INSIDE
: White Lake Drive bridge closed to traffic
REFLECTIONS OF OUR COMMUNITY
Volume 3, Issue 33 January 9, 2026
Total Raised: $108,962
Lead this Legacy
SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE
Please Donate
YOUR YOUR LOCALLY LOCALLY OWNED OWNED ANDAND OPERATED OPERATED NONPROFIT NONPROFIT NEWS NEWS SOURCE SOURCE YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE Thank you to our most recent donors to our Lead this Legacy Fundraising Campaign READER:
Carol Witzke
Michael & Lorraine Chase
PAPERBOY:
Nancy Reschke
VITA program offers free tax Road Commissions announce preparation services for those seasonal weight restrictions The Oceana County Road Commis- to closely monitor weather patterns and sion and Muskegon County field conditions. If roadway conditions who qualify, hours set for 2026 Road (OCRC) Commission (MCRC) implement- deteriorate, additional weight or speed By Sharon Hallack
$70,000 can take advanVolunteer tax prepar- ed seasonal weight restrictions begin- restrictions may be implemented with tage of this opportunity ers are always needed. To ning Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 6 a.m. little notice to preserve the integrity of The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent to have their taxes pre- find out more about the OCRC stated that they are until further the transportation system and reduce pared free of charge. program, go to www.vi- notice for Oceana County, and MCRC long-term maintenance costs. Both road commissions appreciate The new year is upon Starting January 20, in- tawestmichigan.org and stated they plan to lift restrictions on us, and it may be hard dividuals may call 211 click on the “Volunteer Sunday, Jan. 19, 2026, at 6 a.m. in Mus- the cooperation of the hauling commuto believe, but it’s time to find out if they quali- form” under the VOL- kegon County, subject to change based nity and the public in helping protect loto start thinking about fy. All appointments are UNTEERS tab at the top on weather conditions and roadway cal roads during this vulnerable period. performance. For updates on weight restrictions and filing income taxes for held with an IRS-trained right side of the page. VITA is one of the Unseasonably warm temperatures road conditions, please visit oceanacrc. 2025. For some, the volunteer and are commany beneficial pro- forecasted for the coming weeks can org or contact the OCRC office Monday process can seem over- pletely confidential.” Oceana County VITA grams available through weaken road surfaces, particularly grav- through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at whelming. Others may feel they have nothing tax appointment sites the United Way of the el and paved roads with frost-suscep- (231) 873-4226 or by email at permits@ to gain, so they may not and times are as follows: Lakeshore and is ad- tible bases. These conditions increase oceanacrc.org. One can also visit www. even file. While filing Oceana County Council ministered by Goodwill the risk of premature road damage from muskegoncountyroads.org or follow the MCRC on Facebook for updates in that taxes isn’t on the top of on Aging (4250 W. Tyler Industries of Michigan. heavy loads. OCRC and MCRC staff will continue area. most people’s fun things Rd., Hart) Tuesdays and More information on the to do list, it is necessary, Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. United Way’s VITA proMultiple departments battled and not filing could re- to 3:30 p.m. and Hart City gram and other free tax a structure fire on the corner of sult in the loss of refunds Community Center (407 assistance can be found Fourth and Walnut in downtown https://www.unitor, worse, penalties. The S. State St., Hart) Tues- at Shelby Thursday, Jan. 8. More degood news is there is days and Thursdays from edwaylakeshore.org/ tails will be in next week's Echo. tax-assistance help available, and for 1-6 p.m. • Contributed by Mary Lulich some individuals the service can be taken care of for free. “The Goodwill VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program will "El programa Goodwill VITA (Asisten- Hart) los martes y jueves de 9:30 a.m. a 3:30 por Sharon Hallack be available in Oceana, cia Voluntaria para la Renta) estará nue- p.m., y Centro Comunitario de la Ciudad Corresponsal Comunitario Muskegon and Newaygo vamente disponible en los condados de de Hart (407 S. State St., Hart) los martes y para Oceana Echo counties again during Oceana, Muskegon y Newaygo durante la jueves de 1 p.m. a 6 p.m. the upcoming tax seapróxima temporada de impuestos," dijo la Siempre se necesitan voluntarios para El nuevo año está aquí, y puede ser difícil son,” Tax Program CoCoordinadora del Programa de Impues- preparar impuestos. Para más información de creer, pero es hora de empezar a pensar ordinator for Goodwill tos Goodwill VITA. Amanda Kitchka dijo. sobre el programa, visite www.vitawestVITA Amanda Kitchka en presentar tu declaración de impuestos "Cualquiera con un ingreso imponible michigan.org y haga clic en el "Formulade 2025. Para algunos, el proceso puede said. “Anyone who has inferior a $70,000 puede aprovechar esta rio de Voluntarios" en la pestaña VOLUNparecer abrumador. Otros pueden sentir a taxable income under que no tienen nada que ganar, por lo que ni oportunidad para que le preparen sus im- TEERS en la parte superior derecha de la siquiera pueden presentar una declaración. puestos de forma gratuita. A partir del 20 página. VITA es uno de los muchos programas Aunque presentar tu declaración de im- de enero, las personas pueden llamar al 211 puestos no está en la parte superior de la para averiguar si califican. Todas las citas beneficiosos disponibles a través de Unitlista de cosas divertidas que hacer para la son realizadas por un voluntario capacita- ed Way of the Lakeshore y es administrado mayoría de las personas, es necesario, y no do por el IRS y son completamente confi- por Goodwill Industries of Michigan. Más información sobre el programa VITA de presentarla podría resultar en la pérdida de denciales." Las ubicaciones y horarios para las citas United Way y otra asistencia fiscal gratuita reembolsos o, peor aún, en multas. La buena noticia es que hay ayuda disponible, y de impuestos VITA en el Condado de Ocea- se puede encontrar en https://www.unitpara algunas personas el servicio puede ser na son las siguientes: Consejo de Ancianos edwaylakeshore.org/tax-assistance. del Condado de Oceana (4250 W. Tyler Rd., gratuito.
BIG RAPIDS, MI 49307 PERMIT NO 62
PAID
PRSRT STANDARD NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
El programa VITA ofrece servicios gratuitos de preparación de impuestos para quienes califiquen, horas establecidas para 2026
RESIDENTIAL POSTAL CUSTOMER ECRWSS
Board of Education requests community input in search for the next Superintendent of Hart Public Schools The Board of Education of the Hart Public School District is beginning the search for the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. Current Superintendent Mark Platt is retiring at the end of June following 13 years of exemplary service. The Board has contracted with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) to facilitate the search. It is the Board’s intent to make this process highly transparent and offer interested persons the opportunity to be involved by sharing their thoughts as to the skills and attributes the next leader should possess. Opportunities for input include: • Completing an online survey. This sur-
vey will be available from Monday, Jan. 5 • Attend interviews (March). Those who atthrough 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16. at forms. tend will be encouraged to submit written gle/SRNswf4Ubv7R11wN8 feedback after each interview. • Attend a face-to-face meeting with the Please refer to the district website for any MASB Consultant on Jan. 12 at the district’s schedule changes. In the event of inclement Central Business Office at 301 Johnson St. weather or school cancellation, the sessions in Hart. The schedule is: will be rescheduled and announced on the Parents/Community 7:30-8:30 a.m. district website. Other information regarding 4:30-5:30 p.m. the search will be added to the district webStaff (administrators, teachers, support site as the search progresses. staff, Central Office) 8:30-11:15 a.m. Please contact MASB Consultant Mark Do 12:30-2:00 p.m. bias at mrdobias@gmail.com or (269) 532 3:30-4:30 p.m. 0543 with questions or for additional inforBusiness owners, civic leaders, clergy mation. The Board of Education appreciates 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m all participation.
2 JANUARY 9, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO
News and Notes By Sharon Hallack
Dozens of beautiful and reflective Christmas Eve candlelight services were scheduled throughout the county Wednesday, Dec. 24. St Stephens Lutheran Church Christmas choir As the last decorations and lights of Christmas 2025 get packed away, hope- performing during their Christmas fully the joy and celebration of the season are still fresh for many. May the follow- Eve service can be seen at right.. ing holiday photos bring a smile. The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
Farm Life
Holiday Happenings
While many across the county rang in the new year with noisemakers and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," Hallack Farms welcomed a new bull calf to their herd on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. The calf’s dam was a Red Angus, and the sire was a Belted Galloway. The calf is mostly black with a distinct white belt. People often refer to this breed as “Oreo cookie cows.” It is reported both mother and calf are doing well.
Wildlife • Amanda Dodge/Echo
The Tuesday, Dec. 9 evening Candlelight Concert at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Weare enjoyed a full house. The United Methodist Church Handbell Choir, the West Shore Community College Concert Choir and West Michigan Strings & Woodwinds presented a multitude of Christmas favorites, which included caroling with the audience. The performers were under the direction of Becky Sopha and Carleen Shinn, with accompanist Carrie Selbee and organist Dave Savage. Fr. Phil Sliwinski provided the welcome and invocation, and a free will offering was taken to be split between the Bread of Life Food Pantry and Love INC. Attendees noted that all performers did an excellent job, with the "Hallelujah Chorus" being particularly moving.
• Paul Erickson/Echo
Lynda Herremans of the Oceana Conservation District shared the following details from this year’s official Oceana Christmas Bird Count (CBC) held in mid-December. The count is the official bird count of the Audubon CBC. “While this Oceana Circle is still relatively new (10 years), this was the 126th Audubon CBC, the nation’s longest-running citizen science survey. Our circle had a record number of 25 field and feeder birders this year. The official tally isn’t complete, but it appears we had a little lower-than-average bird species count totaling 47. Two of our prime birding locations, Hart Lake and Hart BioPure ponds were completely frozen, so we didn’t see the diversity of waterfowl that we have observed in the past in Hart Township when we had at least some open water. However, Pentwater Lake did provide a good number of waterfowl, feeder counts were good and field birding as always was enjoyable even though the snow-covered roads were a bit scarier than in past years! Historical results of this and surveys completed all over North America can be found by going to https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count. Of considerable note, the Common Goldeneye is a beautiful diving duck often found on Pentwater Lake during migration and through the winter months in large numbers. Up to 500 were observed during Oceana’s Christmas Bird Count Day! Interestingly, during the breeding season this duck nests in cavities of large trees near cold clear waters of northern lakes, bogs and estuaries.
Weather Stats for December
December 2025 weather had many remembering “how winters used to be.” Despite cold and snowy conditions, the village of Walkerville hosted their By early December snowbanks were starting to pile up on corners, something we annual parade through downtown Saturday morning, Dec. 13, followed by visits haven’t seen in Oceana for several years, at least not in December. and treats from Santa on the Pioneer House Museum porch. Weather statistics are gathered at 7 a.m. every morning at the WEEH-FM radio station in Mears and reported to the National Weather Service in Grand RapHesperia Community Library hosted a ids. In the month of December the highest observed temperature at 7 a.m. was very “sweet” Family Fun Night Thursday, 41 degrees on Dec. 18. The highest overall temperature of any one day was 48 Dec. 18, learning all about chocolate! “We degrees on Dec. 19. The lowest was observed at 7 a.m., and the overall temperalearned about how chocolate is processed ture for any one day, was -2 degrees on Dec. 8. and got to taste it with our friends from DJ and Station Producer Radio Bob told The Oceana Echo that “liquid preOceana County 4-H. Since we had Sancipitation” is the liquid total of rainfall and/or melted snow, and on an average ta and the Chief of Police attending, there winter day with only snowfall, that would be the snowfall melted to liquid. He were no shenanigans, just good wholenoted the same amount of snowfall at different temperatures will give a different some fun and lots of chocolate,” Library liquid equivalent. He manually collects the snowfall on a "snow board" for the Tech Support Technician Kathy DeGroot 24-hour period, then takes a measured sample and melts it to give him the liquid said. The library wishes to extend a speequivalent. His "rain gauge" is a "catch can" that he checks/measures/empties cial thanks to the Mason-Lake-Oceana every 24 hours at 7 a.m. Great Start Collaborative and The Gerber The total snowfall accumulation totaled 39.8 inches, while the gathered liqFoundation for helping support this type of uid precipitation totaled 3.73 inches. community programming.
BENONA TOWNSHIP Synopsis of Meeting December 22, 2025
Hart Middle School’s fifth-eighth grade drama students were able to let their “talents” shine at their production of “North Pole’s Got Talent” by Lavinia Roberts. They performed Friday, Dec. 19 (despite a snow day that day), and twice on Saturday, Dec. 20, in the school’s auditorium. On Sunday, Dec. 22 members and friends of the Dunkard Brethren Church of Hart shared the sounds of the season caroling throughout the community. In beautiful a cappella harmony, the group shared traditional carols and left a basket of treats at each home they visited.
The regular meeting of December 22, 2025 was called to order at 7:00 PM with all Board members present and 2 visitors present. The agenda was approved with two additions. The minutes of the regular meeting of November 24, 2025 were approved. Action was taken on the following: • A three-year contract with Howard’s Lawncare and Plowing was approved. • Proposal from KCI for Assessment Change Notices approved. • Postage for tax bill receipts approved. • Jeff Payne and Warren Van Overbeke reappointed to the Planning Commission. • Betty Jones and Cynthia Schouten reappointed to the ZBA. • John Smith reappointed to the Shelby-Benona Fire Board. • Amended Short Term Rental Fee Schedule adopted. • Amendments to the Short Term Rental Ordinance approved. • Bills approved for payment, with additions. Meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM. A copy of the complete minutes is available from the Clerk at Benona Township Hall or on the township website (www.benonatownship.org).
- Margie Shaw, Clerk
THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 9, 2026 3
Lakeshore Keepers announces 2026 season calendar and special events at 5 West Michigan lighthouses Lakeshore Keepers, the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing West Michigan’s historic lighthouses, is pleased to announce the release of its 2026 Lakeshore Keepers Calendar, along with details for the lighthouse visiting season, including operating dates, special events, and membership opportunities. VISIT THE LIGHTS – MAY THROUGH OCTOBER Lakeshore Keepers’ lighthouses are open to the public from May through October, with opening and closing dates varying by location. During operating hours, visitors can explore the grounds, climb the lighthouse towers, browse gift shops, and view archival displays that share the stories of each light. Go to LakeshoreKeepers.org/our-lights/ for tips on visiting and getting there. General Operating Hours Opening Day through Labor Day Mondays: 1–5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fall Hours: September 10 through Closing Day Thursday–Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2026 Dates of Operation by Lighthouse • Big Sable Point Lighthouse: May 4 – October 25 • Little Sable Point Lighthouse: May 11 – September 27 • White River Light Station: May 12 – October 25 • Ludington North Breakwater Light: May 19 – September 27 • Manistee North Pierhead Light: May 25 – September 20 SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE LIGHTS IN 2026 Bus Days at Big Sable Point Lighthouse To improve accessibility, Lakeshore Keepers offers a limited number of bus days each year, allowing visitors to ride to Big Sable Point Lighthouse and bypass the four-mile round-trip walk.
