for a day. “It creates a sense of pride knowing we are one of the biggest, if not the biggest, girls tournaments in the state right here in Montague,” Montague coach Kris Maddox said. The tournament has been going on for a few years now, but Sunday marked its biggest event yet, as the Wildcats’ new gym hosted four mats and a packed crowd. Hesperia’s Lacey Mey took the highest finish among team point-scorers. Mey

Hart’s Elyssa Tanis attempts to get out of trouble against Lowell’s Lana Sheehan during Sunday’s Mat Cat Classic in Montague. • Andy Roberts/Echo

finished fourth at 135 pounds. She won her first two matches, both by pin, to secure her finish. Emma Miller earned Hart’s best finish, coming in fifth at 120. She went 4-1 on the day, scoring four pins. Elyssa Tanis (115 pounds) and Danielle Casillas (135) did not place, but each scored team points. Both posted 2-2 records; Tanis scored two pins, and Casillas

won her first match in overtime before later adding a pin victory. Olivia Casarez picked up a sixth-place finish for Shelby at 105, going 3-2 with a pair of wins by pin plus a decision. Grace Eckhert went 1-2 and scored a win by pin. April Luna, wrestling in the 125/130 B team class, advanced to the finals before taking second place, notching three pin victories.

Volume3,3,Issue Issue88 JANUARY JANUARY2,2,2026 2026 Volume

THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 2, 2026 12

Total Raised: $108,211.25 Lead this Legacy REFLECTIONSReflections OF OUR COMMUNITY Reflections ofour ourcommunity community community of

White Lake Mirror White YOUR LOCALLYOWNED OWNEDAND ANDOPERATED OPERATEDNONPROFIT NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE YOUR LOCALLY OWNED NEWS SOURCE YOUR LOCALLY AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

BlueLake LakeTwp. Twp.to toreceive receive$120K $120K DNR DNR grant grant Blue Grant money to be

Grantmoney moneytotobebe Grant used to construct usedtotoconstruct construct used ADA-compliant trail to ADA-complianttrail trailto to ADA-compliant Grass Lake Grass Lake Grass Lake By Andy Roberts By Andy Roberts By Andy White LakeRoberts Mirror Editor

White Lake Mirror Editor White Lake Mirror Editor A dedicated A dedicated group group of of volunteers volunteers has has A dedicated group of volunteers has been working to improve been working to improve the the Blue Blue Lake Lake been working to improve the Blue Lake Township Township parks parks over over the the past past year, year, and and The The Blue Blue Lake Lake Township Township Park Park was wasrecently recentlyapproved approvedfor foraa$120,000 $120,000grant grantthat thatwill willhelp help Township parks over the past year, and the The Blue Lake Township Park was recently approved for avisitors $120,000 grant that will help the township township received received great great news news on on the township construct an ADA-compliant trail to give a proper view of Grass the township construct an ADA-compliant trail to give visitors a proper view of Grass thethat township received great news on the township constructPhoto an ADA-compliant trail to give visitors a proper view of Grass Lake. that topic topic Dec. Dec. 12 12 when when the the MichiMichiLake. ••Courtesy Courtesy Photo that topic Dec. 12ofwhen theResources Michigan Department Natural Lake. • Courtesy Photo gan Department of Natural Resources A new trail is planned in the Blue Lake marshy area in there, and the tail will then, but certainly we want to have it gan Department of Natural Resources A new trail is planned in the Blue Lake marshy area in there, and the tail will then, but certainly we want to have it (DNR) (DNR) announced announced itit was was recommendrecommend-A Twp. but the certainly we want to have it area in there, and the tail will then, new trail is planned in the accessible Blue Lake marshy (DNR) announced it was recommendTwp. park park that that will will be be more more accessible to to cut done by by the September/October September/October time time cut across across the the lake. lake. It'll It'll be be like like aa deck deck done ing the township receive $120,000 in ing the township receive $120,000 inTwp. park that will be more accessible to cut done by the September/October time across the lake. It'll be like a deck physically handicapped people. all ingTrust the township receive $120,000 in physically handicapped people. frame,"Abram Abramsaid. said. all the the way way across, across, and and you you can can shortshort- frame," Trust Fund Fund grant grant money. money. physically handicapped people. Abram said. said, came in part •• Courtesy Photo allcut the way across, and you can short- frame," The idea, Abram across the lake." Courtesy Photo Trust Township Fund grantclerk money. The idea, Abram said, came in part cut across the lake." Jeff Abram said the Township clerk Jeff Abram said the• Courtesy Photo Thetownship idea, Abram said, came in part cut across the lake." from resident Scott Abram said he anticipates the proj"Our lake is quite a bit (of distance) Township clerk Jeff Abram said the from township resident Scott BranBranAbram said he anticipates the projplan "Our lake is quite a bit (of distance) plan is is to to use use the the Trust Trust Fund Fund money money to to "Our from township resident Scott BranAbram said he anticipates the projnam, who has done work with a group lake is quite a bit (of distance) ect being completed by next fall, podown there," Abram said. "The handiplan is to use the Trust Fund money to nam, who has done work with a group ect being completed by next fall, poimprove down there," Abram said. "The handi- ect improve accessibility accessibility to to the the township's township'sdown who has donethe work with a group being completed by next fall, DNR po- nam, there," Abram said. "The handitentially capped will be able to view the wildlife. improve accessibility to volunteers the township's of volunteers volunteers on on the Mosquito Mosquito Creek Creek tentially sooner sooner than than that that ifif the the DNR of trails, which local have capped will be able to view the wildlife. trails, which local volunteers havecapped will be able to view the wildlife. tentially of volunteers on the Mosquito Creek sooner than that if the DNR Trails near Maple Island Road in Twin releases funds to the township quickly There will also be an observation deck trails, which local volunteers have Trails near Maple Island Road in Twin releases funds to the township quickly been There will also be an observation deck releases been steadily steadily improving. improving. An An AmeriAmeri-There Trails near Maple Island Road in Twin funds to the township quickly Lake. Abram said Brannam told the enough. He said due to legal processwill also be an observation deck down there with ADA features like low been steadily improving. An AmeriLake. Abram said Brannam told the cans down there with ADA features like low enough. He said due to legal process- Lake. Abram said Brannam told the cans with with Disabilities Disabilities Act-compliant Act-compliantdown enough. He said due to legal processes that must be followed, that usually thereHalfway with ADA features like low railings. across the lake, we'll cans with Disabilities Act-compliant trail is planned that would give users es that must be followed, that usually railings. Halfway across the lake, we'll trail is planned that would give usersrailings. estakes that place must in bethe followed, spring. that usually Halfway across the lake, we'll do aa cut trail is planned that would give users aa view cut across across the the lake. lake. There's There's aa dry dry takes place in the spring. view of of Grass Grass Lake Lake and and local local wildlife. wildlife. dodo takes place in the spring. continued "We can only a cut across the lake. There's a dry a view of Grass Lake and local wildlife. continuedon onpage page22 "We can only do do so so much much until until continued on page 2 "We can only do so much until

