The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 49, May 1, 2026

Village of Shelby splits on 2 more resolutions

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

SHELBY - Monday’s Shelby Village Council meeting saw councilors split once again on two separate resolutions, with members Steve Crothers, Samantha Gottschalk, Curt Trott and Village President John Sutton voting in favor, while Crystal Heykoop and Dan Zaverl voted in opposition on each. Council member Mike Termer had an excused absence.

In the first resolution, Village Administrator Phil Morse began by saying three bids had been received for the village’s South Michigan Avenue water main and service line replacement project, with Hallack Contracting submitting the lowest bid of $1,265,000. Morse explained that after months of planning, this important infrastructure project is ready to move forward.

He went on, saying that after a thorough review, he’d identified two important considerations. The lowest bid was $367,027 over the original cost estimate, and, after the project was paid for, the village’s water fund would be approximately $135,000 lower than expected when the village adopted its budget in February.

Morse admitted when he presented the FY26-27 budget to the public, he inadvertently left out the $300,000 transfer from the village’s local and major street funds to the downtown development project, which the council had voted to transfer at their Jan. 12, 2026 meeting. Due to the resulting water fund balance being lower than allowed, the Finance Committee met to work out two possible scaled-back options.

A $990,000 option would include the following: elimination of the Bennett Street water main replacement, perform a one-and-a-half-inch mill and fill on Grant and Bennett Streets, patching of approximately 800 square feet of Bennett, replacement of service lines through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and elimination of one leach basin replacement. This version would leave an estimated year-end (February 2027) Water Fund balance of approximately $260,000, Morse said.

A second option for $869,000 would include the above adjustments, as well as the removal of the new curb and gutter on South Michigan Avenue and limiting reconstruction of the street to one half and only resurfacing the remaining half. This option would leave approximately $390,000 in the water fund at yearend.

Despite Morse’s unintended omission, he believes the $990,000 option offers a viable alternative for the project, while leaving the water fund balance in an acceptable position. (After the meeting, Morse verified that because the project was based on unit pricing, it does not need to be rebid.)

During council discussion, Zaverl voiced his discontent with the downtown renovation project, exclaiming, “We don’t need this downtown! Are you going to tell people we’re not going to do their roads?”

Council member Heykoop said, “If we can’t do both, we need to take care of our citizens first. At what point do we con-

sider putting the $300,000 back?"

The remaining council members shared brief comments, while Morse reminded council that other village streets are on the schedule to be fixed in the coming years and that those projects, along with a renovated downtown and the new housing units proposed for the corner of Fourth Street and North Michigan Avenue, go hand in hand. “They’re all connected,” concluded Morse.

The other split vote was with regard to a proposed Memo of Understanding (MOU) between the Village of Shelby and the Oceana County Development Corporation (OCDC) regarding a new park being built at the Shelby Acres subdivision.

The Shelby Acres Park development team has asked the village if they would be interested in taking on limited maintenance responsibilities for a new park in exchange for it being added to the village’s park system and made available for public use.

According to the MOU, the village agrees to perform ongoing maintenance and operational duties to include the mowing of turf areas, removal of garbage, playground inspection and minor repairs, as well as cleaning and stocking the restrooms.

The OCDC agrees to cover the cost of fertilizer, playground equipment costs, general infrastructure upkeep, restroom paper products and cleaning supplies, irrigation, establishing/maintaining/ updating park guidelines and rules, retaining liability and keeping planted areas weeded.

Again, Zaverl voiced discontent. Gottschalk, chair of the village Parks & Recreation committee, said, “It’s important our entities are working together; Shelby Acres is a part of the village.”

Sutton added that the developers are willing to share their new park with the entire community, not just Shelby residents, in exchange for help with general maintenance.

In other business, the council came together

and voted unanimously to approve the following: a tree trimming and removal bid from Custom Tree Service for $10,000; the 2026 DWSRF project to Ryerson Brothers Excavating of Muskegon in the amount of $647,596.25; a required DWSRF ordinance to go along with the aforementioned 2026 project; and a transfer of $17,790.01, generated from last year’s Chainsaw Carving Festival and currently being held in the village’s General Fund, to a new nonprofit organization called Shelby Events Inc. created to oversee village events in the future.

During public comment, members of the Shelby Wesleyan Church questioned why no parking was now being allowed on Ferry Street, as there has been curbside parking there since the 1990s. They noted that the no-parking ban is making it more difficult for the elderly and that neighbors across the street are parking on a bump-out. They asked if they could at least be allowed to use street parking on Sundays. Police Chief Dean Roesler provided reasoning behind the recent no parking designation, saying it was to address traffic safety concerns. He added that neighbors parking in the bump-out had been ticketed and would continue to be ticketed if they continued parking there. He said the village would look into it further and get back with the church. Sutton thanked the church members for bringing this concern to the council’s attention.

Finally, Morse let those assembled know that the entire community was invited to this year’s “Bike-to-School” event with Shelby Elementary School on Wednesday, May 6. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park (Rail Trail) pavilion in downtown Shelby. Students, staff and the community will ride together on the Rail Trail and village streets from the pavilion to the school. Adults will be stationed along the way, and a police escort will be available.

Yellow heralds spring

In 2024, a large group of volunteers planted daffodil bulbs along both sides of Monroe Road entering the south end of the Village of Pentwater. Their efforts are blossoming again this spring as the cheerful yellow flowers have raised their heads in welcome. The impetus and leadership for the “Petal Project” came from Ryan Williams and his wife, Lissa, with support from the Downtown Development Authority and donations from individuals through the Oceana Community Foundation. • AnnaMae Bush/Echo

Nominations open for Pentwater ‘2026 Citizen of the Year’

The Pentwater Service Club (PSC) is now accepting nominations for the club’s 2026 Citizen of the Year, now in its 53rd year. The winner will be recognized at an Oct. 6 community dinner and program held in their honor at the Pentwater Yacht Club.

“For more than 50 years the PSC has recognized an area citizen for her/his outstanding community service through civic, charitable, educational, or other activities to earn our community’s most prestigious award: Pentwater Citizen of the Year,” said Bob French, incoming president, who will serve as master of ceremony at the October event.

For more information, please visit the "Citizens of the Year" section of www.pentwaterserviceclub.org. The nomination form for the 2026 Citizen of the Year can be found by clicking the link at the top of that page. All those previously nominated are kept on file and reconsidered each year, so it’s not necessary to nominate them again.

The nomination form is easy to fill out and may be submitted by anyone, regardless of where they live. Submissions must be in writing and received by the PSC no later than May 26, 2026. All nominations will be considered, and the candidate does not have to be a member of the PSC.

“Past winners have typically spent years in service to Pentwater-area not-for-profit organizations that have historically made Pentwater the special place it is to live and raise a family,” said Claudia Ressel-Hodan, a member of the organizing committee.

Tickets to the 2026 Citizen of the Year celebration will go on sale Sept. 3, 2026, at Port View Wine & Beer Market, Up North Farm Market or from any PSC member. Attendance is limited to the first 100 persons.

OCMCF discusses bed status options, celebrates staff and volunteers

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Bed certification was a main topic of discussion between the Oceana County Medical Facility (OCMCF) Board and Facility Administrator Sally Choponis at their Friday, April 24 meeting, which was moved up from Monday, April 27.

Currently, the medical care facility has 103 beds available, however, they are certified for 115. Those remaining 12 beds are on an off-line status, and past discussions have raised the question as to whether there is space for those beds to be brought back on-line, especially as the past month has seen the facility at full capacity. However many beds the facility is certified for, they must maintain a census of at least 85%.

From now until May 17, the facility has the opportunity to decertify a number of beds, so the minimum census requirement remains lower. As it stands, Choponis is unsure whether there is enough room to accommodate the offline beds without making some rooms double occupancy, which raises concerns for privacy and makes the rooms less

“marketable.”

This is not an easy fix, as Choponis explained, “A curtain doesn’t stop you from hearing the medical conditions and situations of your neighbor in the bed next to you.”

Likewise, partitioning off the rooms in general does not leave adequate space for either resident.

At the request of board member Larry VanSickle, Choponis will seek out an architectural consultant to see what can be done to increase the number of private rooms and accommodate the off-line beds.

OCMCF’s nursing department recently achieved nearly 5 stars across the board from the CMS Rating System of nursing homes, receiving top marks in their health inspection, staffing and overall quality. OCMCF received 2 stars regarding quality measures, the same score the facility has received in past years.

Outpatient therapy has kept steady patient numbers between February and March, with the greatest increase coming from gym memberships, with six new members.

Facility therapists Kaitlyn Hoeve, Haley Porter and Katie Singer

were recently awarded Jim Gamble Awards for their excellence in their fields.

The board was presented a quarterly corporate compliance report from medical records and compliance officer Karyna Pochyla, reviewing the facility’s compliance with regulations set out by CMS, the state and federal governments, and OCMCF’s own policies. During the first quarter of 2026, no compliance deficiencies were identified, and staff received classes on topics ranging from abuse and neglect prevention to person-centered communication. Also included was a security risk assessment, rating the facility at a favorable low security risk, though identified areas such as phishing emails, AI and media sanitation would benefit from stronger risk mitigation plans.

In a similar vein to corporate compliance, the annual facility assessment was received, recognizing the facility as up-to-date from an operational standpoint. This assessment is built on each quarter, primarily updating the staff directory and contracted service lists.

The facility’s emergency preparedness plan

CITY OF HART NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

The Planning Commission will conduct Public Hearings on the following matters at their regular meeting on May 7th, 4:00 PM at Hart City Hall, 407 State Street, Hart, MI, 49420. Written comments are encouraged and should be submitted prior to the meeting.

The Hart City Planning Commission will conduct public hearings on 3 proposed ordinance amendments as follows:

• Ordinance Amendment: Moratorium on Data Centers (Section 1242.07)

• Ordinance Amendment: (Green Infrastructure) Pervious Surfaces (Section 1243.25F), Native Vegetation (Section 1243.22), and Tree Planting, Maintenance, and Removal (Section 1243.22G)

• Ordinance Amendment: Land Division Act (1243.04)

A detailed report and the proposed text amendments are available online at: www.cityofhart.org/public-notices-hearings.php or can be reviewed at Hart City Hall.

was provided by Safety Officer Danielle Roberts. Much of the concrete changes to the plan were in updating names, phone numbers, the dietary roster and paging systems.

The plan is due for some updates, primarily regarding evacuation protocol. Once the new superintendent for Hart Public Schools begins, OCMCF plans to discuss any necessary or pertinent changes. As of now, the middle school remains the facility’s evacuation location, with Elbridge Township Hall as the backup location.

Flood plans are also due for review, following recent flooding emergencies that have occurred throughout the state this spring. As of now, there is no specific flood plan in place for OCMCF, and Roberts is seeking collaboration in its formulation with Oceana County Emergency Management.

The emergency preparedness plan and any following updates will be reviewed and approved by the Oceana County Emergency Faculty Board.

The denial reports counted 54 denials, 19 of which were due to insurance.

All reports, including the financials, were received and approved by the board.

Activities from the past month, such as the Spring Carnival and Easter Egg hunt, were well attended, with the latter activity a consistent favorite amongst residents.

A volunteer luncheon was held the morning prior to the board meeting, thanking the attending volunteers for their 1,570 hours of service between 40 volunteers in the past year.

Upcoming events the facility is preparing for include Skilled Nurses

Week, with employee recognition activities planned for each day, concluding with a celebration honoring service milestones, particularly acknowledging staff who have worked for 25 or more years at OCMCF.

Choponis also honored the current resident of the month, highlighting their admirable history of service in emergency and medicine, and shining a Spotlight of Excellence on Mike Stevens and Aaron Peoples in the maintenance department for their services, quick response time, problem-solving skills and commitment to going above and beyond in providing patient comfort.

PUBLIC NOTICE

School Section Lake Storage 7393 E. Jefferson Rd Walkerville, MI 49459 will auction personal property belonging to the following tenants. The disposition will occur on May 15, 2026.

1. Casey Conklin #30 – Household goods, garage supplies, amplifier

Disposition is subject to prior cancellation if tenant pays outstanding amount owed. Storage unit auction will be held online through JNJ Auction. Contact Phone (616) 610-4954

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Three (3) Year Preventative Maintenance of Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation and Refrigeration Systems

The County of Oceana is accepting proposals for spring and fall preventative maintenance of air conditioning, heating, ventilation and refrigeration at the following locations:

• County Building 100 S. State Street Hart, Michigan 49420

• County Jail and Sheriff Department 216 Lincoln Street Hart, Michigan 49420

• District Health Department #10 3986 N. Oceana Drive Hart, Michigan 49420

• Oceana County EMS 3966 N. Oceana Drive Hart, Michigan 49420

• Oceana County EMS 562 S. State Street Shelby, Michigan 49455

• County Services Building 844 Griswold St. Hart, MI 49420

If a bid is awarded, it will be for a three (3) year contract effective Monday, June 1, 2026, through Thursday, May 31, 2029. The selected contractor will perform preventative maintenance inspection checks on all heating equipment and ventilation during the fall service and air conditioning during the spring service to insure proper equipment function. Service will include cleaning fan coil units used for heating and air conditioning condenser and evaporator coils. The contractor shall provide all necessary v belts and filters necessary to keep equipment in proper operating condition. The cost of v belts and filters is to be included in your quote.

Interested contractors should submit bids no later than Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at noon. Any bids received after this date will be disqualified.

Bids are to be opened in the County Administrator Office on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

The Oceana County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted, to request additional information from any bidder and to waive any irregularities in the bidding process if it is in the best interest of the County.

The award of the bid will be made to the firm which, in the opinion of the Oceana County Board of Commissioners, is best qualified to meet Oceana County’s needs.

Oceana County Center of the Michigan Dyslexia Institute receives grant from OCF to fund instructor training

The Oceana County Center of the Michigan Dyslexia Institute (MDI) is pleased to announce it has received a $10,260 grant from the Oceana Community Foundation (OCF). These funds, awarded from the Oceana Youth Fund ($4,000), the Community Investment Fund, donated by an anonymous donor ($5,260) and Mrs. Mullen’s Closet Fund ($1,000) at the Community Foundation, will support the training of instructors for a new center of the Michigan Dyslexia Institute in Oceana County.

Opening in September or October 2026, the center will be located in the West Shore Community College building, formerly Gale’s IGA, at 710 S. State St. in Hart. It will be led by Heather Ramseyer, a veteran teacher and Oceana County native, who brings extensive experience in education and a strong connection to the local community.

“This grant reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-quality literacy instruction. The Michigan Dyslexia Institute is delivering meaningful impact for those who need it in Oceana County, and we are proud to support that work,” OCF CEO Tammy Carey said.

“The Michigan Dyslexia Institute is honored to partner with the Oceana Community Foundation in launching this important initiative. By investing in both students and instructor training, they are creating an immediate opportunity for families while building a sustainable model of service that will strengthen Oceana County for years to come,” Executive Director/CEO of the Michigan Dyslexia Institute Marsha Howell Chance said.

The grant funding will expand access to high-quality, research-based intervention for community members with literacy difficulties. Supported by this grant, the project will provide both direct student services and the development of local instructional expertise to ensure long-term impact in the community.

Through this initiative, three students will receive fully funded scholarships for individualized

Orton-Gillingham instruction, delivered twice weekly over a 12-week period. These students, who may otherwise lack access due to geographic and financial barriers, will receive targeted, data-driven support designed to strengthen foundational reading skills and build confidence.

At the same time, the project will support the training of three Orton-Gillingham instructors as they complete a supervised practicum. Under mentorship by nationally certified experts, these instructors will refine their skills in lesson planning, instructional delivery and data-based decision-making, preparing them to provide ongoing, high-quality literacy intervention within the community.

The overall goal of the project is to build sustainable local capacity while delivering immediate support to students in need. By the conclusion of the program, Oceana County will have three highly trained instructors ready to continue serving students with dyslexia, ensuring that access to effective intervention does not depend on location or income.

This work directly aligns with MDI’s mission to improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia through early identification, education, and research-based instruction. By investing in both students and educators, MDI is taking an important step toward closing the gap in literacy access in rural communities.

NOTICE

WEARE TOWNSHIP MEETING DATE CHANGE

The Weare Township Board is moving their meeting on May 11, 2026 to May 18, 2026 at 7pm. Please mark your calendars. Hope to see you there.

Thank you, Melanie Sayles, Weare Clerk

“Because of the Oceana Community Foundation, community members who have struggled to learn to read — often for years — will have access to the kind of specialized, one-on-one instruction they truly need. This is not just tutoring; it is carefully designed, research-based instruction that addresses the root causes of reading difficulty and builds the skills necessary for lasting success,” Howell Chance said.

Oceana County Center Director Ramseyer added, “As someone who has spent my career in education and calls this community home, it is incredibly meaningful to help bring these services to local families.”

The OCF awards grants through a competitive application and review process twice a year. Information on these grant rounds and how to apply can be found at https://oceanafoundation.org/grants/applyingfor-a-grant/.

The Michigan Dyslexia Institute MDI, a nonprofit founded in 1982 by Kay Howell and the late John Howell, provides instruction, training, and resources focused on dyslexia. MDI offers Orton-Gillingham–based instruction, diagnostic testing, professional learning for educators and individuals, and tools to increase understanding of dyslexia. Through this grant, MDI is expanding its services by opening its sixth center in the state of Michigan in Oceana County. For more information, call (517) 234-4759 or visit www.dyslexia.net.

Dr. Valerie Fedewa D.C. is now accepting new patients. Dr. Val partners with you to get you back to what you love! Call 231-301-8383 or visit our website www.oceanafamilychiropractic.com today to schedule your appointment!

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

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

I think the most fitting introduction to Camp Houk is through the manner in which I was introduced 11 years ago. The setting - May 2015. You are a junior at Hart High School. Your main concerns are your ACT scores (decent), whether the new drugstore lipstick you bought matches your complexion (it does not) and how mean your parents are for not allowing you to go to the movies for the third time that week ("Avengers: Age of Ultron" was in theaters).

Your most pertinent concern, however, is how many more marching band performances you’d have to slog through before senior year. You thought all that remained was Memorial Day and the Asparagus Parade, but you were mistaken.

It's the first beautiful day of the year. In fact, you could probably consider it summer by now. Everything was a bright green, the air smelled fresh, and the sky was mostly blue with a few fluffy clouds for shade here and there. It’s the first beautiful day of the year, and you are crammed into a school bus with the rest of the

Hart High School Marching Band, back then still directed by John Taranko, headed out to Elbridge Township (no cell service, don’t even think about it).

The gig is for some Civil War thing celebrating some anniversary (it was the 150th anniversary of the war’s ending).

As your bus is rumbling down some dirt roads and a logging trail, you and the rest of the band are trying to figure out what in God’s name this event is and what in Michigan is significant to the Civil War - that’s, like, a Pennsylvania thing. Mr. T undoubtedly told you all, but you were too busy Snapchatting in class.

You have all decided that it was a Civil War training ground for the, like, 200

Michiganders who fought in the war (it was closer to 90,000).

Camp Houk was not that. It was a reunion ground for Civil War veterans, an annual event that, in the summer at the turn of the century, drew in a greater crowd than the county fair. Once upon a time, it was a big deal. But now it's an overgrown clearing in the woods, only for today made presentable with tents, lawnchairs and a stage where a handful of speakers are waiting to present. One of them is dressed like Abe Lincoln.

The band plays "The Star-Spangled Banner" and a couple of military themes. You think you’re done, but then you are informed that you have

OCEA offers HR Network session on May 5

The Oceana County Economic Alliance (OCEA) invites all business owners to join their HR Network session, Tuesday, May 5 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Oceana County Services Building, located at 844 S. Griswold Street in Hart.

“Join us for an HR Network session featuring Wendy Gradwohl Wells, Ph.D., of WSCC. Learn about talent attraction strategies, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management model, and how it’s being used in neighboring counties,” said OCEA Director Curtis Burdette.

This session will begin a conversation on whether the model could benefit Oceana employers and discuss other opportunities to attract talent. Lunch will be provided by WSCC Catering. Please register by emailing burdettec@rightplace.org

Hart VFW to host Bike Rodeo this Saturday

The VFW Post 1329 of Hart invites all area youth to its 2026 free Community Bicycle Clinic tomorrow, Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The post is located at 802 S. State St. in Hart.

Local bike shop The Wood Shed of Mears will be on hand, performing free service and minor repairs for participants. Participants will enjoy a bicycle obstacle course and can visit a booth sponsored by the local EMS for bicycle safety information. Bike helmets will be provided by the Hart City Police Department. A light lunch will be served. Please contact Barb Locke at 231-3011502 for more information.

to play "Taps" at the end of the ceremony. And by “you have to play 'Taps,'” they mean “two trumpeters have to play 'Taps,' and no, we aren’t just going to leave them herestop asking.”

You spend the next hour (or what felt like an hour) sweating in your polyester uniform, standing in formation and listening to the speakers go on and on, and this place wasn’t built for acoustics, so you’re only capturing every other word. At one point, a saxophone player faints dead away, landing face-down on her instrument (she and the instrument were unharmed), and the speakers are unfazed. Finally, the band kids are given

some water (if only you knew a freshwater spring was bubbling a handful of yards away).

You look up at the stage and recognize one man (well, you recognize two, but you don’t know Abe Lincoln personally) as Mr. Walt Urick - you cat-sit for him and his wife, Karen. The dulcet tones of the speakers, the warm sun, and his blanket-esque judge’s robes have put him right to sleep (he’d call it “meditating”), and you couldn't envy anyone more.

Just about the time you start wondering, "Why is this worthwhile? Who cares?” is when you hear a murmur spread throughout the band. “Guys, they’re gonna fire off a cannon!” You’re all shepherded to the edge of the forest, where a couple of reenactors have set up an unassuming black cylinder that, you guess, must be the cannon. Because you want to look cool, you don’t cover your ears - you should have.

The most tremendous sound you ever heard nearly splits your eardrums in two. The ground shook, the trees seemed to bend ever so slightly, and for a moment it felt like even your bones were vibrating. It was so

MOTHER’S

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

loud that your parents, who were dozens of miles away in Pentwater, heard the cannon. It spooks an owl from its hollow and chases it to a branch just above your heads. In the wake of the loudest sound you’ve ever heard, "Taps" begins to play, with the owl echoing their tune. Now, you’re allowed to go home.

On the bus ride back, you think how on earth any soldier could have tolerated the sound of cannons, multiple cannons, just like that for days on end. For a minute, you put yourself in their shoes. It’s a habit you’ll continue for the next decade, taking a minute to sit and consider the humans that came before you, what they fought for, what they built and what they had for breakfast.

Coincidentally, you start seriously considering history programs for college.

It only took me a decade to learn about the story of Camp Houk, and I hope you’ll join me for the next couple weeks as I share its history, its importance in Oceana County and what the future holds for that clearing in the woods. Visit

Ongoing

FIRST MONDAY of the month

Hart Recreation Club, Diman-Wolf Early Childhood Center, Hart, 6 p.m.

Shelby Township Board Meeting, Township Hall 7 p.m.

FIRST TUESDAY of the month

Colfax Township Board Meeting, Township Hall,7 p.m.

EVERY TUESDAY:

Shelby Rotary, Shelby Congregational Church, 12:10 p.m.

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), Hart Wesleyan Church, 5 p.m.

FIRST WEDNESDAY of the month

Grant Township Board Meeting, Township Hall, 7:30 p.m.

EVERY WEDNESDAY:

Hart Rotary, Hart United Methodist Church, noon.

EVERY THURSDAY:

Pentwater Service Club, Centenary UMC Pentwater, 11:30 a.m.

SECOND FRIDAYS:

Pentwater Women’s Club, Park Place, Pentwater, 1:30 p.m.

The Ladder Community Center:

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.

TUES thru April 14: Pit Stop (Men 12+), 6:30-7:30 p.m.

MON: Women’s Bible Study, 1 Peter, 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

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

National Day of Prayer at The Ladder May 7

The 75th annual National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 7. Oceana County residents are invited to join thousands of people across the nation to participate in this annual event by gathering locally at The Ladder Community Center, 67 N. State St. in Shelby from 6-7 p.m.

President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a National Day of Prayer to be observed on July 4, 1952. Each year since that date, Americans have observed the day in their own way. The observance moved to the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan and has been proclaimed each year since. The theme for this year’s event is “Glorify God among the nations, seeking Him in all generations” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB).

A prayer guide will assist this time in praying for the government, education, media, the military, church and family. Those who gather may pray silently or in small groups.

Organizers pray that God would be glorified through each National Day of Prayer gathering across America! “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” (Ephesians 3:12). All are invited to join for this important time.

IDEAS NOVEL IDEAS NOVEL

In August of 2022, during a road construction project, a crew discovered mastodon bones buried in a ditch allocated to become a culvert along 22 Mile Road near Kent City. Why bring this up? In April, downtown Hart began a project on Main Street, and while nothing of archaeological value has yet been discovered, the Hart Area Public Library has been inspired by the story to offer a month-long event for young explorers seeking to unearth a little fun this spring.

Beginning May 1, Hart Area Public Library will host a month-long dinosaur-themed scavenger hunt to kick-off our summer reading program. Ten downtown Hart businesses, and one Pentwater business, will be hosting and hiding a dinosaur figure within their walls, and young explorers are invited to visit each location and find these secretive sauropods. Children can pick up a field guide at the library, visit locations, and when each prehistoric prowler is discovered, receive a matching trading card from that business. Once all 11 cards are found (and the optional bonus card), explorers can return to the library with completed field guides and pick up a prize along with information about our summer reading program. This initiative will both get our community excited about summer reading and allow our library to say thank you to some of the many businesses that support us and donate to our programs. Especially during construction, when often businesses yearn for more customers, HAPL is proud to partner with our downtown area and send our patrons through their doors.

This summer’s theme is “Unearth a Story” and will focus on all things underground. Whether dinosaurs, fossils, archaeology, excavation, rocks, or just dirt, HAPL is excited to get our hands dirty this summer as we explore and learn together. Other notable summer activities include Michigan author Robert Carlos Fuentes speaking about his book “The Vacation” on June 15, our heavily anticipated Wacky Foam Party for kids on June 26, and the Outdoor Discovery Center presentation of amazing animals in their “Dinosaurs of Today” event on July 6. Our full summer calendar will be out soon, and in the meantime, be on the lookout for those prowling paleo-giants. They could be making your coffee or serving you dinner!

For information about the scavenger hunt or summer reading program, please visit us at 415 S. State St. in Hart or check out our website at hartpubliclibrary.org.

May 1 - Shelby Carve Prize Experience begins, Downtown Shelby

May 1 - Oceana Student Art Show, Oceana Co Council on Aging, 4-7 p.m.

May 2 - Oceana Student Art Show, OCCOA, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

May 2 - Brews & Beats, Pentwater CoC fundraiser, Village Green, 12-5 p.m.

May 2 - “Derby Day” annual fundraiser, Shelby Optimists Club, 6 p.m.

May 3 - Shelby High School Baccalaureate, Shelby Schools Auditorium, 7 p.m.

May 4 - Hesperia Community Schools Board of Education, 7 p.m.

May 5 - Hart Middle School Band Concert, Hart Schools Auditorium, 7 p.m.

May 6 - Shelby High School Spring Band Concerts and Awards, 7:30 p.m.

May 6 - F.L.O.A.T.S. Empty Bowls Benefit Event, PPS, 4:30-6:50 p.m.

May 6 - Pentwater Schools Jazz Band Spring Concert, 7 p.m.

May 7 - Hesperia High School Spring Band and Choir Concerts, 6 p.m.

May 7 - Hart High School Band Concert, Hart Schools Auditorium, 7 p.m.

May 7-8 - Annual Yard Sale, Hesperia UMC, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

May 9 - Annual Yard Sale, Hesperia UMC, 9 a.m. to noon

Registration open for TLC Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser

The TLC Baby Pantry & Reading Room is sponsoring a fun-filled Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser on Saturday, May 30 at the Shelby Township Community Park, 4101 Buchanan Rd., Shelby, MI 49455. The tournament starts at 9 a.m. and goes until 7 p.m. Games are played all day, and start times vary depending on the bracket.

Single event participation is a minimum donation of $35 per player, and double event participation is a minimum donation of $45 per player. All proceeds go directly to the TLC Baby Pantry.

The TLC Baby Pantry is open on the first Saturday of each month. It cares for around 50-60 families and up to 125-150 children each pantry day, and it is hoped that this reminds all of the families they serve that they are not alone in the job of nurturing their children.

Pantry volunteers hand out essential items needed, such as diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, shampoo, lotion and hygiene products. They also have handmade and donated goods and gently used clothing.

Because literacy matters, every child also receives a book to take home. The parental feedback concerning the free books has been outstanding.

Special family gifts are distributed when possible around certain holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas, summer picnic items, fall treats and even Thanksgiving meals.

Please help support families by joining this friendly tournament. All skill levels of play are welcome, and standard USAPA rules apply. Participants should bring their own paddles, but tournament balls are provided. Beverages and snacks will also be available, and raffle prizes have been donated by local businesses and private donors. Major donors thus far are Shelby State Bank and Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo.

Scan the QR code at right to register and donate. Questions can be directed to susan1205@charter.net, or follow them on Instagram: @tlc_newera and Facebook at TRINITY NEW ERA.

The following are OCCOA events for May. All activities are held at the Oceana County Council on Aging, located at 4250 W. Tyler Rd., Hart, unless stated otherwise. Please call 873-4461 to sign up or make meal reservations.

Breakfast is available on Thursday mornings from 8:30-9 a.m. Cost is $3, and reservations required.

Birthday Party: Wednesday, May 6; noon.

Tai Chi Class: Monday and Wednesday, May 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 and 27; 9 a.m.

SAIL Exercise Class: Monday and Wednesday, May 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 and 27; 10 a.m.

Chair Volleyball: Tuesday, May 5, 12, 19 and 26; 9 a.m.

Drum Fitness: Tuesday, May 5, 12, 19, and 26; 10 a.m.

Medical Yoga with Rob: Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20 and 27; 4 p.m.

Zumba: Friday, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 9 a.m.

Spring Tea with Brad: Friday, May 8; 1:30 p.m.

Art with Brad: Monday, May 10; 10 a.m.

Quilting Club: Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20, and 27; 9 a.m.

Massage Therapy: Thursday, May 20; 9 a.m. to noon. Appointment needed.

Beltone: Wednesday May 27; Call Beltone to make an appointment.

Dinner Club: Once a month, we will gather as friends at a different restaurant for a meal. Date and location are TBD because of the Memorial Holiday.

Board Meeting: Tuesday, May 26; 1:30 p.m. Location: OCCOA.

Greenhouse tour: Thursday, May 22; 5 p.m.

Memorial Day: Monday, May 25; center closed.

Parmenter Office Hours: Please call 873-4461 for an appointment.

Lauren Eisenbarth, an elder law paralegal for Attorney Anna Urick Duggins, of Parmenter Law, will offer a half-hour, nocharge introductory meeting from 2-4 p.m. at Oceana County Council on Aging. Topics to discuss include Elder Law services such as Estate Planning, Long Term Care Planning, Medicaid Planning, and VA Aid & Attendance.

Other Activities:

Farkle: Mondays at 10 a.m.

Mexican Train: Mondays at 9-11 a.m. Loteria (Mexican Bingo): Mondays at 1:15 p.m.

Cribbage: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.

Walk With Friends: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

Mahjong: Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Fitness at Hesperia American Legion: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-10 a.m.

Euchre: Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Bingo: Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure Checks: Thursdays 1112 p.m.

Bridge: Thursdays at 1-3 p.m.

Cards & Games: Daily before and following lunch.

Games with Mary and Kay: Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

Questions? Please contact Bradley Youngstrom, Program Director, at 231873-4461 or email youngstromatoceanacoa.com

FROM THE STAFF AT

Easter Alleluia!: Part 3 - ‘Hope is a Thing with Feathers’

By Janet Van Gunst Hasselbring The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

“All of creation waits in eager anticipation for the children of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8:19)

Eastertide, the “Great 50 Days" between Easter and Pentecost, is marked by joy and the continuous singing of Alleluias! Even the birds are singing Alleluias!

We’re living in the aftermath of Easter and the joy of the resurrection. Like Mary, we would have stayed with our risen Lord in the garden, but He bids us return to the world, to the “gardens” of daily life.

In Eastertide, our joy fades somewhat and shifts to waiting and hoping.

“Waiting and hoping embellish our faith and keep us connected to Jesus; however, it is hope that is future-directed, and while it points to our inheritance in heaven, its benefits fall fully in the present, where struggles and distress are woven into the very fabric of this perishing world.” ("Jesus Calling," Young)

In His mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus, into an inheritance kept in heaven for us.” (1 Peter 1:3)

Hope keeps our faith in the resurrection and its meaning for us alive:

“Exactly at the instant when hope ceases to be reasonable, it begins to be useful. Hope is a theological virtue, not a cheerful temperament; optimism is expecting things to go well, while hope is holding on when they don’t.” (G. K. Chesterton)

'Hope' is a thing with feathersThat perches in the soulIt sings the song without the wordsAnd never stops - at all - (Emily Dickinson)

In her signature, succinct style, Dickinson captures the essence of hope – in a poem, she personifies hope as a bird; her extended metaphor makes hope visible, tangible and alive. It defines hope as a virtue without sentimentality, and it exudes constancy and resilience with a powerful, yet gentle tone.

As usual, Dickinson’s poems are encased in spirituality and metaphors for living. Her bird heralds the arrival

Walkerville Wesleyan Church

of spring; however, I’ve heard the cardinal and flicker singing in March, and their songs lift my spirits because they point to a better day to come. Those of us who live in West Michigan understand that the disagreeable elements of winter bring the arrival of new life in the spring: it takes March to produce May. The future belongs to birds who sing spring songs in wintry March. They inherently understand the Buddhist maxim: “Life creates suffering all by itself. Our job is to create joy!”  The resilience and courage of birds are amazing. Take the blackpoll warbler, for example. It weighs a mere 1/3 ounce; it’s 4 inches long, the size of your fist. It lives in the boreal forests between the Arctic and Nova Scotia. In the fall, after gorging itself on wellworms and sawflies, it flings itself into the air on a gust of wind, beginning a migratory journey of approximately 8,000 miles, skimming wooded peaks, skirting skyscrapers and vast stretches of open water without stopping for food or drink. It doesn’t soar, so it flaps its tiny wings 20 times a second, over 3,000,000 times, as it chases summer to the rainforests of South America. It’s a long-range guided missile, with hollow

bones, feathers, and a heart big enough to carry it safely to its destination. In the spring, it does it all over again!    And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard    And sore must be the storm   That could abash the little Bird    That kept so many warm –

There is a lesson here. Because Jesus rose again, we can rise above life’s struggles and challenges and look towards a better future - keeping our eye on the One who holds our future. This is not “whistling in the dark.” Our faith is based on Jesus’s promise: “Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) After March comes May.    I’ve heard it in the chillest land   And on the strangest Sea   Yet - never - in Extremity,    It asked a crumb - of me.

When we hear birds singing their Alleluias this spring, let’s remember: in extremity – unbearable physical anguish, totally alone and feeling forsaken by His Heavenly Father, Jesus died on the cross for us. And, He never asked a “crumb” in return.

Note: Dickinson’s poem is a defining example of American Romantic poetry and 19th-century symbolism. Her poems matter because of her unique style, the techniques, and structure she uses: Common meter, similar to hymns; slant rhyme, rather than perfect rhyme; capitalization for emphasis; dashes to create pause and ambiguity; and compression of thought – she says more in four lines than many poets say in 40.  Stay tuned:  Easter Alleluia IV – the author witnesses her mother going “home at last.”

Love our community toward Christ Sunday 10:30 am Streamed on Safe Haven: Every Wed. 3-5 pm Open gym and showers available 231.873.5040

144 S Hamon St, Walkerville Office@walkervillewesleyanchurch.org

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Gary Chester Dodge

August 6, 1949 ~ April 27, 2026

Gary Chester Dodge, 76, of Hesperia, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at his home. He was born August 6, 1949, in Hart, the son of Paul and Helen (Thomas) Dodge.

Gary was a strong-willed and loving father, and absolutely adored his grandchildren. He enjoyed hot rods and he loved wrenching on his ’66 Chevy K10. He was also a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

Gary is survived by: his children, Paul (Roxy) Dodge, Scott (Kristy) Dodge and Tonia Dodge; his grandchildren, Jenna Dodge, Hannah Dodge, Ayden Dodge, Deagan Dodge, Riley Dodge and Lydia Dodge; as well as a brother, Al (Zora) Dodge.

Gary was preceded in death by: his parents, Paul and Helen Dodge; and a brother, Wayne Dodge.

In accordance with Gary’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held at this time.

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

Erich G. Fekken

October 13, 1980 ~ April 7, 2026

Erich G. Fekken, 45, of Whitehall, passed away peacefully at home on April 7, 2026. He was born October 13, 1980, in Muskegon, the son of Rick and Jane (Nelson) Fekken.

Erich attended St. James Catholic School and graduated from Montague High School in 1999. He went on to dedicate many years of his life to his work, including 20 years with Howmet.

Erich was known for his rowdy and rambunctious spirit. Whether it was his need for speed, chute dogging at local rodeos, or his passion for shooting guns, he lived life with energy and enthusiasm. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time on anything that could go fast - especially snowmobiles, quads, and his favorite, his motorcycle.

Beneath his tough exterior was a man who truly enjoyed making others laugh and smile.

Erich is survived by: fiancé and long-time partner, Gena Trahan; children, Tehya, MariKathleen, Erich Jr. and Coltin; grandson, Eli; sister, Holly (Cam) Personette; nieces, Ella and Emma; and his parents, Rick and Jane (Nelson) Fekken; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Erich was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Tilie Nelson, and Raymond and Mary Fekken; and wife, Jen.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church, 5149 Dowling St., Montague, MI 49437, with a receiving of friends one hour prior to services.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

James Neil Woodbury

James Neil Woodbury, 46, of Branch, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 28, 1979, in Shelby, the son of David and Kaye (Fessenden) Woodbury.

After graduation James attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, receiving his Merchant Mariner Credential. James worked a number of jobs, but loved working the freighters on the Great Lakes the most. James loved to hunt and fish, anything outdoors, or spending time with his family and close friends.

James is survived by: his partner and best friend, Julie Neiboer; son, Wesley Woodbury; daughter, Terri Wood bury; brother, Danial Woodbury; sister-in-law, Martha (Sis); parents, David and Kaye Woodbury.

James was preceded in death by: his grandparents, Neil and Joyce Woodbury, and Ivan and Betty Fessenden.

A memorial service was conducted at noon. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Newman Christian Community Church, 4075 S. 132nd Ave., Hesperia, Michigan 49421, with Pastor Mike Termer officiating. The family received friends from 11 a.m. until the start of services at the church. A luncheon was provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave #400, Muskegon, MI 49444. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is assisting with arrangements. harrisfhome.com

Celebration of Life – Robert 'Bob' Lohman

June 28, 1941 - February 2, 2026

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026, at New Era Bible Church, 5308 S. Oceana Dr., New Era, Michigan 49446.

Roger Paul Kirk February 27, 1938 ~ April 22, 2026

Roger Paul Kirk, 88, of New Era, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026. He was born February 27, 1938, in Muskeg on, the son of C. Paul and Ester (Button) Kirk. In 1940 the family moved to Oceana County because his parents did not want to raise their son in the city.

Roger attended Bradyville Grade school through eighth grade. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1956. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1961 with a Bachelor's degree in Constitutional Law and Economics. He taught at South Haven High School for four years, then worked for a construction company while he pursued his passion for flying, obtaining his Pri vate and Commercial Licenses and his Flight Instructor Rating. In 1968 he joined the staff of the flight program at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. While at the college, he obtained his multi-engine rating and his ATP - Airline Transport Rating. Later he flew for several small airlines that serviced Traverse City at the time as well as flying Air Ambulance. He finished his flying career flying a Citation for Miller Oil Company.

After retiring Roger and Karen spent many winters in Texas, Arizona and Florida. They enjoyed traveling in their motorhome. When it became more difficult to make the trips to Florida for the winter, they sold their Florida home in 2023 and decided to stay in Michigan year around. It was the right decision at the right time.

Roger is survived by: his wife of 66 years, Karen (Sundell) Kirk; sisters-in-law, Lillian Kirk, Judy (Sam) Laswell and Patricia Sundell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Roger was preceded in death by: his parents, C. Paul and Ester; brother, Robert Kirk; and brother-in-law, Andrew Sundell.

Celebration of Life services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, Michigan 49446, with Pastor Sarah Samuelson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to: Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, Michigan 49446.

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

Celebration of Life – Paul L. Usiak

June 29, 1934 - February 27, 2026

A celebration of life for Paul L. Usiak will be held from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, May 3, 2026, at The Ladder Community Center, 67 N. State St., Shelby, MI 49455.

PHS Museum Expansion breaks ground

By AnnaMae Bush

The

Oceana

Echo Community Correspondent

With funding and all required permits in hand, the Pentwater Historical Society (PHS) is eager to begin the Pentwater Historical Museum expansion project.

On Monday, April 27, at 9 a.m., PHS representatives were among the group of people present for the official groundbreaking at 85 S. Rutledge. Staff from Ken Adams Excavating arrived with the equipment necessary for digging.

Museum representatives in attendance were Dick Warner, PHS president; Mike Waidelich, PHS treasurer; Beth Russell, project funding chair; Norm Shotwell, project manager; Deb De Waard, PHS social director; and Mark Rosien, PHS board member. Others present were Tom Roose, electrical engineer for the project; Dave Slachter, building contractor for the project; Jamie Haskell, construction consultant; and Tammy Carey, CEO of the Oceana Community Foundation.

Expected initial tasks included removing the lean-to addition on the back of the museum building, demolishing the red house on the museum property and digging for the foundation of the new building addition.

Russell reported, “After the red house is demolished, the lot on which it stood will remain empty for the foreseeable future except for a rain garden. The expansion project timetable has a June 2027 date scheduled for opening the new building addition. But the current museum building will remain open through the construction process.”

There is something exciting planned

for the 2026 summer. The museum is collaborating with local libraries to provide a passbook and activities so people can learn more about the Declaration of Independence and the men who signed it. “Some of these men are memorialized in the Oceana County street names and place names,” Russell reminds readers. The exhibit will be installed in June, and passbooks from the museum and the libraries will be available in June as well. Russell is grateful for the generosity of the Pentwater community. “It’s the community that made it possible for us to reach the fundraising milestone needed to construct the building. More funding will be needed for new exhibits and the outdoor exhibit area and courtyard. More news about those plans will be coming soon.”

Signage will be posted when space is available outside the work zone. “We want to keep the community aware of construction and funding progress, so they are engaged with us through the entire process,” Russell shared.

Museum representatives, from left, Mike Waidelich, Beth Russell, Norm Shotwell, Dick Warner, Dave Slachter, Mark Roisen and Tammy Carey gather to break ground on the expansion project.

Shelby roars past Holton in key league wins

Chase Simon, Neil Gowell have big days at the plate; DayDay Garcia, Trevor Weiss star on the mound

By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

SHELBY — Shelby was largely dominant in Tuesday’s sweep of West Michigan Conference Rivers opponent Holton, rolling to an 11-1 win in game one and roaring back from an early deficit to win game two 7-3.

The Tigers (14-3, 3-1 WMC Rivers) came out of the dugout hot in game one, scoring twice in the first inning. A three-run third inning and a six-run fifth put the game away by mercy rule.

After taking advantage of walks and aggressive baserunning to take a 2-0 lead, Shelby got three straight hits to start the third, with Cam Smith’s RBI double kick-starting the threerun frame. In the fifth, four Tigers got run-scoring singles, and Neil Gow-

ell’s two-run single ended the game. Leighton Belasco had a two-run single in the inning too, and Chase Simon and Eli Kelley also drove in runs with singles.

DayDay Garcia dominated on the mound for Shelby, striking out five and allowing only two hits. Trevor Weiss and Belasco each got two hits,

and Simon drove in three runs.

The Devils answered Shelby’s first-inning run - on Simon’s RBI single - with two of their own in game two, but the Tigers grabbed the lead for good with a three-run fourth. Gowell drove in the first two runs with a single, and Jaden Furman

added a RBI single. Shelby added on throughout the game, and Simon capped a big offensive day with another two-run single in the seventh. Simon had two hits and three RBI in the game, and Gowell had two RBI. Weiss got the win on the mound, striking out 11 and allowing six hits.

Tigers score impressive tie against Fremont

By Andy Roberts

SHELBY — Facing opponents as good as Fremont, a squad that had mercy-ruled all its West Michigan Conference foes so far this season, necessitates taking gambles. Shelby coach Joe Gorton kept that in mind when he noted the extremely windy conditions for Monday’s game and decided that, given the choice, he’d take the wind in the first half rather than the second.

The Tigers did get the choice, and while the wind advantage didn’t result in a goal, perhaps that aggressive mindset contributed to Shelby’s impressive performance in a 0-0 tie. The outcome firmly established the Tigers as a team to be reckoned with in the WMC.

“I try not to think about it, but I could tell you I thought a lot about it during that JV game,” Gorton said of the wind. “I knew how much of an offensive powerhouse Fremont has been, so I gambled and said, if we can, I want the wind in the first half...We really wanted to try and poke one in in that first half and put them back on their heels.”

In a somewhat ironic twist, both teams ended up having their best scoring chances going against the wind. The Packers actually did put one in the net near the halfway mark of the first half, but it was waved off for an offsides call. Shelby (5-1-1, 3-1-1 WMC) thought it had a sure goal with just over three minutes to play when Annabelle Stark fired a well-placed shot off the far post at an angle that seemed certain to send the ball into the net. Instead, the ball miraculously stayed outside

the goal. Charlee Friedman nearly scored herself mere seconds later on a shot from the edge of the box, but it sailed wide of the post by maybe just over a foot.

Fremont had more chances than Shelby did in the second half, playing with the wind, but keeper Brylee Friedman and her defensive teammates were up to the task. Friedman made 14 saves in her most impressive shutout to date, including one where she dove on a rebound shot to prevent a goal and drew a foul when Packer players attempted to get it out of the scrum while she already had it.

“We just really worked on trying to stop the through-balls and just saying, ‘Mark your girl and make sure you know where they all are at, and try to step on the ball before they shoot it,”’ Friedman said. “(We focused on) not letting them get shots off.”

Shelby’s defense also played well, rewarding Gorton’s faith in them;

he said he considered tweaking the lineup to bring a fourth defender back but trusted his usual defensive players to get the job done. They did just that, battling both the elements and the Packers to prevent many clear scoring opportunities.

The wind wreaked havoc throughout the game; whoever went against it saw all their long kicks knocked down and even occasionally turned around midair, and conversely the team playing with the wind often couldn’t maintain control of the ball because it kept sailing past where players were positioned to collect it.

One of the closest times Fremont came to scoring in the second half, in fact, wasn’t a shot at all, but a relatively routine ball that took a funny hop, aided by the wind, and bounced over Friedman’s head in the final minutes. Fortunately the

Tigers’ senior keeper kept her head and reeled the ball in.

“I was just like, ‘I hope I catch it,’” Friedman chuckled. “’Hopefully the ball’s not slippery.’”

On the offensive side, even though they didn’t produce a goal, Gorton said he was very pleased with the forwards’ work, especially Stark and Kylie Brown, the Tigers’ striker duo.

“We’ve obviously got that topend speed so that breakaway counterattack that we’re able to create is always there, but against a quality team...Annie and Kylie were really working really well together and making some plays that I haven’t seen them make yet this year, and we saw the result of that,” Gorton said.

The ball kicks out of the glove of Holton’s Lane Frees as Shelby’s Chase Simon steals second base during Tuesday’s doubleheader in Shelby. The Tigers swept the two games.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Shelby’s Olivia Rogers (center) attempts to get between Fremont’s Delaney Petrowski (14) and Breven Powell during Monday’s game at Shelby. The wind was a huge factor in a 0-0 tie. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Shelby’s Trevor Weiss winds up to make a pitch during Tuesday’s doubleheader against Holton. Weiss got the win in game two of the Tigers’ sweep.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

Shelby’s Lydia Soelberg (right) tries to chase down a Fremont opponent during Monday’s game at Shelby. The Tigers tied the Packers, 0-0.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

SHELBY — In a battle between two of the West Michigan Conference Rivers’ top teams, Shelby and Holton split two close games Tuesday. The Tigers’ comeback effort fell short in game one, a 6-3 loss, but Shelby rebounded to win a dramatic nightcap 8-6 in eight innings.

The Tigers (13-3, 1-3 WMC Rivers) rallied in the second game as well after falling behind 6-4 in the fourth inning, scoring twice in the sixth to tie it. Jordan Wolting knotted up the score with a clutch two-run single, cashing in a Holton error and a single by Emma Stovall.

Jayna Burmeister, who came on in relief during the game, kept the game tied by striking out three straight batters in the bottom of the sixth inning after the first two batters reached base.

In the eighth, Holton intentionally walked Burmeister with a runner on

third base and one outshe parked two home runs during the opener, hence the hesitation to pitch to her. Shelby made the Red Devils pay for that decision. Wolting drew a walk to load the bases, and Holton then threw two passed balls in the same at-bat, allowing baserunner Allie Stovall and Burmeister to score what turned out to be the winning runs.

Jaedyn Allen had a pair of doubles in the game for

Tigers earn tie

continued from page 9

Fremont was hardly the last tough opponent Shelby will face in the WMC. Last year’s top two finishers, North Muskegon and Ludington, remain on the schedule, and archrival Hart shut out its first three WMC opponents as well.

However, banking a result against a program

Shelby, and Stella Springer and Wolting also each had two hits. Burmeister pitched 3 2/3 innings of shutout relief in game two, allowing only one hit and striking out eight.

The comeback win was redemption for the Tigers after being unable to complete a similar attempt in the opener. Holton scored five times to grab a 6-2 lead in the fifth. Shelby got one run back in the sixth when Burmeis-

ter hit her second home run of the game, and the Tigers were in position for more when Daniella Zarraga led off the seventh with a double, followed by a walk from Brynlee Myers. Springer attempted to bunt the runners ahead, but Holton made a good defensive play and not only got Springer out at first but was able to throw home for a tag play at the plate to get Zarraga. The home plate umpire did not immediately

of Fremont’s caliber should do wonders for the confidence of a Tiger team hoping to stamp itself as being worthy of inclusion in that elite grouping.

“To be able to not only make it 80 minutes (against Fremont), but really make them sweat, we needed a game like this to really prove to ourselves that we belong in the top tier of the league this year,” Gorton said. “I’m just so proud of them and the way they stepped up today.”

make a call on the play at the plate, but after discussion with the other ump working the game, Zarraga was ruled to be out. Holton then recorded a strikeout to seal the win.

Burmeister’s two home runs, both solo shots, were the offensive highlight for Shelby in the opener. Wolting also had two hits. Burmeister allowed three earned runs on seven hits and struck out 10.

At left, Shelby’s Jayna Burmeister throws to first base to get Holton’s Abigail Isabell out during Tuesday’s doubleheader at Shelby. At right, Shelby’s Daniella Zarraga slides into second with a double as Holton’s Victoria Vallejo awaits a throw. The teams split the two games.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

Shelby’s Fernanda Espinosa (center) tries to get through the Fremont defense during Monday’s game.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

ORDINANCE NO. 2026 – 1 PART 1 OF 5

VILLAGE OF SHELBY, COUNTY OF OCEANA, MICHIGAN

AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF JUNIOR LIEN REVENUE BONDS TO PAY PART OF THE COST OF ACQUIRING AND CONSTRUCTING ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER DISTRIBUTION AND PRODUCTION SYSTEM OF THE VILLAGE OF SHELBY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REPLACEMENT OF WATER SERVICE LINES WITHIN THE VILLAGE LIMITS, AS WELL AS ALL RELATED WORK, EQUIPMENT AND APPURTENANCES NECESSARY OR INCIDENTAL TO SUCH IMPROVEMENTS; TO PRESCRIBE THE FORM OF THE BONDS; TO INCORPORATE PROVISIONS FOR THE COLLECTION OF REVENUES FROM THE SYSTEM SUFFICIENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING THE COSTS OF THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM AND TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS; TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE RESERVE FUND FOR THE BONDS, IF NECESSARY; TO INCORPORATE PROVISIONS FOR THE SEGREGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE REVENUES OF THE SYSTEM; TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS OF THE BONDS IN THE ENFORCEMENT THEREOF; AND TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THE SYSTEM AND THE BONDS.

WHEREAS, the Village of Shelby (the “Village”) desires to issue revenue bonds to improve the Village’s Water Distribution and Production System (the “System”);

WHEREAS, a notice of intent to issue the Bonds was published in accordance with Section 33 of Act 94, on March 19, 2026, which stated that revenue bonds may be issued by the Village in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $900,000 to finance the Project, without a vote of the electors of the Village, unless proper petitions for an election on the question of the issuance of the Bonds are filed with the Village Clerk/Treasurer within a period of forty-five (45) days from the date of publication (the “Referendum Period”) by not less than ten percent (10%) of the registered electors of the Village; and

WHEREAS, the Village desires these revenue bonds to be payable from certain of revenues of the System as described in this Ordinance; and NOW, THEREFORE, THE VILLAGE OF SHELBY ORDAINS:

Section 1. Definitions. Whenever used in this Ordinance, the following terms have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended:

(a) “Act 94” means Act No. 94, Public Acts of Michigan, 1933, as amended.

(b) “Authorized Officer” means the Village President, Village Administrator and Village Clerk/Treasurer.

(c) “Bonds” means the Village’s Water System Improvement Junior Lien Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, in the principal amount of not to exceed $900,000 authorized by this Ordinance, which bonds may be issued in one or more series with each series designated by a letter following the title, e.g. Series 2026-A, Series 2026-B, and Series 2026-C, or otherwise as determined by an Authorized Officer.

(d) “Bond Registrar” means any bank or trust company permitted by law to offer the services required by this Ordinance for the authentication, payment, registration, transfer and exchange of the Bonds, appointed in writing by an Authorized Officer who, on behalf of the Village, shall be authorized to enter into a written agreement with the Bond Registrar for such services. An Authorized Officer may appoint a similarly qualified successor Bond Registrar as required from time to time, and the term “Bond Registrar” shall include any successor so appointed. Alternatively, if acceptable to the holder of the Bonds, the Village Clerk/Treasurer may serve as its Bond Registrar.

(e) “EGLE” means the State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

(f) “Mandatory Redemption Requirements” means the mandatory prior redemption requirements for Bonds that are term bonds, if any, as specified in any subsequent ordinance or successful bid in connection with the issuance of the Bonds.

(g) “Project” means the improvement of the Village’s water distribution and production System, including all related appurtenances, improvements and equipment therefor and including, but not limited to, lead service line replacement, as more fully described in the application to and as approved by EGLE.

(h) “Revenues” and “Net Revenues” mean the revenues and net revenues (after provision has been made for reasonable and necessary expenses of operation, maintenance and administration of the System) of the System and shall be construed as defined in Section 3 of Act 94, including with respect to “Revenues”, the earnings derived from the investment and reinvestment of moneys at any time in the various funds and accounts established by this Ordinance.

(i) “Sufficient Government Obligations” means direct obligations of the United States of America or obligations the principal of and interest on which are fully guaranteed by the United States of America, not redeemable at the option of the issuer, the principal and interest payments upon which, without reinvestment of the interest, come due at such times and in such amounts as to be fully sufficient to pay the principal of and interest and redemption premium, if any, on the Bonds as they come due, whether at stated maturity or upon earlier redemption. Securities representing Sufficient Government Obligations shall be placed in trust with a bank or trust company (which may be the Bond Registrar), and if any of the Bonds are to be called for redemption prior to maturity, irrevocable instructions to call such Bonds for redemption shall be given to the Bond Registrar, acting as the paying agent for the Bonds.

(j) “System” means the existing water distribution and production systems of the Village and the Project, and all future additions, enlargements, extensions, repairs and improvements to the Village’s water distribution and production systems.

(k) “Village” means the Village of Shelby, County of Oceana, Michigan.

Section 2. Necessity, Approval of Preliminary Plans and Specifications and Statement of Purpose. It is hereby determined to be a necessary public purpose of the Village to acquire and construct the Project in accordance with the preliminary plans and specifications previously prepared or caused to be prepared by and on file with the Village, as approved by EGLE. Such preliminary plans and specifications are approved, and an Authorized Officer of the Village shall note the fact of such approval on the copy of the preliminary plans and specifications on file with the Village.

Section 3. Costs and Useful Life. The total cost of the Project is estimated to not exceed $900,000, including the incidental expenses referred to in Section 4 of this Ordinance, and the estimated period of usefulness of the Project is not less than forty (40) years. Both estimates are approved.

Section 4. Payment of Cost; Bonds Authorized. The Village shall borrow not to exceed $900,000 or such lessor amount as determined by an Authorized Officer at the time of sale (the “Principal Amount”) and issue the Bonds therefor pursuant to Act 94, to pay a portion of the cost of acquiring and constructing the Project (including all related engineering, financial, legal, financial advisory and other expenses incident to the Project) and the costs of issuance and sale of the Bonds.

Section 5. Designation and Bond Details. The Bonds shall not be issued or delivered unless the Referendum Period has elapsed without the filing of proper petitions for an election on the issuance of the Bonds by not less than 10% of the registered electors of the Village. The Bonds shall be designated “Village of Shelby Water System Improvement Junior Lien Revenue Bonds, Series 2026,” and shall, along with other bonds of the Village be issued on a parity or senior basis, and be payable out of the Net Revenues (as more fully provided in this Ordinance). Such Bonds shall be issued in one or more series as designated by an Authorized Officer with each series designated by a letter following the title, e.g. Series 2026-A, Series 2026-B and Series 2026-C, or otherwise as approved by an Authorized Officer. The date of original issuance of the Bonds shall be their date of delivery, or such other date as shall be designated in writing by an Authorized Officer, and the Bonds shall bear interest from their date of original issuance. The Bonds shall be fully registered bonds, both as to principal and interest, in any denomination which is $5,000 or any integral multiple thereof, numbered from 1 upwards, and shall mature on such dates as may be determined by an Authorized Officer prior to the sale of the Bonds, in the principal amounts as designated by an Authorized Officer. The Bonds shall be issued in substantially the form of Exhibit A to this Ordinance, with such changes, modifications and additions as may be approved by an Authorized Officer.

Section 6. Payment of Principal and Interest; Record Dates. The principal of and interest on the Bonds shall be paid in lawful money of the United States. The Bonds shall be payable in not more than forty (40) annual serial principal installments beginning on October 1, 2028, or on such other dates as may be determined by an Authorized Officer prior to the sale of the Bonds. Interest on the Bonds shall be paid on each October 1 and April 1, commencing on October 1, 2026, or such later date as shall be designated in writing by an Authorized Officer prior to the sale of the Bonds, until maturity, by check or draft mailed by first-class United States mail to the registered owners of the Bonds as of the applicable record date. The record date for each interest payment shall be the 15th day of the month before such payment is due.

Section 7. Redemption. The Bonds shall be subject to redemption prior to maturity to the extent (if any) as determined by an Authorized Officer prior to the sale of the Bonds.

Section 8. Method of Sale – Private Placement to the Michigan Finance Authority. The Village shall sell the Bonds by private placement, which is defined as a negotiated sale pursuant to Section 309(1) of Act 34 Public Acts of Michigan 2001, to the Michigan Finance Authority (the “Authority”). The Village hereby determines that such sale will provide the best interest rate and amortization schedule as well as additional flexibility in structure, terms and timing of the sale and delivery of the Bonds. Each Authorized Officer is authorized to award the sale of the Bonds to the Authority, provided that the terms of such sale are within the parameters set forth in this ordinance. Final determination of the principal amount and the payment dates and amounts of principal installments of the Bonds shall be evidenced by execution of a Purchase Contract between the Village and the Authority providing for sale of the Bonds. The Authorized Officer is authorized to execute and deliver the Purchase Contract, Supplemental Agreement and the Issuer’s Certificate in the forms provided by the Authority. If required by the Authority, as additional security for repayment of the Bonds, the Village Council agrees to pledge the state revenue sharing payments that the Village is eligible to receive from the State of Michigan under Act 140, Public Acts of Michigan, 1971, as amended, to the Authority as purchaser and holder of the Bonds. The Authorized Officer is authorized to execute and deliver a revenue sharing pledge agreement between the Village and the Authority.

ORDINANCE NO. 2026 – 1 PART 2 OF 5

VILLAGE OF SHELBY, COUNTY OF OCEANA, MICHIGAN

Section 9. Provisions for the Sale and Award of the Bonds. The Village shall sell the Bonds at interest rates of not to exceed three percent (3%) for any maturity or maturities, in conformance with Act 94 and the laws of the State of Michigan and the rules and regulations of the Michigan Department of Treasury. Any Authorized Officer is authorized to award the sale of the Bonds to the bidder whose bid produces the lowest interest cost to the Village, as determined by the Village’s financial advisor.

Section 10. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds from the sale of the Bonds, along with any applicable contributions of funds from the Village, shall be used as follows:

(a) Accrued interest (if any) and premium (if any) received from the original purchaser of the Bonds on the delivery thereof shall be transferred to the Bond Payment Fund (as defined below);

(b) If necessary to achieve an investment grade rating or otherwise satisfy credit requirements for the sale of the Bonds, there shall next be transferred to the Debt Service Reserve Fund (as defined below) the amount (if any) specified by an Authorized Officer, based on the advice of the Village’s financial advisor, as being necessary to provide security to the holders of the Bonds in connection with the sale of the Bonds; and

(c) There shall next be transferred to the Construction Fund (as defined below) the remaining amount, which shall be used to pay for the cost of the Project and to pay some or all of the costs of issuance of the Bonds, including but not limited to, publication costs, financial costs, consultant fees, legal counsel fees, printing costs, application fees, bond insurance premiums, rating fees and any other fees or costs incurred in connection with the sale of the Bonds.

Section 11. Paying Agent and Bond Registrar. The Bonds shall be registrable upon the books of the Bond Registrar

Section 12. Execution and Delivery of Bonds. The Village President is authorized and directed to execute the Bonds on behalf of the Village, and the Village Clerk/Treasurer is authorized to countersign the Bonds on behalf of the Village, in each case with his or her manual signature. When so executed, the Bonds shall be delivered to the purchaser thereof upon receipt of purchase price therefor.

Section 13. Transfer or Exchange of Bonds. Any Bond may be transferred on the bond registration books maintained by the Bond Registrar at any time before the record date preceding an interest payment date upon surrender of the Bond together with an assignment executed by the registered owner of the Bond (or such owner’s duly authorized attorney-in-fact) in form reasonably satisfactory to the Bond Registrar. Upon receipt of a properly assigned Bond, the Bond Registrar shall authenticate and deliver a new Bond or Bonds in equal aggregate principal amount and like interest rate and maturity to the designated transferee(s) and cancel the Bond presented for transfer.

Any Bond likewise may be exchanged before the record date preceding an interest payment date for one or more Bonds with the same interest rate and maturity in authorized denominations aggregating the same principal amount as the Bond being exchanged. Such exchange shall be effected by surrender of the Bond to be exchanged to the Bond Registrar with written instructions signed by the registered owner of the Bond (or such owner’s duly authorized attorney-in-fact) in form reasonably satisfactory to the Bond Registrar. Upon receipt of a Bond with proper instructions, the Bond Registrar shall authenticate and deliver a new Bond or Bonds to the registered owner of the Bond or such owner’s properly designated transferee(s) and cancel the Bond presented for exchange.

The Bond Registrar shall not be required to honor any transfer or exchange of Bonds during the period from the record date for an interest payment to the date of such payment. Any service charge made by the Bond Registrar for any such registration, transfer or exchange shall be paid by the Village. However, the Bond Registrar may require payment by a bondholder of an amount sufficient to cover any tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection with such registration, transfer or exchange.

Section 14. Security for Payment of Bonds. The Bonds, other bonds issued by the Village on a parity basis with the Bonds or on a senior basis to the Bonds, and the interest thereon shall be payable in the first instance from the Net Revenues, and to secure such payment, there is hereby created in favor of the holders of the Bonds a lien (made a statutory lien by Act 94) upon the whole of the Net Revenues. Such lien shall be a junior lien and shall be junior to any lien presently granted by the Village or later granted by the Village, which is designated as a senior lien on its Net Revenues. The lien granted hereby shall continue until payment in full of the principal of and interest on the Bonds payable from Net Revenues or until sufficient cash or Sufficient Government Obligations (or a combination of cash and Sufficient Government Obligations) have been deposited in trust for payment in full of all Bonds of a series then outstanding, the principal of and interest on such Bonds to maturity or, if called for redemption, to the date fixed for redemption together with the amount of any applicable redemption premium. Upon deposit of such cash or Sufficient Government Obligations, or both, the statutory lien shall be terminated with respect to that series of Bonds, the holders of the Bonds of that series shall have no further rights under this Ordinance (except for the right to receive payment from the cash and/or Sufficient Government Obligations so deposited), and the Bonds of that series shall no longer be considered outstanding under this Ordinance.

Section 15. Bondholders’ Rights. The holder or holders of Bonds representing in the aggregate not less than 20% of the entire principal amount of the Bonds then outstanding, by suit, action, mandamus or other proceedings, may protect and enforce the statutory lien on the Net Revenues of the System and enforce and compel performance of all duties of the Village, including the duty to fix sufficient rates and to collect and properly segregate and apply the Revenues of the System, provided that such statutory lien shall not be construed to compel the sale of the System or any part thereof.

If there is a default in the payment of the principal of or interest on the Bonds, any court having jurisdiction in any proper proceeding may appoint a receiver to administer and operate the System on behalf of the Village and under the direction of the court and, with the approval of the court, to perform all of the duties of the officers of the Village more particularly set forth in Act 94.

The holder or holders of the Bonds shall have all other rights and remedies given by Act 94 and law for the payment and enforcement of the Bonds and the security therefor.

Section 16. Management and Fiscal Year. The acquisition, construction and installation of the Project and the operation, repair and maintenance of the System shall be under the supervision and control of the Village Council, and the fiscal year of the System shall commence on March 1 of each year and end on the last day of February of the following year. The Village, through the Authorized Officers, may employ such person(s) in such capacities as the Village Council deems advisable to carry out the efficient management and operation of the System. The Village Council may make, and revise from time to time, such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or advisable to assure the efficient management and operation of the System.

Section 17. No Free Service or Use. No free service or use of the System, or service or use of the System at less than the reasonable cost and value thereof, shall be furnished to any person, firm or corporation (public or private) or to any public agency or instrumentality including the Village.

Section 18. Rates and Charges. The rates and charges for service furnished by, and for the use of, the System and the methods of collection and enforcement of the collection of such rates and charges shall be those established by resolution of the Village Council, which shall be adjusted from time to time by resolution of the Village Council.

Section 19. Fixing and Revising Rates and Charges. The rates and charges in effect on the date of adoption of this Ordinance are estimated to be sufficient to provide for the payment of the expenses of administration and operation and such expenses of maintenance of the System as are necessary to preserve the System in good repair and working order, to provide for the payment of the principal of and interest on the Bonds as they become due and the maintenance of the reserve therefor and to provide for all other obligations, expenditures and funds for the System required by law and this Ordinance. The rates and charges shall be reviewed not less than once each year and shall be fixed and revised from time to time as may be necessary to produce amounts sufficient for the foregoing purposes, and the Village hereby covenants and agrees to fix and maintain rates and charges for services furnished by the System at all times sufficient to provide for the foregoing.

Section 20. Penalty for Late Payment. The Village shall charge late payment fees and penalties if a user of the System does not timely pay the rates and charges that have been billed for the use of the System. The amount of the late payment fees and penalties, and the times when they shall be imposed, may be adjusted from time to time by resolution of the Village Council.

Section 21. Delinquent Rates and Charges. In the event that a user of the System does not timely pay the rates and charges that have been billed to such user, an Authorized Officer shall take the necessary action, in accordance with applicable Michigan statutes, to request the municipality that collects the property taxes in the jurisdiction in which such user is located to have such delinquent rates and charges added to the user’s ad valorem property tax bills.

Section 22. Hardship Deferrals. The Village Council shall have the right, by resolution, to defer the payment of a user’s rates and charges, under such conditions as the Village Council may establish from time to time.

Section 23. Continuing Rate Covenant. The Village hereby covenants to establish rates and charges each year so as to produce Net Revenues based on the Village’s reasonable expectations at least equal to 100% of the debt service requirements on the Bonds, and on any other bonds that may be of equal standing with the Bonds, or have a higher priority status with the Bonds, for the next fiscal year

Section 24. Funds and Accounts and Flow of Funds. Commencing not later than the later of June 4, 2026 or the date of delivery of the Bonds, all Revenues shall be set aside as collected to a fund designated Village of Shelby Operating Fund (the “Operating Fund”).

The Revenues in the Operating Fund are pledged for the purposes of the following funds and shall be transferred or debited from the Operating Fund periodically and in the order of priority specified in this Section:

A. Operation, Administration and Maintenance of the System:

ORDINANCE NO. 2026 – 1 PART 3 OF 5

VILLAGE OF SHELBY, COUNTY OF OCEANA, MICHIGAN

Revenues credited to the Operating Fund shall be used to provide for the payment of the operation, administration and maintenance of the System, including expenses for the maintenance of the System as may be necessary to preserve the System in good repair and working order

A budget, showing in detail the estimated costs of administration, operation and maintenance of the System for the next operating year, shall be prepared by the Village Council at least thirty (30) days before the commencement of the operating year to which it applies. No payments shall be made to the Village from moneys credited to the Operating Fund except for services directly rendered to the System by the Village or its personnel and except as otherwise provided by this Ordinance.

B. Bond and Interest Bond Payment Fund:

There shall be established and maintained a separate depository account designated Bond and Interest Bond Payment Fund (the “Bond Payment Fund”) (referred to in Act 94 as the Bond and Interest Redemption Account). The moneys on deposit in the Bond Payment Fund from time to time shall be used solely to pay the principal of and redemption premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds.

Out of the Revenues remaining in the Operating Fund after provision for the operation, administration and maintenance of the system (the Net Revenues), there shall be set aside from time to time in the Bond Payment Fund amounts sufficient to provide for the payment of the principal of and the redemption premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds as and when the Bonds become due and payable. If there is any deficiency in the amount previously set aside in the Bond Payment Fund, the full amount of that deficiency shall be set aside in the next succeeding fiscal year

C. Debt Service Reserve Fund:

There is established a separate account in the Bond Payment Fund to be known as the Debt Service Reserve Fund (the “Debt Service Reserve Fund”). If necessary to achieve an investment grade rating or otherwise satisfy credit requirements for the sale of the Bonds, upon delivery of the Bonds, there shall be deposited in the Debt Service Reserve Fund from the proceeds of the Bonds or from other available money of the Village an amount, if any, designated by an authorized officer based on consultation with the Village’s financial advisor (the “Reserve Fund Requirement”).

Except as otherwise provided in this Section, moneys credited to the Debt Service Reserve Fund (if any) shall be used solely for payment of the principal of and redemption premiums (if any) and interest on the Bonds which otherwise would be in default. If at any time it is necessary to use any moneys credited to the Debt Service Reserve Fund for such payment, the moneys so used shall be replaced from the Net Revenues first received thereafter that are not required for current principal and interest requirements until the amount on deposit equals the Reserve Fund Requirement. If on any October 1 or April 1, the amount in the Debt Service Reserve Fund exceeds the amount required by this Ordinance to be in the Debt Service Reserve Fund on that date, the excess may be transferred to the Bond Payment Fund and used for payment of principal of and interest on the Bonds coming due on that date.

D. Additional Funds:

The Village has previously established certain funds and accounts, and may in the future establish additional funds and accounts, to be used in connection with the operation of the System in addition to those accounts described above (the “Additional Accounts”). The Village may make periodic transfers from the Operating Fund to the Additional Accounts, provided that (i) any such amounts are not needed for the then current costs of operation, administration and maintenance of the System, and (ii) the Debt Service Reserve Fund has on deposit amounts equal to or in excess of the Reserve Fund Requirement, and (iii) the Village has transferred to the Bond Payment Fund, or is scheduled to transfer to the Bond Payment Fund, sums sufficient to provide for the payment of the principal of and the redemption premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds that are due and payable on the next interest payment date.

E. Surplus Moneys:

All moneys remaining in the Operating Fund after satisfying all of the foregoing requirements of this Section at the option of the Village Council may be (a) retained in the Operating Fund, or (b) transferred to the Bond Payment Fund and used to purchase Bonds on the open market at not more than their fair market value or to redeem Bonds prior to maturity, or (c) transferred to one or more of the Additional Accounts, or (d) at the end of the Village’s fiscal year transferred from the Operating Fund to any Village fund or account as designated by the Village Council.

Section 25. Priority of Funds. If the moneys in the Operating Fund are insufficient to provide for the current requirements of the operation, administration and maintenance of the system, the Bond Payment Fund or the Debt Service Reserve Fund, any moneys or securities in other funds of the System (other than proceeds from the sale of the Bonds) shall be credited or transferred, first, for the operation, administration and maintenance of the system and second, to the Bond Payment Fund and third to the Debt Service Reserve Fund.

Section 26. Depository and Funds on Hand. Except otherwise provided by this Ordinance, moneys in the several funds and accounts established by or pursuant to this Ordinance may be kept in one or more bank accounts at a bank or banks designated by resolution(s) of the Village Council, and if kept in one bank account, such moneys shall be allocated on the Village’s books in the manner and at the times required by this Ordinance.

Section 27. Investments. Moneys in the funds and accounts established by or pursuant to this Ordinance and moneys derived from the proceeds of the sale of the Bonds may be invested by the Village in (a) obligations of the United States of America, (b) obligations the principal of and interest on which are fully guaranteed by the United States of America, and (c) certificates of deposit of any bank in which deposits are insured by the federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and which (i) has unsecured, uninsured and unguaranteed outstanding obligations that are rated “A2” or better by Moody’s Investor Service or “A” or better by S&P Global Ratings Service or (ii) is the lead bank of a bank holding company that has outstanding obligations so rated.

Investments of moneys in the Bond Payment Fund being accumulated for payment of the next maturing principal of or interest on the Bonds shall be limited to obligations otherwise permitted by this Section that mature before the date of such payment.

Any securities representing any investment permitted by this Section shall be kept on deposit at the bank or trust company having on deposit the fund or account from which the investments were purchased. Profits realized on interest earned on investments of moneys in the Operating Fund, the Bond Payment Fund or the Debt Service Reserve Fund shall be deposited in or credited to the Operating Fund.

Section 28. Bond Proceeds. From the proceeds of the sale of the Bonds, there immediately shall be deposited in the Bond Payment Fund an amount equal to the accrued interest and premium (if any) received from the original purchaser of the Bonds on delivery. The remainder of such proceeds shall be deposited in a bank designated by the Village Council, qualified to act as depository of the proceeds of sale under Section 15 of Act 94, in an account designated Construction Fund (the “Construction Fund”). Moneys in the Construction Fund shall be applied solely for the payment of the cost of acquiring, constructing and installing the Project, including any engineering, legal, financial advisory or other expenses incidental thereto and to the financing thereof. No payment for construction, either on account or otherwise, shall be made until the staff of the Village shall have confirmed, either on its own or in reliance on statements from the Engineers, that the work has been completed in accordance with the applicable plans and specifications, that such work was performed pursuant to and in accordance with the applicable contract (including any properly authorized change orders), that such work is satisfactory and that such work has not been paid for previously.

Any unexpended balance remaining in the Construction Fund after completion of the project shall be transferred to the Bond Payment Fund.

Section 29. Special Covenants of the Village. The Village covenants and agrees with the holder or holders of the Bonds that so long as the Bonds remain outstanding and unpaid as to either principal or interest:

(a) The Village will maintain the System in good repair and working order, will operate the System efficiently, faithfully and punctually will perform all duties respecting the System as required by the Constitution and laws of the State of Michigan (including in particular Act 94) and this Ordinance.

(b) The Village will keep proper books of record and account separate from all other records and accounts of the Village, in which shall be made full and correct entries of all transactions relating to the System. The Village shall have an annual audit of the books of record and account of the System for the preceding operating year by an independent certified public accounting firm. The auditor shall comment on the manner in which the Village is complying with the requirements of this Ordinance respecting the setting aside and investing of moneys and obtaining and maintaining insurance. The audit shall be completed and so made available not more than six months after the close of the fiscal year that it covers.

(c) The Village will obtain and maintain insurance on all physical properties of the System, and liability insurance, against such risks and in such amounts as normally are carried by municipalities engaged in the ownership and operation of water systems comparable to the System. All moneys received for losses under any policy of such insurance shall be applied solely to the repair, replacement or restoration of property of the System that is damaged or destroyed, and to the extent not so used, shall be used to redeem or purchase Bonds.

(d) The Village will not sell, lease or otherwise dispose of the System, in whole or substantial part, until the principal of or interest on the Bonds have been paid in full or provision for such payment has been made in accordance with this Ordinance. The Village will operate the System in a commercially reasonable manner, will make all repairs and replacements necessary to keep the System in good repair and working order and will not do or permit to be done any act within its control that would affect the System in a way that has a material adverse effect on the security for the Bonds.

(e) The Village will not operate, or grant any franchise or other rights to any person, firm or corporation to operate, a system that will compete with the System.

(f) The Village will cause the Project to be completed promptly and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor. Section 30. Defeasance. If at any time,

ORDINANCE NO. 2026 – 1 PART 4 OF 5

VILLAGE OF SHELBY, COUNTY OF OCEANA, MICHIGAN

(a) the whole amount of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all outstanding Bonds shall be paid, or

(b) if sufficient moneys, or Government Obligations not callable prior to maturity, the principal of and interest on which, when due and payable will provide such sufficient moneys, shall be deposited with and held by a trustee for the purpose of paying principal of and premium, if any, and interest on outstanding Bonds, and if all outstanding Bonds to be redeemed prior to maturity shall have been duly called for redemption or irrevocable instructions to call such Bonds for redemption shall have been given to such trustee, then the right, title and interest of the holders of the Bonds shall thereupon cease, terminate and become void and the Village shall be released from the obligations of this resolution and any moneys or other funds held pursuant to this resolution for the purpose of paying the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds then outstanding (other than the aforementioned funds on deposit with the trustee for redemption of the outstanding Bonds) shall be released from the conditions of this resolution and paid over to the Village and considered excess proceeds of the Bonds. All moneys and Government Obligations held by such trustee pursuant to this Section shall be held in trust and applied to the payment, when due, of the obligations payable therewith as provided hereinabove.

The trustee or escrow agent referred to in this Section shall (i) be a bank or trust company permitted by law to offer and offering the required services, (ii) be appointed by an Authorized Officer and (iii) at the time of its appointment and so long as it is serving as such, have at least $25,000,000 of capital and unimpaired surplus. The same bank or trust company may serve as trustee or escrow agent under this Section and as Bond Registrar so long as it is otherwise eligible to serve in each such capacity.

Section 30. Additional Bonds. Except as hereinafter provided, the Village will not issue any bonds of equal or prior standing with the Bonds. The Village reserves the right in accordance with Act 94 to issue additional bonds payable from the Revenues of the System which shall be of equal or prior standing and lien on the Net Revenues of the System with the Bonds, but only for the following purposes and on the following conditions:

(a) For repairs, extensions, enlargements and improvements to the System or for the purpose of refunding all or part of the Bonds then outstanding and paying the costs of issuing such additional bonds. Bonds issued for such purposes shall not be issued pursuant to this subsection (a) unless the average actual augmented Net Revenues of the System for the then last two preceding 12-month operating years, or (if lower than such average) the actual or augmented Net Revenues for the last preceding 12-month operating year shall be equal to a least 100% of the average annual amount of principal and interest thereafter coming due in future operating years on the then outstanding Bonds and the additional bonds then being issued. If the additional bonds are to be issued in whole or in part to refund outstanding Bonds, the average annual principal and interest requirements shall be determined by deducting from the principal and interest requirements for each operating year the annual principal and interest requirements of the Bonds to be refunded from the proceeds of such additional bonds. For purposes of this subsection (a), the Village may elect to use (i) as the last preceding operating year, any operating year ended not more than 16 months from the date of delivery of the additional bonds, and (ii) as the next to the last preceding operating year, any operating year ended not more than 28 months from such date of delivery. If the System’s rates and charges shall be increased at or before the time the additional bonds are authorized, the Net Revenues for each of the two preceding operating years shall be augmented by an amount reflecting the effect of such increase had the System’s billings during such operating years been at the increased rates. In addition, the actual Net Revenues for each of the two preceding operating years may be augmented by the estimated increase in Net Revenues to accrue as a result of the repairs, extensions, enlargements and improvements to be paid in whole or in part from the proceeds of the additional bonds, and the actual Net Revenues may be augmented by an amount equal to the investment income representing interest on investments estimated to be received each operating year from the addition to the Debt Service Reserve Fund, if any, to be funded from proceeds of the additional bonds. The determination of the Village Council as to the existence of the conditions that permit the issuance of additional bonds shall be conclusive. No additional bonds secured by the System shall be issued pursuant to the authorization contained in this subsection (a) if the Village then shall be in default in making any required payments to the Bond Payment Fund or the Debt Service Reserve Fund.

(b) For refunding all or a part of the Bonds then outstanding and paying the costs of issuing the additional bonds. No additional bonds shall be issued pursuant to this subsection (b) unless the maximum amount of principal and interest coming due in any operating year, after giving effect to the refunding, shall be less than the maximum amount of principal and interest coming due in any future operating year before giving effect to the refunding.

Section 32. Tax Matters. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Ordinance, the Bond Form or the Bonds, the Village covenants that it will not at any time:

(a) Permit any proceeds of the Bonds or any other funds of the Village or under its control to be used directly or indirectly (i) to acquire any securities or obligations, the acquisition of which would cause any Bonds to be an “arbitrage bond” as defined in Section 148 of the Code or (ii) in a manner that would result in the exclusion of any Bonds from the treatment afforded by Section 103(a) of the Code by reason of the classification of such Bonds as a “private activity bond” within the meaning of Section 141(a) of the Code or as an obligation guaranteed by the United States of America within the meaning of Section 149(b) of the Code; or

(b) Take any action, or fail to take any action (including failure to file any required information or other returns with the United States Internal Revenue Service or to rebate amounts to the United States, if required, at or before the time or times required), within its control if such action or failure to act would (i) cause the interest on the Bonds to be includible in gross income for federal income tax purposes, cause the interest on the Bonds to be includible in computing any alternative minimum tax (other than the alternative minimum tax applicable to tax-exempt obligations generally) or cause the proceeds of the Bonds to be used directly or indirectly by an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code or (ii) adversely affect the exemption of the Bonds and the interest thereon from State of Michigan income taxation.

Section 33. Retention of Bond Counsel. The firm of Dykema Gossett PLLC, Lansing, Michigan, is hereby retained to act as bond counsel for the Village in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds.

Section 34. Retention of Financial Consultants. Bendzinski & Co., Okemos, Michigan, is hereby retained to act as financial advisor to the Village in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds.

Section 35. Publication and Recording. Promptly after its adoption, this Ordinance shall be published in full in a newspaper of general circulation in the Village’s service area, that is qualified under State law to publish legal notices, or, as permitted by Act 94, shall be recorded in the official proceedings of the Village and such recording shall be authenticated by the signatures of the Village President and Village Clerk/Treasurer.

Section 36. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its adoption.

CERTIFICATE

The undersigned, being the Clerk/Treasurer of the Village of Shelby, hereby certifies that (1) the foregoing is a true and complete copy of an Ordinance duly adopted by the Village Council at a regular meeting held on April 27, 2026; (2) the original of such an Ordinance is on file in the records of the Village; (3) the meeting was conducted, and public notice thereof was given, pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act (Act No. 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, as amended) and (4) minutes of such meeting were kept and have been (or will be) made available as required by the Open Meetings Act.

I further certify that the following members of the Village Council were present: Steve Crothers, John Sutton, Dan Zaverl, Crystal Heykoop, Samantha Gottschalk, and Curt Trott and the following members were absent: Mike Termer

I further certify that a motion was made and seconded to adopt the Ordinance, and that a roll call vote was taken on the Ordinance and was as follows:

YES: Dan Zaverl, Samantha Gottschalk, Steve Crothers, Crystal Heykoop, Curt Trott, and John Sutton.

NO:

ABSTAIN:

I further certify that the Ordinance has been properly recorded in the official proceedings of the Village.

Attest:

John Sutton Village President

Miraya Gissell Diaz Village Clerk/Treasurer

VILLAGE OF SHELBY, COUNTY OF OCEANA, MICHIGAN

Exhibit A Form of Bond R-1

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

STATE OF MICHIGAN

COUNTY OF OCEANA

VILLAGE OF SHELBY

VILLAGE OF SHELBY WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT

JUNIOR LIEN REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2026

The VILLAGE OF SHELBY, COUNTY OF OCEANA, MICHIGAN (the “Village”), acknowledges itself indebted to and for value received promises to pay to the Michigan Finance Authority (the “Authority”) the sum of _______________ dollars ($__________) (the “Principal Amount”) or so much thereof as shall have been advanced to the Village pursuant to a Purchase Contract between the Authority and the Village and a Supplemental Agreement by and among the Village, the Authority and the State of Michigan acting through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, subject to the provisions for loan principal forgiveness, as applicable, referenced in Schedule I attached hereto.

The Principal Amount shall be payable on the first day of October commencing October 1, 2028 and annually thereafter, in the serial principal installments set forth in Schedule I attached hereto. Interest on the Bond shall accrue at the rate of ____ percent (__%) per annum and shall be payable commencing on October 1, 2027 and semiannually on each October 1 and April 1 thereafter. Principal and interest are payable in lawful money of the United States of America.

This Bond is a single, fully-registered, non-convertible bond in the Principal Amount issued by the Village under and pursuant to and in full conformity with the Constitution and statutes of the State of Michigan, including Act No. 94, Public Acts of Michigan, 1933, as amended (“Act 94”), and Ordinance No. 2026-__ of the Village (the “Ordinance”). The Bond is being issued to defray part of the cost of acquiring, constructing and improving the water distribution system of the Village.

For a complete statement of the revenues from which and the conditions under which this bond is payable, a statement of the conditions under which additional bonds of equal standing as to the Net Revenues may hereafter be issued and the general covenants and provisions pursuant to which this bond is issued, reference is made to the above-described Ordinance. The bonds of this issue are of junior priority and lien as to the Net Revenues, and they are the only bonds of the Village of this priority and lien.

This bond is a self-liquidating bond and is not a general obligation of the Village and does not constitute an indebtedness of the Village within any constitutional, charter or statutory limitation, but is payable, both as to principal and interest, solely and only from the Net Revenues of the System. The principal of and interest on this bond are secured by the statutory lien created pursuant to Act 94. Such lien shall be a junior lien and shall be junior to any lien presently granted by the Village or later granted by the Village, which is designated as a senior lien on its Net Revenues.

The Village has covenanted and agreed, and does hereby covenant and agree, to fix and maintain at all times while any bonds payable from the Net Revenues of the System shall be outstanding, such rates for service furnished by the System as shall be sufficient to provide for payment of the interest on and the principal of the bonds of this issue and any additional bonds of equal standing as and when the same shall become due and payable, and to create and maintain a bond redemption fund (including a bond reserve account) therefor, to provide for the payment of expenses of administration and operation and such expenses for maintenance of the System as are necessary to preserve the same in good repair and working order, and to provide for such other expenditures and funds for the System as are required by the Ordinance.

This Bond is subject to redemption prior to maturity by the Village only with the prior written consent of the Authority and on such terms as may be required by the Authority.

This Bond shall be registered as to principal and interest on the books of the Village kept by the Village Clerk/Treasurer and may be transferred only upon surrender of this Bond by the registered owner in person, or by the registered owner’s attorney duly authorized in writing, to the Village Clerk/ Treasurer, together with an assignment executed by the registered owner or his or her duly authorized attorney-in-fact in form satisfactory to the Village Clerk/Treasurer. Upon such transfer, a new registered Bond in the same aggregate principal amount and the same maturity and interest rate, will be issued to the designated transferee(s).

It is hereby certified, recited and declared that all acts, conditions and things required to exist, happen and be performed precedent to and in connection with the issuance of this Bond existed, have happened and have been performed in due time, form and manner as required by the Constitution and statutes of the State of Michigan, and that the total indebtedness of the Village, including the indebtedness represented by the Bonds, does not exceed any constitutional, statutory or charter limitation.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Bond, so long as the Authority is the owner of this Bond, (a) this Bond is payable as to principal, premium, if any, and interest at the corporate trust office of U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, or at such other place as shall be designated in writing to the Village by the Authority (the “Authority’s Depository”); (b) the Village agrees that it will deposit with the Authority’s Depository payments of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Bond in immediately available funds by 12:00 noon at least five (5) business days prior to the date on which any such payment is due whether by maturity, redemption or otherwise; in the event that the Authority’s Depository has not received the Village’s deposit by 12:00 noon on the scheduled day, the Village shall immediately pay to the Authority as invoiced by the Authority an amount to recover the Authority’s administrative costs and lost investment earnings attributable to that late payment; and (c) written notice of any redemption of this Bond shall be given by the Village, and received by the Authority’s Depository, at least forty (40) days prior to the date on which such redemption is to be made.

In the event of a default in the payment of principal or interest hereon when due, whether at maturity, by redemption or otherwise, the amount of such default shall bear interest (the “Additional Interest”) at a rate equal to the rate of interest which is two percent (2%) above the Authority’s cost of providing funds (as determined by the Authority) to make payment on the bonds of the Authority issued to provide funds to purchase this Bond, but in no event in excess of the maximum rate of interest permitted by law. The Additional Interest shall continue to accrue until the Authority has been fully reimbursed for all costs incurred by the Authority (as determined by the Authority) as a consequence of the Village’s default. Such Additional Interest shall be payable on the interest payment date following demand of the Authority. In the event that (for reasons other than the default in the payment of any municipal obligation purchased by the Authority), the investment of amounts in the reserve account established by the Authority for the bonds of the Authority issued to provide funds to purchase this Bond, fails to provide sufficient available funds (together with any other funds which may be made available for such purpose) to pay the interest on outstanding bonds of the Authority issued to fund such account, the Village shall and hereby agrees to pay on demand only the Village’s pro rata share (as determined by the Authority) of such deficiency as Additional Interest on this Bond.

During the time funds are being drawn down by the Village under this Bond, the Authority will periodically provide the Village with a statement showing the amount of principal that has been advanced and the date of each advance, which statement shall constitute prima facie evidence of the reported information; provided that no failure on the part of the Authority to provide such a statement or to reflect a disbursement or the correct amount of a disbursement shall relieve the Village of its obligation to repay the outstanding principal amount actually advanced, all accrued interest thereon, and any other amount payable with respect thereto in accordance with the terms of this Bond.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Village of Shelby, by its Village Council, has caused this Bond to be signed in the name of the Village, by the manual signatures of its President and Clerk/Treasurer, all as of June __, 2026.

VILLAGE OF SHELBY By__________________________ Village President By__________________________ Village Clerk/Treasurer

Schedule I

Maturity Date October 1 Principal Amount Amount of Principal Forgiven Principal Amount After Forgiveness

ASSIGNMENT

For value received, the undersigned sells, assigns and transfers unto ________________________ this Bond and all rights hereunder and hereby irrevocably appoints ________________________ attorney to transfer this Bond on the books kept for registration thereof with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated: ____________________ Signature

Reflections

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

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YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE Reflections

Whitehall's "Robo Sharks" reach state meet

Whitehall's "Robo Sharks" reach state meet

Whitehall's "Robo Sharks" reach state meet

Team wins sustainability award in 1st finals appearance since 2019

Team wins sustainability award in 1st finals appearance since 2019

Team wins sustainability award in 1st finals appearance since 2019

By Andy Roberts

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

said. "We got carried on the coattails a little bit there."

said. "We got carried on the coattails a little bit there."

said. "We got carried on the coattails a little bit there."

2024, a number that exploded to 14 this past fall.

2024, a number that exploded to 14 this past fall.

2024, a number that exploded to 14 this past fall.

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

White Lake Mirror Editor

The Whitehall High School "RoboSharks" robotics team has kept getting better since the last time it reached the state meet in 2019, said coach Jen Jura - and ironically, that improvement is why it took until this year for the team to return.

The Whitehall High School "RoboSharks" robotics team has kept getting better since the last time it reached the state meet in 2019, said coach Jen Jura - and ironically, that improvement is why it took until this year for the team to return.

The Whitehall High School "RoboSharks" robotics team has kept getting better since the last time it reached the state meet in 2019, said coach Jen Jura - and ironically, that improvement is why it took until this year for the team to return.

Jura explained that at qualifying competitions, teams form alliances in a schoolyard-style draft based on team rankings, and in past years Whitehall, often a middle-of-the-pack team in the state rankings, would show enough strength to be picked by higher-ranked teams later in the draft. Since teams in alliances are all awarded points based on performance, that sometimes resulted in the Whitehall team getting points that other teams had a lot to do with earning.

Those days are over for the Whitehall RoboSharks, who reached the April 16-18 state meet in Saginaw, the first time they've been there since 2019. While the team didn't reach the world finals this time around, they got something maybe even sweeter - the Sustainability Award from the state finals, which recognized the program for its efforts building from the high school down to the youth ranks. The middle school team also won the same award at the district level.

Jura explained that at qualifying competitions, teams form alliances in a schoolyard-style draft based on team rankings, and in past years Whitehall, often a middle-of-the-pack team in the state rankings, would show enough strength to be picked by higher-ranked teams later in the draft. Since teams in alliances are all awarded points based on performance, that sometimes resulted in the Whitehall team getting points that other teams had a lot to do with earning.

Jura explained that at qualifying competitions, teams form alliances in a schoolyard-style draft based on team rankings, and in past years Whitehall, often a middle-of-the-pack team in the state rankings, would show enough strength to be picked by higher-ranked teams later in the draft. Since teams in alliances are all awarded points based on performance, that sometimes resulted in the Whitehall team getting points that other teams had a lot to do with earning.

"In 2019, we got picked by the first alliance during the state finals, which got us enough points to go to the world finals (in Houston)," Jura

"In 2019, we got picked by the first alliance during the state finals, which got us enough points to go to the world finals (in Houston)," Jura

"In 2019, we got picked by the first alliance during the state finals, which got us enough points to go to the world finals (in Houston)," Jura

Those days are over for the Whitehall RoboSharks, who reached the April 16-18 state meet in Saginaw, the first time they've been there since 2019. While the team didn't reach the world finals this time around, they got something maybe even sweeter - the Sustainability Award from the state finals, which recognized the program for its efforts building from the high school down to the youth ranks. The middle school team also won the same award at the district level.

Those days are over for the Whitehall RoboSharks, who reached the April 16-18 state meet in Saginaw, the first time they've been there since 2019. While the team didn't reach the world finals this time around, they got something maybe even sweeter - the Sustainability Award from the state finals, which recognized the program for its efforts building from the high school down to the youth ranks. The middle school team also won the same award at the district level.

"The Team Sustainability Award celebrates a team which has developed sustainable practices that focus on a 'triple bottom line,' People, Prosperity, and Planet, to have a positive impact and achieve longterm continuity," reads, in part, a release about the award.

"We've really been trying to build the program, and that's the leadership of the high school team," Jura said. "We had a festival this fall for the elementary teams and a scrimmage for the upper level teams. We're mentoring a team from Shelby, and we've helped out some other teams at a scrimmage we went to this spring for high school teams. We're trying to do good things for our community."

"The Team Sustainability Award celebrates a team which has developed sustainable practices that focus on a 'triple bottom line,' People, Prosperity, and Planet, to have a positive impact and achieve longterm continuity," reads, in part, a release about the award.

"The Team Sustainability Award celebrates a team which has developed sustainable practices that focus on a 'triple bottom line,' People, Prosperity, and Planet, to have a positive impact and achieve longterm continuity," reads, in part, a release about the award.

No doubt the growth of robotics teams in the White Lake area was a major factor in the award. Montague now has a high school team, which Jura said the Whitehall group helped get going, and both Whitehall and Montague have middle school teams.

The growth at the youth levels, where the two schools coop, has been exponential even within the last year. Jura said there were six robotics teams at the elementary level in fall

"We've really been trying to build the program, and that's the leadership of the high school team," Jura said. "We had a festival this fall for the elementary teams and a scrimmage for the upper level teams. We're mentoring a team from Shelby, and we've helped out some other teams at a scrimmage we went to this spring for high school teams. We're trying to do good things for our community."

"We've really been trying to build the program, and that's the leadership of the high school team," Jura said. "We had a festival this fall for the elementary teams and a scrimmage for the upper level teams. We're mentoring a team from Shelby, and we've helped out some other teams at a scrimmage we went to this spring for high school teams. We're trying to do good things for our community."

The sustainability award was a fine honor already, but in addition, Whitehall had self-satisfaction in its performance this season. The RoboSharks racked up points in qualifiers this year not because other teams "carried" them, but because of their own robot's performance.

No doubt the growth of robotics teams in the White Lake area was a major factor in the award. Montague now has a high school team, which Jura said the Whitehall group helped get going, and both Whitehall and Montague have middle school teams.

The growth at the youth levels, where the two schools coop, has been exponential even within the last year. Jura said there were six robotics teams at the elementary level in fall

No doubt the growth of robotics teams in the White Lake area was a major factor in the award. Montague now has a high school team, which Jura said the Whitehall group helped get going, and both Whitehall and Montague have middle school teams. The growth at the youth levels, where the two schools coop, has been exponential even within the last year. Jura said there were six robotics teams at the elementary level in fall

The sustainability award was a fine honor already, but in addition, Whitehall had self-satisfaction in its performance this season. The RoboSharks racked up points in qualifiers this year not because other teams "carried" them, but because of their own robot's performance.

The sustainability award was a fine honor already, but in addition, Whitehall had self-satisfaction in its performance this season. The RoboSharks racked up points in qualifiers this year not because other teams "carried" them, but because of their own robot's performance.

"You get 12 qualifying rounds, and after the first event we were in fifth place, which led to us being captain of the fourth alliance," Jura said, explaining the process. "That's not being picked by anyone else, that's just us having peak performance because we built a great, functioning robot. In our second qualifier, in Muskegon, we finished in second place and were captain of the second alliance for the finals."

"You get 12 qualifying rounds, and after the first event we were in fifth place, which led to us being captain of the fourth alliance," Jura said, explaining the process. "That's not being picked by anyone else, that's just us having peak performance because we built a great, functioning robot. In our second qualifier, in Muskegon, we finished in second place and were captain of the second alliance for the finals."

"You get 12 qualifying rounds, and after the first event we were in fifth place, which led to us being captain of the fourth alliance," Jura said, explaining the process. "That's not being picked by anyone else, that's just us having peak performance because we built a great, functioning robot. In our second qualifier, in Muskegon, we finished in second place and were captain of the second alliance for the finals."

Each year FIRST Robotics, the organization administering

Each year FIRST Robotics, the organization administering

Each year FIRST Robotics, the organization administering

these events, devises a theme for the competitions. This year's theme, Rebuilt, combined elements from the past 15-plus years of competitions.

these events, devises a theme for the competitions. This year's theme, Rebuilt, combined elements from the past 15-plus years of competitions.

these events, devises a theme for the competitions. This year's theme, Rebuilt, combined elements from the past 15-plus years of competitions.

The game teams played this year, Jura said, involved robots collecting 'fuel cells,' which are about the size of a dodgeball, and 'shooting' them into a hub.

The game teams played this year, Jura said, involved robots collecting 'fuel cells,' which are about the size of a dodgeball, and 'shooting' them into a hub.

The game teams played this year, Jura said, involved robots collecting 'fuel cells,' which are about the size of a dodgeball, and 'shooting' them into a hub.

"This game seemed simple compared to other years' games, as far as the functioning of it," Jura said.

"This game seemed simple compared to other years' games, as far as the functioning of it," Jura said.

"This game seemed simple compared to other years' games, as far as the functioning of it," Jura said.

Part of the reason for the team's success this year, oddly enough, was that it spent less time planning. In past years, Jura said, the team would plan and plan and plan when building its robot, so much so that when the time came for its first

Part of the reason for the team's success this year, oddly enough, was that it spent less time planning. In past years, Jura said, the team would plan and plan and plan when building its robot, so much so that when the time came for its first

Part of the reason for the team's success this year, oddly enough, was that it spent less time planning. In past years, Jura said, the team would plan and plan and plan when building its robot, so much so that when the time came for its first

match, it would often still be making tweaks.

match, it would often still be making tweaks.

match, it would often still be making tweaks.

This year, though, when first meeting in January, the team did "more jumping in and trying stuff," Jura said. That gave the RoboSharks more time to react to the results of "trying stuff," letting the students use the engineering parts of their brains to come up with solutions to what they were seeing rather than hoping to get it just right the first time.

This year, though, when first meeting in January, the team did "more jumping in and trying stuff," Jura said. That gave the RoboSharks more time to react to the results of "trying stuff," letting the students use the engineering parts of their brains to come up with solutions to what they were seeing rather than hoping to get it just right the first time.

This year, though, when first meeting in January, the team did "more jumping in and trying stuff," Jura said. That gave the RoboSharks more time to react to the results of "trying stuff," letting the students use the engineering parts of their brains to come up with solutions to what they were seeing rather than hoping to get it just right the first time.

"The programming and the drive team could try out all the different functions of the robot earlier in the season, then have more time to make changes

"The programming and the drive team could try out all the different functions of the robot earlier in the season, then have more time to make changes

"The programming and the drive team could try out all the different functions of the robot earlier in the season, then have more time to make changes

Pitching in to clean up the White Lake area

Pitching in to clean up the White Lake area

Pitching in to clean up the White Lake area

The annual White Lake Community Trash Bash took place Sunday, sending volunteers all over the White Lake area to help pick up whatever garbage they could find that hadn't been properly disposed of.

The annual White Lake Community Trash Bash took place Sunday, sending volunteers all over the White Lake area to help pick up whatever garbage they could find that hadn't been properly disposed of.

The annual White Lake Community Trash Bash took place Sunday, sending volunteers all over the White Lake area to help pick up whatever garbage they could find that hadn't been properly disposed of.

For a few hours Sunday, most anywhere in the area you could find at least one volunteer collecting garbage in trash bags provided by local businesses.

council meeting. "Maybe one of these days we won't have to do it...Maybe things are getting better and people are putting things where they're supposed to go."

For a few hours Sunday, most anywhere in the area you could find at least one volunteer collecting garbage in trash bags provided by local businesses.

For a few hours Sunday, most anywhere in the area you could find at least one volunteer collecting garbage in trash bags provided by local businesses.

"It's a great community effort and good teamwork," Whitehall City Council member Debi Hillebrand said during Tuesday's

"It's a great community effort and good teamwork," Whitehall City Council member Debi Hillebrand said during Tuesday's

"It's a great community effort and good teamwork," Whitehall City Council member Debi Hillebrand said during Tuesday's

council meeting. "Maybe one of these days we won't have to do it...Maybe things are getting better and people are putting things where they're supposed to go."

council meeting. "Maybe one of these days we won't have to do it...Maybe things are getting better and people are putting things where they're supposed to go."

Hillebrand added that from her unscientific eye, it seemed as though less trash was collected this year than last, a good sign for the cleanliness of the area.

Hillebrand added that from her unscientific eye, it seemed as though less trash was collected this year than last, a good sign for the cleanliness of the area.

Hillebrand added that from her unscientific eye, it seemed as though less trash was collected this year than last, a good sign for the cleanliness of the area.

"It's really well-run," council member Bryan Mahan added Tuesday. "They cover (territory). They have maps out...It's not people aimlessly walking around."

"It's really well-run," council member Bryan Mahan added Tuesday. "They cover (territory). They have maps out...It's not people aimlessly walking around."

"It's really well-run," council member Bryan Mahan added Tuesday. "They cover (territory). They have maps out...It's not people aimlessly walking around."

Whitehall's "Robo Sharks" robotics team won the FIRST Robotics sustainability award at the state finals meet in Saginaw in April.

• Courtesy Photo Robo Sharks

Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

Whitehall's "Robo Sharks" robotics team won the FIRST Robotics sustainability award at the state finals meet in Saginaw in April.

Courtesy Photo

Roberts/Mirror Photos

Whitehall's "Robo Sharks" robotics team won the FIRST Robotics sustainability award at the state finals meet in Saginaw in April.

• Courtesy Photo

Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

Whitehall council considers contribution policy

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The Whitehall City Council appeared receptive to a proposed new policy that would set aside an annual amount in the city budget to award to deserving nonprofits. The proposal was a response to recent requests by council member Debi Hillebrand to compile the requests into one rather than disbursing funds as they're requested each year.

No formal action was taken, but the council appeared in favor of the policy. Council member Bryan Mahan suggested a budgeted amount of $25,000 to start with, as City Manager Dan Tavernier's compiled list of the awards made by the city over the 2025-26 budget year amounted to $24,525. They included "one-offs," Tavernier said, like contributions to the refurbishment of the sail sculpture near the causeway bridge and the water fountain next to WaterDog Outfitters that were requested by the Arts Council of White Lake and the Snow Farmers respectively; however, Mahan noted that there will always be one-off funding requests in a given year.

Under the proposed policy, nonprofits seeking contributions from the city would be asked to make any planned requests by March 1 of a given year so they could be accounted for in May budget meetings. The requests would then be scored on several criteria, such as impact on the city, financial need and community benefit.

Hillebrand said the written policy was a good start and she would also like to see a match from the receiving organization, similar to the facade grants the city has been awarding. Council member Scott Brown added that there should be a maximum for any one organization to request so deserving organizations can receive help.

Tavernier presented the city with some estimates for potential improvements received in a 2025 energy audit of City Hall, the Department of Public Works Building and the Playhouse at White Lake. The total cost estimate for improvements for the three buildings was nearly $600,000, though obviously the city will not pursue all potential improvements. Tavernier noted the costliest single items on the estimates - accounting for more than half the total - appeared to be solar panel installations, which due to the limited real estate occupied by the three buildings would be unlikely to

Robo Sharks

and dial things in so we had a better functioning robot when we go out for our first match," Jura said.

It worked; the team essentially had a fully-functioning robot and a plan when the time came for its first match in mid-March. Because the team's qualifying competitions were in weeks two and three of a five-week stretch, it was a long wait to learn if the RoboSharks had earned enough points to qualify for state; they knew from past years that their point total was right around the usual cutline.

They made it, though, and the 2026 season proved to be a triumph for the students, who, Jura said, do all the legwork when it comes to constructing and perfecting the robot.

"The mentors sit back, answer questions and basically make sure no one gets hurt," Jura said.

It helps that the team has ample support from the district. Jura said she

be worth the cost. He added that some of the items have been "checked off," like occupancy lighting sensors at the DPW building, which provide some energy savings.

The council unanimously approved a $6,000 facade grant for Lake Land Getaway, the in-progress property previously known as Lake Land Inn. Property owner Jeremy Garcia of DreamStay, who pursued the grant, included estimates in his application for over $50,000 worth of improvements he is making to the property, which include a new sign, replacement of multiple doors, new exterior lighting and landscaping, and adding a sidewalk to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bob Smart, president of the White Lake Association, spoke to the council regarding a recent letter he sent requesting an annual contribution from the city of $1,000 for help monitoring White Lake. He said he's planning similar requests of other municipalities.

Smart said the request, which the council did not take action upon at the meeting, is because of his belief that the lake is "our most important community asset. It supports our recreation. It supports our tourism. It supports our local businesses, our property values and our quality of life. It makes Whitehall a very special place to live and visit."

Referring back to the time when White Lake was listed as an environmental Area of Concern, Smart said it is important to continue the work that got White Lake delisted from that designation, lest it revert.

"That was a long process...a lot of work," Smart said. "I'm worried if we don't continue to monitor and protect it, it could fall back."

Brown shared his disappointment with last week's Tax Increment Finance Authority board meeting, spe-

cifically with the failure of his motion to change the time of the meetings of that board - in addition to the Local Development Finance Authority and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority - to take place during times more accessible to the public.

"They like it at lunchtime because they get a free meal out of it," Brown said of other board members, who did not advance his motion to a vote.

He added that he wants the topic on the board's May work session. He hopes to eliminate the lunch that is served at the meeting and put a $25 cap on the amount of provided food.

That work session will also include the city's budget work session after the council approved starting the session, normally at 5 p.m., a half-hour early to account for that topic. The budget public hearing will follow during the May 26 city council meeting.

Tavernier shared communication he's had with noted Great Lakes ultra-marathon swimmer Jim "The Shark" Dreyer. Dreyer is planning a 22-mile swim during which he will tow 250 cannonballs that total 1,500 pounds, and he is considering Whitehall as one of the places to do it. The swim would be a fundraiser to raise money for a statue or monument honoring veterans; the 22 miles is symbolic, Tavernier said, of the 2013 Department of Veteran's Affairs study that estimated 22 veterans die by suicide each day. Donors would be able to 'buy' the cannonballs for use in the creation of the monument.

"I think it's a righteous endeavor," Tavernier, a 20year veteran of the Coast Guard himself, said.

He added that the time frame Dreyer is planning his swim coincides with the planned Maritime Festival and joked that it would make for a good "photo op" if Dreyer swam up to the beer tent during the festival.

WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP MUSKEGON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

NOTICE OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ADOPTION

On April 14, 2026, the Township Board for White River Township adopted an amendment to the White River Township Zoning Ordinance (the amendment being Ordinance No. 67-2026) that involves the regulation of any data centers, their operation, and the review process. A summary of the amendment is as follows:

Section 1. Amendment of Section 2.05.

continued from page 1

alerted district staff that the team may qualify for state well in advance, and staff was happy to set aside the $4,000 it costs to compete at state. Jura herself found Airbnb locations that offered free cancellation, just in case. Through district support and community sponsors, Whitehall students face fewer difficulties than many when it comes to finances.

"A huge shout-out to Whitehall District Schools for being so financially supportive of us," Jura said. "I've talked to so many schools whose students have to pay (to go to state) because their schools don't chip in."

If the youth program's growth this last fall is any indication, the RoboSharks will continue to succeed in future years.

"At state, we proved that we're doing great things with our K-12 program to promote STEM education," Jura said. "That's our motto'Changing lives one robot at a time.'"

This Section amends Section 2.05 to include a new definition for “Data Center.”

Section 2. Amendment of Section 11.03.

This Section amends Section 11.03 to add Data Centers to the Chemical Manufacturing and Industrial District as a special land use.

Section 3. Addition of Subsection MM.

This Section amends Section 16.06 to add a new subsection MM, that contains specific special land use standards for Data Centers. It includes, but is not limited to, detailed requirements and specifications regarding: general provisions, additional application materials, system location, screening and buffering, security fencing, noise, smoke, vibration, lighting, water, signage, underground transmission, fire protection, insurance, permitting, decommissioning, financial security, extraordinary incidents and events, annual reporting, inspections, transferability, nuisance prohibition, modular data center prohibition, compliance with other laws, remedies, and standards.

Section 4. Validity and Severability.

Every portion and provision of the Ordinance is severable. Should a court of competent jurisdiction invalidate one or more provisions or parts of the Ordinance, the remaining parts of the Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 5. Repealer.

All other ordinances or ordinance provisions inconsistent or conflicting with the provisions of this Ordinance are repealed but only to the extent necessary to give this Ordinance full force and effect.

Section 6. Effective Date.

The Ordinance shall become effective upon the expiration of seven (7) days after a notice of adoption appears in the newspaper as provided by law.

A full copy of the enacted zoning amendment can be reviewed, inspected, purchased or obtained at the White River Township Hall at 7386 Post Road, Montague, Michigan 49437 during normal business hours (Mondays and Wednesdays - 9 a.m. until noon) or by contacting the Township Clerk at (231) 894-9216. Any questions should also be directed to the Township Clerk. The new Ordinance will become effective upon the expiration of seven (7) days after this notice appears in the newspaper as provided by law.

Respectfully submitted

by, Julie Goericke White River Township Clerk (231) 894-9216

Saturday, May 2

Cani-Cross Meet-Up @ Duck Creek Natural Area, 10 a.m. Join ambasador Jenny Goudreau with your dog to participate in a 3.5-mile run/ walk. Meet at the Simonelli Road lot.

Sweet Lou and the Savages perform @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Steeple Hill performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 3

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

White Lake Ukulele Club meets @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 1 p.m.

Harbor Hospice Purse Party @ White Lake Eagles, 1-5 p.m. Silent auction of purses that have been donated to Harbor Hospice, with proceeds

Community Calendar

supporting Camp Courage, a grief support camp for kids and teens. Free to attend.

Monday, May 4

White Lake Community Library welcomes knitters and crocheters for a weekly gathering, 3 p.m. Knitters and crocheters are invited to bring whatever they're working on to this casual meetup, a great way to connect with others, share ideas, and enjoy good company.

Fetch Brewing Running Group meets at 6 p.m. All are welcome to participate at their own pace and distance. Strollers also welcome.

Tuesday, May 5

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

ABCs of Cooking @ White Lake Community Library, 11 a.m. Families with kids ages 3-5 welcome to this program which includes free books and cooking supplies. Registration required @ wlclib.org.

Wednesday, May 6

Eric Michaels & Chris Kennedy perform @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 11:30 a.m.

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.

The Oat Bran Boys perform @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 7

Perler Bead Creations @ MADL Montague, 5 p.m. Build cool designs

using colorful melty beads. Follow a pattern or make your own pixel art. Once finished, the library will iron it so you can keep it. Registration required @ madl.org.

Friday, May 8

Mahjong at the Library @ White Lake Community Library, 10 a.m. Beginners and experienced players welcome - bring your own sets if you like.

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

Echoes of History: Homecomings in White Lake

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

With the largest crowd assembled in Montague in many years, a beautiful day, and attractions galore, Montague’s first Homecoming event was held Friday, Sept. 19, 1913, and was declared an unqualified success.

The idea behind the event was a reception for the absent friends, relatives and former residents of the area.

Refreshments and amusement stands sprung up like mushrooms overnight and the business streets had the appearance of a “midway.” The event included band music, balloon ascensions, ball games, races, contests, sports and acrobatic performers followed by fireworks in the evening.

The Hart Band, together with many visitors, came down from the north. Many businessmen in Whitehall closed their businesses in the afternoon so their employees could join in the festivities. Scores of automobiles loaded down with merrymakers came from Muskegon.

A unique and unexpected surprise

was sprung on the crowd when a fire alarm was sounded, followed by a run by the fire department to the water hydrant at the corner of the Ohrenberger block (Water & Dowling), and a water-throwing exhibition. It took the firemen only three minutes to make the run and begin throwing water.

A balloon was set up in the gully behind the Franklin House where it was being inflated. At about four o’clock it was freed from its fastenings and rose almost straight into the air with its human freight in the form of a Prof. Martin from Grand Rapids. When up several thousand feet, the aeronaut cut the rope and he came down to earth like a feather, landing near the North Hill School house.

The day ended with a fine display of fireworks in the evening.

Homecoming events continued annually in Montague through 1929. During the Depression from 1930-1934 there was no Homecoming. It started again in 1935 and continued through 1941, becoming a two-day event in 1939.

During the war from 1942 thru 1946, there was no Homecoming. In 1947 it was talked about and urged to happen but did not return until 1950. It continued until Aug. 18-20, 1960, when the last Homecoming was held.

Back in December 1913, a news item appeared in the Whitehall Forum asking readers their thoughts on having a Whitehall Homecoming. Whitehall did hold their first and only Homecoming –a three-day event – July 22-24, 1914.

A busy 2025, and new services ahead

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

The library’s 2025 Annual Report is finished and ready for you to read! You can find it on the About Us tab at wlclib.org or pick up a paper copy at the library. It’s full of data about our collections and services, information about our finances and other useful tidbits. If you just want the condensed version, here it is: The library is doing just fine, thank you! The number of in-person visits and the number of active cardholders both increased 7% over the previous year, and people still borrow more books than anything else. We are most proud of last fall’s rooftop solar project, and we are most looking forward to the new covered entrance this year.

About Us tab. It includes the progress made so far on our various goals and objectives and provides a brief overview of next steps. We hope you will take a moment to review this onepage document and let us know what you think.

FUN FACT: Here’s a fun fact straight from the annual reportthe library provided 17,707 internet sessions at the library, serving an average of 540 unique patrons per month. This doesn’t even include the use of library hotspots at home, and hotspots were our most-borrowed item of 2025!

Try a New Chapter in Library Apps: Help Us Test Palace

Hoopla anytime soon - it’s just an addition to our library offerings.)

Ready to get started? Just download the Palace app, search for and select White Lake Community Library, then log in with your card to start exploring independent authors, unique titles and old favorites. Once you’ve borrowed a title or two, please give us your feedback! As a beta tester, your experience matters. Visit bit. ly/wlclpalace to tell us what works and what doesn’t.

Sassy Cat Coffee and Book Sale at the Library

A new update to the library’s strategic plan is also available on the

We’re inviting curious White Lake Community Library patrons to help us test something new. The Palace app is a new digital reading platform that gives you access to a growing collection of independent and public domain ebooks and audiobooks along with titles you already enjoy through Libby. If you already use Libby or Hoopla, you’ll feel right at home, but Palace offers a chance to explore new content. (Don’t worry; the Palace app won’t replace Libby or

You’ll want to get to the library bright and early Saturday, May 9, because the book sale starts at 10 a.m. and the best books always go fast. The Sassy Cat mobile coffee truck will be selling coffee in the parking lot, too, so no need to make coffee before you leave home! Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and for just $5 you can fill a whole paper grocery bag with gently-used books, movies and other items.

Weekly Storytimes Take a Break, Summer Reading Coming Soon! The winter/spring session of storytimes just wrapped up, and we are

busy preparing for the “Unearth a Story” summer reading program that will begin June 11. Watch for more details coming soon!

Even though there aren’t any formal storytimes in May, the Children’s Corner is always available for playtime, and there’s a story on the bike trail for all to enjoy. Read Muskegon is also offering a six-week series called ABCs of Cooking at the library in May for young children and their caregivers. The class is currently full, but if you would like to be added to the waitlist please visit tinyurl.com/ familyprograms26.

DeMumbrum

An image from the second Montague Homecoming celebration, which took place in 1914. • Courtesy Photo

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community

Wildcat win streak goes to 11 with sweep

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The good times kept rolling for Montague Tuesday against West Michigan Conference Lakes foe Fremont, as the Wildcats extended their winning streak to 11 games with a doubleheader sweep.

The Wildcats won game one 5-2. Though their bats didn't come alive until the fifth inning of the game, Eli Petersen's impressive pitching kept them in it until then. Petersen threw 5 2/3 innings and allowed three hits and no earned runs, striking out 10.

Montague (12-2, 6-0 WMC Lakes) tied the score at 1 in the fifth on Cole Moss' RBI single, then broke through in the sixth when Chase Kurtzhal doubled in Tyson Schattenberg. Karter Johnson followed with his own RBI double.

Eli Pendell provided the 'Cats an insurance run in

the seventh when he smashed a home run over the left field wall. Moss scored earlier in the seventh on a Fremont error.

Pendell got the save, pitching 1 1/3 innings after Petersen hit his pitch-count limit. Moss and Kurtzhal each got two hits.

The 'Cats then trounced Fremont 11-1 in game two, ending things in five innings. After Montague got a run on a wild pitch in the second, Levi Auger laced a RBI double to make it 2-0. Cole Herremans then joined Pendell in the home run club in the third by hitting one over the wall in left field. The 'Cats added four runs each in the fourth and fifth.

Moss went 3-for-4 with three RBI, and Kurtzhal, Pendell and Auger got two hits apiece. Herremans got

Montague baseball continued on page 6

•

Wind, cold, rain hampers local teams at GMAA

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — For the second straight season, very cold and windy conditions provided an extra challenge to golfers at the GMAA meet Wednesday. This time, a steady rain fell too, creating an intimidating atmosphere at Chase Hammond Golf Course.

The three area teams seemed to be affected, as they struggled to finishes below where they were hoping. Reeths-Puffer placed sixth with a team score of 361 - just 11 strokes out of third. Whitehall took seventh with a 364, and Montague was eighth with a 369.

"All the players learned a lot today about being prepared for any kind of weather," Whitehall coach Bill Borgman said. "It was a grind out there for everyone and the ones that were ready for the conditions did the best."

"Today was as difficult a day to play golf as we have faced since last year's GMAA tournament," Montague coach Brad Tate added.

Though his team ranked third of the three area schools, Montague's Michael Flanagan topped individual finishers with a solid score of 81, good for fifth place overall. (Mona Shores won

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

the meet with three of the top four finishers, led by Cruz Beckstrom with an impressive one-under par 71.)

The freshman Flanagan got better as the day progressed, shooting a one-over par on his final nine holes, including a birdie on the 11th hole of the course. He didn't make worse than a bogey all day.

"There were a lot of good teams and very good players at the GMAA today and he was very consistent and mentally tough," Tate said. "I look forward

to seeing our young team continue to grow and mature this season."

Flanagan led three local players in the individual top 10, one for each school. Kristian Brown placed ninth with an 84 to lead R-P in scoring. He hit a couple of bumps along the way but was largely solid to finish the round.

Like Flanagan, he birdied the 11th hole.

“Kristian did not have his A game today, but I am proud of him as he battled all day and went at every next hole as a new challenge," R-P coach Matt Pallett said. "His attitude and grit was still able to get him in the top 10.”

Whitehall sophomore Gabe Gilbert

GMAA golf continued on page 5

Rocket bats on fire in routs of Fremont

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer preserved its perfect start to the season last Thursday with a dominant doubleheader sweep of Fremont in non-conference play, 11-1 and 12-3.

The Rockets (13-0) scored six times in the first inning of game one and cruised to a five-inning mercy rule win. Makayla Jewett picked up the win, striking out four in her five innings.

Lainey McDaniel cracked an insidethe-park home run to lead off the game. Ava Gibbs had a line drive RBI single in the first inning too, and Olivia Ambler added a two-run single.

For the game, McDaniel, Gibbs,

Tessa Ross, Kenzie Jacobs, Jewett and Caydence Rettinhouse each had two hits.

In game two, R-P raced to another fast start, scoring eight times in the first inning. McDaniel, Jacobs and Rettinhouse each had a RBI single during the inning, and Gibbs and Lorelei Herrygers each had a two-run single. McDaniel led the barrage offensively, going 4-for-4 with four runs scored. Jacobs had three hits, two RBI and two runs scored, and Rettinhouse and Madi Reichert each chipped in two hits. McDaniel came on in relief and pitched five shutout innings, striking out seven, to get the win.

Whitehall's Jones McDowell follows the flight of an approach shot during Wednesday's GMAA tournament at Chase Hammond Golf Course. The Vikings finished 7th in the meet.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague players, from left, Eli Pendell, Cole Herremans and Eli Petersen celebrate the Wildcats' sweep of Fremont Tuesday. Pendell and Herremans each hit a home run in the doubleheader, and Herremans and Petersen picked up wins on the mound.

Photo courtesy of Eric Greiner

Reeths-Puffer's Caydence Rettinhouse lays out to try to catch a ball in right field during last Thursday's doubleheader against Fremont. The Rockets swept the two games.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer's Kristian Brown hits an approach shot from the fairway during Wednesday's GMAA tournament in Muskegon. Brown finished 9th overall.

Kenowa Hills stifles Rockets

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer coach Josh Robidoux knew Kenowa Hills would be a tough matchup for his Rockets last Thursday night, but he hoped things wouldn't get out of hand early and his young team would get more reps in close games.

Unfortunately for the Rockets, that's not how the game played out, as Kenowa Hills took total command very quickly, burying R-P with 11 first-quarter goals and cruising to a 22-5 win. The running clock came on early in the third quarter and remained on the rest of the day.

"We knew coming in that they were a very, very talented team," Robidoux said of the Knights, who improved to 12-2 with the win. "They've got some impressive players, and all of those guys have been playing together for a very long time. I'm familiar with their program, and I knew that coming up this year, they were going to be a solid team, but we were hoping to bring them some more pressure and start quicker today."

Instead, it was the Knights who stormed out of the gate, scoring the game's first goal within two minutes of the opening face-off. Only one more time did 90 seconds to go without a Knights' goal in the first quarter. Maxx Jason scored three times by himself - he went on to score seven times in the gameand two other Knights scored twice each as Kenowa Hills attacked, attacked and attacked some more.

The Rockets (2-8) finally got on the board in the closing moments of the first half after falling behind 14-0. Cohen Beck, the team's leading scorer all season, made a nice series of moves to get to the goal and find the net with 1:26 left. Garrison Niklasch added a second goal with 25 seconds to go in the half.

Beck's goal was his only one of the game, and Robidoux said he'd hoped the senior attacker would get some opportunities for assists. With the Rockets rarely able to hold possession for long, that didn't come to fruition. Niklasch

Above,

Garrison Niklasch goes for the ball on the ground while Kyler Zokoe defends for Kenowa Hills. Jason led the Knights to a 22-5 win. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

did get his second goal of the game in the fourth quarter, and Hunter Adams scored one too. Jax Sieplinga was the fourth Rocket on the board. R-P is working to build a well-rounded offense around Beck.

"I was hoping that (Beck) would get some more feeding looks because typically teams are going to slide to him a lot," Robidoux said. "It just so happened he was able to sneak through their defense on (the team's first goal). We've been really impressed with the looks that Garrison's been getting for us lately. Hunter has been making some great strides offensively. Braeden Monette just went down to attack for us, and I think that gives another option or another look for Cohen that he can go to, and those guys have played together before."

The Rockets have been moving pieces around a fair bit, hoping to find a combination that works.

GMAA golf

rounded out the top 10 and shot an 85. He made birdie on the 10th hole, capping a six-hole stretch where he shot even par.

"This is his first year on the team, and a top 10 in his first city match is exciting," Borgman said.

Rocket freshman Ian Vokal shot an 87, and Beckitt Johnson and Beckett Mathes each shot a 95 to close R-P's scoring.

For Whitehall, William Burger shot an 87, followed by Jones McDowell with a 90 and Finn Novy with a 101. McDowell scored a birdie on the third hole.

Ethan Balon shot a 92 for Montague, with Tanner DeVries going for a 94 and Jonah Henderson adding a 102.

Tate said battling the conditions was a great way for his team to grow in the game mentally,

The team is very young, with only nine seniors of the 30 players on the roster, and is displaying versatility in working with the tweaked lineups.

Kenowa Hills is hardly the last impressive team these young Rockets will face. They're scheduled to take on unbeaten Coopersville Friday night, giving R-P a look at two excellent teams on consecutive nights.

"We know that they're some of the best teams that we're going to play this year," Robidoux said. "When we look at a close, competitive game, like (last week's overtime loss to) Jenison, those are games where I think we really see where the team's at. I thought they played well together, and I thought they meshed well together. We're hoping that they take some some more strides in terms of looking to each other and supporting each other as options."

continued from page 4

a sentiment each coach on the course Wednesday had good reason to share.

"This game is mostly mental and we are learning a lot of valu-

able lessons early on in our season," Tate said. "I know that we are a good team who just had a tough day overall."

Sports in Brief

Baseball

Montague 11-10 Mason Co. Central 1-0

The Wildcats dominated in a sweep. Pitchers Eli Pendell and Caleb Rice combined to allow only 3 hits over 10 innings in the two games, each striking out 5. Dylan Bailey had 3 hits and 3 RBI in game one, with four other Wildcats collecting 2 hits each. In game two, Chase Kurtzhal got 3 hits and Merrick Snellenberger added 2.

Reeths-Puffer 7 Caledonia 6

The Rockets bounced back from 2 losses to Caledonia earlier in the week to pull off a thrilling win. Brayden Meuwenberg scored Landon Learn with a walk-off double to win it. Ethan Frang, Hank Mitchelson and Brendan Guikema got 2 hits each, and Guikema struck out 6 on the hill.

6-4 Whitehall 5-3

in both games, but came up just

Mona Shores 12-6 Reeths-Puffer 1-3

The Rockets scored twice in the 7th inning of game two and had the bases loaded, but couldn't complete the rally. Brayden Meuwenberg had 2 hits. Shores' Owen Tornga dominated game one as part of a no-hitter.

Softball

Mason Co. Central 9-12 Montague 8-0

The Wildcats took advantage of some MCC miscues in game one but were unable to squeeze out the victory before the Spartans took over in game two. Statistics were not reported.

Sparta 12-11 Whitehall 1-6

Whitehall managed 2 hits in game one - Janie Fagan tripled for one of them - before a better offensive effort in game two. Ryleigh Smith and Toree Carlson each got 2 hits, and Smith had 2 RBI.

Lowell 3-7 Reeths-Puffer 2-6

The Rockets' unbeaten run ended with a pair of 1-run losses. Lainey McDaniel got 3 hits in game one and pitched well enough to win,

5-10 Ludington 2-9

The Vikings won in extra innings in game two behind 3 hits from Peyton Schultz and 2 RBI from Kayden Johnson. Beth LeaTrea struck out 18 in the game one win and got the game two win in relief as well. Fremont 15-13 Montague 0-1

The Wildcats' Addy Hall singled and scored their only run of the day. Fremont's Kamryn Clark no-hit Montague in game one.

Reeths-Puffer 7-4 Mona Shores 5-8

The Rockets erased a Shores rally to win a game one thriller behind Kenzie Jacobs' 2-run triple. Lainey McDaniel got the win. Mona Shores rallied from down 4-0 to take the victory in game two.

Girls Soccer

Whitehall 4 Lakewood 2 Kate Beda led the Vikings with 2 goals as the team snapped a 4-game losing skid with a non-conference victory. Byron Center 3 Reeths-Puffer 1

Though the Rockets lost to the top-ranked Bulldogs, they became the first team in 8 tries to score a goal against Byron Center. Jaslynn Kops scored the goal, tying it up at 1 at the time. Fruitport 7 Montague 0 Statistics were not reported from the Wildcats' defeat.

North Muskegon 7 Whitehall 0

The Vikes allowed 4 goals to Norse star Emmy Creed and 3 to Delaney Young in the shutout loss.

Reeths-Puffer 4 Jenison 1 Jaslynn Kops scored 3 straight goals in the 2nd half to secure the win. Mallorie Messer had the Rockets' opening goal.

Track

Ayden Mendoza wins again at G.R. Elite Challenge

The Vikings' star high jumper remained undefeated on the season at the high-level meet, recording a jump of 6-5 - actually his lowest jump of the season to date. Graysen Olstrom took 3rd in pole vault (12-6). Lexi Poulin led the girls' team, placing 7th in high jump (4-10).

Reeths-Puffer teams go 1-1 at home tri

Both Rocket teams defeated Muskegon and lost to Jenison at home. Jersi Bilek won both the 800 and 1,600, setting a PR in the latter, to highlight the girls' team. The Rocket boys won both hurdles events, with Ethan Rolewicz taking the 110 and Evan McHugh the 300. Whitehall boys dominate against Fremont Whitehall won 16 of the 17 events against the Packers. Caden Bowyer had the big highlight, recording PRs to win both throwing events. Judd Musk swept the hurdles events, and Tim Vieira won the two sprints. The Viking girls fell to Fremont, but Aaliyah Jamison excelled with wins in both throwing events.

Boys Golf

Reeths-Puffer 5th at O-K Midseason Meet

The Rockets struggled, finishing 42 strokes behind their opponents with a score of 365. Kristian Brown led the team with an 84, including a solid 39 on the back nine. Ian Vokal shot an 87.

Whitehall 2nd, Montague 6th at Montague Jamboree

William Burger led a very balanced Whitehall lineup by scoring a 41; the team's score was 168. Ethan Balon led the 'Cats (181) with a 43.

Girls Tennis

Reeths-Puffer 1-0-1 at home tri

The Rockets beat Fruitport 5-3 and tied Spring Lake 4-4. Molly Matz and Kaitlyn Durow went 2-0 at No. 3 and No. 4 singles respectively, and Lauren Slater/Grace Cosens did the same at No. 4 doubles.

Mona Shores 8 Whitehall 0

The Vikings' Akeelah Martin pushed her No. 2 singles match against Kendra Hylland to a third-set tiebreaker before falling just short.

6

Ludington

The Vikings rallied

short. Game two went to 10 innings before the Orioles won, spoiling a clutch 8-inning effort from Evan Thomas. Emmett Hecht had a late 2-run double to tie it up. Thomas and Cody Manzo got 2 hits each in game one.

Whitehall

Reeths-Puffer's Cal Millis lays a hit on Kenowa Hills' Maxx Jason during last Thursday's game at R-P. Below, Reeths-Puffer's

French wins shot put at Kent City Invite

Montague's Jonah Henderson watches his tee shot sail down the fairway during Wednesday's GMAA tournament at Chase Hammond Golf Course. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Moran sisters honor late dad

Troy with goals in win over OV

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Montague routed Orchard View Monday night, 9-1, and commemorated the two-year anniversary of the passing of Troy Moran, former Montague principal and father of two Wildcats, Elle and Reagan.

The two Moran girls started Monday's match together for the first time Monday, and on a happy note, finished it together too, with Reagan scoring the final goal of the game. Elle also had a goal in the win.

Montague (4-4, 1-2 West Michigan Conference) got contributions from all over the roster in the win. Lilly Rice and Ava Crow got on the board twice apiece, and in addition to the Morans, Zaniya Meza, Elle Smith and Layla Denhof each scored a goal as well.

Wildcats' keeper Claire Aebig secured the win in goal, working with her defensive teammates to turn back most Cardinal attacks.

"This match was a reflection of a team that cares deeply about the game, about one another, and about honoring the moments that matter most," Montague coach Chris Aebig said. "The Wildcats played with pride, not just in the

Montague baseball

the win, striking out seven and allowing three hits and one run in five innings.

Cole Moss HR sparks 'Cats to doubleheader sweep

A dramatic three-run home run by Cole Moss in game one of Saturday's doubleheader against Calvin Christian gave the Wildcats the win in game one of what turned out to be a thrilling sweep of the Squires. The Wildcats won the games 4-3 and 6-5.

Moss stepped in the box in the seventh inning of game one with his team

jersey they wore, but in the values they continue to live out every day.

"On a night filled with remembrance, family, resilience and love, the Wildcats honored Troy Moran the best way they knew how: together. And together, they were unforgettable."

trailing 3-1 and two runners on base, thanks to a one-out double by Levi Auger followed by a tough walk from Cooper Bradley after fouling off the first two pitches of the at-bat. Moss smashed the 2-1 pitch over the left field wall to give his team the lead, and Remi Lohman retired Calvin Christian in order in the bottom of the inning to polish off the victory.

Calvin Christian scored twice in the first inning of the game and led throughout until Moss' impressive swing in the final inning. Dylan Bailey hit a RBI single in the fourth to make it 2-1, and Cal-

Lacrosse

Fishing Report

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

With the Department of Natural Resources’ new, interactive Inland Trout and Salmon Regulations map, it’s easier than ever to check the regulations for the areas you plan to fish. Find the map online at Michigan. gov/FishingMaps or in the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, so you always have it on hand.

Grand Haven - Boat anglers caught a few Chinook salmon 20 to 60 feet down in 40 to 70 feet of water. Bright-colored spoons were produc-

vin added a run in the fifth. Montague's pitching was impressive in game one with only three hits allowed and no earned runs. Cole Herremans pitched 4 1/3 innings and struck out six, surrendering two hits, and Lohman finished the game with 2 2/3 innings of one-hit, shutout relief to get the win.

Moss' homer was his second hit of the day, and five other Wildcats got a hit apiece. Bradley singled and walked.

Game two was hardly any less exciting, going to extra innings before Bradley drove in the winning run in the eighth on a single to score Bailey, who reached on an error earlier in the inning. The 'Cats (10-2), who led most of the game until Calvin tied it up at 4 with three runs in the fifth and went ahead

tive since the water was stained. Yellow perch action was slow for boat anglers venturing out. Anglers targeting brown trout and coho salmon reported slow fishing. A few channel catfish were caught on spawn.

Muskegon - Over the past week, anglers caught Chinook salmon 20 to 50 feet down in 35 to 70 feet of water. Orange and green spoons worked well. Anglers trolling the shoreline found the action to be slow for brown trout. Brown trout and coho were also slow for pier anglers.

in the sixth, forced extra innings when Lohman singled in Moss with one out in the seventh. Moss singled to lead off the inning and got to second on Fletcher Thommen's sacrifice bunt.

Moss got three more hits for Montague in the win, scoring twice, and Bradley got two hits. Eli Petersen had an excellent start, striking out eight and allowing no earned runs on two hits in four innings; he likely would have pitched longer but was lifted so pitchcount limits didn't make him unavailable for this week's conference matchup with Fremont. Eli Pendell pitched the final three innings for the win, allowing one run on three hits and fanning two.

Whitehall Twp. passes cost-cutting measures

Supervisor, treasurer take salary reductions; pension plan discontinued

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — In its ongoing efforts to put Whitehall Township in a better financial situation, the township board unanimously approved a multipronged cost reduction plan during its regular meeting Monday.

The plan will cut nearly $32,000 from township expenses, which Supervisor Dennis Kroll said is about a third of annual property tax revenue. The move comes after the board approved two millage requests last month to be placed on the ballot for this year, one to focus on road repair and the other due to the township's decreasing fund balance.

The biggest piece of the reduction plan is the end of the township's pension plan, which will save $17,000. Kroll said he was unaware of the pension plan when he first joined the board and thought it would be a sensible thing to cut because, in his view, working for the township should not be considered "a career position."

"We are here to serve, not be served," Kroll said.

Also in the reduction plan are the elimination of the zoning enforcement officer position, a reduction in operating hours at the township's brush and leaf station (normally open Wednesdays and Saturdays, the station will now remain closed Wednesdays from July through October), a one-hour daily reduction in operating hours at the township office (the office will now open at 10 a.m. instead of 9 Monday-Thursday), and a voluntary salary reduction of $3,000 each being taken by both Kroll and Treasurer Rhonda Boyd.

Regarding the salary reductions, the positions and salaries will continue to be budgeted at their current levels for whenever the positions next change hands; Kroll and Boyd will simply take less money for the job. Trustee Chuck Schmitigal suggested the township could later institute a pay ceiling, noting salaries had long ago been set to increase according to a government index but that the increases have gotten "out of hand" over the years, and Kroll agreed that would be a good idea to consider for future budgets.

Upon approval, Kroll said the board should be proud for taking these steps to improve the financial standing of the township. The township has had to dip into its reserves for about $100,000 each of the past three years to balance the budget, he noted, and the fund bal-

ance now sits at about $800,000, a trend he considered unsustainable.

The board offered unanimous approval to a slight increase in this year's sewer rates, from $133 to $137 per unit. The board discussed that last year's rate increase was originally supposed to go to $137 directly from $126, but at the time it was decided to phase in that change over two years.

The board also approved small expenditures to add speed limit signs on Wiczer Road and on Whitehall Road. The two Wiczer signs will remind drivers the speed limit is 25 miles per hour, and they will cost $579 in total. The move is being made because Wiczer has seen increased traffic due to the overpass closure on US-31, which Kroll joked has made Wiczer "expressway east."

The signs on Whitehall Road will both be placed on the northbound side - one near the intersection with Benston Road and the other near the Alice Street intersection - and remind drivers of the 55-mile-per-hour limit. This is being done because of the current lack of speed limit signs in that section of the road. Those signs will be paid for out of the existing road budget.

The board also unanimously approved the purchase of two new computers, one for the treasurer's office and one for the supervisor's, at a total cost

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

of $3,129. Both offices' existing computers are currently working with the old Windows 10 system, which requires an upgrade to continue receiving support from Microsoft.

The board received a public comment from a resident concerned with the excessive junk in the township, particularly junk cars. Kroll said he shared the resident's concerns, though due to attorneys' reticence to take "municipal infractions" to court, the issues have been difficult to address. He said the board would be looking into the possibility of an ordinance change that would make these sorts of issues civil infractions and enable the township to enforce them more effectively.

Montague's Elle Moran (left) chases down a loose ball during an April game against North Muskegon. Moran and sister Reagan paid tribute to their late father Troy Monday, making their first start together and each scoring a goal in a 9-1 win over Orchard View. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall Township displays a resolution outlining a cost reduction plan during its Monday meeting. The plan was approved unanimously.

Recent local police activity

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Whitehall Police Report

April 24

At 2:17 a.m., officers were called to the 1100 block of E Alice St. on a noise complaint. The reporting party advised she was hearing noises in the home and indicated the same thing had occurred the previous night. Officers checked the home and found no sign of intruders. The reporting party acknowledged that she had adult children living upstairs and the noises could have been from one of the children's regular sleeping habits.

At 6:44 p.m., officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1600 block of Warner St. for speeding on Warner St. The driver, a 37-year-old male from Norton Shores, attempted to exit the vehicle and leave the traffic stop before being ordered back into the vehicle. Upon request to show his identification, the driver said he knew his rights and did not have to do so. However, upon viewing the Howmet employee badge on his person, officers identified the driver and learned he had a suspended license. The subject was educated on the suspended license and was cited for Driving With a Suspended License-Second Offense. He was released into the Howmet plant.

April 25

Officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on Colby Street near Peterson Road at 7:18 p.m. after clocking a driver going 53 miles per hour in a 30-mph zone. Officers made contact with the driver, a 32-year-old male from Norton Shores, and noted signs of intoxication. When questioned, he acknowl-

edged he'd had 2-3 beers in the previous three hours. The subject was run through a field sobriety test, which he failed, and a roadside Breathalyzer reported a blood alcohol content of 0.17. The subject was arrested for OWI-First Offense and retested at the county jail with a result of 0.16. The subject was lodged at the jail.

April 26

At 1:46 a.m., officers were called to the 200 block of E Colby St. on a suspicious occurrence. The complainant said an unknown subject had driven a vehicle into their front yard and was now stumbling around the yard. Officers located the subject, a 33-year-old male from Muskegon, who appeared heavily intoxicated, and the caller then recognized the subject as an acquaintance of her son, but said he had no reason to be at the residence. Officers learned there was an active mental health pickup order on the subject from the Norton Shores Police Department, who requested the subject be transported to Trinity Health for evaluation. The subject was also on probation, and was taken to the Muskegon County Jail the next day for violating the probation terms.

At 10:59 a.m., officers were called to the area of Thompson and Hanson streets to assist the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with a felony arrest. Montague Police Department officers also came to assist. A conservation officer had been checking fishing licenses of anglers in the area and learned one of them had an outstanding felony warrant for possession of a stolen firearm dating to a 2021 Whitehall incident in which a firearm was stolen from a vehicle. The subject, a 26-year-old male, had several recent addresses, but showed a current address in Oceana County. The subject was taken into custody and lodged at the county jail.

April 28

At 6:59 a.m., officers were called to the 800 block of E Slocum St. on a suspicious package report. The reporting party advised that a package had been

left at the location, as it appeared the mail carrier recognized the name on the package was an employee there. However, employees verified the person no longer worked there. Officers verified the correct shipping address on Colby Street but learned the recipient hadn't lived there since February. Officers then opened the package and found a phone case. They returned the package to the post office to be delivered correctly.

At approximately 10:19 p.m., an officer overheard radio traffic from Muskegon Central Dispatch regarding a hit-and-run vehicle crash that had occurred on Holton Whitehall Road near Blue Lake Road. The officer was in the area and spotted the suspect vehicle, a gray Chevrolet pickup truck, going west. Muskegon County sheriff's deputies and the Whitehall officer then initiated a traffic stop in the Taco Bell parking lot, made contact with the driver, a 19-year-old male from Muskegon, and confirmed the hit-and-run. The incident was turned over to the county sheriff's office for investigation.

April 18

7:58 a.m., medical assist, 5000 block of Whitney St.

9:48 a.m., domestic issue, 4000 block of Hunt St.

April 19

1:21 a.m., noise complaint, 8700 block of Ferry St.

2:04 p.m., 911 hang-up call, nothing found, 8000 block of Cook St.

3:30 p.m., civil dispute, 8700 block of Water St.

April 20

4:17 p.m., private property hit-andrun, 8700 block of Water St.

April 21

5:09 p.m., harassment complaint, Dowling and Water streets

9:16 p.m., domestic issue, 8300 block of Cook St.

April 22

1:47 a.m., business alarm, nothing

found, 4500 block of Dowling St. 9:18 a.m., found property, 8000 block of Meade St.

12:06 p.m., medical assist, Montague High School

2:20 p.m., assist Muskegon County Sheriff's Office, vehicle accident with no injuries, Eilers and Old 99 roads

6:10 p.m., peace officer, 8000 block of Cook St.

7:07 p.m., burning complaint, police matter only, 7000 block of Old Channel Trail

April 23

1:51 p.m., loose dog complaint, dog lodged, owner retrieved, 5000 block of Anderson St.

11:20 p.m., domestic issue, 9000 block of Stebbins St.

April 24

11:44 a.m., private property impound, 4000 block of Grace St. 12:16 p.m., vehicle accident, hitand-run, Water and Hunt streets

April 25

11:41 a.m., well-being check, Dowling and Water streets

2:36 p.m., assist to citizen, Montague P.D. office

2:47 p.m., suspicious occurrence, 8000 block of Ferry St.

April 26

9:37 a.m. assist Whitehall Police Department, well-being check, 2000 block of Holton Whitehall Rd.

10:59 a.m., assist other police department, traffic stop with arrest, Thompson and Hanson streets

6:56 p.m., medical assist, 8000 block of Meade St.

April 27

10:49 a.m., medical assist, 8000 block of Stebbins St.

4:04 p.m., assist other police department, 200 block of E Colby St. 8:24 p.m., found property, returned to owner, Montague PD office

April 28

10:18 a.m., civil dispute, 8000 block of Water St.

10:23 a.m., found property, Montague PD office

10:53 a.m., medical assist, 8000 block of Stebbins St.

National Day of Prayer event in Whitehall May 7

The National Day of Prayer, observed annually on the first Thursday in May and designated by the United States Congress, invites Americans to “turn to God in prayer and meditation.” On Thursday, May 7, communities across the Muskegon area will join thousands of gatherings nationwide for a day of unified prayer. The public is invited to participate.

Whitehall will be the site for one such gathering, a noon prayer rally at City Hall. Like another such event at Muskegon Heights City Hall, it will feature participation from local government officials, clergy, busi-

ness leaders, and community members.

This year’s Day of Prayer theme, “Seeking Him in All Generations” (1 Chronicles 16:24), emphasizes unity across all ages as communities come together to pray for the nation, local leaders, and future generations.

“Noon gatherings at our city halls are especially meaningful,” organizers shared in a press release. “They take place at the very seats of local government, where we can pray for those entrusted with leadership—asking for wisdom, protection, integrity, and strength.”

The National Day of Prayer has deep roots in American history, from early gatherings of the nation’s founders to the annual Presidential Proclamation. Across all 50 states and U.S. territories, tens of thousands of people will participate in coordinated prayer events.

For more information about the national observance, visit National Day of Prayer Task Force.

Montague Police Report

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