2026 Bus Day Schedule July 1 Saturday, June 27 July 15 Thursday, July 9 July 29 Thursday, July 16 August 12 Thursday, July 23 August 26 Thursday, August 13 Saturday, August 29 WINTER AT THE LIGHTS: VIRTUAL VISITS All bus days begin at noon, with the last bus deEven when the lighthouses are closed for the parting the lighthouse at 4:45 p.m. sharp. winter, visitors can stay connected through 24-hour, year-round webcams at Big Sable Point Lighthouse Night at the Lights at Little Sable Point and White River Light Station. The webcams offer This popular summer concert series returns in views of waves, ice, snow and wildlife along Lake 2026, offering free live music at the base of Little Sa- Michigan throughout the winter season. Webcams ble Point Lighthouse. Guests are encouraged to bring can be found at LakeshoreKeepers.org. a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening on the beach with Lake Michigan and the lighthouse as a stunning backdrop. 2026 Concert Schedule Every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. from June 17 to August 26. June 17 UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE,
HELP WANTED
City of Hart – Economic & Community Development Director Full-time position to lead economic development strategies, community initiatives, business retention and expansion programs. This position also manages grants, marketing, events, and administration of the Hart Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA). Salary $50K-$55K + benefits. Details & application: https://cityofhart.org/employment-and-rfps.php
UNMATCHED YEAR-ROUND.PERFORMANCE, YEAR-ROUND. Keep your equipment running at its best with
Keep your and equipment at its—best with Gillison’s genuinerunning AGCO® parts engineered and field-tested to deliver consistent, Gillison’s and genuine AGCO ® parts — engineered high-quality performance every season. and field-tested to deliverfor consistent, high-quality performance for every season.
Call or stop in today! Call or stop in today!
Gillison’s
Variety Fabrication,Inc.
©2025 AGCO Corporation. AGCO Parts is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation. AGCO and AGCO Parts are trademarks of AGCO. All rights reserved. ©2025 AGCO Corporation. AGCO Parts is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation.
AGCO and AGCO Parts are trademarks of AGCO. All rights reserved.
4 JANUARY 9, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO Visit us!
This page is brought to you by:
The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment.
114 Dryden St. in Hart, Mich. 49420 (231) 873-2600
oceanahistory.org
Rediscovering the Dumaw Creek Site
1306
The
By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Columnist Back in undergrad, I learned in my museum studies classes that the objects on display at a museum are just a mere fraction of what the institution has in their collection. And to that, what the museum has in their collection that is documented is infinitesimal compared to what is just lying around in boxes - untagged and uncatalogued and often with no indication of where the heck they came from. That’s one of the museum world’s dirty secrets (of which there are many). Another dirty secret: up until the mid-20th century, historians and archaeologists conducted themselves like cowboys in the Wild West. There were no rules, hardly any standards of ethics, and anything belonging to a people deemed inferior (see: not Western European) was up for grabs and treated like the contents of a Walmart bargain bin. With a work culture such as this, even the most well-intentioned academics and institutions during this period couldn’t help what slipped through the cracks. This is likely how the findings of a historically significant and rare archaeological site in north Oceana County were nearly lost in a dark corner of museum storage. The provenance begins in early spring of 1915 when Charles Schrumpf dug up a pine stump on his property, only to discover a grave site containing around 18 bodies and their grave goods. This discovery was made known to the University of Michigan’s Museum of Anthropology and
Bone artifacts, above, and stone knives, at right, as chronicled by George I. Quimby in "The Dumaw Creek Site" in Fieldlandia: Anthropology 56, Field Museum of Natural History (December 9, 1966).
its prominent anthropologist, Dr. Wilbert Hinsdale. Hinsdale, in turn, directed a Mr. F. Vrieland to inventory the discovery for the museum. The collection stayed with Schrumpf, however, and sometime after 1924, it was sold to H. E. Sargent, a “dealer of stamps, coins, and Indian ‘relics.’” Sargent advertised his collection - which he claimed originated from earthen burial mounds located in Whitehall - throughout the 1920s and 30s, before a large portion was sold to a schoolteacher from Grand Rapids named Charles Nelson. That brings us to 1958, when the estate of the late Mr. Nelson was purchased by the zoological department of the Field Museum in Chicago. Nelson’s estate primarily consisted of shells and fossils, so imagine the surprise the zoologists had when they encountered arrowheads, pottery sherds, and human remains. Oh, yes, along with boxes of rocks, were several skulls, some of which still had hair attached to the scalp. Naturally, the zoological department handed that box to the anthropology department, who were better equipped to handle that pro-
verbial can of worms. The Nelson collection became the personal project of the Grand Rapids-born and University of Michigan alum, Dr. George Quimby. As Quimby recounts in his article on the site - published in 1966 in the journal "Fieldiana: Anthropology" the only two “clues” he had indicating the origin of the collection were the name of the prior owner (Nelson) and that one of the boxes bore the note “Newaygo County, Michigan.” This scenario is pretty par for the course when it comes to the museum field. So embarks Quimby on his journey to retrace the origins of the box. After ringing up his Grand Rapids contacts, Quimby came to learn about the original dealer, Sargent, and his advertisement for the collection. If you’ll remember, Sargent claimed that the artifacts originated from Whitehall, which Quimby quickly called bull on, recalling his own childhood spent in Muskegon County without a single mention of an Indian burial mound unearthing. Thankfully, Dr. Hinsdale of U of M kept thorough records of all known Native American archaeological sites in Michigan, of which Quimby was
The Oceana Echo ©
well aware. The "laborious process” of combing through those records awarded him with an undated newspaper clipping recounting the discovery and correspondence between Hinsdale and Schrumpf, with one letter naming Sargent as the dealer who bought Schrumpf’s findings. After locating photographs of Schrumpf with the artifacts, Quimby was able to finally confirm that the Field’s artifacts were indeed the same. With the location - Section 5 of Weare Township - confirmed, from 1960-1962, Quimby led a surface collection project, resulting in further finds of pottery sherds and arrowheads, all practically identical to what Schrumpf had found almost half a century before. He was also able to track down other artifacts purchased from Sargent, including a collection from the Michigan Archaeological Society and other private collectors. Quimby also spoke with Seymour Rider, a local Hartian whose own Indian artifact collection is on display at the Hart Historic District. Rider did not purchase from Sargent or Schrumpf but, in fact, dug
Lead this Legacy Levels: • Up to $250 - Reader • $500 - Paperboy
around the Dumaw Site on his own, resulting in some of his findings, which Quimby purchased for the Field Museum. With the Dumaw Creek Site found and much of the original collection identified, Quimby and other anthropologists could begin the work of contextualizing the people and artifacts found, which led to another startling discovery. This site may have been one of, if not the youngest, pre-contact villages of the Late Woodland Native culture era found in Michigan. The Woodland Culture was a pre-Columbian collection of Indigenous North Americans, covering a wide territory of Eastern North America from subarctic Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. They were known for their pottery and burial mounds, the most prominent example being Serpent Mound in Ohio. The Late Woodland period spanned from the years 500 to 1000, and it is likely this people group inhabited the site until 1620, the time of the first European contact in the Great Lakes region. The dating of the site was determined by the age of the tree stump Schrumpf removed, later radiocarbon dating, comparative evidence from other sites and a lack of European trade goods. And what a wealth of artifacts there were at the Dumaw Creek Site. I hope you’ll join me next week, where I discuss the findings and what they tell us about the Native peoples who lived in Oceana County before the 17th century.
• $1,000 - Photographer • $5,000 - Freelancer • $10,000 - Reporter
• $25,000 - Editor • $50,000 - Publisher • $100,000 - Founder
is published weekly at P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436 • All rights reserved.
theoceanaecho@gmail.com • January 9, 2026 • Volume 3 • Issue 33 Office hours (Old Town Hall in Mears): M & W: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Office: 231-301-8149 • ads@oceanaecho.com We need your support! Please donate today! Donations in any amount can be made via Paypal at paypal.me/echopublishinginc, by scanning the QR code at right or by sending a check made out to Echo Publishing Inc. to P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436.
THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 9, 2026 5
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: Free Soup Supper, Hart Christian Fellowship, 5-7 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.
January 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. Jan. 20 - Board Meeting, Hesperia Community Library, 4:30-6 p.m.
1st & 3rd WED: Free community dinner, 5-6 p.m., Hart Wesleyan. 1st & 3rd WED: Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out. * 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. st 1 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. Jan. 23 : Live Music by the Jammers, 10 a.m. to 12 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. 22: Blanket Finger-Knitting Class, 6 p.m. (sign up req.) Jan. 13 & 27: Knitting Group, 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 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
MDARD to host in-person Core review and certification testing in Oceana and Mason in 2026 Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, the MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division (PPPMD) will offer in-person Core Manual review classes followed by Core pesticide applicator certification testing in Oceana and Mason counties in 2026. Oceana County: The Core review and testing session will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at the West Central Michigan Horticulture Research and Extension Center, located at 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart. Mason County: The Core review and testing session will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at West Shore Community College, located at 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. The four-hour Core review will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will cover all chapters of the “National Pesticide Applicators Certification Core Manual.” The review will take place in the morning, followed by MDARD-administered exams in the afternoon after a brief lunch break. Participants are strongly encouraged to read and study the Core Manual prior to attending the review. Core Manual copies may be purchased online at msupesticidemanuals.com. Limited copies are also available at the Oceana County MSU Extension Office; please call 231-873-2129 for availability. Exams offered include Private Core. Commercial Core, fumigation standard and aerial standard. Please note: No commercial category exams will be offered. Attendance at the review session is required in order to participate in the in-person testing. Advance registration and a $25 fee are required. Registration and payment may be completed online at https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/ rupreview-core-testing-jan-13-2026-hart or by contacting the Oceana County MSU Extension Office at 231-873-2129. Participants may earn four Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) recertification credits for Core. Please indicate your intent to receive credits at the time of registration. There is no on-site fee to take the MDARD-proctored exam. MDARD staff will provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for submitting certification fees for those who successfully pass the exam.
Please send us your community events for inclusion on our weekly calendar. Call our office at 231-301-8149 or email theoceanaecho@gmail.com or ads@oceanaecho.com
Performing Arts Series to present 3 outstanding vocalists The Hart Community Performing Arts Series will continue its 2025-2026 season on Sunday, Jan. 18, with a concert of outstanding vocal music presented by a nationally known star of opera and stage, John Riesen. He will be joined on stage by two rising stars of the opera world, soprano Rebekah Howell and baritone Leroy Davis. The performance will also feature a special appearance by local artist David Moul. The vocalists will be accompanied by pianist Neill Campbell. Hailed as “every inch the hero in stature and voice” (Classical Voice North America), award-winning American tenor John Riesen is consistently impressing audiences with his “impassioned...and vibrant” voice (Opera Today). John’s growing career boasts a variety of roles in which he excels and includes significant work in opera, musical theatre, oratorio, studio recording and concert. He has released over 130 studio recordings that have reached well over 10 million streams on Spotify and Apple Music. John is the head of Spotify promotion for Emitha LLC, and has helped other artists achieve hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify. He is also an associate producer on the Grammy-nominated project “The Impossible Dream.” Seen around the globe, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Pacific Symphony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Music Festival, Vegas Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic, Portland Symphony, Detroit Opera, Shreveport Opera, Pensacola Opera, On Site Opera, Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony, Utah Symphony, Berkshire Opera Festival, Las Vegas Opera, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Sioux City Symphony, the Flint Symphony Orchestra, the Brevard Music Center Orchestra, Texarkana Symphony, Marshall Symphony, Opera Montana, Opera Birmingham, Nashville Opera, Opera Roanoke, Greensboro Opera, Gulfshore Opera, Anchorage Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera and many more. John was also seen on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” as part of the finalist group Metaphysic, singing “Nessun Dorma” as the voice of Howie Mandel. This performance was hailed as “The best act of the series” by Simon Cowell. With a voice that effortlessly traverses bel canto to Broadway belt, Rebekah Howell is cementing her status as a dynamic and versatile artist. Her burgeoning career showcases adaptability, passion, and a gift for storytelling through diverse art forms, including opera, musical theatre and classical concert works. Baritone Leroy Davis is a versatile and sought-after artist, known for his rich voice and captivating stage presence. In 2024, he took on an exciting range of roles, including Schaunard in “Bronzeville bohème” with Florentine Opera, a role and company debut as Blue Dove and Dr. Undertow in “Ruinous Gods” at the Spoleto Festival, Guglielmo in “Così fan tutte” with Opera Ithaca, and ended the year as Marcello in “La bohème” at San Diego Opera. The ensemble will present vocal works from opera, stage and popular music, created by composers from Mozart to Rodgers and Hammerstein. Tickets for the concert are available online at hartseries.org or at the door. The concert will start at 3 p.m. in the Hart Public Schools Auditorium, located at 308 W. Johnson St. in Hart.
OCCSA to host ‘Ski Free Sundays’ in Hart The Oceana Cross Country Ski Association (OCCSA) is hosting “Ski Free Sundays” in January and February for the public. The dates are Jan. 11, Jan. 25 and Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crystal Valley Ski Trail, 1801 E. River Rd. in Hart. Anyone interested in attending may use OCCSA’s adult and children’s equipment for free on a first-come-first-served basis. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Whether one has had some experience cross-country skiing or just wants to try it out and introduce the sport to one’s children, OCCSA volunteers will be on hand to get attendees outfitted with the proper ski boots, skis and poles and will provide some basic instructions. The Crystal Valley Ski Trails, located in the Manistee National Forest, offer easy, moderate and challenging trails for all levels. Parents of young children must ski with them and plan on skiing for about one hour. It’s especially important for little ones to be dressed appropriately with mid-calf to knee-high socks, hats, gloves or mittens, snow pants, etc. Please note: all skiers need to be finished skiing, returning equipment and changing into their own footwear no later than 3 p.m. Please bring an ID to leave as a “deposit.” OCCSA is an all-volunteer grassroots organization, founded in 1996, and it maintains trails at both Crystal Valley and Pentwater Pathways. For updated information based on weather and snow availability, one can find Oceana Cross Country Ski Association on Facebook or visit their website at oceanaski.org.