Blue Lake grant BlueLake Lakegrant grant Blue

Kidscelebrate celebrateNew NewYear's Year'sNoon Noon at at library library Kids

The White Lake Community Library celebrated its annual New Year's Noon party Tuesday, inviting kids who may not The White Lake Community Library celebrated its annual New Year's Noon party Tuesday, inviting kids who may not up until ball drops Library at midnight New Year's Eve to New welcome 2026 withparty their own shindig. At the noon countdown, Thestay White Lakethe Community celebrated its annual Year's Noon inviting kids who may not stay up until the ball drops at midnight New Year's Eve to welcome 2026 with theirTuesday, own shindig. At the noon countdown, balloons were set loose throughout the celebration, which also included thetheir opportunity to frost and decorate your own stay up until the ball drops at midnight New Year's Eve to welcome 2026 with own shindig. At the noon countdown, balloons were set loose throughout the celebration, which also included the opportunity to frost and decorate your own graham crackers (above right) and fill out kids' own goals and hopes for the year. • Andy Roberts/Mirror balloons were set loose throughout the celebration, which also included the opportunity to frost and decorate your graham crackers (above right) and fill out kids' own goals and hopes for the year. • Andy Roberts/Mirror own graham crackers (above right) and fill out kids' own goals and hopes for the year. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Volunteers on verge of opening entire Blue Lake Twp. trail Volunteers on verge of opening entire Blue Lake Twp. trail Volunteers on verge of opening entire Blue Lake Twp. trail By Angel Brannam By Angel Brannam

habitats. Particular attention was given to preserving habitats. Particular attention was given to preserving the breeding areasattention of the Blanding’s and the Volunteer Contributor habitats. Particular was given Turtle to preserving ByVolunteer Angel Brannam the breeding areas of the Blanding’s Turtle and the Contributor Karner Blue Butterfly. Blue Lake Township’s primary breeding of the Blanding’s Turtle and the Karner Blueareas Butterfly. Blue Lake Township’s primary Blue LakeVolunteer TownshipContributor Park made significant prog- the Blue Lake Township Park made significant prog-Karner goal throughout the Blue project hasTownship’s been the creation Blue Butterfly. Lake primaryof goal throughout the project has been the creation of ress in 2025, with 4.5 miles of the Green Segment now Blue Parkofmade significant progress inLake 2025,Township with 4.5 miles the Green Segment nowgoal sustainable trails. throughout the project has been the creation of sustainable trails. complete. The remaining half mile is scheduled to be ress in 2025, with 4.5 miles ofhalf themile Green Segment now complete. The remaining is scheduled to besustainable Angel trails. Brannam coordinated with volunteers to Angel Brannam coordinated with volunteers to finished The in spring 2026,half at which time the final segcomplete. remaining mile is scheduled to be finished in spring 2026, at which time the final seg- complete trail finishing, which with included removing Angel Brannam coordinated volunteers to complete trail finishing, which included removing ment ofinthe Green Trailatwill officially finished spring 2026, which timeopen. the final segment of the Green Trail will officially open. roots and loam, leveling uneven surfaces, and raking complete trail finishing, which included removing roots and loam, leveling uneven surfaces, and raking This year’s volunteer effort was outstanding. A toment of theyear’s Greenvolunteer Trail willeffort officially This wasopen. outstanding. A to-roots the trails to create a smooth, safe experience for hikleveling uneven surfaces, and raking the and trailsloam, to create a smooth, safe experience for hiktal of 1,360 impresThis year’svolunteer volunteerhours effortwere was logged—an outstanding. A total of 1,360 volunteer hours were logged—an impresers and mountain bikers. theers trails to create a bikers. smooth, safe experience for hikand mountain sive 64 percent increase over 2024. Their dedication talsive of 1,360 volunteer hours over were 2024. logged—an impres64 percent increase Their dedication Special thanks go to the following volunteers for mountain bikers. Special thanks go to the following volunteers for played a critical role in moving the project forward. ers and sive 64 percent increase 2024. dedication played a critical role in over moving theTheir project forward. their help with trail finishing: Bob Tuttle, Jan ErkenSpecial go finishing: to the following volunteers for helpthanks with trail Bob Tuttle, Jan ErkenScott Brannam was instrumental in planning and their playedScott a critical role inwas moving the project forward. and brack, Sara Smart, Kevin Goff, Chris Billie, Remy, Cole, Brannam instrumental in planning help with trail Kevin finishing: Tuttle, Erkencutting the trails with minimal environmental impact. their brack, Sara Smart, Goff,Bob Chris Billie,Jan Remy, Cole, Scott Brannam was minimal instrumental in planningimpact. and cutting the trails with environmental in Blue Lake Township have worked to open Great care was taken to follow the most natural paths brack, Sara Smart, Kevin Goff, Chris Billie, Remy, Cole, Volunteers Volunteers in Blue Lake Township have worked to open cutting trails minimal environmental impact. Greatthe care waswith taken to follow the most natural paths nearly 8 miles of trail since 2024 and plan to complete the through the forest while avoiding sensitive wildlife nearly 8 miles of trail 2024 and plan to complete the Blue Lakesince have worked to open continued on page 2 Volunteers Great care was follow the mostsensitive natural paths Green Trailinnext spring. •Township Courtesy Photo through the taken forest to while avoiding wildlife continued on page 2 nearly Green8 Trail spring. • Courtesy Photo milesnext of trail since 2024 and plan to complete the through the forest while avoiding sensitive wildlife continued on page 2 Green Trail next spring. • Courtesy Photo

Trail Trailwork work Trail work

13 JANUARY 2, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO

THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR JANUARY 2, 2026 2

Shoreline, Sytsema funeral homes merge Shoreline Memorial Services announced Dec. 11 that it will merge with Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, uniting two well-known names in West Michigan funeral care. The parties announced the merger in a joint release, stating that "this partnership blends Shoreline’s dedication to affordable, personal service with Sytsema’s 95-year legacy of compassionate, community-centered care." Founders David Cummings and Doug Peterson of Shoreline Memorial Services will continue to manage and operate the Muskegon location as they have the past 13 years. The two companies annonced that the founders' combined nearly 70 years of experience will now be supported by the resources and trusted legacy of the Sytsema organization, which has been serving families since 1929. The Shoreline Memorial Services location in Muskegon will continue operating under the Shoreline name, with Dave and Doug remaining in their roles and providing the same funeral and cremation options to the community. The Shoreline location in Whitehall has been rebranded as The Whitehall Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, aligning it with the Sytse-

ma family of locations while continuing to serve the White Lake area. “This partnership allows us to stay true to what we’ve built in Muskegon while giving families even greater access to resources and support,” said Dave Cummings in the release. “We’re proud to continue doing what we love with the Sytsema family by our side.” Scott Sytsema, Funeral Director and Co-Owner of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, shared in the release, “Dave and Doug have built a strong, meaningful connection with the Muskegon community. We’re honored to join forces and extend our shared mission of serving families with dignity, compassion, and integrity.” The Sytsema and Shoreline teams said they believe every person deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and humility, and that that guides their decision-making. "Families can expect a seamless transition, with continued access to a full range of services including cremation, traditional funerals, pre-planning, grief support, and personalized memorials," read the release. "Together, these two trusted organizations will continue to serve not only Muskegon and Whitehall, but also in Grand Haven, Norton Shores, Roosevelt Park,

The Shoreline Memorial Services and Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services teams celebrated their merger earlier this month. Shoreline's Whitehall location has been rebranded under the Sytsema name to reflect the change. • Courtesy Photo

Ravenna, Spring Lake and the surrounding communities with the highest standards of care." More information is available for

Trail work

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services at www.sytsemafh.com and for Shoreline Memorial Services at www.shorelinememorial.com.

continued from page 4

Kim Breuker, Jeff P., Jeff Abram, Britt rules. and Craig Price, Maggie and Greg MaxThere will be additional opportuey and Scott and Angel Brannam. This nities to volunteer in 2026, including project would not have been possible completing the remaining half mile of without their time and commitment. trail, cleaning up debris, and assisting Effective January 1, 2026, pets will with a new project. Please contact Angel no longer be permitted in the park. Af- Brannam at liberg_am@yahoo;com or ter multiple attempts to accommodate call 231-571-2510 for more information pets, the decision was made to protect on volunteer opportunities. wildlife and sensitive habitats. Despite We invite the community to visit posted signage, pets were often off- Blue Lake Township Park and enjoy all leash and running through wildlife ar- it has to offer. This serene park provides eas, disrupting habitats. Pet waste was much to see and appreciate. Please refound everywhere. Additionally, there member that trails are designated for continued from page 4 is no designated beach in the park; the hiking, jogging, and non-motorized bito supplement an already robust job shoreline is a wetland that supports cycles, and be sure to follow proper trail volunteers have done adding to lo- waterfowl. We sincerely apologize to re- etiquette. cal trails. Since 2024 volunteers have sponsible pet owners who followed the worked to clear nearly eight miles of trail, which are best used for running and biking. The township is also moving toward hosting an orienteering course to teach outdoor enthusiasts how to find their way in the woods. Abram said volunteers and comThe Board of Trustees for Fruitland Township will be munity members deserve a lot of credit for the work that is being done and, receiving separate sealed bids for the construction of: thanks to the DNR grant, will continue Fruitland Township Bath House to be done to improve township trails. 4545 Nestrom Road Whitehall, MI 49461. "I really appreciate the feedback I got from the public," Abram said. "Our BID PROPOSAL volunteers have put in so many hours, Sealed bids will be received until 10:00 am local time on and I'm so thankful for that. It made Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Fruitland Township Hall my job overseeing (this grant) easier... The community has rallied around and office, 4545 Nestrom Road, Whitehall, MI 49461. Sealed bids can supported it, and I really appreciate it." be also dropped off at WinBerg Construction, 8868 Water Street, Montague, MI 49437 by 9:00 am local time on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud immediately after the closing of bids at Fruitland Township Hall. Interested parties are invited to attend. Bids received after this time will neither be considered nor accepted.

Blue Lake grant

township upon hearing of the idea that it would be doable. The township applied for the grant in the spring and has drawn inspiration from similar trails at Mosquito Creek, Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon, Duck Lake State Park in Whitehall and others. "If there's a trail around here, we've visited it," Abram said. Due to the ADA compliance the township is pursuing, certain benchmarks must be met, Abram said. To be compliant, the trail cannot be of a more than 3% grade, and according to the nonprofit American Trails, materials used must be firm, slip-resistant and stable. The new trail will be slightly under 1,000 feet from the parking lot to the viewing area, Abram added. The grant will enable the township

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION MASTER PLAN UPDATE

Please take notice that the White River Township Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing during a special meeting on January 20th, 2026, at 6:30pm at the White River Township Hall, 7386 Post Road, Montague, MI 49437, for the purpose of considering a proposed Master Plan update. The public hearing will provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on the 2025 White River Township Master Plan, a guide for the use, development, and preservation of land in the Township. Copies of the proposed Master Plan update are available for public viewing during regular business hours at the Township Hall or on the township website, www.whiterivertwp.com. Written comments will be received at the following address until the night of the hearing: White River Township Planning Commission 7386 Post Road Montague, MI 49437 This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are planning to attend this hearing and are disabled requiring any special assistance, please notify the Township Clerk by calling 231-8949216 as soon as possible.

All Bids may not be modified, withdrawn, or canceled for a period of sixty (60) days from the time and date of Bid receipt.

PRE-BID MEETING

A pre-bid meeting will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 10:00 am local time at Fruitland Township Hall Office, 4545 Nestrom Road, Whitehall, MI 49461.

BID DOCUMENTS All bidding documents may be viewed and/or reproduced at the following locations: • WinBerg Construction, Inc., 8868 Water Street, Montague, MI 49437 - (231) 894-8409 • Ajax Imaging, 777 E. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49444 (231) 733-2529 • Fruitland Township Hall, 4545 Nestrom Road Whitehall, MI 49461 (231) 766-3208

PREVAILING WAGES DO NOT APPLY TO THIS PROJECT.

3 JANUARY 2, 2026 THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR

THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 2, 2026 14

Community Calendar Saturday, Jan. 3 Live trivia @ White Lake Eagles, 7 p.m. Kyle Brown performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6 Toddler Story Time @ MADL Mon-

tague, 9:30 a.m. Stories, songs and play time. Intended for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers. Wednesday, Jan. 7 Youth Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 3-5 p.m. Bring in projects you’re working on or start some-

thing new with help from staff. plore available supplies in the classThe Oat Bran Boys perform @ room. North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 Adult Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring studio materials from home or ex-

Echoes of History: History The life of Annie Dowling (Pt. 3) By Tom Eitniear Volunteer Contributor Parts 1 and 2 of this story ran in the Dec. 19 and 26 issues of the White Lake Mirror. Determining who would be the administrator of George Dowling’s estate would not be a simple task. Annie was appointed as administratix of the estate with assistance from her nephew Hart Row as an appointed co-administrator. This action resulted in a petition to the probate court from John Dowling objecting to the appointment of Hart Row as co-administrator based upon his lack of familiarity regarding George's business activities, as well as being incompetent or qualified to administer the estate because of this lack of familiarity. The petition requested that Cassius D. Dowling, son of John and Phoebe, and brother of George, be appointed as co-administrator due to his familiarity with George's business activities. The probate court affirmed the appointment of Annie Dowling and Hart Row May 25, 1896, and denied the petition for Cassius Dowling to be appointed as co-administrator. This was the first battle in a developing war between Annie Dowling and Cassius Dowling. Michael Brown, an attorney based out of Big Rapids, Michigan, served as the confidential and legal advisor to George Dowling for several years prior and up to the time of his death, and also served as special administrator after his death, being appointed by the probate court May 5, 1896. Mr. Brown spent considerable time with Annie

after George’s death examining books and papers, discovering George had failed to enter any business transactions in his books for a period of four years prior to his death, and that his books had been meagerly kept for a period of eight years prior to his death. It was highly irregular that George would engage in such poor record-keeping since his entire career as a businessman was based upon his meticulous attention to detail. Poor record-keeping during the final eight years of his life created a most challenging task of sorting through what records were available to piece together his total estate value. George was involved in a great deal of business activities that required considerable time and attention of the administrators. Hart Row quickly realized how demanding the role of co-administrator was going to be, and on June 22, 1896 submitted to the Probate Court his declination to qualify as co-administrator of the estate of George Dowling based upon other business engagements. Annie Dowling was now left as sole administratix of George’s estate, with assistance from Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown suggested to Annie that she employ Samuel H. Lasley to assist her in looking after the matters of George’s estate since he was an old acquaintance and former business partner with George and was particularly well qualified to assist her in settling the estate. Annie embraced the suggestion and hired him with a $1,500 per year salary. One of the most striking pieces of

information discovered by Mr. Lasley was that numerous parcels of real estate had been purchased by George Feb. 2, 1883, from his brother Cassius Dowling for $6,400. This real estate had nearly quadrupled in value over the 13-year period prior to George’s death, but Cassius had never provided a deed or conveyance for any of the parcels. During this 13-year time period Cassius had sold some of the subject parcels to unsuspecting purchasers. Upon request from Annie to convey the parcels to the rightful owner - the estate of George Dowling - Cassius refused. Annie subsequently brought suit against Cassius to transfer ownership of the real estate, and on March 24, 1897 Circuit Court Judge Fred J. Russell ruled in favor of Annie, and that Cassius must transfer the real estate and pay Annie’s court costs. This marked the second battle between Annie and Cassius. Perhaps as a result of the Circuit Court ruling, Cassius submitted a claim on April 6, 1897 against the estate of George Dowling in the amount of $11,175 ($405,904 in 2023 dollars) for services rendered from Feb. 1, 1883 to March 30, 1896. The claim did not specify what services were rendered and was summarily dismissed by the court. This marked the third battle between Annie and Cassius. On Thursday, April 22, 1897, John Dowling died. His death left the widow Annie and the widow Phoebe as the heirs to George’s estate. Phoebe was in poor health and on May 4, 1897, a mere 13 days after her husband’s death, she quitclaimed all of her right title and in-

Annie Dowling circa 1875. • Montague Museum/Courtesy Photo

terest in the estate of George Dowling both real and personal of every kind and nature for the sum of $1 and other valuable consideration. The transfer was made from Phoebe Dowling to William C. Dowling, Henry P. Dowling, Melvin T. Dowling, and Cassius D. Dowling, brothers to George Dowling, and also her surviving sons. This transfer legally gave each brother oneeighth interest in the estate of George Dowling and may have been suggested by Cassius after his stinging defeat in the previously mentioned lawsuit. This event would not be considered a battle, but Cassius probably felt victorious.

2025 was a year of highlights at the library By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor 2025 was a big year for the library, with everything from new grants and partnerships to new programs and services, all topped off with our 25th anniversary celebration in October. So much to celebrate, and so much to be thankful for! Our new partnerships included joining forces with Grand Valley DeMumbrum State University and other libraries in the county to offer community discussions, working with Woven Trifecta Farm to provide free community supported agriculture (CSA) food baskets to local residents, and partnering with the Montague library and the Playhouse at White Lake to bring you the Manhattan Short Film Festival. Feedback on all three was overwhelmingly positive, and we hope to continue

them in 2026. We were fortunate to receive several large grants in the past year, including a solar panel project grant which came to fruition in the fall. The panels were installed and producing electricity by mid-October. Already they have produced 1.75 megawatt hours of power! Watch for events related to renewable energy in 2026. The teen corner grant from the White Lake Community Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County brought us fabulous new furnishings to create a space just for teens at the library. Last but not least, a generous grant through the American Library Association provided us with funds to increase accessibility for all at the library. This work is ongoing, but watch for some big changes in the next several months. As for programs and services, the list is long. Two big ones were adding an online room reservation tool and adding a music streaming service. The room reservation software has made it easier than ever for people to reserve a space at the library for meetings and studying and more, while Freegal Music+ has only been available for a few

weeks and is already seeing significant use. We also started offering quarterly blood drives at the library, grew our Library of Things collection with household tools and board games, started a Little Free Costume Library in October, and expanded our club offerings to include a writer’s group and knitting and crocheting group. Next up - American mahjong! The anniversary celebration Oct. 17 was a wonderful gathering of library supporters old and new. It was such a joy to see everyone gathered together as we named the meeting room in honor of Bette Carlson, the library’s founding director. We are so thankful for the hard work of those who brought this library into existence, and we are equally grateful for the support of the community today. We look forward to serving you well in 2026! FUN FACT: Freegal Music+ has only been available for 2 short weeks, and library patrons have already streamed 722 songs! Check it out for yourself at wlclib.freegalmusic.com just log in with your White Lake library card and start streaming your favorite music today!

The

Bookworm

Bulletin

Yoga at the Library After a short break for the holidays, yoga classes will resume at the library Jan. 8. Gentle yoga is offered at 9:30 every Thursday, and the suggested donation is $13. Chair yoga is at 11:30 on Thursdays with a suggested donation of $5, or free for Silver Sneakers participants. Please note, the chair yoga class time will change to 11 a.m. for the two weeks of the Calvin College January Series lectures (Jan. 22 and 29). This allows time to get the room set up for the lectures, which start at 12:30. For more information, visit wlclib.org/calendar.

community 15 JANUARY 2, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO

THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR JANUARY 2, 2026 4

e Mirror

SPORTS WHITEHALL • MONTAGUE • REETHS - PUFFER

Girls Mat Cat meet spotlights growing sport NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor MONTAGUE — The Lady Mat Cat Wrestling Invitational in Montague has grown at warp speed, going in a few years from a fun event to spotlight a fledgling Wildcat girls program to one of the biggest tournaments in the state in one of its fastest-growing sports. Over 60 schools were represented at Sunday's event, which was the first girls meet in Montague's new gym. The increased space enabled the invitational to have four matches going at one time. All three local schools had wrestlers participating. Whitehall led the way, scoring 37 points, many of them by 130-pound champion and 2025 state runner-up Kassie Sapp, to earn 16th place. Reeths-Puffer tied for 32nd, and Montague placed 36th. The results, though, weren't the main point of the day. Showcasing the sport was a much higher priority. "The level of wrestling girls are displaying now has jumped leaps and bounds from our first tournament,"

Whitehall's Miley Manzo (left) grapples wih Portland's Georgia Stahl during Sunday's girls Mat Cat meet in Montague. Manzo finished 6th, helping the Vikings finish 16th of over 60 schools.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Kassie Sapp (top) goes for a takedown against Portland opponent Alliona Montague coach Kris Maddox said. Teachworth during Sunday's girls Mat Cat invitational in Montague. Sapp dominated "What was really great to see (Sun- the tournament, winning the title at 130 pounds. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

day) was all the local and conference teams which were represented. I believe when we started there may have been only one other local school or conference (school) besides us who had girls entered, and it’s just great to see multiple from our area, many of

which either were in the finals or won can’t say enough about the support the tournament. that those behind the scenes provide "It’s almost surreal to look at where to make it possible." the tournament started and looking Another example of the full-ciraround (Sunday). However, it doesn't happen without the mass of volunteers, help, school and community. I

Girls wrestling continued on page 5

Whitehall drops Hall of Fame game Vikes can't overcome 32 points by Fruitport's Lillmars By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor MUSKEGON — Whitehall's third consecutive trip to the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame Classic Tuesday night wasn't as much fun as the previous two, as the Vikings were overwhelmed by a huge night by Fruitport star Dexter Lillmars and took a 68-57 defeat. The contest ended abruptly in the final minute when one of the officials, apparently leery of the amount of contact being made on the Vikings' lategame fouls to stop the clock, waved off the rest of the game with about 20 seconds to go, a decision coach Christian Subdon felt was unnecessary. The outcome, though, was settled by then, in large part due to Lillmars and his 32 points. The Trojan star had 13 points in the first quarter alone, taking over the game and helping his team erase an early deficit to go ahead 20-14. "When you give him wide open shots in the first half, and he sees the ball go in, he becomes nearly unstoppable," Subdon said of Lillmars. "The hoop probably looked like an ocean to him, because we gave him three uncontested threes in the first half. You can't do that against a good player, and he made us pay." With Corde Anderson hampered by foul trouble and Hunter Osborne unavailable to play (though he was on the bench), the Vikings (3-5) had a tough road to hoe to get back into the game. Fruitport executed extremely well in the half-court offense throughout the

Whitehall's Corde Anderson meets Fruitport's Garrett Olson in midair during Tuesday's game at Muskegon.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

game, getting to the basket seemingly at will - including on back-to-back fourth quarter possessions after a Whitehall timeout. Down 14 at halftime, Whitehall didn't go away, getting as close as seven points, 50-43, in the fourth. However, a Viking foul followed by a technical foul contributed to a 6-0 Trojan run that sealed the game. Subdon has pointed to defense as an area Whitehall needs to improve much of the season, and it was no different Tuesday. He said it didn't help that Lillmars and Fruitport seized a big early lead, forcing Whitehall to play a style it isn't as comfortable playing. "Then you have to play up in people's shirts, which we're not as good at," Subdon said. "In years past, we

Whitehall's Evan Thomas attempts to get a shot over Fruitport defender Garrett Olson during Tuesday's Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame game at Muskegon. Thomas scored 14 points in Whitehall's 68-57 loss. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Corde Anderson battles through contact from Fruitport's Garrett Olson (21)

Hall of Fame and Brady Hanson during Tuesday's game at Muskegon. Anderson had 18 points, but continued on page 5

Whitehall lost 68-57. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

5 JANUARY LAKE MIRROR 16 JANUARY2,2,2026 2026 THE THEWHITE OCEANA ECHO

Montague boys keep Mat Cat title at home By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor Montague edged Spring Lake for the championship Saturday at its home Eric Scott Memorial Mat Cat Invitational, 193.5-192. Seven Wildcat wrestlers reached the finals in their weight classes, and two came away with titles. Isaac French was the winner at 190 pounds, scoring a pin and a technical fall prior to the finals. In the title match, he defeated North Muskegon's Brennen Allen by a 12-6 decision. Fletcher Thommen was the Wildcats' other champion, at 150. Thommen pinned his first two opponents and then romped to a technical fall against Spring Lake's Jason Liu in the finals. Five other Wildcats secured run-

ner-up finishes. Gavyn Maddox was second at 144, pinning his first two opponents before falling in a very tight 5-4 match to Hopkins' Cooper Anderson in the championship match. Kaiden Jeffery was second at 157, winning two decisions to reach the finals. Lamar Bradford of Muskegon got the best of Jeffery in the finals. Michael Jones took second at 165, pinning three consecutive opponents to reach the finals before falling to Spring Lake's Augustus Hill. Maverick Osborne was second at 285, with a pair of wins by pin and a tough decision loss to Hesperia's Noah Walker in the finals. Chayse Maddox rounded out the runners-up at 120, with a pair of pin victories before dropping a 6-3 decision to Muskegon's Jeremiah Montague's wrestling team celebrates winning its home Mat Cat Invitational Saturday. The Wildcats edged Spring Lake for the top spot. • Courtesy Photo Diggs.

Hall of Fame might have been more athletic. Here, we're more skilled, but not as athletic. So, we have to find that balance of how to keep dudes in front and keeping guys out (of the paint). That's really what's happening, is getting down and then having to play from behind." Offensively, Whitehall relied heav-

continued from page 4

ily on Anderson in the second half to get back in the game, and it worked for a while. After scoring only four points thanks to that early foul trouble, Anderson poured in 14 in the second half and showed tenacity in attacking the basket even amid a lot of contact from his Trojan counterparts.

It's something Viking fans might see more often going forward, as Subdon said the senior forward creates a lot of options for the team offensively. "We want to get the ball to Corde," Subdon said. "We want to get the ball in on the block, because that's where we find success, and that's where we'll find more open treys too. We've just got some young guys that need to understand that. It's a learning process. "I've got to figure out what can make us tick offensively. I think we found

some stuff in the second half. Whether that means I have to call sets every single time or we have to hone more in on it in practice, or to find the right mix of guys, that's going to be something. I think some guys got a little comfortable in their role, and we're going to shake that up a little bit." Evan Thomas scored 14 points for Whitehall, and Trojan senior DayDay Williams supplemented Lillmars' 32 points with 21 of his own.

Girls wrestling continued from page 4

cle nature of the event was the return of Montague wrestling alum Emma Pendell. The 2022 state champion Wildcat is now a member of the coaching staff at Hudson, a small-school powerhouse in boys wrestling with a growing girls contingent. "She was wrestling in this tournament in its first year, and now she’s helping coach years later," Maddox said. "That in itself should show how much the sport is growing." Sapp's victory at 130 was unsurprising given her accolades, but she had to earn it, winning in overtime in the championship match against Ana Sofia Vega of Plainwell, 9-2. Sapp scored a pair of pins prior to that to reach the finals. Teammate Miley Manzo was the Vikings' other team scorer, placing sixth at 115 with a 3-2 record. Manzo scored a pair of pins and one decision victory. "Don’t sleep on Miley, as she has really good stuff this year and we are proud of where she is at and where she is going," the Whitehall wrestling team posted to its Facebook page. For Reeths-Puffer, Sidney Shackelford went 4-1 and finished in fifth place at 155. Shackelford racked up three pins for the Rockets. Brooklyn Colson scored a pair of pins in the consolation bracket

Montague's Alex Dugan (top) works for points against Mattawan opponent Leah Wilkins during Sunday's girls Mat Cat Classic. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer's Brooklyn Colson (right) battles with Belding's Elise Doezema during Sunday's girls Mat Cat Classic. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

at 130 to give her team six points. Montague's Zaniya Meza finished fifth at 110 with a 4-1 record. She was dominant in her wins, scoring three pins and a technical fall. "Zaniya has been consistent, but we are still looking for her to take that next big step," Maddox said. Also for the 'Cats, two wrestlers competed in B team brackets. Alex Dugan was sixth in the 125/130 B team bracket, posting a 3-2 record, and Emma Trevino dropped a pair of matches in the 170 B team bracket, though Maddox said Trevino is to be

commended for coming out for her first wrestling season as a senior. "Alex is a first-year wrestler and she should be happy with her performance," Maddox said. "She is improving daily and should look to be a state qualifier in the next few years." The Wildcats are enjoying the opportunity to annually showcase girls wrestling as the sport continues to grow in popularity and participation. "We have built something that can provide these girls an opportunity to be showcased and compete with girls at the highest level of competition," Maddox said. "They deserve to be on the same level as the guys, and (Sunday) was a prime example of that. Many of these girls who placed will be all-state girls in March."

Sports in Brief Girls Basketball Reeths-Puffer 51 G.R. Christian 35 The Rockets came up with their 5th straight win in the Cornerstone University holiday tournament. Raquel Walker scored a career-high 25 points, including all of the Rockets' 14 in the 3rd quarter. R-P also made 11-of-12 attempts at the free throw line in the 4th.

G.R. South Christian 64 Reeths-Puffer 43 The unbeaten and returning quarterfinalist Sailors were too much for R-P in the Cornerstone holiday tournament. Raquel Walker paced the Rockets with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Grace Tindall had 9 points.

Hockey Mona Shores 3 Reeths-Puffer 1 Whitehall's Makenna DeShong keeps a strong hold of Bronson opponent Anna Lindsey during Sunday's Mat Cat Classic in Montague. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Hayden Taylor scored the Rockets' only goal. R-P only attempted 14 shots on goal to the Sailors' 25.

THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR JANUARY2,2,2026 2026 17 6

Missed chances hamper Vikes in loss to Fruitport By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor WHITEHALL — Whitehall's offensive struggles continued Tuesday afternoon against Fruitport, as the Vikings missed too many chances from close to the basket to be victorious. The Trojans pulled away in the second half to secure a 45-33 win. The Vikings, as they've often been good at doing, dragged Fruitport into a defensive slugfest early on. Unfortunately, they got hit with some bad news quickly when Clare Westerlund, the team's biggest scoring threat, collected a pair of fouls in under a minute in the first quarter and had to check out with 4:10 still to go. She later picked up a third foul in the second, leaving Whitehall without its focal point on offense most of the half. "That really took us out of what we wanted to do," Whitehall coach Brian Milliron said. "She played significantly less minutes (today) than she generally does. We've got to find a way to score (when we're) without her. We scored 33 points tonight, and she had 12 of them. We've got to get scoring output from somebody else." Two main reasons Whitehall (2-3) struggled to score were missed layups - not having Westerlund for much of the first half didn't help there - and live-ball turnovers. Fruitport came at the Vikings aggressively on defense, and Whitehall at times did not react quickly enough. Milliron said the team has a habit of trying to "dribble too much" amid defensive pressure, which gets them into difficult situations. A couple of early steals led to Trojan baskets, as well as Westerlund fouls, and gave Fruitport a 13-6 lead to end the first quarter. The Vikings worked their way back early in the second. Peyton Schultz knocked down a three-pointer after a Whitehall offensive rebound, and Westerlund scored a pair of baskets to get the deficit down to two, 15-13. However, Fruitport ended the quarter on a 7-2 run, then opened the third on

Whitehall's Peyton Schultz tries to get around Fruitport defender Kya Tawney during Tuesday's game at Whitehall. Schultz scored 10 points in Whitehall's 4533 defeat. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

an 8-2 run. Suddenly it was 30-17, and the Vikings were unable to seriously threaten after that. Milliron estimated his team missed more than half of the layups it attempted, a frustrating problem to have for a Viking team that can't afford to miss scoring opportunities. "I think the girls played okay tonight, except when you miss layups, and then you get frustrated, that's a problem," Milliron said. "We just have to have a goldfish mentality of, 'We missed that one, but we're going to make the next one. We're going to forget about the one we missed.'" Schultz' treys - she had two of them - showed sparks of the kind of complementary offense Whitehall needs to get from its backcourt. The sophomore has worked on her shot a lot since last season, and it's work that's paid dividends. While she is also the primary ballhandler and therefore doesn't often get opportunities for open shots, it's clear she's capable of delivering that kind of production. "She is a sophomore scoring point guard, and she has to be if we're going to be successful, so I'm glad she took those shots tonight," Milliron said. "Our shot selection as a whole was actually pretty good. We just didn't shoot enough of them. When you're two feet

Whitehall's Clare Westerlund goes up with a shot against Fruitport's Kya Tawney during Tuesday's game at Whitehall. Westerlund scored a team-best 12 points, but the Vikings lost 45-33. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Peyton Schultz goes up with a shot against Fruitport's Kya Tawney (22) and Ava Powell during Tuesday's game at Whitehall. The Vikings lost 45-33.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

from the basket and you're shooting about 50 percent from there, you're not going to win too many games." Despite foul trouble, Westerlund's

12 points led the Vikings, and Schultz added 10. Izabel Hanson-Wilbur led all scorers with 14, one of three Trojans in double figures.

No More Sidelines takes the court at Hall of Fame game

At halftime of the Whitehall/Fruitport game at the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame Classic Tuesday night, players from No More Sidelines took the court for an exhibition matchup. The West Michigan organization provides sports opportunities to those with developmental disabilities. The Blue team edged the Red team in the game.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

7 JANUARY 2, 2026 THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR

THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 2, 2026 18

Muskegon airport to welcome new restaurant The Muskegon County Airport (MKG) announced Dec. 16 that Lee Ann French, owner of Joe-Lee’s Crosswinds Café, a popular restaurant at the Owosso Community Airport, has been selected by the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners to launch a new restaurant operation inside the MKG main passenger terminal. Joe-Lee’s Crosswinds Café is known for its atmosphere, scratch-made meals, and deep ties to the local aviation and community family. The Muskegon location will be open to everyone, not just travelers, and will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The café is expected to open in early May 2026. “This is exactly the kind of restaurant we hoped to bring to Muskegon,” said Ken Efting, MKG Airport Director, in a press release. “Lee Ann has built something very special at Owosso; a place where pilots, families, and neighbors all feel at home. We’re excited to bring that same sense of warmth, great food and community pride to MKG.” Located right inside the main en-

trance and open to the public, the new restaurant will be easy to access, with free parking and convenient hours designed to serve early-morning travelers, lunchtime visitors, and evening diners alike. This new restaurant will fill the space left by the Brownstone, which closed in November 2016, bringing fresh energy and a new gathering place back to the terminal. The airport expects the new location to become a favorite stop for airport passengers, employees, nearby businesses and local residents . “Lee-Lee’s Crosswinds Café West” at MKG will feature: Fresh, scratchmade breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week; coffee and grab-andgo options for travelers on the move; comfort food favorites with local flair; an aviation-themed setting celebrating flight, history, and the Muskegon community and a welcoming space for both travelers and locals to gather. French said in the release that bringing Crosswinds Café to Muskegon feels like a natural fit. “Airports are special places be-

The Muskegon County Airport celebrates its recent announcement of a new restaurant, which will open in May. The new restaurant is owned by Lee Ann French, who owns and operates a similar facility in the Owosso Community Airport. • Courtesy Photo

cause they bring people together,” said French. “We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be part of Muskegon County Airport and the surrounding community. Our goal is simple: Great food, friendly faces, and a place where everyone feels welcome.” The selection follows a competitive public Request for Proposals process and review by the Airport Develop-

ment Advisory Committee. The airport views this as a long-term partnership and looks forward to growing together with Crosswinds Café as the airport continues to evolve. More updates, including menu previews and grand-opening plans, will be shared on social media as the opening date approaches.

Electric Forest dates set The Electric Forest Music Festival announced Nov. 24 that its dates for the 2026 event in Rothbury will be June 25-28. The festival has also since announced its musical lineup for 2026. The festival will be the 14th in the event's history, dating back to 2008. The music lineup will feature headliners such as ILLENIUM, Excision, GRiZ, Chris Lake, Kaskade, Disco Lines, The String Cheese Incident,

Sammy Virji, Levity and ISOxo. Other prominently featured names on the event poster include LSDREAM, Purple Disco Machine, Shpongle, Passion Pit, and a performance from DJ Diesel (the alter ego of basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal) and T-Pain. Tickets are available for purchase now on the Electric Forest website, electricforest.com.

The 2026 Electric Forest dates were announced in November, with a lineup of many of the musical acts set to perform released in December. • Mirror File Photo

SSB joins childcare cost-sharing initiative Shelby State Bank announced Dec. 11 that it will participate in Michigan’s Tri-Share Child Care Program, a statewide initiative designed to make high quality childcare more affordable for working families to serve employees in Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties. In partnership with Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, a designated regional facilitator hub, the bank will now offer its eligible employees a benefit that divides the cost of childcare equally between the employee, the employer, and the State of Michigan. Launched as a pilot in 2021, Michigan’s Tri-Share model was created to help families who struggle with the high cost of childcare but do not qualify for traditional subsidies. By engaging employers directly, the program

positions childcare not only as a family issue, but also as a workforce and economic development strategy. “Shelby State Bank is honored to join this important effort,” said Erin Stark, HR Director at Shelby State Bank, in a press release. “We know childcare challenges impact our employees’ ability to grow in their careers, plan for their futures, and balance work and family responsibilities. Participating in Tri-Share allows us to invest directly in our team members and strengthen our workforce in a meaningful way.” Through the partnership with Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, employees will receive support navigating program eligibility and identifying licensed childcare providers. The Tri-Share model currently serves families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, expanding access to

middle-income households that often face the greatest affordability gaps. Statewide evaluations of the TriShare program reported strong employee satisfaction, improved retention for participating employers, and increased stability for families. Many households have reported being able to take promotions, pursue new career opportunities, or save for major life goals, such as purchasing a first home, thanks to reduced childcare costs. “Shelby State Bank’s support of the childcare needs of their employees expands opportunities to succeed in West Michigan,” said Catrina Rule, TriShare Child Care Program Manager at Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, in the release. “Having employers invest in their workforce demonstrates their support for the program and offering a creative and effective solution

to address childcare challenges and will be the first appearance of the TriShare program in Oceana County.” Today, Michigan’s Tri-Share program spans 59 counties, engaging over 200 employers, 550 employees, and 371 childcare providers. Its success has drawn national attention, inspiring similar efforts in states such as New York, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio. “Tri-Share is not a single solution to the childcare crisis, but it is a powerful piece of the puzzle,” Rule added. “We are thrilled to see employers like Shelby State Bank leading the way.” Other employers interested in participating in the Tri-Share program can contact Catrina Rule at crule@goodwillwm.org.

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20 JANUARY 2, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO

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Pepsi Products

12 pk./12 oz. cans (plus deposit)

Coca-Cola Products 2 liter btl. (plus deposit)

4

2/$

$

Fresh Bake Scones

$

16 oz.

6

$ 99

3 ct. Large or 6 ct. Mini

8

3/$

Glaceau Vitaminwater or Powerade 4/$ 20 oz. or 28 oz. btls.

Fresh Baked Wheat or Cracked Wheat Bread

5

ea. 299

399 ea.

NOW CARRYING A FULL LINE OF LIQUOR AND SPIRITS. STOP IN AND SEE OUR SELECTION

White Claw, Truly, Vizzy or Topo-Chico 12 pk./12 oz. cans (plus deposit)

1699

$

AD EFFECTIVE: MONDAY, JAN. 5 THRU SUNDAY, JAN. 11, 2026

SORRY, NO RAINCHECKS. PRICING GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES.