The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 50, May 8, 2026 by theoceanaecho

Thank You to All Who Helped Us Get to

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

Hart businesses celebrate milestone anniversaries

Whitehall's "Robo Sharks" reach state meet

By Sharon Hallack & Amanda Dodge

Team wins sustainability award in 1st finals appearance since 2019

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondents

Congratulations to Hansen Foods on the celebration of their 60th anniversary last month!

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

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

said. "We got carried on the

According to the Hansen Foods history posted at their customer service desk, as the only remaining full-service grocery store in Hart, “Hansens” got its start in 1966 when Don and Bev Hansen moved to Hart from Gaylord, where he was the manager of the A&P grocery store. Not wanting to take a transfer to manage a store in the Detroit area, Don came back to his hometown of Hart with the express purpose of buying a grocery store that was for sale by then-owner Lyle Kemp (located in the current Knights of Columbus building on Washington Street).

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

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

Selling everything they had, the Hansens paid the required down payment on the 2,400-square-foot grocery and moved their young family (Dave, Brenda, Diane and Goeff) back to Hart, where they opened the Hart Food Center shortly after. Literally using all of their money on the down payment, they didn’t even have enough money to put cash in the drawer for opening day.

has developed sustainable practices that focus on a 'triple bottom line,' People, Prosperity, and Planet, to have a positive impact and achieve longterm continuity," reads, in part, a release about the award. No doubt the growth of robotics teams in the White Lake area was a major factor in the award. Montague now has a high school team, which Jura said the Whitehall group helped get going, and both Whitehall and Montague have middle school teams.

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

Then in 2009, Dave and his wife Leslie returned home to Hart and pur chased the store from his parents, Don and Bev. Every two weeks now, there is something special going on at the store, including Ribfest, Baconfest, their Seafood Sale Extravaganza and much more.

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

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

Dave’s store biography reads. “Don and Bev had the courage to risk it all to better themselves. With hard work and a sense of humor, they built their business and soon outgrew it.”

In 1972, the Hansens moved their store to the former Kroger building (now Community Mental Health). And as the family grew, so did the business. So in 1985 they chose to build their own store at their present location on Polk Road.

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

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

Both gone now, Don and Bev’s legacy lives on, not only in the Han sen family, but in the entire community. Their grocery store business has spanned multiple generations, from employees and suppliers to customers and community organizations. Many have benefited from their generosity and community-mindedness, including local charities, schools and families who received support during difficult times.

Each year FIRST Robotics, the organization administering

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

BC Pizza owners Jerrod and Tara Eisenlohr

match, it would often still be making tweaks.

BCPizzaofHartmarks15years ofcommunity,perseverance&pizza

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

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

In a small town like Hart, success stories are often built on determination, resilience and a strong sense of community. Few stories capture that spirit better than BC Pizza of Hart, which proudly celebrated 15 years in business at the end of April.

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

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

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

They started with just four employeesDoug Drum, Gladys Hindman, Germaine Owens and Arlen McCloskey. At 13, Dave started in the meat department; Brenda, only 11, became a cashier and at 9 years old, Diane helped in the produce department. Goeff, who was only 6 at the time, was “off the hook."

“Everyone thought we were crazy. They would say, ‘Who’s going to go that far for groceries? Nobody can walk that far," Dave’s biography continues.

Dave served hot dogs and a Coke for a minimum donation of 25 cents at their 60th anniversary celebration on Saturday, April 25, with all of the donations going to the Crystal Valley Care Fund (CVCF). He said they raised $800 that day and presented the CVCF with a $1,000 donation.

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

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

Back in November 2010, Hart residents Jerrod and Tara Eisenlohr had a dream: to open their own pizza restaurant in their hometown. It was a simple idea rooted in family, hard work and a belief in their community. But like many dreams, it didn’t come easy.

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

After presenting their business plan to a local bank, the couple was turned down. They were even told something that could have ended their journey before it began, “Hart doesn’t need another pizza place.”

Pitching in to clean up the White Lake

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

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

“Sometimes you have to take a step into the water, and a rock will rise to meet your foot,”

As history has proven, plenty of people have gone “that far for groceries,” and now with the rail trail running right behind it, plenty of people can access the store by foot or bicycle too.

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

In the 1990s, both Goeff and Dave carried on the family business, owning their own grocery stores in Bear Lake and Sut-

"We could not have done it without all of our good customers sticking with us all these years," Dave told the Echo this week. "Without our cus tomers, there wouldn’t be a Hansen Foods, and I would like to thank all of them for allowing us to be here for 60 years."

From all of us at the Echo, thank you Han sen Foods for the past 60 years, and may you en-

For many, that might have been the end of the road, but for the Eisenlohrs, it was just the beginning. "I personally took that comment as a challenge. I wanted to prove that banker wrong." Tara explained.

on page 2

area

With two young children, just 2 and 4 years old at the time, they chose to push forward. Through persistence and belief in their vision, they brought their dream to life just a few months later, opening BC Pizza on Comfort Drive in Hart on April 20, 2011.

Fifteen years later, that once-doubted idea has become a cornerstone of the community.

BC Pizza of Hart has grown into more than just a place to grab a slice—it’s a gathering spot, a supporter of local causes, an employer of numerous young people and a business deeply woven into the fabric of the town. Over the years, the Eisenlohrs have consistently given back; supporting sports teams, band boosters, school book giveaways, fundraisers, churches and countless charitable events.

The Echo offers its congratulations to BC Pizza of Hart as you celebrate your 15th anniversary. We wish you many more years in the business!

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

• Courtesy Photo Robo Sharks continued

Hansen Foods owner Dave Hansen

Living Legacies: Mark Platt reflects on his years at the helm of the Hart Pirate ship

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

After more than a decade as captain of the Hart Public Schools (HPS) "Pirate ship," Superintendent Mark Platt plans to retire June 30.

“I’ve never had a job I didn’t like,” Platt shared. “I have mixed feelings about leaving. That’s why I know it’s the right time to leave.”

“Mark has made a significant positive impact on our school district and community over the last 13 years,” said current School Board President Jeff Schaner. “He has implemented many improvements to our organization, created a great Pirate culture, and helped develop and mentor many staff to build a great administrative team. Having his long tenure brought stability to the district, and his leadership is greatly appreciated.”

HPS was between superintendents when Platt brought his accounting degree and past experiences as a school administrator to the district. An interim superintendent was working with the board, who were in the process of conducting their own superintendent search. After what he would call 13 great years, Platt quipped, “Having a school board for a boss is like having seven wives. But I’ve been lucky. I’ve had great board members to work with, and I don’t say that lightly.”

That attitude is one of the reasons Platt has enjoyed his time at Hart.

“I have learned so much from Mr. Platt,” board member Irma Hinojosa shared. “He is a sincere and passionate person who deeply cares about all the employees, the students and their families. Being part of the board has been an absolute pleasure. He has made our district what it is today and has built a successful path for Brad Jacobs to follow.”

Looking back to 2013, when Platt was considering applying for the position, he remembers, “I attended some games and milled around downtown. I noticed there were five banks. I thought to myself, ‘Clearly there is something here.’

When the Platts purchased a house in Hart, the community took notice. “For the first year I drove back and forth. My daughter was a senior, and I didn’t want to disrupt that. But we did buy a house and ended up moving in during spring break the following year. For a

while we had two houses! (Living in the community) is important. There’s a certain amount of goodwill generated when you’re doing business where you live.”

“In my opinion, Mark has redefined what a superintendent means to a school. I think everyone that has attended HPS in the last 13 years knows who Mark is. He has been a very visible person in the district,” Board Member Chad Coker reflected.

“When it came to new ideas, Mark was always eager to get on board. Whether it was starting a robotics club or making sporting events more spirit-filled (flashing lights at basketball games or pirate ship cannons at football games), if it was to fire up the students and the community, Mark would say, ‘lets do it.' When the possibility of switching athletic conferences surfaced, Mark stood firm. We made the athletic director position full-time, gave our students the equipment and opportunities the bigger schools had, and within a few years Hart was a dominant force in every category of athletics. No one was prouder than Mark when Hart made the football playoffs for the first time and we won the home playoff game.”

By 2015, Platt had already begun working on his first bond issue to completely renovate and update the high school building. After months of publicity, communication and encouraging 18-yearold students to register to vote, the district successfully passed the first successful bond measure since 1995.

“We won by five votes,” said Platt. “Construction began the day school let out the following June. It was a busy time. We opened the 2016-17 school year with temporary walls as construction continued. It was a hot

mess.”

“I joined the board in February 2020, ever since I’ve found Mark to be a calming, steadfast leader for our district,” Board Member Steve Riley said. “The superintendent is one of the most public jobs in a community. The decisions they make affect many people and are open to public scrutiny. They are held to a high standard by the community, their staff, and the board of education. Even when they are not ‘on the job,' they are still on the job. There is very little time to decompress and relax. Many will never know all the behind-the-scenes activities, meetings and actions he did that kept things running smoothly.”

With the Sinking Fund millage renewal in May of 2025, renovations set to begin this summer will include upgrades to the district’s central business office, a partial new roof at the high school and some necessary mechanical upgrades at the middle school. After the 2026 football season, renovations will begin at the football stadium. Then in 2027, the oldest wing at Spitler Elementary will receive a facelift.

Board of Education

Secretary Andy Carter shared, “The two sayings that I attribute to Mark are 'I've been in this business

long enough to know’ and ‘With that being said.' I always knew that following either of those two statements, there was something profound about to be shared!”

Platt would say one of his greatest strengths while on the job has been as a communicator. However, he quickly admits that there needs to be a balance between seeking to understand and trying to be understood. “I brought experiences from other districts. I knew what success looked like in those other districts and believed Hart could be successful. I think we have achieved that, and while that is good for Hart, it is also good for Oceana County. Everyone should want their schools to be successful. You will not find a vibrant community or economy in an educational desert. It has been great watching all the local schools push hard and create some great schools. Now we are seeing tremendous efforts in the townships, cities and villages.”

When Mark Platt started 13 years ago, he hit the ground running,” said Phil DeBrot, who heads HPS Technology. “Everything from registering a brandnew pirate logo, helping bring high-speed broadband internet to Oceana County for remote learn-

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Benona Township Zoning Board of Appeals

The Benona Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. to review a request from Greg Gibby for approval of a right-side yard variance request of 5 feet and a front yard variance request of 15 feet to construct a 750 square foot garage. The garage will be located 5 feet from the right-side property line and 10 feet from the front yard property line. The Benona Township Zoning Ordinance requires a 10-foot side-yard setback (Benona Township Zoning Ordinance Article VIII – Residential District 8.3 (b)) and a 25-foot front yard setback (Benona Township Zoning Ordinance Article VIII – Residential District 8.3 (a)(1)).

The property address is 8967 Shawbacoung Trail, Shelby, MI 49455 (Parcel #64-011-410-071-00). The meeting will be held at the Benona Township Hall (7169 West Baker Road, Shelby, MI 49455).

The application is available for review at the Township Hall during business hours. Questions or statements regarding this review may be directed to the Zoning Board of Appeals via Sara Bizon, Zoning Administrator at the above address or e-mail zoningadministrator@ benonatownshipmi.gov. Sara Bizon, Zoning Administrator

ing, establishing full Google usage district-wide, starting One-to-One Chromebooks at the high school, going for bond projects to improve our district and much more. If you Google the word 'initiative,' you’ll see, ‘Initiative is the ability to assess and act independently, often taking the first step to start a project or solve a problem without being told.’ That's 100 percent Mark Platt. He is a true leader, a dear friend and will be greatly missed in the district.”

“I never anticipated we’d be here for 13 years,” he said. The whole family embraced their new community, Platt shared proudly. His son Braxton served on city council before he was married, and his daughter Selina and her family lived in Hart for a time. His wife Vicki reigned as Mrs. Asparagus in 2017 before joining the city council, where she would eventually serve two terms as mayor.

“Mark’s retirement is bittersweet. He has had a long and distinguished career at Hart Public Schools, and we can’t thank him enough for setting a high standard that we will continue improving on,” said Executive Assistant of Administrative Affairs Kelli Campagna.

“And that’s coming from a Tiger,” she quipped.

Platt shared one of the most rewarding highlights of his tenure, which is his involvement in helping to bring West Shore Community College to Hart. “It was a joint effort with Vicki. We were very involved

in the early stages. Vicki had found the grant when she was the mayor, and I had been discussing this topic with Dr. Ward from WSCC. A lot of work has been done by others since then, but in the very beginning, it was Vicki and me working with a small group of people.”

“It has been a joy and honor to have worked for Mark over the past 13 years. I have appreciated his love for our district and how he always made us a priority. He will be missed,” Hart Middle School Principal Kevin Ackley said.

Platt has already begun working with Hart’s new superintendent, Brad Jacobs, slowly passing off more and more responsibility as June 30 approaches. “Onboarding Brad is going well. I’m enjoying working with him.”

In retirement, Platt says he is looking forward to spending more time with family, including his two young grandchildren, as well as his all-time favorite hobby, fishing. You’ll no doubt find him in the stands at future sporting events, and he’ll still have a huge tub of candy ready for any trickor-treater who stops by on Halloween.

His final words of advice are, “Always be yourself, unless you can be a Pirate, then be a Pirate.”

"Thank you, Mr. Platt. Hart Public Schools is better because of you. We wish you well. We will do our best to make you proud," retired Hart Public Schools Secretary Sharon Hallack said.

JOB POSTING

CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP CLERK

The Township of Crystal in Oceana County is searching for a person to fill the vacant position of Township Clerk. Basic responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Payroll

• Accounts Payable

• Quick Books accounting/Budget forecasting/ management

• Elections Management (includes training)

• Maintain official township records and documents

• Maintain and manage the township cemetery records

• Attend and record all township board meetings minutes

• Prepares and files monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reports

• Prepares and files W-2s, 1099s, and other required forms

• Ensures records are audit-ready and assists during audits

• Runs QuickBooks reports for township board members

Work hours vary from month to month and can increase significantly during election seasons— especially in presidential election years. Township elections may be held frequently, and flexibility is essential.

Those interested should send their letter of interest/resume to: Lee Hyslop, Supervisor Crystal Township 1499 E. Hammett Hart, MI 49420

Board of commissioners greenlights numerous agenda items

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

The Oceana County Board of Commissioners was presented with multiple items for approval at their April 23 meeting, including receipt of the county’s 2025 assessment, salary increases for Oceana County Road Commissioners, and grant and ballot language approvals.

V&V Assessing officers Katheryn Wright and Nick Siegal delivered the board of commissioners the county’s L-4037 and L-4024 assessment and equalization forms. The analysis showed no equalization necessary, and all that remained was commissioner approval to send the assessments to the state.

Oceana County saw a 10% increase in equalized value and an 8.39% increase in taxable value, primarily due to industrial developments county-wide, including the NorthStar Clean Energy solar farm currently under construction in Hart Township. While the solar farm will qualify for tax exemptions upon completion, throughout construction, the county will still collect on the taxable value of equipment and property. As construction is due to finish this year, Chairman Robert Walker identified the bump in Hart Township’s valuation as a “one-year windfall [to be] redacted back out.”

Walker also inquired on the valuation of Rothbury, which saw the second lowest increase despite the recent annexation of Electric Forest properties to the village. Wright explained that, as the assessments reflect the year through tax day, Rothbury’s increase will be reflected in fiscal year 2026’s assessment.

Commissioners unanimously approved Oceana County’s L-4027 and L-4024. V&V Assessing CEO Ed VanderVries will be present at a forthcoming meeting to answer any more questions.

Also approved was a raise in annual salary for Oceana County Road Commissioners to $12,000, with an additional $1,500 increase for the board chair, with funds to come out of the road commission budget.

This is the first time in several years that the road

commissioners have received a raise in pay, as their salaries had not been previously adjusted to accommodate the cutting of health insurance for commissioners. Liaison to the road commission board Tim Beggs acknowledged the value of the board, their hard work and the necessity of a raise, “It's a pretty thankless job. [Road Commissioners] get beat up at all their meetings for potholes and other things that are out of their control…I think they probably take more public pressure than even we [County Commissioners] do, because everyone’s got an opinion about roads.”

The county’s ongoing struggle to find a mechanical inspector may soon be over, as the board approved a contract between the county and Michael Jankowiak, an experienced, LARA-certified mechanical inspector. County commissioners have criticized the State of Michigan over its certification process, which has left the state with too few mechanical inspectors for the work needed statewide. They have expressed further frustration as Oceana County inspectors have tried and failed to receive the necessary certification. Walker encouraged the commissioners to contract Jankowiak as soon as possible, saying, “If we have the opportunity to get a seasoned mechanical inspector… we need to hire him before somebody else does.”

Jankowiak’s certification is good through 2028 and his resume boasts over 30 years of experience.

Shelby Township’s request for an agreement from the Oceana County Board of Commissioners to act as fiduciary for a $6 million grant for a new gun range sparked discussion among the board.

While Walker acknowledged the county’s role as fiduciary for past projects with Shelby and other townships, he took issue with the item in the agreement stating that the county could not use any of the funds to reimburse their administrative work for the project. Walker also expressed a longstanding complaint from the county administration office about the frequency administrating and "paying the bills" for other units of government to apply for and receive grants without charging any fees. Considering these points, Walker asked the other commissioners for their opinions on the implementation of fees for requests such as the

one received from Shelby Township.

As Administrator Tracey Byard was not under the impression that Shelby Township was in a rush to receive word on the agreement, the commissioners tabled the fiduciary agreement so inquiries could be made on specifics regarding the project and considered coverage of an administrative fee, the result of which possibly will inform commissioners on how to proceed with a future fee.

Also regarding grants, commissioners approved the submission for a grant from the State of Michigan for $95,593 to go towards purchasing equipment and contracting additional staff to assist the county prosecutor in working through Oceana's crime backlog. This grant is made available to the county by the state, as it ranks number 14 in the top 15 Michigan counties with significant violent crime backlogs.

Finally, commissioners spent a significant portion of the meeting time discussing ballot language set for approval for the August local elections. Primarily the ballot proposal is a renewal of previous county millages such as ambulance, sheriff’s office, airport, schools, and various other county services, however, as it also includes an approximate 0.25 mil Headlee Rollback, it cannot be identified as a continuation or renewal.

Commissioners expressed concern that it will appear as if voters are deciding on an additional 7.30 mils, said Commissioner Craig Hardy, “It sounds to be like we’re tacking 7.3 mils on, and I don’t care which way you slice it, we’re not.”