6 JANUARY 9, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO
Hoeing ‘In the Garden’ Part 15: ‘Christmas in the Cemetery’ stones, as though it were a place of dread and gloom, one can find consolation and inspiration here, especially in the afterglow of Christ’s birth, at Christmas, and the Magi’s journey following the star, during Epiphany, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World. The stark truth of Christmas is that Jesus was born to die; however, His resurrection, after three days in the tomb, transformed death into an Easter message - a testimony that death has been conquered, the grave defeated and Satan crushed. Save for our grief at missing those who’ve died, a cemetery need not be depressing. There’s another message here. I, too, will lie in the ground one day. Am I growing closer to Jesus so that when God taps me on the shoulder, I will be ready. I threw up a prayer: “Dear Jesus, may I dwell with you in daily experience here on earth, so that I will be accustomed to the glory of heaven, when I shall dwell with You.” Musing that a regular stroll through a cemetery might be beneficial both physically and spiritually. I made it one of my New Year’s resolutions. “Come, sweet death, come blessed rest! Come, lead me to peace It is better in heaven, for there is all pleasure greater, therefore I am at all times prepared to say "Farewell,"* (- hymn by J.S. Bach)
By Janet Van Gunst Hasselbring The Oceana Echo Community Columnist I was recently at the New Era cemetery placing a swag on my parents’ gravesite. I marvel that a life can be symbolized by a mere dash placed between eight numbers. The day I visited was a special one because it marked the day my father was born 112 years earlier. His birthday is December 29, 1913, and he passed away in 1996. My mother was inconsolable. After 60 years of marriage, Henry and Ellen’s lives were so closely intertwined that it felt as though part of her had been torn away. Ellen lived another seven years after Henry died, but from the moment God “tapped him on the shoulder,” she longed to be with him and her Lord in Heaven. Henry’s death was another defining moment in a series of situations that brought Ellen to a crossroads, where she was forced to choose between faith and doubt, acceptance and resignation, love and fear and obedience to God’s
will or pursuing her own. As usual, she took her grief and pain to her Lord in prayer. Henry's health had been deteriorating and she couldn’t wish him back. She was thankful that Henry had preceded her in death and that he had died peacefully at home on his beloved farm (present-day Country Dairy). Even though he’d lived there for 87 years, the house on the hill was a mere tent compared to his eternal abode. Henry was remembered as hard-working, honest and humble. Early photos reveal a handsome, darkhaired, dashing figure, whom folks compared to Billy Graham. He may have been “simply” a farmer, but he was an avid reader and memorized passag-
St. James Catholic Church A WELCOMING FAITH COMMUNITY
5149 Dowling Street Montague, MI 49437
Mass Times: Saturday: 4 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. Tuesday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.
Church Directory
Phone: (231) 893-3085 Office Hours: M–Th 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pastor: Rev. Ron Hutchinson
es of scripture and poetry, including his favorite, "Snow-Bound" by John Greenleaf Whittier. He studied the stars with his telescope and knew the constellations by name. He was a walking Farmer’s Almanac, predicting the weather by studying the sky and cloud formations. He knew birds by their colors and calls. While Ellen hankered to travel, Henry was most content at home. Winter evenings found him reading in his recliner, and on summer evenings, he and Ellen sat on the front porch listening to a symphony of croaking frogs, chirping crickets, hooting owls and the raspy clicking of katydids. He rose with the sun and, at day’s end, watched it set over the western hills. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Though he worshipped God within the four walls of a church, he communed with his Creator every day in the great outdoors. He witnessed to his faith as a church leader, a member and speaker for Gideons International and through hymn duets with Ellen, blending his mellow tenor voice with hers. His Lord For more on this topic, please read and Savior had become his Friend. "Pleasant Paths," by Vance Havner. I mused that Christmas was a perFor information about "In the Garfect time to visit a cemetery. Instead of den," contact the author at janethasselwhistling our way through the grave- bring23@gmail.com
stjamescatholicparish.org
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
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 9, 2026 7 In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors
obituaries Josefa Barco
March 5, 1936 ~ January 4, 2026 Josefa Barco, 89, of Rothbury, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 5, 1936, in San Felipe, Mexico, the daughter of Bernardino and Tomasa (Rodriguez) Cano. Josefa will be lovingly remembered for her devotion to her family and the quiet strength, care and love she shared throughout her life. Above all, Josefa loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply, and her family was the center of her world. When she was able, she would tend to her garden and sew with care, and she cherished spending time with her beloved white cat, Blanco. A woman of deep faith, Josefa was always praying to her Heavenly Father and could often be heard singing her cherished church hymns. In her later years, Josefa lived with dementia, yet in moments of clarity, her family deeply cherished the precious time they were able to share with her. Josefa is survived by her children: Santiago (Maria) Barco, Filomeno Barco, Francisco Barco, Juan (Mara) Barco, Jose (Lynda) Barco, Joe (Maria Romana) Rios, Juanita Barco, Guillermo Barco Jr. and Emilio (Kathleen) Barco; her siblings Maria (Clemente) Alvarez, Maria Rosario Rangel and Desideria Segovia; her sister-in-law Maria Antonia Barco; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Josefa was preceded in death by: her parents; beloved spouse, Guillermo Barco; brothers, Juan Cano and Eduardo Cano; and sister, Juana Barco. As much as her family hurts, we find comfort in knowing our mom is now at peace. She will be so deeply missed and forever loved. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, 316 S. Peach St., Hart, Michigan 49420, with Fr. Juan Palomar presiding. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Michigan 49455, with a praying of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. An additional visitation will be held Saturday, from 11 a.m. until the time of services at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shelby, Michigan. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. harrisfhome.com
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE A PUBLIC HEARING ON A PETITION TO ANNEX CERTAIN TOWNSHIP PROPERTY INTO THE VILLAGE OF ROTHBURY
A public hearing will be held before the Oceana County Board of Commissioners in the boardroom of the Oceana County Building, located at 100 S. State Street, Hart, MI 49420 on February 12 at 11:30 a.m., in accordance with Section 6, Chapter 14, Act 3 of 1895 of the Public Acts of the State of Michigan, as amended (MCL 74.6). The public hearing will be held to consider whether the Oceana County Board of Commissioners shall, pursuant to MCL 74.6, grant the Petition of the Village of Rothbury to annex certain land and premises into the Village corporate limits. The lands and premises in the Petition are generally identified below: Parcel Identification Numbers: 017-017-200-09; 017-017-200-10; 017-017-400-02; 017-016-100-35; and 017-016-100-34
The Petition and further information related to the Petition is available for public inspection at the office of the County Clerk in the Oceana County Building. Any aspect of the Petition may be discussed at the public hearing and all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard. If you would prefer to send written comments for consideration, please forward them prior to the public hearing to the County Clerk, Attention: Melanie A. Coon, Oceana County Building, 100 S. State Street, Suite M-1, Hart, MI 49420. Melanie A. Coon County Clerk
Wild Ones West Michigan natural landscaping group seeks new members
Wild Ones West Michigan Shoreto-Prairie is the local chapter of the non-profit Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. This tri-county group of enthusiasts is looking to build a community of gardeners and landscapers to help restore native plants across Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana Counties. “Native plants have a naturally beautiful quality about them,” said acting President Connie Crancer, a native plant specialist. “They’re hardy, rewarding to grow and provide a multitude of beneficial impacts. Native plants help protect and restore biodiversity, improve air and water quality and provide wildlife with quality food and shelter. Wild Ones West Michigan Shore-toPrairie envision native plants and natural landscapes in every community. Our goal is to encourage gardeners to consider incorporating native species into their gardens and landscapes.” The local Wild Ones chapter will offer gardeners and landscapers the camaraderie of working together, teaching and sharing expertise within the three counties. Presentations, field trips and hands-on activities are scheduled monthly throughout the year, rotating within the three counties. January’s program will include an introduction to the Wild Ones West Michigan Shoreto-Prairie chapter and a brief tutorial about seed stratification, including a take-home project. This inaugural program will be held in each of the three counties, running from 10 a.m. to noon each of those Saturdays. The first program will be Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 at the Oceana Conservation District in Shelby, followed by Jan. 24, 2026 at the Muskegon Conservation District in Twin Lake and Jan. 31, 2026 at Fremont Area Public Library in Fremont. All subsequent gatherings
will be held the third Saturday of each month. In February, participants will view two short films from Michigan State University, including "Smart Reasons to Choose Native" and "Matching Native Plants to Your Yard’s Needs." This program will be held at the Oceana Conservation District in Shelby on Feb. 21, beginning at 10 a.m. Nancy Roggers will explain why to "Plant This, Not That," March 21 at the Muskegon Conservation District office in Twin Lake. Roggers' presentation introduces people to a number of native Michigan species that can be a replacement for typical non-native, and often invasive, ornamentals. Rounding out the spring programming will be an April 18 webinar, "Next Steps for Nature," featuring Doug Tallamy. Tallamy is a speaker and proponent of using native species for gardening and landscaping to support native insect species, which in turn support birds. He is the founder of the Home Grown National Park Program. This program is offered at the Fremont Public Library beginning at 10 a.m. Native plants are sustainable and are adapted to thrive in a specific region’s soil and weather conditions. Since many native plants are deep-rooted, they sequester carbon and work to slow stormwater runoff, reducing erosion and improving water quality by filtering out excess nutrients. Native plants create wildlife habitat and need no fertilizer or extra watering once established. They act as natural pest controls, reduce the need for pesticides and many are deer resistant. Critically, native plants provide quality food and shelter for birds and wildlife and are a source of pollen and nectar for butterflies, bees and other pollinators.
OCCOA announces 2026 Dinners Around the World The Oceana County Council on Aging is bringing back its Dinners Around the World Series this winter. These dinners are designed to bring the community together during the colder season. People of all ages are invited to partake in this year’s dinners, which will feature cuisine from India in January and authentic Mexican cuisine in March. “After the busy holiday season, we know winter can be quiet and sometimes lonely for our senior population,” said Program Director Bradley Youngstrom. “These dinners provide an opportunity for connection.” The first dinner was held in 2011 with a French food theme. Each year followed with new foods to explore from other countries, including Cuban food in 2012, Canadian food in 2019,
and Moroccan fare featured in 2025. The Dinners Around the World series has created a space for meaningful, multi-generational conversations while celebrating cultures from around the world. On Jan. 24, 2026, guests can expect cuisine from India for dinner. Authentic Mexican food will be on the menu for the second
dinner on March 7, 2026. Each evening features a multi-course meal carefully crafted by the Council on Aging’s food service manager, staff and volunteers. Tickets for each dinner are $30 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register, please contact the Oceana County Council on Aging by calling 231873-4461 or register online by visiting the website at www.oceanacoa.com and click the “Events/Fundraisers” under the “Support Us” tab.
231-873-5050
STORAGE UNITS AVAILABLE ~ CALL NOW! 10’ x 20’ 6 months = $600 12 months = $1150 10’ x 40’ 6 months = $1200 12 months = $2300 Use your Lock – Boats, Dune Buggies, Cars Welcome. Mile from the Dune entrance ~ 7364 Deer Rd., Mears
8 JANUARY 9, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO
By Lucie Winborne
• On Jan. 12, 1967, James Bedford FROM KING FEATURES SERVICE, became WEEKLY the first American to have his remains cryogenically frozen, in h FLOOR, NEW 300 W. 57th STREET, FLOOR, NEW the 15th hope of future reanimation. Later, as cryogenic companies closed FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, YORK, NY 10019 their doors, his family was forced at one point to keep his liquid nitrogen chamber in self-storage. Today he is W. 57thEXT. STREET, 15th FLOOR, NEW 800)300 708-7311 CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. preserved at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona. YORK, NY 10019 257 • On Jan. 13, 1999, basketball superstar Michael Jordan of the Chicago 45_20251229 STRANGE Bulls#12345_20251229 announced his retirement from CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. BUT TRUE the sport, for the second time, in front of a29, crowd at Chicago’s United Cen2025 FOR RELEASE DEC. 2025 257 ter, citing a loss of drive necessary to continue playing at such a high level By Lucie Winborneand the desire to spend more time with NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20251229 his family. • On Jan. 14, 1969, an explosion FOR RELEASE DEC. 29, 2025 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, caused by an accidentally detonated rocket, destroyed 15 planes, By JoAnn Derson killed 27 people, and injured more than 300 others in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Enterprise was the first-ever nuclear-powered aircraft carrier when it launched in 1960. • On Jan. 15, 1777, a convention of future Vermonters got together in Westminster and announced their independence from the crown of Great Britain and the colony of New York. Their delegates included future Vermont governor Thomas Chittenden and Ira Allen, who would later become known as the “father” of the University of Vermont. • On Jan. 16, 1997, actor-comedian Bill Cosby’s 27-year-old son Ennis was murdered by Mikhail Markhasev after Ennis had stopped nearby to fix a flat tire along California’s Interstate 405 in Los Angeles. Markhasev was reportedly high on drugs at the time and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. • On Jan. 17, 1916, a group of golf professionals and several leading amateur golfers gathered at the Taplow Club in New York City, in a meeting that resulted in the founding of the Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA). • On Jan. 18, 1968, Eartha Kitt, the actress and singer known for playing Catwoman on the 1960s Batman TV series, caused a stir during a White House luncheon when she confronted Lady Bird Johnson about the Vietnam War. Her remarks led to her being blacklisted as a performer in the U.S.
WEEKLY SERVICE,
© 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Oceana County ANIMAL SHELTER If your New Year's resolution includes fun, laughter and unlimited love, Tanker is ready to come jingling into your life! This 1-year-old pittie mix is basically a four-legged snowball of happiness—friendly, wiggly and always ready for a good time. Tanker is looking for a family who wants joy in motion and a companion who will absolutely help them eat leftover Christmas cookies. He’s sweet, goofy and ready to snuggle up after a long day of holiday magic. Tanker’s wish this year? A cozy home, a soft bed, maybe a new toy…but most of all, a family to love. Could this handsome helper be the gift your heart’s been missing? Tanker is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. If interested, please call the shelter at 231861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35 and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/ neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/neuter if needed. Every dog should have an ID tag. L.A.S.S.I. provides free dog ID tags to all Oceana County residents. To request tags, send a text to 231-730-3906. Free tags are also available at the OCEANA County Animal Shelter.
Meet Tanker
• “Want to keep your pants from creasing on the hanger? Grab an empty paper towel tube, and slit it down the side. When you slip it over the bottom of the hanger, it creates a curve for the pants to lie across, and no more crease!” — M.U. in Colorado • To prevent candle wax from sticking to a candleholder, swipe the inside with a little olive oil. It’ll do the trick! • Just in time for soup season (and my new year’s resolutions), here’s a great fat swap: Drain and rinse two cups of white beans and puree with a cup of no-sodium vegetable broth. You can use this as a thickener in place of heavy cream for soups and stews. • Experts say that those who write down or journal their nutrition and exercise are more likely to keep it up. This can be as simple as a pencil and notebook paired with a calorie guidebook or one of the many great apps for your smartphone. In any case, set yourself up for success this year. You deserve it! • “Cutting corn off the kernel can be tricky business, but you only need to recruit the right equipment. The next time you’re making corn for dinner, grab a Bundt pan. The corn gets set upright in the center and you cut down. The corn falls right into the pan on all sides.” — A.S. in Texas • A can opener’s crevices can be cleaned by “opening” a length of waxed paper. Kitchen scissors can be sharpened by folding a piece of aluminum foil and cutting it with the scissors. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
• Shortly before auditioning for the part of Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” at the playwright’s rented cottage, Marlon Brando repaired a clogged toilet and blown light fuse for him. • A single day on Mercury lasts 59 Earth days. • The goblin shark has a jaw that shoots outward to grab prey in what scientists have called “slingshot feeding.” It can deploy that jaw at 10.1 feet per second. • There’s a five-story, blood-red waterfall in Antarctica. • On average, people in India spend 10 hours and 42 minutes a week reading, the most time of any country on Earth. • The German word “kummerspeck” refers to excess weight gained from emotional overeating. Its literal translation is “grief bacon.” • Ben Franklin’s formal education ended at 10 years old. • Astronauts on Mars won’t just make plans based on temperature, they’ll also need to consider tau, the level of particulate matter in the atmosphere. High tau levels will block sunlight to solar-powered rovers. • Bedding was such a luxury in the Middle Ages that blankets and sheets were written into people’s wills. • Brazil’s prisons reduce inmates’ sentences for reading books and writing reviews. • In many skating competitions, judges can deduct a point if they consider a skater’s costume to be overly garish or provocative. • Orlande de Lassus, one of the greatest musicians and composers of the Renaissance, was kidnapped three times during his childhood. The reason behind those abductions? His beautiful singing voice. • Thomas Jefferson hated banks and believed they were more dangerous than armies. • One study claimed that men who kiss their wives every morning before leaving for work live five years longer than those who don’t. *** Thought for the Day: “Let not a man guard his dignity, but let his dignity guard him.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
COLFAX TOWNSHIP OCEANA COUNTY, MICHIGAN
NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION To: The residents and property owners of the Township Colfax, Oceana County, Michigan and any other interested persons. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township of Colfax adopted Ordinance No. 2026-1 at a regular board meeting held on January 6, 2026. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a summary of the Ordinance, as adopted by the Township of Colfax Board, is as follows: TOWNSHIP OF COLFAX ORDINANCE NO. 2026-1 OCEANA TOWNSHIP NOISE AND PUBLIC NUISANCE ORDINANCE Section I. Repealer. This Ordinance repeals any ordinances in conflict, including, but not limited to, Ordinance 2006-2. Section II. Title. The Ordinance shall be known and cited as the Colfax Township Noise and Public Nuisance Ordinance. Section III. Purpose. This Section provides that the purpose of the Ordinance is to preserve the general health, safety and welfare of the Township by prohibiting excessive, unnecessary, unnatural, or unusually loud noises. Section IV. General Prohibited Noise. This Section generally prohibits excessive, unnecessary, unnatural, or unusually loud noises that unreasonably impairs the comfort, repose, health, or peace of another within the Township. Section V. Specific Noises Prohibited; Standards. This Section provides regulations for specific activities that may constitute a violation of the Ordinance if done contrary to the regulations contained herein for the following specific uses: horns and other signaling devices; radios, televisions, phonographs, and musical instruments; yelling, shouting, and verbal noise; animals, birds, or pets; exhaust noises; loading, unloading, and opening of boxes; construction or repairing buildings; business operations and other premises activities; pile drivers and other heavy equipment; race tracks and similar uses; excessive noise that interferes with the operation of any school, church, hospital, or court; use of drums, loudspeakers or any other instrument or device when used to attract attention to a performance, sale or similar uses; operation of loudspeakers and other sound amplifying devices; certain operations of machinery or equipment; and the operation of automobiles or other vehicles that are in such disrepair that they emit unreasonable noise. Section VI. This Section provides exceptions for all of the following: emergency vehicles responding to an emergency; work to repair bridges, streets, or highways authorized by a governmental entity; public notification/warning alarm systems; and agricultural operations protected by the Right to Farm Act that are in compliance with the current GAAMPS. Section VII. Public Nuisance Regulations. of the neighboring inhabitants. This Section provides that any unreasonable emission of dust, smoke, fly ash, or noxious odors constitutes a violation of this Ordinance. Section VIII. Severability. This Section provides that if any provision of this Ordinance is declared invalid or unlawful, such a determination shall not invalidate any other provision of this Ordinance. Section IX. Penalty. This Section provides that any violation of this Ordinance is a (misdemeanor/ municipal civil infraction), and set the penalties for violations. A person who violates this Ordinance shall reimburse the Township for actual costs of the civil infraction action. Each day a violation occurs shall constitute a separate violation.
THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 9, 2026 9
January is ‘National Slow Cooking Month’ By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Columnist With the holidays over and the snow piling up outside, it’s time to turn to those inside projects - like cleaning closets, clearing your overflowing inbox or spending the day enjoying a man cave or craft project. I don’t know about you, but when I get started on a “project,” I want to keep going until I’m finished. I don’t want to have to stop and make dinner. So it’s also the perfect time to celebrate “National Slow Cooking Month." It can be a huge load off to just put something in the crockpot when you’ve got a project you need to tackle and forget about dinner. Although it may be hard because you will be able to smell it all day. And not only do slow cooker recipes afford you more time to do other things, but there are also usually fewer dishes, and I’d say that’s a win no matter what your schedule holds! For the following recipes, I got out my trusty slow cooker cookbook, “Fix It and Forget It” by Dawn J. Ranck and Phyllis Pellman Good, and found a couple of my favorites that I’ve tweaked to make my own over the years.
Beef Vegetable Soup We raise our own beef, so there’s always plenty of soup bones and stew meat in the freezer begging to be made into something. I use this recipe a lot for our church’s meal train requests. It’s fairly economical and can be made with ingredients you most likely already have on hand. After simmering all day, pair it with some warm bread and you’ll feel comfort from head to toe. Ingredients: 1-1 ½ pound soup bones 1 pound stewing beef cubes (I’ve used round steak too) 1 tablespoon oil 1 ½ quarts cold water 1 tablespoon salt ¾ cup diced celery ¾ cup diced carrots ¾ cup diced potatoes ¾ cup diced onions 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables of your choice 1 quart jar of home-canned stewed tomatoes (my secret ingredient, but store-bought will work too) ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper 1 tablespoon chopped dried parsley or 2-3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley Brown meat in a skillet on the stove. Place everything in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for at least eight hours. Remove bones. If for some reason you don’t think the broth is “beefy” enough, you can add beef bouillon cubes or paste toward the end.
Pork Chops and Mushrooms I’ve been making variations of this recipe for years. If you get it going early enough, this makes a great Sunday dinner option. Pair with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable. Use sauce as ready-made gravy! Ingredients: 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless) 2 medium onions, sliced 1 cup sliced mushrooms (I prefer fresh, but canned could be used as well) 1 envelope dry onion soup mix (or try this homemade version I found online - ¼ c. dried onion flakes, 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes, ⅛ teaspoon celery seed, ⅛ teaspoon paprika, ⅛ teaspoon pepper) ¼ cup water A 10 ¾ ounce can of cream of mushroom soup (or find an easy homemade mushroom soup recipe online) Brown pork chops in a hot skillet for a few minutes. Place in a greased slow cooker and top with onions and mushrooms. Combine dry seasoning, water and mushroom soup. Pour over all. Cover and cook for 4-6 hours.
Section X. Effective adoption and date. The Ordinance takes effect thirty (30) days after publication, after adoption. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of the Ordinance is on file in the Office of the Clerk of the Township Colfax at the addresses set forth below, and that a copy of the Ordinance may be inspected, reviewed or purchased by contacting the undersigned during regular business hours on regular working days. A copy of the Ordinance is also posted on the Township’s website at https:// www.colfaxtownshipoceana.org/. COLFAX TOWNSHIP Joni Gerard, Clerk Jonimgerard80@yahoo.com 5594 N 192nd Ave. Walkerville MI 49459 (231) 301-5685 https://www.colfaxtownshipoceana.org/
“Advanced Eyecare For Your Entire Family”
Michael E. Jonassen, O.D. Craig J. Rybarz, O.D. 231-873-2575 www.oceanaeyecare.com • 44 State St. • Downtown Hart Accepting New Patients
10 JANUARY 9, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO
SPORTS
HART • HESPERIA • PENTWATER • SHELBY • WALKERVILLE
Pirates get better of Panthers at MCC Quad Hart goes 2-0, eyes big tests ahead; Hesperia looks to keep improving By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor SCOTTVILLE — Hart enjoyed another successful West Michigan Conference quad Wednesday night, downing county foe Hesperia 74-6 and routing Holton 59-16. The Pirates had many individuals stand out, one of which was Jordan Thies, who pinned a couple of ranked opponents, said coach Rocky Smith. Thies took down Hesperia’s Carter Fuentes in his first match and Holton’s Kole Nichols in his second. “Both kids are ranked and Jordan pinned both of them tonight pretty quick,” Smith said. “He’s been wrestling really well lately. He pinned a Martin kid (Adler Hofer) Saturday that was top-4 or top-5 ranked, so he’s having a good last couple weeks.” The Pirates’ win over Hesperia was an impressive one, with a slew of pin victories for the Pirates. Jude Salazar, Sawyer Boos, Kole Thomas, Logan Jorissen, Halen Boos, Haegan Hansen and Kevin Galindo all picked up pins. Smith credited his team’s mindset for those results, as they didn’t
Hesperia’s Aiden Smith (right) lifts Hart’s Caden VanGelderen during a bout at Wednesday’s Mason County Central Quad. Smith’s win was one of two for Hesperia against the Pirates.
• Andy Roberts/Echo
let the Panthers’ relative lack of team success so far this season color the way the Pirates approached the match. “We’re high intensity all the time,” Smith said. “It doesn’t matter who we’re wrestling, how good a kid is or isn’t. We’re doing the same thing. We’re wrestling our style with high intensity. We’re looking for six (points) every time we go out there.” One highlight for Hesperia came in the final bout of that dual, as heavyweights Noah Walker and Adrian Lara went at one another in a match that went into overtime. Walker was able to score an escape point when he chose the down posi-
Hart’s Halen Boos (left) keeps a hold of Hesperia’s Warren Muckey during their bout Wednesday at the Mason County Central Quad. Boos won their matchup as part of the Pirates’ 2-0 performance. • Andy Roberts/Echo
tion, and then managed to hold Lara from doing the same. In the final seconds, Lara went down with an injury that Smith said was a dislocated kneecap. He did not wrestle against Holton, but luckily the team trainer was able to pop the kneecap back into place. The hope is Lara will be ready for an important invitational coming up this weekend at which Hart is slated to take on Ogemaw Heights and Cedar Springs in matches that could be factors in future seeding decisions for the team. “We don’t look back,” Smith
said. “We’re always looking forward. There’s a lot of things for us to continue to work on as a team and get better. We wrestle Whitehall in a head-to-head dual in two weeks, and we’ve got a lot of work to do to get there.” Walker said the win over Lara was a big one for him as the two have had many battles in the past, calling Lara his “rival.” The win adds a jolt of confidence for one of the Panthers’ top wrestlers, who has designs on a state
MCC Quad
continued on page 11
Panthers fall in Holton tournament finals By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor HOLTON — Hesperia hoped to capitalize on a big Friday win by bringing home a trophy Saturday in the championship of the Holton holiday tournament, but it wasn’t to be for the Panthers, who lost a tough battle to the host Red Devils 54-40 in the finals. Hesperia defeated Muskegon Catholic 69-56 Friday for its second win of the season, and perhaps its biggest. Coach Scott Warsaw said his team was ready to go for Saturday’s game - facing a longtime rival couldn’t have hurt the focus level but a lot of mistakes proved fatal, especially down the stretch. “I think we were up in the upper 30s in turnovers, and you can’t beat anyone (like that),” Warsaw said. “Before the game, we said there are two stats to determine who wins today: Turnovers and rebounds. We got beat on both. So the two key points we put on our board, we lost. We were in the locker room going, ‘Whoever wins turnovers and rebounds is probably going to win today.’ That’s exactly what happened.” The Panthers trailed almost the entire game, but showed gumption in battling back from multiple double-digit deficits. An 8-0 run that
Hesperia’s Malakai Sellers (top) tries to come up with the ball after a Holton defender knocked it away during Saturday’s championship game of the Holton holiday tournament. • Andy Roberts/Echo
spanned the second and third quarters cut Holton’s lead from 22-12 to 22-20 before the Devils came back with a 12-2 run of their own to go back up by 12, 34-22. However, Hesperia struck back again on a three-point play by Evan Conkle and then a three-point shot by Malakai Sellers. With some help from the Red Devils’ missing 6-of-7 attempts at the free throw line down the stretch, Hesperia was back within four going into the final quarter, 3531. However, the aggressive defense played by the Red Devils kept Hesperia on its heels and led to some key
Hesperia’s Tucker Bolles (left) tries to get the ball away from Holton’s Lane Frees during Saturday’s championship game of the Holton holiday tournament. Hesperia lost a tough game, 54-40. • Andy Roberts/Echo
miscues late in the game. A couple of times, Hesperia came up with a loose ball, only to have Holton harass the Panthers into a turnover seconds later. “They were more aggressive,” Warsaw said of Holton. “When we turn it over, it puts us to a stop, and it hypes them up. Turnovers lead to buckets, and it’s just a nightmare.” Warsaw said the Red Devils did not force Hesperia into a fast-paced style of play, saying his team also
wanted to go quickly. However, the manner in which Holton did it, getting into Hesperia’s face on defense and keeping the Panthers from making the decisions they wanted to make, made things difficult. “We wanted to play fast, but with intelligence,” Warsaw said. “I can’t describe it. They pressured us. They played their game, and we didn’t play
Title game
continued on page 11
THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 9, 2026 11
Walkerville focuses on itself amid trying season By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor HOLTON — Walkerville boys basketball has had a rough season so far, and it didn’t get any less so Saturday in the consolation game of the Holton holiday tournament, in which the Wildcats were buried by the Muskegon Catholic press early before losing 95-16. The Wildcats fell to Holton 97-18 in the first game of the tournament the day before. Muskegon Catholic threw a press defense at Walkerville early, a logical choice given how inexperienced the Wildcat players are. The ‘Cats struggled to get the ball into the frontcourt, and several turnovers led to easy layups. The Crusaders led 33-0 after the first quarter, at which point they backed off the press. Walkerville coach Jeremy Dixon said while he can’t speak to exactly how experienced his players are as he’s a first-year coach, it’s clear the Wildcats haven’t spent as much time on the court as many of their opponents, and that’s a tough difference to overcome. “In a lot of cases, we’re playing catch-up with certain things like that,” Dixon said. “We’re just working to improve from one day to the next.” Once the Wildcats (0-6) no longer had to deal with the press, they were able to run a little bit more offense, though it didn’t yield immediate results. Walkerville launched a lot of
Walkerville’s Hugh Tanner tries to get a shot up over Muskegon Catholic’s Xavier Russick during Saturday’s consolation game of the Holton holiday tournament.
• Andy Roberts/Echo
three-pointers in the game, and two makes by Skylar Bajtke got his team on the board early in the quarter. However, the team still trailed 61-6 at the break. Dixon said he was pleased his team continued to play hard throughout the game. It’s been a common message of his as scores get out of hand at times during the Wildcats’ season, and he feels his players have answered that call. “Our guys keep fighting,” Dixon said. “That’s all I ask them to do...It’s difficult to have a rousing halftime speech when you’re getting beat like that. We just try to get the guys to keep a positive attitude, and I hope they understand that if they keep putting in the work, it’ll eventually pay off for them.” Not only are the Wildcats very inexperienced, but as Dixon not-
Hesperia’s Nate Sherburn (with ball) tries to maneuver around Holton’s Ariez McMillan to get a shot off during Saturday’s championship game of the Holton holiday tournament.
• Andy Roberts/Echo
Title game ours.” It was those giveaways that helped stake the Red Devils to a second-quarter lead to begin with. The first quarter was much more deliberate, with neither team pushing the pace. Conkle and Sellers each hit a three-pointer in the first, which ended in an 8-8 tie, before Holton turned up the heat in the second to build its lead. Sellers led the Panthers with 19 points, and Conkle had 12 rebounds, but Keon McMillan rang up 25 points for the Red Devils. Jacob Berghuis had 10 fourth-quarter points and 13 overall for Holton. Warsaw said he hopes the weekend games, which thanks to the win over Catholic still marks the weekend as a step forward, help to keep his team sharp heading into the postbreak portion of the schedule.
continued from page 10 “There was good and bad,” Warsaw said. “We had a great performance against MCC, and I give Holton credit. It wasn’t our night. They deserved it. They were the better team today.”
Panthers beat Muskegon Catholic in tourney opener Hesperia defeated Muskegon Catholic 69-56 Friday in the first round of the Holton holiday tournament. The teams traded leads back and forth throughout the game before the Panthers’ press defense ignited the team to some easy baskets down the stretch, enabling them to pick up the win. Malakai Sellers had a big day for Hesperia with 22 points, and Nate Sherburn added 15. Evan Conkle grabbed 13 rebounds.
Walkerville’s Phoenix Fulford tries to save a ball from going out of bounds during Saturday’s Holton holiday tournament game against Muskegon Catholic. The Wildcats lost, 95-16. • Andy Roberts/Echo
ed, they’re also undersized, which makes it difficult to keep opponents from getting to the basket. Catholic continued to create scoring chances throughout the game by attacking the rim. At times, Dixon employed a zone defense to try to mix things up, though no lasting solution presented itself. In the fourth quarter, the Wildcats were able to knock down a few more long-range shots, and Hugh Tanner and Anthony Shafer each used hustle and good moves in the paint to get to the free throw line. The Crusaders, meanwhile, didn’t stop playing, but did empty the bench, allowing 11 of their players to get in the scorebook. Jay’vion Webb led all scorers with 21 points, 15 of them in the first quarter.
MCC Quad run. “I think I could make a good run for it at the state finals, but I’ve just got to keep showing out,” Walker said. Coach Mark Arbogast enjoyed seeing Walker come up big in that bout with Lara, pointing to it as an example other Panthers can follow in pressure-packed overtime matches. “The biggest thing is about keeping your composure and not getting worked up,” Arbogast said. “You want to maintain your position. You want to be patient. When you’re wrestling heavyweight, that’s a lot of weight to throw around, and you need to be patient and capitalize on situations when it comes. But don’t lose your head. I’ve been in a lot of state final matches, and you’ve got to be calm.” “He’s just been showcasing really well and really been listening in practice and doing the best he can and really performing for the team,” Arbogast added of Walker. Walker also won his other bout Wednesday, by pin, joining teammate Aiden Smith in posting 2-0 records. Smith won a decision match and scored a pin against Mason County Central, in a match the Panthers lost 48-30. Still, there was a lot to like for Arbogast, who was pleased to see 106-pounder Grayson Gould show more fight against Salazar than he did at the previous Saturday’s Allendale Invitational. Gould also stormed back to earn a pin against MCC, a win he and his teammates were especially excited to see. Another Panther Arbogast was
Bajtke’s six first-half points stood up for the team lead, and all five Wildcat field goals were three-pointers. Dixon knows the season may continue to be a trying one, though the hope is the team can make some headway in skill development against West Michigan D League opposition. He’s pushing a focus on day-to-day improvements. “We take each game one at a time and try to keep it positive, because we know we’re young and we’re inexperienced, so we just keep working at it,” Dixon said. “We’re just trying to improve each day. That’s all we can do, is just hope to be better one day than we were the next.”
continued from page 10
Hesperia’s Noah Walker grapples with Hart’s Adrian Lara during Wednesday’s Mason County Central Quad. Walker won a thrilling match in overtime, but Hart dominated the Panthers and went 2-0 on the night. • Andy Roberts/Echo
impressed with, though she did not win a bout, was Lacey Mey. Mey, said the coach, dropped to 132 pounds this week to fill a hole in the lineup and fought well against two tough opponents, including Hart’s Thomas and MCC’s Wyatt Herwig. “She stepped up to the plate, and it’s a big tall order she had tonight with a couple tough matches. It’s only going to make her tougher for sure,” Arbogast said. The focus for Hesperia the rest of the season is competing harder in matches and focusing on being “a six-minute man,” said Arbogast, meaning doing their best not to allow bouts to end via pin or technical fall. “I really liked when some of the guys were getting down in matches, but they kept fighting,” Arbogast said. “I liked some of our young guys that are fighting hard, and are continuing to listen and continuing to wrestle.”
Volume3,3,Issue Issue99 JANUARY JANUARY9,9,2026 2026 Volume
THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 9, 2026 12
Total Raised: $108,962 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
WhiteLake LakeDrive Drivebridge bridgeclosed closed to to traffic traffic White Hole in bridge deck portation supervisor Penny Evert to alert her that
portationsupervisor supervisorPenny PennyEvert Everttotoalert alerther herthat that portation Hole in bridge deck school buses would need to find alternate routes. school buses would need to find alternate routes. necessitates closure; slated to buses would need to find alternate routes. necessitatesclosure; closure;slated slatedto to schoolMcCarthy said was alerted the closure by necessitates McCarthysaid saidhehe hewas wasalerted alertedtoto tothe theclosure closureby by McCarthy be closed through Jan. 30 be closed through Jan. 30 the Muskegon County Road Commission at 8:45 p.m. the Muskegon County Road Commission at 8:45 p.m. be closed through Jan. 30
the Muskegon County Road Commission at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, which led to the quick response on social Tuesday, which led thequick quickresponse responseon onsocial social Tuesday, which led toto the media. media. White Lake Mirror Editor media. White Lake Mirror Editor These These issues issues are are not not that that uncommon, uncommon, RichRichThe overpass These issues are since not many that uncommon, RichThe overpass bridge bridge on on White White Lake Lake Drive Drive has has ard said, especially of the bridge decks ard said, especially since many of the bridge decks The overpass bridge on White Lake Drive has been said, especially since many the of the bridge decks been closed closed for for repairs repairs after after aa hole hole was was discovered discovered in inard were were originally originally constructed constructed in in the 1960s 1960s and and are are apapbeen closed for repairs after a White hole was discovered in the road Tuesday night, the Lake originally constructed in the 1960s and areAapthe road Tuesday night, the White Lake Fire Fire AuthoriAuthori-were proaching the end of their expected use lives. full proaching the end of their expected use lives. A full thetyroad Tuesday night, the White Lake Fire Authoriproaching the end of deck their was expected usescheduled lives. A full ty posted posted on on Facebook. Facebook. replacement of the already for replacement of the deck was already scheduled for ty posted on Facebook. The of the deck was already scheduled for The closure, closure, which which Michigan Michigan Department Department of ofreplacement 2028. 2028. The closure, which Michigan Department of Transportation Transportation regional regional communications communications director director2028.The uncommon part is the closure of the entire The uncommon part is the closure of the entire Transportation regional communications director John Richard said is scheduled The uncommon part is the can closure patched of the entire John Richard said is scheduled to to last last until until Jan. Jan. 30, 30, bridge. Usually bridge. Usually similar similar holes holes can be be patched while while John Richard said is scheduled to last until Jan. 30, will Usually similar holes can be patched while will also also affect affect the the northbound northbound exit exit ramp ramp for for exit exit 126 126bridge. closing only one lane of traffic on a bridge, but since closing only one lane of traffic on a bridge, but since will also affect the northbound exit ramp for exit 126 on only one lane ofthe traffic on line, a bridge, but since on US-31 US-31 and and the the right right lane lane of of the the northbound northbound highhigh-closing this this hole hole is is close close to to the center center line, officials officials deterdeteronway. US-31 and the right lane of the northbound highthis hole the is close move to the centerbe line, close officials deterway. mined the safe safe move would would be to to close the the entire entire way. The hole opened after a car hit a pothole on the mined the safe movebeing. wouldCrews be toare close the to entire The hole opened after a car hit a pothole on themined bridge for the time slated pour bridge for the time being. Crews are slated to pour The hole opened after a car hit a pothole on the bridge, for the for time being. Crews are slated to12. pour bridge, said said White White Lake Lake Fire Fire Authority Authority chief chief Pete Pete McMc-bridge the concrete the patch next Monday, Jan. the concrete for the patch next Monday, Jan. 12. bridge, said White Lake Fire Authority chief Pete McCarthy. for the patch nextin Monday, Jan. 12. Carthy. Whitehall Whitehall police police chief chief Brandon Brandon Mahoney Mahoneythe concrete "It's "It's always always aa crapshoot crapshoot in the the winter," winter," Richard Richard The Carthy. Whitehall police chief Brandon Mahoney TheWhite WhiteLake LakeDrive Drivebridge bridgeover overUS-31 US-31will willbe beclosed closedfor for said the police department aided in helping to close "It's always a crapshoot in the winter," Richard The said the police department aided in helping to close White Lake Drive bridge over US-31 will beafter closed for the next few weeks due to necessary repair work aahole said the police department aided in helping to close the next few weeks due to necessary repair work after hole down the bridge to traffic later that evening, and Mcdown the bridge to traffic later that evening, and Mcthe next fewthe weeks duedeck to necessary repair work after a hole opened openedin in thebridge bridge deckTuesday. Tuesday. down the bridge to traffic later that evening, and McCarthy continued on page 22 opened Carthy contacted contacted Whitehall Whitehall District District Schools Schools transtransin the bridge deck Tuesday. ••Courtesy Muskegon County continued on page Courtesy Muskegon CountyRoad RoadCommission Commission Carthy contacted Whitehall District Schools transcontinued on page 2 • Courtesy Muskegon County Road Commission
By Andy Roberts By Andy Roberts By Andy White LakeRoberts Mirror Editor
Bridge closure Bridgeclosure closure Bridge
FirstIrish IrishNew NewYear Yearat atHanson Hanson Hill Hill First
By By Andy Andy Roberts Roberts By Andy White Mirror White Lake LakeRoberts Mirror Editor Editor
White Lake Mirror Editor WHITEHALL WHITEHALL — — The The White White Lake Lake WHITEHALL — The White Lakeby Snow Farmers were blown Snow Farmers were blown away away by Snow Farmersat blown by the their ever Irish the turnout turnout at were their first first everaway Irish New New celebration Dec. 31 at theYear's turnout at their first ever New Year's celebration Dec. 31Irish at Hanson Hanson Hill especially considering the Year's celebration Dec. 31 at Hanson Hill - especially considering the whole whole event came in than Hill - especially considering the event came together together in less lesswhole than aa month. event came together in less than a month. John month. John Hanson Hanson of of the the Snow Snow FarmFarmers emceed the event, which John Hanson the which Snow featured FarmSome attendees at the Irish New Year ers emceed the of event, featured Some attendees at the Irish New Year ball drop at 6 p.m., coinciding with ersaa emceed the event, which featured Dec.at31 the participated in the litSome attendees Irish New Year ball drop at 6 p.m., coinciding with celebration celebration Dec. 31 participated in the litmidnight of Europe. a ball drop in at much 6 p.m., up sled contest, which included in prizes. Dec. 31 participated the litmidnight in much ofcoinciding Europe. with celebration up sled contest, which included prizes. "We figured have Andy Roberts/Mirror midnight much we'd of Europe. contest, which included prizes. "Wein figured we'd have aa dozen dozen of of up••sled Andy Roberts/Mirror our friends there," Hanson said. "I had "Wefriends figured we'd Hanson have a said. dozen"I of Roberts/Mirror our there," had • Andy We some flyers up and We had had to to have have had had close close to to 100. 100. We'll We'll our friends there," Hansontown, said. "I hadwe some flyers up around around town, and weWe do this again next year." had to have had close to 100. We'll talked to everyone we talk to about it. It do this again next year." some flyers up around town, and we talked to everyone we talk to about it. It The Snow have again next Farmers year." was word of and The Snow Farmers have batted batted talked to everyone talk to about it. It do this was mainly mainly wordwe of mouth mouth and sharing sharing around a New Year's celebration idea The Snow Farmers have batted on Facebook. We were hoping for 30, around a New Year's celebration idea was mainly word of mouth and sharing on Facebook. We were hoping for 30,around a New Year's celebration idea we had We leftover can koozies from Revelers gather at the top of Hanson Hill Wednesday, Dec. 31 to celebrate the first Irish onand Facebook. were hoping for 30, and we had leftover can koozies from Revelers gather at the top of Hanson Hill Wednesday, Dec. 31 to celebrate the first Irish Float-a-Palooza...and they werefrom gone New Year's, Lake Farmers. The31green-lit ball (top left)Irish was and we had leftover can koozies Revelers gatherhosted at theby topthe of White Hanson HillSnow Wednesday, Dec. to celebrate Float-a-Palooza...and they were gone New Year's, hosted by the White Lake Snow Farmers. The green-lit ball the (topfirst left) was dropped from a lift provided by WinBerg Construction at 6 p.m. to commemorate the in no time. We were just flabbergasted. Float-a-Palooza...and they were gone Year's,from hosted byprovided the White SnowConstruction Farmers. Theatgreen-lit (top left) was continued on page 7 New dropped a lift byLake WinBerg 6 p.m. toball commemorate the in no time. We were just flabbergasted. continued on page 7 coming 2026.a •lift Andy Roberts/Mirror dropped from provided by WinBerg Construction at 6 p.m. to commemorate the in no time. We were just flabbergasted. coming 2026. • Andy Roberts/Mirror continued on page 7 coming 2026. • Andy Roberts/Mirror
Irish new year Irish new year Irish new year
DreamStayowners ownerspurchase purchaseWhitehall Whitehall hotel hotel DreamStay Garcias Garcias plan plan to to
- DreamStay on Clay near down- DreamStay on Clay near downtown Muskegon andnear Scenic Drive - DreamStay on Clay downtown Muskegon and Scenic Drive Resort located down the street town Muskegon Scenic Resort locatedand down theDrive street from the Muskegon Sports Resort located downWinter the street from the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex as well as several othfrom the Muskegon Sports Complex - as wellWinter as several other short-term rental properties Complex - as well as several oth-in er short-term rental properties in By Andy Roberts By Andy Roberts county. rental properties in erthe short-term the county. White Lake Mirror Editor By Andy White LakeRoberts Mirror Editor "This really hits a lot of the the county. "This really hits a lot of the White Mirror Editor The Lake owners of DreamStay, a marks for," Jere"This we're really looking hits a lot of the The owners of DreamStay, a marks we're looking for," JereMuskegon County-based rentmy Garcia said. "We couldn't just The owners of DreamStay, a we're said. looking for," JereMuskegon County-based rent-marks my Garcia "We couldn't just al property business, have pur- do any motel. We worked really Muskegon County-based rentsaid. "We couldn't just al property business, have pur-mydoGarcia any motel. We worked really thebusiness, former Lakeland Inn hard...to have it, but we think the DreamStay owners Melanie and al chased property have purchased the former Lakeland Inndohard...to any motel. worked really DreamStay owners Melanie and haveWe it, but we think the Jeremy Garcia announced this in Whitehall, they announced end product could be think something chased the formerthey Lakeland Inn hard...to owners announced Melanie and Jeremy Garcia this in Whitehall, announced have it, but we the DreamStay end product could be something week that they have purchased the this week. The property will be really special." Jeremy Garcia announced this week that they have purchased the in this Whitehall, they announced week. The property will beend product could be something special." Lakeland Inn in Whitehall, which will rebranded as the Lake Land Get- really DreamStay aims to provide week that they have purchased the Lakeland Inn in Whitehall, which will this week. The property will be rebranded as the Lake Land Get-reallyDreamStay special." aims to provide be rebranded Lake Land Getaway. away, with to add amenities one-of-a-kind experiences to va- Lakeland Inn inLake Whitehall, which will rebranded Land Getaway. rebranded asplans the Lake Land Getaway, with plans to add amenities DreamStay aims to provide one-of-a-kind experiences to va- •beCourtesy Photos to make it a destination spot for be•rebranded Lake Land Getaway. Courtesy Photos cation seekers. Among its properaway, with plans to add amenities to make it a destination spot forone-of-a-kind experiences vacation seekers. Among its to propercrawl from Photos the original movie disties are a Star Wars-themed home • Courtesy to couples. make it a destination spot for cation couples. crawl from the original movie disseekers. Among its properties are a Star Wars-themed home Jeremy and Melanie Garcia - which includes attractions like played on the ceiling on the staircouples. from Jeremy and Melanie Garciaties are a Star played onthe theoriginal ceiling movie on the disstairWars-themed home includes attractions like crawl own and operate DreamStay, a- which fire pit shaped like the Death played on the ceiling on the stairJeremy Melanie Garcia - which own andandoperate DreamStay, includes attractions like a fire pit shaped like the Death which operates two other hotel Star, surrounded by fighter shipown andoperates operatetwoDreamStay, which other hotela Star, fire pit shaped like the Death surrounded by fighter shipproperties in Muskegon County shaped benches, and the opening continued on page 2 which operates two other hotel properties in Muskegon CountyStar, surrounded fighter shipshaped benches,byand the opening continued on page 2 properties in Muskegon County shaped benches, and the opening continued on page 2
Garcias plan to add add amenities, amenities, rebrand as add amenities, rebrand as Lake Lake Land Getaway rebrand as Lake Land Getaway Land Getaway
New New owners owners New owners
13 JANUARY 9, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO
THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR JANUARY 9, 2026 2
Huge toilet paper donation delivered to pantry i'Move, OAM team up to deliver over 1,100 rolls to pantry By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor WHITEHALL — No matter who you are, everyone needs toilet paper. When iMove, in partnership with Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon, was in search of a community service project and reached out to Lebanon Lutheran Church pastor Doug Ogden (who also helps to oversee the White Lake Food Pantry at the church) for ideas, that suggestion was welcomed. This was the third year of the toilet paper drive, but this year produced results beyond iMove's wildest dreams. After 2023's drive yielded 502 rolls and the 2024 drive brought less than that, 2025 exploded, resulting in 1,167 rolls donated. A small group of volunteers, including iMove's Viking Athletic Center clinic director Gina Houtteman, came to the pantry Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 31, to drop off the donations.
"Toilet paper is one thing that everybody needs, even homeless people, and it's a lot lighter than any canned good or peanut butter," Houtteman said. "This year, I decided we're going to go for the gold...We put it out on Facebook. We put flyers in the VAC, and then (it was) just word of mouth to our patients and neighbors and the community. These are all from community members, our patients and non-patients, people that came in just to donate." Since the donations came to the pantry, they'll all go to people in the community, a point of pride for Houtteman and everyone else who was involved. "We really wanted to make a big difference this year," Houtteman said. "It comes from the community, and it goes to the community, and that's really what we were looking for. It's just a wonderful opportunity that we have at OAM and iMove to work together and help out our community."
New owners case to the basement - and an old fire station that's been repurposed into a place to stay. Lake Land Getaway isn't likely to have a grand theme like those two places, but Garcia said he's confident in the family's ability to turn it into a great place for couples to stay, citing currently unused land on the property that can house added amenties. He added that the property will aim to cater to Generation X and millennial couples with the planned additions. "The things we're looking at putting in are a pickleball court, a bocce ball court, cornhole, an outdoor ping-pong table, an outdoor seating area with a custom fire pit and another seating area where you're looking at putting in a pizza oven for couples to build pizzas there," Garcia said. "We're looking at a game room and leaning into the analog, with a pool table, ping-pong, shuffleboard table. The only electronic things we've looked at putting in are a Super Nintendo and a Nintendo 64... We're hoping to pull people in who want to disconnect from electronics." Other planned additions include a "hot tub garden" - there's not space to put hot tubs in rooms, so a pod of tubs will be put outside to avoid the "awkward" feeling of getting into hot tubs with strangers, Garcia chuckled - and a sauna. Among other things that drew the Garcias to the property was its loca-
tion near downtown Whitehall; Jeremy said prior Chamber of Commerce executive director Amy VanLoon and current one Stephanie Ware have both encouraged DreamStay to branch into the area. The clients that seek out DreamStay like having attractions within walking distance so they can explore the areas in which they're vacationing. "We're already talking about working with WaterDog Outfitters for kayak and bike rentals for our guests," Garcia said. "I don't think our concept would work as well if we were out by the Comfort Inn. A lot of our guests would rather bike...Whitehall makes a lot of sense because it has a lot of amazing things like that." So far, the response has already impressed the Garcias. A video they posted announcing the Lake Land Getaway acquisition has already achieved over 27,000 views, Garcia said, and many have reached out with interest in the property once it is ready for guests - or to simply wish them good luck with their new addition. "I grew up in a small town very similar to this area, and the response feels really good, because it feels like that hometown response where everyone's excited," Garcia said. "We've been blown away by people just reaching out and wishing us luck personally. That was an amazing surprise for us." DreamStay plans on giving fans
Bridge closure said. "The milder temperatures are somewhat helpful. It's supposed to be on the warmer side for January the next couple weeks. The warm-ups and the freezes are what cause a lot of the potholes in the first place." Richard added that the bridge itself remains structurally sound and highway drivers should not have concerns. "We'll keep patching (the deck) until the project in 2028, when we'll completely replace the entire deck,"
continued from page 1
Above, volunteers celebrate with the many toilet paper rolls they delivered to the White Lake Food Pantry Wednesday, Dec. 31. Below, the volunteers formed an assembly line to streamline the delivery process. Over 1,100 rolls of toilet paper were donated to the pantry through a community drive this year. • Andy Roberts/Mirror
a close look at the work being done to revitalize the Lakeland property through its new Facebook page, Lake Land Getaway. Garcia said the aim is to have rooms ready for guests by late this spring. Weather will determine whether all the planned amenities will be ready to go at the same time, but if all goes well it won't be a long wait. "We've seen this be successful in other states - upstate New York has
a lot of things like this," Garcia said. "Things like this are few and far between in Michigan. No one (here) will have, to our knowledge, the same level of amenities. We're really trying to elevate that whole experience and what this can be. "We want to make sure to deliver something to the community that they deserve."
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Board of Trustees for Fruitland Township will be receiving separate sealed bids for the construction of: Fruitland Township Bath House 4545 Nestrom Road Whitehall, MI 49461. BID PROPOSAL
Sealed bids will be received until 10:00 am local time on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Fruitland Township Hall office, 4545 Nestrom Road, Whitehall, MI 49461. Sealed bids can 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. 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 continued from page 1
Richard said. McCarthy noted that bridge deck repairs are also slated for the overpasses on the Colby Street and Fruitvale Road exits in coming years. Richard said it's always a good time, especially in the winter, to remind drivers to pay close attention to their surroundings when on the road. "Stay focused and be careful and (do) not tailgate and (do) not speed," Richard said.
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 9, 2026 THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR
THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 9, 2026 14
Community Calendar Saturday, Jan. 10 Live trivia @ White Lake Eagles, 7 p.m. Nina Sofia performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 Toddler Story Time @ MADL Montague, 9:30 a.m. Stories, songs and
play time. Intended for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers. Wednesday, Jan. 14 Youth Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 3-5 p.m. Bring in projects you’re working on or start something new with help from staff. Join farmer, certified holistic
health coach, and Good Food advocate Lori Lundell at White Lake Community Library at 5:30 p.m. to learn the benefits of high-quality food and how it can improve your energy level. Registration appreciated at wlclib. org/calendar. The Oat Bran Boys perform @
North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 Original Dulcimer Players Club hosts its monthly acoustic jam @ VAC, 1-6 p.m. with a break at 3 p.m. All are welcome, and any acoustic instruments can join in the jam.
Echoes of History: History The life of Annie Dowling (Pt. 4) By Tom Eitniear Volunteer Contributor Parts 1-3 of this story ran in the Dec. 19 and 26 and Jan. 2 issues of the White Lake Mirror. Cassius Dowling, brother of Annie's late husband George, was not the only entity that Annie had to address. Annie filed a Circuit Court suit July 29, 1897 against the Knights Templar and Mason’s Life Indemnity Company to recover $6,000 in damages. On Dec. 10, 1890 the company insured George Dowling’s life in the amount of $5,000, and that up to the date of his death, March 20, 1896, George had paid $500 in assessments, but the insurance of $5,000 was never paid. The Circuit Court jury heard the case and on Oct. 25, 1897 rendered a verdict in favor of Annie Dowling in the amount of $5,815, and in response the defendant started planning their appeal. The case was taken to the Supreme Court to rehear the case, and on May 25, 1898 the Supreme Court denied that request. Annie received the insurance payout more than two years after George’s death. Annie also had to initiate legal proceedings against Charles Smith and Frank Lindborg to foreclose on land contracts in Oceana County that they had respectively entered into with George. Two suits were also initiated in Muskegon County for the ejectment of George and Mary Ann Bush, and Edwy Logan Reeves to recover certain lands in which the estate of George Dowling was one half owner along with Lyman T. Covell. On Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1897 the Dowling brothers (William C., Henry P., Melvin T. and Cassius D.) petitioned the Probate Court to remove Annie Dowling as the administratix of the es-
tate of George Dowling. The petition cited the following for grounds for removal: 1. That she was without experience or business education and incompetent and left the management of the estate to an untrustworthy and irresponsible employee. 2. That she was seeking permission to sell real estate belonging to the estate for no reason. 3. That she misled the court as to the value of the personal property of the estate, and gave an inadequate bond. 4. That one of the sureties of the bond had become insolvent. 5. That she failed to file an inventory of the estate, even though often requested to do so. 6. That she failed to file an account of her administration of the estate. This petition was denied by the Court based upon Annie’s response noting that due to the nature of the books and papers at the time of George’s death, it took Mr. Lasley several months to obtain information related to many items belonging to the estate. The disarray of George’s books during the last eight years of his life has resulted in a great investment of time and resources to determine the extent of his estate. The Dowling brothers submitted another petition April 13, 1898, to the Probate Court to compel Annie to file a final account of administration regarding the estate of George Dowling, accusing her of prolonging the administration, and to be discharged as administratix thereof, among other things. The response from Annie dated June 11, 1898 noted that there were several Circuit Court cases involving ejectment and foreclosure, personal
property consisting of notes, mortgages, land contracts, etc. that have not been collected or converted, as well as other issues that would not allow for proper and safe closure of the estate. The Circuit Court denied the Dowling brothers’ petition. The Dowling brothers continued to submit petitions of objections to nearly everything that Annie submitted as administratix of the estate, but on Jan. 2, 1900 a final estate value was submitted to the Probate Court. Additionally, on Aug. 8, 1900 Annie submitted a petition to the Court identifying all of the real estate owned by the estate of George Dowling. On Dec. 31, 1900 a Probate Court commission composed of Lawrence A. Smith, Darwin D. Slater, and Charles E. Covell partitioned the estate of George Dowling, valued at $58,664.04 ($2,134,887.00 in 2023 dollars) as follows: 1. Annie Dowling Real estate valued at $24,613.00 Personal property valued at $4,719.02 2. Dowling Brothers Real estate valued at $24,613.00 Personal property valued at $4,719.02 Enduring four years and nine months of legal and personal stress from the time of George’s death, Annie could finally put the challenging task of estate settlement behind her. She most likely discovered a great deal about some of the people in the small community of Montague as a result of the estate settlement process, but more importantly a great many people discovered the abilities and strength possessed by this Scottish-born woman. It is unknown if Annie attended the funerals of John and Phoebe Dowling, but it is highly probable that she had
Annie Dowling circa 1875. • Montague Museum/Courtesy Photo
very little to no interaction with the Dowling side of her family. Many instances have been found in old issues of the Montague Observer and the Whitehall Forum newspapers noting Annie’s visits with members related to the Wilson side of her family, but not a single notice has been found of her interacting with the Dowlings. George died with his affairs quite disheveled, but he did leave a more than adequate estate for Annie, even though she only received half of it. The settlement of George’s estate was quite likely a great relief to Annie, and now she could focus upon more pleasant activities. She could spend peaceful time on her home estate gardening and growing plants and flowers with her now full-grown Newfoundland dog Prince, engaging with the Methodist Church Ladies Aid Society, and traveling.
Learn new things with Skillshare - part of Kanopy By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor Your library card just got even more valuable. Kanopy now offers 21 popular Skillshare classes for adults, covering creativity, productivity, freelancing, business, and more. A Skillshare subscription usually costs $14/month, but you can watch these curated courses on Kanopy for free with your library card. DeMumbrum Adults can also dive into engaging content from Curiosity Stream, Lit Videobooks, and The Great Courses, all available on Kanopy. Looking for kid-friendly options? Kanopy Kids offers educational and entertaining programming from PBS,
Highlights, and more - perfect for young learners and family viewing. Log into Kanopy and start discovering today! Explore New Ideas with Library Programs January is a busy month for adults at the library. First there’s the ever-popular Calvin University January Series, which is 10 days of fascinating and informative talks on a variety of topics, each one delivered by a renowned expert in their field. You can watch them live-streamed at the library each weekday at 12:30 from Jan. 19-30, or you can register in advance and stream them anywhere you have an internet connection. More information at calvin.edu/january. We are also hosting two separate events for adults this coming week. The first is a workshop on online safety presented by HarborLight Credit Union that will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. It will cover today’s most common digital threats and share simple
strategies for building a stronger online defense. Registration is not required. More info at wlclib.org/calendar. The second event will also be offered Jan. 14, this one at 5:30 p.m. Join farmer, certified holistic health coach, and Good Food advocate Lori Lundell for Eating for Energy. If you feel sluggish, or the winter weather has you dragging, this event is for you! Learn the benefits of high-quality food and how it can improve your energy level. Registration is appreciated at 231-8949531 or by visiting our website at wlclib.org/calendar. FUN FACT: Did you know you can watch January Series lectures from previous years online? Just go to calvin.edu/january and look for the link to archived recordings. You might find one you missed, or maybe one you enjoyed so much you just want to watch it again! Rock Club Kids Event at the Library The adults don’t get to have ALL
The
Bookworm
Bulletin
the fun at the library this month! The White River Rock Club is hosting their monthly children’s program at the library Saturday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids are invited to take a trip around the world with rocks, learning where to find them and how to identify them. For more information or to register, visit them on the web at whiteriverrockclub.com.
community 15 JANUARY 9, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO
THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR JANUARY 9, 2026 4
e Mirror
SPORTS WHITEHALL • MONTAGUE • REETHS - PUFFER
Westerlund makes Whitehall history in win NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE Viking junior makes record eight 3-pointers, goes off for 34 points as team beats Mohawks By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor Whitehall junior Pierce Westerlund exploded for a Vikings school record eight three-pointers Tuesday night, lighting up the scoreboard for a career-high 34 points in a 75-48 rout of Morley-Stanwood. Westerlund was 8-of-14 from distance and 11-of-18 from the field in all, carrying the Vikings to the victory. He had 17 points in the first quarter alone, making
four three-pointers in the frame. His performance was all the more remarkable considering that foul trouble resulted in him only playing 24 of the game's 32 minutes. Also for Whitehall, Elijah Smith scored 12 points, and Corde Anderson grabbed eight rebounds, six of them on the offensive glass, and blocked three shots. Whitehall was strong defensively, holding the Mohawks to 29 percent shooting from the field and only one three-pointer.
Whitehall's Pierce Westerlund tries to keep possession of the ball while Fremont's Javon Basso attempts to knock it loose during a December game. Westerlund set a school record for threepointers in a game by making eight in Tuesday's 75-48 win over Morley-Stanwood.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
Strong start fizzles for Vikes against Fremont By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor WHITEHALL — For one half of Whitehall's clash with West Michigan Conference Lakes power Fremont Monday, it seemed all the Vikings' problems were solved. Whitehall was overcoming the Fremont press, playing great defense, getting to the basket and converting opportunities. Their efforts were rewarded with a two-point halftime lead. Then the second half happened. Fremont looked more like the team that smothered Whitehall twice last season in the last 16 minutes, taking advantage of a tired Vikings' bunch to force a slew of turnovers and turn them into easy layups, dispatching Whitehall 55-34. The Packers trailed 22-20 at the break before outscoring Whitehall 35-12 in the second half, including 14-2 in the third quarter.
Whitehall's Clare Westerlund (top) and Janie Fagan wrestle Fremont's Ariana Tanner for the ball during Monday's game at Whitehall. The Vikes lost, 55-34.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
Whitehall coach Brian Milliron laid the blame at his own feet, saying he should have worked harder on conditioning and building depth with Peyton Schultz keeps an eye on the rest of the court while being defended by Vikes fall short Whitehall's Fremont's Taylor Johnson during Monday's game at Whitehall. Schultz had 10 points in continued on page 5
Whitehall's 55-34 defeat.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
State-ranked Norsemen dominate at Montague By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor MONTAGUE — North Muskegon got to the basket early and often during Friday's West Michigan Conference cross-divisional game against Montague, frustrating the Wildcats and leading to a lopsided 72-30 defeat. The visiting Norsemen, ranked No. 4 in Division 3 by The D Zone, harassed Montague ballhandlers relentlessly throughout the game and caused turnovers that led to fast breaks. Adam Dugener and Braylen Burrel were usually the beneficiaries of those fast breaks, combining for 30 first-half points as their team racked up a 46-15 halftime lead. Three times early in the game, the Norsemen got to the hoop for an easy layup that was followed by a timeout called by Montague coach Nick Thaler. "It was just a lack of discipline," Thaler said. "I think we talked about it for the three days that we had to practice (during the week). We talked about how on makes or misses, they're outletting it to Dugener and they're throwing it to Burrel on the side and
Montague's Karter Johnson eyes the hoop during Friday's game against North Muskegon. The Wildcats lost, 72-30.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
he's getting there. We missed them a couple times, and to me, that's frustrating. That's just a lack of discipline and understanding and knowing your personnel. We've got to find a way to be more disciplined on that end of the floor, because the offense will come if our defense has more energy." Montague (0-7) attempted to focus on Dugener and Burrel early in the
Montague's Cole Herremans heads toward the basket while being defended by Braylen Burrel of North Muskegon during Friday's game at Montague. The Wildcats lost, 72-30.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
game, hoping that post player David the Wildcats had to lean heavily on Markiewicz would take and miss shots Cole Herremans, who hit five of his if he was open, but even that backfired, team's six first-half field goals and had as Markiewicz knocked down three first-quarter shots. Meanwhile, on the offensive end, continued on page 6
NM beats Montague
516 JANUARY LAKE MIRROR JANUARY9,9,2026 2026 THE THEWHITE OCEANA ECHO
Early struggles on offense doom 'Cats in loss By Andy Roberts
White Lake Mirror Editor MONTAGUE — An unfortunate first-half performance on offense gave Montague an insurmountable halftime deficit Friday night against North Muskegon, though the Wildcats did show some improvement on that end in the second half of a 42-21 defeat. At halftime, Montague trailed 16-1, with only a free throw from Marguerite O'Connell with less than two minutes to go in the half sparing the 'Cats from a first-half shutout. Obviously Montague struggled shooting the ball, but maybe even more so hanging onto the ball, as the North Muskegon defense repeatedly came up with turnovers that led to some easy baskets. The Wildcats (1-4) played more aggressively on offense in the second half, but to little avail, as North Muskegon's lead expanded. Gentry Knop recorded a steal and a breakaway layup for Montague's first field goal early in the third quarter, then hit a three-pointer to answer one by the Norse, making it 19-6. However, North Muskegon ripped off the next 13 points to secure the win. "When you're not making baskets, that doesn't help, but they came out in the second half, and we just had a lot more effort, and we stuck with it," Montague coach Jess DeBruin said. "I think our defense overall, other than that stretch...was decent. We definitely worked hard on defense. We just have to make more on the other end." Delaney Young was a menace for the Norse, scoring 23 points in the game, 10 of them in the third quarter alone as her team kept the Wildcats at bay. "She's a great player," DeBruin said of Young. "She took advantage of the fact that we let her take control. We tried to switch things up a little bit and she didn't get as much, but she knows how to see and attack the ball and get rebounds." DeBruin credited Knop for helping keep the team locked in even as things were not going well early on.
Montague's Molly Mulder (left) and Annelyse Schneider try to get the ball away from a North Muskegon rebounder during Friday's game at Montague. The Wildcats lost, 42-21. • Andy Roberts/Mirror
Knop entered the season as the only Wildcat with significant varsity experience, and it's been something the team has leaned on the first several games. "That's what senior leadership is," DeBruin said. "She had a little bit of a lull towards the end of the second quarter, and we had a good discussion at halftime, and she just took that leadership to the next level. That's just going to make her an even better player." Knop had six points in the game, second on the Wildcats to O'Connell's 10. O'Connell knocked down a three-pointer late in the third quarter to end the Norse's 13-0 run, and it was the first Montague field goal by someone besides Knop. She added a couple of more baskets in the fourth quarter. The 'Cats hope the second half improvements lead to more success as the season picks back up following winter break. "We did get better," DeBruin said of the second half. "When we play teams like this, they're going to help us get better, and it's just a matter of how we respond to this in the next game."
Vikes fall short
Montague's Gentry Knop dribbles the ball while North Muskegon's Sylvia Skujins stays on her during Friday's game at Montague. The Wildcats lost, 42-21.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
Sports in Brief Boys Basketball Traverse City Central 72 Reeths-Puffer 53 The Rockets led after a quarter, 19-10, before the host Trojans took over. Marvin Moore scored 19 points for R-P, and Justin Chan added 14.
Allendale 62 Whitehall 55 Whitehall led by 18 points early in the game before the Falcons stormed back for the win. Statistics were not reported from the game.
Traverse City West 72 Reeths-Puffer 62 continued from page 4
The Rockets dropped the back end of their 2-game road trip north. Justin Chan led the Rockets with 18 points, and Marvin Moore added 16.
Grant 74 Montague 35 Statistics were not reported from the Wildcats' defeat.
the team in the offseason so they could better keep up with the fastpaced Packers. "I didn't get (them) in good enough shape, and when you're tired, you're dumb," Milliron said ruefully. "We made such good decisions in the first half. We were ahead going into the halftime break. Then we got tired." It's not like Whitehall (2-5, 2-1 WMC Lakes) folded; in fact, the Vikings, although they surrendered the lead in the third quarter, used hustle and clutch rebounding to get into the bonus with 3:25 still to go, ensuring any Fremont foul after that the rest of the quarter would send them to the free throw line. However, once there, the results were not good; the team was only 2-of-9 in the quarter, and 9-of-23 for the game. Free throw shooting has been an issue for Whitehall all year. It didn't help that the Vikes made zero field goals in the quarter. "We have to be able to make our free throws when we're playing against really good teams, like Fremont has," Milliron said. "We missed a couple bunny layups when we did beat the press. We did everything right, then we'd miss a wide open layup. We can't do that. But their effort was fantastic. They bought into what we're trying to do here." Fremont's full-court press has been its secret sauce for years as it competes for conference titles. Using very fast, tall girls with long arms, the Packers are able to flus-
ter teams that can't match that level of athleticism, which is most of their opponents. "They are more athletic than we are, and I don't think it takes a seasoned basketball coach to see that," Milliron said. "We have to get more athletic, and that's something you don't do in December and January. That's offseason stuff. I need to do a better job of getting kids buying into becoming more athletic so that we can compete (with them) for 32 minutes as opposed to 20-ish minutes." However, the first half was much more fruitful for Whitehall, and likely the part of the game they'll take the most heart in reliving. Clare Westerlund scored the first four points, then answered a 9-0 Fremont run with the next four as well. In the second half, Emma Decker and Peyton Schultz pitched in for nine total points themselves as Whitehall did a commendable job against the press, finding open players and limiting giveaways. Though Kate Beda had only three points in the game in all, she was a major factor in press break early on as well, passing out five assists and displaying remarkable poise for a second-year basketball player. Kayden Johnson helped too. "We just made good decisions," Milliron said of the first half. "We didn't hurry. Then we got tired, and we started to hurry. I called some timeouts and was
Manistee 52 Montague 37 Montague trailed 19-4 after the first quarter before playing better the rest of the way. Annelyse Schneider led the 'Cats with 15 points.
Girls Basketball Sparta 57 Whitehall 42 Whitehall bounced back from a 24-3 first-quarter deficit but was unable to rally for the win. The Vikings struggled at the free throw line, shooting 1-of-11. Clare Westerlund had 22 points to lead Whitehall.
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.
Whitehall's Janie Fagan (left) and Peyton Schultz try to retrieve the ball during Monday's game against Fremont. The Vikings lost, 55-34.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
trying to get some folks in, but we've got to work on our depth a little bit, and our conditioning." The final Whitehall stat book had 26 turnovers marked down, probably 75% of which, Milliron estimated, took place in the second half. Limiting giveaways is obviously a priority for any team and even more so against Fremont. Westerlund had a double-double for Whitehall, with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Schultz added 10 points and six boards. "We're going to win games and we're going to lose games, but all we ask is that we compete every single night," Milliron said. "The kids have bought into that and I'm super proud of their effort, and I think we can use that, copy and paste that first half moving forward and let the chips fall as they may."
Wrestling Reeths-Puffer goes 2-3 at Fruitport Invite Landon Learn led the Rockets with another outstanding day, going 5-0 with 3 pins. Hunter Eek and Travis Henderson both posted 4-1 records, with Eek recording 3 pins and Henderson adding 1.
Reeths-Puffer 43 Caledonia 20 The Rockets dominated in their O-K Green Conference opener. Landon Learn and Lyric Stewart earned wins by pin, and Micah Mills, Hunter Eek and Braxton VanHohenstein won by technical fall.
Whitehall tops Montague at Orchard View Quad Whitehall won the rivalry matchup 54-27, also defeating Oakridge 78-3. The Wildcats edged Orchard View 48-39. Gavyn Maddox, Fletcher Thommen, Kaiden Jeffery, Kaden French, Isaac French, and Maverick Osborne went 2-0 for Montague; Whitehall stats were not reported.
Hockey
G.R. Catholic Central 4 Reeths-Puffer 2 Tyler Cuti and Hayden Taylor each had a goal in the game, and Connor Anderson had 2 assists. GRCC scored twice in the 2nd period to break open a tie d game.
Reeths-Puffer 5 West Ottawa 3 The Rockets ripped off 3 unanswered third-period goals to get the win. Tyler Cuti scored 2 of them, including the clincher with a minute to play. Hayden Taylor also scored twice. Eli Cuti posted 3 assists.
Bowling R-P boys 2nd, girls 4th at Orchard View meet Liam Copenhaver led the Rockets with a first-place individual finish, highlighted by a 223 in his second game - the highest single game of any bowler on the day. Ryleigh Beebe finished 5th and Tanner Bahr 7th, and the Rockets reached the finals before falling to Mona Shores. R-P's girls team took 4th, led by a 4th-place finish from Kaila Uhlig.
R-P boys take 8th at Fruitport Invite Karsen Boeskool paced the Rockets, taking 6th individually with a high game of 220 (584 for three games). Kaila Uhlig's 168 led the R-P girls, who did not place in the event.
Rocket teams fall to Jenison The Rocket boys fell to Jenison 22-8. Liam Copenhaver bowled a 231 for R-P, and Carter Hekkema rolled a 213. The girls fell 25-5, with Sam Cryderman's 151 the top score for the team.
THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR JANUARY9,9,2026 2026 17 6
Montague earns top spot at Ravenna Invite By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor Montague dominated the brackets at Saturday's Ravenna invitational, scoring 252 points to easily outpace Mason County Central (158.5) for the event championship. The Wildcats had a wrestler in the finals at nine of the 14 weight classes and put seven of them at the top of the podium. There was no shortage of things to celebrate for Wildcats' coach Kris Maddox, though from a personal perspective for him, it was hard to beat seeing his sons, sophomore Gavyn and freshman Chayse, pick up weight-class titles at 144 and 120 pounds respectively. "As a coach and dad, watching...both win championships was truly special," Maddox said. Gavyn, who improved to 16-1 on the season, earned first-period pins in all three of his matches. Chayse scored two pins and edged Dameon Letts of Mason County Central 8-4 in the finals match. Michael Jones was another Wildcat to fight out a tough title match, at 165. After easily dispatching his first two foes by technical fall, Jones picked up an 18-4 major decision win over MCC's Parker Overmyer.
Fletcher Thommen scored technical falls over all three of his opponents at at 150, and Kaiden Jeffery scored a pin and a decision before rolling to a technical fall win in the finals at 157. Isaac French dominated the 190-pound bracket with two pins and a technical fall in the finals. Anthony Garcia only needed two wins to win the title at 115, scoring a major decision and a pin. Maverick Osborne went 2-1 and finished second at 285, falling to Ravenna's Mason Carringer in the title match. Ken Heaton, wrestling his first varsity matches of the season, finished second at 175 with a 3-1 record. He pinned his way to the finals before Miles Russick of Muskegon Catholic bested him in the finals. Taking third were Mason Bassett, who went 2-1 at 175 and whose only loss was to Heaton, and Gibson Smith, who went 2-1 with two pins at 132. Though he didn't reach the podium, another highlight for the Wildcats was senior Ben Hayes scoring a pin to earn his first-ever on-mat varsity win at 120. "We’ve competed exceptionally well over the break, and I’m really proud of how we’ve performed these last two weeks," Maddox said. "That said, we know it’s not about how you start, but how you fin-
NM beats Montague
continued from page 4
10 first-half points (14 in all). Herremans is among the Wildcats' best and most veteran players, but Thaler said the team's struggles on offense early on put too much on his senior's plate. North Muskegon's packed-in zone defense challenged Montague to hit shots from the outside, and the Wildcats couldn't do it, not making any three-pointers all night. "It just puts a lot of pressure on you when you're the only guy scoring it, because they're playing zone and when another team's playing zone, they're
doing it for a reason," Thaler said. "We just did not make any shots outside of 15 feet...If you don't stretch them out on that side of the ball, it's tough for you to get points because they do a nice job of running that zone, packing it in and making you shoot over the top, and we just didn't put enough pressure on the offensive side or in transition." While the growing process has no doubt been frustrating for coach and players alike, Thaler said he thinks his team will benefit in the long term from
Montague's seven weight-class champions celebrate their victories at Saturday's Ravenna Invitational. The Wildcats won the championship. • Courtesy Photo
ish. We discuss daily the tough competition ahead in the coming weeks and the importance of getting one percent better each day." Whitehall and Reeths-Puffer did not send full teams to Ravenna, but each had some individual highlights. Joseph Thommen was the Vikings' top finisher, placing fourth at 165 with a 2-2 record. Caden Macomber (126) and Jakson Streit (113) each posted 2-1 records to finish third for Reeths-Puffer.
its grueling early-season schedule, which has also included strong teams from Hart and Whitehall and has upcoming showdowns with unbeaten Grant and Ludington squads. "I don't think that they're going to feel sorry for us in scheduling those games," Thaler said. "They're going to come out with the same intensity they would if they were playing a conference opponent or rival of their own for a big game. We've just got to come out and compete and have more sense of urgency and play the way that we know we can play." Dugener led all scorers with 21 points for the Norsemen, and Burrel added 16.
In our ongoing efforts to be a true reflection of our community, your feedback is extremely valuable to us! Feel free to clip this out and mail it back to us at P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436, or our survey is also available online at https://tinyurl.com/ymhfdafz
Please tell us what your favorite things are about the White Lake Mirror:____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
North Muskegon's Brody Frees leaps to contest a shot by Montague's Cole Herremans during Friday's game at Montague. Herremans had 14 points in the Wildcats' 72-30 loss.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
PLE AS E
Is there anything else you would like to see in the White Lake Mirror? ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Name:_________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Phone number:_________________ Email:__________________________ Please provide any news story suggestions you may have: ___ Address:_______________________ ___________________________________________________________ _______________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Do you receive your Mirror every Friday or have there been delivery issues? ___________________________________________ If there are delivery issues, please provide any dates you did not receive your newspaper____________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ If you would like to donate to our nonprofit, what way(s) would you like to do so? (Examples: Online donation forms, QR codes, text-togive, physical pledge cards or letters, or other) ______________________ Thank you for your feedback and support! Donations are always needed and welcome, as we could not do this without you!
White Lake
Mirror
7 JANUARY 9, 2026 THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR
THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 9, 2026 18
Recent Whitehall police activity curred in the 100 block of N Livingston St. The victim advised that he was visiting a residence in the area when one of the individuals who often stayed at the home, a 65-year-old male from Whitehall, approached him, took away his wallet and removed $60, stating it was money he owed for rent, despite not being the homeowner. Officers were able to make contact with the subject, who said he had taken the money to give to the homeowner as a rent payment. When officers told him the victim never resided at the house, the man said Whitehall Police Report he would return the money. The vicJan. 2 tim consented not to file charges if the At 11:03 p.m. on-duty staff was money was returned, which it was. Alcalled regarding a larceny that oc-
Behind the
Badge
Irish new year for a few years, Hanson said, but didn't believe there would be a big turnout if the event took place at midnight. Also, "We're all old," Hanson chuckled, and didn't really want to be out that late. However, Hanson said the idea of an Irish New Year's event was raised by another member of the group, who had attended a similar celebration in Chicago which also took place at 6 p.m. New Year's Eve. (Chicago's 6 p.m. is the same time as midnight in Ireland.) After encouragement from Hanson Hill Waterfront Grill owner Patrick Nulty, who invoked his own Irish heritage in supporting it, the Snow Farmers moved forward with the idea in December. (Attempts to reach Nulty for comment were unsuccessful at press time.) "Then it was, 'Come up with a ball and come up with someone to be able to lower it,'" Hanson said. Hanson and the Snow Farmers teamed with WinBerg Construction, also a sponsor of the organization's Float-a-Palooza, to use one of its lifts to lower the ball. After searching through a couple of hardware stores to find a ball and finding only ones that required power cords to be plugged in,
offs. The officer verified the information she provided and assisted her wtih dropping off her items. Jan. 6 At 7:17 p.m., officers responded to the 900 block of Lakeview St. on a domestic disturbance call with a possible suicidal subject. Upon arrival, the officers made contact with a 36-year-old male. After investigation, the man was found to be wanted by the Fremont Police Department and the Oceana County Sheriff's Office regarding a failure to stop upon being pulled over earlier that day, having fled the scene. The subject was taken into custody and lodged at the Newaygo County jail.
continued from page 1
The Irish New Year celebration at Hanson Hill Dec. 31 saw several partygoers grab their sleds to slide down the hill, including a couple of competitors in the light-up sled show. • Andy Roberts/Mirror
the Snow Farmers simply made one so that the lights - green, of course would stay on via batteries. The event featured free hot chocolate from the Hanson Hill restaurant as well as a light-up sled show; the Snow Farmers pitched attendees to festively decorate or create sleds for the occasion, with a handful of entrants involved. Hanson said the Snow Farmers were energized by the high turnout, even amid very cold temperatures and wind that made it feel even colder. The celebration is intended to become an annual tradition. Next on the Snow Farmers' calendar is the annual White Lake Wander-
Feeding America food pantry returns Jan. 17 The Feeding America-West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry will make another appearance in Whitehall Saturday, Jan. 17 when it visits the White Lake United Congregational Church of Christ. This is the first of six Mobile Pantry visits the congregation is sponsoring in 2026. Volunteer helpers will be on-
cohol is believed to have been a factor in the incident. Jan. 5 At 7:09 a.m. an officer was called to White Lake Drive near Warner Street on a three-car crash. No injuries were reported, and all three vehicles had minor damage. No citations were issued. At 11:16 p.m., officers observed a vehicle behind a closed business on 100 block of E Colby St. Officers made contact with the vehicle as it left the bsuiness. The driver, a 36-year-old female from Muskegon, was the sole occupant of the vehicle and said she was planning to drop off items for donation but was unsure about after hours drop-
hand to distribute groceries to anyone in need at no cost. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. No ID is required to sign up. Food will be distributed from 10-11 a.m. For more information and updates visit the church’s Facebook page: UCCthebikepath.
Crowds stay near the fire pit on a cold Dec. 31 night during the White Lake Snow Farmers' Irish New Year celebration atop Hanson Hill. The event is intended to become an annual tradition. • Andy Roberts/Mirror
land, set for Feb. 6-8. The event will include the traditional cardboard sled race at Hanson Hill, along with several other games, including a broom-ball
competition, reindeer games and a drop-in winter craft event. More details on the Wanderland will be available soon.
Snowmobile for free this weekend in Michigan Ignite (or reignite) your love of winter trail riding with Michigan's Free Snowmobiling Weekend, Jan. 10-11, when you legally can ride without the requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit. Grab your friends, ride and test out 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized) during this full weekend of free snowmobiling! No matter where you ride, please remember that speed is the main
Michigan residents can snowmobile on DNR-designated trails for free this weekend, with no permit required.
• Courtesy Photo
contributing factor in snowmobile crashes/ fatalities. Follow Ride Right safety precautions,
including staying on the right side of the trail, and get home safe to your family and friends.
The White Lake Mirror ©
is published weekly at P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436 • All rights reserved.
whitelakemirror@gmail.com • January 9, 2026 • Volume 3 • Issue 9 Office hours (Old Town Hall in Mears): M & W: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Office: 231-301-8149 • ads@oceanaecho.com
We need your support! Please donate today! Donations in any amount can be made via Paypal at paypal.me/echopublishinginc, by scanning the QR code at right or by sending a check made out to Echo Publishing Inc. to P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436.
THE OCEANA ECHO JANUARY 9, 2026 19
RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL/VACATION HOMES
Maintenance Man Skilled Services, LLC.
231-286-6604
•Interior/Exterior •Utility/Mechanical •Kitchen/Bath •Floors •Painting •Drywall •Windows •Doors & More
maintenancemanfixitnow@gmail.com
20 JANUARY 9, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO
4
$
99 lb.
Ground Beef from Chuck Large Pack
2
$
5
49
Fresh Natural
$
lb.
Bone-In Center Cut Pork Rib Chops
99 lb.
USDA Choice
Family Pack
3
Boneless Beef Bottom Round Roast
2/$
Michigan Russet Potatoes
Fresh Express
Salad Blends or Baby Blends
Celery Hearts
2
2
5-12 oz.
$ 99
5 lb. Bag
$ 99
1
79
Salad Dressing 16 oz. Select Varieties
Ketchup 23-24 oz.
Progresso Soup 18-19 oz. Select Varieties
Tomato Juice 46 oz. can
1% or Skim Milk Gallon
1
$ 69
4
2/$
1
$ 99
7
2/$
Hudsonville Ice Cream 2/$ 48 oz.
8
Pace Salsa or Picante Sauce 16 oz.
Ortega Taco Sauce 8 oz.
V8 Splash 64 oz.
Butter
15-16 oz.
In the Deli & Bakery!
5
Lay’s Potato Chips
4
White Bread $ 99
2/$
2/$
5
2/$
3
Chex Mix, Bugles or Gardetto’s Pepsi Products
Coca-Cola Products
5
8
$ 99 lb. lb.
Made Fresh in the Deli!
549 ea.
$
Chicken Pot Pie
5
1199 16
2/$
8
49
Clyde’s Glazed Donuts
$
Sliced Loaf Cakes
$
ea. 599
12 ct.
$
Monster or Bang Energy Drinks $ 4 pk./16 oz. cans
Chicken Breast
2/$
7-8.6 oz.
12 pk./12 oz. cans (plus deposit)
Steamable or Vegetables or Blends 3/$ 10-14 oz.
1
20 oz.
24 pk./12 oz. cans (plus deposit)
$ 49
7
2/$
7.5-9.63 oz.
14-16 oz.
599 ea.
NOW CARRYING A FULL LINE OF LIQUOR AND SPIRITS. STOP IN AND SEE OUR SELECTION
Miller High Life, Busch or Pabst 30 pk./12 oz. cans (plus deposit)
2149
$
AD EFFECTIVE: MONDAY, JAN. 12 THRU SUNDAY, JAN. 18, 2026
SORRY, NO RAINCHECKS. PRICING GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES.