The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 4, June 20, 2025 by theoceanaecho

Royal ambitions for Asparagus Queen Shelby Purdy

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Crystal Heykoop, Councilor Samantha Gottschalk, Councilor Dan Zaverl and Councilor Curt Trott. • Contributed

Shelby receives Impress Award

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

The Shelby Village Council faced a lengthy agenda at its Monday, June 9 meeting. Besides the renewal of the village’s annual tax millage rate, grant approvals and village water-related resolutions were the main topics of discussion and consideration for the night. The following is a recap of their proceedings.

Mark Timmer of the Oceana County Road Commission (OCRC) presented the council with their shared “Impress Award” on behalf of the County Road Association (CRA) of Michigan. The award presented to Timmer for the OCRC at the

CRA annual meeting was for their “...collaboration with Shelby Schools, the Village of Shelby and the Michigan DOT (Department of Transportation) to resolve a school zone issue and produce new signage and flashers for four schools in one zone.”

This collaboration became necessary with the addition of the new Shelby Elementary School on the north side of the village. The distance between school buildings created unique challenges as all entities worked together for acceptable and safe signage. “According to Timmer, the Village of Shelby has the longest, or one of the longest school zones in the state,” Village Administrator Phil Morse said. “We have three school buildings (formerly four) that are spread out over a 0.6 mile stretch.”

Prior to approval, council held a required public hearing to discuss the village’s estimated millage rate for the 2025 tax collection year. By holding the hearing and approving the resolution, the village is able to utilize the Headlee Rollback provision. “All local millage tax rates are rolled back, per the Headlee amendment, so the growth in property tax revenue, community-wide, is no more than the rate of inflation,” Village Clerk Crystal Budde’s memo to council stated.

Based on what the Oceana County Equalization Department has prepared, the proposed millage rate can be levied on property starting July

It was always Shelby Purdy’s intention to compete again for the title of Mrs. Asparagus after she made first runner-up to Beth LaPorte’s win in 1996; but as it is for many married women, life got busy and that goal was set to simmer on the back burner. She had children to raise, a full-time job to work, and eventually she and her husband moved to West Virginia, where they lived for 11 years before moving back to Michigan in June of 2024.

It took almost 30 years to find the right time and place to give it a second shot. In that time, her daughter, Kendra Larios-Mendez, took home the Asparagus Queen crown in 2018. Shelby was, understandably, ecstatic for her daughter, following with anticipation on Facebook in West Virginia as the winner was announced. Despite her excitement, she still joked she couldn’t “let that little squirt beat me out.”

It seems to be a full-circle experience for mother and daughter. Shelby ran in 1996, coming close to the title, with aspirations to run again. Shelby reminisces about how Kendra recognized the significance of the festival for her mother and was inspired to follow in her footsteps. Kendra first ran and lost in 2017, but had the freedom to give it the second shot her mother never had the following year, to eventual success. This only motivated Shelby to not brush off her dreams, and she, too, won big on her second chance. So clearly, the second time’s the charm for mother and daughter both.

Shelby shared a scrapbook of her year as runner-up and turned to photographs of Holland’s Tulip Festival. Shelby’s husband is holding Kendra up on his shoulders, and she is silhouetted in front of the parade and waving to her mother on the National Asparagus Festival float. “That’s my favorite photograph, ever, of my whole reign,” Shelby reminisces, tapping the snapshot.

From 1996 to 2025, the competition has changed tremendously. In 2013, the title changed from Mrs. Asparagus to the Asparagus Queen, opening eligibility to include single women. The pageantry is less of a focus now, replaced by a more casual, interview approach. Shelby has conflicted feelings on the matter, “I think it's a good thing, but I also would like

The coronation ceremony for Asparagus Queen Shelby Purdy and 1st Runner-up Haley Walsworth, above, took place Friday, June 13, during the intermission of the Your Generation in Concert performance at the fairgrounds. Below left, Purdy receives her crown from 2023 Asparagus Queen Emma Woller. • Amanda Dodge/Echo

to see that pageant back.” She admits she “always enjoyed makeup and hair and clothes, you know, the girly things in life.”

The one thing that hasn’t changed is the asparagus trivia questions plucked from the iconic fishbowl. Shelby could have easily reviewed the 1996 study guide to prepare for this year’s competition. She also found a paper displaying the names of the emcees hosting the pageant in 1996, one of whom was Ryan Walsworth, father of this year’s runner-up Haley Walsworth. Those little details are just one aspect of this small town that Shelby adores, and what tempted her back to Michigan after living over a decade in West Virginia.

“Even though I’ve been gone 11 years, I came back. It just feels like home, a hometown… You run into people and they’re like ‘Shelby, how are you?’ But then you have a whole new generation of people that I’ve never even met, you know? Children of the children of the children.”

Flipping through her scrapbook, Shelby recollects her favorite memories of her year as runner-up: traveling throughout the state of Michigan, participating in other festivals, visiting the Cherry Festival in Traverse City and attending a tourism event at Chicago’s Navy Pier. While Shelby loved the parades she attended as runner-up, what she really desired from the position of Queen was the opportunity to represent the area she’d come to love and educate on the health benefits of asparagus.

“Half a cup of cooked asparagus gives you about 30% of your daily (necessity) of folate if you are in your childbearing years,” she explained.

Folate is an important aspect of

healthy cell growth, essential during pregnancy and found in many prenatal vitamins. Back in 1996, this was an important cause for Shelby, as she was in her mid-20s and having children. She also explained how asparagus helps fight the development of neural tube defects during pregnancy, a health benefit particularly close to her heart following her own experience with child loss. Now that she is finally Queen after 29 years, Shelby has the opportunity to advocate for asparagus with the passion she wanted to in 1996.

Now a Fremont resident, Shelby spent the weekend at John Gurney Park with her family, which gave her the freedom to participate in every single activity the NAF offered, meeting the residents of Oceana County and beyond. Shelby greatly enjoyed Your Generation in Concert Friday, staying much longer than she expected and fielding compliments from attendees that it was the “best kickoff to the NAF they’ve been to in a long time.”

She enjoyed her walk in the Ryan Walsworth Spear-It 5K and wants to make it a goal to work up to jogging for next year’s. Her asparagus jelly won 2nd Runner-Up in the Taste of Asparagus contest, and she was happy for the opportunity, as Queen, to join in tasting the competition. Her favorite dish was a creamy asparagus soup, but she had high compliments for the spicy asparagus stock, Greekstyle salad, spritzer and cupcakes. Perhaps the greatest highlight of the weekend was attending the Fly-In Pancake Breakfast at the Oceana County Airport on Sunday, which had a record-breaking crowd of 750 attendees, when Dan Hallack offered her a spontaneous flight in his vintage Army plane over Oceana County.

The Joan Glover Royale Parade was more than enough to satiate Shelby’s desire for pageantry as she regally waved from her float, tiara on her head, dressed in an emerald green gown she made herself. Her youngest son even surprised her at the parade with her two youngest grandchildren, and did not realize the significance of the picture he took, his daughter waving at her grandmother on the Queen’s float, a mirror of that beloved picture of Kendra.

With an underdog story such as hers, Shelby had heartfelt advice to share with this year’s participants (whom she is still so shocked she won over, knowing the stacked competition she was up against) and anyone else interested in entering the contest. “Don’t give up… sometimes it's hard to fit all of those things into your schedule, but if you have the opportunity to do it, just keep doing it. Don’t ever give up.”

As for her scrapbook, she has plenty of space at the end to add on her upcoming year as Asparagus Queen.

The Shelby Village Council received a shared Impress Award at its most recent meeting. Pictured above are councilor Mike Termer, councilor Steve Crothers, Village Administrator Phil Morse, Village President John Sutton, OCRC Managing Director Mark Timmer, Shelby Superintendent Mark Olmstead, Councilor

1st Runner-up Haley Walsworth is an enthusiastic advocate for asparagus

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

When Haley Walsworth moved to Grand Rapids for college in 2015, she was surprised to learn that folks in the area were unaware of the importance of asparagus in the landscape of West Michigan. “My friends didn’t know about how asparagus was grown, like, you’re an hour and a half away from Oceana County, that is the hub of the asparagus industry in our state!”

For Haley, who grew up deeply ingrained in the agricultural industry through her family’s ownership of Golden Stock Farms, ignorance about what is such an integral part of her life seems unbelievable.

Her intention in competing for the title of this year’s Asparagus Queen was to bridge that gap of knowledge and have a platform through which she can educate others. “I know the hard work that our asparagus growers go through every season, so I just wanted to be an advocate for them and an educational resource.”

While the crown has always been appealing to Haley, the competition appealed to her this year over previous years through the change in format. “I just do better… speaking one-onone or in a smaller group setting… It’s not in front of a massive crowd, you’re not getting up in a dress and feeling like the lights are on you and there’s all this pressure,” she said.

What also spurred her into taking the plunge for 2025 was last year’s lack of

Asparagus Queen 1st Runner-up Haley Walsworth, above, poses for the crowd after receiving her sash from 2023 Asparagus Queen Emma Woller. Walsworth took a victory lap, above right, inside the grandstands during the intermission of the Your Generation in Concert performance Friday, June 13 at the fairgrounds. • Amanda Dodge/Echo

a nominee for Queen. She was excited to see 11 initial nominees this year, which was then narrowed down to a tough competition of five women, all of whom had deep connections to the agricultural industry or the festival itself. Haley said of the competition, “these gals know their stuff. They were passionate about it. So, I quite literally thought any of us could get it, and I really didn’t know which way it was going to go.”

Haley is the first runner-up to Queen Shelby Purdy. When asked about how she felt about the upcoming year of asparagus advocacy, she’s “excited to have a platform… (and) excited about what I’m sharing. I’m proud of where I’m from. I’m proud of what my family, especially, has done - so I’m excited to share that with other people.”

She is, likewise, excited to spend more time with Purdy, with whom she

immediately “hit it off” with, and the other past Queens, many of whom she’s looked up to in the community.

Haley’s festival weekend started off strong with the Your Generation in Concert show. As a lover of live music, she was looking forward to the event and general party atmosphere to begin with. She enjoyed the range of music played, from classic rock to today’s hits. Following her crowning as runner-up, she made sure her first royal request was for any song from Taylor Swift’s repertoire, receiving a rendition of the 2014 hit “Shake It Off,” and was about to leave when she heard the beginning notes of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” and proceeded to “drop [her] things and run up to dance with a group of gals.”

Haley never misses an opportunity to dance, she is, especially, “always game to dance with the littles.”

Tacos & Trek for the Trail set for June 28

On Saturday, June 28, 2025 the 7th annual Tacos & Trek for the Trail, a fun-filled taco luncheon and guided 5K ride/run/walk through Pentwater will take place on Pentwater’s Village Green. The 5K ride/walk/run begins at 11:30 a.m. Registration for the event may be completed online at Pentwaterharttrail.com or at 11 a.m. the day of the event.

A donation of $35 per person includes participation in the 5K ride/walk/run, two tacos and a T-shirt (with a pre-registration link online at: Pentwaterharttrail.com) or a two-taco lunch is available for a $10 donation.

The groups of bikers, runners and walkers, will depart from Second Street on the north side of the Village Green, following their group’s leader through the village.

All proceeds from the event go toward future maintenance of the Pentwater Hart Trail (PHT). The PHT begins at Carroll Street at Sixth Street in Pentwater on the paved shoulders, continues along Monroe Road to Longbridge Road, then along Longbridge Road to Wayne Road. At that location, the proposed 10-foot wide trail will be constructed in right-of-way along Wayne Road to Harrison, Harrison east to 72nd Avenue and 72nd to Tyler, where the Safe Route to School Section begins and then connects with the Hart-Montague Rail Trail on Water Street.

The effort to create a trail from Pentwater to Hart, to connect with the rail trail, began in 2015. In 2020, the committee formally became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called the “Friends of the Pentwater Hart Trail.” Of the total cost, $5.2 million is still needed for construction of the trail. The FPHT is working to raise most of this goal through state and federal grants, but private donations are also critical to the trail’s completion. In 2018, an allocation of $1.4 million for trail construction was made by former Michigan Senator Goeff Hansen. Volunteer members of the FPHT currently work on the creation of the trail and, in the future, will work to maintain the trail to the safety standards of the appropriate government agencies. Funds raised in excess of the goal shall be placed in a reserve fund and shall be used solely for trail maintenance.

Anyone interested donating to the trail and/or becoming a “Friend of the Pentwater Hart Trail” may find more information at Pentwaterharttrail.com.

She was in attendance for the Spear-It 5K Raceheld in the memory of her father, Ryan Walsworth - and was grateful to be a representative for her family, visit with other relatives who ran and hand out medals to the winners. As for the parade, Haley described riding on the Queen’s float in the NAF as a bucket list item, and the reality did not disappoint. She, likewise, enjoyed mingling with the other festival queens from around Michigan who were also in attendance and seeing the colorful array of parade floats.

Haley is looking forward to continuing her work of asparagus education and celebration for Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival and, more locally, Country Dairy’s upcoming ice cream social. Most of all, Haley hopes the stacked roster of qualified Queen nominees this year is a bellwether for years to come—that so many women are already passionate about the crop she grew up with.

SEMI-TRAILERS

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• TRAILER 4853, STAINLESS, 48’

• TRAILER 53272, GREAT DANE, 53’

• TRAILER 46, THERMA KING, 53’

• TRAILER 4848, STAINLESS 48’ GREAT DANE

• TRAILER 25, BOX TRAILER, 53’

CAMPERS

• 30’ LAREDO

FIFTH-WHEEL CAMPER, 1 SLIDE-OUT, USED LAST SUMMER

• SOUTHWIND MOTOR HOME, PARTS OR REPAIR AUTOS

• 1989 CHEVY PICKUP, PARTS OR REPAIR

• 1994 ASTRO VAN, PARTS OR REPAIR

• CHEVY HHR, PARTS OR REPAIR

• MISCELLANEOUS AUTO ENGINES

• MISCELLANEOUS TRANSMISSIONS

TOOLS

• GAS PUMP

• 7000LB. ROTARY LIFT

• FIREPOWER MIG WELDER

• MILLER WELDER

• LARGE 220AMP AIR COMPRESSOR

• CAL HAWK 12-SPEED DRILL PRESS

• SQUIRREL CAGE BLOWER

• BULLET HEATER

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• TORCH SET

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• ORGANIZERS

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• BOLT BIN

• CRAFTSMAN TOOLBOX

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• BROAD AXE

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• YARD TOOLS

• ROLLING GARAGE CARTS

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Postcards from the Past: Alice and Cecil

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

I’m sure I’m not alone in my love of collecting postcards. In my past globetrotting travels, strapped for cash and facing luggage weight limits, I found postcards to be a cheap and space-efficient souvenir option. I’ve collected postcards of pastoral vistas, landmark buildings, works of art, and - my favorite example - a wash line filled with granny panties hung across a window in the south of France. During the pandemic, my best friend - who was living with her folks in upstate New York - and I would write to each other using blank vintage postcards (crowded antique stores: perhaps the worst place to attempt to stand six feet apart from another person). To say I have a pile of postcards is an understatement.

The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society has an impressive collection of local postcards, many of which are from the Shelby photographer, Harlo Elliott, who was known for taking stunning landscape photographs of Oceana County during the early 20th century. His handwriting and monogram of a circled “E” have become quite distinctive to the discerning local historian, and his work has made its way into many nonfiction books on the area.

I have selected a postcard of Elliott’s to examine today. The photo is simply titled “Birdseye View Mears, Michigan”

and shows as much. There are a cluster of homes and outbuildings and one distinctive building I believe to be an old schoolhouse, based on the fragments I’ve seen of the facade in photographs of Mears’ students. Along the dirt road are telegraph poles and a single cow. The photograph is undated; however, the message and postmark are for October of 1911.

Flip the postcard around, and on the back, oriented portrait instead of landscape, is a note from Alice (no last name given) to Miss Cecil Hasty of Hart, Michigan:

“Oct. 6th, 1911

Dear Cecil; How are you getting along these fine days. Suppose you are busy threshing [thrashing] those kids over by the lake. I’m glad I’m not one of them. There has been five teachers taking their meals here the last two days. Suppose you are home tonight. Wish I were home, will go tomorrow if it don’t rain. I go home every two weeks that’s oftener than did last fall. Write soon, come and see me. From Alice.”

In the top right corner (top left if you are reading the message), the card is postmarked “October 7, 10 AM, 1911 - MICH.” So we can see that, unlike me, Alice did not leave a finished letter lying around on her desk for long. Her signoff is tucked in along the edge of the card to the right of the message, and a Shelby address (I am presuming hers) is squeezed in on the left.

As for the content, I am sure it’s not advisable to ask your teacher friend if they’ve been “threshing” their students lately. For a brief season I was a substitute teacher, however, so I understand the impulse. The discussion of “suppose you are home tonight. Wish I were home,” and “I go home every two weeks

that’s oftener than did last fall” makes me wonder if these two were teachers, traveling between the many one-room schoolhouses of Oceana County. Alternatively, Alice might have worked in a boarding house, serving meals to those very teachers, which could explain how she and Cecil became acquainted.

Cecil has appeared a couple of times in county school records. Perhaps this is why Alice chose a postcard that features a school.

Thank you for indulging me in this week’s more whimsical dive into history. Cecil and Alice may not have been movers and shakers in the community, but they still lived here nonetheless and had an impact on those around them. I enjoyed spending time considering their humble lives in Oceana County over a century ago.

If you can help fill in the mystery about who Alice is and where she worked, or if you know more about Cecil, please contact me at cmarshall@ whitelakemirror.com.

Mears Museum & Historical Complex opens June 21

By Mort Wiegand and Sharon Hallack Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society

Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society happenings are ripe in the Land of Mears. On June 7, the 4th graders from Spitler Elementary School came to the Mears Museum & Historical Complex and toured the seven buildings. The students were divided into seven groups and took turns visiting each structure and the treasures inside. OCH&GS volunteers were on hand to tell about the buildings and artifacts. Organizers would like to extend a special thanks to all of the volunteers.

Now, on June 21, the Mears Museum & Histori-

cal Complex will be open to visitors throughout the summer on both Saturdays and Sundays, from 1-4 p.m. each day, through Labor Day. Volunteers will meet visitors with info about the different buildings. Come and enjoy!

Come and spend an hour or two revisiting the past and learning more about Oceana County's rich history. Find out how the dunes became the place to come and play. Check out the vintage dune buggies and a wonderful lighthouse exhibit. Visit the home of Swift Lathers, the editor of the "World's Smallest Newspaper - The Mears Newz," a historic church, a primitive lakeside cottage and other buildings. Enjoy a large collection of vintage agriculture equipment in their new Agricultural Building, as well as hundreds of other artifacts.

Guide by Cell audio tours are available. The museum is located at 5809 W. Fox Road, Mears. Admission is free. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

WEARE TOWNSHIP SPECIAL MEETING

JUNE 25TH @ 6:00 PM.

Interested parties Weare Township on June 25th at 6:00 at the Weare Township Hall. Consumers Power will be presenting an update on their solar farm. This is for information only and the Township Will Not be taking any action at this time.

Ongoing

MWF: Chair Yoga, Pentwater Township Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

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

MON: Movies in the Park, John Gurney Park, Hart, starts at dusk.

TUES: Crafts for Kids, Shelby Area Dist. Library 9 a.m. to noon.

TUES: Tech Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

TUES: TOPS, Hart Wesleyan Church, 5 p.m.

1st & 3rd TUES: Tech help,Pentwater Twp. Library, 1-2 p.m.

2nd & 4th TUES: New Era Farmer’s Market, NECRC, 4-7 p.m.

3rd TUES: Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club - Feeding America

W. Mich. mobile food pantry, Pentwater Fire Dept., 11 a.m.

WED: Love INC and TrueNorth Housing Assistance satelliteplease call 231-861-4880 to make an appointment.

WED: Music in the Garden, Main Street Spa, Hart, 7-9 p.m.

1st & 3rd WED: Free community dinner, 5-6 p.m., Hart Wesleyan. 1st & 3rd WED: Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/Chicken/Brat/ Ribs Night, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out.

THURS: Maker’s Market, Hart Commons, 6-9 p.m.

FRI: Free Book Fridays for Youth, SADL (June 27-July 25)

FRI: Story Time, Hesperia Comm. Library, 10-11 a.m.

FRI: Preschool Story Hour, HAPL, 11 a.m.

2nd & 4th FRI: Knights of Columbus Bingo, 6 p.m., St. Gregory Parish Center, 214 S. Peach Ave., Hart, doors open at 4 p.m.

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

The Ladder Community Center:

Adult Hours: M-TH 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and FRI 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

M-TH: “Summer Breakout” for 6th-12th grade youth (June-Aug.)

MON: Bring Clothes in for Mending, 10:30 a.m. to noon (June-July)

MON: Women’s Bible Study, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

TUES: Men’s Bible Study, 10:30 a.m. to noon

SAT: “Celebrate” Worship Service, 6:30 p.m.

June 24 - Father’s Day Celebration for adults & youth ages 12 & up, 6-7:30 p.m. (for tickets purchased by 6/18)

June 27 - Live Music by the Jammers, 10 a.m. to noon Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

SADL hosts summer open house June 23

The community is invited to a summer open house on Monday, June 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Shelby Area District Library. Discover what services the library offers, register for a library card, sign up for the summer reading program, meet the Library Board of Trustees, library staff, and Friends of the Library, tour the Local History Room, view historic photos and play games on the library lawn. Refreshments will be served, and prize drawings will be held. The library is located at 189 Maple St. in Shelby. Questions can be directed to 231-861-4565 or tifhaight@shelbylibrary.org.

2nd Annual Silver Lake Kids Carp Cull Contest – Week 2

Friends of Silver Lake proudly announces that the 2nd Annual Silver Lake Kids Carp Cull Contest participants have removed over 100 carp from Silver Lake in the first two weeks of the five-week effort. At the June 8 collection event, 13 kids submitted 77 carp for disposal, the largest weekly total so far for the Silver Lake Kids Carp Cull. Participants received cash for their submitted carp along with a t-shirt, a coupon for Bread Bites at the Bucket Bar, a carp bait cage to add to their fishing gear and a recipe for homemade bait to use in the bait cage.

In addition to the rewards received by all participants, a $50 bonus each Sunday goes to the participant who submits the most carp. There are two more collection events in this year’s Kids Carp Cull, each Sunday in June from 12:30-1 p.m. at the Golden Township Park at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

To recap, each week Friends of Silver Lake is paying a reward of $2/carp submitted across the month of June 2025. The contest rules are simple: it is open only to kids 16 and under (fishing license not required), only nuisance carp qualify for reward payment, and the carp must be taken from Silver Lake in Mears. So participating kids can cull carp at any time throughout the week and bring their catch to one of the remaining collection events on June 22 and June 29 at the Golden Township Park at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes (8711 W. Silver Lake Rd., Mears, MI 49436). Friends of Silver Lake will coordinate disposal of the carp submitted at the collection events. Participants may submit carp catches on multiple Sundays. Removing nuisance carp from Silver Lake helps promote the efforts to improve lake water quality, helps to establish needed native aquatic plants and contributes to the improvement of the overall lake fishery.

Pentwater Spring Fest returns June 21–22

The Pentwater Chamber of Commerce will host the Spring Fest Arts, Crafts & Antiques Show, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.

June 19-22 Electric Forest, Rothbury

June 21 - Garden Club of Pentwater Annual Plant Sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bell Park, downtown Pentwater, assorted perennials and plants.

June 21 - Getty Park Grand Opening, Shelby, noon to 2 p.m.

June 21 - Country Dairy Super Social, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 21, 22 - Springfest Arts & Crafts Fair, Downtown Pentwater

June 22 - 2nd Annual Silver Lake Kids Carp Cull Contest, Golden Township Park, 12:30-1 p.m.

June 23 - “Paddington in Peru” movie showing sponsored by Hart Area Public Library, Hart Community Center, 2 p.m.

June 23 - Open House and Summer Reading Program Kickoff, Shelby Area District Library, 6-8 p.m.

June 24 - Crafts for Kids, SADL, 9 a.m. to noon

June 24 - Artists Reception sponsored by PAC, HAPL, 3 p.m.

June 24 - Adult Craft Night, Hesperia Comm. Library, 6-7 p.m.

June 25 - Summer Reading Teen Night, HCL, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

June 25 - One Man Play, SADL, 5:30-7 p.m.

June 26 - Animal Safety sponsored by DHD10, HAPL, 2 p.m.

June 26 - Music on the Commons, Hart Commons, 7 p.m.

June 26 - OCF’s Quarterly Free Dive, “Fundraising and Donor Engagement”, Research Station, 9-11 a.m.

June 26 - MSU Extension/Farm Bureau Farm/Home Safety Day Camp, Research Farm, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart, 1-5 p.m.

June 26 - Summer Reading Family Night, HCL, 6-7 p.m.

June 26 - Getty Park Outdoor Movie Night, Shelby, 8:30 p.m.

June 27 - Sensory Play, Hesperia Comm. Library, 10-11 p.m.

June 27 - Claymation Workshop (reg. req.), HAPL, 3:30 p.m.

June 27 - Summer Reading Tween Night, HCL, 3-5 p.m.

Discover Michigan Fresh classes offered in New Era

Michigan State University Extension, with partners Trinity Health, The New Era Farmer’s Market, Love INC and Molina Healthcare, introduces Discover Michigan Fresh.

Discover Michigan Fresh is a series of six “vegetable-centric” classes highlighting the best of Michigan’s fresh, in-season produce. Participants meet with local farmers and vendors and learn about their produce and other healthy offerings sold at farmers' markets.

SNAP-eligible adults, WIC participants and others will learn about food resources and how to use their food assistance benefits at farmers' markets such as Double Up Food Bucks, Senior Project FRESH and WIC Produce Connection. Basic nutrition and food safety will also be discussed. Students will perform group activities in the market itself. Over six lessons, one will get tips on how to choose and preserve the best produce and receive recipe ideas for using fresh, local produce. Sample locally grown foods and receive a bag of fresh ingredients to cook the recipe at home.

This series supports residents, farmers, and our local economy.

Discover Michigan Fresh is Tuesday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m.: June 24, July 8 and 22, August 5 and 19 and September 9 at the New Era Farmer’s Market, 1820 Ray Ave., New Era, MI 49446. Enrollment is open to 25 students.

New this year: Classes will be held in the church’s basement multi-purpose room. It is a handicapped-accessible, climate-controlled environment with ample seating. All are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend.

Living Legacies: Ellen Lambrix - HAC vet tech

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Back in 1964, Ellen Lambrix started working in veterinary medicine for Dr. Ken Butcher at Hart Animal Clinic. She was only 13 at the time when her neighbor, who also worked for the doctor, thought she’d be a great fit and recommended her.

She visited the clinic before and after school to clean kennels, feed patients and walk dogs. Her neighbor, now mentor, trained Ellen up to follow in her footsteps until she could properly hold patients, administer medicine and assist on house calls. By her graduation from high school in 1970, she had transitioned to a full-time position with Dr. Butcher.

Several years later, in 1976, Michigan State University offered certification for a veterinary technician for the first time. By then, Ellen had been working with animals for 12 years and in a vet tech role before that career and certification were even available. Once there was board certification available, she was grandfathered into the MSU program and said she received her license easily, considering her experience. Just like veterinarians, certified vet techs receive continued education throughout their whole career, so Ellen said she evolved with the field.

And veterinary medicine has evolved. Since starting in 1964, the field has seen many changes. Back then, a rural veterinarian’s work was primarily farm visits. Ellen estimates

70% of patients were large animals, versus personal pets like cats and dogs. In fact, hardly anyone vaccinated their animals back then. Now, it’s a completely different story - many pet owners vaccinate their animals annually, and there’s hardly any large animal work to be had for a veterinarian.

The field was also, primarily, male-dominated. 60 years later, veterinary medicine is majority women, both as doctors and technicians. Technology has also expanded tremendously in the time Ellen has worked. Technology allows veterinarians to run tests that they would have otherwise had to outsource to human medicine hospitals.

Ellen worked with Dr. Butcher for over 30 years until the practice was sold to husband-and-wife veterinarians Drs. Troy and Sue Marshall in 1995. Ellen transitioned with the practice and helped the new doctors introduce themselves to the community while also providing a familiar face for Butcher’s clients as they entrusted their pets to the Marshalls. Ellen was an integral part of Dr. Troy and Sue’s practice for 27 years until they sold the practice to current owner Dr. Julia Hasenbank. Just as for the previous owners, Ellen stayed with the practice through its third transition, helping Dr. Hasenbank just as she did for the Marshalls.

Now, after three years with Dr. Hasenbank and over 60 years of veterinary medicine altogether, Lambrix has decided to retire. She said she began “slowing down” six years ago, transi-

tioning to part-time, but decided late last year it was finally time to retire fully. She admits it will be hard leaving, especially since her work has kept her going through personal tragedy. “I don’t know what I would have done without this job. When I lost (my son) Kurt and Covid and then losing (my husband) Arnie, it was so hard. This job has kept me focused and grounded.”

She will undoubtedly be missed by Hart Animal Clinic’s clients, being a part of the community for so long. She said it was very rewarding to get to know the local families and their pets through the generations. She added that it was, likewise, personally satisfying to see herself grow in the field and

improve her skills over 60 years. Ellen, herself, mentored her niece, who now works at Hart Animal Clinic as the primary vet tech. Satisfaction is a good feeling to have upon retirement.

When asked what was next, Ellen was excited to share. “I’m going to have some ‘me time.’ And I’m going to find some new adventure; I don’t know what yet. I’m probably going to do a little traveling, spending time with grandkids… I might be able to sit and have two cups of coffee.”

The community that has meant so much to Ellen is invited to celebrate her retirement and wish her the best as she closes perhaps the longest chapter of her life. The party will be held at the Oceana Eagles on Oceana Drive, on Sunday, June 29, from 2-4 p.m.

Author's note: I know, personally, how important Ellen’s time as a vet tech was to Hart Animal Clinic. My parents were new to the area when they bought the practice from Dr. Butcher and fresh out of vet school at MSU, younger than I am now. The transition would not have been nearly as easy had Ellen not been there to help the process. For myself, Ellen was just as important to me growing up as my own grandparents, watching out for me and my sister as we went from annoying children getting in the way of work to the adults we are now. I couldn’t imagine my childhood without her, just as hard as it would be to imagine Hart Animal Clinic without her years of dedicated, personable service. Thank you Ellen, and best wishes on your retirement!

St. John the Baptist Catholic Chapel

S. 50th Avenue Claybanks Sunday Mass: 8:30 am

Sunday through the end of September Call 231-893-3085 for more information

Lighthouse Lutheran Church

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Verna Jean ‘Jeanne’ Blackmer

October 21, 1940 ~ June 5, 2025

Verna Jean “Jeanne” Blackmer, 84, of Hart, passed away June 5, 2025, surrounded by her children. She was the daughter of Joseph and Beatrice Kapsh and was born on October 21, 1940. Jeanne attended Hart Public Schools, graduating in 1959. That same summer, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Blackmer, on August 29, 1959.

Jeanne devoted her life to her family and community. She and Bob had four children, though they experienced profound loss early on with the passing of their infant son, Joseph, to SIDS in 1961. Despite that sorrow, Jeanne poured her love and energy into raising her family. From a young age, Jeanne was no stranger to hard work. In high school, she waitressed at Katy’s Kitchen. As a wife and mother, she worked on her and Bob’s farm, as a veterinary technician, as Elbridge Township Clerk for two decades, and ultimately retiring at age 73 after 23 years as finance coordinator for the Oceana County Council on Aging.

Jeanne took great pride in creating a warm, welcoming home for her family. A talented seamstress and quilter, she filled her home with care and beauty. Her lifelong love of animals—especially cats and dogs—was evident in her compassion. A curious lifelong reader, she always sought to learn more.

She gave freely to her children and their families, showing her love through acts of service—cooking, babysitting, sewing, cleaning, and driving them to activities. Known for her beautiful smile, warm presence, and natural way with people, she could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel seen, heard, and at ease.

Jeanne is survived by her children: Carmen (Dennis) Heaney, Michael (Laura) Blackmer, and Susan (Jeffrey) Foster; grandchildren: Jacob (Rebecca) Blackmer, Jessica Blackmer, Mariah Foster, Keagan Foster, Seamus (Becky) Heaney, Meghan (Jake) Werda, Rory Heaney, Natasha (Jacob) Bergmans, and Michaela (Eric) Dennert; and great-grandchildren: Ace, Rex, and Sir Bergmans, Hayes Werda, Lucy and Maeve Dennert, and Coral Blackmer. She was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her youngest great-grandchild, Olive Jean, due this summer.

She is also survived by her sister, Judy Schultz; sister-in-law, Marcia Walsworth; and brother-in-law, Harold Kempker.

Jeanne was preceded in death by: her husband; parents; and infant son, Joseph Robert; sisters, Marie Harrell and LaVerle Crothers; brother, Solomon Hershberger; and in-laws: Robert and Donna Blackmer, Sharon Kempker, Stanley Crothers, Jay Harrell, Winifred Hershberger, Norman Schultz and Richard Walsworth. She also mourned the earlier loss of several nieces and nephews, including David, Darrel, Donal and Tony Crothers, as well as Ryan Walsworth and Kari Ward.

Jeanne’s warmth, laughter, and boundless love touched everyone who knew her. She lived fully, loved deeply, and gave selflessly. Her legacy lives on in her family, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she made brighter. Though deeply missed, her spirit remains a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to call her family or friend.

Memorial services were conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420. Visitation and luncheon followed from noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment was in Elbridge Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions in Jeanne’s memory to the Oceana County Animal Shelter, 2185 W. Baseline Rd., Shelby, MI 49455. Jeanne was a lifelong advocate for animals, known for her deep compassion and unwavering dedication to their care.

Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com

Alan Charles Glover

November 30, 1933 ~ June 11, 2025

Alan Charles Glover, age 91, of Hart, passed away peace fully with family by his side, June 11, 2025. Alan was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 30, 1933, in Hart, to Milo and Agnes (Greiner) Glover.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Joseph Weare Catholic Church, 2380 W. Jackson Rd., Hart, MI 49420, with Father Charles Brown presiding. Visitation was held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment followed in Mt. Cavalry Cemetery afterwards, and a luncheon was held at the St. Joseph Parish Hall, 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Hart, MI 49420.

Please visit the Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service website for a full obituary.

Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com

Daniel John Shugars, Sr. September 9, 1942 ~ June 11, 2025

Daniel John Shugars, Sr., 82, of Walkerville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with his family by his side, after being cared for at his home during a very unexpected and brief battle with cancer. He is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Daniel was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked as a journeyman millwright for 23 years at CWC, as a pattern maker at various shops and as a journeyman millwright at Sappi Paper Mill, retiring at the age of 62. He was a long-standing member of the Twin Lake Gun Club and an avid outdoorsman.

Daniel is survived by: his children, Daniel Shugars, Jr. (Laurel), Kathleen Gowell, Donna Wolever, Steven Shugars (Sammatha) and Michael Shugars; and grandchildren, Leah Shugars, Lucas Plichta (Kristi), Gabriel Wolever, Morgan Axline (Zach), Kenadee Blackmer (Tim) and Samuel Shugars; and great-grandchildren, Grayson Plichta, Addison Axline, Wyatt Plichta and Lincoln Blackmer; and many dear friends.

Daniel was preceded in death by: his mother, Letha Jackson; his beloved Jacquelyn Shugars; baby girl, Mary Shugars; father, Elmer Shugars; brothers, Robert and David Shugars; and sister, Janice Shugars.

“Grandpa was a legend to me and always will be…I get to take that with me forever,”—Lucas Plichta.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 144 176th Ave., Walkerville, MI 49459, with Pastor Bob Abbott officiating. Visitation and luncheon will follow the service at the church. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420. Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Judith Kay Clark

February 22, 1940 ~ June 15, 2025

Judith Kay Clark, 85, of Montague, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025. She was born February 22, 1940, in Muskegon, the daughter of John and Josephine (Blackburn) Fechner.

On March 14, 1958, she married Joseph Clark in Montague, and they spent 67 years together, raising four sons and two daughters.

In high school, Judy was the drum major for the band and was elected the Homecoming Queen her senior year. Judy was known for her love of family and treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren and all babies. She enjoyed artistic painting, gardening, wildlife and walking the beaches of Lake Michigan and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Judy is survived by: her husband, Joseph Clark; their children, Michael (Lisa) Clark, Amy (Dennis) Jaekel, David (Pamela) Clark, Lynnette (Leland) Riehl, Matthew (Lily) Clark and daughter-in-law, Vicki (Tim) Clark; grandchildren, Clint (Jeanette) Clark, Brianna (Rev. Tyler) Carter, Mitchell (Haleigh) Clark, Miranda Clark, Ryan Clark, Chad (Janelle) Jaekel, Jared Jaekel, Alison Hiner, Jonathan Clark, Andrew Clark, Chelsey (Tyler) Nadeau, Danielle (Dr. Joshua) Recknagel, Emily (Darius) Schultz and Makenzi Clark; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Judy was preceded in death by: her son, Timothy Clark (2019); parents, John Fechner and Josephine (Blackburn) Liskey/Ackerman; and sister, Susan Lewis (2016). Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at White Lake United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague, MI 49437, with Reverend Timothy Dibble presiding. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service, with a luncheon to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to White Lake United Methodist Church or Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC ANNUAL

BUDGET HEARING ON PROPOSED 2025-2026 BUDGET

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7:00 o’clock p.m., at 641 N. State St, Shelby, Michigan, the Board of Education of Shelby Public Schools, Oceana County, will hold a public hearing to consider the District’s proposed 2025-2026 budget.

The Board may not adopt its 2025-2026 proposed budget until after a public hearing. A copy of the proposed 20252026 budget, including the proposed property tax millage rate, is available for public inspection during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm at 525 N. State St, Shelby, Michigan.

This notice is given by order of the Board of Education. Steve Vinke, Secretary

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE,

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 300 W. 57th STREET, 15th FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10019

300 W. 57th STREET, 15th FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10019

• On June 23, 1868, Christopher Latham Sholes patented the QWERTY typewriter, the first version of which he constructed using an old table, a circular piece of glass, a telegraph key and piano wire.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

257

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. 257

• On June 24, 2021, 98 people died when a 12-story, beachfront condominium collapsed in Surfside, Florida, near Miami. Engineers believed the cause of the disaster was a structural column or concrete slab giving way, and workers eventually cleared more than 18 million pounds of concrete and rubble from the site.

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20250609

NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20250609

FOR RELEASE JUNE 9, 2025

By JoAnn Derson

FOR RELEASE JUNE 9, 2025

By Lucie Winborne

• On June 25, 1947, Anne Frank’s diary account of her life in hiding during the Holocaust was first published, under the title “Het Achterhuis: Dagboekbrieven 14 Juni 1942–1 Augustus 1944.” After reading it her father confessed that the book revealed a side of his daughter he had never known, saying that he “had no idea of the depth of her thoughts and feelings.”

• On June 26, 1974, a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum became the first grocery item scanned with a Universal Product Code, or UPC, at a supermarket in Troy, Ohio.

• On June 27, 1922, the American Library Association (ALA) awarded the first Newbery Medal, honoring the year’s best children’s book, to “The Story of Mankind” by Hendrik Willem van Loon.

• On June 28, 1904, Helen Keller, who’d been left deaf and blind since an illness at just 19 months old, graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor’s degree. Later, she would also become the first woman to be awarded an honorary degree from Harvard University.

• On June 29, 2003, Katharine Hepburn, a four-time Academy Award winner for Best Actress and one of Hollywood’s great screen legends, died of natural causes at the age of 96, at her home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. In 1999, the American Film Institute had named her the greatest female actress in the history of American cinema, and after her death, the lights on Broadway were dimmed for an hour to mark her passing.

2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

• J.D. of Massachusetts writes: “Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and a chamomile tea bag in a pan of medium hot water. Let cool slightly and soak feet for up to 10 minutes. Follow up with foot powder or deodorant.”

• Cucumber is a speedy diuretic. Try snacking on slices of it for a cool treat. Or deseed slices and slip a few in your glass of cold water.

• If you keep a couple of crackers in your sugar jar, they will keep the sugar from caking.

• “When we go to the doctor with our youngest, we bring a few crayons. She will lie down on the exam table paper, and we draw her outline. Then she can fill in her face and other details. This usually calms her while she is waiting. The doctor even has used the outline to talk about her body to her.” — E.S. in Georgia

• Boost your metabolism by drinking green tea hot or cold. Try it over ice with honey and a sprig of mint.

• “In older houses, you might have a problem with cracking drywall when trying to hang pictures. You can solve this by placing a bit of clear tape over the spot where you are going to drive in a nail. It goes right in. If your are nailing into wood, you can drag your nail through some soap (bar soap is fine) before striking and it does the same thing, keep the wood from splitting.”

— P.K. in New Jersey

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

By Lucie Winborne

• The longest road in the United Arab Emirates is the Sheikh Zayed Road. It stretches more than 300 miles, from Abu Dhabi through Dubai, and is home to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

• Americans spend more than a year of their lives flipping channels.

• Jazz musician Louis Armstrong wore a Star of David necklace even though he wasn’t Jewish. Armstrong grew up in severe poverty but found a loving second home with the Jewish Karnofsky family, who employed him in the family business. In their honor, he decided to wear a Star of David for the rest of his life.

• From 1869 until her death in 1906, Susan B. Anthony petitioned Congress annually for a women’s suffrage amendment.

• Students, take note: Studies have found that comfortable clothing can have a strong effect on academic performance, with a correlation between formal/uncomfortable clothing worn during exams and lower than expected grades.

• The wood frog can hold its urine for up to eight months.

• Piet Mondrian’s abstract masterpiece “New York City I” hung upside down in a museum for 77 years before experts finally noticed the error. However, they opted to keep it in that position for fear of damaging the piece.

• The TV series “30 Rock” was known for its fast-paced writing. In 2014, one reporter calculated that there was an average of 7.44 jokes per minute.

• In 1998, a Georgia student was suspended for wearing a Pepsi shirt to “Coke in Education Day.”

• Tobacco use kills more people than the total number killed by AIDS, alcohol, motor vehicles, homicide, illegal drugs and suicide combined.

***

Thought for the Day: “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

shelby village

1, 2025, in accordance with the Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act, PA 2 of 198, on the assessed value of all real and personal property within the village as follows: General Operations - 10.1900; Local Street - 4.0758 for a total of 14.2658. The current millage reduction fraction is 0.9930.

The council next considered and gave approval for exploring a possible 425 agreement with Steve Dykstra, of Dykstra Real Estate. Dykstra, formerly of Grand Rapids and now a resident at Little Sable Pointe, is in the early stages of planning a possible housing development north of the village and was gauging the council’s level of support.

Keepers of the Light – Preserving the Story – event set for June 29

By AnnaMae Bush The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Historical art, like historical fiction, tells a story based on facts from the past but expressed from the imagination and in the unique style of the artist or author. Such is the case of the metal sculpture by artists Tyler and Ashley Voorhees called “The Lamplighter,” which is being dedicated on Sunday, June 29, at 4 p.m., at the Pentwater Historical Museum, 85 S. Rutledge St., in Pentwater. No tickets are needed to attend. Limited seating and standing room will be available, with light refreshments following the ceremony. Information about the museum expansion plans will be shared.

Originally brought to Pentwater by the Pentwater Arts Council (PAC) as part of their 2024-2025 Sculpture Walk, “The Lamplighter” has been purchased and donated to the museum by David and Carol Messerlie, longtime seasonal residents of Pentwater.

“In addition to stimulating discussions about art, our purpose with the Sculpture Walk was to enhance the community by using art to call attention to important locations and events in the village. As a result of our three Sculpture Walk events, we have been able to provide six permanent installations of sculptures at the library, the town hall, the channel, our main street shopping district, the municipal marina and now the museum. It is wonderful how the historic significance of ‘The Lamplighter’ relates to its permanent home at the museum,” PAC President Judy Pazol shared.

Tyler Voorhees has always been fascinated by jobs in the past that have laid the foundation for jobs in the present. His hundreds of paintings and his large wall murals fall under the umbrella theme of “Jobs of Yesteryear.” As modern expressions of the past, his art “combines history and surrealism to tell the stories of absolute jobs.” His murals have found homes in the U.S., Morocco, Mexico, and Belgium, where Voorhees explains, “They aspire to tell the unique stories of each community’s jobs and how the community’s workers have shaped their cities, towns, and villages.”

Voorhees spends significant time researching his subjects prior to creating his art. He found that lamplighters were ordinary citizens who were paid to light the streetlamps in the evening and extinguish the lamps in the morning in order to conserve the oil in the lamps. The earliest lamps used whale oil. Replenishing the oil and installing new wicks were part of the lamplighter’s job before gas and electricity eventually replaced the lamplighter’s work. Ladders, poles and tall bikes enabled the lamplighters to reach the lamps. The lamplighters were important to the community because their work enabled residents to safely use the streets after dark.

Although the sculpture of the lamplighter ties into an extensive collection of paintings and murals about lamplighters, the sculpture was a unique medium for Voorhees driven by unique circumstances. Voorhees sold his art through his website and at craft fairs in large cities until Covid put a temporary end to craft fairs and forced him to stay at home. He and his wife Ashley, a graphic artist, wondered what alternative project they might tackle in the face of Covid. They decided to try

something new for them: a larger-than-life sculpture. It required learning how to weld and acquiring the necessary equipment.

With paint they sketched a lamplighter on a tall bike on the floor of their two-story garage. But the tedious, piece-by-piece construction took place outdoors, where their neighbors watched the progress of the project with curiosity and great interest. Living in a small, rural community, the couple had access to a wide variety of tools and antique farm implements. The neighbors were more than happy to contribute from their collections and took delight in seeing how their contributions were incorporated into the sculpture. Ashley said, “We found the face and the hands to be the most challenging to create. We envisioned the project might take a few weeks to accomplish, but we were surprised to see it took us eight months!” Tyler added, “It became a real community project, and every piece came with a story of whose it had been and how it had been used. When it was finished and we had to load it up for transportation, I engaged a group of local guys with muscle to help with the task.”

The Voorhees family has an interesting history of its own. Both Tyler and Ashley grew up in rural South Dakota. Tyler was one of nine students in his high school graduating class. Following their college years, they spent two years in Germany to work, to travel, and to soak in Europe’s rich history. Upon their return to the U.S. in 2010, Tyler Voorhees taught second grade. In 2015, the couple took their family to the road, traveling over 17,000 miles between art fairs. Through the years, Voorhees continued to refine his unique style of elongated figures and objects. In 2017 they settled their family of four in a small village outside of Saugatuck in SW Michigan to operate their art business from home. They love the natural setting of their home and the quiet, rural life.

Reflecting on life in West Michigan, Voorhees drew a comparison between the lamplighters of yesteryear and lighthouse keepers in the Great Lakes. Both were “keepers of the light,” a theme close to his heart. Ashley Voorhees shared that the sculpture of “The Lamplighter” lights up at night from within.

They look forward to their visit to Pentwater later this month for the dedication of their sculpture here. Following the ceremony, they will be guests at a special dinner where they will have the opportunity to meet David and Carol Messerlie, whose gift has made “The Lamplighter” sculpture a permanent fixture in Pentwater.

Dykstra would like to develop a 100-acre parcel located east of 72nd Avenue and north of Buchanan Road, near the new Shelby Township Park. The property would be available for buyers who wish to build their own homes. Dykstra believes the property could accommodate approximately 80, 1200-2000 square-foot homes on one-half to one-acre lots. In his proposal he was inquiring about the possibility of the village providing water and potentially sewer services to a parcel he has purchased in Shelby Township. Because the land is not contiguous, it is not eligible for annexation with the village. However, a 425 Agreement with the township would be an alternative.

“A 425 functions similarly to annexation in terms of service provision (i.e. police protection, road maintenance, etc.),” Morse’s memo to council outlined. “Taxes would be shared; the township would continue to receive standard property taxes, while the village would receive tax revenue from any buildings or developments constructed on the property.

“The difference between annexation and a 425 agreement is both the township and the village would need to mutually consent to the agreement. Shelby Township has already voted in favor of supporting the concept of entering into a 425 agreement with the village,” Morse’s memo continued. When it came time to vote on finding out more, council member Dan Zaverl cast the lone no vote.

Hart City approves millage rates, budget and authorizes MDOT transfer

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

HART - Last Tuesday’s Hart City Council passed several important resolutions related to the financial operations of the city.

A Truth in Taxation hearing was held prior to approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 millage rates and tax levy. “As the taxable values on properties increase, the Headlee Amendment reduces the millage rate by a fraction,” City Manager Rob Splane explained during the public hearing. “And by having a public hearing, we are able to freeze the millage rate and avoid reduction. Even though we have to publish it as a ‘tax increase,’ it’s not an increase in tax - it’s maintaining the present rate. By holding a hearing, we are able to take action at the council level, rather than have to go to a public vote.”

Later in the meeting, the city council formally adopted and levied the following tax rates for 2025: Operating 12.4733; Streets 1.9672 (voted November 2024) and Cemetery 0.4925 (voted November 2018) for a total millage rate of 14.9330. With the approval, the current millage rate reduction fraction will be 0.9836.

Council also adopted the rates and charges for FY2026, effective for utility services received after July 1, 2025. “A lot of these rates have been determined in council actions over the past year. We’ve held various rate studies to make sure the rates we are charging are sustainable,” Splane said.

With regard to the city’s electric rates, Splane shared that the electric rates paid by the city’s residents are the lowest of all city customers and 20 percent below the state average. However, the infrastructure to provide electricity to city residents is also some of the most

costly to upkeep.

As far as water rates, the city is waiting to hear the results of a water rate study. “I anticipate we will need to increase rates as a result,” said Splane.

The massive capital improvement project taking place at the city’s BioPure wastewater facility is being funded by a 25-year bond secured by the city in 2022. “The Michigan (Department of) Treasury holds us to rate increases we agreed to in the bond,” Splane reminded the council.

Finally, Splane noted that solid waste rates are set by the city’s waste hauling company. The city is only the fiduciary for any collected funds. The city does not make or hold any money for that service. Monthly rates cover weekly pick-ups and the curbside pick-up of large items once each spring, explained Splane.

Council member Catalina Burillo noted that while the city’s residential electricity rates are 20 percent below average, Oceana County wages and income are also below the state average as well. Council member Andrew Mullen added, “I’m happy to see the increases are very small. My concern is if we don’t take incremental actions, we’ll have to bump (rates) up to a 25 percent increase at some point in the future.”

With the approval of the millage rates and rate increases for 2025, Council also adopted the city’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget for July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Splane said the documentation included in the council’s June 10 packet was exactly as it was presented two weeks prior, when the city held a public hearing, and they, as well as the public, were given a chance to offer feedback. Approval was given for budgeted revenues totaling $2,499,410 and budgeted expenditures totaling $2,209,227. A full

budget report is available to the public on the city’s website or at the city office.

Lastly, the council gave authorization to the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) “Jurisdictional Transfer of Road Segment” and approved the proposed “Memo of Understanding.”

The said transfer refers to a .72-mile portion of State Street, from the fourway stop on Polk Road to Johnson Street in downtown Hart. For a one-time payment of $2,450,257.12 from MDOT Act 51 funds, the city will take over responsibility for the aforementioned road segment. After some research, the city countered MDOT’s first offer. “With the urging of the Oceana County Road Commission and city engineers, MDOT has come up $350,000,” Splane said. “I believe this is the best offer we’re going to get.”

Councilor Betty Root asked Splane if the Oceana County Road Commission would be taking care of the Polk Road corridor. “Hopefully we can bid our projects together. There will be public input when the time comes,” he answered.

Mullen asked if MDOT had any reconstruction expectations. “The design is up to us; beautification and safety options as well. However, funds are not for infrastructure located under the road,” said Splane. Burillo asked about snow removal and if funds could be used for those expenses. Splane answered, saying Act 51 money can be used for snow removal and supplies like salt to maintain the roadway in snowy conditions. Splane added the city will have to prove expenditures, and whatever is left over after five years will need to be returned, but in the meantime, these funds will be held in an interest-bearing fund until they are used.

National Asparagus Festival National Asparagus Festival

The 52nd National Asparagus Festival took place over the weekend, with several traditions highlighting the event. Friday, June 13 featured the anticipated return of the Asparagus Queen, as crowds gathered at Hart Commons to listen to live music and watch Shelby Purdy receive the crown, with Haley Walsworth being named runner-up. Saturday, June 14 had the bulk of the NAF action, starting with the annual Ryan Walsworth Spear-It 5K and continuing with an arts and crafts fair as well as a quilt show. Hart Historic District played host to the Heritage Car Show and kids with pent up energy were treated to several activities on the streets of downtown Hart. Those looking to taste delicious asparagus inspired dishes could head inside the Hart Historic District where the top three tastes were a Mediterranean asparagus salad, spicy refrigerator pickled asparagus and asparagus jelly. The most popular event of Saturday was the Joan Glover Royale Parade. Shelby and Hart marching bands played with several floats and classic vehicles making their way through as well. Sunday, June 15 capped off the festivities with the Fly-In Pancake Breakfast at the Oceana County Airport. • Claire Marshall, Connie VanDerZanden, Sharon Hallack, Amanda Dodge and Paul Erickson/ECHO

Oceana County spring All-Conference athletes - Part 1

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

The final sports season of the 202425 school year has officially come to a close, marking one more opportunity to honor athletes that were named to their respective All-Conference teams. It only seems fitting that the team

with the most selections should be honored in this multi-part series. Hart’s track and field team had a whopping 25 total athletes selected to the West Michigan Conference (WMC) Rivers Division All-Conference team.

The Lady Pirates had 16 of those 25 athletes. Representing Hart’s girls were a quartet of seniors in Addi Hovey, Lilly Hopkins, Sarah Kranz and

Lexie Neinhuis, six freshman in Bryn Riley, Alaina Schaner, Emery Velat, Joselyn Flores, Ellie Gross and Luisa Vander Zwaag, four juniors in Kenai Kokx, Addison Hain, Rosemary Hernandez and Shelbie Choponis and two sophomores in Ava Johnson and Natalie Rosema.

Hart’s boys team had nine all-conference selections, starting with lone senior Carter Ramseyer. The Pirates

also had four juniors selected in Lyric Fielder, Martin Fetterhoff, Bryce VanderKodde and Chase Lorenz, three freshmen in Grant Ackley, Silas Ackley and Trevor VanderKodde and sophomore Mason Opalewski.

Not all those athletes mentioned above are pictured below, but they will be featured in part two of this series, along with track and field athletes from Shelby, Hesperia and Pentwater.

Pictured above are 16 of Hart’s

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

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SOURCE Reflections

New Dune Grass Gallery hopes to promote local art

Gallery opened in May, will host art classes this summer

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Janet Andersen is an artist herself, and she, along with friends Clarice Kwant and Jolene King, is part of a local art group that meets weekly. But they want to bring art to the masses, and especially to the tourists that populate the White Lake area through the summers.

That's why the Dune Grass Gallery is now open in Montague, showcasing the work of, Andersen says, 20 local artists. The gallery opened May 23.

"We need more fun things for people to do when they come and visit our town," Andersen said. "This gives everybody a chance to showcase their work. We're having fun doing it."

There's an informal open house

planned Saturday, June 28 from 2-5 p.m. to celebrate the new gallery. Local dulcimer player Linda Foley, who also has works of art in the gallery, will be performing during the event.

there is a door to the gallery inside Lipka's, and Andersen joked that the gallery gets as many people coming in through Lipka's out of cu-

Lipka's, and Andersen joked that the gallery gets as many people coming in through Lipka's out of cu-

a door to the gallery inside Lipka's, and Andersen joked that the gallery gets as many people coming in through Lipka's out of cu-

riosity as it does coming in off of Ferry or Dowling streets.

Free ASL class aims to help build connections

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The Book Nook & Java Shop is hosting free American Sign Language (ASL) classes over the next two months, taught by Deaf mentor Leah Broomfield. Broomfield works as a Deaf mentor for the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, and when Book Nook owners Brooke and Andrew Kuharevicz offered the space to host free courses, she jumped at the opportunity. Deaf mentors work with families whose children are hard of hearing, providing re-

sources to access the Deaf community and Deaf culture. Among other goals, Deaf mentors hope to improve parents' ASL skills in order to facilitate a better connection with their Deaf child.

"I have heard from many hearing people that there is a lack of local in-person ASL classes," Broomfield said in an email interview. "My main goal of offering these classes is to make more people aware of and involved with the Deaf

Whitehall announces finalists for next city manager

Strong credentials, military experience dot CVs of finalists; community engagement session set for this week

The City of Whitehall announced Monday morning that it has selected six finalists to be the new city manager after a recruitment process led by Double Haul Solutions, which the city contracted with to provide support identifying candidates.

The six finalists are: Cory Isaacs, Ph.D., current postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University; Adam Kline, director of parks, recreation and seniors for Independence Township in Oakland County; Robert Near, Ph.D, owner and CEO of Undaunted Consulting; Brent Raeth, founder and managing partner of CatchMark Technologies; Dustin Stambaugh, city administrator in Fairfax, Iowa; and Daniel Tavernier, Buffalo-based regional director of operations for the U.S. Coast Guard.

The city said that "a talented pool of

applicants from across Michigan and the Midwest" put themselves forward for the position. Among the candidates were those with experience in municipal management, economic development, public safety, civic engagement and even military leadership.

The new city manager, once in office, will replace Scott Huebler, who is retiring in August after serving in the position since 2001.

“These finalists reflect our city’s commitment to strong and thoughtful leadership and community service,” Whitehall mayor Steven Salter said in a press release. “We’re looking for a city manager who can honor our

small-town values while helping us proactively plan and move our proud community into the future. We look forward to the robust vetting process ahead.”

Double Haul presented candidates to the Whitehall city council in a threetiered list based on the company's review of the characteristics the city most valued in a city manager candidate. Experience in collaboration, operations, management and community engagement were among the factors the city reviewed in the candidates.

The finalists boast an array of credentials and experience. Isaacs owns several advanced degrees, including a

master's and Ph.D. in public administration from Princeton University, a master's of ethics from Yale University and a master's of law from American University. Isaacs is a U.S. Army veteran and served in Afghanistan, managing the Nawbahar district in Zabul Province, and has also been a police officer and an assistant district attorney in Texas.

Kline too is a U.S. Army veteran, having served as an aerial observer and helicopter mechanic. Kline has also worked as a police chief in both

The gallery is located next to Lipka's Soda Fountain; in fact, there is

riosity as it does coming in off of Ferry or Dowling streets.

Art gallery continued on page 2

The new Dune Grass Gallery, which opened in May, displays dozens of works of art from 20 artists. The gallery hopes to promote the art scene throughout the White Lake area.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

It's not just paintings at the Dune Grass Gallery, as there's also pottery on display.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Kline Isaacs Near Raeth Tavernier Stambaugh

Over three dozen people turned out to the Book Nook & Java Shop for the first class in an 8-week series that will teach the basics of American Sign Language. • Courtesy Photo

The gallery is located next to Lipka's Soda Fountain; in fact, there is a door to the gallery inside

Art gallery continued on page 2

The new Dune Grass Gallery, which opened in May, displays dozens of works of art from 20 artists. The gallery hopes to promote the art scene throughout the White Lake area.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

It's not just paintings at the Dune Grass Gallery, as there's also pottery on display.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Kline Isaacs Near Raeth Tavernier Stambaugh

Over three dozen people turned out to the Book Nook & Java Shop for the first class in an 8-week series that will teach the basics of American Sign Language. • Courtesy Photo

The gallery is located next to Lipka's Soda Fountain; in fact,

riosity as it does coming in off of Ferry or Dowling streets.

Art gallery continued on page 2

The new Dune Grass Gallery, which opened in May, displays dozens of works of art from 20 artists. The gallery hopes to promote the art scene throughout the White Lake area.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

It's not just paintings at the Dune Grass Gallery, as there's also pottery on display.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Kline Isaacs Near Raeth Tavernier Stambaugh

Over three dozen people turned out to the Book Nook & Java Shop for the first class in an 8-week series that will teach the basics of American Sign Language. • Courtesy Photo

Whitehall school board approves preliminary budget

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall school board unanimously approved a preliminary budget for 2025-26 at its regular Monday meeting, though as with many other school districts in the state, it's likely amendments will be made due to uncertainty regarding state education funding.

State law requires a school district notify the state education department if it passes a deficit budget, as Whitehall did Monday. Treasurer Jimmy TenBrink said it's unknown what state funding for education will be this year as a state budget has not yet been passed. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed an increase in state funding to $10,000 per pupil from last year's figure of $9,608. The state legislature is mulling a budget that could provide for a slightly larger increase, though the issues of providing students free meals and how much focus should be given to mental health and school safety are generating discussion.

In the interim, Whitehall is budget-

ing for a decrease in revenue, in part because it is projecting 17 fewer K-12 students than it had in the district last school year. Also a factor in the decreased budget will be Headlee rollbacks, which will lower the millage rate the district will collect on non-exempt property to 17.4975 mills from the 18 required to receive all available state funding. Superintendent CJ Van Wieren said this budget reflects why the district asked for the authority to levy up to 20 mills in the recent operations millage renewal that passed in May; the previous renewal, which is in place through the 2025-26 school year, provided for up to 18.5 mills, which proved insufficient to counter the Headlee rollbacks. Those rollbacks ensure millage rates are lowered if property values rise faster than inflation.

Also during the budget presentation, business manager Tayler Zweigle said the Lighthouse preschool program is currently operating at a deficit and will be raising its tuition by a not-yet-determined amount to help cover the deficit.

Summer Soiree this week

The White Lake Chamber Music Festival announces its upcoming Summer Soiree Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Michigan home of Harold and Barbara Wheaton in Montague.

The Soiree is a special fundraising event to support the 16th annual White Lake Chamber Music Festival, taking place July 18–26.

Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, coffee, desserts, and an exclusive performance by acclaimed violinists Emily Nebel and Michael Gurevich.

Art gallery

Tickets are $60 and include food, beverages, and world-class music in an intimate setting. Seating is limited, and advance purchase is required. Tickets are available at the Book Nook & Java Shop and online on Eventbrite.

All proceeds from the evening will directly support the 2025 festival, helping to underwrite performances, artist residencies, and educational outreach programs in the White Lake area.

For more information, please contact 231-329-3056 or visit www. whitelakemusic.org.

The school board unanimously gave Van Wieren a rating of "effective" for the 2024-25 school year, the highest possible rating it could give. Board president Rachel Fekken thanked the rest of the board for conducting an in-depth evaluation, adding that board members were required to take a course just to do so. Trustee Paula Martin said Van Wieren has positioned the district "right

ASL classes

community. I want hearing parents of Deaf children to know how supportive the Deaf community is."

The classes began this week and will take place Mondays and Thursdays at 6 p.m.; Broomfield said 41 people came to Monday's first class. Monday classes will introduce a new topic to go over, and Thursday classes will review the topic and employ activities to utilize what is learned.

ASL can be an intimidating prospect for those who have never studied it and aren't familiar with communicating via hand gestures, and Broomfield said her course can be a good introduction to it.

"The eight-week course is perfect for

where we need to be."

During the superintendent report, Van Wieren said the district will change custodial providers for next school year from Enviro-Clean to West Michigan Janitorial. He said other nearby districts have also been switching to the smaller company and Whitehall is confident the change will be a positive one for the school.

Some of the works on display are those of Andersen, Kwant and King, but there is a varied collection to see. Among the artists showcased are Catherine McClung, a West Michigan resident who was once invited to have a painting of hers displayed in the White House, and Cheryl Butler, whose Endless Devotion painting of a man holding his dog on a city street was entered in the ArtPrize festival in Grand Rapids last year.

The gallery sold seven paintings in its first two weeks open, Andersen said, which she felt was a good start. Art enthusiasts can likely find something for every taste.

"There's some people that are in here who are art teachers, and have studied globally," Andersen said. "Then there's people like me who have never taken an art class. We have a wide variety of styles."

Dune Grass doesn't just display paintings, though; there's also pottery and jewelry to peruse. There are even works of what's called fiber art - using natural or synthetic fibers to create something - and felting, a technique that involves turning loose fibers, often wool, into a single dense fabric. Both require very intricate work, Andersen said.

"That is a lost art," Andersen said of felting. "Remember when your grandmother used to do the teeny, tiny crossstitch things? She'd work on them for a year, and you'd get a little pillow. That's (a little like) what felting is."

The new gallery offers works to look at and to purchase, but also plans to offer classes to teach aspiring artists how to make some of their own. Three artists are currently lined up to teach. Further details will be shared on the gallery's Facebook page.

Andersen will teach one such classbeginning-level acrylic painting - which she said will be more geared toward hobbyists. King will head up a threepart watercolor class.

"I'm going to give you pointers and you're going to paint a picture," Andersen said of her course. "(King) teaches technique. She would have Watercolor I, II and III, and you really should do all three if you want to get to painting a picture."

Dune Grass also hopes to promote not just itself but other places in the White Lake area that focus on art, such as the Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center. The goal is to sell the area as a destination for West Michigan art enthusiasts.

"We want to have little cards that say, 'Did you know there's an art gallery in Whitehall?'" Kwant said. "We want people to come here, but we want to be reciprocal and let them know there are other places to find art.

"We hope to have something in (Weathervane Lane), where for free, the community comes, sets up their easels and paints. That's an open area we can spread out. We're just trying to get the community to know that they can participate in art, too."

providing a baseline understanding of ASL, and I hope to offer further classes in the future," Broomfield said.

The portions of ASL that are easiest to pick up, in Broomfield's experience, are simple vocabulary words like colors and numbers, as well as letters. Sentence structure and grammar rules are areas where ASL provides a stark contrast from English.

However, every little bit helps, and that's what Broomfield hopes to bring to her classes.

"I am hoping that more hearing people, especially parents of Deaf children, will take the time to learn ASL," Broomfield said.

City manager

Lansing and White Lake townships in Michigan, as well as Oakland Township manager. He graduated from Central Michigan University and has certifications from the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University.

Near is a U.S. Army veteran, serving as an airborne artilleryman in Iraq and Afghanistan. His consulting firm provides strategic growth, fiscal management and performance improvement advice. He's previously been deputy director for the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and has a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University and a master's of public administration from Penn State University.

Raeth is familiar to White Lake residents through his work at CatchMark, as White Lake Area Chamber & Visitor's Bureau board chair and as Montague school board president. He too is a U.S. Army veteran, having worked in cybersecurity and information management.

Stambaugh has been a city administrator since 2021, serving in Walsenburg, Colorado and Ellsworth, Kansas prior to his current post in Fairfax.

Stambaugh owns a master's of public administration from Central Michigan University and is on course to earn a doctorate in the field from California Baptist University later this year.

Tavernier has served in the Coast Guard for nearly 20 years and was appointed regional director of operations in 2022. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Tavernier also owns master's degrees from both the Naval War College and American Military University and several certifications.

The finalists have been invited to a community orientation and engagement welcome session Thursday, June 26 - details are forthcoming - and the council will conduct formal interviews with each finalist during a special meeting Friday, June 27.

"This next step is really about getting to know the candidates as people,” said Whitehall council member Debi Hillebrand in the release. “We’re looking for a city manager who people can trust; someone who listens, brings folks together, and helps us keep growing as a friendly, strong, and future-focused community.”

Saturday, June 21

White River Light Station celebrates its 150th anniversary, 12-7 p.m. This free event includes live entertainment, a state tribute to the lighthouse scheduled for 2:30 p.m., a silent auction and a raffle. Park at Fruitland Twp. Hall, where free busing will transport attendees to the light station throughout the day. Food, drinks and tower climbs will be available for sale.

Sunday, June 22

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

White Lake Ukulele Club meets @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 1-2 p.m. Penny Rushing teaches on stage.

Community Calendar

Dave Burel performs @ White Lake Eagles, 4 p.m.

Monday, June 23

Nick Thomas performs a juggling show @ Montague Bandshell, 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by MADL Montague.

Free ASL classes continue for week 2 @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 6 p.m. Deaf mentor Leah Broomfield teaches 8 weeks of courses Mondays and Thursdays.

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

FAN Club Mondays @ Fetch Brewing, 7 p.m. Live music on the North Mears Promenade.

Tuesday, June 24

Steve Thielman performs @ Book

Nook & Java Shop, 10 a.m. to noon.

Eugene Morningstar performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 2-4 p.m.

Pretty Fun trivia @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 6:15 p.m.

ACWL-Nuveen Free Summer Concert Series continues its 2025 season with Whorled, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 25

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

First White River Light Station kids' program of the summer, 2 p.m. Open to 1st-4th graders, these programs aim to inspire and educate children about lighthouse history, maritime Great Lakes history and

more. Register at splka.org.

Make an origami bracelet out of recycled crafts @ MADL Montague, 5:30 p.m. Registration required at madl.org.

DJ Trivia @ Jimmy'z Pub, 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 26

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

Plain Jane Glory performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Friday, June 27

Dave Burel performs @ Danny'Z Rothbury Tavern, 6 p.m.

Group Therapy performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.

Echoes of History: The Maasdam Disaster (Part 2)

Submitted by Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

See last week's Mirror for Part 1 of this story.

The experience in the lifeboats was terrible. The air was cold and snow was falling, while a tempest raged upon the sea. The men in the boats were kept busy bailing out the water. The three engineers who had been badly burned sat in the boats while the salt water washed over their unprotected wounds. Thus the day was passed, and when night came the scene was more weird than ever. The mass of flames from the cargo of gin on the burning boat burned with a sulphureous blue at the bottom and a blood-red at the top, lighting up the sea for miles around. Indeed, so bright was the light that the captain and crew of the steamer Rhine, about 7 o’clock in the evening and upwards of 40 miles from the scene of the disaster, saw the reflection in the sky. The engines of the Rhine were at once opened wide and she bore down on the source of the light, reaching the burning ship about 9 o’clock.

Then another scene of wildest excitement transpired. On account of the rough sea, it was difficult to get the lifeboats up to the steamer, and take the half-frozen and exhausted passengers aboard the Rhine. Six of them fell back into the sea as they were being raised but were rescued by members of the crew of the Maasdam, who had all shown the utmost coolness and the most gallant bravery. One woman had her arm crushed between the lifeboat and the rescuing steamer. Not until 11 o’clock that night was

the last lifeboat found, and the last one of the castaways brought aboard the Rhine to be cared for and made as comfortable as possible by their rescuers. By the consummate coolness and courage of the captain of the Maasdam, not a soul had been lost, and his name is honored by all who passed through the terrible ordeal.

Some additional information and interviews were also found in the Saturday morning Los Angeles Daily Herald Nov. 1, 1884.

Captain H. C. Vanderzee of the ill-fated Maasdam reported: “We left Rotterdam Oct. 18 with eight cabin and 143 steerage passengers and a crew of 45 men. All went well until the 23rd, when we encountered a violent gale, during which the petroleum tank located under the bridge on the upper deck commenced leaking. The next day at 2 p.m., Denver, one of the crewmen, went with a light in the oilroom to make an examination. A moment afterward an explosion was heard and the sailor, with burned face and beard, rushed on deck crying “Fire, fire!” Every effort to control the fire was useless. About 4 p.m. I ordered all hands into the boats. We could save nothing of the cargo or of our private property. Only the clothes we stood in could we take away with us. There was a heavy sea running all the time. The passengers created little or no confusion. I think they were too much frightened, and justly so, to do anything but obey orders. At 9 p.m. we were picked up by the steamer “Rhine”.

“There were 35 persons in each boat”, said Dr. Smith. “We remained near the burning ship, hop-

ing that some vessel would see the light and come to the rescue. The flames burst from the ship aft first. The masts fell at five o’clock. The conflagration was a grand sight, but not appreciated at the time. I couldn’t even save my instruments. There was something ludicrous even in our dilemma. We had a pair of lovers in our boat and the man could not be induced, nor would the girl permit him, to take his arm from her waist to stand his turn at an oar.”

Heinrich Wolff, a passenger, said: “Officers and crew did all they could to save the vessel, but the steam pumps could not be gotten to on account of the heat. When the Rheine picked us up, our boats were being tossed about at a lively rate and were half filled with water.”

Get Playhouse performance tickets at the library

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Thanks to a partnership with The Playhouse at White Lake, the library has five free passes to each of seven productions at the Playhouse this summer. Each pass consists of two tickets to a specific performance. We are so pleased to be able to offer this no-charge opportunity to attend outstanding plays right here in Whitehall. A huge thank-you to Beth Beaman and The Playhouse at White Lake for partnering with us to expand access to arts and culture for the entire White Lake area!

the summer season. The passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be picked up in person at the White Lake library. To see a list of available passes and the dates and times of the performances, visit the library website at wlclib.org.

plan your visit, go to muskegonartmuseum.org.

DIY Project? Borrow Tools from Your Library!

The summer season kicks off the weekend of July 5 with two shows from Central Michigan University“Plotters” and “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”. Next up is “Bon Appetit! A Delicious Cabaret”, a feast of music and laughter showcasing the culinary flair of Julia Child the weekend of July 11. For more information about these shows and the rest of the summer season, visit theplayhouseatwhitelake.org.

All you need to take advantage of this great program is a valid library card from the White Lake Community Library or Muskegon Area District Library, and each library cardholder is limited to one pass (two tickets) for

FUN FACT: It’s no coincidence that the Julia Child performance at the Playhouse is happening at the same time the Muskegon Museum of Art is hosting the touring Julia Child exhibit. It’s just another example of the great partnerships between organizations in our splendid little corner of the world. The “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” museum exhibit runs through Sept. 1. For more information and to

If you’re planning a do-it-yourself project but don’t have all the tools you need, the library can help! We offer a collection of household tools that can be borrowed for three weeks at a time. The list of available tools includes a cordless drill, a laser level, sander, sockets and wrenches, an electrical tester set, and more. Anyone 18 or older with a valid White Lake or Muskegon Area District Library card is invited to borrow the tools, but they must be picked up from and returned to the White Lake Community Library. Check out the complete list on our website at wlclib.org/library-ofthings. While you’re there, take a look at the learning backpacks, musical instruments, video games, and other great Library of Things items available with your library card.

How to Draw Your Dragon

Everyone is invited to a creative drawing program with Corinne Roberts at the library Thursday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. Attendees of all ages will

learn to use basic shapes to create imaginative and fun dragons with pencils, paper, and erasers. No prior drawing experience is needed in this follow-along program. There is no charge to attend, and registration is not required. More info at wlclib.org/ calendar.

Corinne Roberts is an illustrator working in comics and children's books (Bug Bites, Drawing Dragons and the Out and About series). Her other illustration projects include a Dragon Calendar series and the Wanderlust Deck.

DeMumbrum

Circa 1883-84 - This sister ship of the Maasdam gives an idea of what the steamer might have looked like.

• Courtesy Photo

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

Vikings First hosts 2nd annual summer kick-off

Organizers hoped to eclipse the $6,000 raised for Whitehall athletics last year

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Many first-time events learn a lot from their initial go of it that then gets applied to the second attempt, but the first Vikings First summer kick-off party last June went so well, organizer Stacy Shepherd said, that not much needed to change.

And so not much did at the second annual summer kick-off, which took place last Thursday at Goodrich Park. The inflatables, chicken dinners, raffles and giveaways all bore striking resemblance to the 2024 event, which raises money to support Whitehall District Schools' athletic programs. Outside of The Substitutes being the showcase live music performer, Dairy Treat handing out popsicles, and Lakeshore Golden Cards and Collectibles joining the fun with its own giveaways - and a visit from popular Pokemon character Pikachu - you'd have hardly been able to tell the two years' parties apart.

"The whole goal behind this is really just to get the community to come together," Shepherd said. "That's really where my heart is with this whole thing. I remember growing up and coming to events down at Goodrich Park. They were all for the school. It was all for boosters, and it was all just to support the kids. That's what I want to mimic."

Shepherd is a key part of Vikings

First, which works to defray costs for athletic participation for Whitehall students in lieu of needing to use things like the sales of discount cards and other potentially time-consuming fundraising methods. It's a stated mission of the group to one day raise enough money annually to eliminate pay-to-participate fees within the district.

Fundraising methods won't get far without some fun, though, and Vikings First had three premier level sponsors - Ferguson Family Dental, Bulldog Dumpsters and the Viking Garage. Those sponsorships enabled free bounce houses for the kids, among other fun events.

The 2024 event raised "around $6,000," Shepherd said, and Vikings First hopes to continue to grow the summer kick-off in future years.

"We thought it was so successful for the first year, we really don't need to change much," Shepherd said. "I want all these kids to feel supported and loved."

Montague sends half-dozen to college sports ranks

MCC, St. Clair CC and Vincennes gain new Wildcat alumni

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Six Montague athletes were celebrated May 14 for their collegiate sports signing day, each set to compete at the two-year college level.

One athlete, Wyatt Fairchild, actually committed to compete in a different sport than he played at Montague. A wheelchair track athlete for the Wildcats, Fairchild is set to play wheelchair basketball at St. Clair County Community College (SC4), the only two-year college in the state that sponsors the sport.

Fairchild said he's been playing wheelchair basketball for half his life and was able to earn a grant to cover some of his educational costs at the school. He plays for the Junior Pacers, a team sponsored by Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids.

"I might not have the GPA to go to a university right now, but I want to keep playing basketball, and so this was just my best option," Fairchild said. "It was the best of both worlds for me."

Fairchild's basketball opportunities may not stop there, as he's played in tournaments that also included wheelchair teams from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Wyatt's mom, Tanya, said Wyatt was able to get to know UM coach Jessica Wynne at one recent tournament, establishing a connection that could lead to a spot on the Wolverines once he completes his two years at SC4. UM is slated to join the National Wheelchair Basketball Association for the 2025-26 season.

"Wheelchair basketball can take you a long way," Fairchild said. "We've come to realize that. It's a lot of networking. I'm going to meet a lot of people. I've already met a lot of people through college basketball that are going to help me a lot in life."

Two pairs of Wildcats signed on to be soccer teammates at Muskegon Community College. For the girls' team, which just completed a historic district title season, stars Ava Pelton and Adilynn Peterson will remain teammates for the Jayhawks.

Both qualified for the Muskegon Promise scholarship, but neither wanted to give up the sport yet after playing together so many years.

"I just love soccer," Peterson said.

"My sister (Emma) played there for two years, and she talked about how fun it was and how rewarding it was. Even though it was hard work, she enjoyed her seasons, and she made a lot of friends. It was a good way to stay in shape and stay active in school."

Pelton in particular expressed an interest in competing even beyond MCC and believes the Jayhawks' style of play suits her skill set.

"The style that those girls play, I was just astonished at how they play," Pelton said. "I'm looking forward to hopefully get seen by more colleges to go further on after community college and see where that takes me."

Pelton is likely to play an offensive role for MCC, while Peterson, who was

Montague signings continued on page 5

Attendees sample the possibilities at last Thursday's Vikings First summer kick-off party at Goodrich Park. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague graduating seniors, from left, Jordan Netcott, Ava Pelton, Adilynn Peterson, Trevor Trevino, Lucas Husband and Wyatt Fairchild celebrate their collegiate signing days May 14 at the high school. Fairchild will play wheelchair basketball at St. Clair Community College, Netcott is playing volleyball at Vincennes University, and the four soccer stars will play at Muskegon Community College. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

As Lakeshore Golden Cards and Collectibles joined the Vikings First summer kick-off party last Thursday, even Pikachu showed up for the fun. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

The Substitutes were the live entertainment at last Thursday's Vikings First summer kick-off party in Whitehall. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Drive, Chip & Putt returns to White Lake GC

Third straight year hosting the local qualifier

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The White Lake Golf Club again was a host site for the local round of the PGA's Drive, Chip and Putt competition Saturday. It's the third year in a row the course has hosted a local qualifier.

Similarly to other youth events like Punt, Pass and Kick for football and Pitch, Hit and Run for baseball, the Drive, Chip and Putt competition tests youth players on three vital golf skills in a fun, fastpaced environment. The top two finishers in each age group advanced to the subregional qualifier at Boulder Creek Golf Course in Belmont Aug. 17. Ultimately, the top nationwide placers will reach the national finals, which will take place at Augusta National Golf Course, site of the Masters, next spring.

The club said nearly 60 children participated in the event, competing in eight different age groups.

Boys competitors to advance to the subregional qualifier were, in the age 7-9 division, Griffin Phillips of Grand Haven and Tommy Dobry of North Muskegon; age 10-11, Owen Annema of Norton Shores

and Carter McGuire of Fennville; age 12-13, Henry Michael of Novi and Brady Searles of Muskegon; age 14-15, Sam Howell of Holland and Porter Livingston of Grand Haven.

Girls qualifiers were, age 7-9, Autumn Bryant of Comstock Park and Sailor Guenthardt of Muskegon; age 10-11, Margaret Dobry of North Muskegon and Talia Josephson of Chicago; age 12-13, Kaeleigh Chung of Richmond Hills, Ontario and Anna Li of

Montague signings

a star midfielder at Montague, said her spot hasn't yet been determined because of the composition of the Jayhawks' roster.

On the boys' side, Trevor Trevino and Lucas Husband will also play together for the Jayhawks after being part of a historic district title season. Both said their goal was always to play soccer collegiately.

"It's a lot different than high school," Trevino said. "It's much more competitive and a lot more intense. I

like it a lot more. I think it'll be fun to play with them on a good team, a consistent team."

Trevino played striker at Montague, but said he would prefer to play a different position at MCC, feeling the role doesn't really fit him despite his success doing it. He said he's most excited to meet new people as a Jayhawk.

"When I went to the practices, those guys were cool guys," Trevino said. "I'm excited to build new bonds with

Okemos; and age 14-15, Isabelle Duflo of Grand Rapids and Madelyn Erndteman of Ludington.

Howell's 159 was the highest score among all boys players, while Chung and Li tied for the highest girls score among all age groups, with a 116. The highest possible score is 225 (75 per skill).

people. That's a whole different branch of play I've never been into, so I think it'll be fun to explore."

Husband, too, is excited for a more competitive atmosphere in college.

A midfielder at Montague, he said he may end up on defense at MCC but is open to whatever spot fits best. He added that while he's open to continuing to play at a four-year school if the chance arises, he will take things one day at a time.

"Having that opportunity to go out there and play with a new team is exciting," Husband said.

Jordan Netcott, meanwhile, signed to play at Vincennes University, a two-

year school in Indiana. Her sister Morgan previously played there and raved about the experience, and Rachel shared those sentiments when she had a chance to visit.

"I've been there watching Morgan's games before, and I really like the gym and the facilities," Netcott said. "I'm just looking forward to being with people who are all in the college athlete mindset. You want to win, you want to get better, you want to practice."

Netcott said she plans to pursue nursing, and her timing is great; Vincennes is planning to open a new academic building this fall that's focused on that program.

Summer trails and Crock-Pot tales

By Margaret Heaton Volunteer Contributor

Summer has arrived, and our bike tires are spinning once again! My husband and I are back in the beautiful White Lake area, planning to stay a couple of months - unless the Lord calls us elsewhere.

We ride recumbent trikes, those funny-looking, low-tothe-ground bikes you may have seen cruising the trails with bright flags flying and neon shirts shining. That’s us! We don’t just want to be noticed; we need to be noticed. These trikes are a blessing for comfort, but because they sit so low, they’re easy to miss. We make ourselves as visible as possible for safety, because we’d sure like to keep riding... and living to tell the tale!

We are so grateful to be near two of Michigan’s finest trails: the Hart-Montague Trail and the Berry Junction Trail. One of my favorite local rides is the connector between Montague and Whitehall. It starts right behind C’s Ice Cream and winds out toward Howmet Credit Union on White Lake Drive. On any sunny day, you’ll find the fishing bridge separating Montague and Whitehall bustling with friendly folks willing to chat about their catch of the day. We pass walkers, jog-

gers, strollers, skateboarders, moms, dads, artists painting backwater scenes, and folks kicked back in lawn chairs with a good book. The swans and geese are always keeping us company too.

Some days we ride for hours - five or six, even. We’ll hop on at Fruitvale Road and decide whether we’re heading north to Hart or south to Pere Marquette. On a lighter ride, we head to Country Dairy, grab a pint of chocolate milk, and share it on our ride home.

If you’ve ever wondered about recumbent bikes, we’d love to chat! They may look peculiar, but they sure are comfortable. I always say the best part is that after hours in the seat, we never get off saying, “Ouch!” Plus, we can point you to all the best bathroom stops along the way (flush or porta-john, we’re not picky!), and we’ve memorized every scenic spot and every bump in the trail (watch out for the stretch in Whitehall between Benston

Road and Mears Avenue!).

Now, what does all this biking have to do with a recipe?

Well, when we get home after a long ride, we are hungry. I often toss something in the Crock-Pot before we leave so that dinner is waiting when we get back. This month’s recipe is for a hearty beef chuck roast, made extra special with local beef from EPS Farms just outside Montague.

Even though we’re parked here for a season, we’re not exactly idle. Work Camp Week is just around the corner at Whitehall Evangelical Covenant Church, which is always a highlight of our summer. About 100 volunteers from various churches gather to paint houses, install windows, rebuild porches, and be the hands and feet of Jesus. My husband will be working onsite, and I’ll be helping serve supper on Thursday alongside some dear sisters in Christ. After that, Vacation Bible School kicks off, so June is full, and

July and August will fly by.

Come September, Lord willing, we’ll be back on the road again.

Now you know why I love our bikes so much. Out on the trail, side by side, we talk, we laugh, we breathe deep. There’s peace in that quiet rhythm of pedaling. We love to serve; he builds, I cook, and we both ride. It brings us together.

I pray that you, too, find moments this summer to soak in the fresh air, breathe deeply, and enjoy the quiet joy of God's creation.

With love and flours, Margaret

Trail’s End Tender Roast

3-4 lb. beef chuck roast

1 onion, sliced or chopped

½ cup bell pepper,

½ cup barbecue sauce

1 TBS Better than Beef Bouillon or 2 cubes beef bouillon

salt and pepper

½ tsp dried thyme

1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce

Place your beautiful chuck roast right into the Crock-Potno need to sear, no fancy steps required. Just nestle it in, then pour all those rich, savory ingredients right over the top like a blessing. Let it cook low and slow for 6-7 hours (or on high if you're short on timefour hours should do). When it’s ready, that roast will be so tender it practically falls apart with a fork—no carving knife needed. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort after a long day, and it tastes even better knowing it’s been simmering while we are out riding down a quiet trail.

Kids and parents dot the White Lake Golf Club practice facility during Saturday's Drive, Chip and Putt local qualifier. • Courtesy Photo

Eight pairs of boys and girls earned top-two finishes in their age groups at Saturday's Drive, Chip and Putt event. The top finishers advanced to a subregional qualifier in August. • Courtesy Photos

Montague council passes budget for new fiscal year

ongoing debt obligation the city hasand noted that strong financial management is the reason it was able to lower the millage rate.

keeping an extra $1 million in reserve whenever possible in addition to the recommended 25%, leading to the large cash reserves.

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — The Montague city council unanimously approved the city's budget and tax rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year at its regular meeting Monday, lowering the property tax millage rate it will collect from 16 mills last year to 15.75.

The move came after a June 2 budget work session. The council expressed its pleasure with the city's financial health - the water fund being used to complete state-mandated replacements of any water delivery pipes that are made of lead is the only large

Montague

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

It likely also helps the city that property values in the area, as is the case nationwide, have significantly increased in recent years, enabling the city to collect more total tax revenue even while lowering the rate. City manager Jeff Auch presented graphs while outlining the budget, showing that the majority of city funding comes from the millage, with 31% coming from state revenue sharing and 15% from other sources.

The city also remains well above the recommended 25% fund reserve and has 42.5% of its annual revenues in reserve (the 2025-26 budget projects $2.34 million in total revenue). Auch said city staff has long emphasized

Some large projects being budgeted for this year include impovements to the Maple Grove Park, road work on Hunt and Park streets in the city and a plow truck being purchased. The latter cost will be split over two fiscal years.

In recommending council approval of the budget, council member Laura LaGuire said the budget reflected the work session discussions. Council priorities were an incremental reduction in the city's millage rate, the use of the general fund's reserves to aid other funds when possible, and continuing park improvements.

The city council unanimously approved the wording of an application of inquiry it will provide to interest-

ed parties regarding the Ferry Street land it has been discussing in recent months. The council will not make the green space at the corner of Ferry and Dowling streets available for development but will allow the development of the adjacent lots. Council member Paul Schultz suggested, and the council agreed, to add a prohibition on the use of grills on the roof of any proposed development for fire safety reasons.

During the public comment period, residents expressed concern about a proposed Bowen Street planned unit development, with one saying they were skeptical a development there would improve the city and another sharing issues with the clear-cutting that would be necessary for the project's construction.

Twp. nears decision on senior millage use

MONTAGUE — Montague Township's board continued its recent discussions of what to do with the township's senior millage allocation at Tuesday's regular meeting.

The board has attempted to generate ideas the past few months on how to spend the millage. The idea that

seems most attractive to the board is providing and distributing green address markers to seniors in the township. This would allow emergency personnel such as police, ambulances and fire crews to more easily identify the homes of seniors who call seeking emergency services. To get an idea of how many seniors would be interested in this, an informational section will be

included in the township newsletter. The remainder of the millage is slated to be spent on installing an informational shadowbox and a hand rail on the ramp outside of the township hall. The shadowbox will be used to post important information and updates directly outside that will be easily accessible to community members. The township also signed an agreement

with CatchMark Technology to install two new television screens in the hall. One will be installed in the large space used for public meetings and elections, the other inside a space used for various private board meetings.

The board disclosed that the chip and seal project that was approved earlier this year for Walsh Road has been scheduled for some time in August.

Electric Forest organizer shares plans for festival

Rothbury council also approves road work projects

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

ROTHBURY — With the Electric Forest music festival getting rolling this week, the Rothbury village council received an update on this year's event from AEG Presents vice president of business strategy, Chad Cheek, at its regular meeting Tuesday.

Cheek shared his thanks to the council again for its help with the 10year mass gathering permit extension that was granted to the festival early in 2024. Through the stability that came with that permit, Cheek said, his company was able to work to secure a similar camping permit with Grant Township and pay to get needed road work done on 80th Avenue and Wilke Road.

Cheek added that after a thunderstorm in the area disrupted the final night of last year's festival, he hopes this one goes undisturbed. In the event such a thing does occur, the council agreed Cheek can contact village president Vern Talmadge, which he did last year.

The festival has close to 2,000 vendors and 130 musical acts scheduled for this week, and Cheek shared that the work done to put the event together is "an amazing feat of logistics I'm inspired by every time we come." He also happily shared stories of event personnel being delivered food and water by residents a year ago.

In regular village business, the council approved a bid for road work to be done in the village as well as a bid for repaving and widening of the paved path from the village hall to the Hart-Montague Bike Trail. Both votes were 6-0 (Denise Kurdziel was absent).

The road work will be done on a 1,240-foot stretch of Wilke Road to where it connects with Michigan Avenue. The council approved a bid for $51,800 from Asphalt Paving Inc. in Muskegon, which was the lower of the two bids presented.

The paved path will be repaved and widened from its current eight feet to 10 feet in width. The council approved a $49,964 bid from White Lake Excavating. That bid was some $700 higher than the other bid presented, but the council agreed staying with a local business was worth the small increase

in price.

No final timetable is set for either project. Department of Public Works director Scott Beishuizen said the contract allows for a 21-day window for work to be completed once begun and said he could ask the company to ensure the path remains usable while the project is in progress.

The council considered a request from Montague Area Public Schools to park its new refrigerated truck in the village hall parking lot through the summer and plug it in to the village hall to streamline transportation of food to the food pickup for local schoolchildren on Tuesdays. It was noted the district has offered to help pay for the added electricity this would generate, and treasurer Deb Murphy said her concern was the truck taking up parking spaces. Beishuizen said he could find a spot for the truck to minimize disruption.

Zoning administrator Mike Harris shared an update regarding the planning commission's issues with the Greenlawn mobile home park. He said there have been some improvements regarding the zoning violations the commission believes have occurred,

but the dumpster Harris said owner Kurt Hofstra promised to place on site has not yet been placed. The council suggested applying a hard deadline for the dumpster to be placed.

Vaughn White of Valley City Metal, who is overseeing work being done to the old foundry in hopes of turning it into a community center, shared that his team is now four weeks into the demolition of a portion of the building. He wryly added that may account for some of the loud noises nearby residents have occasionally heard. The plan is for the south end of the building to include the community center, while the north would have industrial space.

Early steps have been taken to get a new roof, siding and a dividing wall to the property. White is also applying for easement permits with the state Department of Natural Resources, saying some sort of access point from the bike trail may be necessary to allow sufficient space for emergency vehicles to come to the building if needed. If those are approved, White said he will approach the council again to consider some form of cooperation on the matter.

Playhouse seeks summer volunteers to aid productions

The Playhouse at White Lake invites community members to fill over 125 available volunteer positions for its Summer Theatre Festival this year.

Spanning seven weekends, with seven different productions including straight show comedies, classic musicals, community theatre, chamber music, live comedy and more, the Summer Festival offers varied opportunities for volunteers to seek out chances to help the shows of their choice.

Students 12 and up can volunteer on their own or with friends or fami-

lies, and all volunteers are invited to an initial training before their first shift, where basics are covered, including a venue tour, ushering with seating assignments, bar and concessions overview, ticket sales, venue set-up and tear-down. These all help to support the hundreds of dates that The Playhouse is in operation annually.

Volunteers in the summer traditionally choose from the options listed above, but there is no end to the ways that one can contribute their time and talents. Anyone with specific skills they

wish to put to use is encouraged to email Cindy Beth Davis-Dykema at davis-dykema@cityofwhitehall.org to get involved in the ways that will feel most fulfilling.

“While we’ve always had enough help to cover ushering in the summer season, our goal in recruiting more volunteers is to offer increased opportunities for connection to and within the Playhouse," Davis-Dykema said in a press release. "Anyone wishing to use their love of the theatre to benefit our community icon can support the

complex operations of this White Lake landmark, all while enjoying live performance and camaraderie for their time.”

For retired educators, caregivers or those who enjoy working with kids, there are additional opportunities available to support the youth program at sessions in mime, playwriting, improvisation, and Shakespeare. To become a volunteer, simply call and leave a message at 231-894-0119 or visit theplayhouseatwhitelake.org to complete the form on the home page.

Arts & Crafts Festival

There was a variety of goods available for purchase at the weekend's Arts and Crafts Festival in Goodrich Park. Glass works, paintings, stylized garden gnomes and decorations fashioned from empty liquor bottles were there. Inflatables offered an activity for the kids while their parents shopped.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

Patti

Eddington to be next Book Nook visiting author

Patti Eddington knew early on that she was adopted and she loved her adoptive parents. But the day she opened a 1963 “Report of Investigation,” which was based on a caseworker’s oneday visit to her childhood home, the stories Eddington had been told about her early life began to unravel.

A genealogy test led Eddington to her biological family. She petitioned the court to unseal the records about her that had been locked up for almost sixty years and with those in hand, she began to put together the truth about her long-hidden past.

Eddington will be at the Book Nook and Java Shop in Montague Wednesday, June 25, to talk about that journey, which she penned into a compelling

award-winning memoir “The Girl with Three Birthdays.”

The evening with Eddington begins at the Book Nook at 6:30 p.m. with an informal meet-and-greet. The program begins at 7 p.m.

This event is free and open to everyone. Patti Eddington’s book is available to purchase at the Book Nook.

This is the second in a series of summer author visits presented by the Friends of the Montague Library in partnership with the Book Nook and Java Shop.

On July 2, Dr. Susan Kruszynski will talk about her book Starter Guide to Creating Art Quilts. The award-winning art-quilter lives in Muskegon and divides her time between creating orig-

Sally Holland receives Quilt of Valor at White Lake VFW

inal collaged art quilt designs, marketing the fiber art in shows and galleries, teaching art quilting classes and giving lectures and shows for quilt guilds.

On July 16, Richard L. Smith returns to Montague to talk about his mystery-thriller The Yooperlite Conspiracy inspired by the real-life phenomena of glowing Yooperlite stones found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Smith grew up in Montague and graduated from Montague High School in 1960.

On August 6, Miles Harvey will talk about his collection of short stories titled The Registry of Forgotten Objects that was awarded the 2023 Journal Non/ Fiction Prize from Ohio State University Press and Best Work of Adult Fiction from the Society of Midland Authors.

scanning

Sally Holland was the latest military veteran to receive a Quilt of Valor. She was presented her quilt at a ceremony at the White Lake VFW last Wednesday. Holland served in the U.S. Navy from 1988-90. • Courtesy Photo