The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 6, July 4, 2025 by theoceanaecho

Pleasant Valley Farm and Vineyard wins Governor's Cup Gold Medal

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Pleasant Valley Farm and Vineyard south of Hart recently brought home a gold medal for their Cabernet Franc from the Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup competition. For Pleasant Valley’s Sorensen family, this win is not only a treasured accolade but also an affirmation that they are fulfilling one of the three focuses they set for themselves upon opening the winery: create a good product, provide a great experience and preserve the family’s personal enjoyment in the business.

The Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup is a competition held annually by the Michigan Wine Collaborative, offering wineries across the state to showcase their product and compare it to their peers in Michigan’s ever-growing wine industry. 2025 saw 125 products from 33 different wineries enter and compete.

Pleasant Valley’s 2022 Cab Franc ranked 31, with a total score of 92 out of 100, placing it in the upper echelon amongst some of the oldest wineries in the state and juggernaut favorites of Traverse City fame.

This is Pleasant Val-

ley’s second time participating in the competition, and their previous year’s entry did not fare as well. So to see such exponential improvement, owner and vintner Theresa Sorensen said the win “to us, makes this even better.”

The Sorensens admit that wine is a fickle product and the outcome is highly dependent on factors like the weather, the health of the vines, the aging process and even the transportation of the finished product.

Theresa describes the challenges Michigan wineries face when it comes to making wine of the Cab Franc variety. The variety of grapes that make up a Cab Franc - and lend its name to its distinction of wine - is Vinifera, which prefers ample sun and a long growing season, factors that are not always dependable in Michigan’s climate, even for the Michigan “wine country” in the Northwest and Southeast.

Another important distinction which sets Pleasant Valley apart from its competition is that not only did they win with grapes notoriously challenging to grow in the area, but that they are an “estate” winery. Theresa and her daughter Christine Goss explained that, to be considered an estate wine, the product must be made entirely in-house.

“We grow our grapes, we pick them, process them, ferment them - we make the wine only from our grapes. We don’t buy juice from anywhere else.”

Theresa’s husband, Bob, sums it up simply: “From vine to bottle, it’s

all [made] right here.”

The Sorensens are well on their way to ensuring their goal of providing the community with quality products continues to be fulfilled. Their other focus - to provide customers with a great experience - is also given particular attention. The vineyard, grown on the Sorensen family farm purchased in 1912 by Bob’s grandmother, is nestled on the bank of Crystal Lake.

A drive of less than 15 minutes will find guests amongst a veritable paradise of vines, blueberry bushes and picturesque barns, all sitting resplendently above and an unbeatable view of the water. The scene is more than enough competition for even the most photo-worthy wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula up north.

Pleasant Valley’s tasting room is a wide, open-concept pole barn with plenty of seating for any large group that visits to experience the wine, which are paired with a variety of snacks from local sources and businesses. Fenn Valley Winery of Fennville, Michigan is a friend of Pleasant Valley, providing advice as well as cider to round out the beverage selection. Even the dog treats available for purchase are packaged by family members. “That was our emphasis, to try and keep it local,” says Christine, to which her father adds, “And family friendly!”

For the Sorensens, an important aspect of delivering a memorable experience is ensuring the whole family can en-

joy a trip to the winery. There’s a mini putt-putt green, lawn games, the aforementioned variety of food and an entire farm for visitors to mill around and enjoy. One way Pleasant Valley is drawing in repeat visitors this summer is providing live music every Saturday for locals and long-term vacationers of all ages and tastes to enjoy - all with no cover charge. This was important to Pleasant Valley, as a family business operating on a family farm.

Theresa wears many hats, but mainly doubles as the administrative engine who keeps the business in proper working order, as well as the ambitious vintner keeping the plants healthy, making the product and compiling new tips and tricks about this particular, centuries-old facet of agriculture. There would be no Pleasant Valley without her.

Bob, is a former business owner (the winery is a retirement hobby) who collaborates with Theresa in running Pleasant Valley, vision-making and heads the important job of spraying the fields. “I

like to cut grass. I like to spray. I like to be on my tractor. But to do all that other stuff [the administrative work]... I’m retired!”

The hands-on groundskeeping is done in major part by their son, Paul. Christine takes care of the marketing department, does the taxes and covers any job that involves a computer, an aspect easily done from her home in Chicago. She’s also the one who provides her parents with an essential enrichment: grandchildren.

Even Christine’s young sons participate in the family business when they stay for the summer, and with it are gaining an appreciation for where their food comes from. They also inspired the family-friendly direction of the winery. “I really, really love that they can understand and see how things are made,” Christine said. “(They) understand how fruit grows and that it's not just going to show up on your table.”

“Everyone’s got their work to do, and it's a lot of fun,” Bob concludes.

When asked if they have plans to enter in

other competitions, the Sorensens explain how they’re taking it slow, building up confidence in their wines, and - once that’s established - then expanding beyond the Governor’s Cup. Bob explains that “any business is as good as their product… We want to continue to make this a destination for people and grow that organically through word of mouth and a good product.

“We are not focused on anything other than continuing that sense of a good product, great experience and something that we enjoy doing. If any one of those three falls, we’re not that interested in proceeding. Our direction is trying to accomplish those three things.

“In the end, this is our family that does this. When we decided to try doing this, we had no idea how much we’d like it… Thankfully, it’s become a labor of love…”

Therein lies the final focus of Pleasant Valley Winery. Family is the first priority, and the Sorensens' dedication and honor to their family is expressed in every aspect of the business, even down to the wine bottles, which sport silhouettes of Bob’s grandmother, Theresa’s grandfather and even one of their dogs.

The Governor’s Cup gold medal is not just a win for Pleasant Valley Farm and Vineyard, but this community as a whole, who get to enjoy this highly awarded product and slice of wine country nestled in their own backyard.

Pentwater Village Council seeks community input

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

A Community Forum took place Monday, June 30, at 6 p.m. at Park Place to gather information from residents for use by the Pentwater Village Council in formulating a new Strategic Plan. Council President Mary Marshall and Village Manager Rachel Witherspoon have gone to great lengths to solicit community input for the council’s use. An online form has captured responses from 90 residents thus far and will continue to collect responses until July 10.

Chet Janik, a consultant with the Michigan Leadership Institute, has personally contacted 40 persons suggested by Marshall and Wither-

spoon. In addition, he met with 20 community leaders invited by Marshall to a luncheon on Monday for their input, and he met with 15 residents at the forum Monday night. Results from all of these efforts will be collated and printed for distribution in September.

The input being sought is in the commonly used format of a SWOT analysis. This format asks participants to share their thoughts on the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats in their community. At the forum on Monday night, each of four small discussion groups shared several ideas in each category, which were written on posters. Then all the participants had the opportunity to place stickers behind the ideas they considered most important. After considering the conversations, participants were invited to share goals for the

council to include in their strategic plan. Janik stressed the importance of choosing a limited number of goals, perhaps four, to be able to achieve them. He also said the goals needed to be specific, measurable and attainable.

The mantra “iron sharpens iron,” which underscores the value of sharing ideas to broaden viewpoints and to reach consensus, was on display at the forum. Goals that were expressed included a range of possibilities from deer management and village beautification to long-term solutions for channel management, more year-round businesses and a decrease in rentals.

Any residents who have not yet participated are encouraged to do so online by July 10, using the link https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/YRQ5897.

• Claire Marshall/Echo

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

June 24th’s City of Hart Council meeting saw a proposal from prospective business owners, a grant to revitalize downtown Hart and the first steps towards finding a replacement for City Manager Rob Splane, who recently announced his resignation from the post.

Lauren and Tony Dematteo represented their company, Dark Water Coffee Roasters, and are interested in expanding their operations to their own manufacturing facility in Hart. They are interested in purchasing a parcel of land - which is city-owned - in the Industrial Park where they can operate, produce and provide another destination for tourism. Their products, at the moment, are available in a variety of local establishments.

The council read over the Dematteos’ proposal, listened to their presentation and expressed excitement to see another business come to Hart to employ locals and contribute to the city’s economy. They approved the purchase of city property and will pass the business owners along to the planning commission to square away construction plans.

Resolution 2025-19, the adoption of the 2025 budget amendments, was approved unanimously following Splane’s explanation of the minimal changes to the budget.

The following Resolution 2025-20, sparked more discussion. The City of Hart will be awarded a grant of $1 million to complete the proposed downtown streetscape design, should the city follow three conditions set by TIFA. These conditions include the removal of the Main Street Market chalets in front of the Tin Man to expand the adjacent parking lot, the ADA compliance of said parking lot and a promise to renew TIFA for another 15 years when the time comes to renew in 2027.

There were some considerations to be had, such as feedback from affected businesses and previous grant providers, the completion of a traffic study for the expansion of the lot, and TIFA’s current lack of its next 15-year plan. If the council did not approve of these conditions, the following Resolution 2025-21 was drafted to pursue an alternative funding source.

This discussion to ac-

cept the TIFA conditions was spearheaded by member Andrew Mullen, who championed this grant and encouraged his fellow council members to “get something [down] on paper so that we don’t miss out on this grant opportunity. There’s a million dollars on the line that will really help us pay for a downtown revitalization that hasn’t happened since I was born.”

Mullen also explained that the chalets would need to be removed anyway while construction took place to allow delivery trucks to service Main Street business owners and that there was little interest from any involved parties in replacing them where they are now.

Splane reminded the council that the chalets were part of a USDA grant, which would need their approval before moving them elsewhere. A complete removal of the chalets may require Hart to pay back the USDA grant. Member Jim Cunningham believed the USDA would not discourage the moving of the chalets: “I don’t see any government agencies saying, ‘you’re going to lose a million dollars because you move these [chalets] across the street for the betterment of the community.’” Cunningham agreed with Mullen that the council should accept the TIFA conditions.

In terms of implementing ADA-compliant parking, member Betty Root said that, as someone who would utilize handicap parking, the implementation would be very helpful. Mullen also spoke to the importance of ADA compliance and that “handicap accessible parking spaces just make sense with the demographics of who we have in our community.”

As of now, the parking lot, which has replaced Walker’s Bar, has two handicap parking spaces.

Mayor Amanda Klotz asked, should the chalets be moved and their location turned back into a parking lot, if there were any concerns about safety around the Tin Man sculpture. Mullen assured the topic had been discussed, but it was part of the many small items that were “bogging down” the discussion when the focus should rather be on approving conditions to receive the grant. For now, specifics about the Tin Man and the chalets’ new location will be decided at a later time.

Following the lengthy discussion, the council unanimously approved accepting the conditions laid out by TIFA in order to receive the funding for the streetscape project. This rendered Resolution 202521, considering alternative funding, moot.

Finally, the council unanimously decided to use the recruitment firm, Double Haul Solutions, to find a new city manager to replace Splane. Of the three firms that offered the City of Hart their services - Double Haul Solutions, Pivot Group and the Michigan Municipal LeagueDouble Haul was the middle choice in terms of costs and services. They were also the most locally based group, who seemed to put community and finding an applicant to match, as a priority. Member Catalina Burillo deferred to Splane on which firm he believed would deliver the best applicant, and while he believed all would produce adequate results, he believed Double Haul and those who work there, one of whom Splane knows personally, would do right by the city.

Oceana County Sheriff Marine Patrol targets impaired boaters as part of Operation Dry Water

The Fourth of July holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on the water, with millions of boaters across the United States taking to lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. This increased activity often leads to a rise in boating incidents and fatalities.1 To address this issue, the Oceana County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the National Association of State Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, will participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide awareness and enforcement campaign, from July 4–6. In the days leading up to and during the campaign, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices, emphasizing the importance of sober boating to help ensure a safer experience for all recreational boaters.

Alcohol use remains the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities.2 As part of Operation Dry Water, the Oceana County Sheriff's Office will work to raise public awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs—for both operators and passengers. Boaters can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on the water, including sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols. The priority during this period will be public safety, and officers will take immediate action to remove impaired boaters who pose a risk to themselves or others.

"Boating under the influence continues to be a serious and preventable problem," said Sgt. Michael Fillips. "Our goal is to create a safer environment for all recreational boaters, paddlers, and waterway users. That’s why the Ocea-

na County Sheriff's Office is joining agencies across the country to prevent incidents, injuries and fatalities caused by impaired boating."

Whether one is operating a vessel or riding as a passenger, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs endangers everyone on the water.3 Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal on all bodies of water and can result in serious injuries, fatalities and legal consequences. In Michigan, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.

The Oceana County Sheriff's Office reminds boaters to always boat sober and wear a life jacket when on or near the water.

Operation Dry Water is a year-round initiative dedicated to increasing awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence laws. The campaign aims to reduce alcoholand drug-related boating incidents and fatalities by educating the public and increasing law enforcement visibility on the water. Visit operationdrywater.org or www. oceanasheriff.net for more information about boating under the influence, and please follow www.facebook.com/OceanaSheriff.

1-2 2023 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics 3 2019 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Research Report

The Village of Shelby is seeking applicants for a full-time DPW Lead Worker.

Scan this QR Code for the full posting

Applicants should submit a completed application and resume to:

Village Clerk Village of Shelby 218 N. Michigan Ave. Shelby, MI 49455 Or email: clerk@shelbyvillage.com

For questions, contact Village Hall at (231) 861-4400. Applications must be submitted by no later than July 21, 2025, at 4:30 PM.

questions, please contact the Transfer Station Directly* Authorized by the Oceana County Board of Commissioners

This page is brought to you by:

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

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Following two weeks of postcards, The 1306 is back with another exploration of our county’s history. I wanted to do my due diligence with this one, as, if you’ll recall from my introduction back in May, art history is my “thing.” Luckily, there’s a multitude of wonderful artisans of West Michigan, and many readers may recall today’s topic, especially if their childhood was spent frequenting Pentwater: Henry Carter Johnson’s “Glass Menagerie.”

Henry Carter Johnson was born in 1908 and raised in Detroit. He had no formal arts education, but received lessons while working as a janitor for Detroit painter and muralist Robert Herzberg at the Detroit School of Fine and Applied Arts - which saw the education of many southeast Michigan artists of the 1920s and 30s.

During the Great Depression, Johnson lived in New York City, his only place of residence outside of Michigan, and created art for the WPA’s Federal Art Project. This project saw the employment of tens of thousands of artists, assigning them work ranging from works on canvas to murals to theatre decoration. Johnson’s WPA work consisted primarily of landscapes, many of which capture the spirit of the Midwest in the 20th century - sprawling farmlands marked with hints of Rust Belt industrialization.

Through this support, Johnson was able to purchase a farm of about 80 acres outside of Hart in 1939, but world-changing events again saw his artistry utilized elsewhere. In 1943, he was drafted, and Johnson found himself in the Pacific Theater of WWII.

Already in his mid-30s, he played his part in the war less through combat and more in the implementation of his artistic abilities, primarily medical illustration and photography.

Once the war ended, Johnson returned to Michigan to make his own art. This is when he started experimenting with glass. Johnson always had an interest in the medium, particularly in the creation of small glass figurines, which he commonly collected while traveling. These figurines were an art known amongst Czech and German artisans, and one that Johnson found little guidance on. There were no books on the subject, nor classes he could take, so Johnson taught himself. Through trial and error, he was able to replicate the European works, build up a collection, and began selling the figurines wholesale.

Johnson’s figurines ranged a wide scope. His most plentiful and popular variety were the scores of animals - dubbed “critters” - he could reproduce: delicate families of deer, sinuous snakes, colorful fish, graceful cranes, chubby-cheeked bunnies - the list goes on. There were human likenesses as well, mostly long-limbed ballerinas and acrobats, as well as a veritable garden of flowers.

In an article found in May 1957’s edition of "Popular Mechanics" magazine, Johnson explained his process and the challenges that came with it. The figurines were molded from thin, colored glass rods, which, when heated, he described as having the consistency of “thick molasses.” The source of heat was a cross-fire burner, and the rods were heated (sometimes to temperatures as high as 3,000 degrees) and molded in the center of the two flames. It’s no surprise that Johnson received plenty of burns in

The Oceana Community Foundation has officially purchased a historic building in downtown Hart — known by many as the former law office of Eric Fox. This space will now serve as the foundation's permanent home.

Rooted in the past and focused on the future, this building represents more than just brick and mortar — it’s a symbol of the foundation's long-term commitment to serving Oceana County and growing

the process, especially during his self-teaching journey. You’d expect that once you finally get the glass to its melting point, the hard part is over, right? Nope, that’s where the troubles begin. Different colors of glass melt at different temperatures, and many will discolor if the temperature is too high or if reheated. Johnson found there was a limited amount of color combinations he could produce and had developed processes for the creation of each figurine so as to ensure the relative consistency of each product. Small “critters” could take as little as an hour to make, while larger and more elaborate pieces could take the whole day. Aside from vases, the glass was never blown and figurines were never painted.

Johnson carried on making and selling his figurines wholesale for a time, until his fellow glass artisans advised that he’d do better business if he had a storefront where customers could observe the process. In 1952, Johnson set up shop at Bailey’s Hardware in Pentwater. His station was at the back of the store - we today would recognize it as part of Gustafson'swith a little window through which folks could watch him work.

His business was originally called “Fine Miniatures in Glass,” but was referred to by the more whimsical name of the “Glass Menagerie,” and it quickly became a hotspot for tourists and locals alike in Pentwater. There is no lack of stories of children with their faces pressed up against the window, watching with rapt attention as black and white penguins formed before their eyes, pocket change clutched in their hands as they picked out which “critter” they’d take home.

Speaking of prices, Johnson’s figurines were quite affordable, even by

alongside the people who make it so special.

The foundation would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Eric and Deana Fox for their years of service, stewardship and the lasting legacy they’ve created in this space. "We’re honored to build on that foundation and continue a tradition of dedication to this community," CEO Tammy Carey said. "We look forward to using this space to connect, collaborate and grow with all of you."

the standards of the 50s and 60s, ranging from a quarter to $3.50 depending on the size and intricacy of the work.

In 1968, Johnson operated “The Glass Menagerie” out of Birdland variety store (next to where Good Stuffs is today) before moving to Ferry and working out of his home there throughout the 70s and 80s, where he still received visits from curious customers. Even throughout the operation of his physical storefront, Johnson still produced wholesale figurines, which were sent to and sold at the Corning Glass Center (now the Corning Glass Museum, a renowned destination for glass enthusiasts).

Johnson died in 1996 in Flint, Michigan. His third and final wife, Ruth Totten, donated a collection of 138 miniatures to the Henry Ford Museum, which can be viewed through their online collection and are occasionally rotated through the museum’s display cabinets. One of his WPA-era paintings, titled Winter Landscape, has a home in the Smithsonian’s collections. But luckily for us, the Pentwater Historical Society has a substantial collection of his figurines, as well as a painting of Pentwater Beach, on display. It's a fitting place for the town’s beloved artisan.

Oceana Community Foundation purchases historic building in the heart of Hart

Joe Klimovitz, Tammy Carey, Deana Fox and Eric Fox

Ongoing

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

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

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

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

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

1st & 3rd

TUES: Tech help,Pentwater Twp. Library, 1-2 p.m.

2nd & 4th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAT: Pioneer House open, Walkerville, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Ladder Community Center:

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

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

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

MON: Women’s Bible Study, 1-2 p.m. (new time)

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

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

July 11: Retirement Open House, 4-6 p.m.

July 15: SOS: History of Sayles School, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

July 25: Live Music by the Jammers, 10 a.m. to noon

Aug. 8: Top Rung Golf Scramble, 9 a.m., Oceana Golf Club

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

Share stories of Sayles School at The Ladder

The Ladder Community Center in Shelby invites all adults 18 and up to join them on Tuesday, July 15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for Share Our Stories (SOS). This month’s SOS theme will be “Sayles School.” Charles Jensen will share some history of the old Sayles School. If anyone themselves or has family who attended the school, the group would like to hear those stories. If anyone has pictures of the school and/or pupils, they are invited to come and share them.

SOS is a monthly event held at The Ladder, where people gather and share memories, photos and other memorabilia from Oceana County. There is no cost for this evening event, though donations to The Ladder are welcome. Events are subject to change. To inquire about an event or with ideas for future topics of interest for SOS, call The Ladder at 231-259-0211. Visit theladdercommunitycenter. com to view all upcoming events.

July 4 - Hesperia Family Fun Fest and fireworks

July 4 - Thunder Over the Dunes, Silver Lake fireworks

July 5-6 - 2nd Annual Stony Lake Art Show, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

July 6 - Stony Lake Sparkler 5K, 8:30 a.m., run/walk at 8 a.m.

July 6 - Pancake Breakfast, Pentwater VFW, 8 a.m. to noon.

July 6 - Music at the Marina, Gina and Jordan, 519 S. Hancock St., Pentwater 3-5 p.m.

July 8 - Adult Book Club Movie, HCL, 2-4:30 p.m.

July 9 - Summer Reading Teen Night, HCL, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

July 9 - Author Talk with John Wemlinger, PTL, 6:30 p.m.

July 10 - Minna and the Canine Club, SADL, 10-11:30 a.m.

July 10 - Summer Reading Family Night, HCL, 6-7 p.m.

July 11 - Tween Night (Summer Reading), HCL 3-5 p.m.

July 11 - Silverado, Hart Historic District Concert, 7 p.m.

July 11 & 12 - Shelby Chainsaw Carving Festival, downtown Shelby, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days

July 12 - Pentwater Fine Arts & Crafts Fair, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July 13 - St. Joseph & St. Vincent's Ox Roast and Homecoming, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, 2349 W. Jackson Road, Hart.

July 13 - Music at the Marina, Steve Chapel, Pentwater 3-5 p.m.

July 14 - Red Cross Blood Drive, Shelby Congregational UCC, 51 E. Third St., Shelby, noon to 6 p.m.

Pentwater Township Library to host author

The Pentwater Township Library will host John Wemlinger, a retired Army Colonel from Onekama, Michigan, Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. He will be discussing his book, "The Cut." He has written six novels since 2016 and is currently working on his seventh. "The Cut," a historical fiction novel set in Manistee County, Michigan, was named a Michigan Notable Book by the State Library of Michigan.

HCPAA presents 'Anne of Green Gables' August 1–3

The Hart Community Performing Arts Association (HCPAA) is delighted to announce its summer production of Anne of Green Gables, coming to the stage August 1–3, 2025. This heartwarming adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s timeless novel will charm audiences of all ages with its wit, warmth and enduring spirit. Performances will take place at Hart Middle School Auditorium on: Friday, August 1 at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 2 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 3 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are affordably priced at $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children age 5 and under.

Set in the idyllic community of Avonlea, Anne of Green Gables tells the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan who finds herself unexpectedly adopted by the Cuthberts of Green Gables. With her fiery red hair, vivid imagination, and fiercely independent spirit, Anne brings life, laughter and a little bit of chaos to her new home and all who live there.

Directed and performed by a talented local cast, this production celebrates themes of belonging, family and the power of imagination.

“We’re thrilled to bring this literary treasure to life on stage,” said Maggie Bowman, director of the production. “Whether you’ve read the book a hundred times or are meeting Anne for the first time, this show is filled with joy and heart for the whole family.”

Tickets will be available online at https://hcpaa.ludus.com/index.php?sections=events and at the door while supplies last.

OCCOA offers many July events for area seniors

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

Breakfast is available Thursday mornings, 8:30–9 a.m. Cost: $3, reservations required.

Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program - During Open Enrollment, call 873-4461 to schedule an appointment.

Center Closed: Friday, July 4, 2025

SAIL Exercise Class: Mondays and Wednesdays, July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30; 10 a.m.

Yoga: Fridays, July 11, 18 and 25; 10:15 a.m.

Drum Fitness: Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29; 10 a.m.

Zumba: Fridays, July 11, 18 and 25; 9 a.m.

Mini Golf and Ice Cream: Friday, July 11; 1:15 p.m.

Dinner and Movie: Tuesday, July 15; 3:30 p.m.

Massage with Briana: Thursday, July 24; 9 a.m. to noon; must call to make an appointment.

Beltone: Wednesday, July 23; by appointment

Caregiver Support Group: Wednesday, July 16; 10 a.m.

Art with Bradley Youngstrom: Monday, July 14, and 28; 10 a.m. The cost is $15, and reservations are required.

Open Art Studio: Wednesday, July 23; 1:30 p.m. Do you have a picture that you need a little help with?

Bring your painting and supplies, and Bradley will be happy to help answer any questions you may have.

Thrift Store Shop Hop: Monday, July 21; 9 a.m.

3rd Annual Pie Auction: Wednesday, July 9; 12:30 p.m.

White Caps Game: Wednesday, July 30; 9 a.m.

Dinner Club: Monday, July 28; 5:30 p.m. Once a month, we will gather as friends at a different restaurant to enjoy a meal together.

Board Meeting: Tuesday, July 22; 1:30 p.m.

Location: Oceana County Council on Aging.

Vet to Vet Café: Tuesday, July 29: 10 a.m.

Podiatry Clinic: Friday, July 18: BY APPOINTMENT

ONLY

Parmenter O’Toole Office Hours: Please call 8734461 for an appointment.

Lauren Eisenbarth, an elder law paralegal for Attorney Anna Urick Duggins of Parmenter Law, will offer a half-hour, no-charge introductory meeting

from 2-4 p.m. at Oceana County Council on Aging. Topics to discuss include elder law services such as estate planning, long-term care planning, Medicaid planning and VA aid and attendance.

Other Activities:

Farkle: Mondays at 10 a.m.

Mexican Train: Mondays from 9-11 a.m.

Cribbage: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Quilting: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Beltone Hearing Clinic: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 231-843-3039 for an appt.

Bingo: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure Checks: Thursdays, 11 a.m. to noon.

Bridge: Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.

Kaffeeklatsch: daily at 10 a.m.

Cards & Games: daily before and following lunch.

Living Legacies: Kloe Klotz

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Located at the intersection of State Street, Michigan Avenue and First Street, just south of Klotz’s Auto Parts in Shelby, Little KK’s opened for business Memorial Day weekend as the newest ice cream store in town. “We’re seeing more and more customers every day,” said owner Kloe Klotz.

Graduating a year and a half early with a bachelor's in business administration from Davenport University, Klotz said, “From an early age I’ve always known I wanted to own a business. I grew up in it. It’s in my blood.”

Klotz is the daughter of Kati Klotz and granddaughter of Diane (Gary) Lewis and Kalvin Klotz. Diane is the former owner of That Place Restaurant and the Pentwater Dari Creme, along with a number of other area businesses. Kalvin is the founder of Klotz Auto Parts.

After taking two elective classes in high school, "Intro to Business" and "Digital Marketing," Klotz said, “It really clicked.”

Klotz started with a mobile truck, thinking she wanted to go that route, but very soon after purchasing one and thinking through all the logistics, she decided that wasn’t for her. “I wanted a more permanent location. I wanted to be part of the community.”

Little KK’s offers the standard soft and hard serve cone favorites and ice cream creations, as well as Red Bull mocktails, iced coffees, flurries, and

specialty donuts. “I think my flurries have been my number one top-seller so far,” she said.

With a great location and her positive attitude, she strives to be an excellent addition to the Shelby community. When asked what advice she’d have for other young entrepreneurs out there, she shared, “Love everything loudly, lean into your support and pour your heart into your passions. Don’t be afraid of mistakes, failures or when everything seems like it’s not going your way. Don’t give up on yourself. It’s very easy to do, but accept that mistakes will happen and perseverance is key.”

Even though Klotz has only just opened her very first real business, she’s already got her eye on the future. She said someday she’d like to develop the property to include other food vendors or even hold events for the community.

Little KK’s is typically open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., a little later on Sundays and closed on Wednesdays. Klotz recommends checking Little KK’s on Facebook or Instagram for days, times and specials.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Chapel St. John the Baptist Chapel

for more information

Beginning

Farmer

Field Day set for July 22

The Beginning Farmer Field Day will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center in Hart. This event is being hosted by the Oceana Conservation District, Oceana County Farm Bureau, and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension. Organizers will be bringing a jam-packed day full of information for new or beginning farmers, small farmers, homesteaders or those wanting to add new crops to their farm. Experts from across West Michigan will present on important topics like irrigation, pest and disease scouting, food safety, community food systems and farm business. There will also be short, in-depth sessions on the production of: 1) vegetables, 2) fruit, 3) Christmas trees and 4) chestnuts. These sessions are divided into stations, and attendees can pick two sessions to attend.

Presenters will provide hands-on experiences with demonstrations inside and in the field. They will also discuss important topics such as pollinator habitat, soil health, and protection of soil, water, wildlife and forests. Attendees will also hear from local agricultural agencies and organizations that serve this community, such as USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA – Farm Service Agency, Oceana Conservation District, MSU Extension, West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Oceana County Farm Bureau.

The Beginning Farmer Field Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $20 per person, which includes a catered lunch, hat, and handouts. Pre-register at http://bit.ly/3I4Xvez

For questions or more information, please contact Lynda Herremans at Lynda.herremans@macd.org or Emily Lavely at lavelyem@msu.edu. Organizers look forward to seeing all those who are able to attend.

On June 10, 2025, the Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR, hosted a luncheon at Stearns Hotel in Ludington for six DAR chapters. Todd and Brad Reed were the speakers at the event. They discussed their photography and talked about how to create great photos. The event was well attended. Stearns Hotel was a perfect venue.

Kloe Klotz, owner of Little KK's

Michigan Dunes Chapter Regent Laurel Sawyer Table showing the luncheon fare. State Regent Dawn Brady addressing the group

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Elsa F. Creed

July 5, 1949 ~ June 25, 2025

Elsa F. Creed, laid down her sword for the final time on June 25, 2025, in her fierce fight against cancer. She did not lose the battle, but simply grew too weary to carry on.

Elsa Flores made her debut on July 5, 1949, in Alice, Texas, to Catalina and Ernesto. She was the third child in a family of five sons and two daughters. Their family made their way to Michigan, and although she would spend time in other states, this would be her permanent home. She was a single mom of two, David and Teresa, when she met Ron Creed, a young Navy man. They married and had two children, Ron Jr. and Sara, before divorcing in 1991, after 15 years of marriage. She would say Ron was her soulmate, and after he passed away in 1994, unexpectedly, she would never love again.

Elsa went by many names to many people: daughter, sister, mom, aunt, grandma, great-grandma, and Eia. If you met her once, your conversation would end with a hug, the phrase “Be safe and I’ll see ya when I see ya!” and now you have a friend for life. She was a Jill-of-all-trades, working a myriad of service and factory jobs, but her two proudest were teaching assistant and laundress, where she met her long-time friend, Dorothy Gamble. After her beloved son, Ronnie, died in the summer of 2020, she decided she was done working and needed to put her feet up and relax.

In her final years, Elsa was able to travel with her daughters, Teresa and Sara, going on many special trips with them and their families. As the matriarch, all holidays and celebrations were gathered at her house, and all were welcomed for a day of good eating, good company and of course, Chalupa!

Elsa was surrounded by too many loved ones to name here, but she felt their love and laughter in her last days with us. Some voices were missing though: her mom and dad; Ron Creed, Sr.; Ronnie Creed; and her precious grandchildren, Michael, Jakob, Madison and Damian. She was as bright and colorful as a beautiful day, and the world will seem a little duller without her in it.

Memorial services were conducted at 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420, with Pastor Charlene Spaulding officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at ocrahope.org. Please schedule a cancer screening for yourself or someone you love.

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

Obituary Information:

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

America250MI awards nearly $1M for Michigan history projects

Pentwater Historical Society receives funding for immigration exhibit

A variety of opportunities to expand and upgrade artifact storage and digitization capabilities, are just some of the ways that nearly $1 million in America250MI grants will be used to help preserve and promote Michigan’s stories for fu ture generations.

The Michigan History Center and Historical Society of Michigan recenlty announced 50-plus communities and organizations that will share these Round 1 funds in the America250MI History Grant Program.

Oceana, Ottawa, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Created from funding appropriated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by the state legislature, the America250MI History Grant Program is boosting projects that will help preserve Michigan’s stories for future generations. The program represents a key element of Michigan’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“This funding will empower these communities to elevate and share their local stories, which is vital to the understanding and preservation of our state’s rich history,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center, which shares management of the America250MI Committee with the Historical Society of Michigan.

Round 1 awardees

Funded projects are in Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Chippewa, Clinton, Emmet, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Mackinac, Macomb, Marquette, Menominee, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Oakland,

Trinity Health Shelby promotes new 2-1-1 resource to help

Trinity Health Shelby is proud to support the new Michigan 2-1-1 initiative to expand access to fall prevention resources for older adults and individuals with disabilities. This user-friendly online platform, launched through a partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition, and Oakland University, connects community members and health care providers with vital fall prevention services.

Falls are a leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older, with nearly 30% of Michigan seniors reporting a fall each year — most often in the home. Through mi211.org, users can search for programs by ZIP code and find local resources such as:

• Evidence-based fall prevention classes

• Home safety and accessibility modifications

• Durable medical equipment providers

• Nutrition programs supporting bone and muscle health

Thank you for your donations and displays for the Asparagus Breakfast

Kasza Sugar Bush

Christmann Agency

George Cover Hart & Shelby Rotary Golden Stock Farms LLC

- Oceana County Airport Association

• Incontinence and medication-related fall risk supports

“Preventing falls is an essential part of maintaining independence and health as we age,” said Angie Schiller, Trauma Program Manager at Trinity Health Shelby. “We’re excited to share this new 2-1-1 resource so community members, caregivers, and providers can more easily find the services they need.”

Trained 2-1-1 specialists are also available by phone to assist those who prefer to speak with someone directly. Services are available 24/7 and are free and confidential.

Trinity Health Shelby encourages local partners to explore the new Michigan Falls Prevention page on mi211.org and share this tool widely. Community organizations with relevant programs are also invited to submit their information to be included in the directory.

For more information, visit mi211.org or con-

Among these are the Pentwater Historical Society which was awarded $5,000 to fund its "Journeys to Pentwater –Immigration Exhibit."

The America250MI program received nearly 100 proposals, seeking more than $2.2 million in funds, during the 45day grant application period. Applications came from all regions of the state.

“The volume of applications demonstrates the necessity of this funding,” said Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan. “Local organizations are essential to preserving and promoting Michigan history, and we are proud to support their efforts in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence."

The committee requested that all grant applications incorporate the program's "5 Guiding Themes" (Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, American Experiment, We the People and Doing History). Successful applications showcased a commitment to partnerships, exhibited lasting community impact and provided new opportunities to invest in Michigan's historical organizations.

Round 2 details

The second round of applications will open Nov. 1, 2025, and close Jan. 15, 2026.

To stay up to date about Round 2, visit the America250MI website, www. america250mi.org.

tact Trinity Health Shelby’s Trauma Program Manager at (231) 861-3000.

YARD SALE

JUNE 26-JULY 7 Household, Garage, Shop, Antiques, Collectibles, His ‘n Hers Cowboy Boots, Leather Vests, Lotta Stuff. 1 Mile west of Mears, 6432 W. Fox Rd.

• On July 7, 1456, Joan of Arc’s heresy conviction was overturned at an appeal proceeding held at the archbishop’s palace in Rouen, France. Unfortunately, the Catholic Church’s change of heart came too late, as she’d been burned at the stake 25 years earlier.

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

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• On July 8, 1905, the body of Revolutionary War naval hero John Paul Jones, which had lain for more than a century in a French graveyard, began its final trans-Atlantic journey, ending in interment at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland with a ceremony presided over by President Theodore Roosevelt.

By Lucie Winborne

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

257

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

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NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20250623

FOR RELEASE JUNE 23, 2025

By JoAnn Derson

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20250623 FOR RELEASE JUNE 23, 2025

By Lucie Winborne

• On July 9, 1928, Rose Booher, her son Fred and two hired workers were shot to death on a secluded farm in Canada while the rest of the Booher family was away. Son Vernon Booher confessed to the crime after Max Langsner used his alleged psychic powers, with which he’d reputedly solved crimes around Europe, to sketch a scene that included a rifle hidden under some bushes, giving police a makeshift map to locate the murder weapon.

• The best way to get a bloodstain out of clothing is by dousing the stain with hydrogen peroxide and washing as usual. For clay stains, you absolutely must have a Fels-Naptha bar. It looks like a bar of soap, and you wet the material and rub in the soap. It’s magical. This, coming from a softball mom whose daughter loves to slide. – A.A. in Florida

• The Japanese juice maker Kagome invented a device called the “Tomachan,” a robot that would allow marathon runners to eat tomatoes during a race. Sadly, it was created solely for promotional purposes and isn’t available for purchase.

• Ancient Egyptians sometimes added onions to a mummy to act as false eyes.

• In the video game Halo 3, every bullet shot by the Chief has his name on it. This detail isn’t visible during regular play, as the bullets go by too quickly, but was discovered when someone noticed it in replay mode.

• On July 10, 2018, the last of 12 Thai youth soccer players and their coach were rescued from the Tham Luang cave network after a search that held the world’s attention for more than two weeks. The team had set out on a supposed hour-long adventure when they were trapped underground after monsoon rains flooded the cave’s entrance.

• Add these to the list of items to eliminate the odor of cooking cabbage: a heel of bread, a whole walnut, or a pinch of baking soda.

• It’s easy to make your own spreadable butter. Simply whip 1 pound of softened butter and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add 1 cup of olive oil. Beat up to 5 minutes to add air and increase volume. Pour into two 1-pint containers and refrigerate. It’s economical, spreads like soft margarine, tastes great and you get the benefits of olive oil in a natural product.

• The unibrow was considered to be a symbol of purity and intelligence in ancient Greece. Women who didn’t naturally boast this feature used dyed goat hair to close the gap.

• A male giraffe will determine a female’s fertility by tasting her urine. If the pee passes muster, the courtship continues.

• At one time, Monaco had more people in its orchestra than in its army, with 85 musicians but only 82 soldiers.

• On July 11, 1944, German army officer Count Claus von Stauffenberg carried a bomb to Adolf Hitler’s headquarters in Bavaria with the intention of assassinating him. The count ended up holding back because Hermann Göring and Heinrich Himmler, who were also considered crucial targets, weren’t present as expected.

• “Before I go to the beach, I freeze an ice-cube tray full of lemonade. Then, we use the cubes in our travel cups. It keeps the lemonade cool, and as it melts (which tends to be quickly), it doesn’t water down the drink.” – K.H. in South Carolina

• One in 18 people have a third nipple.

• All the world’s bacteria stacked on top of each other would stretch for 10 billion light-years.

• Some female sharks store sperm after mating, potentially holding on to it for years before they’re finally ready to reproduce.

• On July 12, 1979, public backlash to disco music reached its zenith with the “Disco Demolition” night at Chicago’s Comiskey Park, which resulted in at least nine injuries, 39 arrests and the cancellation and forfeit of a Major League Baseball game.

• To save money on electricity costs, hang jeans and other heavy clothing to dry first. White or light towels and garments especially love the sun. When it is mostly dry, pop it in the dryer to fluff.

• Robert Smalls escaped slavery by stealing a Confederate ship, for which heist he was paid enough to buy his former enslaver’s house, and later served in the House of Representatives for South Carolina.

• On July 13, 1990, the romantic thriller “Ghost,” about a woman who communicates with her murdered boyfriend via a psychic and starring Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg, opened across the U.S. It received multiple Academy Award nominations, and Goldberg took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

• When sales are running on children’s clothing, it might be a good idea to buy a size up. Sometimes, I buy up to a year in advance for my kids if the deals are really good. Just be sure that the clothing is the right season when your child will be able to wear it. –M. from New Mexico

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

• African buffalo herds use a form of voting to make their travel decisions.

• The term “dumpster” comes from the name of the company that designed the first large, portable trash bin.

***

Thought for the Day: “If you can’t get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you’d best teach it to dance.” — George Bernard Shaw

West Michigan Spotlight: Peterson Farms and City of Hart chosen for MEDC grants

While Small Business Month took place in May, every month is an opportunity to spotlight the local entrepreneurs who are strengthening communities and fueling economic momentum across West Michigan. Through the “Make It in Michigan” strategy, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping small businesses access funding, modernize operations, and bring new energy to downtowns and rural main streets so every business can truly “make it” in Michigan.

Included below are a few success stories from your region. I’d love to connect you with MEDC leaders to talk about how targeted investments and support are empowering West Michigan businesses to grow and thrive. Let me know if you’d like to connect for an interview or need more information on any of these success stories.

• Peterson Farms in Shelby: As one of Michigan’s largest fruit processors, Peterson Farms plays a vital role in the state’s agricultural economy. In February of this year, the company received MEDC support to expand its operations and create up to 96 new jobs. In 2022, the company was awarded $3.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funding and $800,000 in MEDC Corporate Funds to provide water infrastructure for low-to-moderate-income workforce housing for their associates and families.

• Buell Motorcycle Co. in Cascade Township:

Once a shuttered brand, Buell has roared back to life as the only U.S.-designed, engineered and manufactured superbike company. Just last month, the company received a $972,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, which will help create 162 new jobs. Buell did consider locations in other parts of the country, but due to support from the MEDC, Buell chose to expand and invest in Michigan.

• Schindy’s at Diamond Lake in White Cloud: Schindy’s is a cornerstone of its rural community with a restaurant, market and gathering place all in one. The owners worked with the Michigan Small Business Development Center, an MEDC-supported partner, to build a strong business plan, navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and grow sustainably. Their success earned them a 2025 MI-SBDC Best Small Business award, a distinction given to only a select group of companies each year.

Beyond business-specific support, MEDC is investing directly in West Michigan communities to create vibrant places where entrepreneurs can succeed. In May, more than $3 million in RAP 2.0 grants were awarded to local governments and economic development organizations, including:

Caleb Coulter reappointed to Michigan Apple Committee Board

Caleb Coulter and Kimberly Kropf have been reappointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the Michigan Apple Committee Board of Directors.

Coulter and Kropf were first appointed in 2019 to serve on the Board of Directors. They were reappointed in 2022 for a second term. They will now begin their third and final term.

• Coulter, of New Era, is the owner of New Era’s Apple and Asparagus and the West Michigan sales representative for Register’s Grower Services. He will be representing district 3 for this term, which expires on April 1, 2028.

• Kropf, of Lowell, is the vice president of Hart Farm, LLC. She will be representing district 2 for this term, which expires on April 1, 2028.

“Kim and Caleb are dedicated board members who bring a lot of industry expertise to the table,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “We are thrilled to have them with us for a third term.”

Oceana County

ANIMAL SHELTER

Meet Takanni – your dignified, dapper, fluff-filled gentleman! If James Bond were a dog - and also covered in luxurious fur with a slight howling habit - he’d be Takanni. This 2-year-old Husky is calm, composed and classy –more "martini, shaken not stirred" than "chaotic snow gremlin." He came in as a stray with his equally refined buddy Suki, and while they're clearly besties (like the Husky version of a bromantic road trip movie), they don’t have to go home together. He’s confident flying solo –preferably first class.

Takanni is that rare breed of Husky who isn’t constantly plotting an escape, screaming for snacks or turning your backyard into a crater field. Nope. He’s a chill guy. Well-mannered, friendly with other dogs, and — get this — gentle with cats. Yes, he could live with a cat. A real cat. Not a plush one.

He’s the kind of dog that will make your neighbors ask, “Is he always that majestic?” and your cat say, “Okay… he can stay.”

Takanni is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. If interested, please call the shelter at 231-861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35 and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/neuter if needed. Every dog should have an ID tag. L.A.S.S.I. provides free dog ID tags to all Oceana County residents. To request tags, send a text to 231-730-3906. Free tags are also available at the OCEANA County Animal Shelter.

• City of Hart: $1,000,000 for revitalization projects in the downtown corridor, including small business facade improvements and community space activation

• Grand Rapids Economic Development: $775,000 to support mixed-use developments and public realm enhancements

• The Right Place, Inc: $1,399,039 to fund projects in various West Michigan communities, boosting storefront rehabilitation and catalytic redevelopment.

For more information, please visit www.michiganbusiness.org.

The Michigan Apple Committee is made up of seven Michigan Apple growers. The governor appoints growers to represent five different areas of the state. Terms are three years, and a board member can serve three terms.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan Apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. To learn more, visit MichiganApples.com.

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE 51st CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF OCEANA ORDER FOR ALTERNATE SERVICE OF PROCESS

“An action seeking to quiet title to certain real property located in Weare Township, Oceana County, Michigan, legally described as:

The Northwest Quarter (NW ¼) of the Southwest Quarter (SW ¼), Section 30, Town 16 North, Range 17 West, Weare Township, Oceana County, Michigan

Parcel No. 64-002-030-300-01 (Hereinafter, the “Property”).

has been commenced by Plaintiff Phillip Earl Jonassen, a/k/a Phil Jonassen, against Defendant Jack Glover and Marianne A. Glover and their unknown heirs, assigns, and devisees in the 51st Circuit Court for the County of Oceana, State of Michigan, and Defendants must answer or take other action permitted by law within 28 days after the last date of publication. If Defendants do not answer or take other action within the time allowed, judgment may be entered against them for the relief demanded in the complaint.

Brian J. Monton (P70837) MONTON LAW, PLC Attorney for Plaintiff 127 State Street Hart, Michigan 49420 (231) 873-3892”

VILLAGE OF SHELBY NOTICE OF CLOSEOUT

Shelby Village will conduct a closeout public hearing on July 14, 2025 at 6:15 P.M. at 218 N. Michigan Avenue Shelby, Michigan 49455 for the purpose of affording citizens an opportunity to submit comments and receive a final report on the completion of the WRI CDBG grant.

The CDBG grant provided funding to assist in improvements to the Industrial Park Lift Station, Harvey Street Lift Station, and Replacement of the Deming Well at 785 Industrial Park Drive, 581 S. Harvey Street, and 192 Deming Road. The CDBG project benefited at least 51% low to moderate income persons; 0 persons were displaced as a result of the project.

Interested parties are invited to comment on the project in person at the public hearing or in writing through July 11 and addressed to Phil Morse 218 N. Michigan Avenue Shelby, MI 49455 or administrator@ shelbyvillage.com

Citizen views and comments on the CDBG project are welcome. Village of Shelby Phil Morse, Village Administrator 231-861-4400

Caleb Coulter

Meet Takanni

‘ The Lamplighter ’ sculpture shines light on the past and the future

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

The sun shone brightly on the happy group of people who milled about the front and side yards of the Pentwater Historical Museum, 85 S. Rutledge St., Sunday afternoon, June 29. The occasion for all the smiles was the dedication of “The Lamplighter” sculpture, which is now a permanent fixture at the museum, thanks to a generous gift from David and Carol Messerlie. The dedication provided an opportunity for Pentwater residents to meet the artists, Tyler and Ashley Voorhees, who drove to Pentwater from their home near Saugatuck to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Beth Russell, a board member of the Pentwater Historical Society, welcomed those assembled and introduced several people: Pentwater Arts Council President Judy Pazol, Pentwater Arts Council Board Member Deb Zare (who suggested locating the sculpture at the museum), the Messerlies and the Voorhees. Russell spoke briefly about the sculpture and informed the audience that it is lit up in the evening. “It casts a light on our past and shines a light on our future,” she remarked. Scissors were distributed to facilitate the ribbon cutting by the Messerlies and the artist couple.

The artists were friendly and spoke easily with everyone who approached them. Tyler described the challenge of assembling the sculpture piece by piece and joked, “We worked hard on it for eight full months, along with marriage counseling.” Admiring the charm of the village, they would like to return later this summer with their sons. They also expressed interest in visiting the Artisan Center.

Following the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to enjoy light refreshments and to step inside the museum to view the new exhibit, “Journeys to Pent-

water.” The exhibit is a collection of stories about families who visited Pentwater and then stayed in Pentwater for generations. The first installation of the exhibit includes the stories of eight families, three from the 1800s, three from the 1900s and two from the 2000s. The stories are based on oral interviews with family members and descendants of the families. The interviews were incorporated into narratives, which were then read and recorded and integrated into a video format with family photos and historical photographs of the time period. Subtitles were added for viewers with audio challenges. The exhibit lends itself easily to expansion.

Museum visitors are most welcome. Admission is free. Summer hours through August, are Tuesday through Saturday from 1-4 p.m.

Hart VFW seeks donations of cans and bottles to help keep the post open for future programming

The Hart VFW William Negake Post 1329 is asking for the public's help in keeping the VFW Post in Hart open. Due to the continued increasing cost for utilities, building maintenance and insurance, the post is running out of funds to maintain the building. If the post is forced to close due to lack of funding, the community will lose out on the services that we currently provide, which are:

• VA medical teams that provide assistance to area veterans every Thursday.

• The American Red Cross conducts blood drives every other month.

• Military funeral services that are provided for Oceana County veterans.

• The support of local Scouting programs.

The hall is provided for the above programs at no cost.

The Hart VFW is asking for an ongoing program of donations of returnable cans and bottles for the post, to help offset their costs. They can be dropped off at the hall or the car wash across the street from the hall or pick-up can be arranged The pick-up phone number is 231-873-1727, and ask for Steve or leave a call-back number.

and

as available. Self-serve open 24/7 for fresh produce Located 1/2 mile E. of Crystal Valley on Madison Rd. Please call to confirm product or to place orders (231) 873-4844 • Jill Whitaker

Ashley and Tyler Voorhees

By: Brendan Samuels

The Oceana Echo Sports Editor

In part three of Oceana County’s spring All-Conference athletes, we will finish featuring track and field standouts and move our attention to baseball and softball.

Last week, we honored seven athletes from Hart, as they have 25 total runners that made the West Michigan Conference (WMC) Rivers Division team. This week, we finish off the Pirates’ honorees with the final two female runners and also wrap up Pentwater’s selections.

For Hart, Emery Velat and Ava Johnson are the only two remaining Pirates for track and field. Velat was a force as a freshman, competing in several distance events as well as relay teams. Johnson also competed in running events, but was best known for the promise she showed in long jump during her sophomore season.

Pentwater’s final two All-Conference athletes on the track were freshman Chase McGuire-VanGills and junior Lauren Davis. McGuire-VanGills helped the Falcons break multiple school records as part of the 400-meter relay team, which garnered him a second team All-Conference nod. Davis re-

bounded from multiple years with injury to earn a first team selection, mostly for her performance in the hurdle events.

DayDay Garcia and Trevor Weiss. Hart baseball and softball shared four selections in total. Junior Mackenna Carrier and senior Kelsey Copenhaver were given first team selections for softball, while sophomore Reese Smith was named honorable mention. Ty Schlukebir was the lone selection for the Pirate baseball squad, earning an honorable mention honor as a senior.

Hesperia had two selections for softball, with senior Destanie Smith taking an honorable mention nod and junior Jeri Ward taking a first team selection. Next week we will wrap up baseball and softball honorees, before turning

Heading over to the diamond, Shelby led all Oceana County schools in the WMC with a combined seven athletes between baseball and softball. The underclassmen were stellar for the Lady Tigers, with freshmen Jayna Burmeister and Jordan Wolting both earning first team selections while sophomore catcher Emma Stovall was named honorable mention. For baseball, Shelby had four selections and three of them are featured this week. The three pictured are a trio of juniors in Cam Smith,

HART • HESPERIA

SHELBY

Reflections

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Whitehall tabs Tavernier to be next city manager

Selection made after interviews with each finalist; will replace retiring Huebler

White Lake Mirror Editor

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

By Andy Roberts

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall city council unanimously voted to offer the city manager position to Daniel Tavernier at a special meeting Friday.

According to a city press release, Tavernier will now enter into negotiations with Double Haul Solutions, which the city hired to facilitate the search process. A full offer will come after completion of background checks and other city processes; it's expected the council will be presented a contract for approval at a July meeting.

Tavernier is expected to replace Scott Huebler, who plans to retire in August after serving in the position since 2001.

Tavernier, a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, comes to the City

of Whitehall from the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served for nearly 20 years, the last three as regional director of operations. Based in the Buffalo area, Tavernier oversaw over 200 staff members in multiple departments in that position.

“I’m honored to serve as Whitehall’s city manager and grateful to the mayor and council for their confidence," Tavernier said in the press release. "Whitehall is a vibrant, forward-looking community, and I’m excited to help make it a destination where both residents and businesses can thrive. I am eager to work with staff and the community to build on the city’s strong foundation.”

The special meeting included separate interviews with all four finalistsTavernier, Robert Near, Adam Kline and Dustin Stambaugh.

Once the interviews were complete, the council deliberated over the finalists. Eventually, discussion focused on Tavernier and Near. The council appeared pleased with the possibility of either man filling the city manager role; council member Tanya Cabala said she was "just about tied" between the two.

As discussion continued and the council shared positives it saw in both candidates, Double Haul fielded a vote from the council on which candidate they ranked first, and Tavernier drew four votes to Near's three. A few moments later, the council made the resolution to offer Tavernier the position.

"Whitehall has always been home for me," Cabala said in the press release. "Now in my 14th year serving on the city council, I continue to care deeply about where we’ve been and where we’re headed. I’m excited to welcome our new city manager and to begin this next chapter together, building on what’s come before, continuing to serve the community I love."

Council member Scott Brown said

Community gets a look

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

during deliberation that he supported Tavernier in part due to his not being a local candidate. Near's local connections - he graduated from Shelby High School and now lives in Montaguewere a point of interest for some on the council. Brown, however, felt the city needed fresh eyes and was against playing into what he feels is the city's reputation for being "a good old boys' club."

"I want a completely new slate," Brown said.

Prior to the final vote, there were discussions regarding the final negotiation process, including the hope the council has that Tavernier will choose to live in Whitehall. Brown noted the city charter includes a requirement that the city manager live in city limits, but Double Haul CEO Nate Geinzer pointed out state law does not allow public employers to dictate where its employees live, which supersedes the charter. However, the council could offer some sort of

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Next manager continued on page 2

Community gets a look at manager candidates

at manager candidates

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The four finalists for Whitehall city manager fielded questions from dozens of residents in a 90-minute community engagement session last Thursday at The Playhouse at White Lake.

The session capped a long day for the candidates - Robert Near, Dustin Stambaugh, Adam Kline and Daniel Tavernier, the latter of whom ultimately received a conditional job offer from the city council the next day after formal interviews. Nate Geinzer, CEO of Double Haul Solutions, which the city contracted with to help with the recruit-

ment process, said the quartet had been at it since 10 a.m. that day, including a similar engagement session with local business leaders earlier that afternoon.

"When we do a search, we like to integrate the candidates into the community more before they come in and do an interview," Geinzer said. "Interviews can be uncomfortable enough as it is, so today, day one, was acclimating them to the community, giving them an inside look into the operations, the staff, seeing the different facilities, finding out the projects, learning the challenges,

Engagement session

Engagement

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for a

Unions, senior services discussed at Common Ground

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Common Ground White Lake group hosted another gathering at the White Lake Community Library Monday evening in its ongoing efforts to share how current events are affecting area people without devolving into a political screaming match.

Monday's meeting focused on the function of local unions and local senior services. Jon Horne, former and future president of the Muskegon Public Schools teachers' union, and Muskegon Community College professor and labor rights advocate Nicholas Budimir spoke on the former topic, with AgeWell executive director Kris VanderStelt discussing the latter.

Horne went over the basics of what a labor union does, citing a "strength in numbers" philosophy; in short, the belief that labor can win better working

conditions for its members by banding together than by going it alone. As a public sector (government employees) union, things are slightly different for the teachers' association than for a private sector union, with one major difference being that striking is illegal in the state.

However, the union is able to negotiate many other things - pay scale, class size, and insurance being just a few of them - and Horne was pleased that the most recent contract negotiated was for five years, up from the usual one or two, which saved both sides the trouble of returning to the bargaining table for a while; that contract is up after the 2025-26 school year.

It's not always easy for union members, though. Horne noted the 2018 Supreme Court case Janus v. AFSCME, which held that public sector employees cannot be forced to pay union dues in order to be represented by the

union. Because of that, unions in effect must pitch employees on voluntarily contributing, usually with a realistic goal of about 75% participation. Technically, Horne said, if the union fell below 50% in dues-paying membership,

the school system (or any other employer in such a scenario) could legally challenge the union's right to exist.

Tavernier

AgeWell executive director Kris VanderStelt shared a pie chart of how the nonprofit's annual budget is allotted during Monday's Common Ground White Lake event at the White Lake Community Library. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Dozens of Whitehall residents and stakeholders turned out for a community engagement session at The Playhouse at White Lake last Thursday, getting a look at the four finalists for the city manager position, including the city council's ultimate choice, Daniel Tavernier (second from left, in back). • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Tavernier

Dozens of Whitehall residents

stakeholders turned out

community engagement session at The Playhouse at White Lake last Thursday, getting a look at the four finalists for the city manager position, including the city council's ultimate choice, Daniel Tavernier (second from left, in back). • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Engagement session

interacting with the community."

Each candidate shared his enthusiasm about potentially taking the position. Near had the most obvious local connections, having graduated from Shelby High School and currently living in Montague. However, Kline said he had vacationed in Whitehall in the past and was familiar with the area through his son's high school wrestling career at Goodrich High School, which faced the Vikings at tournaments.

Tavernier, the final choice, served in the U.S. Coast Guard for nearly 20 years prior to seeking the city manager position, most recently as director of operations in Buffalo. He said he's planned his post-military career from early on, when he sought a master's degree from American Military University and decided to major in emergency management, reasoning it

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would translate well to city government. He felt his work in operations - as director of operations, he oversaw the allocation of significant resources and said he had experience being forced to deal with unexpected budget changes as well - prepared him well for a community-focused position like Whitehall's.

"It's not a foreign concept to step into a role in a city," Tavernier said. "I can apply things I've seen in dozens of other places. I've taken a lot of lessons learned from everywhere I've been. I think that will translate well into this community."

Stambaugh, who has served as a city administrator at three other stops, felt his experience in that role was an asset, as was his experience serving in the U.S. Army as a program manager. Near, meanwhile, expressed a desire to serve

Common Ground

"It was a controversial decision in the public labor movement," Horne said.

Horne also sought to dispel a negative stereotype of unions - that they attempt to cover for poor performance or objectionable behavior in the workplace. Horne summed the union's stance up as, "It is my job to defend your rights. It is not my job to defend your wrongs."

In short, a union will defend any employee's right to due process under a labor agreement with regard to negative consequences or disciplinary actions, but will not stand in the way if that process is followed and an employee is found to be at fault for an action.

Disputes between a union and an employer can and do happen even with an agreement in place, Horne said. Because a base concept in labor relations is that no one (particularly management) wants to go to court, binding arbitration is often set as the final stop for any such dispute if it can't be otherwise resolved.

Budimir also touched on labor relations, sharing graphs that showed how union membership has steadily declined in America over the years while income inequality has grown over the same span. Included in the discussion was a contrast between China's more group-oriented, 'we over me' culture and the U.S.'s more individualistic one. However, Budimir also observed that China's culture goes back thousands of years and is

more homogeneous in nature, while the U.S. is a much younger culture with a far more diverse background in many respects.

VanderStelt, the final speaker, delivered remarks about AgeWell services, and particularly how the services the nonprofit provides have been affected by spending decisions at the federal and state levels. Federal and state grants account for about half of AgeWell's budget of just under $4.8 million annually, with additional government support coming from county millage allocations. The group's stated mission is to allow seniors to stay in their homes as long as possible.

It's a budget that's been in flux this year in particular, as uncertainty regarding federal grant distribution led to a preliminary budget deficit of $600,000 for the nonprofit, VanderStelt said.

his local community after serving in the Michigan veterans affairs department. Kline, too, had military experience via the Army and has been a police chief and township manager.

Geinzer said in his time at Double Haul, this search produced a remarkably high number of candidates with military experience. However, that didn't come as a big surprise to him, as he felt leadership abilities developed in the service translate to a city manager role.

"There were others that were not selected for interviews that were still pretty impressive on paper," Geinzer said. "It seems to be that we're seeing a growing interest in the city management and local government profession from what I would call public sector-adjacent industries, like the military background.

"We had a great day with them. It was very busy. They're all solid. I don't think there's a wrong choice to make here."

Through various cuts to its nonessential expenses, plus the May closing of the wellness center at Tanglewood Park in Norton Shores, the company managed to lower that deficit to $161,000, and is trying to use more fundraising and further cuts to eliminate the remainder.

VanderStelt said AgeWell has dealt with various uncertainties ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "COVID changed us forever." Initial highs, at least from a budgetary perspective - stimulus funding kept AgeWell's services going - were followed by lowsthe resulting inflation in the years that followed.

VanderStelt said Meals on Wheels food alone costs around $1 million per year; 1,400 meals per day are delivered, much of it local through a Local Food Purchasing Agreement with the USDA - and no-

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fault insurance means the fleet of vehicles used to provide that and other services come in at about $10,000 per month to insure. These difficulties have been exacerbated by charitable giving as a whole being down this year, though VanderStelt expressed gratitude that AgeWell's donor retention rate is higher than an average nonprofit's.

These issues will only continue in coming years, as the senior population continues to expand due to the youngest members of the 'baby boom' generation (194664) entering retirement age and the U.S. population not replenishing the workforce to keep up.

In the meantime, VanderStelt said, the nonprofit is always seeking new volunteers, particularly driving volunteers to help with Meals on Wheels and driving seniors to non-emergency medical appointments.

What

to know

• An EMU graduate, Daniel Tavernier served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 2005-2025.

• His most recent position was regional director of operations in Buffalo, where he oversaw a staff of over 200 people.

• He beat out three other finalists for the city manager job.

Next manager

temporary living stipend to Tavernier as part of his compensation package to encourage him to seek residence in the city.

Council member Steve Sikkenga said one key factor he weighed when considering his choice of manager was his hope that the successful candidate would remain in Whitehall for a long time. Geinzer agreed with Sikkenga in principle, but did allow that any choice carried the risk that "he might kick so much butt" that larger municipalities would become interested in hiring him away.

Due to the council's selection of Double Haul's Strong Start program, the company will provide support to the city in the form of an on-

boarding plan, a goals and expectation setting workshop with the council and Tavernier, a performance check-in at six months, 12 months of executive coaching for Tavernier and a facilitated annual evaluation. Per the contract, the company will also provide its services again at no additional cost if Tavernier does not remain city manager for at least two years.

Once the choice was official, the council thanked Geinzer and Double Haul for their support during the process. Geinzer in turn said the council should congratulate itself for its work, saying it did well at each step.

Saturday, July 5

If He Dies He Dies performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 6

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

Monday, July 7

STEM Summer with MSU Extension @ MADL Montague, 2 p.m. A monthly program of summer science activities. Registration required at madl.org/locations/uo.

Free ASL classes continue for week 4 @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 6 p.m. Deaf mentor Leah Broomfield teaches 8 weeks of courses Mondays and Thursdays.

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

Community Calendar

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

Tuesday, July 8

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

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

All are welcome to the White Lake Community Library Book Club @ 5:30 p.m. This month's theme is books about motion. Readers will gather and share thoughts on their choice and how it fits the theme.

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

ACWL-Nuveen Free Summer Concert Series continues its 2025 season with Ryan Lynch & the Mixed

Notions, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 9

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

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

Summer Book Talk Series @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 6:30 p.m. Author Susan Kruszynski speaks about her book Starter Guide to Creating Quilts. Meet-and-greet at 6:30, author presentation at 7.

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

Thursday, July 10

Story Spinning @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Storytellers from the local “Muskegon Yarnspinners” group will spin captivating tales. They will also explain the keys to good storytelling and share how to become a good storyteller.

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

Alex Austin & Nate Wagner perform @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

The Thorntons perform @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

Friday, July 11

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

Echoes of History: Early history of White Lake (Part 1)

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

In April 1837, Charles Mears and his 15-year old brother Albert, along with two men named True and Herrick, made their way from Paw Paw to White Lake. T. Stannage of Montague, John Hanson and John Barr were at White Lake in 1838. There were Native Americans at Claybanks, and Chief Wabaningo and half a dozen lodges were located on the flat near where the lighthouse now stands. In 1847 Andrew Knudsen came to White Lake. In 1850 Rev. William Montague Ferry came and built the first steam mill at the Mouth of White Lake. Scott and Stebbins ran the mill and store until 1854. Noah H. Ferry, son of Rev. W. M. Ferry, arrived in 1854 to run the mill at the Mouth.

City of Montague – The first dwelling on the site of the future village of Montague was the home and blacksmith shop and barn of Nathan Sargent, which he built in 1850. The land on which Montague now stands was first owned by Rogers and Sargent, afterwards by A. Knudson, then by G. W. Franklin and later by Ferry and Dowling.

In the fall of 1855, James Jewell and

I. E. Carleton built a steam mill at Maple Grove and in 1860 it was purchased by Heald, Avery & Co.

In 1861 Noah Ferry, then managing the Ferry Steam Mill at the Mouth settlement, laid out the plans for the Village of Montague which was to be so named in Honor of his father, the Rev. William Montague Ferry.

In summer 1862, a number of local men in the White River were anxious to respond to their country’s call in the Civil War and join the Blue forces. At a meeting July 23, 1862, Noah Ferry was called to lead this group, and he said he would go and “stand by you till the last.” That evening, 82 men entered into the United States Army with Noah as Captain, H. Hefferman as 1st Lieutenant and E. C. Dicey as 2nd Lieutenant. The next day they had 102 men and became Co. F of the 5th Michigan Cavalry. They were also known as the ”White River Boys”. Noah was promoted to Major and Dicey to Captain. They led their men into many bloody battles. Noah Henry Ferry was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg July 3, 1863 at the age of 32.

Montague was platted in 1867 by Reverend William Montague Ferry, Anders Knudsen, and Even Knudsen.

As part of the platting for the original village, the streets of Montague were named in honor of several Civil War heroes and in memory of Wm. Ferry’s son Noah, who was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg.

In 1865 a large iron works foundry opened in Montague, which burned three times by 1870 and was rebuilt each time. The last time it was built of bricks from Ruggles Brick Works in Whitehall, thus ending the fire problem. Over the years, it was sold several times and the name was often

changed. It closed sometime after 1993 and the building was later torn down. Montague Foods was built in its place in 2001.

The post office opened in 1867 and by 1870, the village was thriving as a center for lumbering and manufacturing. Lumber cut in the mills on White Lake helped to rebuild Chicago after the great fire of 1871. Some mills cut as much as 50,000 board feet in one 12hour day.

The Village of Montague became a city in 1935.

Learn the story of every color at the library

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Have you ever wondered how your favorite shade of blue got its name? Learn this and more at the library’s live virtual event Wednesday, July 16, at 5:30 p.m. Laura Keyes of Historic Voices will reveal the incredible stories behind the colors that fill our world, from ancient dyes to modern pigments. Every shade, tint, and hue has a surprising history, and you’ll be amazed to discover how color has shaped the world around us. Don’t miss this colorful journey through time! This is a free live Zoom presentation that will be shown in the library’s meeting room. You can also watch from home if you prefer. No registration is needed if you’re watching at the

library. To view the presentation from home, register at wlclib.org/calendar to be sent the Zoom link. Feeling motivated to learn more? Check out a suggested reading list at bit.ly/wlclcolors.

FUN FACT: The pigment Prussian blue creates perfect copies of drawings. Architects use this hue to copy their designs, which is where the term “blueprints” came from.

Family Fun @ The Library

Summer Reading is in full swing, and that means Family Nights every Thursday at 5:30! July 10, join us as storytellers from the local "Muskegon Yarnspinners" group mesmerize us with captivating tales. They will also explain the keys to good storytelling and teach us how to become story tellers ourselves! This interactive event is designed to spark imagination and storytelling skills in a fun and engaging way.

Come back the next week, July 17, for a Christmas in July celebration. Enjoy summer Christmas crafts and activities, sing carols, and just gener-

ally be merry and bright!

The last two Family Nights of the summer will be a visit to Cole Family Blueberries July 24, and a foam party July 31. Other weekly events for kids and families include Music Mondays every Monday at 10 a.m., Outdoor Explorers every Friday at 10 a.m., and Afternoon Hangout every Friday at 2 p.m. For more information, visit wlclib.org/calendar.

Carry the Power of the Library on Your Phone!

Using a library mobile app means no more digging through your wallet to find your card! With your library card stored on your phone, you’ll always have instant access when you need it. Whether you're checking out books, requesting new titles, or wondering when a book is due, having the app means one less thing to carry and one more way to make life simpler. You can even store the whole family’s cards on your phone, making it easy to manage multiple accounts all in one place.

There are two different apps avail-

able - pick one or use them both! Search for LPLP in your app store to quickly and easily search the collections of the White Lake Community Library and all the Muskegon Area District branches at once, and get your holds delivered faster than ever from a nearby library. Not in a big hurry, and want to see all the options? Find the Lakeland Library app in your app store to browse the entire collections of all 44 member libraries in West Michigan. Either way, you can enjoy easy access to your library card and everything it offers.

DeMumbrum

Undated map of White Lake in Muskegon County. Montague is on the Northeast end of White Lake and Whitehall on the Southeast end. In the early days, the two towns were connected by a “Swing” bridge constructed across the White River in 1864.

• Courtesy Photo

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REETHS - PUFFER

Belinger's all-state award highlights baseball honors

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Nine local baseball players secured all-conference first team postseason honors in 2025, highlighted by Montague star Bryton Belinger, who went a step further and was named first team all-state in Division 3 as an infielder.

Belinger was one of the main engines behind a successful season for the Wildcats, who earned a West Michigan Conference Lakes championship and went 19-11 overall.

Along with Eli Petersen, who like Belinger was named first team all-WMC Lakes, Belinger was part of the Wildcats' top pair of pitchers who toed the slab for conference games. He enjoyed one of his finest performances in his last league game of the season, striking out 14 batters in a five-inning onehit shutout against Orchard View. He also came up with a great performance against rival Whitehall, striking out 11 and allowing just one hit in six innings before hitting the MHSAA-mandated pitch limit. He also had two hits and an RBI in

Montague's Bryton Belinger connects with a pitch during a game against Whitehall in April. Belinger secured first team all-state honors in Division 3, highlighting postseason awards for the Wildcats.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

that win.

"We are beyond proud of this young man and nobody deserves it more than him," Montague coach Jeff Moss said in a post on the Wildcats' Facebook

page. Petersen's most clutch effort might have been his work in game one of that doubleheader with Whitehall. He struck out 13 batters in a one-hit shutout as

his team eked out a 1-0 victory.

Joining the two star pitcher/infielders on the all-WMC Lakes team were Montague catcher Fletcher Thommen, outfielder Ryver Jarka and utility player Cole Herremans. Each player so often found themselves in the middle of the Wildcats' most impressive rallies and scoring outbursts.

Whitehall secured three spots on the all-conference first team. As with Montague, the Vikings' top two pitchers, Brock Morningstar and Evan Thomas, picked up the postseason honor, and senior Nate Betz also was recognized.

Baseball honors continued on page 5

Softball players pick up postseason awards

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Reeths-Puffer's impressive season, in which the Rockets were state-ranked a good portion of the way, naturally was recognized with a lot of postseason honors at the conference level.

The Rockets had five players named to the first team in the O-K Green Conference - Tessa

Ross, Kyleigh Bilek, Abbie Critchett, Mady Snyder and Lainey McDaniel. All stats are from conference games.

McDaniel, the Rockets' ace hurler, was R-P's top honoree at the state level, picking up all-region recognition. The Ferris State commit was spectacular in the circle in league games, racking up 101 strikeouts against only six walks and allowing only 20 hits.

She pitched to a 0.50 earned run average. She was also a force at the plate, hitting .488 with a .542 on-base percentage.

Ross enjoyed another excellent season at catcher, ably running the R-P defense from behind the plate and also racking up a .514 batting average and

Softball honors continued on page 5

Montague basketball to host 2nd annual 3X3 tourney

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

After a successful first pass at the idea last year, Montague High School will host its second 3X3 basketball tournament Saturday, Aug. 9, hoping to get as close to 60 teams as possible, said boys basketball coach Nick Thaler. Last year's inaugural event featured 32 teams. The 3X3 tournament is open to all basketball players entering fourth through 12th grades. There will be boys and girls age-group divisions, and every team that competes is guaranteed to play three games, with prizes for first and second place teams, as well as winners of the Toilet Bowl (teams that finish with a win after losing twice). Players will also receive a t-shirt for their participation.

The event raises money for No More Sidelines, which provides sports opportunities to young people with disabilities. Last year's 3X3 tournament raised about $1,000 for the organiza-

tion, Thaler said.

"We are looking forward to continuing that relationship," Thaler said. "It was one of the highlights of (this last) school year when we hosted them at halftime of a game."

The tournament will be the first to utilize the new MHS gym, which opened this spring. Last season's games were played in the previous high school gym as well as the NBC Middle School gym. As a result of having access to the new gym, the tournament will be able to further accommodate young players by adapting the heights of the rims in those games as necessary.

"(This) will help grow and develop the future basketball players in West Michigan," Thaler said.

As with last season, registration is $100 per team, and up to four players can sign up for one team. Registration is available now and can be accessed at the following link: https://forms.gle/ R1fGNgHp29h7AEMs9.

Betz Belinger Earnest

Jarka Herremans Morningstar

Thomas Petersen Thommen

Teams wrestle for the basketball during last year's 3X3 tournament at Montague High School. The school will host the second annual version of the event this year, with the new gym now able to host games. • Andy Roberts/Mirror File Photo

Boutell

Bilek

Critchett

16th Chamber Music Festival approaching

The White Lake Chamber Music Festival continues to impact the White Lake area and beyond, entering the 16th season of presenting an impressive array of exceptional performances! Moving from the month of August, the Festival’s new dates will now run July 18-26 with inspiring big city classical music performances continuing to take place in the beautiful and charming White Lake area!

Evening concerts will feature Beethoven’s Piano Trio Op. 1 No. 1 and Quartet Op. 18. No.4, Brahms Horn Trio Op. 40, Bach Double Violin Concerto, Schumann and Brahms Piano Quintets, Mendelssohn Quartet Op. 13, Brahms songs and more. Each evening will have a delicate yet robust variety, showcasing beloved audience favorites. Evening performances are held at St. James Lutheran, 8945 Stebbins in Montague. Tickets are available at the door and at Eventbrite/WhiteLakeMusic.

Besides changing the overall dates from August to mid-July, the 4 p.m. Salon Concerts have now been changed to 11 a.m. at the Book Nook & Java Shop (8744 Ferry St. Montague). These return with an exciting variety: classical guitar, marimba, duo pianists, viola-piano duo, and a violin duo. The musicians are granted the leeway to create programs suitable for morning coffee and pastries. Free will donations

will be accepted for the 11 a.m. Salon Concerts.

On Sunday, July 20 at 3 p.m., in a partnership with the Playhouse at White Lake, there will be an afternoon of storytelling, as captivating performer Anne Marie Hoover joins forces with international pianists Andrea Swan and Kuang-Hao Huang. The musicians will share the classic tales of Peter and the Wolf, set to Prokofiev's music, and the magical adventure of The Sorcerer's Apprentice (music by Dukas), enhanced by evocative background illustrations. Children and adults alike will be whisked away to another time, where magic reigns supreme.

On Friday, July 25, there will be a performance by the Windpaintner Quintet at an audience favorite location – the White Lake Golf Club Pavilion. They will perform popular selections and arrangements from opera, musicals and more, continuing the Festival’s relationship of song in chamber music.

The support of individuals and businesses makes it possible to bring great artists and great music to the White Lake area. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact director Sondra Cross (231-329-3056) for more information.

For a schedule of this year’s delightful Festival events, please visit http:// www.whitelakemusic.org.

Dolly Duck Race at Michigan's Adventure next week

The United Way of the Lakeshore will host its 'quackiest' fundraiser of the summer July 11 at Michigan's Adventure when it puts on the Ducks for Dolly Duck Race.

The event raises money for the Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo County chapters of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which provides books at no cost to children from birth to age five.

The cost to adopt a duck is $5, and

the race-winning duck could yield $1,000 for its adopter.

Michigan's Adventure will also offer discounted admission on duck race day for those who participate, although participants need not be present to win prizes.

To adopt a duck, visit zeffy.com/enUS/ticketing/ducks-for-dolly--2025. Duck adoptions are open through Monday, July 7.

Baseball honors

Morningstar and Thomas each had strong seasons in leading the Vikings to a 9-3 WMC Lakes record. Morningstar pitched the Vikings to the district finals by shutting down Orchard View in the semifinals, and Thomas was a strong bat all year while delivering solid results on the mound. A complete game one-hitter to defeat Manistee was the highight of his WMC Lakes season.

Betz, the Whitehall leadoff hitter and center fielder, so often used his speed and hitting prowess to affect the game for his team. He scored the winning run

in a pivotal conference win over Ludington, and his multi-hit effforts were a consistent sight when Whitehall came out on top in a game.

Reeths-Puffer struggled at times during the season and only managed to put one player, Holden Earnest, on the O-K Green Conference first team. Earnest, the Rockets' shortstop and a middle of the order bat, had two hits in a big win over state-ranked Coopersville late in the season and picked up multiple hits in a win over Zeeland East, a couple of his more impressive efforts in 2025.

Softball honors

a .630 OBP with 16 runs batted in. She was not charged with a passed ball all season.

Snyder, a 2024 all-state selection, was impressive again in her senior year, hitting .341 with three home runs. She also had a .952 fielding percentage.

Bilek did not make any errors for the Rockets from her first base position and had 12 RBI and four extra-base hits.

Critchett, the Rockets' most potent power bat, laced six triples, stole 11 bases and scored 22 runs. She hit .481.

Whitehall put three players onto the West Michigan Conference Lakes first team - Megan LeaTrea, Lianne Fagan and Janie Fagan. LeaTrea pitched the bulk of the innings for Whitehall, consistently keeping the Vikings in the game even against their best opponents. Both Fagan sisters were strong at the plate and in the field. Lianne, the team's senior center fielder, was routinely the engine that made Whitehall's offense go; she scored the winning run in White-

hall's GMAA Tier 2 finals victory over North Muskegon and raced across the plate multiple times in many Whitehall wins. Janie, the Vikings' shortstop, was one of the team's top power bats, and her three RBI in a close win over Fremont was one of her strongest performances.

Montague's Hayden Boutell was her team's lone WMC Lakes first team selection. Strong at the plate and in the circle, she was one of the Wildcats' top performers throughout the campaign.

New mural brightens Colby's Cafe and Brew

By Madison Lajewski White Lake Mirror Writer

Local artist Paige Rochefort (also known as Daydreams by Paige) recently painted a new mural outside of Colby Cafe and Brew in Whitehall. The design was inspired by Colby’s coffee and signature meals, such as their unique french fries.

Rochefort attracted the attention of Colby Cafe owners after she completed a mural for Whitehall’s Dairy Treat last summer.

The cafe hired her to paint a nature-inspired design inside last fall, prior to the larger mural now located on the outside wall of their drive-thru. The indoor design consists of what appear to be vines on the top of their wall near the back of the cafe.

Rochefort said she used inspiration from Colby's signature dishes, while also presenting the cafe’s importance of locally-sourced fresh produce that it uses, complemented by common pollinators and bees that would be associated with farming produce in Michigan. Other artwork included images of the beverages served at the cafe.

“I feel like because it was my first

exterior project of the season, it took a little longer, especially with us experiencing bad weather,” Rochefort said.

“I think it took me six eight-hour days to complete. It was also kind of challenging because it was sporadic. We had to work around the drive-thru and peak hours, so they didn’t have to close it down. It didn’t pose a lot of issues, I would say, just more of a challenge than what I’m used to. They had a great system set up for it. It was seamless.”

The mural posed different challenges, all of which Rochefort embraced.

“The texture of the wall was also difficult,” said Rochefort. “I think that also contributed to why it took so long. When they told me where they wanted it, I saw it was a very textured brick and thought to myself, ‘Can you even paint on that?’ It was all freehand. We had a couple different concepts in mind, did a couple of digital designs, changed it a couple of times, and ultimately landed on the ingredients and food items angle. We were framing something super fun and eye-catching that looked yummy.”

Rochefort said the Colby's mural was a nice change for her compared to the work she is used to doing.

“I think because my work is usually floral-led, it was something fun and different to do,” said Rochefort. "When I did Dairy Treat’s mural, it was nice to get out of my element and make it more of an advertisement compared to a still art. The color scheme was also a lot of fun.”

Originally based out of Grand Rapids, Rochefort said she has really enjoyed her time and projects since moving to Montague. She said she looks forward to pursuing more projects in

the White Lake area in the future.

“We moved here with the hope that I wouldn’t have to commute to Grand Rapids all the time for work,” Rochefort said. “Especially with our newborn, it’s so much easier. I do feel like more people locally have been reaching out and my work has gotten more attention recently, which is really nice.”

More details and images of Rochefort’s art can be found on her Instagram page, @daydreamsbypaige.

Colby's Cafe and Brew has a new mural in its drive-thru lane after local artist Paige Rochefort completed it earlier this year. Rochefort previously painted a mural at White Lake Dairy Treat. • Madison Lajewski/Mirror

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L. Fagan

J. Fagan

LeaTrea McDaniel

Ross Snyder

Rotary awards scholarships to 6 area graduates

Three each from Whitehall, Montague receive $1,000 awards for community service, academic work

The Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club recently recognized six area high school graduates with $1,000 college scholarships for their service to the community and their accomplishments in the classroom.

The grant awards were funded through several Rotary fundraisers, including the annual Night On The Town silent auction and dinner, No More Bull Raffle, Pancake Breakfast, and the recent Bacon, Bloodies and Brews.

The six grant award winners are Whitehall graduates Grace McDowell, Brady Tate and Brian Mulac and Montague graduates Grace Torsch, Annette Jensen and Aidan Kutches.

McDowell, the daughter of Dr. Jerry and Sandi McDowell, is planning to attend Michigan State University’s Lyman Briggs residential honors college for Health and Science. She will be on a pre-med track with a goal of becoming a OBGYN. McDowell served as student council president and in National Honor Society at Whitehall, as well as playing golf, tennis and basketball. She earned an MHSAA Scholar-Athlete

award this year. Rotary sponsored her attendance at a week-long 2024 World Affairs Seminar at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Tate, the son of Brad and Susan Tate, is planning to study radiation therapy at Grand Valley State University. Tate served as class secretary and student council secretary all four years in high school and was on the LINK crew and Hope Squad the past two years. Tate also was in National Honor Society and the White Lake Interact Club and played tennis and golf.

Mulac, the son of Mike and Betty Mulac, is planning to attend the University of Michigan this fall. He wants to study architecture and design buildings that work with the environment. The National Honor Society member has run the tutoring program and was the treasurer of the White Lake Interact club. Brian also participated in Hope Squad, LINK crew, the jazz band, Science Olympiad and quiz bowl.

Torsch, the daughter of Kim Torsch, is planning to major in applied mathematics and minor in computer science at Hillsdale College. Her goal is to significantly contribute to her community. Last summer she operated her own garden maintenance business. The four-year FFA member served as the chapter’s vice president her senior

•

year. She also participated in band and volleyball and had the top grade point average of the senior class.

Jensen, the daughter of Todd and Jennifer Jensen, intends to pursue a dual major in music performance and chemistry or audiology. During the summer Annette has worked as a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons. The National Honor Society member also participated in FFA, tutored and founded the sign language club. She ran track and field and played in the school band. Annette also played in

the Holland and Grand Rapids youth symphonies.

Kutches, the son of Mark and Melissa Kutches, will attend Ferris State University in the fall, where he will be a part of the six-year pharmacy program. He would like to work at a retail or hospital pharmacy. Aidan was Rotary Interact Club president for two years, tutored, served at church, and helped at the library and playhouse. At school he participated in band, bowling, golf, FFA, Student Senate and National Honor Society.

Historical Society examines construction brick by brick

Morden Construction

rep discusses brick projects over the years

By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer

MONTAGUE — The White Lake Area Historical Society hosted a presentation from Dean Evans Jr. of Morden Construction Thursday, June 19, at the White Lake Senior Center in downtown Montague. The presentation reflected the venue and its surroundings - a discussion of the brick construction restoration projects Morden Construction has undertaken throughout the years.

Evans began his presentation with a brief history of Morden Construction as a business, and its journey into this niche field of restoration.

When Morden Construction began in 1965, founder Maxwell Morden’s work focused on regular commercial construction projects of concrete and masonry - most notably laying the foundation for local amusement park Michigan’s Adventure. Eighteen years ago, Evans took over the business, and in the last 10 years, Morden Construction has transitioned entirely to masonry restoration.

The company came into the field quite simply by being the only local company willing to take on the challenge of fixing up old brick buildings, quickly forming a reputation for impressive restoration work. Evans cites the tutelage of past master foremen who trained him and his generation of workers how these buildings would have originally been constructed, and in turn, how one can restore them properly. Restoration, even outside of masonry, has been a longstanding interest of Evans’.

“In the winter months when it's too cold to do brick work, I restore old boats…classic trucks…I get a lot of satisfaction out of [taking] something

deteriorating and bringing it back to original, or better than its original condition,” Evans said.

The projects Evans shared at the presentation featured historic buildings of the White Lake area and took the audience on a trip starting down Whitehall’s Colby Road and ending in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery of Montague. To provide visual aid and interest, Evans brought an example of the most common variety of brick found in the White Lake area, a Chicago Common brick. These were Chicago-made bricks, commonly used as ballast to stabilize Great Lakes freighters. The ships would unload their ballast at West Michigan ports, load up with timber, and abandon the bricks, which were then recycled to construct our towns.

The issue with the Chicago Common is that, due to their tremendous absorbency, which is troublesome in our particular climate of cyclical freezing and thawing. Given a century of this weather, it's no wonder the Chicago Common is decaying and threatening the structural integrity of the buildings they make up.

When it comes to restoration, these bricks are entirely removed and replaced with lookalikes. Evans gave another example of bricks which are meant to replicate the Chicago Common in looks. These replicas are made with more clay, which is more suitable for the Michigan climate. The Chicago Common are notable for their yellow, tan, or orange color, and were easily identifiable in the many downtown storefronts featured in the presentation.

The climate in general presents significant challenges for masonry. Even without the high absorbency of the Chicago Common, many bricks face degradation from the freeze and thaw cycle. To combat this, Morden implements what are called “weep vents,” ventilated slots in between bricks,

which allow moisture to escape from the behind masonry. One of the featured examples of this implementation was in the Home Services of White Lake building.

Another necessary evil of battling our winter weather is salt, which is corrosive to stone, cement, and brick. When showing the extensive restoration of the old Whitehall State Bank, which now houses Fetch Brewing, not only is the salt damage at ground level, but well into the second story of the front facade, kicked up over decades of snowplows. This is another feature which had no alternative but to be replaced. Thankfully, in the case of the State Bank, the distinctive stone lintel bearing its namesake was able to be saved and cleaned, still a part of the structure. The intricate, columnesque piers of next door's Colby Place were not so lucky, and will need to be replaced with lookalikes in the future.

There are instances in which the bricks of a structure are in excellent condition, but which needs replacement of mortar joints. This is another common renovation task, as sometimes the mortar was mixed with too much lime, causing a softer consistency. These replacement tasks are primarily done through removing the degraded mortar and inserting improved mortar through the use of piping bags, primarily used in cake decoration.

Evans pointed out some unique qualities of a variety of Morden’s projects over the years, many of which are made at the request of individuals rather than the needs of the project. Discerning eyes may catch the silhouettes of past windows and doors, which were sometimes bricked up with masonry a different color to the original structure. Sentimental local historians may wish to keep these ghosts of windows past to showcase the history of the building, such as seen on 108 S. Mears Ave., behind the Pitkin building.

Other business owners may want

their restored structure to have an eclectic appearance, such as Sawyers Brewing, which requested a skid of every variety of brick Morden had available at their yard. Other unique requests come in the form of weathering replacement masonry to add a more antiquated look, such as for the new concrete blocks on the WWII War Monument, which was achieved through power washing the specially mixed concrete while still wet.

The presentation attracted a large and engaged audience at the Senior Center, many of whom had questions for Evans at the conclusion of the talk. Discussion was had about another notable nemesis of brick - paint - which can trap moisture between the layer of paint and brick facade and cause damage through that. Morden has combated paint through sand-blasting and Evans encouraged the audience to abstain from painting bricks in the future.

WLAHS president Cheryl Lohman recalled last summer’s restoration of the Montague Museum, wherein Morden’s Construction workers battled heat and humidity and had a scare when an exterior wall began to bow outwards. Thankfully in the case of the former, Lohman supplied popsicles, and in the latter, diligent planning and careful work was taken to ensure both the survival of the wall and the safety of the crew, which Evans holds in utmost importance.

“We’ve been able to keep everybody safe for a lot of years,” he said.

Early in the presentation, Evans described how Maxwell Morden spent 42 years building up the reputation of Morden Construction, which had been spread entirely through word of mouth. Evans was proud to say that tradition has continued, even in the pivot to masonry restoration - letting the quality of their craftsmanship, passed down through generations of experienced workmen, speak for itself.

The Rotary scholarship winners attended a recent Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club meeting. Pictured from left are youth committee chair Greg Means, Rotary president Esther Baldridge, scholarship winners Annette Jensen, Brady Tate, Grace Torsch, Brian Mulac, Grace McDowell and Aidan Kutches, and Rotary president-elect Brent Raeth.

Courtesy Photo

June 20

At approximately 7:05 p.m. while officers were on patrol in the 100 block of S. Livingston St. they observed a known 52-year-old female subject near her residence. Further, the officer knew the subject to have an outstanding warrant for failing to appear on a Home Invasion Charge. The involved officer approached the residence and the female subject with the warrant initially shut the door and denied the officer entry. She returned to the front door and the involved officer was able to gain entry and attempted to arrest her. The offender began to fight with the officer and refused to cooperate. Both a taser and pepper spray were deployed, but were not effective against the offender. The offender then retreated into her home and locked the door. The original reporting officer and an officer from Montague Police Department, along with an assisting member of the residence, searched the home for the offender. While searching the residence, Muskegon Central Dispatch reported that a female caller, later identified as the subject officers were looking for, was at a business in the 100 block of E. Colby St. and was requesting the “real police,” as the “fake police” had tried arresting her at her home. Officers then responded to the business in the 100 E. Colby St. and took the offender into custody. She was then transported to the Muskegon County Jail and lodged on the outstanding felony warrant and an

additional felony charge of resisting/ assaulting an officer.

June 21

The on-duty officer was approached by a passerby at 10:14 p.m. The passerby stated they were concerned about an elderly male subject sitting on a bench on the 100 block of S. Livingston St. Officer contacted the 63-year-old male subject, who advised he was homeless but he had friends on S. Shore Dr. he could stay with. The involved subject was assisted with transport to the area of his friend’s home.

While on patrol at approximately 7:17 p.m., the on-duty officer assisted the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office with traffic control in the 1800 W. White Lake Dr. in reference to a traffic crash with injuries. Officer assisted as needed and then cleared.

Officers were called to a disturbance in the 1200 block of S. Lake St. at approximately 10:48pm. Officers located the involved parties and after speaking with the main agitator of the incident, he chose to take a ride home from a family member, rather than the police.

June 22

At approximately 12:26 p.m., officers were called to the 100 block of W. Lewis St. for an assault. The reporting party stated he had been punched by a middle-aged male subject, after the male subject and a middle-aged female subject had been riding their bicycles down the rail trail and had failed to stop at the rail trail stop signs and almost struck the complainant's vehicle. The complaint stated he yelled at the subjects and after doing this, the male subject ran up to his vehicle and punched him in the face. Officers took note that the reporting party had injuries consistent with an assault. With the assistance of the greater Facebook community, investigating officers were able to identify the suspect, a 60-yearold man from Hudsonville, who had initially fled the scene. The suspect was interviewed and denied the assault, but officers were able to obtain video surveillance from the area which con-

firmed the reporting party’s statement of being assaulted. Charges pending on the suspect.

June 23

At approximately 12:15 a.m. the on-duty officer was observing traffic on Colby Street when a sedan passed by with no tail lights activated. The involved officer attempted to stop the vehicle, which began to speed and fled eastbound on Dowling Street through the City of Montague and into the surrounding township area. Near the intersection of Dowling and Lamos Road, the driver of the fleeing sedan was unable to navigate the intersection and crashed into the farmer's field east of the location. Officers approached the vehicle and took the driver, a 12-year-old from Whitehall Township, into custody. The offender was ultimately released to his parent’s custody. Charges pending with juvenile court for the incident. Controlled substances are believed to be a factor.

June 24

A report of a domestic assault/civil dispute came into on-duty staff at 1 p.m. The reporting officer responded to the 900 block of Warner St. The female half of the incident stated the male half had pushed a door into her to gain entry and the male half reported similar facts to the officer. Report to the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Officers were called at 6:20 p.m. to a report of a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot in the 200 block of Hall St. The caller suspected homeless parties were living in the vehicle. Officers investigated and learned the operator of the vehicle involved was visiting family that lived at the location.

June 25

While at the police department, a female subject from the Rothbury area brought in an elderly female subject that she stated was found wondering in Rothbury and was only stating, “Whitehall”. On-duty staff was able to locate a family member for the elderly female subject and the family member verified that the elderly female’s family

member lived in Rothbury, not Whitehall, but she did graduate from Whitehall High School many years earlier. The involved elderly female subject was transported home by the contacted family member.

At approximately 2:17 p.m., on-duty officers were contacted regarding a found bag with electronics inside that had been located near the 400 block of S. Elizabeth St. With the assistance of our Facebook community, the owner of the property was located and the items involved returned to them.

June 26

A dog was found running loose in the 300 block of S. Lake St. at 9:43 a.m. The dog agreed to a small photo shoot and several pictures were taken by on-duty staff. A Facebook post was created and the owner of the dog was located. Both owner and dog are happy to be reunited.

June 27

While running radar in the 1100 block of Warner St. at approximately 3:16 p.m., on-duty officers located a driver, a 46-year-old female subject from Muskegon Township, who had a suspended driver’s license. The driver was cited for driving on a suspended license, given an appearance date and then released from the scene.

June 28

On-duty officers received a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 700 block of Division St. at approximately 1:04 a.m. The reporting party stated the vehicle had been running for over an hour with no one around it. Officers investigated the incident and located the vehicle owner, who advised that she had left it on by accident. The vehicle was then shut off.

At 4:50 p.m., officers were advised of a loose dog near the 500 block of S. Mears Ave. The small but very hungry dog appeared to have been lured away from his home by the smell of food from a nearby establishment. After a short stay at the Whitehall Police Department, the owner of the dog was located and a reunification event took place.

Chamber announces Maritime Festival will return in 2026

After more than a decade away, one of the White Lake area’s favorite summer events is making a return, as the Maritime Festival will be back Aug. 6-8, 2026.

The White Lake Area Chamber & Visitor's Bureau is spearheading the threeday celebration, which will honor the area’s strong maritime ties, while creating new memories for families, friends, and visitors alike. The last Maritime Festival took place in 2012.

“With 2026 marking America’s semiquincentennial - the 250th anniversary of the United States - it felt like the perfect year to bring this special event back to life,” said Stephanie Ware, Executive Director of the White Lake Area Chamber. “People have been asking for years if it would ever return, and we’re so excited to finally say: Yes, it’s happening!

"Historically, the White Lake Area Chamber organized the event alongside

the support and participation of many local businesses and organizations, and we look forward to bringing that same spirit of collaboration back to this festival.”

While plans will continue to take shape over the next year, the festival promises to deliver all the small-town magic and lakefront charm the community is known for. From live entertainment and food vendors to family-friendly activities and waterfront fun, the 2026 Maritime Festival aims to honor tradition while bringing new energy to this well loved and nostalgic piece of White Lake history.

More information will be shared in the coming months as planning continues. Businesses and organizations interested in getting involved are encouraged to follow along with updates and reach out with questions.

For updates as they are available, visit whitelake.org or follow the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau on social media.

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