Commissioners received clarification from the county attorney that the ballot language was mandated by Michigan’s Property Limitation Act (specifically, MCL-211.205g), and could not be changed. However, after much discussion and checking with the language, the last time this item was on the ballot revealed that the title had clarified the millage as a renewal. The language was ultimately approved by the commissioners, with the addition of the same millage renewal title as in 2016, hopeful that, between the title and an educational campaign, voters will be informed of the vital services the millage will continue to fund.

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

Travel back in time to Camp Houk in its Heyday

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Last week, we examined Camp Houk, focusing on how I, a beleaguered teenager in 2015, spent a beautiful day there and its current significance in the county. How about this week we share in my favorite activity, imagining ourselves in the same place, 40 acres of a beautiful hardwood forest in Elbridge Township, over 100 years ago?

It is late August 1906. Camp Houk, the reunion ground for Union Army Civil War veterans, is in its heyday 20 years after it was first established in 1882, and it purportedly outshines the county fair each year. You are a teenager living in Oceana County, and you are trying to convince your mother to let you go visit the camp. Your chores for the day are finished, or you’ve convinced a neighbor not attending camp to do them for you. It’s late August anyway, and few, if any, crops are ready for harvest now.

Your mother asks first, of course, "Who's all going to be there?" Well, for starters, the veterans, who were sponsored and hosted by the organization Grand Army of the

Republic (GAR). They return to the grounds every year for the sake of camaraderie, nostalgia and to support each other as the years between them and the war multiply. Many personal anecdotes from the time remark on the soldiers huddling around in their designated GAR tent, swapping war stories and reliving their harrowing experiences. Besides the veterans, you’re likely to see plenty of your neighbors, and quite possibly their whole extended families. You may even meet up with your extended family at Camp Houk. After all, the grounds were a frequent meet-up for family, school and club reunions. You might even hope that your grandpa or uncle will offer you a space in the tent with the rest of the family, crowding as many as eight individuals under one muslin roof. Better hope it

doesn’t rain.

Another group you can expect showing up to camp are the Native Americans, visiting from the nearby reservation housing members of the Ottawa, Ojibwe and Pottawattomie tribes. One of the Natives is Chief Shagonabe, who claims to have been born well before 1812, and you have no reason to question him, as he certainly looks it. Another frequent Camp Houk face of Indian descent was Henry Moon, who operated the shaving tent, ensuring that the men had a barber nearby to keep them tidy for the week. One place where the Native American attendees shone was the baseball field, where they consistently showed up the other kids coming in from outside of Elbridge Township.

A better answer to your mom’s question would be,

"But, Mom! Everyone else is going to be there!” Considering this, your mother asks her next question: “Well, how are you getting there?”

Camp Houk is located pretty centrally in the county, so the trek to camp is not as tedious as one might think, and there are a multitude of ways to get there. First, and most simply, you can walk. This was certainly the primary mode of transportation for families close by or folks traveling in just for the day. If you had a whole camp to set up, however, there were plenty of wagons to take, and by 1916, even a bus route traveled to the grounds. Fairly early on in the camp’s history, a deal was struck with Hart Cedar and Lumber Company for use of their lumber train, which had no passenger seats, but could get intrepid visitors and their cargo decently close

to the grounds.

Before your mother consents to let you go, of course, she has to ask what you’re planning on getting up to while you’re there. There’s no reason to lie in any way, as there was a whole week’s worth of entertainment to keep even the most hyperactive child occupied.

For starters, in many ways Camp Houk was like the county fair and as such offered fair games, side shows, animal trainers and even an engine-automated merry-go-round rented from Grand Rapids that cost 50 cents a ride. For 5 cents, you could visit a fortune teller, watch a moving picture or sit in the gramophone tent to listen to a record.

A naturally formed amphitheater hosted a wide variety of live entertainment, from vaudeville shows, magicians, musical performances and public speakers. At the far end of the grounds, a bowery was set up for dancing, with a capacity capable of holding as many as 25 square dancing partners. And if dancing wasn’t your style, or you were short on cash, you could search underneath the dance floor for loose change that had fallen between the cracks of the floorboards.

One of the main draws,

Don’t forget to tell your mom that you won’t go hungry either - there’s an ice cream tent after all. Families all over West Michigan looked forward to Camp Houk every year, from 1882 until the final meeting in 1917. Many speculate if the county fair was to blame for its ending, but the two coexisted for decades without competition (well, some competition, as Camp Houk had an ice cream tent and a 50-cent merry-go-round after all). The reality is that the veterans reuniting were slowly passing away, leaving so few to organize and attend all those years later. Thankfully, we have plenty of firsthand accounts from children who waited all year for the reunion, and our hypothetical today is a composite of many of their favorite memories. Visit

Oceana Center Grange Agricultural Report for May

By Phil Carter The Oceana Echo Agricultural Consultant

Fruit tree blossoms are "Ripening in the Land of Oceana." Apricots are the first and usually come out around the time forsythia blooms. Appearing next are early peaches, then sweet cherries and tart cherries. As of this writing (May 3), pears are in full bloom, with apples at open cluster to pink. One must remember fruit regions closest to Lake Michigan have several microclimates as you move inland. Places like Elbridge bloom first, with western Benona coming on later. Historical data indicated we are about one week ahead of last year,

but the recent cooldown may change that prediction somewhat.

It's also orchard spraying season in the "Land of Oceana." As leaves emerge (known as "silver to green tip"), protective materials are applied to control or prevent fungal diseases like apple scab and bacterial problems like fire blight. Copper compounds are the preferred choice at this stage. Peaches had a dormant spray applied in either late fall or early spring or both times to fight bacterial leaf spot. Cherry sprays begin at blossom to control brown rot organisms. As apples progress, apple scab and powdery mildew are the focus. Pink signals insecticides for, among other bugs, green fruit worms, spotted tentiform leaf miners and aphids. Orchard

scouts are busy placing insect traps and are regularly checking for emergence to determine application. Spraying will continue until harvest time to produce clean fruit for customers' demand.

Spring weather normally brings cold snaps, which reduce or destroy fruit crops. Models are used to determine killing temperatures depending on growth stage. Preventing cold damage takes several forms, with frost fans being widely used. (You may have heard these helicopter-like sounds during night hours). So far three runs have been made and last several hours. Technological advances allow growers to monitor conditions and fan operations from smart phones, which enables them to make real-time adjustments to optimize their

however, was the veterans themselves, not only for the stories they offered or the drills they practiced, but also for the ways in which they displayed their "competitive spirit.” Between target shooting, drill teams, band and drum performances, foot races, horseshoe matches and even a bugle-blowing competition, the veterans of Camp Houk kept themselves busy.

operations and improve crop yields. To aid in raising ambient temperature, an inversion cloud layer is essential. Clear skies can lower ground-level conditions by drawing colder upper air downward. It is believed that damage has occurred to peaches and cherries this year. Some observers have found apple damage but not to the extent cherry and peach crops have experienced.

As previously mentioned, farm equipment is now a common sight on roadways. This reporter recently encountered vehicles passing by him in a no-passing zone while he was attempting to make a left turn into a field and was thankfully unharmed. Please slow down and share the road to allow all involved to return home each evening.

The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment. oceanahistory.org The Oceana Echo © is published weekly at P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436 • All rights reserved. theoceanaecho@gmail.com • May 8, 2026 • Volume 3 • Issue 50 Office (Old Town Hall in Mears): M & W: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. • 231-301-8149 • ads@oceanaecho.com We need your support! Please donate today! Donations in any amount can be made via Zeffy at Zeffy or paypal.me/echopublishinginc, by scanning the QR code at right or by sending a check made out to Echo Publishing Inc. to P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436.

Ongoing

The Ladder Community Center:

May 8, 15 & 29 - Strum It Club, 11 a.m. to noon

May 19 - Knitting Club, 10 a.m. to noon

May 22 - Live Music by the Jammers, 10 a.m. to noon

The Huddle: 6th-12th grade after school program, M-F, 3-5 p.m.

Adult Hours: M-F 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MON: Women’s Bible Study, 1 Peter, 1-2 p.m.,

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

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

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

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

Authentic Unlimited closes out Performing Arts season

The Hart Community Performing Arts Series will conclude its 20252026 season on Friday, May 15, with a special performance by the nationally renowned bluegrass band, Authentic Unlimited. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Hart Public Schools Auditorium, located in the Hart Middle School.

Authentic Unlimited (AU) is a bluegrass group that is composed of Jerry Cole, Stephen Burwell and Eli Johnston. All are former members of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s last touring band before he retired. They are joined by mandolin extraordinaire Jesse Brock and the newest addition to AU, vocal powerhouse Colton Baker, to form a tight machine that is taking the music industry by storm. Authentic Unlimited won Vocal Group of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the 2023 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards as well as the 2023 SPGMA Gospel Group of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year.

AU took home the esteemed awards for Music Video of the Year and Song of the Year for their hit single, “Fall in Tennessee,” at the 2024 IBMA Award Show. In addition, the group was also recognized as the 2024 Vocal Group of the Year. Jesse Brock, of Authentic Unlimited, also received the prestigious honor of being named Mandolin Player of the Year. Authentic Unlimited’s multiple wins highlight their remarkable talent and further establish them as a standout bluegrass sensation. AU also won Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year at the 2024 SPBGMA Awards.

Tickets for the concert are available at hartseries.org. For further information, contact Artistic Director Tom Kirk at tomkirk@hartseries.org.

SADL to host Free Plant Giveaway and Garden Sale May 30

The Free Plant Giveaway and Garden Sale will happen at the Shelby Area District Library, 189 Maple St., Saturday, May 30, from 8:30–11 a.m. Donations of garden tools, yard art, pots and plants are needed. As you clean out your garage or shed this spring or thin out plants in the garden, please consider setting unneeded items aside to donate to the Friends Garden Sale. Donated plants and Items for this event can be dropped off at the library from May 26 through the early morning of May 30.

This popular community Free Plant Giveaway and Garden Sale depends on monetary donations during the sale, with proceeds helping the Friends of the Library maintain the beautiful Shelby Library garden. For more information about this garden event, contact the Shelby Library at 231-861-4565. Please come early for the best selection of plants and garden items.

Angelo’s & Riccardo’s

MOTHER’S DAY BUFFET

Sunday, May 10

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Buffet Featuring:

• Roast Round of Beef • Ham • Bar-B-Q Ribs

• Broasted Chicken

• Broasted Pollock

• Roast Turkey and Dressing

• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

• Vegetables

• Salad Bar • Dessert Table

Adults: $19.95

Children 10 and under: $9.95

Call for Reservations: (231) 854-3695

161 N. Division Downtown Hesperia

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

May 9 - Hart Hills Gravel Road Race, Downtown Hart, 10 a.m.

May 12 - Tech Time, Hesperia Community Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

May 12 - Adult Book Club Movie, Hesperia Community Library, 2:00 p.m.

May 13 - Pentwater Senior Honor Night, Pentwater Gymnasium, 6 p.m.

May 14 - Teen Night, Hesperia Community Library, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

May 14 - Shelby High School Graduation, SHS Gymnasium, 7 p.m.

May 15 - PreK Roundup, Diman-Wolf ECC, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m

May 15 - Story Time, Hesperia Community Library, 10-11 a.m.

May 15 - Walkerville High School Graduation, WPS Gymnasium, 6 p.m.

May 15 - Hart Performing Arts Series, Authentic Unlimited, 7:30 p.m

May 15 - Mobile Food Pantry, Spitler Elementary, 5 p.m.

Area food pantries and free dinners

Mondays & Thursdays: Hesperia

United Methodist Church, 187 E. South Ave., Hesperia (red brick building behind church), Mondays 9-11 a.m. And Thursdays 4-6 p.m.

2nd Mondays: Rothbury Community Church, 2500 W. Winston Rd., Rothbury, 231-893-4965, food distribution hours are 9-11:30 a.m. (number system).

3rd Tuesdays: Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club - Feeding America West Michigan mobile food pantry, Pentwater Fire Department, 486 E. Park St., Pentwater, 11 a.m.

Wednesdays: Bread of Life Food Pantry, a ministry of St. Gregory/Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Churches, 11 Washington St., Hart, 231-873-2660, 3-5 p.m. food pickup.

Wednesdays: Community Dinner, September through May, Centenary United Methodist Church, 82 S. Hancock St., Pentwater, 4:30-5 p.m., call 231869-5900 to reserve a takeout meal, 5-6 p.m., dine-in, no reservation required. Frozen meals are available at no charge and can be picked up during church hours Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to

noon, and Wednesday during the community dinner, noon to 6 p.m.

Wednesdays: Christ the Rock World Harvest Church, 6985 Indian Bay Rd., Montague, 231-893-8900, noon to 6 p.m.

1st Wednesday: Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 144 176th Avenue, Walkerville, 231-873-5040, food pantry, 3-6 p.m.

1st & 3rd

Wednesdays: Hart Wesleyan Church, 757 W Polk Rd, Hart, free clothing closet, 4-6 p.m.

2nd & 4th

Wednesdays: First Baptist Church-Pentwater Community Food Pantry, 101 S. Rush St., Pentwater, 231-869-5149, also basic clothing and household needs offered, doors open at 9 a.m., register by 9:30 a.m.

3rd Wednesdays: New Hope Community Church, 244 79th Ave. Shelby, 231-861-0536, 6 p.m., food pantry (closed in January & July).

1st Saturdays: Trinity Lutheran Church Baby Pantry, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, 8:30-10 a.m.

2nd & 4th Saturdays: TLC Food Pantry, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, 231-861-4059, 8-10 a.m.

PWC’s Bids & Sips fundraiser planned for May 17

“Bids & Sips…” is a new name for an old tradition: the Pentwater Women’s Club (PWC) annual auction and wine tasting fundraiser for scholarships and other community programs. The date and location for this year’s event are Sunday, May 17, from 2-5 p.m., at Park Place, 310 Rush St. in Pentwater.

For many years the event was held at the Pentwater Yacht Club, and the auction featured only artwork donated by local artists. Although there continue to be lovely art pieces offered, the auction has been broadened to include a wide array of items from businesses both local and up to an hour’s drive away. Manistee vendors have been very supportive of the event, and packages are available to make the drive worthwhile.

Attendees will be delighted to find items for different ages among clothing, jewelry, household items, floral arrangements, plants, books, toys, outdoor furnishings, yard art, food baskets, practical and whimsical art, table art, and gift cards to restaurants, shops and services. A declared value and minimum starting bid are listed for each item. Some items draw serious competition.

Other features of immense interest at the event include the food, the wine tasting and the quilt raffle. Club President Kathy O’Connor reports, “I’ve heard people claim that the food alone is worth the price of the ticket.”

All the food is prepared and served by PWC members. Many of the 28 items are favorites that appear every year, whether prepared meats, vegetables, cheeses, fruits, pastries or sandwiches.

Vendors for Port View Wine are generous with their selections. Storeowner Ryan Williams puts together a list of the options so participants can record their preferences to guide future purchases. Participants are given a wine glass to use and return afterwards. Williams says, “I’m told that pouring wine is the favorite task among PWC members when they sign up for event jobs.”

One event feature that has grown in popularity is the quilt raffle. A group of club members creates a new king-sized quilt each year, and more than once they have run out of raffle tickets to sell. Tickets are offered throughout the summer by club members and several downtown locations. The winning ticket is pulled on Homecoming weekend. This year’s quilt is entitled “Beach, Sand & Michigan Waves.” It will be displayed in several venues this summer for viewing.

Event tickets are $30 at the door, but are $25 if purchased ahead of time from club members or at Jilly’s, Homebaked by Roxann or Port View in Pentwater. Raffle tickets for the quilt will be sold at the event, at the Thursday night Civic Band concerts, and are available at Jilly’s, Sew Let’s Be Quilty or Homebaked by Roxann.

Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers are eager to explore new finds

Submitted by Anne Pawli Michigan VPP Oceana & Muskegon Program Coordinator

They love wading in pools, searching for salamander and wood frog eggs and examining macroinvertebrates up close and personal. Now, after about 10 hours of intensive training, Oceana and Muskegon counties boast new “citizen scientists” eager to find and document vernal pools for the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI).

Anne Pawli, the program coordinator for the Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol (VPP) in Oceana and Muskegon counties, has been a VPP volunteer for several years, ever since she learned about the existence of these serene and ephemeral habitats.

Church Directory

The MNFI holds virtual trainings in early spring, followed in April by a four-hour field training led by Dr. Yu Man Lee and others from Michigan State University’s MNFI program. This year, Dr. Lee and her team brought the field training to Doolittle County Park and the Oceana Conservation District, which organized and hosted the event. Pawli trained under Dr. Lee, who explained the urgency be-

N. Business US-31 Pentwater, MI

Pastor John C. Hansen Sunday Worship - 11 a.m. For more information, call 231-233-7703 EVERYONE IS WELCOME! LCMS

Walkerville Wesleyan Church

hind the sustained push to identify, monitor and protect these critical habitats.

The pools, which emerge as the winter snows melt and spring rains arrive and then disappear by summer’s end, provide critical habitat for certain animal species that rely on fishless environments for survival and reproduction. In particular, this includes fairy shrimp, wood frogs and spotted

Everyone is welcome to join us in worship Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. 82 Church St. P.O. Box 336 Hesperia, MI 49421 (231) 854-3075 hpc11@frontier.com

salamanders. Blue-spotted salamanders are the critical indicator species the Vernal Pool Patrol’s newly minted volunteers will be trying to find and document.

More than a dozen new members of the VPP include young families, professionals, retirees and couples. Pawli said she’s glad for the company in the field and enthused over the possibility of adding more local pools to the state’s

VP map.

“The new volunteers haven’t wasted any time getting out into the field to search for vernal pools,” she said. “In fact, the number of verified pools on the map has already doubled – from one to two – because of the increase in boots in the field. But first, we have to find the pools.”

VPP volunteers are always looking for new pools to explore on state and federal land. Since

the pools are ephemeral, many people may not be aware of their existence or significance. Sometimes, the unmistakable calls of wood frogs can lead to a pool, or the glint of sunlight off a small body of water through the trees can. If anyone knows of a place like this, Pawli and the other Vernal Pool Patrollers would like to hear from you. But don’t wait too long –they’ll have disappeared by late summer.

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

Hollis ‘Butch’ M. Rockwell Jr. June 5, 1947 ~ May 3, 2026

Hollis "Butch" M. Rockwell Jr., 78, of Shelby, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026. He was born June 5, 1947, the son of Hollis Sr. and Hazel (Straley) Rockwell.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Elbridge Community Cemetery, 2266 E. Polk Rd. Hart, MI 49420. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, MI 49455.

To read the full obituary, please visit Harris Funeral Home's website, https://www.harrisfhome.com.

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

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

144 S Hamon St, Walkerville Office@walkervillewesleyanchurch.org

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Jacquelyn Jean Kolbe

July 13, 1932 ~ May 1, 2026

Jacquelyn Jean Kolbe, 93, formerly of Walkerville, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026. She was born July 13, 1932, in Elbridge Township, the daughter of Harry and Beatrice (Shafer) Monroe.

Jackie, as most everyone knew her, lived the majority of her life around Walkerville, but also loved to travel the United States. She enjoyed difficult crossword puzzles, and was always ready to play a game of Euchre. An accomplished quilter and crocheter, Jackie was also an excellent baker.

Jackie is survived by: her children, Richard (Marie) Kolbe of Walkerville, Charles Kolbe of White Lake and Su san Kolbe of Savage, Minnesota; granddaughters Kim Kolbe of Kalamazoo, Brenda (Cory) Metcalfe of Osceola, Indiana and Tarie Kolbe of Walker; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jackie was preceded in death by: her parents, Harry and Beatrice; husband, Martin “Mike” Kolbe; brothers, Louis and Harvey Monroe; and sisters, LaVerne Chase and Shirley Hutchins.

Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Michigan 49455, with Pastor David Pratt officiating. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at Harris Funeral Home. Interment was in West Hesperia Cemetery, 8699 Loop Rd., Hesperia, Michigan 49421. A luncheon was provided at the Hesperia American Legion Post, 4075 S. 198th Ave., Hesperia, Michigan 49421.

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

George A. Kreke

July 10, 1946 ~ May 4, 2026

George A. Kreke of Whitehall, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in Chi cago, July 10, 1946, to Henry and Marguerite Kreke. George, a graduate of Mendel High School, class of ‘64, played football all four years. After graduation, George proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from ‘64 to ‘70. After being honorably discharged, he worked for Illinois Bell, AT&T and later as a private business owner in the telecommunications industry. One of his “tallest” career accomplishments was participating in all phases of the construction of the Sears Tower. He continued to work there until ‘87 after forming his own business.

As a natural athlete, he continued playing football with the UFL Chicago Bulls. Despite multiple surgeries for back injuries and a chainsaw-related leg injury, he managed to raise a family and forward his career, yet he couldn’t stay away from athletics. In the mid-80s, he dropped the pack and grabbed running shoes. He went on to run multiple marathons, including Chicago, Marine Corps, Boston, and Nanisivik (above the Arctic Circle), as well as ultra-marathoning, including across the Grand Canyon.

George also proudly served his Chicago neighborhood community. As a big kid at heart, yet with military training, George made an excellent and muchloved Scoutmaster for his South Side of Chicago ragtag troop. While not having deep funding, including full uniforms, under his tutelage the scouts excelled at their skills, especially marksmanship, earning merit badges. They often won troop awards at various camps. A number of his scouts went on to serve full careers within the U.S. Armed Services.

George later retired to Whitehall, where he spent his peaceful final years. Of all his attributes, his greatest one was his gift of gab. With his beautiful rhythmic and soothing voice that would penetrate all defenses, he could talk to anyone and leave a smile on their face. That, most of all, is what will be missed.

George is survived by his loving wife Chris; brother John (late wife Vicky); son Matthew and wife Michelle; son William and wife Danielle; daughter Kate and husband Chris King; granddaughters Hazel and Poppy; daughter Kelsey and husband Brandon Dutton; twin granddaughters Abbey and Penny; and daughter Morgan Merrill.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 5149 Dowling St., Montague, MI. Burial will take place at Oakhurst Cemetery, 1316 E. Colby St., Whitehall, MI, with a luncheon to follow immediately afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls (mercyhome.org).

Celebration of Life – Dale A. Lee

Dale A. Lee passed away February 1, 2026, and was born November 23, 1951. A Celebration of Life for Dale will be held from 2-5 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Pentwater, 82 S. Hancock St. There will be a light luncheon to follow. Donations in his memory can be made to the donor's charity of choice.

Henry Francis Lewis, Jr.

July 19, 1954 ~ April 30, 2026

Henry Francis Lewis, Jr., 71, of Watervliet, Michigan, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026. He was born July 19, 1954, in Holland, the son of Henry Sr. and Rositta (Lawrence) Lewis.

Henry proudly served in the U.S. Army for eight years and received an honorable discharge. He also served the Michigan Rehabilitation Services for 27 years, and worked at the Michigan School for the Deaf and the Michigan School for the Blind.

Henry was an active and proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the American Legion, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He loved to shoot pool and go camping, fishing, bowling, and driving on back roads. Henry found much joy in hosting gatherings, cooking, and building random projects.

Henry could always be heard laughing, and he always made friends and family laugh. He was sometimes known as a flirt, and his sense of humor was one-ofa-kind. He also loved a good bonfire, watching wrestling, and loved his two cats.

Henry is survived by: his daughter, Andrea Gaston; grandchildren, Adara Gaston, Aiden Gaston, and Avree Gaston; great-grandchildren, James Schmalfeldt III and Ebony Schmalfeldt; siblings, Willie Lewis, Ronnie Craton, Shelia Craton, Judy Welch, Patty Lewis, Rodney Lewis, Torreanno Lewis, Julia Lewis, Anita Lewis, Steven McKinnon, Mark McKinnon, Brian McKinnon, Evelyn Kendrick, Rosa Whitfield, and Reuben Lewis; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Henry was preceded in death by: his wife, Pauline Lewis; mother, Rositta Lawrence; father, Henry Lewis, Sr.; stepmother, Marcella Lewis; and sister, Leona Lewis.

Memorial services will be conducted at noon, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420. The family will receive friends Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the St. Joseph Indian Cemetery in Elbridge Township, followed by a luncheon at the Golden Eatery, 5689 W. Fox Rd., Mears, MI 49436.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Henry’s honor to the Coloma American Legion Post #362, 6505 Red Arrow Hwy, Coloma, MI 49038.

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

Matthew Louis LeFevre

June 15, 1951 ~ April 20, 2026

Matthew Louis LeFevre, 74, a lifelong resident of Hespe ria, passed away peacefully Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Newaygo County Compassion Home in Fremont.

Born June 15, 1951, Matt was a man who found joy in the simple, timeless pleasures of Michigan life. He had a deep-rooted passion for music and was a fan of Dodge cars and riding motorcycles. When the seasons shifted, he could be found picking asparagus and mushroom hunting. Matt worked at Quality Tool & Stamping in Muskegon Heights for nearly 23 years.

Matt was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia LeFevre, and his father, Donald LeFevre.

Matt is survived by: his daughter, Alisha LeFevre; brother, Michael (Debra) LeFevre; sister, Mary (Patrick) Griffith; nephews, Ben and Joe; niece, Kate; and many loving cousins. His presence will be missed by his many friends and neighbors who knew him over the decades.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Newaygo County Compassion Home, 20 S. Stewart Ave., Fremont, Michigan.

A service to celebrate Matt’s life will be announced at a later date.

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

Mark Earl Dean April 5, 1962 ~ April 27, 2026

Mark Earl Dean, 64, of Ludington, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on April 27, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Hart, Michigan.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Sharon Dean. He is survived by his fiancé, Beth Renwick; his siblings, Kari (Steve) Beste, Ninajo (Jimmy) Wallace, and Kelly (Renee) Dean; as well as his children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He proudly served in the United States Army and worked as a machine operator at Floracraft for 14 years.

Mark enjoyed sports throughout his life, including golf and bowling, and in his younger years especially wrestling and playing softball, where he formed many lasting friendships. He was known to many as “Shadow.”

He will be remembered for his infectious smile, sense of humor, and love for his family.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. at Memorial Tree Park, 1598 N. Washington Ave., in Ludington, Michigan.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

By Lucie Winborne

• An 1898 book predicted the Titanic’s sinking 14 years before it happened.

By Lucie Winborne

• An 1898 book predicted the Titanic’s sinking 14 years before it happened.

• During the 1904 Tour de France, Maurice Gerin jumped on a train and caught a ride between cities to get ahead of the other cyclists.

• Antarctica is the world’s largest desert, as it is a polar ice desert with very low precipitation.

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE,

• During the 1904 Tour de France, Maurice Gerin jumped on a train and caught a ride between cities to get ahead of the other cyclists.

By Lucie Winborne

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20260427 FOR RELEASE APRIL 27, 2026

• As a young, poor artist, Pablo Picasso once burned his own paintings to keep warm.

257

300 W. 57th STREET, 15th FLOOR, NEW

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

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20260427

YORK, NY 10019

By Lucie Winborne

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

FOR RELEASE APRIL 27, 2026

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

By Lucie Winborne

• On May 11, 1659, the Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a law banning the celebration of Christmas, with a prohibition on “feasting and similar satanic practices” accompanied by a five-shilling penalty. Nearly 40 years earlier, the governor of the Plymouth Colony, in similar Scrooge-like spirit, had actually (and personally) confiscated toys.

• It’s better to be a butterfly. Did you know, the more social you are, the better your health, researchers say.

257

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

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20260427

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20260420

FOR RELEASE APRIL 27, 2026

FOR RELEASE APRIL 20, 2026

NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20260427

FOR RELEASE APRIL 27, 2026

By JoAnn Derson

By Lucie Winborne

• On May 12, 1903, cameraman H.J. Miles filmed President Theodore Roosevelt as he rode in a parade in his honor. The resulting movie, later played on nickelodeons in arcades across the country, was unusual not just because Roosevelt was one of the first presidents to have an official activity recorded in that medium, but because his carriage was escorted by the Ninth U.S. Cavalry Regiment, an all-Black company.

• On May 13, 1920, the Socialist Party nominated Eugene V. Debs as its candidate for president in the upcoming November election, notably undeterred by the fact that he happened to be serving a decade-long sentence at an Atlanta federal penitentiary.

• On May 14, 1973, Skylab, America’s first space station, was successfully launched into orbit around the earth. Eleven days later, astronauts Charles Conrad, Joseph Kerwin and Paul Weitz rendezvoused with the station, repaired a jammed solar panel and conducted scientific experiments during their 28-day stay aboard it.

• On May 15, 1982, the Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder duet “Ebony and Ivory” grabbed the coveted top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, holding it for seven weeks and eventually becoming the biggest hit record of McCartney’s post-Beatles career.

• On May 16, 1985, three scientists from the British Antarctic Survey announced, in the scientific journal “Nature,” their detection of abnormally low levels of ozone over the South Pole. Within two years, 46 nations signed the Montreal Protocol, pledging to phase out substances known to cause ozone depletion.

• On May 17, 2004, Marcia Kadish and Tanya McCloskey of Malden, Massachusetts, tied the knot at Cambridge City Hall in Massachusetts, becoming the first legally married same-sex partners in the United States. That same day, 77 similar couples wed across the state, while hundreds more applied for marriage licenses.

• Plastic grocery bags always come in handy. Try storing them in empty tissue boxes for the car or bathroom, or use an empty 12-pack soda box for more under your kitchen sink or in the garage.

• “For foot cramps at bedtime, eat a banana in the evening. I think it is the potassium in the bananas, but it has had a good effect for me. And it can’t hurt to get another serving of fruit per day, right?” — L.I. in Missouri

• “Another great use for baby powder (or corn starch): If you have a deck of cards that are stuck together, simply place them in a baggie and add a tablespoon of powder. Seal and shake, getting the dust in between the cards. When you remove the cards, shuffle them over a kitchen towel and they will be like brand new.” — R.D. in Texas

• You can fill a mop bucket with a dustpan? Yes! Use the large end of the dustpan as a funnel from the faucet over the side of the sink, where your mop bucket is waiting to catch the waterfall. The handle acts as a spout.

• You can substitute black bean puree for flour when making brownies, and it tastes so good! It’s an even swap. Just make sure you rinse the canned beans well to remove added sodium, and run them through a food processor to puree.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 1800 Pembrook Dr., Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32810.

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

Thank you, Melanie Sayles, Weare Clerk

OC ANIMAL SHELTER

Rosie is a 4-year-old pittie weighing in at about 50 pounds of pure love. This sweet girl is ready to find her forever home, where she can soak up all the attention as your one and only pet.

She’s the perfect mix of adventure and cozy — Rosie loves going on walks just as much as she loves curling up beside you for a good couch snuggle.

Rosie would do best in a home with older kids and a family who can give her the love and attention she deserves.

If you’re looking for a loyal companion who will happily be your shadow (and your snuggle buddy), Rosie might just be your girl. Rosie is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. If interested, please call the shelter at 231-861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35 and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/ neuter if needed. Every dog should have an ID tag. L.A.S.S.I. provides free dog

• Antarctica is the world’s largest desert, as it is a polar ice desert with very low precipitation.

• Composer Domenico Scarlatti wrote a piano piece, “Cat’s Fugue,” based on notes his cat walked across.

• An 1898 book predicted the Titanic’s sinking 14 years before it happened.

• As a young, poor artist, Pablo Picasso once burned his own paintings to keep warm.

• The naked man orchid, aka the hanging man orchid, resembles — yes, you guessed it — a nude dude. Native to Mediterranean regions, it’s also classified as threatened, possibly due to its popularity as an antidiarrheal, antiflatulent and aphrodisiac.

• During the 1904 Tour de France, Maurice Gerin jumped on a train and caught a ride between cities to get ahead of the other cyclists.

• Butcher Chris McCabe’s life was saved in a rather unusual fashion when he accidentally shut himself into a walkin freezer in 2017. The door release button was iced over and McCabe was alone, so he seized a 3.3-pound black pudding and bashed the button until he was able to safely exit.

• Antarctica is the world’s largest desert, as it is a polar ice desert with very low precipitation.

• The naked man orchid, aka the ing man orchid, resembles — yes, you guessed it — a nude dude. Native to Mediterranean regions, it’s also classified as threatened, possibly due to popularity as an antidiarrheal, antiflatulent and aphrodisiac.

• Pretzels were originally created by monks around 610 A.D. to reward children for learning prayers, with their shape designed to resemble arms crossed in prayer.

• As a young, poor artist, Pablo Picasso once burned his own paintings to keep warm.

• Pupaphobia is the irrational and persistent fear of puppets, dummies and marionettes.

Pretzels were originally created by monks around 610 A.D. to reward children for learning prayers, with their shape designed to resemble arms crossed in prayer.

• Prior to the creation of antibiotics, some syphilis patients were deliberately infected with malaria, resulting in such high fevers that the syphilis bacteria was often killed off. Once that disease was under control, doctors would then treat the malaria with quinine.

• Snake wine, a traditional alcoholic beverage found in Vietnam, China and Southeast Asia, is created by infusing whole, often venomous, snakes in rice wine or grain alcohol for months. The high alcohol content denatures the venom, making it safe for consumption, though the drink is banned in some areas.

• Pretzels were originally created by monks around 610 A.D. to reward children for learning prayers, with their shape designed to resemble arms crossed in prayer.

• Michael Phelps’s total of 28 Olympic medals places him ahead of more than 160 nations in the all-time gold medal rankings.

• In 2018, scientists at Caltech played a microscopic game of tic-tac-toe built from DNA.

• The dirt on Mars is made up of dust particles just 4% the width of a human hair and contains toxic metals and other harmful compounds that can cause hormonal imbalances and serious disease.

• Feeding pigeons in Venice, Italy, is prohibited to protect historical monuments.

• To celebrate the end of France’s war with Russia, Napoleon organized a massive rabbit hunt. Things backfired when the thousands of animals acquired for the occasion swarmed toward him and his guests upon release from their cages, until even the legendary general was forced to beat a retreat to his carriage.

***

• In 2018, scientists at Caltech played a microscopic game of tic-tac-toe built from DNA.

• Feeding pigeons in Venice, Italy, is prohibited to protect historical monuments.

***

• A three-dollar bill issued by the Cook Islands features a topless Polynesian woman riding a shark.

• The dirt on Mars is made up of dust particles just 4% the width of a human hair and contains toxic metals and other harmful compounds that can cause hormonal imbalances and serious disease.

• Due to his fear of flying, actor Sean Bean would hike for two hours to the set of “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” in full costume while the rest of the cast took a helicopter.

Thought for the Day: “You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” — Johnny Cash © 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

• Feeding pigeons in Venice, Italy, is prohibited to protect historical monuments.

***

• Cuscuta (witch’s hair) is a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll and feeds off other plants, using smell to identify the best hosts.

***

OC ANIMAL FRIENDS

Meet Nala — we think she is a mixed Bengal breed, but she hasn’t been DNA tested. She's a beautiful girl. She is inquisitive, playful and cuddly. She gives the best head butts. She likes a routine, with play appointments the way other people set aside time to walk their dogs. She especially loves men. She also enjoys being pet while she eats. She will tell you what she hates with a clawless swat. But when she trusts you enough to fall fast asleep, she makes a little, three-syllable sigh that will steal your heart. If you would like to adopt Nala, please fill out an application through the OCAF Facebook page: Oceana County Animal Friends or online at: oceanacountyanimalfriends.wordpress.com. To volunteer or for more information, please call OCAF at 616-822-5552. OCAF is open by appointment or during visiting hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to noon or Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rosie

Meet Nala

OCF kicks off the 6th Annual Migrant Child Task Force Donation Drive

The Oceana Community Foundation (OCF) is thrilled to promote the start of the 6th Annual Migrant Child Task Force Donation Drive in partnership with Oceana County's Department of Health & Human Services’ (DHHS) migrant outreach staff. This year’s drive welcomes donations of new personal care and hygiene items, bulk cultural foods, baby and child's necessities, school materials, activity books for kids and preteens and other essentials that directly support families through the Task Force’s camp outreach events. The donated items help ensure children and parents have what they need throughout the agricultural season. Every donation goes straight to a local migrant farmworker family, helping to meet immediate needs and bring comfort, dignity and some joy to their time in Oceana County during the agricultural season.

DHHS staff organize Oceana’s farmworker

outreach efforts to support migrant families facing resource insecurity. The Task Force estimates that around 42,700 children (ages 0 to 19) travel to Michigan each year as part of seasonal farmworker families. While these families play a vital role in sustaining Oceana’s agricultural economy, many young children and parents arrive with limited essentials and lack access to many basic items once they get here.

“Each year with the arrival of spring flowers and asparagus popping out of the ground, we begin to welcome migrant farmworkers who come to assist our local farmers cultivate and harvest the abundant crops. By sharing this annual wish list, we invite others to show their gratitude for all their hard work to bring food to our tables and beyond. Agriculture is an essential driver of our economy – this community-driven effort invites everyone to invest in the well-being

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE

Thursday, Friday & Saturday

MAY 21st-23rd • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

8016 N. 176th • North of Walkerville

of farmworker families who are essential to West Michigan’s agricultural system,” OCF CEO Tammy Carey said.

Former DHHS staff member Dolores Peters shared how meaningful these donations can be for children. “The children's eyes light up when they see the soccer balls. One young tween stood out to me. What caught my attention was the net he had to play soccer. He was playing with a falling-apart net and an old, trodden soccer ball. I was told he was very talented at school for soccer. When we gave him a new soccer ball, which is of very nice quality, he was beyond elated. It was touching, and I’ll never forget that.”

The OCF is assisting DHHS by collecting high-need items such as toothbrushes, shampoo, diapers, soap and children’s toys, ensuring families have essential supplies while also giving kids access to books, toys and activities that let them simply enjoy being

children. Donations also support women in the camps, who often receive few resources. As Peters noted, “Agriculture work is male-dominated in migrant camps. When we come across a group of women and we provide them with hygiene products from this drive, they are so surprised and thankful.”

Community members can donate through an Amazon wish list (https://tinyurl.com/ Task-Force-2026) shared on the OCF’s social media channels and its website, with items shipped directly to the foundation’s P.O. Box. Donations may also be dropped off at the OCF office inside the Pentwater Shelby State Bank side entrance lobby at 388 S. Hancock St. DHHS distributes items during campsite visits throughout the county or directly to clients from their Hart office. Donations will be accepted through June 15, 2026.

For any questions regarding Oceana’s Mi-

GARAGE SALE

65 S. ELM IN HESPERIA

MAY 14, 15 & 16 from 8 to 5

Christmas, Santa Clauses, Women’s Clothes, Purses, Bedding, Shoes & More

grant Child Task Force, please contact Ricardo Solis of the Farmworker Outreach Services Division at solicR1@michi-

gan.gov or Migrant Program Specialist Cindy Santiago at santiagoc@ michigan.gov.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

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

Community Foundation announces Spring Community Grant awards

The Oceana Community Foundation (OCF) awarded $85,768 in total grants to 20 organizations in this year’s Spring Community Grant round, providing funding to all applicants and in some cases meeting the full program cost. These investments help support a wide range of initiatives across our county, focusing on youth leadership and literacy, community parks and recreation, environmental conservation, arts and culture enrichment, senior health, and much more.

“This grant cycle reflects significant service demands on our nonprofit partners and their valiant efforts to meet resident needs with budgets stretched thin. We are so fortunate for our many funding partners that helped us meet these requests and supported the launch of multiple new projects, including two literacy programs by Michigan Dyslexia Institute and United Way of the Lakeshore,” shared OCF CEO Tammy Carey. “Each project shows how, together, we’re building a more connected community where everyone can thrive.”

This grant round provided funding to the following grantees:

• $1,000 - American Youth Foundation to support Oceana County middle-school students participating in Camp Miniwanca’s Michigan Middle School Leadership Initiative.

• $5,000 – Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp to support Blue Lake Public Radio’s essential operations and emergency broadcasting services following the loss of federal funding.

• $2,000 – Claybanks Township to purchase picnic tables for the Lake Michigan shoreline park to support family use, gatherings and recreation near the new playground.

• $5,000 – Disability Network West Michigan for an Accessible Oceana County initiative to assess and improve physical, digital and communication accessibility across the county.

• $5,000 – Health Department of Northwest Michigan to expand the Senior Smiles program, providing free oral-health assessments, cancer screenings and education for seniors in Oceana County.

• $4,000 – Lakeshore Keepers to install a public live-feed camera and security camera at Little Sable Point Lighthouse to expand access, enhance visitor experience and protect the historic site.

• $10,260 – Michigan Dyslexia Institute Inc. to support the opening of its Oceana County Center at the new WSCC Hart campus, providing scholarships for Orton-Gillingham reading instruction while training local instructors in dyslexia-aligned intervention.

• $2,700 – Michigan State University Extension –Oceana County 4-H to purchase an enclosed equipment trailer supporting safe storage, transport and growth of the 4-H Shooting Sports program.

• $2,500 – Migrant Legal Aid, Inc. to provide mo-

Lakeshore Keepers received a $4,000 grant to install a public live-feed camera and security camera at Little Sable Point Lighthouse to expand access, enhance visitor experience, and protect the historic site.

bile legal outreach, rights education and on-site assistance to migrant farmworkers in Oceana County.

• $4,938 – Muskegon Conservation District to remove invasive species from public sites in Oceana County and build local capacity for invasive species management.

• $2,500 – Newaygo County Museum & Heritage Center to bring hands-on local history education programs to Hesperia students in grades 2–5.

• $3,000 – Oceana Conservation District for the “Barberry Be Gone” program to help residents remove invasive Japanese barberry and replace it with native plants.

• $3,750 – Oceana County Council on Aging to improve language access by translating materials, adding bilingual signage, and expanding culturally welcoming programs for Spanish-speaking seniors.

• $2,500 – Oceana County Economic Alliance Corporation to host a Start Garden 5x5 Pitch Night event supporting early-stage entrepreneurs.

• $4,000 – Oceana County Parks & Recreation Commission to purchase equipment and establish in-house maintenance capacity for county parks.

• $5,000 – Oceana Cross Country Ski Association to upgrade grooming equipment to maintain over 15 miles of Nordic ski trails and support free community winter recreation.

• $5,000 – Shelby Township to install Oceana County’s first indoor climbing wall at the new Tiger Athletic Complex.

• $10,000 – United Way of the Lakeshore to launch an Early Childhood Literacy Program in Oceana

County to train and support volunteers providing early literacy 1:1 intervention in K–1 classrooms.

• $2,700 – West Shore Beekeepers Association to support their Youth Apiary Project by providing beekeeping equipment and mentorship for local youth.

• $4,920 – West Shore Educational Service District to expand Elementary Esports programming, providing equipment and coach training to support teamwork, digital literacy, and social-emotional learning in Oceana County schools.

• The OCF’s grant committee awarded just over $20,000 in grants from the foundation’s Community Investment Fund, an unrestricted fund designed to address the community’s most pressing needs, as well as from Field of Interest funds created to support specific charitable areas such as health, environment, parks and arts. The committee also authorized housing-focused grants to several unfunded Wish List requests for Family Promise of the Lakeshore, Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency and Staircase Youth Services, plus a grant to Elevate Oceana for furniture in the women’s house from the Janie Denman Memorial and Harbor House Women & Girls field of interest funds.

The Youth Advisory Council board awarded an additional $10,000 from the Oceana Youth Fund. This committee is made up of local high school students and emerging philanthropists who meet monthly to identify youth needs in the community and schools, responding through targeted grantmaking and volunteer efforts. Their work brings fresh insight to each grant round as they help shape opportunities for their peers.

In addition, the OCF’s donor advisors awarded $39,500, playing a significant role in expanding grant impact this round. These grant recommendations came from the Gail Paulus Family Fund, Mrs. Mullen’s Closet Fund, William R. Lathers Foundation Fund, Ordoobadi Family Fund, JT Sackett Fund, Mary R. Sanford Memorial Fund, Wilson Family Little Point Sable Fund, Peterson-Carey Family Fund, Richard and Ryan Walsworth Memorial Fund, Marge & Doug Gregg Fund, and the Electric Forest Charitable Fund. An additional $19,180 came from anonymous donors, reflecting the quiet generosity that continues to bloom within our community.

The next Community Grant application cycle will open on Aug. 1, with letters of intent due on Aug. 15 and full applications on Aug, 30. More information on the upcoming Fall Community Grant Round is available on the OCF’s website or by contacting Program Officer Hannah Naples with any questions.

For details about making a gift, now or through an estate plan, creating a named fund, or learning more about foundation programs & activities, call Carey at 231-869-3377 or visit www.oceanafoundation.org.

OCRC honored with two statewide IMPRESS Awards

The Oceana County Road Commission (OCRC) was honored with two statewide IMPRESS Awards at the 2026 County Road Association (CRA) of Michigan Highway Conference held in late March in Lansing. IMPRESS Awards recognize county road agencies that demonstrate innovation on noteworthy projects in the categories of communications, operations and collaboration.

This year, Oceana County received IMPRESS Awards in:

• COMMUNICATION for its “CDL Truck Driver Training Program.” The initiative invests in employee development by funding commercial driver’s license training in exchange for a three-year service commitment, helping address workforce shortages while strengthening internal communication, retention and team coordination.

• OPERATIONS for its innovative “Paving through Swamp and Celery Flats” rehabilitation project. OCRC rehabilitated three deteriorated primary roads – York Road, 128th Avenue and Pierce Road – by placing gravel over existing asphalt before crushing and repaving, creating a stable, long-lasting base through swamp conditions and a former celery field.

“Oceana County’s award-winning projects demonstrate both innovation in the field and a strong commitment to building a skilled workforce,” CRA CEO Denise Donohue said. “From developing employees to tackling challenging road conditions with practical solutions, these efforts reflect the kind of forward-thinking approach that helps agencies deliver results for their communities.”

An independent panel of communications and operations experts from several of Michigan’s 83 county road agencies judged all IMPRESS Awards submissions. Award recipients were honored for projects that solved time constraints, labor costs, communication barriers and fostered collaboration.

The 83 members of the County Road Association of Michigan represent the unified voice for a safe and efficient county transportation infrastructure system in Michigan, including appropriate stewardship of the public’s rightof-way in rural and urban Michigan.

Collectively, Michigan’s county road agencies manage 75% of all roads in the state, including 90,500 miles of roads and 5,900 bridges. County road agencies also maintain the state’s highway system in 63 counties. Michigan has the nation’s fourth-largest local road system.

PUBLIC NOTICE GOLDEN TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

In accordance with Section 14.4 of the Golden Township Zoning Ordinance, the Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing, 6:30 P.M. May 26, 2026, at the Golden Township Hall, 5527 W. Fox Road, Mears, MI. to hear a request for a Special Use Permit from Donovan Latimore at 3449 N 48th Ave. Property # 64-006-010-400-07 in the Agricultural Residential zoning district to have an Automotive & Agricultural Service and Repair home business out of the 30x40 building currently on the property.

The Planning Commission shall also hold a Public Hearing on amending the Short-Term Rental Ordinance # 52.

Written comments may be sent to Golden Township Planning Commission, P.O. Box 26, Mears, MI. 49436, Fax 231-873-1413, or email zoning@goldentownshipmi.gov and must be received no later than the Monday before the above-mentioned date. Application and related materials may be seen at the Golden Township Offices 5527 W. Fox Rd. during regular business hours Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 A.M.– 2:30 P.M.

OCRC Managing Director Mark Timmer

OCCOA responds to clarifying questions at most recent board meeting

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Since late summer last year, Oceana County Council on Aging (OCCOA) has received scrutiny from community members during board meetings regarding lack of transparency in revenue, budget and salaries, concern for low hourly wages, and the management of Our Friends House (OFH) adult day services. At the April 28 Board of Directors meeting in Hart, OCCOA responded to some of these concerns.

Board member and head of the personnel committee, Lori Suttner, asked several clarifying questions of Finance Director Kay Butcher and Senior Care Services Director Jacci Smith regarding wages and report discrepancies. As Suttner explained, these questions come “in light of [OCCOA] salaries being put out in public,” continuing that “things that were not brought into the light, and… it’s important that we all understand how people are actually paid.”

The two wage discrepancies in question were regarding the comparison between previous and current positions, particularly those of a staff RN (currently the role is contracted) and manager of Our Friends House.

Regarding the change from a salaried to contracted RN and the respective compensation packages, Butcher affirmed what Suttner asked - that a contracted position is more fiscally responsible for OCCOA. Suttner asked if the current wages for Our Friend House’s manager ($20/hour for a new hire) were competitive, which Butcher explained they were, according to wage studies conducted by OCCOA.

For Smith, Suttner questioned previous discrepancies regarding served lunch numbers between the main facil-

ity and OFH and what was being done to correct those. According to Smith, lunch number “records weren’t necessarily handled well from Our Friends House,” prompting a restructuring of the way numbers were recorded and the implementation of a “checks and balances” system to ensure accuracy.

Said Suttner, “I ask these questions for clarity, not just for myself, but for the board members and for everyone that’s involved in our organization.”

Suttner also brought to the board’s attention increases in Michigan’s minimum wage, encouraging the board and organization to consider OCCOA’s hourly wages and ensure they remain competitive.

Public comment for the April meeting primarily consisted of outside parties and volunteers thanking OCCOA for their collaboration in both services, classes and building use. These include Troy Maloney of Oceana County Emergency Management, Mary Ann Bush hosting exercise classes and Lauren Copeland’s volunteer work for tax preparation services.

Mary Sloan of the Oceana GRACE group (Grassroots Residents Advocating for Community Elders) also spoke at public comment, further reiterating the group’s mission to support disabled seniors where they believe OCCOA is lacking and further expressing concern regarding the organization’s perceived lack of transparency.

City of Hart approves 3 resolutions

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

The Hart City Council met for their regular meeting April 28, following the annual “council retreat” wherein the city budget was heavily discussed. Three resolutions were on the table for review pertaining to moving forward with a routine project survey and study, simplifying right-of-way permit processes and realignment bids.

Resolution 2025-19 covered the approval of a proposal from Utility Financial Solutions, which would provide comprehensive surveys of comparable municipalities regarding electric cost of service, finances and best practices for Hart Energy, as well as a pole attachment study, to provide the city accurate information by which to set rates and costs for the use of city infrastructure. It is recommended that municipal energy departments complete these surveys every 35 years to remain current, and Hart is on track to start the process now.

Explained Energy Department Superintendent Mike Schiller, “It’s the backing we need to be able to provide to those communications groups that are on our poles to prove that this is what the price should be.”

applications. Previously, the city had no clear application for a right-of-way permit, which often left pertinent information unclear or unknown in the approval process, prompting City Manager Nichole Kleiner to create a straightforward application for interested parties to complete, which was presented to the council.

Likewise, right-of-way permits were also presented before the planning commission or city council for approval. This resolution would grant administrative authority to approve permit applications consistent with the City Charter, applicable ordinances and adopted standards. Overall, this resolution would significantly streamline the process for granting right-of-way permits, of which the council was in favor, with Council Member Jim Cunningham expressing, "As a city council, we are basically to establish politics, and administrators carry out the policy… [granting permits] is a small detail that really should not affect city council.”

Finally, Resolution 2026-22 would see the reopening of bids for Plum Street realignment ahead of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) path construction project, with the rejection of the single bid already made on the project. As the SRTS project has been pushed back to Spring 2027, bids will be reconsidered closer to the new projected groundbreaking.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The proposal from Utility Financial Solutions is quoted upwards of $31,000.

SHELBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS - 2026 ROOFING PROJECTS

Also at public comment was Kathleen Premer, who served as OCCOA’s executive director from 1996 to 2022. She thanked current executive director Stephanie Moore for her 25 years of service to OCCOA.

Project:

Owner:

Moore, alongside several other employees, were honored for their years of service to OCCOA throughout the meeting.

Golden Township treasurer continues to serve on MTA Executive Committee

Golden Township Treasurer Connie Cargill will continue to help lead the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) by serving on its executive committee as immediate past president.

Resolution 2026-20 is to establish a right-of-way permit process and allow administrative authority to approve

SHELBY, MI

All three resolutions were approved by Hart City Council and members were able to return home after a long evening of budget workshops.

Corrections

Shelby Public Schools - 2026 Roofing Projects

Shelby Public Schools 525 N State St Shelby, MI 49455

In the article “Board of Commissioners hears trio of area annual reports” on page 2 of the April 17, 2026 edition of The Oceana Echo, it was mistakenly reported that the Oceana County Council on Aging received $1.7 million in funding from MDOT for a new bus garage. In actuality, they received $1,007,201 through a federal grant passed to them through MDOT, which includes $805,760 in federal funds and $201,441 from a State of Michigan match. Additionally, it was reported that 92,428 miles were logged by OCCOA bus drivers for 2025, when it was 142,384. The Oceana Echo apologizes for the errors.

Connie Cargill

Cargill, who was 2024 MTA president, will continue in her role for 2026, following the unexpected passing of 2025 MTA President Harold Koviak last fall. Serving more than 99% of Michigan’s 1,240 townships — which includes more than 6,500 elected leaders plus tens of thousands of additional township-appointed officials, staff and volunteers - MTA is the largest municipal association in the state and one of the largest in the nation.

Cargill, who has served as township treasurer since 1995, was first elected to the MTA Board of Directors in 2012.

“I am happy to continue serving on the executive committee and helping to guide the future of this great organization,” Cargill said.

Cargill previously served as township deputy treasurer and is retired from the Oceana County Drain Office. She is currently chair of a five-county regional materials management planning commission, a member of the Oceana County Land Bank Authority Board of Directors, and treasurer of the Oceana County MTA Chapter. Cargill also serves on the Silver Lake and Lake Holiday Improvement Boards and as a board member of the Oceana Agricultural Society.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals for all work categories as described in the Project Manual for the above project will be received no later than May 19th, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Proposals should be addressed to Shelby Public Schools, 525 North State Street, Shelby, MI 49455, Attn: Mark Olmstead. Proposals will be publicly opened, and should contain the required documents; including the trade contractor proposal form, bid security, and affidavits shall be completed in full and included as attachments to the submitted bid.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Bids will be opened and read aloud on the date bids are due, at 3:00 pm.

SHELBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS - 2026 ROOFING PROJECTS SHELBY, MI

Project:

Shelby Public Schools - 2026 Roofing Projects

Project:

Shelby Public Schools - 2026 Roofing Projects

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

All contractors bidding on work must be bondable and must include in their bid the cost for furnishing a Co-Obligee Labor and Material Payment Bond and a Co-Obligee Performance Bond. On the proposal form the contractor will identify a cost to be deducted from their bid should bonds not be required.

Owner:

There will be a pre-bid conference at Shelby ECC (142 W 5th St, Shelby, MI 49455) on May 5th, 2026 at 1:00 PM It is strongly recommended that contractors attend the pre-bid conference.

Shelby Public Schools 525 N State St Shelby, MI 49455

SHELBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS - 2026 ROOFING PROJECTS

Shelby Public Schools 525 N State St Shelby, MI 49455

SHELBY, MI

Bid documents are available at the pre-bid or via email. For access to the bid documents, contact Jen Billman (jbillman@shelby.k12.mi.us).

All questions are to be directed to Mark Olmstead (olmsm@shelby.k12.mi.us )

Project:

Shelby Public Schools - 2026 Roofing Projects

Owner:

Shelby Public Schools 525 N State St Shelby, MI 49455

The amount of the guarantee shall be forfeited to the Owner if the successful Bidder fails to enter into a contract and furnish required bonds and insurance within 30 days after award of contracts.

Bids will be opened and read aloud on the date bids are due, at 3:00 pm.

All proposals submitted shall remain valid for a period of sixty (60) days after the bid date. The Owner, Architect and Construction Manager reserve the right to waive any irregularities, reject any or all proposals, or accept any proposal, which, in their opinion, will serve their best interest.

Bids will be opened and read aloud on the date bids are due, at 3:00 pm.

There will be a pre-bid conference at Shelby ECC (142 W 5th St, Shelby, MI 49455) on May 5th, 2026 at 1:00 PM It is strongly recommended that contractors attend the pre-bid conference. Bid documents are available at the pre-bid or via email. For access to the bid documents, contact Jen Billman (jbillman@shelby.k12.mi.us).

All questions are to be directed to Mark Olmstead (olmsm@shelby.k12.mi.us )

Each Proposal shall be accompanied by a certified check, cashiers’ check, money order, or bid bond in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the base bid as a bid security. The Bid Security of Bidders under consideration will be returned immediately after award of contracts. The amount of the guarantee shall be forfeited to the Owner if the successful Bidder fails to enter into a contract and furnish required bonds and insurance within 30 days after award of contracts.

Bid documents are available at the pre-bid or via email. For access to the bid documents, contact Jen Billman (jbillman@shelby.k12.mi.us).

There will be a pre-bid conference at Shelby ECC (142 W 5th St, Shelby, MI 49455) on May 2026 at 1:00 PM It is strongly recommended that contractors attend the pre-bid conference.

All proposals submitted shall remain valid for a period of sixty (60) days after the bid date.

All questions are to be directed to Mark Olmstead (olmsm@shelby.k12.mi.us )

The Owner, Architect and Construction Manager reserve the right to waive any irregularities, reject any or all proposals, or accept any proposal, which, in their opinion, will serve their best interest.

Rivals Hart, Shelby split softball thrillers

Tigers rally for game one win, Hart bounces back in game two

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

SHELBY — Softball fans know games can change in a hurry, and Tuesday’s Hart/ Shelby doubleheader was a signature example of that - in both directions.

The Tigers answered a four-run Hart seventh inning with five runs in the bottom half in game one to score a wild 9-8 victory, and then erased an 11-1 deficit to tie it at 12 late before the Pirates came up with a walk-off hit to salvage the split, 13-12. The second game was called after six innings due to darkness.

Shelby (18-4, 2-4 West Michigan Conference Rivers) had a 2-1 lead for much of the game after the teams traded runs in the first inning, and led 3-2 after each team scored once in the fifth. Then things started getting wild.

The Pirates (11-9, 5-3 WMC Rivers) scored twice in the sixth when Leah Walker drove in Reese Smith with a single. She then advanced to second base on the play and stole third, allowing her to

score on a groundout by Elyssa Tanis to put Hart ahead 4-3. Shelby bounced back to tie it up at 4 when Ciara Anzaldua scored on a wild pitch.

It got even crazier in the seventh. With one out and a runner on third base, the Tigers elected to intentionally walk two batters in a row, avoiding Smith’s big bat and loading the bases to set up a force play anywhere. Instead, Sydney Bateson ripped a line drive into the outfield that cleared the bases.

“I’ll own that,” Shelby coach Kevin Burmeister said. “That was situational. We’re shortening the game. We’ve got a force at home and we’re out clean. Their kid put a good swing on it and hit it to a perfect spot.”

The Pirates added another run when a ball got to the backstop. It felt like an 8-4 lead was secure.

However, Shelby roared back. The first three Tigers to bat reached base, two Tigers after that drove in runs with groundouts - sandwiching a run-scoring hit by Gabby LaFever - and when Jordan Wolting singled, Hart coach Dean DeVries made the same decision Burmeister did to avoid his opponent’s best bat, walking Jayna Burmeister to load the bases.

Just as in the top of the inning, the move didn’t work

out, and Emma Stovall sent a hard ground ball up the middle for a hit, winning the game.

“Game one was a wonderful high school softball game,” DeVries said. “It was back and forth, one run here, one run there. Then we threw a big punch in the top of the seventh, and then they threw a bigger punch at the end.”

Wolting had two hits for the Tigers, and Walker had two for Hart - the only two batters to get multiple hits in the game. Hali Hayes drove in two runs for Shelby and Burmeister scored twice.

Softball

split continued on page 14

Pirates take down Tigers on the pitch

By Andy Roberts

Community Contributor

HART — What appeared to be a rivalry game that was up for grabs suddenly swung in Hart’s favor in the final minute of the first half Wednesday night, as a key goal sparked the Pirates to a 4-2 victory that kept them in the race in the West Michigan Conference.

The game was tied at 1 with 4:56 left in the first half after Fernanda Espinosa located Michelle Peterson’s free kick in traffic and finished it to equalize for Shelby (6-4-2, 4-31 WMC). Going into the half tied would have kept the momentum on the Tigers’ side.

That didn’t happen, though, thanks to a great centering pass by Natalie Rosema to Zoily Sarabia that Sarabia fired into the net in the final minute of the half. Rosema retrieved the ball near the corner and sent an on-target pass to Sarabia directly in front of the net for the score.

“That’s something we’ve worked on with Natalie over time, is helping her improve that and be able to play some of those passes,” Hart coach Joe

Gilbert said. “Last year, we played a 3-5-2 and utilized Natalie as a striker and a wingback, so it’s something she was used to coming in and we knew we could probably utilize.”

The goal provided a big lift to Hart (10-3-1, 5-1 WMC) going into the break, and the Pirates played like it to start the second half, quickly creating some opportunities. They were able to cash one in just over two minutes after kickoff when Sarabia took

a quick pass from Rilynn Porter in the box and scored her second goal, making it 3-1.

“Having that goal and being ahead at half is huge,” Gilbert said.

“It allows us to then dictate what we want to do as opposed to (thinking) we’ve got to be a little careful here, or we need to look to attack here. It allows us to do what we want to do as opposed to having to keep playing it balanced.”

Hart also made a tweak to its formation at halftime, going to a threeback look to try to counter the Tigers’ two strikers, which worked well to limit the Shelby attack. The Tigers were able to work the ball into the offensive zone several times during the game, but Hart’s defensive unit did very well not to allow many of

Shelby’s Jordan Wolting tries to get a tag down on Hart’s Leah Walker at second base during Tuesday’s doubleheader in Shelby. The Tigers won game one, 9-8, as part of a split. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart’s Reese Smith grins as she crosses the plate for a run in the seventh inning of game one of Tuesday’s doubleheader against Shelby. The Tigers rallied to win the game, but Hart won game two in a split. • Andy Roberts/Echo

The Oceana Echo

Shelby’s Annabelle Stark hits the deck during a play in the offensive zone during Wednesday’s rivalry game at Hart. The Pirates’ Addison Barefoot pursues the ball. Hart won the game, 4-2. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart’s Natalie Rosema chases down the ball as she heads for the goal during Wednesday’s game against Shelby. The Tigers’ Maria Hayes pursues. Rosema assisted the go-ahead goal in Hart’s 4-2 win. • Andy Roberts/Echo Pirates

Shelby rolls past Hart in rivalry sweep

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor Tigers head into Ravenna games with a shot at WMC Rivers championship

By Andy Roberts

SHELBY — With a big matchup with Ravenna on deck, Shelby coach Brian Wright “rolled the dice” Tuesday that his Tigers could get by rival Hart without his top two pitchers, DayDay Garcia and Trevor Weiss, taking the mound. His ‘other’ pitchers proved him right.

Eli Kelley and Leighton Belasco took the reins on the mound, limiting the damage by Pirate hitters and helping the Tigers cruise to a doubleheader sweep, 9-0 and 17-4. Game two ended in six innings due to the mercy rule.

The wins pushed Shelby into a first-place tie with Ravenna, which is ranked No. 8 in the state in Division 3, heading into a very big doubleheader between the teams Friday. A win in either game would put the Tigers in position for at least a share of the West Michigan Conference Rivers championship.

“Both my 1 and 2 were ready to come in in relief (if needed), but those other kids have pitched well, early this year, too,” Wright said. “Two well-pitched games. And we hit it, finally. Our hitting has been

up and down. Hitting is contagious. Tonight, they were running to the bat rack. They couldn’t wait to bat.”

Kelley fired a shutout for Shelby in game one, striking out 12 and allowing only three hits. On offense, Garcia, Weiss and Jaden Furman each got a pair of hits and drove in two runs.

Game two looked much the same early when Garcia lashed a home run to start things off. However, Hart was able to work some walks off Tiger starter Chase Simon and grab a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Wright went to Belasco, and the sophomore calmed things down and pitched the rest of the game, striking out 12 and permitting only two hits.

Wright said Simon has pitched well this year and simply battled his command early on, but he was impressed with Belasco’s mindset when called upon.

“Leighton came in, and he really acted like, ‘Give me the ball. I can get the curveball over,’” Wright said. “It was good stuff to see.”

Garcia got three hits in the nightcap, and Furman, Simon, Cam Smith and Evan Waller got two apiece.

Furman’s two hits were especially notable as they came from the bottom of the order. Any team is better when the hitters in those spots can put up some numbers, and the Tigers are no exception.

“That’s what we need,” Wright said. “We’re going to face two good

Pirates beat Shelby

those possessions to become legitimate scoring opportunities. Shelby’s ballhandlers were unable to keep the ball moving the way they wanted to against an athletic group of Hart defenders.

“They had a good game plan,” Shelby coach Joe Gorton said. “They had girls in good spots, but I felt like we were just rushing everything we were doing, and that was leading to the misplays that we had. We just couldn’t keep it on our feet. Even when we got ourselves in quality positions, the ball was not coming off our foot right. It was skimming. The passes weren’t as crisp.”

Hart all but locked up the game with 26:25 to play when Addison Barefoot sent an impressive pass for-

continued from page 13

ward to Rilynn Porter to set up a goal, which Porter aimed perfectly to the top right corner of the net. The duo connected in the opening minutes of the game too, with Porter assisting Barefoot on that occasion.

The Pirates had placed a renewed emphasis on using their passing skills after a tough loss to Fremont two days prior, Gilbert said, knowing they wouldn’t be able to rely solely on dribbling and speed against the more quality opponents in the league. That emphasis was rewarded as the midfield, led by Barefoot and Porter, sent quality passes downfield throughout the game.

“(Fremont) was the first team we had seen in a while that is athletic and technically gifted, so we want-

Softball split

Burmeister got the win, striking out 17 batters and allowing five hits.

Game two saw Hart race to an 11-1 lead by scoring four times in the first inning and seven in the second. Smith started the scoring with a RBI single, and Kora Hiddema added a two-run single in the first. Taking advantage of some walks, the Pirates piled on in the second, and Tanis had the big hit, a bases-loaded triple.

Shelby immediately answered with seven runs itself in the top of the third, all coming after the first two batters made outs. Burmeister sparked the rally with a triple and scored on Stovall’s double. Hayes, Stella Springer, Allie Stovall and Daniella Zarraga had run-scoring hits in the inning too.

arms on Friday, but when you can get some stuff from the bottom of the order, then all of a sudden, the lineup rolls over and DayDay’s back up again.”

Hart was plagued with fielding miscues, said coach Kyle Weiler, which has been a theme with the young, inexperienced team. Weiler said the team has actually improved some in that area of the game, but now is struggling more with its confidence when those errors occur.

“It’s an everyday talk about errors,” Weiler said. “It’s now also going into between the ears. When errors are happening, they start to get down on themselves. I would say at the beginning of the year, that wasn’t the case. We’ve changed in that aspect,

ed to get back today to, let’s pass and move,” Gilbert said. “Keep that ball ticking over, so we’re dictating the flow of the game and then playing our fast players in when we have the chance.”

The Tigers took some solace in a strong finish to the game, which included a hard shot by Annabelle Stark that was sent with such speed that it deflected off Hart keeper Baleigh Klotz’s knees and into the net with four minutes left. Shelby kept the pressure on from there but was unable to generate another quality chance.

“When you play these quality teams, if you make enough mistakes, those mistakes pile up and bad things are going to happen,” Gorton said. “Goals start to get scored. I like the fact that the floodgates didn’t open up, and we didn’t just pack it in and go home. We kept fighting, kept

ball like that.’”

continued from page 13

The Tigers’ four-run fifth featured a two-run double by Emma Stovall, and umpires ruled going into the sixth that it would be the last inning due to darkness.

That gave Hart one last chance for heroics, and it took advantage. With two outs, Makenna Carrier drew a walk and stole second, and Caydence Bateson delivered the winning hit, a line drive to right center field.

“She’s been slapping for the last two and a half years, and lately she’s been saying, ‘Can I keep my feet still (instead)?’” DeVries said. “She does a normal swing, and she put a few really nice swings on the ball today, hitting the ball hard, line drives. I told her, ‘Heck yeah, you can keep swinging away if you keep hitting the

Bateson’s hit was her second of the game, and Carrier scored three runs. Smith got the win in relief, allowing no earned runs in three innings while striking out five.

“She battled on the mound today,” DeVries said of Smith. “She didn’t have her best stuff. She was falling behind quite a bit, but still was able to get outs when we needed her to.”

Burmeister and Emma Stovall each got two hits, and Burmeister pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and fanning seven.

While not completing the sweep was a disappointment for the Tigers, coach Burmeister emphasized the growth his team has made behind a young (no seniors) and athletic roster. When he took the job, Shelby was coming off a 2024 season in which it rarely was able to avoid mercy-rule defeats, and now it is extremely com-

and unfortunately in a negative way. I’m hoping to turn that back around.”

Weiler added that it’s possible the confidence issues compounded when some struggles in the field helped push the Tigers ahead after Hart had taken a first-inning lead.

“It makes it feel worse, especially when you let a game like that go,” Weiler said. “At the end of the day, we don’t look at them as losses. They’re learning (opportunities). Hopefully, we can learn from it.

“Unfortunately, today didn’t go our way. There’s a lot of things we need to tighten up on. At the end of the day, we’re having fun and that’s what it was about.”

• Andy

looking for things, and that’s been the message that we’ve had since the preseason.”

petitive.

“We’ve got 12 girls that can play,” Burmeister said. “Every time that we get to play every game, every seven Innings that we get to see is more experience than those juniors have seen...We’ve just got to start making those winning plays.”

Hart, meanwhile, is adjusting to being “the hunted,” DeVries said, after winning five straight district championships. He relishes the role and believes it is preparing the Pirates for the postseason.

“Now we need to be able to compete when a team like that is trying to knock us off, and they’ve been trying to do that,” DeVries said. “These great games are great for us. The rest of our season is great for us because we always talk about being the best versions of ourselves at the end of the season. That’s what we’re building towards.”

Hart’s Logan Jorissen is hit by a pitch during Tuesday’s rivalry doubleheader against Shelby. The Tigers swept the two games, 9-0 and 17-4. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart’s Addison Barefoot (16) and Rilynn Porter celebrate after connecting for a goal during Wednesday’s game against Shelby. Each player assisted the other for a goal in the Pirates’ 4-2 win.

Roberts/Echo

Pirates top Falcons in county twinbill

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

HART — In an intracounty doubleheader last Thursday, Hart got the better of Pentwater, 11-0 and 14-4, taking advantage of strong pitching and some Pentwater fielding errors. The Falcons were charged with 13 miscues over the two games.

Game one was all Hart (10-8) from the get-go, and Reese Smith needed little help, as she recorded a five-inning no-hitter with 13 strikeouts. The Pirates scored four times in the first inning and six in the second. Smith wasted no time getting things rolling for her team, ripping a run-scoring double. Sydney Bateson then singled her in. In the second inning, Smith collected another RBI hit, a single, and Leah Walker also drove one in with a single. The Pirates took advantage of walks and some Falcon miscues in the field to keep scoring.

Smith’s two hits and two RBI helped propel the offense, and Kora Hiddema had three RBI. Walker drove in two.

The Falcons (2-8) were the team off to a hot start in game two, scoring four second-inning runs (fueled by several walks) to grab a 4-1 lead.

However, Hart, which had already gotten a home run from Elyssa Tanis to open

the scoring, responded with five runs in the third and never looked back. Smith got the run started with a RBI single, and Walker, Tanis and Hiddema followed with RBI hits. Hart scored in each of the remaining innings as well; Smith mashed a two-run homer in the fourth.

Smith had three hits and four RBI in game two, and Makenna Carrier got three hits and scored four times. Bateson, Tanis and Hiddema got two hits each. Smith pitched five hitless innings of relief and struck out 12.

For Pentwater, Amelia Barter and Paige Sadenwater-Riggs each got a hit, and Barter also drew two walks. Grace Riggs drew three walks. Falcons’ coach Troy Holstad credited Lauren Davis with several impressive catches in center field.

Pentwater hosts 1st-ever Falcon Flash meet

Falcons’ home event held at MCC; Hesperia teams take 2nd place

Pentwater’s first Falcon Flash Invitational Saturday, hosted at Mason County Central, was a huge hit, coach Erika Fatura said, and would have been regardless of her team’s results. However, that the Falcons delivered a high-level performance made it even better.

The Falcon teams each finished third, with fellow Oceana school Hesperia one spot ahead in each meet. The boys’ meet saw the Panthers edge Pentwater 109-107 for the second-place position. Walkerville also competed in the meet, and the Wildcats were sixth in the girls’ meet and seventh in the boys’.

“It’s easy to make excuses when you don’t have a facility, but much harder, and far more meaningful, to create opportunities anyway,” Fatura said. “This meet is a direct reflection of that mindset. Thank you to Coach Gabriel Wise for helping bring this vision to life.”

Fatura also thanked MCC for the use of their facilities for the meet.

The second-place Panther teams each racked up several event wins. Nate Ruhstorfer grabbed a win in the 110-meter hurdles and notched a time of 17.04 seconds; he was also second in the 1,600-meter run with

a time of 5:16.9. Hesperia also won two relays. The 400-meter relay team of Zach Loughridge, Andy Lopez-Garcia, Dominick Rivera and Malakai Sellers had a time of 49.77 seconds, and the 3,200 relay team of Hunter Tinkham, Laynce Smith, Dain Kraus and Zed Bierman won with a time of 10:32.3.

Lopez-Garcia also finished second in the high jump with a mark of 5-2, and Tinkham was second in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 13:11.6.

For the Hesperia girls, Emily McCallum won the shot put with a mark of 32-1.5, and McKenna Fraser was first in the high jump at 5-0. Mollie Craig won the 400-meter dash in a time of 1:12.5. Hesperia won two relays; the 400 team of Betty Jo Gerhardt, Craig, Jolie Kraus and Fraser won (1:00.5), as did the 1,600 team of Craig, Kraus, Fraser and Rokhaya Ruhstorfer (5:23.8).

Hanna Rickard finished second in the discus (77-2), and Fraser was second in the 100 hurdles (19.04). Ruhstorfer placed second in the 800 (3:02.5). The 800 relay team of McCallum, Chloe Rickard, Fraser and Kraus was second (2:05.7).

There was also a mixed throwers 400-meter relay as part of the meet. Hesperia’s team of Chloe Rickard, McCallum, Kraus and Smith took second (59.95).

It was another big day for

Falcon boys stars Logan Fatura and Chase McGuire-VanGills. Fatura won both throws, with marks of 138-8 in the discus and 39-9 in the shot put, and McGuire-VanGills took both sprint events, with a personal best time of 11.89 seconds in the 100 and 24.67 seconds in the 200. McGuire-VanGills also earned second place in both hurdles races, the 110 (a personal best 17.95 seconds) and the 300 (47.22).

Also for the boys, Tyler Zimmer took second twice, in the 400 (1:03.9) and the pole vault (a personal best 9-6).

The Falcon girls picked up a win in the 800-meter relay, with the team of Lauren Davis, Lexi Smith, Karina Olivarez and Emma Werkema-Grondsma (2:03.1). Bailey Case got a pair of second-places in the long distance races, posting times of 6:27.5 in the 1,600 and 14:21.5 in the 3,200. Two relay teams

finished second for the girlsthe 400 team of Smith, Olivarez, Khloe VanGunst and Werkema-Grondsma (1:00.5) and the 3,200 team of Maggie Jorissen, Case, Michelle Smith and Valerie Smith (13:51.3).

Isabel Babbin continued her great season for Walkerville, setting a personal best to win the discus (78-0) and finishing second in the shot put (29-3). Hugh Tanner recorded the Wildcat boys’ best finish, coming in second in the shot put and setting a personal best (38-4).

“Seeing families, friends, and our entire community come together to support, to celebrate, and to create something special for our athletes was unforgettable,” Fatura said. “This was more than a track meet. It was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community rallies around its kids.”

Hart’s Makenna Carrier greets coach Dean DeVries at third base after lacing a triple into the outfield during last Thursday’s doubleheader against Pentwater. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Pentwater’s Charlie Swanger fouls off a pitch during Thursday’s doubleheader against Hart. The Pirates won both games. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Pentwater’s track team celebrates after hosting its first-ever Falcon Flash meet at Mason County Central. MCC lent the Falcons its facility as Pentwater does not currently have one. Fatura was thrilled with the meet, in which her teams both finished third, one spot behind fellow county school Hesperia. • Photo courtesy of Pentwater Athletics

Hart’s Elyssa Tanis takes a big hack at a pitch during Thursday’s doubleheader against Pentwater. Tanis hit a home run in game two of the Pirates’ sweep.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

Reflections

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Whitehall

Whitehall NHD competitors recognized at state

Twelve receive awards at state competition, and 5 move on to national finals in Maryland

NHD competitors recognized at state

Whitehall NHD competitors recognized at state

Twelve receive awards at state competition, and 5 move on to national finals in Maryland

Twelve Whitehall National History Day competitors were recognized for their performances Saturday, April 25 at the NHD state competition at Saginaw Valley State University, and five will participate in the national competition in June.

pendence, and students researched a wide variety of related topics. Whitehall students faced stiff competition, with runoffs in all but two categories.

“I couldn’t be more proud of how all of our students represented the White Lake area,” said Whitehall NHD coach Jan Klco. “I’m excited that so many were recognized for their hard work and can hardly wait to take some to the NHD National Contest at the University of Maryland in June. Thank you to everyone in the community who helped them succeed.”

This year's NHD state competition featured a record 590 students. This year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History,” celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Inde-

One national qualifier was Izzy Causie, a seventh-year NHD team member who qualified for nationals for a fourth straight year in the individual website category for her site, Buckle Up: The Seat Belt that Revolutionized Automotive Safety Standards. Causie's site investigated the origins of the three-point seat belt, which changed manufacturing priorities, national and state safety standards, and society’s attitudes. In the process, she consulted several government documents, technical reports and articles, and interviewed individuals with a variety of perspectives.

Whitehall NHD competitor Izzy Causie (right) celebrates her award in the Individual Website category at the state NHD competition in Saginaw April 25. Causie, a 7th-year team member, will make her 4th consecutive trip to the national meet in Maryland. NHD 5th-graders, from left, Adi Hernandez, Aria Lenoir and Lucy Mann (left) received 2nd place in the Youth Group Exhibit category and were 3 of the 12 Whitehall competitors to be recognized. • Courtesy Photos

Whitehall NHD competitor Izzy Causie (right) celebrates her award in the Individual Website category at the state NHD competition in Saginaw April 25. Causie, a 7th-year team member, will make her 4th consecutive trip to the national meet in Maryland. NHD 5th-graders, from left, Aria Lenoir, Adi Hernandez and Lucy Mann (left) received 2nd place in the Youth Group Exhibit category and were 3 of the 12 Whitehall competitors to be recognized. • Courtesy Photos

This year's NHD state competition featured a record 590 students. This year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History,” celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Inde-

Sophomore Beth LeaTrea became a third year national contest qualifier with a Senior Individual Performance inspired by her great-great uncle, Dr. Hiram Marshall, an early specialist in cardiac catheterization. Her entry, Getting to the Heart of it All: The Revolutionary Development of Cardiac Catheterization, explored the radical concept of treating many heart conditions using a very small tube to the heart, rather than conducting the much riskier open-heart surgery.

Freshmen Alexandra Risthouse and Annabelle George earned a spot at nationals for the first time and did so in a runoff in the Senior Group Exhibit category. Their exhibit, Lighting a Flame: Matchgirls Ignite Revolution in Factory

Conditions, was inspired by the 2022 movie, Enola Holmes 2. The duo dug into the British National Archives and spoke to a descendant of one of the strike leaders to develop their creative display about the successful London

Whitehall

Knit & Spin celebrates grand reopening

By Claire Marshall

By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer

MONTAGUE — A much-beloved shop for White Lake’s fiber-arts community has found a new location on Water Street in downtown Montague. Knit & Spin celebrated its grand reopening Tuesday morning, a celebration shared with over a dozen excited patrons and supporters.

Knit & Spin, offering a wide variety of luxury yarn and fiber-arts tools, was purchased by Floyd Peplinski in 2025 from founder Leanne VanOverbeke in early 2025, following five years of business in Montague. With the addition of son Paul, the business venture has become a whole family undertaking spanning three generations. Knit & Spin offers classes throughout the year, and space for crafters to gather and work during shop hours. Outside of the Peplinski family, the shop is buoyed by a rich crafting community in Muskegon County, partnering with arti-

Knit & Spin offers classes throughout the year, and space for crafters to gather and work during shop hours. Outside of the Peplinski family, the shop is buoyed by a rich crafting community in Muskegon County, partnering with artisans and local fiber vendors to stock the shop and teach their craft to the next generation.

sans and local fiber vendors to stock the shop and teach their craft to the next generation.

front is only steps away from the old one, but the new Knit & Spin is bigger and brighter, and its inviting atmosphere make it the perfect place for beginners and experts alike to share their love of fiber-arts and hands-on crafting.

The packed reopening commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and attendees were invited to gather, shop and enjoy some cake as they perused the offerings. Several regular crafters sat right away in their designated chairs in their new dedicated gathering space, beautifully furnished at the far end of the shop, and got right to work on their projects. The new storefront is only steps away from the old one, but the new Knit & Spin is bigger and brighter, and its inviting atmosphere make it the perfect place for beginners and experts alike to share their love of fiber-arts and hands-on crafting.

Common Ground hosts Civics 101 event

By Claire Marshall

By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer

WHITEHALL — Common Ground Community of White Lake hosted its latest conversation-style event Tuesday at the White Lake Community Library, in which Ferris State University political science professor David Takitaki condensed his six-week Civics 101 course into two hours.

Takitaki provided a general review on the branches of the U.S. government, their roles, and the operations of governmental units on a federal, state, county, and municipal level. Besides that, Takitaki explained how, despite much of our government hinging on the original founding document almost 250 years ago, the operation of government has evolved in subtle ways over the

centuries, with some changes happening as recently as a year ago.

Speaking of the original founding documents, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, Takitaki explained the rather small amount of guidelines the government has to go off of.

“It’s something you can read on a particularly long trip to the bathroom, if necessary,” he said of the Constitution.

He added that much of it is left vague and up for debate. This led to dissection of various political science “theories” on matters such as the role of a representative and the executive power of the president.

Takitaki rounded off the lecture by explaining the governmental units we are more familiar with interacting in our day-to-day lives, our local governments. In comparison

Takitaki rounded off the lecture by explaining the governmental units we are more familiar with interacting in our day-to-day lives, our local governments. In

Takitaki rounded off the lecture by explaining the governmental units we are more familiar with interacting in our day-to-day lives, our local governments. In comparison

to these state, county, and municipal officials, the 537 elected officials of the federal government pale in comparison. Said Takitaki, “There’s a lot more government than what’s going on at the federal level… [there are] over 90,000 different types of [government] structures across the country.”

White Lake Mirror Writer

Knit & Spin owner Floyd Peplinski (right) cuts the ribbon celebrating the store's grand reopening at its new location in downtown Montague. The store specializes in crafting supplies and fiber-arts products. • Claire Marshall/Mirror Photos

White Lake Mirror Writer

comparison

White Lake Mirror Writer

Rothbury council appoints Mike Harris as president

Talmadge retired as president following April meeting

By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer

ROTHBURY — The Rothbury Village Council unanimously appointed president pro tem Mike Harris as interim president at a special meeting Wednesday after Vern Talmadge abruptly retired following last month's regular meeting.

Harris will hold the post until the next regularly scheduled village election, which will take place this November. If he chooses to run for the position and wins the election in November, he would finish Talmadge's term, which goes through 2028.

Harris has previously acted as pres-

ident when Talmadge was absent and received the council’s appointment recommendation gratefully, saying, “I have the best interest of the village and everything about the village in my heart. And I’ll do the best job I can for you… at least until November.”

Harris' appointment presented potential issues with his other roles as village zoning administrator and planning commission chair. After discussion, the council determined Harris will continue in both roles for now, though it will begin the process of finding a replacement as zoning administrator.

Trustee Denise Kurdziel was also approved as village president pro tempore - which would have her serve as president if Harris should be absent for a meeting - which she accepted after Harris promised to try to avoid any situations that would render him unable

Montague Farmer's Market again participating in Double Up program

The Montague Farmer's Market, set for its first Saturday event May 9, announced this week that it will again participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program, administered by Fair Food Network.

The Montague Farmer's Market joins more than 230 other locations across Michigan participating in Double Up – making fresh, Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables more within reach of families using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Double Up Food Bucks is designed to incentivize the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for individuals and families using SNAP benefits. By using their Michigan Bridge/SNAP cards at participating farmers markets like the Montague Farmers Market, SNAP recipients can increase their purchasing power, receiving a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh fruit and vegetable purchases, up to $50 per day.

Michigan Bridge/SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks tokens for the Montague Farmer's Market are available during regular business hours at Montague City Hall and at the market on Saturdays. The Montague Farmer's Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 9 through Oct. 31, at

4511 Church Street in Montague.

In addition to offering Double Up Food Bucks, the Montague Farmer's Market offers Senior Market Vouchers supporting healthier food access for senior residents of participating municipalities. Senior residents, age 60 and up, that live within the City of Montague, White River Township, and Fruitland Township are eligible for the vouchers.

The funds for this program are made possible through the Muskegon County Senior Millage, which was renewed on the Aug. 6, 2024 ballot. City of Montague vouchers will be available to residents at the Montague Farmer's Market starting June 27. The vouchers will not be available at Montague City Hall but will be issued at the farmer's market cottage on the following dates: June 27, July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, and Sept. 26.

City of Montague residents are eligible to receive vouchers once a month for June, July, August, and September. Remember to bring your ID to obtain the vouchers White River Township and Fruitland Township will distribute vouchers to their senior residents. Contact their Township Hall offices for more details.

to attend a meeting.

Harris' appointment as president vacated his village council seat, and council members proposed some potential options to fill the seat. Kurdziel proposed advertising the open position on the village’s Facebook page and website, alongside an application for interested parties to complete. Once filled, the appointment would also be until the November election, upon which whoever was elected would fill out the remaining two years of Harris’ trustee term.

Harris’s appointment was not the

only one of the evening. Former Department of Public Works director Scott Beishuizen was unanimously appointed the village's operations director after village attorney Brennen Gorman aided in devising a job description. The position was previously offered as a village manager, but Gorman said at the regular April meeting that the position should have a different title.

The promotion comes with an increase in pay and an expansive scope, with council members noting the responsibilities were meant to ease the president's workload.

Common Ground

One of the discussion points Takitaki was asked to highlight for Common Ground was that of public service, and what the average citizen can contribute. As he explained, there are plenty of elected positions in the state of Michigan - about 18,000-22,000 – from the state to township level. To consider what these positions look like across the country, that’s half a million citizens who are “conducting some part of service. Most of that service is not partisan, most of that service is boring, a lot of it is administrative, but all of it is required for the function of government to deliver on anything.”

Widening that scope to non-elected governmental employees across the

United States, that’s over 20 million of our friends and neighbors. Takitaki’s closing statement on the true breadth of civics and how average people can contribute is that “the vast majority of government is human beings in your neighborhoods, with jobs and families who are working boring, simple, but incredibly important jobs, delivering services, guaranteeing that our people are protected, making sure our children are educated, making sure that your water is clean and your roads are clear… we cannot let the big, shiny, controversial elements of government blind us to all of the different realities that exist within this system.”

Whitehall NHD

strike of 1888.

Another runoff winner was seventh-grader Kallie Sapp, who will also compete at her first nationals in the Junior Individual Performance category with her entry, Prologue or Epilogue? How the Chernobyl Explosion Revolutionized Modern Radiation Science. Kallie’s research included a memo from then-head of the KGB, Yuri Andropov, minutes from a Politburo meeting two days after the explosion, a technical report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, and a personal interview with a woman who lived less than 200 miles from the Chernobyl reactor at the time of the explosion.

Several Youth Division competitors performed well, too. A trio of fifth-graders - Adi Hernandez, Aria Lenoir, and Lucy Mann - took second place in the

continued from page 1

Youth Group Exhibit category with their entry, Susan B. Anthony: A Revolutionary in Voting Rights. A highlight of their research was an interview with one of Miss Anthony’s cousins, who shared fascinating stories and showed them several Anthony artifacts.

Four Youth Division students won special awards and received cash prizes. Fifth-graders Kobe Freiheit, Easton Raymo, and August Redmon won the award for Best Entry on Naval or Maritime History with their Group Exhibit, The Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Reaction that Changed the Outcome of World War II. Evelynn Butler, also in fifth grade, won the Adler Award for Best Entry on Women's History with her Individual Exhibit, Alice Paul: Striking for a Vote.

CEIC plans 2 informational sessions this month

Organization pushing for removal of Pierson Creek Landfill

The Chemours Environmental Impact Committee will host two informational presentations for the public in May at the White Lake Community Library, analyzing Chemours' current proposed plans for cleanup of the old DuPont site in White River Township and explaining why CEIC believes they are insufficient.

The presentations will take place Wednesday, May 20 from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 30

from 1-3 p.m.

Both sessions are designed to prepare for a June 11 public session that will involve representatives of Chemours (the DuPont holding company overseeing the future of the 1,300-acre property) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), the state agency that will approve Chemours plans if they assure two things: that human exposures are under control and that migration of contaminated groundwater is under control.

"The only tool we have to get the removal of the Pierson Creek Landfill, which has been

leaking tetrachloroethylene into the groundwater that flows into nearby Pierson Creek for decades, is community pushback," CEIC founding member Claire Schlaff said.

Removal of the landfill was notably absent from the plan Chemours originally proposed for cleanup of the site.

Community acceptance is one of seven decision factors that Chemours is required by law to consider in selecting its remedies for each of the landfills and areas of concern at the site.

CEIC members will provide background and historical information about the former

DuPont site, located along Lamos Road, reaching south to the White Lake shoreline, and with a parcel extending westward all the way to the shores of Lake Michigan.

Also part of the dual presentations will be CEIC's viewpoints and perspectives regarding the potential conservation of the property for the public's benefit and how that all plays into the restoration of nearby Sadony Bayou and Mirror Lake.

CEIC intends to factor in the comments and ideas from attendees at the two May meetings to shape its presentations at the June 11 session

with Chemours and EGLE officials. That June meeting will be held in Montague's Nellie B. Chisholm Middle School from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

"At that session," said CEIC member Marisa McGlue, "we will give a more concise presentation of our community's response to the final cleanup proposals. We need to show, by our citizens' presence and their commentary, the strength of our community's resolve to finally - after 65 years - get this property cleaned up and preserved."

For more information, contact McGlue at makeitrightchemours@gmail.com.

Saturday, May 9

Montague Farmer's Market is open for its first Saturday of the season, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mother's Day Kids Craft @ Rivers

Ace Whitehall, 10 a.m. Kids can create a heartfelt gift by planting a beautiful flower in a mini bucket, perfect for brightening Mom’s day. This event is open to all ages. All supplies provided.

Evil Play Project performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

Lar and Jer Acoustic Duo performs @ Wayside Bar and Grill, 7 p.m.

Kyle Brown performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Kindred performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.

Uncle Klunk performs @ Red Rooster Tavern, 8 p.m.

Community Calendar

Sunday, May 10

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

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

Monday, May 11

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

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

Tuesday, May 12

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

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

Wednesday, May 13

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

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

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

Thursday, May 14

Adult Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring studio materials from home or explore available supplies in the class-

room.

Friday, May 15

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

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

Dave Burel performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Silverado performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

Echoes of History: Storm of February 1936 (Pt.

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

TRAFFIC HALTS AS STORM WHIPS REGION; MILK, COAL SUPPLY LOW; - All Roads Blocked; Firemen Warn of Grave Fire Peril – All Schools Closed as Drifts Prevent Teachers and Pupils from Reaching Desks; Tannery Serves Lunch to Workers

That was the headline that appeared in The Whitehall Forum Thursday, Feb. 6, 1936.

At least three heavy snowstorms hit the region within a two-week period –Jan. 22, Feb. 3, and Feb. 8. These storms, combined with gale-force winds created significant snowdrifts, some reportedly reaching up to 24 feet high, blocked roads and transportation routes, making travel nearly impossible. Along with the snow and wind, temperatures remained well below normal, with nights hitting 20 below zero in some areas. This intense cold made the already difficult conditions even worse and posed risks of frostbite and hypothermia.

Six inches of snow fell by Jan. 30, 1936, adding to the nearly 72 inches of snow – six feet that had fallen in the area

so far that winter – with the majority of it during January.

With milk, bread, and fuel supplies running low, a storm-bound White Lake region was waiting for the gale to subside so that attempts could be made to cut through the drifts which paralyzed all transportation throughout this region.

US-31 to Muskegon was blocked. Huge drifts on the causeway defied all efforts of plows. For several hours, the road to Montague was blocked, by a huge drift near the L. T. Covell company office halting all traffic.

Whole sections of the northern part of the county were held helpless in the grip of the storm with no transportation of any kind being possible.

Fire officials in both Whitehall and Montague were greatly concerned over the fire hazard. They feared extra firing as an effort to keep warm might cause fires. So badly drifted were the streets in both towns that it was feared no hose could be brought to the scene of a blaze in time to prevent a catastrophe, especially with the gale threatening to spread the flames.

Both Whitehall and Montague

schools were reported shut down. All other schools in the area were also closed, as teachers and pupils were unable to get through the enormous drifts.

Hot dogs and hot coffee were served at noon by the tannery to all workers who were unable to go home for dinner.

Coal companies in Whitehall and Montague were besieged all day with appeals for fuel. Before any fuel could

be delivered, however, all the firms found it necessary to shovel through heavy drifts. Most deliveries were in 100 or 200-pound lots, enough to tide families over and get them through the storm. Fuel supplies here were light, but relief was expected as soon as the county plows succeeded in breaking through the drifts which blocked the causeway at Muskegon.

Reserve your CSA farm share for this summer!

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Thanks to another amazing donation by The Woven Trifecta farm, 16 lucky local families will be receiving a basket of fresh produce this summer!

Each basket will include a variety of farmfresh veggies - usually 6-12 items of whatever is ripe and ready to pick that week. A typical basket might include some bagged greens, some bunched greens, a root crop or two, a fruiting crop or two, and some herbs. All crops are grown using chemical-free practices. The farm is currently certified Naturally Grown and is in the process of getting USDA Organic certification. If you would like to reserve one of the weekly baskets, please visit

calendly.com/wlclibrary/csa and select an available week. Shares will be available from June 17 through Sept. 30, and must be picked up at the farm on Todd Road Wednesday evenings between 4-7 p.m.

Woven Trifecta is a local farm offering Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares. CSAs are a way for community members to support local farms by providing seed money up front and then getting a share of the crops in return. By generously donating one share to the library again this year, they are giving 16 families a chance to experience a CSA and meet a local farmer.

New Accessibility Features at the Library

The library was awarded a $10,000 grant last year for improving accessibility, and the first few things have been installed. Watch for more great stuff in the next few weeks, but so far we have added two touch-screen computers and an adjustable-height table. The touch-screen computers are available to anyone, especially

those who might have difficulty using a traditional mouse and keyboard. One of them is designated for public internet access, and the other is for searching the library’s catalog. The new table is located in the center of the library and adjusts easily up and down to accommodate any type of mobility device. Like most of our tables, it has built-in power outlets on top for those needing to plug in a laptop or other device. We look forward to introducing the next batch of accessibility improvements soon!

FUN FACT: Data shows that approximately 1 in 3 Michiganders have a disability of some kind. While the new accessibility features will benefit everyone, statistically speaking they will be especially helpful for about 4,127 community members - a third of the 12,381 people in the library’s service area.

We Got the Grant! Families will soon be able to borrow Toniebox kits from the library! Tonieboxes are a kid-friendly and screen-free way for children to enjoy

audiobooks. Thanks to a $1,500 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan, we will be purchasing at least six Tonieboxes and enough Tonie characters for each set to have a wide variety of stories and books to entertain kids of all ages. Kit themes will include Stories from Around the World, Naptime/Bedtime, Picture Books, Beginning Readers, and Chapter Books. Stay tuned for more details on when the kits will be available for checkout. We can't wait for kids to start listening!

DeMumbrum

This image was taken on a highway near Muskegon in February 1936 during the famous winter storm that year. • Courtesy Photo

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community

'Cats rally to salvage tie against Whitehall

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The cold temperatures didn't stop a large crowd from coming out for Friday's Whitehall/ Montague matchup at the Whitehall stadium, nor did it stop the two teams from delivering a high-octane battle that ended in a 2-2 tie.

"It's always interesting for these girls because they grow up playing together," Whitehall coach Laicey Chamberlain said. "It's always a fun rivalry because you know your opponent. You played with them from age four on up. It's always a special game, and I'm glad that they stepped up and played the way they did."

It was the Wildcats (4-4-1, 1-21 West Michigan Conference) who stormed back from a two-goal deficit to salvage the tie, peppering the Whitehall defensive zone with chances down the stretch. The Vikings, led by defensive aces Liz Fox and Ryleigh Hershey, were able to turn back enough of those opportunities to prevent Montague's furious effort from producing a win.

Whitehall (2-5-1, 0-4-1 WMC) largely controlled play for the first 20 minutes and was rewarded with a pair of goals, the first coming in the eighth minute on a spectacular shot by Izzy Causie to the far post, an undefend-

able attempt. The Vikes added a second goal in the 19th minute when Kate Beda set Reese Hesse up with a nice pass that allowed Hesse to center up a shot and score.

It looked as though the Wildcats were in deep trouble, but with 11:30 to go in the half, Emily Earnest "stopped the bleeding," coach Chris Aebig said, with an outstanding shot of her own to the top left corner of the net, getting her team on the board and pushing a little momentum back Montague's way.

The score stayed that way for nearly 40 minutes, but with just under 14 minutes to go, the Wildcats' preparation on set plays paid off. Ava Crow took a free kick deep in Whitehall ter-

ritory and launched a beautiful ball, allowing Marguerite O'Connell to soar in and head it perfectly into the net for the tying score.

"We talk all the time about getting on the ball any way, no matter what part of your body it is, just putting your body on it," O'Connell said of the kick.

The Wildcats kept up the pressure the rest of the way, utilizing Lilly Rice's speed in particular, but Whitehall's defense used some physical play - drawing a few whistles along the way - to

prevent any clear chances for Montague.

"As coaches, we've got to be better because we're the ones that can't fail them," Aebig said. "I think we had probably 15 chances right down inside the goal, and we weren't able to bury it. That falls on us. We need to prepare them better. We were not great in the middle third. That falls on us. We have

Rivalry soccer

continued on page 6

Ravenna denies Rocket run at GMAA 3-peat

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer faced Ravenna Saturday for the GMAA Tier 1 championship, just like it had the previous two seasons. But this year, the Rockets saw a much different Bulldog team, and their bid for a three-peat was denied in a 9-0 defeat.

R-P (18-4) earlier defeated Fruitport 12-2 and held off a late Mona Shores rally to win 9-7, winning its pool to earn the shot at Ravenna.

Ravenna is undefeated at 20-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state in Division 3, and after Saturday's games had given up 23 runs all season - and nine since the calendar turned to April. The Bulldogs aren't just the product of a small-school schedule either; they've dominated high-level opponents like Midland Dow, Grand Haven, Traverse City Central, Rockford, Jenison and Wayland.

"I think they have fine-tuned some things," Rockets' coach Sarah Bayle said. "One of my assistant coaches mentioned they're a well-oiled machine...They made really good hits. Obviously, we've got Lainey (McDaniel) and she's a great pitcher, and they were able to hit her pretty solid. We didn't see that the last two times."

R-P's bats were unable to solve Bulldog hurler Natalie Rosel, who pitched a five-hit shutout in the finals. Ravenna broke through against McDaniel with a four-run second inning, which put the pressure squarely on the Rockets. Five

errors in the field didn't help.

"Our defense struggled a little more today than it normally does," Bayle said. "Overall, I'm obviously proud of the girls. I wish I would have seen a different outcome in that last game."

McDaniel got two of the Rockets' five hits in the finals and struck out two in the circle. Five of the runs against her were earned.

Bayle said part of the reason for Ravenna's success against McDaniel could've been the amount of pitches the senior star had to throw on the day. McDaniel also pitched against Shores, which Bayle knew was necessary after the Sailors earned a split with R-P last week in a conference doubleheader.

"That very well could have been a difference if she had been fresh," Bayle said. "We needed her for Shores. I think she ended up well over 200 pitches (for the day) by the end."

McDaniel dominated early on against Mona Shores. Back-to-back singles put Shores runners in scoring position in the second inning; one of those singles was inches away from a home run, but the ball bounded off the top of the fence and back into play.

McDaniel got a strikeout to end the threat, and her teammates staked her to a 2-0 lead. Madi Reichert opened the scoring by blasting a no-doubt home run to center field, the first long ball of her varsity career.

It was a great moment for Reichert, whom Bayle said the coaches have long felt is going to develop into a pow-

Reeths-Puffer's Tessa Ross tries to get Ravenna's Sydney Morrissey out at the plate during Saturday's GMAA Tier 1 finals at R-P. The Rockets lost the game, 9-0.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

er hitter.

"She is such a workhorse," Bayle said. "Madi is an amazing kid. I was so happy to see that...Even since last year, we knew she was going to be a big bopper one day. We're really excited for her."

Lorelei Herrygers brought in a run in the third inning by bunting in Carlie Guikema, who led off the inning with a double. The Rockets blew open the game in the fifth with six more runs, thanks in part to Tessa Ross' two-run single and Kenzie Jacobs' RBU single. Caydence Rettinhouse and Reichert later drew consecutive bases-loaded walks to bring in more runs, and Guikema brought in another run with a single.

Mona Shores, though, stormed back with two runs in the bottom of the fifth and then five more in the sixth, as the Sailor batters began to time up McDaniel. Luckily, the Rockets were able to escape.

Ross and Guikema each had three hits in the game, and Reichert, McDaniel and Herrygers each had two. McDaniel allowed three earned runs on 12 hits and struck out eight.

R-P cruised to the opening win over Fruitport with five extra-base hits as a team. McDaniel, Herrygers, Ross, Jacobs and Caydence Rettinhouse had two hits each, and Jacobs and Olivia Ambler each drove in three runs. Makayla Jewett allowed five hits and one earned run, striking out five.

WHITEHALL • MONTAGUE • REETHS - PUFFER

Montague's Elle Smith (31) launches a header towards the Whitehall goal during Friday's game at Whitehall. The teams tied, 2-2. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Ryleigh Hershey (left) defends Montague's Lilly Rice during Friday's game at Whitehall. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

R-P, Vikes each win a GMAA flight championship

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer finished third in Saturday's GMAA tournament, with Whitehall placing fifth, but each team was able to bring home a flight championship.

Whitehall's top doubles flight, Avarie Bentz/Braelee Fogus, secured the championship and did it in thrilling fashion, edging out North Muskegon's Gabrielle Benedict/Anna Koman in a thrilling 7-6(5), 3-6, 14-12 match. The duo also had an exciting semifinal matchup that went to a thirdset tiebreaker, defeating Mona Shores' Laynie Russell/Marina Cantu 7-6(4), 2-6, 10-7.

The Rockets' top highlight was the performance of No. 2 singles player Hope Latsch, who won her second straight title at the flight despite being seeded No. 4.

Latsch took the hard way to the top spot, winning each of her first two matches in third-set tiebreakers. She started the day with a hard-fought 6-4, 2-6, 10-8 win over Western Michigan Christian's Sophia Fries, then eked out a 6-2, 5-7, 10-8 win over Mona Shores' Kendra Hylland in the semifinals. The Rocket star then had her easiest match of the day in the finals, dispatching Fruitport's Emma Fecher by a 6-3, 6-1 margin.

Also for R-P, Olivia Smith was runner-up at No. 1 singles, picking up a pair of straight-set wins before falling to Fruitport's Josalynn Nowicki in the finals, 6-2, 6-1. Kaitlyn Durow took a pair of wins at No. 4 singles to finish second

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

there, and the Rockets' No. 4 doubles team of Lauren Slater/Grace Cosens edged a pair of opponents in third-set tiebreakers on their way to another second-place finish.

For Whitehall, Riley Shafer went 2-1 and played one of the longest matches of the day in a valiant defeat to eventual No. 3 singles champion Grace Sheler of

North Muskegon. Shafer won the first set before Sheler rallied to edge Shafer, 6-7(4), 6-3, 10-7. No. 3 doubles pair Emily VanDam/ Bea Lewis also went 2-1.

Rockets' No. 2 doubles pair Jayla Brink/Kayleigh Brown and No. 3 doubles pair Brylee Gifford/ Elisa Howard each also posted a 2-1 record.

Whitehall's 4-year reign as GMAA boys champs ends

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall's four-year reign as champions of the GMAA boys track meet ended Friday night at Western Michigan Christian, as the Vikings settled for second place behind Mona Shores, 11794.

Those two teams easily outpaced everyone else; Whitehall was 44 points ahead of third-place Fruitport. Reeths-Puffer took fourth place, and Montague was seventh.

In the girls' meet, Reeths-Puffer topped local squads with a third-place finish. Montague was fourth and Whitehall finished eighth.

The Viking boys came away with individual wins in four events by four different athletes. Caden Bowyer took first in the discus with a throw of 146-11, and Ayden Mendoza's unbeaten run in high jump rolled on as he posted a mark of 6-2. Hunter Parsons won the 3,200-meter run in a time of 10:44.7, and Javi LeBlanc won the 1,600 meters in a time of 4:51.8.

Whitehall had two run-

ners-up, with Graysen Olstrom second in the pole vault (13-0) and Elijah Smith second in the long jump, posting a personal best (1911). The team also finished second in the 3,200 relay, with Parsons and LeBlanc joining Jevon Hilliard and Rex Pumford (8:21.2).

The Vikes also finished third in three events. Bowyer took third in the shot put (47-11), Judd Musk was third in the 110 hurdles (16.07) and Hilliard placed third in the 400 (53.85).

Aaliyah Jamison had her typical starring role for the Viking girls, winning the shot put with a mark of 31-9.5 and finishing third in the discus with a throw of 92-8.

Jersi Bilek highlighted the Rocket girls' efforts at the GMAA, winning the 800-meter run in a time of 2:23.1.

Addison Mitchelson picked up two runner-up finishes in the sprints for the Rockets, posting times of 13.29 seconds in the 100 and 28.10 seconds in the 200. Zaire Wright was second for R-P in the shot put with a mark of 30-5.

The Rockets' 400 relay team of Mitchelson, Jailynn Zuniga, Ivanna Kass and Wyn Waggoner also

took second (53.66). The 1,600 team of Bilek, Mitchelson, Waggoner and Kass rounded out R-P's top-3 finishers by placing third (4:34.8).

For R-P's boys, Evan McHugh had a huge day, placing in the top two three times. McHugh won the pole vault and set a new personal best of 13-6, and he twice finished second in hurdles races, posting times of 16.04 seconds in the 110 and 41.83 seconds in the 300. Marvin Moore delivered a win in the 400-meter dash, posting a time of 50.97 seconds.

London Rankin added a personal best of 11.23 seconds in the 100, good for second place.

Addi Smith led Montague's girls team at the meet, scoring a win in pole vault with a mark of 8-6. Annelyse Schneider added the Wildcats' other top-3 finish, coming in third in the high jump (5-0). For the boys, Isaac French had another impressive day and won the shot put (50-5.5). Wesley Mair set a new personal best to take third in the 3,200-meter run (10:48.4), and Nolan Kessler added a third-place finish in the 1,600-meter run (4:56.8).

Sports in Brief Baseball

Fruitport 12 Whitehall 6

The Vikings managed the 3rd-most runs Fruitport has allowed all season. Whitehall led 6-5 before Fruitport rallied for the win. Noah Peterson had 2 hits and Ethan Deshong had 2 RBI.

Mona Shores 9 Reeths-Puffer 1

The Sailors completed a 3-game sweep of the Rockets. Landon Learn drew a bases-loaded walk for R-P's only run. Connor McManus had 2 hits and Ethan Frang scored a run.

Montague 7-10 Manistee 3-3

The 'Cats stayed unbeaten in the WMC Lakes. Eli Petersen pitched a 3-hit complete game in game one, with no earned runs and 11 strikeouts. Five Montague batters had 2 hits each. In game two, Levi Auger drove in 4 runs and Karter Johnson got 2 hits. Cole Herremans got the win. Byron Center 13-15 Reeths-Puffer 0-0

The Rockets managed 2 hits in the 2 games, one each by Brendan Guikema and Connor McManus.

Orchard View 0-0

and Evan Thomas and Ethan Deshong had 2 hits each. In game two, Noah Morse had 3 hits and 5 RBI, and Thomas and Cody Manzo combined on a one-hit five-inning shutout.

Reeths-Puffer 18 Muskegon 2

13 times in

Softball

and

Reeths-Puffer 13-7 Ludington 3-0

Makayla Jewett had a big ady in the circle, striking out 16 in game one and 8 in game two to win both games. Tessa Ross went 4-for-4 with 2 RBI in game one, and Kenzie Jacobs had 3 hits. Lainey McDaniel had an inside-the-park home run in game two.

Montague 13-21 Manistee 4-11

Kaelyn Lohman hit her first 2 career home runs - one out of the park and another inside the park - as the 'Cats had their best day of the season. Olivia McKeown picked up both wins in the circle.

Reeths-Puffer 4-7 Byron Center 2-17

Carlie Guikema homered in the game one comeback win, and Lainey McDaniel struck out 9 in the circle. The Bulldogs erased the Rockets' early lead in game two despite Madi Reichert's home run.

Girls Soccer

Reeths-Puffer 12 Muskegon 0

Josie Hopkins, Wren Tryska and Kira DeMol each scored a pair of goals for the Rockets. Jaslynn Kops had 3 assists. Whitehall 4 Orchard View 1 Statistics were not reported from the Vikings' win. Montague 4 Oakridge 3 Statistics were not reported from the Wildcats' win.

Caledonia 2 Reeths-Puffer 1

Statistics were not reported from the Rockets' defeat.

Whitehall 5 Oakridge 1

Statistics were not reported from the Vikings' win.

Track

Montague goes 0-2 at Ludington Tri

The Wildcats fell to both Ludington and Fremont. Addi Smith won the pole vault and the 400 for Montague's girls team, and Michael Jones took the pole vault and the 300 hurdles for the boys.

Boys Golf

Whitehall 2nd, Montague 3rd at Montague Invite Jones McDowell topped local players with a 76 for Whitehall, tying for 3rd overall. He scored a birdie in the round and made par on the next 5 holes. For Montague, Michael Flanagan was 5th with a 78.

Montague 2nd, Whitehall 5th at Manistee Jamboree Tanner DeVries finished 4th overall for the Wildcats with a 39, making 3 birdies. William Burger and Finn Novy each had a 45 for Whitehall.

4th,

5th at

Girls Tennis

Reeths-Puffer 6 Whitehall 2

The teams split the 2 matches that went to a third-set tiebreaker. Akeelah Martin won one for Whitehall, and Brylee Gifford/Elisa Howard won for the Rockets. R-P won all 4 doubles matches.

Reeths-Puffer 7 Muskegon Catholic 1

R-P cruised to a win and won all 4 singles matches. Olivia Smith won a close No. 1 singles match, and Hope Latsch and Molly Matz won in straight sets at No. 2 and No. 3 singles.

Grand Haven 12 Reeths-Puffer 6

Statistics were not reported from the Rockets' defeat.

Spring Lake 20 Reeths-Puffer 1

Statistics were not reported from the Rockets' defeat.

Whitehall sweeps Orchard View Tri The Viking teams beat OV and Muskegon Heights. Caden Bowyer, Hunter Parsons and Judd Musk each won 2 events for the boys' team, and Aaliyah Jamison and Giselle Burbridge won 2 for the girls.

Lacrosse

Whitehall 16-10

Whitehall dominated at the plate and on the mound. Brayden Kelley struck out 8 in a three-inning one-hitter in game one. Justin Jensen had a 2-run double,

Whitehall

Montague

Ludington Jamboree Whitehall finished just 13 strokes out of first place with a 178. Gabe Gilbert and Finn Novy each shot a 44 for the Vikings, and Montague was led by Michael Flanagan's 45.

Reeths-Puffer 17 East Kentwood 0 Cohen Beck scored 4 goals to lead the Rocket offense. Cal Millis and Will Mallon each scored twice.

The Rockets scored

the first inning

cruised to the win. Jack Yonkman, Brendan Guikema, Connor McManus and Ethan Frang had 2 hits each. Landon Padilla got the win.

Reeths-Puffer 5th at Caledonia Jamboree

The Rockets had a score of 170, led by Kristian Brown's 40, which included a birdie. Ian Vokal and Jordan Benkert each shot a 43.

Whitehall's Riley Shafer races to the net to return a shot against North Muskegon's Grace Sheler during Saturday's GMAA tournament at ReethsPuffer. Shafer lost a marathon match to Sheler, but did post a 2-1 record on the day.

Ludington 6 Whitehall 2 Akeelah Martin and Riley Shafer won straight-set matches to account for the Vikings' points in the dual.

Reeths-Puffer's Kaitlyn Durow eyes a return shot while playing against North Muskegon's Anahera Leos during Saturday's GMAA tournament at R-P.

Whitehall 5 W.M. Christian 3

The Vikings played well at the top flights in the win. Izzy Gould, Akeelah Martin and Riley Shafer won at the top 3 singles flights, and the top 2 doubles pairs, Avaire Bentz/Braelee Fogus and Addie Broton/Nora Grey, also won.

Rockets reach GMAA baseball semifinals

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Reeths-Puffer was the lone area team to reach Marsh Field and the final four of Saturday's GMAA baseball tournament, defeating Ravenna 6-3 in a quarterfinal game before falling to top seed Fruitport 13-3 in the semifinals.

The Rockets, the No. 5 seed, had to travel to Ravenna for the quarterfinals, but played a solid game, jumping ahead early and then rallying late for the win.

R-P's Brendan Guikema got things rolling quickly, lacing a RBI double in the first inning to open the scoring. Later in the inning, he came across to score himself when Tyler Sykes drew a bases-loaded walk.

Ravenna answered with three runs of its own in the bottom half of the first,

and the score stayed 3-2 Bulldogs until the fourth. Jack Yonkman tied things up with a RBI single, and Guikema came up big again later in the inning with his own run-scoring single. Paul Smith added a RBI single in the fifth, and Sykes scored in the sixth on a wild pitch.

Yonkman had two hits, as did Guikema, Smith and Bentley Kops. Guikema got the win on the mound, allowing only one earned run on four hits and striking out 10.

The top seed Trojans, though, dispatched R-P by mercy rule in the semifinals, exploding for six runs in the fourth to end the game. R-P managed three hits against Garrett Olson, and Fruitport jumped ahead 4-0 in the first inning en route to the win. Ethan Frang had a double in the game.

No. 6 seed Montague had designs on a deep run in the GMAA, but were turned back by North Muskegon in a nail-biting quarterfinal, 1-0. The only run of the game came in the fourth inning when the Wildcats unsuccessfully tried to stop a squeeze play at home plate.

In the seventh, Montague got two on base with only one out, but Levi Auger's line drive to center field was caught and resulted in a game-ending double play.

Cole Herremans pitched very well, allowing only three hits in 4 2/3 innings, but unfortunately for him, two came in that pivotal fourth inning. He struck out seven. The Wildcats managed three hits on offense.

Whitehall lost a walk-off thriller to Oakridge in Friday's play-in round,

5-4. The two teams were vying for a spot opposite top seed Fruitport.

The Eagles won the game in the bottom of the seventh inning on a sacrifice fly after a walk, a stolen base and a bunt single put them in position for the victory.

The finale spoiled a remarkable comeback by Whitehall, which battled back from a 4-0 first-inning deficit and finally tied it in the seventh inning when Evan Thomas scored Justin Jensen on a groundout. Jensen led off the seventh with a walk and reached third on a Emmett Hecht single. Hecht also drove in a run with a fifth-inning single during the comeback.

Hecht got three hits in the game, and Thomas drove in two runs. Jensen allowed one earned run and six hits in six innings, striking out seven.

Whitehall downs Montague in GMAA Tier 2

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall went 1-1 Saturday at the GMAA Tier 2 softball tournament, defeating rival Montague 18-3 before losing a 10-9 heartbreaker to Holton.

The Vikes' final game went back and forth, and they erased a 4-0 deficit to go ahead 6-4 with back-to-back three-run innings in the fourth and fifth. It appeared Whitehall was in even better shape when it scored three times in the seventh to swell its lead from 6-5

to 9-5. However, Holton stormed back with several hits in the bottom of the inning to deliver the winning run on a single.

Toree Carlson's fourth-inning two-run single was key to the Vikings' comeback, and in the fifth, Janie Fagan drove in a run with a single, followed later by a two-run single from Emily Hawkins. Fagan then crushed a tworun home run to center field as part of the Vikes' three-run seventh.

However, the first six Red Devils reached in the bottom of the seventh,

pulling them within one. Whitehall pitcher Beth LeaTrea, facing a bases-loaded, nobody-out situation with a one-run lead, came up with a clutch strikeout and a popout to preserve the lead, but a hit-by-pitch tied the game, and Mia Giddings' single won it.

Hawkins got three hits in the game, and Fagan and Kayden Johnson had two each.

The Vikings rolled against Montague in their first game, scoring seven times in the first inning and 10 more in the second to win the game by mercy

rule. Emily Ames led the barrage with three hits and five RBI, and Johnson and Fagan had two hits each. Ames got the win in the circle.

For Montague, Kaelyn Lohman picked up two hits, and Gentry Knop had two RBI.

Montague dropped a 13-8 decision to Muskegon in its second game of the day, despite a seven-run second inning. Brynlee Kessler drove in three runs for Montague, and Alanna Hysell and Addy Hall each got a hit and drew two walks.

Wildcats cruise past Shelby on diamond

By Andy Roberts

MONTAGUE — Montague swept Shelby last Thursday in a doubleheader that matched top teams from the West Michigan Conference Lakes and Rivers divisions.

The Wildcats exploded for eight runs in the fourth inning of game one to erase a 3-0 Tiger lead and take an 8-4 victory. Seven of the runs scored with two out.

Eli Petersen got Montague on the board with a sacrifice fly, and with two out the Wildcat bats caught fire. Cole Herremans tied the game with a two-run single, the first of six straight singles. Levi Auger had a run-scoring single to give Montague the lead, and Cooper Bradley followed with a single that resulted in two more runs after a Tiger error.

Cole Moss then scored a run with a single, and Petersen, at bat for the second time in the inning, reached on an error that scored Moss.

Fletcher Thommen got two hits in the game, and Karter Johnson allowed one earned run on eight hits, striking out four.

Montague won game two 11-1, breaking open a scoreless tie by scoring three runs in the third inning, five in the fourth and three more in the fifth to end the game by mercy rule.

Moss' RBI triple highlighted the Wildcats' initial burst, and he scored on a wild pitch in the next at-bat. The 'Cats then took advantage of walks, wild pitches and errors in the fourth inning. Auger had a RBI single in the inning and ended the game with another RBI single in the fifth.

Rivalry soccer

to be better. Our coaching staff has already talked about that, and we will be better and we will come back to work and we'll get ready to start winning that middle third and start being able to finish down low."

In the final minutes, Causie launched another incredible shot that would've been the game-winner, but it took a fortuitous bounce for Montague and stayed outside the net.

While the Vikings no doubt were a

five hits.

Softball drops 2 to Shelby

MONTAGUE — Montague came up short to a red-hot Shelby team last Thursday in a cross-division West Michigan Conference doubleheader, 18-0 and 13-1.

The Wildcats couldn't get any baserunners on against Tiger ace Jayna Burmeister in game one, as Burmeister threw a four-inning perfect game. Six Montague errors led to 16 of the 18 runs being unearned. Montague pitching held the Tigers to five runs through the first three innings before the Tigers exploded for 13 in the fourth.

Montague manufactured a

continued from page 4

bit disappointed not to finish off what would have been their first WMC victory, Chamberlain said she was very pleased with the team's performance throughout the game.

"It was like watching some of our drills come to life," Chamberlain said of Whitehall's two goals. "'This is what we practiced, and you guys are actually doing it.' More than anything, you're just pumped for the girls. It's that contagious excitement. They get so excit-

Montague's Karter Johnson rolls after tagging first base with his glove to record an out against Shelby's Michael Regeczi during last Thursday's doubleheader. The Wildcats won both games.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

run in the first inning of game two when Kealyn Lohman walked, reached third on a groundout, and scored on a wild pitch. That cut an early Shelby lead to 2-1, but the Tigers later pulled away.

ed. The momentum, they're so geeked, and they're fired up and ready to do it again."

On Montague's end, sweeper Elle Moran said the Vikings' speed was tough to deal with at times, but as the game progressed she felt her side of the ball did a good job holding up against it. Teammate Rice, who bore the brunt of much of Whitehall's physical defense in the second half, saw the team's on-field chemistry developing in real time.

"When we're starting to connect those passes and make those runs, I think it encourages all of us to be more

Alanna Hysell got Montague's only hit in game two, a single. The 'Cats went on to load the bases in the inning with a walk and a hit-by-pitch, but couldn't get any more runs across the plate.

excited and want to keep putting those plays together and keep creating opportunities for the rest of us," Rice said. What stood out to Aebig was less the technical skill of his team than its relentless competitive drive that led to the comeback from two goals down, telling the Wildcats postgame that he wasn't concerned when they fell behind.

"I know this team," Aebig said. "There's no quit in them. We lost to Fruitport and North Muskegon big, and these guys battled all the way to the end. I'll take a team that battles all the way to the end any day."

Dylan Bailey joined Auger in having two RBI in the win. Caleb Rice struck out six and allowed

White Lake Mirror Editor

Recent local police activity

Behind the Badge

Whitehall Police Report

April 30

At 11:26 a.m. officers were called to the intersection of White Lake Drive and Zellar Road to assist the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office on a twocar crash that included an injury. It appeared one of the involved cars had run a stop sign to cause the collision. Officers were on the scene for approximately an hour to assist with traffic.

May 2

At 1:33 a.m., officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for failing to dim their high-beam headlights. Contact was made with the driver, a 19-yearold woman from Whitehall Twp., and officers noted the presence of an open alcoholic beverage in the backseat. The driver denied consuming any alcohol, but a preliminary Breathalyzer test confirmed alcohol was in her system. At this point the driver admitted to having consumed some of the vodka. The driver was advised she was near the

Zero-Tolerance Limit under Michigan law and was issued a citation for possession of alcohol as a minor. The driver's parents were notified and came to take custody of her and her vehicle.

At 1:05 p.m., officers were called to the 600 block of E Colby St. on a larceny complaint. The reporting party advised that somewhere between Twin Cities Parts and Service and Napa Auto Parts, someone had removed the locking cover and locking mechanism from a spare tire on the back of a vehicle, but did not take the tire. The reporting party said they would follow up with Twin Cities, which uses security cameras, to determine in which parking lot the theft occurred. The approximate value of the cover and mechanism was $50.

May 4

At 12:10 p.m., officers observed a residence in the 500 block of E Lewis St. that was committing an ordinance violation. The subject had a large pile of leaves near the roadway. Officers made contact with the resident and informed them that the city's leaf pickup time had passed and the pile needed to be removed, which the resident did.

At 12:47 p.m., officers were contacted at the Whitehall Police Department office by an individual reporting a theft from a vulnerable adult. The reporting party indicated that he, along with other subjects, was assisting in the care of an individual over 90 years of age who resided in the 300 block of E Muskegon St. While going through the person's finances, they noted a 42-year-old fe-

male subject from Dalton Twp. who had been cleaning the individual's residence and was getting large checks written to herself for amounts beyond the scope of her cleaning. The reporting party noted that the checks dated back to October 2025 and amounted to $36,000. It was additionally noted that during one recent week, the individual received three checks, each totaling $1,600. Whitehall Police enlisted assistance from a detective at Norton Shores who works with the Elder Abuse Task Force in the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office. The subject was interviewed by both departments and claimed the checks had been written because the elderly man wanted to be helpful. The subject was advised that the man is being cared for due to his dementia and the generosity should be evaluated accordingly.

May 5

At approximately 1:55 p.m., officers were called to the 1200 block of E Colby St. on a neighbor dispute. Officers made contact with the involved parties, who indicated that while crossing paths they got in an argument. No assault occurred and there was only a brief verbal exchange, though the original reporting party wanted it documented that she was confronted. Another neighbor confirmed the argument was only verbal. The parties were separated and agreed not to make contact with each other.

ACWL-Nuveen hosting 40th birthday bash at Playhouse May 15; tickets available

The Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center is hosting its 40th birthday bash Friday, May 15 at The Playhouse at White Lake at 7 p.m.

Montague Police Report

April 29

4:48 p.m., juvenile complaint, 8000 block of Meade St.

5:01 p.m., keys locked in vehicle assist, 9000 block of Pinebrook Dr. 11:38 p.m., loud music, 4800 block of Dowling St.

April 30

11:14 p.m., well-being check, 5000 block of Dowling St.

May 1

1:11 a.m., traffic stop with arrest, 8000 block of Water St.

6:57 a.m., citizen assist, 4900 block of Dowling St.

May 4

6:41 a.m., citizen assist, 8000 block of Meade St.

8:25 a.m., well-being check/medical assist, 8000 block of Dicey St. 6:15 p.m., well-being check, 9000 block of Whitbeck Rd.

8:27 p.m., found property, Hanson Street in Whitehall

9:10 p.m., medical assist, 8000 block of Old Channel Trail

May 5

11:36 a.m., ordinance violation, 8000 block of Cook St.

2:10 p.m., trespassing, 5000 block of Wilcox St.

May 6

9:20 a.m., found dogs, lodged until owner located, Montague DPW

The event will feature music from The F.A.N. Club, Eric & Karen Smith, and E & C Cabaret, as well as a silent auction, a cash bar and a birthday cake. The silent auction is already open with the option to 'buy out' most items.

MHS

Class

Tickets are available online at givebutter.com/c/40bash at three different price points. General admission tickets are $40 and offers access to each of the night's events, and a limited number of community-funded tickets are

of '65 to have meetand-greet

The Montague High School Class of 1965 is having a casual meet and greet for its 61-year class reunion at Lipkas Old Fashion Soda Fountain in Montague Wednesday May 13, from 2-4 p.m.,

available for $10, with the same access as general admission tickets. Patrons can also purchase VIP tickets for $100, which include a free drink ticket and early admission at 6:30.

If you aren't able to attend in person, you can still support this event. You can make a financial donation on the event page or visit the birthday gift list at www.artswhitelake.org/giftlist.

reunion May 13 White River Light Station opens for the season May 12

at Lipka’s after school. This event will be a cash-only get-together with folks buying their own treats; no credit cards accepted.

The event will bring together classmates, friends, and community members to celebrate memories and connections and is reminiscent of the high school days when students met

The co-chairs for the gathering are Val Brazaski, Mike Anderson, and Ken Mahoney, who look forward to welcoming classmates and friends. They ask all to please share this notice with others from the Class of 1965.

The White River Light Station will open for the season Tuesday, May 12 and be open seven days a week through Sept. 7.

Hours will be 1-5 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays during the summer season. The station will continue through the fall season from Sept. 10-Oct. 25 and be open from

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays.

Guests can climb the lighthouse for $8 (adults) and $5 (17 and under) during the operating season. Active military members and veterans can climb the light for no charge.

Children must be at least 40 inches tall to climb, and for guest safety, they may not be carried up the stairs.

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