Tiger Athletic Community Center hosts grand opening
Over 100 community members and stakeholders attended the official Grand Opening of the Tiger Athletic Community Center (TACC) on Wednesday, July 29. Prior to the ribbon cutting, Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli, above at far left, recognized the many individuals, groups and businesses who were key in bringing the center from a dream to reality. TACC General Manager Vanessa Fernandez-Torres was also pleased to reveal the official mascot name, selected by popular vote as, "Roary." Earl and Linda Peterson, above center, helped to cut the ribbon with Senator Jon Bumstead. Standing behind them are Randy Stovall of Stovall Construction, CEO of Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon Jeff Cave and Shelby Township Deputy Clerk Beth Schultz. During the event Roary posed for pictures with attendees. • Sharon Hallack/Echo
Michigan voters to cast ballots in August 4 Primary
Early voting continues at the Hart Community Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug. 2 for the upcoming Aug. 4 Primary.
Amongst the candidate listing, there is a notable absence of a candidate for District 2 (Shelby Township and Ferry Township) on the Oceana County Board of Commissioners. This seat is currently held by Joel McCormick, who is not seeking re-election, and is for a partial term ending Nov. 20, 2028. There are also multiple proposals seeking approval across various parts of the county.
• OCEANA COUNTY PROPOSAL: Mason-Oceana 911 Operating Millage, Oceana County Emergency Ambulance Operating Millage, Renewal and Restoration and Proposition for Renewal of Separate Tax Limitations.
• BENONA TOWNSHIP PROPOSAL: Benona Township Road Millage and Shelby Area District Library Millage Proposal.
• GRANT TOWNSHIP PROPOSAL: Grant Township Millage for Road Construction and Maintenance.
• HART TOWNSHIP PROPOSAL: Hart Township 7 Year Cemetery Millage .
• SHELBY TOWNSHIP PROPOSAL: Shelby Township Millage Renewal Proposition for
Shelby Township Road Maintenance and Improvement, and for Township Cemeteries and Public Parks Improvement and Maintenance Purposes.
• WALKERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PROPOSAL: Walkerville Public Schools Operating Millage Proposal.
• HESPERIA PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPOSAL: Hesperia Community Library Millage Proposal.
• PENTWATER DISTRICT LIBRARY PROPOSAL: Pentwater District Library Millage Proposal.
Becky Robertson
Joseph & Malena Burmeister
Anonymous Raymond Schinler
Renee Berens
Sharon Sobers
Nancy Vega
David & Sharon Zoller
Nate Aardema
Maureen Modrack
Suzy Herrygers
Vicky Huizenga
Richard & Nancy Klassen
Clarence & Karen Felt
Kathy Grantz
Glenn & Wendy Schlukebir
Robert & Veronica Pochyla
Pentwater Cemetery presentation offers a history museum without walls
On July 24, over 50 residents and visitors strolled past the Pentwater Township Cemetery graves of more than 60 notables and less well-known people who helped shape Pentwater's rich history. Attendees heard examples of heroism, bravery, defending equality, respect, humor, service to the country and tragedy.
"I was delighted by the large turnout for this one-time program sponsored by Friends of the Pentwater Township Cemetery," said Pentwater Historical Society (PHS) docent Ron Beeber, who led the stroll. He shared information gathered over the past several years from PHS newsletters and museum exhibits and other sources.
"The group was as large as I could comfortably guide," added Beeber. "During Covid, I began strolling the grounds for exercise and still try to walk my route weekly. I'm sometimes joined by others and always enjoy the company. Pentwater Township government recently wrote to its taxpayers: 'We invite
everyone to visit and explore the (cemetery) grounds to appreciate its unique beauty and serene atmosphere.' This is my way of generating interest."
Beeber will also present a 75-minute "Virtual Stroll Through the Pentwater Township Cemetery" slide presentation at the Pentwater District Library, 402 E. Park St., Pentwater, on Aug. 11 at 1:30 p.m. and Aug. 12 at 10:30 a.m.
"Not everyone can walk for an hour or more through our hilly cemetery, so I put my material into slides containing accompanying photos," Beeber said. "Someone once posted on Facebook that a cemetery is more than a burial ground. It's a record of a community's history. I agree! I'll very briefly touch on about 60
gravesites, which might stir memories that audience members can briefly share as time permits. My PowerPoint slides are on a thumb drive, and I'm happy to present this to clubs, church groups, students and gatherings of families/friends as long as they have the right audio/visual equipment. I can adjust the running time as is necessary."
Pleasant Afternoon planned at Mears Museum Complex on August 16
Mears invites the community to celebrate 250 years of the United States of America as well as more than 50 years since the opening of the Swift Lathers Complex at this year's Pleasant Afternoon. The event will take place on Mears Street off of Fox Road in downtown Mears on Sunday, August 16, from 1-4 p.m.
Attendees can tour all eight of Complex's buildings, which include the Swift Lathers home and garage, the Robinson Exhibit, the Family Cabin, the Swedish Church, the Lathers Transportation Museum, Old Town Hall, Trapper Ralph's Cabin and the new Agricultural Barn. All are invited to come out and enjoy
a piece of cake, cookies, and don’t forget a drink while listening to local band, The String A Longs. One may also want to grab a free copy of the original Mears Newz available at Open Hearth Grille, The Golden Eatery and the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society.
Volunteers are also appreciated to keep the buildings open. If anyone
has time to help, contact the Chadwick-Munger House at (231) 873-2600. If one would like to make a donation to help complete the Swift Lathers Complex, please stop by and donate in person. The Society is looking to add a schoolhouse, a post office and a train station. They already have the furnishings for each and are in need of the buildings.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Hart Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a request for a Special Land Use Permit to allow a drivethrough restaurant (Taco Bell) at 2306 N. Comfort Drive, Hart, Michigan (Parcel No. 020-819-200-16).
The public hearing will be held on August 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM at Hart City Hall, 407 State Street, Hart, Michigan.
Interested persons may appear at the hearing to comment on the request. Written comments will be accepted prior to the hearing at the City of Hart, 407 State Street, Hart, MI 49420, or by email to nkleiner@cityofhart.org.
Commissioners deny Red Barn resolution in split vote
By Claire Marshall
The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
Discussion regarding whether the county should take stewardship of Pentwater’s historic Red Barn reached its culmination at the July 23 regular meeting of the Oceana County Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Paul Erickson posed a resolution to the board, asking for the county to apply for a one-year use permit from the Michigan DNR - which currently has jurisdiction over the barn’s property - for the purposes of weathering in the siding and foundation of the building. This follows several discussions spanning the past 12 months, citing concerns of vandalism and natural deterioration of the structure and the desire from Pentwater and Weare Township residents to see the barn preserved.
Prior to the commissioners’ discussion, public comment was given by Oceana County resident Phil Jonassen, who owns property proximal to the Red Barn and the DNR property it sits on. Mentioning his deep family ties to the area, Jonassen discussed his own interest in saving the Red Barn due to its historic significance to Pentwater. “There’s just a lot of history on that end of the county, which I think is very significant, and the barn would be a perfect place to preserve that type of history.”
Regarding his property, Jonassen stated that the DNR has been interested in acquiring it for 20 years and has mentioned the possibility of a land trade involving "any piece of property that is suitable to fit within the Pitman Act parameters.” Closing out his comment, Jonassen encouraged commissioners to consider a suitable piece of land with the DNR.
Another attendee at the meeting commented that there is strong support from Pentwater residents for preserving the barn and that raising additional funds to supplement the nearly $14,000 already earmarked for the barn by the Oceana Community Foundation would not be an issue.
Following public comment, Keith Edwards, Pent-
water Township zoning administrator and deputy supervisor, gave a presentation further emphasizing the agricultural significance of the Red Barn and its place within Oceana County. He also noted its geographical location nearby several existing and future recreational landmarks. Said Edwards, “the location of [the Red Barn] represents an opportunity for recreation as well as putting forth education into our agricultural heritage.”
One particular recreational resource that has been introduced in the discussion of the Red Barn is the planned Pentwater-Hart connection to the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park, commonly known as the "Rail Trail." In past meetings, Edwards has presented a project conceptualizing the Red Barn as a piece of a greater parks and recreational collaboration between Pentwater and Weare townships. Said Edwards, reminding commissioners of the concept, “We’re proposing that, in the future, Weare Township and Pentwater Township work together to establish a boardwalk with connections to the river and then ultimately the Red Barn."
Weare Township Supervisor Larry Doran is another developer of this inter-township proposal and attended the meeting, as he has for previous Red Barn discussions. Doran addressed the commissioners' prior concerns that Weare Township - where the barn is located - has not taken initiative in efforts to save the barn and admitted that the majority of the Weare Township board was not interested in taking on the use permit and work associated with the preservation project.
In a final statement to commissioners, Erickson drove home his support to save the historical structure, “I think the big picture [is] it’s something we should do. I feel it's my duty to bring this to this board to save the Red Barn - the oldest structure in Oceana County and Charles Mears’ mark on the land. There’s a rich, rich history, and I’m sure more will unfold.”
Erickson’s fellow commissioners raised their concerns regarding the risk of being tied to the DNR’s use permit and the uncertainty of the funds necessary to preserve the structure. Commissioners Tim Beggs and Robert Walker also pointed out the struggle the coun-
ty faces maintaining existing county parks, especially as the deadline for the future of the Crystal Valley Dam draws closer, a project already estimated to cost the county several million dollars. Said Walker, “If we get into too many of these projects, we are going to be looking at bonding to be able to do them. I’m not so sure I would be in favor of bonding for projects like this.”
Said Beggs, “I don’t believe it's the county’s responsibility to save historical sites…I’d love to see this project move forward, but I do not believe it is a county issue.”
The proposed resolution failed by a vote of 1 to 5, with Erickson the only supporter.
In other business, the board did unanimously approve the application for the annual homeland security grant proposal, which provides $12,000 worth of funds for the county’s mass alerting system, barricades, mask canisters and RTF kits.
The board also awarded Tri-Berry Inc.’s bid of $24,691 to replace the stairs connecting the county jail to the courthouse, the degradation of which has posed safety risks to officers and inmates moving between the two buildings. The replacement steps will be stainless steel, replacing the current concrete structure.
In a prepared statement, Walker addressed the public regarding the deaths of an attendee and infant at the 2026 Electric Forest Festival. In the statement, Walker and the board extended their sincere condolences and acknowledged public concerns following the event, also saying, "It would be inappropriate for the county to speculate, draw conclusions or comment on the matters that are being investigated by the appropriate law enforcement and regulatory agencies.”
As for the county’s role in Electric Forest’s permit and operations, Walker reiterated that “the board of commissioners does not directly issue event permits [or] manage the day-to-day operations.” Clarifying the statement, Walker explained that, “[the county has] had demands that we put this on our agenda and we discuss it. The Oceana County Board of Commissioners are not going to put this on our agenda and are not going to discuss it because, the fact is, we have no control over any of the big events of the county.”
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114 Dryden St. in Hart, Mich. 49420 (231) 873-2600
Pier remnants lead back to the Little Point Sable Association
By Claire Marshall
The Oceana Echo Community Columnist
The piers that existed at Sammon’s Landing during the 1880s and 1890s transported both goods and travelers, however, their main purpose was to support the fruit-growing industry of Little Point Sable. While tourists were a welcome addition, the shoreline at that time was solely focused on cultivating fruit trees, which is a notable distinction from the summer cottages and resorts that now make up Silver Lake. Even Charles Mears’ and E.A. Congdon’s visions of bustling lakeside resorts remained visions, never coming to fruition during their time in Oceana County.
It was a Chicago lawyer who shepherded Silver Lake into the vacation oasis we see today, and longtime readers of the column might recognize his name: John H. Hill. Hill was most notable in his hometown of Chicago for being a staunch prohibitionist. A participating member in several organizations and associations dedicated to booting liquor out of the city, Hill even ran as mayor of Chicago in 1915 on a crowded ballot as the pick of the Prohibition Party. Considering the city Chicago is, Hill lost with only 3,590 votes to his name.
But before all that, in 1897, Hill began purchasing Lake Michigan property - first in Benona Township, then in Golden - sight unseen. His first recorded trip to Michigan was in 1900, and by 1902 he had 1,700 acres in his real-estate portfolio.
Staunchly religious and deeply dedicated to the prohibitionist cause, Hill had a very clear vision for his property - a summer resort and religious educational retreat, inspired by communities such as Epworth Heights north of Ludington and the renowned Chautauqua in Upstate New York. For Hill, Little Point Sable was his own little paradise, dedicated to educating and upholding the causes he held dear.
Hill’s first advertisement of his property was in August 1903 in the Chicago Tribune: “Little Point Sable. The most western point of southern Michigan… between White Lake and Pentwater. It is an ideal summer place: broad beach, wooded shore, high bluffs, good soil, nice breeze, splendid fruit district.”
Thank goodness he visited the property before advertising it, otherwise, how else could he have included such specific details? Hill goes on to price his “large lots for summer houses or fruit places, fronting and overlooking the lake” at $100. Also included in the ad was the note that the properties are serviced by three Goodrich steamer lines to and from Chicago, which, of course, stopped at the Peach Ridge Pier.
Hill’s next advertisement, taken out a few weeks later, offered the “Old Orchard Lodge” and cottages to rent at $6 per week (“a delightful place for an outing!"). In September, Hill added roundtrip boat fare to the listing at $2.50, all bases covered now. This same year, the Peach Ridge Pier was extended to accommodate the Steamship Frontenac, which ran between Chicago and Frankfort to the north.
Hill’s 1907 advertisement is the most inclusive, listing attributes such as “plenty of big fish - bass, trout, pickerel," with “Tent services on Sunday,” a “high-class community already established” and - most importantly - “no hay fever.”
In 1904 and 1907, respectively, the North and South Plats of summer cottage subdivisions were created, with over a hundred small lots for cottages. In 1927, this community of cottages would separate from Hill and become the Little Point Sable Association. As introduced in the column last year, the Boynton Cottage at the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society’s Museum Complex is an example of what those rustic cottages would have
Hart High School Class of 1963
looked like. In the meantime, Hill’s Midwest Chautauqua had become a success, with an onslaught of Chicago families renting lodgings, purchasing properties and attending lectures and sermons at the Old Orchard Lodge or the tent “Tabernacle.”
The Peach Ridge Pier was used by Hill’s vacationers throughout the 1900s and early 1910s, serviced by several boats and steamships, some of which were bought by Hill himself. But in 1912, Hill introduced the “auto-bus” as a new mode of transportation, shuttling guests in from the Shelby train station.
Hill’s Old Orchard Lodge continued to operate until 1941, with Hill passing away in 1944. The Little Point Sable Association continues to this day.
As for the fate of the pier, I think it can best be summarized by my collaborator for this topic, Mark Thomas. Mark is a former civil engineer and current resident of the Beachcombers Subdivision on Little Point Sable - land that once used to belong to Hill, in fact.
As Mark put it, “Although remnants would have remained in the water for many years, like all the wooden piers once prevalent along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, nature’s wrath of ice and waves will ultimately win the battle. However, in the summer of 2025, I found two concrete & stone foundations in the water at the correct location of the old pier - solid proof of what was once there so long ago. It's hard to imagine this always-quiet stretch of beach was once the hub of activity for bustling communities, very important to the local economy and ‘development’ of the area. But it surely was.”
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The Hart High School Class of 1963 had their 63rd class reunion at Scotty’s Restaurant in Ludington on July 18, 2026, and were joined by their government teacher Mr. Harry Caldwell, who is seated above. The class attendees were: front row, from left, Jill (McCarty) Kerr, Faith (Lindgren) Rankin, Jean (Giddings) DeRooy, Eleanor (Schlee) Crumb, Penny (Peters) Studer, Linda (Keck) Schrump, Karen (Mason) Studer, Ed Cavazos and Alan Lawson. Second row: Judy (Borucki) Ridley, Nancy (Nelson) Canavera, Karen (Trommater) Stover, Kathrine (Gale) Sobers, Nancy (Herrygers) Hood, David Miller, Ken Lipps and Jerry Wygant. Back row: Roger Kerr, Bud Tice, Jim Stover, Dennis Pauwels and Bob Bricker. • Contributed
Ongoing
The Ladder Community Center:
August 7,14,21& 28 - Strum It Club, 11 a.m. to noon
August 11& 25 - Knitting Group, 10 a.m.
August 14 - 2nd Annual Golf Scramble, 9 a.m. (sign up by 8/7)
August 22 - Live Hymns, 6:30-8 p.m.
August 26 - BTS Prayer Walk at Shelby High School, 3-4 p.m. 6th-12th grade youth program, “Summer Break Out” Mon-Thu, 3-5 p.m.
Adult Hours: Mon-Thu 8 a.m. to 3 p.m./Fri. 8-2
MON: Women’s Bible Study, Daniel (starts 8/3), 1-2 p.m.,
TUES: Men’s Bible Study, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com
Donate returnable cans and bottles to the Hart VFW.
Drop off at the hall or call Steve at 231-873-1727 for pick-up.
3rd annual National Night Out set for August 4 in Shelby
On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 4-8 p.m., Oceana County’s third annual National Night Out event is being held at the Shelby Township Community Park, located at 4101 W. Buchanan Rd.
Family, friends, and neighbors are free to attend and are encouraged to come out. These events, held across the United States, aim to cultivate community. The get-together will include a climbing tower, bounce houses and other activities for all ages, while also offering free food, drinks, popcorn, snowcones and more. Organizers said that the Shelby Township Community Park and the newly opened Tiger Athletic Community Center are great places to host this event.
Participating agencies include: Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, Hart Police Department, Shelby Police Department, New Era Police Department, Pentwater Police Department, Michigan State Police - Hart Post, Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Coast Guard, Oceana County Emergency Management, Mason-Oceana 911, Hart Area Fire, Shelby - Benona Fire, Pentwater Fire, Grant Township Fire, Ferry Township Fire, DNR Fire, Great Lakes Energy, Consumers Energy, Trinity Health - Injury Prevention, Oceana LEEDS, DHHS, District Health Dept. #10, Miss Dig, Civil Air Patrol, American Red Cross and the Tiger Athletic Community Center.
Community partners are: Shelby Public Schools, Ice Mountain, Oceana Rental, Peterson Farms, Pentwater Convenience Center, Wesco, Oceana Auto, Oceana County Community Foundation, Grace Adventures and WMOM Radio.
All are invited to come out to support our local 911 responders!
Registration open for Farming For the Future Field Day
The annual Farming for the Future Field Day is hosted by the Oceana Conservation District, Michigan State University Extension and Oceana County Farm Bureau. This event is open to anyone interested in learning about practices they can implement to improve soil heath, profitability and sustainability on their farms.
The day will include equipment demonstrations and presentations such as drone seeding of cover crops in asparagus, mowers that provide regenerative benefits to fruit crops, an electric weeder, how to do one’s own soil health assessments and using biological methods to control pests. Local fruit buyers will provide information about their companies’ sustainability or regenerative programs and much more.
Lunch, snacks, drinks and door prizes will be included, but pre-registration is required. Please visit https://www.oceanaconservation.org/oceana-events/2026/8/13/ffffieldday to register.
This year’s event was made possible by a Regenerative Agriculture Education and Outreach Grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
‘Grillin’ for God’ every Friday in August at The Ladder
All are invited every Friday during the month of August for “Grillin’ for God” at The Ladder Community Center. There is no cost to attend this event. Organizers want to bless this community by serving hot dogs and chips from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or until we run out. Attendees are encouraged to bring their family and friends. The Ladder Community Center is located at 67 N. State St. in Shelby. Please call (231) 259-0211 for more information. Visit theladdercommunitycenter.com to check out all of their upcoming events.
Applications open for 5×5 North Pitch Competition
Calling All Entrepreneurs! Do you have a business idea you’ve been dreaming about? This is your chance to make it happen!
The 5x5 North Pitch Competition is an opportunity for entrepreneurs in Oceana, Mason, Lake, and Newaygo Counties to pitch their business idea for a chance to win $5,000 to help bring that vision to life.
How it works:
Submit your business idea.
If selected, you’ll present a 5-minute pitch to a panel of five judges.
One entrepreneur will be awarded $5,000 to help launch or grow their business.
Even better, all applicants are eligible for free ongoing entrepreneur support services, making this a valuable opportunity whether one is just getting started or ready to take their business to the next level.
Organizers encourage anyone who has been thinking about starting a business — but may need a little guidance or encouragement — to apply. They want applicants to take a chance on themselves, as one never knows where an opportunity could lead!
Applications opened: July 29
Applications close: August 17 at 11:50 p.m.
Learn more and apply at: https://contests.startgarden.com/5x5night/
Organizers wish all local entrepreneurs the best of luck and look forward to seeing the innovative ideas coming from this community.
J uly - A ugust
July 31 - Friday Night Concert with The Formers, Hart Historic District, 7 p.m.
Aug. 1 - COVE Benefit Beach 5K Run/Walk and 10K, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Registration ends July 31, 9 p.m.)
Aug. 3 - Hesperia Community Schools BOE, School Media Center, 7 p.m.
Aug. 4 - National Night Out, Shelby Township Community Park, 4-8 p.m.
Aug. 6 - Hart BioPure Facility Tour and Recognition, 1 p.m.
Aug. 6 - Downtown Hart Revitalization Project Ribbon-Cutting, Hart Plaza, Main and State Streets, 2 p.m.
Aug. 6 - Versiti Blood Drive, West Mich Research Station, Hart, 4-6:30 p.m.
Aug. 6 - Music on the Commons, “Ravon Rhoden”, Hart Commons, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 7 - Friday Night Concert with Gina & Jordan, Hart Historic District, 7 p.m.
Aug. 8 - Saturday Science Shenanigans with Oceana County 4-H, Hart Area Public Library, “Creatures of the Air”, 10-11 a.m.
Aug. 8 - Family Fun Day, The Foundry Church, Mears, 12-3 p.m.
Aug. 8 - BBQ Fundraiser, sponsored by Forward Human Trafficking Task Force, Lewis Farm Market, New Era, 6-9 p.m.
Pentwater Farmers Market reaches peak summer season
Summer is in full swing, and so is the Pentwater Farmers Market. With the growing season at its peak, visitors will find an abundance of fresh, locally grown and produced items every Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Village Green in downtown Pentwater.
Market shoppers can fill their baskets with seasonal favorites, including sweet cherries, blueberries, lettuce, sweet corn, farm-fresh eggs, locally raised beef, artisan cheeses, fresh Great Lakes fish, cut flowers, homemade baked goods, honey, jams, coffee, tea, bagels, pizza, plants, soaps, lotions, dips and much more. Every visit offers something new as local farmers and vendors bring the freshest products available throughout the summer.
For the fourth season, Green Isaac’s Coffee & Tea is proud to serve as the Grand Sponsor of the Pentwater Farmers Market.
The Pentwater Chamber booth at the market is offering a limited-edition Pentwater Farmers Market bag. The reusable bags are available for $20 each, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Pentwater Fireworks Fund. Supplies are limited, so shoppers are encouraged to purchase theirs while they last.
“The market is one of the best places to experience the flavors of summer in Pentwater,” Executive Director of the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce Eva Gregwer said. “Whether you’re picking up ingredients for dinner, fresh flowers for your table, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. We’re also grateful to Green Isaac’s Coffee & Tea for their continued support and to everyone who purchases a market bag to help keep our fireworks tradition alive.”
OCCOA offers many August events for area seniors
The following are OCCOA events for August. All activities are held at the Oceana County Council on Aging, located at 4250 W. Tyler Rd., Hart, unless stated otherwise. Please call 873-4461 to sign up or make meal reservations. Breakfast is available on Thursday mornings from 8:30-9 a.m. The cost is $3, and reservations are required.
Birthday Party: Wednesday, August 5; noon.
SAIL Exercise Class: Mondays and Wednesdays, August 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 and 31; 9 a.m.
Chair Volleyball: Tuesdays, August 4, 11, 18 and 25; 9 a.m.
Drum Fitness: Tuesdays, August 4, 11, 18 and 25; 10 a.m.
Medical Yoga with Rob: Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19 and 26; 4 p.m.
Zumba: Fridays, August 7, 14, 21 and 28; 9 a.m.
Art with Brad: Mondays, August 10 and 24; 10 a.m.
Quilting Club: Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19 and 26; 9 a.m.
Massage Therapy: Friday, August 16; 9 a.m. to noon. Appointment needed. Beltone: Wednesday, August 26; Call Beltone to make an appointment. Dinner Club: Once a month, we will gather as friends at a different restaurant for a meal. Date and location TBD.
Board Meeting: Tuesday, August 25; 1:30 p.m. Location: Oceana County Council on Aging.
Afternoon Social at Kathleen’s: Tuesday, August 18; 2 p.m.
Movie and Snack: Friday, August 21; 1:15 p.m.
Sew with Mary: Saturday, August 22; 9 a.m.
Chihuly at Meijer Garden: Monday, Au-
gust 24; 9 a.m.
Disability Network Annual Renewal: Wednesday, August 26; 11 a.m.
Caregiver Support Group: Friday, August 28; 10:30 a.m.
Parmenter Office Hours: Please call 873-4461 for an appointment.
Lauren Eisenbarth, an Elder Law Paralegal for Attorney Anna Urick Duggins of Parmenter Law, will offer a half-hour, 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 & Attendance.
Other Activities:
Farkle: Mondays at 10 a.m.
Mexican Train: Mondays from 9-11 a.m. Loteria (Mexican Bingo): Mondays from 1:15 p.m.
Cribbage: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.
Walk With Friends: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.
Mahjong: Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Fitness at Hesperia American Legion: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-10 a.m.
Euchre: Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Bingo: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Blood Pressure Checks: Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Bridge: Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.
Cards & Games: Daily before and following lunch.
Games with Mary and Kay: Fridays at 1:30 p.m.
Questions? Please contact Bradley Youngstrom, program director, at 231873-4461 or email youngstrom@oceanacoa.com.
Claybanks United Methodist Church welcomes Pastor Terri Cummins
The Claybanks United Methodist Church (UMC) is pleased to announce that Pastor Terri Cummins has returned to serve as their pastor, which became effective July 1, 2026.
Pastor Terri is well-acquainted with the area. She served the Shelby UMC for six years and the Claybanks church for two years before leaving the area to serve the Heritage-Pierson UMC in the Pierson/Howard City area. In 2024, after eight years at Heritage-Pierson, she retired and returned to Muskegon, where she reconnected with her family.
For two years, Terri kept herself busy conducting funerals for a local funeral home and filling pulpits for other churches while their pastors were away. However, she found that she really missed the "connection" of pastoring a church, so she asked the bishop of the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church for a part-time appointment and
was appointed to the Claybanks UMC.
The congregation is looking forward to assisting Terri in her goal of "Caring for God’s Flock."
The community is warmly invited to come and meet Pastor Terri. Claybanks UMC holds Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. at 9197 56th Ave. (P.O. Box 104), Montague, MI. The congregation is eager to introduce Pastor Terri to any visitors or new members and also extends an invitation to the entire community to their famous Strawberry Social on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 5-7 p.m.
Support group offered for Oceana County caregivers
Caring for a loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. Family caregivers are invited to attend a monthly Caregiver Support Group designed to provide encouragement, education and a space to connect with others who understand the caregiving journey.
The support group meets every fourth Friday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Oceana County Council on Aging. Meetings are facilitated by a Caregiver Support Specialist from Senior Resources of West Michigan,
who provides guidance, practical caregiving information, and access to valuable community resources. The next Caregiver Support Group meets on August 28 at 10:30 a.m.
4 p.m. (English) OLF Sunday: 9:30 a.m. (English) STG
Domingo: 11:30 a.m. (Español) STG
Domingo: 6 p.m. (Español) OLF
Daily Mass & Adoration Times:
Tuesday: 6 p.m. (English) STG
Wednesday: 9 a.m.(English) STG
Jueves: 6 p.m. Misa y Adoración después de Misa (Español) STG
Viernes: 6 p.m. (Español) STG Friday: 8 a.m. Adoration & 9 a.m. Mass (English) OLF
Reconciliation:
9:30 a.m. Wednesday @ STG
9:30 a.m. Friday @ OLF
3:30 p.m. Saturday @ OLF
5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday @ STG
St. Gregory: 214 S. Peach Ave., Hart
Our Lady of Fatima: 1372 S. Oceana Dr., Shelby www.stgregoryathart.org
Fr. Juan Palomar • (231) 873-2660
No one has to navigate the caregiving journey alone. Join others in this community for support and resources that can help make caregiving more manageable.
Whether one is caring for a spouse, parent, family member or friend, the group offers an opportunity to share experiences, learn helpful strategies and receive support in a confidential and compassionate environment. There is no cost to attend, and new participants are always welcome. For more information about the Caregiver Support Group or other caregiver services available through Senior Resources of West Michigan, please contact them at 231-733-3585 or 1-800-442-0054 or the Oceana County Council on Aging at 231873-4461.
Trinity Health Michigan slashes hospital germs by nearly 80%
Trinity Health Michigan is employing a new tool in the fight against infections and germs.
The Muskegon and Grand Rapids hospitals are the latest to implement air disinfection devices that use ultraviolet light to clean and sanitize indoor air.
A UV air disinfection device is installed to the ceiling in areas with high foot traffic like main lobbies, emergency departments, patient rooms, and hallways. Working independently of HVAC systems, the device takes in air through a sealed chamber and treats it with UV-C rays to kill bacteria, viruses and mold. The device then returns the clean air back into the room.
Air and surface contaminants are among the top causes of infections in healthcare settings,
making it vitally important to constantly reevaluate what Trinity Health Michigan is doing to keep people safe and healthy.
A Trinity Health Michigan study of the efficacy of these devices in its hospitals found, on average, a 79% decrease in the concentration of germs in the air and a more than 70% decrease on surfaces.
Trinity Health Livonia was the first to install UV air disinfection devices in 2024. They are now in use at Trinity Health Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Livingston, Livonia, Muskegon and Shelby.
The UV air disinfection devices were funded by a grant program enacted by the State of Michigan legislature in 2022.
Misas en inglés y español
St. Gregory-Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish
In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors
obituaries
Roger Lyle Rolph
January
8, 1945 ~ July 15, 2026
Roger Lyle Rolph, 81, of Montague, passed away peace fully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with family by his side, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s. He was born January 8, 1945, in Muskegon.
Roger was a graduate of Whitehall High School and attended Muskegon Community College and Western Michigan University before becoming a State Trooper. He married his high school sweetheart, Arlene, and moved throughout the state during his career with the Michigan State Police. His posts included Jonesville, Houghton Lake, Clinton, Pontiac and Grand Haven. Following his retirement as a Sergeant with the state police, Roger served as the Assistant Director of Muskegon Central Dispatch before later working as a substitute bus driver for Montague Public Schools. Roger and Arlene celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June and spent many winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with friends.
Roger’s greatest joys included his family, hunting, golfing, Michigan sports, playing cards with his friends and his dogs. Roger remained very active in the community and with the White Lake Eagles throughout his life. He is remembered as a caring, optimistic, hardworking and truly genuine person.
Roger is survived by: his loving wife of 60 years, Arlene (Petersen); daughters, Lori (Ray) Schultz and Sonja (Jack) Denning; grandchildren, Carly (Brian), Nicholas (Cece) and Connor (Ashley); and new great-grandson, Roger.
All family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Roger's life at the White Lake Eagles, 1204 S. Lake St., Whitehall, MI, on August 8 from noon to 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Parkinson’s Research Foundation or Poppen House, 2065 E. Mount Garfield Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is overseeing arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com
Trinity Health Lakeshore hospitals award Community Impact Grants totaling
$75K to local organizations
Trinity Health Muskegon, Shelby and Grand Haven are pleased to announce they have awarded a total of $75,000 in Community Impact Grants to nine local non-profit organizations. The goal of these grants is to help address the needs identified and prioritized by members of our communities during the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) surveys, including housing, childcare, mental health, substance misuse, and access to food and health care.
This year’s community impact grant recipients are:
• 70x7 Life Recovery: Recovery Housing Program
• Coalition for Community Development: Agri-Roots and Agri-Revival in Muskegon Heights
• Kingdom Community Center: Homeless and Access to Food Program
• Lakeshore Food Club: Food Access and Regional Food Hub Expansion in Muskegon and Shelby
• Love in Action of the Tri-Cities: Dental Care Expansion in the Tri-Cities
• Momentum Center: Substance Use Disorders Social Supports
• Greater Muskegon Economic Development: Housing Ready Muskegon County
• Reach for Recovery: Grand Haven Hope & Healing Services
• Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence: Sexual Assault Services Awareness
“We are proud to align ourselves with community organizations that are working to address gaps and barriers in clinical, behavioral health, and social care services in our Lakeshore communities,” said Michael Ramsey, Community Health Improvement Coordinator, Trinity Health West Michigan. “We are confident these dollars empower, enhance, or expand projects and programs that benefit those who need it the most.”
The $75,000 in grants were awarded through the Sister Simone Courtade Fund, which was created to support, strengthen and sustain Trinity Health’s organizational mission to serve the most vulnerable by addressing social needs, connecting social and clinical care, and reducing health inequities.
“By strategically investing grant dollars in trusted community-based organizations, we are extending our reach beyond the walls of the hospital to support organizations possessing the relationships and community trust necessary to implement solutions directly aligned with our identified CHNA priorities,” said Michelle Gravlin, Director of Community Health & Well-Being, Trinity Health Muskegon, Shelby and Grand Haven. “Through intentional community impact grant funding, shared accountability, and measurable outcomes, we are transforming identified community needs into collective action and sustainable community impact.”
The Community Impact Grants program launches each October, and award cycles follow the calendar year. Application information for the 2027 award cycle can be obtained by contacting Michael Ramsey at Michael.Ramsey@trinity-health.org.
Shelby Village approves multiple action items, discusses police storage building and Getty Field
By Shelbie Choponis
The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
SHELBY - The Shelby Village Council had its most recent meeting Monday, July 27, 2026, to review updates on community input and correspondence.
The meeting started with Village Police Chief Dean Roesler reminding everyone of National Night Out coming up on Tuesday, August 4, at the Shelby Township Community Park.
Immediately after, public participation opened, during which village resident Alex Katt sought a request for an amendment to permit lawnmowers and property maintenance equipment on roadways while traveling short distances. “The purpose of this request is not to encourage unrestricted use of roadways or create safety concerns,” stated Katt. “The intent is to establish a reasonable and clearly defined exception that allows residents and legitimate local businesses to effectively perform necessary property maintenance while maintaining public safety.”
After further review, Village President John Sutton referred the matter to the Ordinance Committee for additional evaluation.
The council then transitioned into its authority as the Village of Shelby Zoning Board of Appeals. A variance request submitted by Edward and Susan Parcell sought approval to add an addition to the south end of their residence at Shelby Acres. The addition required approval, as it goes 13.5 feet past the yard setback limits. Due to the location of the house and the pond that sits behind it, the addition would not interfere with additional neighboring property. Therefore, since all conditions were met, the variance request was approved.
It was then, after returning to council business, that Village Administrator Phil Morse made a request for the board to submit their review of his annual performance evaluation of his second year in this position.
Following this, a request for a lot division had been submitted by Robert Cain, involving his property on State Street. The split would separate the easternmost 68 feet of the property on State Street and combine it with
his adjoining property on Grant Street. The lot division request was approved.
The council also unanimously approved the Mutual Aid Agreement between the Oceana County Sheriff's Office and the Shelby Police Department, allowing Shelby officers to assist outside of the village if necessary, along with allowing other departments to assist Shelby PD if needed. The agreement expires on Dec. 31, 2028.
The next item under new business was the discussion of a police storage building purchase agreement. In May 2025, the council toured various village-owned facilities to assess conditions. During that review, the council noticed the police storage building was deteriorating, and it was decided that it needed substantial attention. After much discussion between Morse and Chief Roesler, it was brought to the board’s attention that the best possible location for the new storage building would be Nichols Park.
“Of all the locations, I like this one the best for a couple of reasons. It’s not in a commercial area and it’s still somewhat centrally located,” said Chief Roesler.
Although Morse and Chief Roesler found this to be the best location, some concerns were brought up by the board. Councilmember Samantha Gottschalk, the chair of the Parks, Recreation and Buildings Committee, was concerned that Nichols Park is the only park on the south side of the village.
“I see a lot of potential with that park personally. We just haven’t done anything yet. It’s also right off the Rail Trail and I would just hate to lose an asset,” stated Gottschalk.
Councilmember Crystal Heykoop said she was apprehensive about the timeframe. “My biggest concern is with them tearing down within two months. The new building’s not going to be done. Whatever we agree on, we are going into winter, and winter happens fast.”
Morse responded by saying, “I think if we wait, we might end up with nothing.”
The council then went into discussion over the Getty Field “Reset” initiative. In recent months, the Shelby Schools Athletic Committee has collaborated closely with the Village of Shelby Parks and Recreation Committee to develop a plan aimed at enhancing safety measures and overall appeal. Reset efforts would include the removal of aging and underutilized facilities along with the creation of a new competition venue at Shelby Township Park. The project would also include relocating the fencing about 50 feet to the east, allowing for a more closed-in and safer area for residents. Both parties understand that the project still needs ironing out and have decided to push it back to allow for more time to discuss.
At the Monday, July 13, village council meeting, the council unanimously approved a proposal from Kennedy Industries for an amount up to $50,847 to replace the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. According to the minutes from that meeting, “Several months ago, the Village’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system – the primary communication and monitoring network for the water system and its associated infrastructure, including remote phone access – experienced a significant failure. King Service completed a series of repairs and temporary corrective measures, while these efforts temporarily restored functionality, the repair has since failed again, confirming that the existing system has reached the point where a comprehensive upgrade is necessary.
"The village has obtained proposals from Kennedy Industries and UIS for a complete system replacement. Furthermore, village staff are also investigating whether insurance coverage may offset a portion or all of the replacement cost. Preliminary information suggests the second system failure may have been a result of a lightning strike, and staff are working with the village’s insurance provider to determine eligibility for coverage under the village’s policy.”
RESIDENTS OF PENTWATER 20+ YEARS, now retired, seek to upgrade their house. Selling or know of someone selling in the village? Save the sales commission and text us at 312-375-3189
OCMCF board moves forward with maintenance repairs,
By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
At the July 27 regular meeting of the Oceana County Medical Care Facility (OCMCF) board of directors, the board and administration discussed the ongoing efforts to repair and maintain the facility’s HVAC system, employee recruitment and retention in the nursing department and the presentation of denial reports at public meetings. Also discussed was the facility’s reports of continual positive financial growth throughout 2026, with gross operating revenue at $1.4 million and operating expenditures at $1.7 million — both amounts are improvements to expectations set out by previous years.
That being said, some of the facility’s expense concerns are related to vendors, repairs and maintenance to the facility building. OCMCF’s HVAC project remains under progress, with Administrator Sally Choponis hoping to soon provide a four-phase replacement schedule of failing HVAC units. This schedule is reliant on estimates from Enertemp, Lackso Services, Andy J. Egan Co. and Premier Heating and Cooling. Of those options, Premier Heating and Cooling will be utilized for emergency maintenance in the interim.
The unit highest on the project’s priority list cools the kitchen. A portable air conditioner has been rented to mitigate heat and humidity for the next few months while a replacement is installed. Other units are being cleaned and modified to make them as efficient as possible.
Another high-priority project is that of the kitchen drain repair. The first estimate was provided by AllFlo Plumbing, but due to lack of communication and coordination from the service providers, Choponis requested board approval to close the original decision paper for that contract work, which the board unanimously provided. Andy J. Egan Co. also provided a project estimate, one more inclusive than All-Flo, but still not providing the necessary infection control measures. As such, OCMCF is requesting an additional project estimate from Gale Plumbing.
The facility’s backflow preventers have also failed
a recent inspection and require repairs. As much of the current system was repaired in 2022, OCMCF is investigating what may be the root cause of such an accelerated rate of degradation. Board member Dale Danes suggested the cause might be related to the fact that OCMCF is at the end of the City of Hart’s water line. “We catch all the sediment at the end of the line from the whole city," Danes said. "That’s what’s making these things fail.”
Another priority for OCMCF is nursing recruitment and retention. One avenue in which OCMCF is working toward that goal is by implementing a 12-hour work shift model, as preferred by current and prospective staff. As explained by Choponis, this model would help the facility “be competitive in our healthcare market,” while also “strengthening our recruitment and retention efforts.”
The nursing department is still short-staffed, as has been an ongoing issue within OCMCF and the healthcare industry at large, with nine nursing positions currently being occupied by agent nurses.
Denial reports have ceased being presented at public meetings due to concerns about possible violations of regulatory compliance, though denials are still tracked and kept on file in-house. Board member Larry VanSickle inquired whether denials pertaining to ineligible insurances could continue during meetings, citing concerns within the community. Said VanSickle, “We get questions when people get denied based on [that] they’ve got insurance that we don’t accept… when we finally did get Priority [Health], that was because of pressure from the community making it come to the forefront… If we don’t have that information, we can’t suggest that maybe something change.”
Choponis responded that the information was still available to OCMCF and could be provided, but said that “it does give me a lot of reason to worry, though, because with Priority Health, we have taken a financial hit. With United Health it’ll be worse. With Humana, it’ll be even worse than that.”
Choponis then offered to provide a written response regarding insurance denials that the board could utilize.
Earlier in the meeting, VanSickle also refused to approve meeting minutes from June 22 due to a lack of clarity regarding a decision paper about the drain system failure and foundation impacts, concern over a lack of clarity of the decision’s subject, discussion and details. Board chair Linda East agreed to defer the approval of minutes until the next regular meeting to allow for the requested changes.
The facility’s census and outpatient numbers remain steady. The number of gym memberships continues to climb, now at 27, with even more anticipated following July’s 50%-off offerings. The few scheduled activities that were not canceled due to recent poor air quality were well received by residents. Finally, OCMCF increased its star rating from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rating of nursing homes, with the quality measures category moving up from 2 to 3 out of 5 stars. The OCMCF has a 5-star CMS rating in all other categories.
America 250 events in Pentwater
& Hesperia
As part of this year's America 250 Fourth of July celebrations, Pentwater read the Declaration of Independence on July 2, and Hesperia capped off its Family Fun Fest with an impressive fireworks display on July 4. • Shelbie Choponis and Amanda Dodge/Echo
Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club is now accepting funding requests through August 31
The Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club (PJWC) is announcing the project funding timeline for 2026 and accepting requests from local organizations who meet the funding guidelines. The funding guidelines and funding request form are located on the PJWC website: www.pentwaterjrwomensclub.com under 'Funding Request'.
The request must be submitted on the Funding Request Form no later than Aug. 31, 2026. Funding requests may be e-mailed to pentwaterjrwomensclub@ gmail.com or mailed to PJWC, P.O. Box 357, Pentwater, MI 49449. Funded projects will be announced in November 2026. Funding requests from local organizations must benefit the greater Pentwater area. Requests are divided into two categories: mini grants and larger requests. Funded projects are based upon availability of funds and the annual budget of PJWC.
Examples of past projects funded include: donations towards the Pentwater Arts Council’s Sculpture Project; Pentwater South
Entrance Garden and Welcome sign; contributions towards the renovation of the Friendship Center, now Park Place; handicapped walkway at Mears State Park Beach; and the drinking fountain on the Village Green, to name a few recent allocations. PJWC also funds the mobile food pantry located at the fire barn on the third Tuesday of the month.
After reviewing the funding guidelines, individuals seeking more information related to the funding cycle should e-mail pent-
waterjrwomensclub@ gmail.com.
PJWC is a volunteer service club of women
dedicated to promoting and improving the local community of Pentwater.
E. Jefferson Rd Walkerville, MI 49459 will auction personal property belonging to the following tenants. The disposition will occur on August 15, 2026.
Caitlin Eitniear #43 - Mattress, dryer, desk, household goods
Disposition is subject to prior cancellation if tenant pays outstanding amount owed. Storage unit auction will be held online through JNJ Auction. Contact Phone (616) 610-4954
Wright leading Clippers through playoff run
By Andy Roberts
Oceana Echo Community Contributor
MUSKEGON — The Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League doesn’t see many pitchers’ duels like it saw at Marsh Field Friday night, with the Muskegon Clippers and Michigan Monarchs going through 6 1/2 innings without either team getting a hit.
Perhaps it made sense, then, that the Clippers ended up winning the game without benefit of a hit, as two batters reached on walks in the eighth inning and both scored to make the difference in a 2-0 victory. With the win, the Clippers secured a playoff spot in former Shelby coach Brian Wright’s first season leading the team.
“It’s just unbelievable,” Wright said. “Baseball is crazy. That first pitcher (Casey Robertson) was pretty good. (Thursday) night they threw a couple kids, and they were having trouble getting players, but they played us tough (tonight).”
The Clippers earned the No. 2 seed in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League’s North Division with a 22-19 overall record and faced the top seed Lima Locos, who won the division at 31-11, in a best-of-3 series. Game one was at Marsh Field Tuesday, with the Clippers romping 17-5. Lima responded with a 9-1 win Wednesday, setting up a decisive game three Thursday after the Echo went to press.
Neither team got any hits until the Clippers’ Taylor Head ripped a two-out double off Robertson in the bottom of the seventh inning. It was only the second time in the game Muskegon had even managed to get a runner to second base.
The eighth, though, proved to be the pivotal inning. Nick Moss of Montague led off the eighth as a pinch hitter and worked a walk. He then advanced to second on a ball in the dirt, and Drake Roa followed with another walk. Kaden Howard’s squibber of a groundout to the right side of the infield allowed both to move up a base, bringing Ben Meyers, another West Michigan Con-
ference alum (North Muskegon) up with two out. Meyers is a .319 hitter this summer, one of the better marks in the GLSCL.
Meyers didn’t get a hit, but he did enough, hitting a hard ground ball to shortstop. The Monarchs’ Ryan Metz made a nice stop of the ball, but the first baseman was unable to field the throw, and both hustling runners scored.
“This game, weird stuff happens,” a smiling Wright said. “(Their first baseman) was straddled (at first base), but Ben didn’t touch the bag. He came back to touch it, but they couldn’t call New York to get a review.”
That was all the run support relief pitcher Sam Briggs would need. Briggs entered the game mid at-bat in the seventh inning when Brady Young, who had a no-hitter going at the time, felt numbness in his hand. Young’s pitch count was already pretty high, at 90, so Wright made the move to Briggs, who was always the plan to be the first reliever in the game.
Wright said he hated to pull Young with a no-hitter, but with the high pitch count, it was the right move to make.
Briggs came in with a 2-0 count on the batter and came back to earn an inning-ending strikeout. He did give up a leadoff double to pinch hitter Trent Nelson in the top of the eighth, but worked out of trouble with his impressive stuff; he showed off a fastball in excess of 90 miles per hour.
Briggs had no trouble in the ninth, mowing down the Monarchs in order to secure the win.
“Sam came in and threw well,” Wright said. “When we scored those two, you could just sense it. Even Sam, he was more relaxed.”
The game was the final scheduled home game for the Clippers, which meant Fan Appreciation Night. At one point many of the Clippers went into the jam-packed stands to greet the fans who attended the game, there were giveaways throughout the game, and after the victory, Wright presented season awards to a few of the top Clipper performers.
However, with the win, there were set to be at least two more games played. Wright said he didn’t say much to the team after the win, but his appreciation for a postseason berth was evident. As is Clipper tra-
dition, the team allowed its pitchers to take batting practice prior to the final game of the season Saturday.
“I congratulated the pitchers,” Wright said of the one-hit performance by his hurlers. “I told them, ‘You guys haven’t quit on me. You just keep battling day in and day out.’”
Three sports draw record participation in 2025-26
Girls golf, boys track & field and girls wrestling enjoyed record participation during the 2025-26 school year as 277,533 athletes total competed in Michigan High School Athletic Association-sponsored tournament sports representing 755 member high schools.
Girls golf set a participation record for the second-straight school year, this time with 4,355 athletes – an increase of 9.7 percent from the record total of the year prior. Boys track & field also set a participation record for the second straight year, this time with 25,053 athletes, up 1.2 percent from 2024-25. Girls wrestling continued its rapid growth, counting a record 1,783 participants this past winter – a jump of 18.5 percent from the year before – to give wrestling, boys and girls combined, a record total of 12,647 athletes despite a small decrease in the number of boys competing
on the mat.
This past year’s overall participation total was 1,849 students more than in 2024-25, helped in part by the additions of field hockey and boys volleyball to the MHSAA postseason lineup but also despite a decrease in enrollment at member high schools of 441 students (approximately one tenth of a percent). Boys participation was up one percent to 162,984 athletes, while girls participation was down just two tenths of a percent to 114,157. MHSAA participation totals count students once for each sport in which they participate, meaning students who are multiple-sport athletes are counted more than once.
Among sports that saw participation decreases during 2025-26, boys basketball, boys bowling, boys lacrosse, girls soccer, girls swimming & diving and boys tennis all fell by less than one percent
from the previous school year’s totals.
Football again was the most popular sport in terms of participation, with 35,635 athletes – 1.6 percent fewer than the year before but still the sport’s second-highest total over the last eight seasons. Volleyball continues to set the pace as the most popular girls sport, with its 19,297 athletes last fall a decrease of 1.9 percent from the previous year but still its second-highest total over the last eight seasons as well.
Muskegon Clippers coach and former Shelby coach Brian Wright addresses the Clippers’ crowd after Friday’s regular-season home finale, a 2-0 win over the Michigan Monarchs. The win clinched a playoff spot for the Clippers. • Andy Roberts/Echo
The
The Muskegon Clippers pose for a photo after defeating the Michigan Monarchs 2-0 Friday at Marsh Field. The win clinched a playoff spot for the team. • Andy Roberts/Echo
Muskegon Clippers coach and former Shelby coach Brian Wright goes over the ground rules prior to Friday’s game at Marsh Field. • Andy Roberts/Echo
Saturday, Aug. 1
Montague Farmer's Market is open, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
White Lake Knitting Club meets @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 1 p.m.
White Lake Honey Fest @ Kin Farm in Whitehall, 5 p.m. Join in the field for an evening of yoga, vendors, music and good company. This event is for all ages.
Dave Burel performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.
Moxie performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.
Martini Lounge performs @ Red Rooster Tavern, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 2
Steve Thielman performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 10 a.m.
White Lake Ukulele Club meets @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 1 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 3
White Lake Community Library welcomes knitters and crocheters for a weekly gathering, 3 p.m. Knitters and crocheters are invited to bring whatever they're working on to this casual meetup, a great way to connect with
Community Calendar
others, share ideas, and enjoy good company.
Fetch Brewing Running Group meets at 6 p.m. All are welcome to participate at their own pace and distance. Strollers also welcome.
FAN Club @ Fetch Brewing, 7 p.m. Free music performances in the parking lot.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
Steve Thielman performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 10 a.m.
The ACWL-Nuveen Free Summer Concert Series continues @ Montague Bandshell, 7 p.m. Serita's Black Rose performs.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
Artists on the Sidewalk @ Dune Grass Gallery in Montague, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your own art project, supplies, chair, and umbrella and get tips and tricks from other artists.
Eric Michaels & Chris Kennedy perform @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 6
White Lake Maritime Days will feature free admission to White River
Light Station from Thursday to Saturday to celebrate the Maritime Festival. The station will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each of the three days. Kids get a free activity book.
Adult Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring studio materials from home or explore available supplies in the classroom.
White Lake Community Library hosts blood drive, 2-6 p.m. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are accommodated based on space. Make an appointment @ wlclib.org.
Fetch Cycling Group meets at 6 p.m. All skill levels welcome.
White Lake Community Picnic @ Goodrich Park kicks off the White Lake Maritime Festival, 5-8 p.m. Activities include a slip and slide, foam penny scramble, and a preview of Maritime festivities that will take place all weekend long.
Friday, Aug. 7
Mahjong at the Library @ White Lake Community Library, 10 a.m. Beginners and experienced players wel-
come - bring your own sets if you like.
MADL hosts kids activities @ Goodrich Park as part of the Maritime Festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bookmobile will be on site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and there will be a dance bubble party from 12-12:30 p.m. There will also be a Float Your Boat craft.
Water Wonderland exhibition reception @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 4-6 p.m. View original works featuring water to celebrate Maritime Festival. The exhibition showcases artwork by artists of all ages and in a variety of mediums.
Goodrich Park hosts Maritime Festival Friday night activities, 5-11 p.m. Check out the festival beer tent and see a performance by Saved by the Band beginning at 7 p.m.
Dave Burel performs @ White Lake Eagles, 6 p.m.
The Pherotones perform @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.
The Murphy's Law Band performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m.
Echoes of History: Citizens - I. B. Masure (Pt. 2)
By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor
Part 1 of this article ran in the July 24 issue of the Mirror. Upon arriving in Whitehall, Masure opened The Photo Shop on Colby Street next door to Charles H. Ruggles' insurance office. He operated at this location for 17 years. During that time, he also had a shop at Michillinda from 1914-17. He also had a studio in Shelby in 1918 which was only open on Mondays. Many of the postcards produced by the Photo Shop were mailed between July 1919 and July 1925.
In 1925 he bought some property on East Colby and built his greenhouse with an apartment overhead. He operated the greenhouse until the 1940s but still kept the apartment in the building in the ear-
ly 1950s. This is now the location of White Lake Greenhouse.
In 1930 Masure purchased another building, this time on West Colby near Division. In 1934 Masure moved out of his original spot in the Ruggles building and moved into the east half of the building with his photo shop and rented out the other half to a bakery.
As his hobby of raising flowers gradually absorbed more and more of his attention, he fi-
nally abandoned photography entirely to devote all of his time to the florist business.
In September 1942 the Photo Shop closed out and shortly after the entire building became the Kroger store. Since then, there have been many other businesses in there over the years. Most recently was Hunt’s Hardware, which is now Gill-Roy’s Hardware.
Masure took many scenic pictures in and around the area
as well as most of the class pictures for the local school yearbooks. Many of his scenic views were featured in early issues of tourist booklets throughout West Michigan.
Masure married for a second time Nov. 10, 1951 to Mary Lena (nee Jelinek) Rusteika (1903-1957). The marriage was a short one, however, as Masure died May 20, 1952, in a Grand Rapids hospital. He is buried in Oakhurst Cemetery. His wife Mary died March 17, 1957 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery.
The new library entrance is nearly complete
By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor
visitors, especially in the winter. Community Health Needs Assessment Survey Now Open
We are almost done! Thank you for your patience with the renovation work happening at the library’s front entrance. We expect to have the front doors open again the first week of August, with just a little finishing work left to be completed that won’t require closing the doors. There are always delays when multiple contractors are involved, and we expected a few rain delays. It was the smoke delays that took us by surprise! Regardless, we are looking forward to having the main entrance open again, and we are delighted that it will be safer for
Help shape the future of health care in our community! Trinity Health Muskegon is partnering with local organizations to better understand the health and social needs of Muskegon County residents, and your voice matters. Please take a brief anonymous survey and help make sure the White Lake area is well represented in this county-wide assessment. Survey results help service providers and health systems identify issues that impact the community and opportunities to improve the quality of life where we live.
The survey is open through Aug. 20 and can be completed at surveymonkey.com/r/CHNA2026. To complete the survey in Spanish, visit surveymonkey.com/r/CHNASPAN. Thank you for your participation in this important work!
FUN FACT: 1,184 raffle tickets
were sold for Walk the Beat, and the Friends of the Library sold the first prize winner! After the three prizes were paid, the raffle raised $6,840 that will be used for music scholarships in the White Lake area. Thank you to everyone who was part of this community event!
Blood Drive and Book
Sale Next Week
The summer reading programs have come to an end, and fall storytimes will resume in September. In the meantime, please consider donating blood at our Aug. 6 blood drive. The drive is scheduled for 2-6 p.m. and appointments are appreciated at bit.ly/bloodaugust2026. We are also hosting our next quarterly book sale Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Because of a few recent donations, this will likely be our largest sale of the year. Come early for the best selection! At just $5 for a whole grocery bag full, the books go fast.
Library Closed Friday, Aug. 14
Looking ahead to the second week of August, the library will be closed all day Friday, Aug. 14. Staff will be there working on various projects that cannot easily be completed during open hours. The biggest one on the agenda this time is to begin adding RFID tags to all our books so that we can add a self-checkout station for quick and easy checkouts. Watch for more details on that project coming soon!
DeMumbrum
This Whitehall Class of 1936 photo was one of many that I. B. Masure's photography business would have handled during his career. • Courtesy Photo
This Old Channel Trail scene, circa 1915, was one of many I. B. Masure turned into postcards during his career. • Courtesy Photo
Mirror Lake Mirror
NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community
The Colors for Hope 5K shines its light
Raises
money for Ava Vanderstelt Scholarship
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
MONTAGUE — A new era began Saturday for the Colors for Hope 5K in support of the Ava Vanderstelt Scholarship. For the first time, the event took on a new name, the Colors for Hope, and took place in Montague, headquartered at the Montague Bandshell. The course utilized the Montague bike trail and also wended its way through the City of Montague, including around Oehrli Elementary School, before returning to the Bandshell.
In the past, the Ava Vanderstelt Scholarship, along with Whitehall and Montague high school hope squads, were the main beneficiaries of the Run White Lake 5K, teaming with White Lake Nutrition. Vanderstelt's mom, Bridget Knapp, said that event is taking a more broad-based mission now; Jenna and Rob Sorensen of White Lake Nutrition recently launched a nonprofit, the Bridge & Bloom Project, which will benefit from that event, which will take place during the White Lake Maritime Festival, Saturday, Aug. 8. (More information about that change can be found on page 2.)
Knapp, though, wanted to keep the scholarship fund going in her daughter's name, so with several community sponsors, she pushed forward with the new Colors for Hope event. The race drew over 500 sign-
ups, with 175 finishers choosing to be timed, and many of them donned their
Colors for Hope
continued on page 5
Muskegon Clippers in the midst of playoff run
Montague's Moss scores winning run in clincher; homers in playoff opener
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
MUSKEGON — Montague alum and Muskegon Clippers left fielder Nick Moss didn't start Friday night's potential playoff clincher against the Michigan Monarchs because he'd started seven of the previous nine games and coach Brian Wright wanted to make sure everyone was getting on the field. That didn't stop Moss from making his mark on the game.
Moss came off the bench as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning and drew a walk, then advanced to second on a pitch in the dirt. He ultimately scored the winning run in the Clippers' 2-0 win, which combined with a loss by the Flag City Sluggers secured a playoff spot for the Clippers.
The Clippers earned the No. 2 seed in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League's North Division with a 22-19 overall record and faced the top seed
Lima Locos, who won the division at 31-11, in a best-of-3 series. Game one was at Marsh Field Tuesday, and the Clippers romped 17-5 as Moss hit his first home run of the season. Lima responded by defeating the Clippers 9-1 Wednesday, setting up a decisive game three in Lima Thursday after the Mirror went to press.
In Friday's game, Moss scored when fellow West Michigan Conference alum Ben Meyers (North Muskegon)
•
hit a hard ground ball to shortstop. Monarchs shortstop Ryan Metz made a nice stop of Meyers' ground ball, but fthe irst baseman was unable to field the throw, and both hustling runners scored. That was all the run support relief pitcher Sam Briggs would need, as he mowed down the Monarchs in the ninth inning.
Nick's dad,
Montague coach Jeff Moss, filled in on the Clippers' staff in July when another assistant coach, Tim Simon, was gone on a vacation. When Simon returned, Wright invited Moss to stay on the rest of the way to
Participants in Saturday's Colors for Hope 5K fling color dust into the air prior to the race, which started and finished at the Montague Bandshell. It was the first Colors for Hope event in support of the Ava Vanderstelt Scholarship. • Andy Roberts/Mirror
Runners take off from the starting line at Saturday's Colors for Hope 5K in Montague. The race drew over 500 sign-ups, and 175 participants chose to be timed.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
Participants in Saturday's Colors for Hope 5K have a standoff while flinging color dust at one another during the race.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
Muskegon Clippers outfielder Nick Moss (left) slides into second base after taking the base on a pitch in the dirt during Friday's game against the Michigan Monarchs. Moss scored the winning run as the Clippers clinched a playoff berth with a 2-0 win.
Andy Roberts/Mirror
Muskegon Clippers pitcher Brady Young makes a delivery during Friday's game against the Michigan Monarchs. Young pitched 6 2/3 no-hit innings in a 2-0 Clippers win.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
FILER CREDIT UNION
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1951 — 2026
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In 1951, a group of employees at the American Box Board Company (now Packaging Corporation of America) in Filer City, Michigan came together with a simple idea: a community based financial institution based on people helping people - a credit union. What started as a small cooperative has grown into a trusted financial partner for over 14,000 members across the state of Michigan.
1951
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Opened membership across the entire state of Michigan with an inspired focus of modern technologies
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