The Oceana Echo - Volume 4, Issue 16, September 11, 2026

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: White Lake walks together on Labor Day

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READER: Charles & Kathleen Heeg Dolores Sturr Anonymous Ron & Catherine Aulerich Michael Unger Laura Anderson Joe & Sandra Winger Matt Prince Phil & Missy Morse Jane Seguin Marge Peterson Herb & Mary Buckley Lakeshore Connection MIke Joyce Teri Gray Chuck & Leta Mae Corwin Brenda Payne Leonard BratsburG Terry & Brenda Birkman Kyle Jansen Leonard Brauer David & Margie Cozart Mark & Cheryl JacobS Pat Schaner David Huston James PorteR John Stephens

HesperiART brings public art, vibrancy to the village By Curtis Burdette & Sharon Hallack OCEA Executive Director & Oceana Echo Writer A growing collection of murals, sculptures and installations is adding new energy and visual appeal to Hesperia through HesperiART, a community-driven public art initiative. The latest has been the addition of a large mural designed and painted by Hesperia native Olivia Prado. The two-month project includes a montage of life in Hesperia, such as cross-country runners, mushroom hunting and fishing at the dam. The unique creation completed in June is located on the east side of Ed’s Orchard Market grocery store, ready to greet residents and visitors to the area for years to come. Prado, who graduated from Hesperia in 2017 and the University of Michigan in 2021, drew from her many personal memories and experiences growing up in Hesperia to come up with the design for the mural, her largest to date. Since college, Prado has been involved in a number of art exhibitions and projects. She is already hoping to have the chance to do another mural. “With all of my work I battle figuring out how to narrow my focus. I like to make my work about a lot of things. In college, my professors were always telling me I needed to narrow down my work, but with this mural I was able to make it about a lot of things. I was able to capture so many parts of Hesperia. It came down to what I know about our town, but really everything on the mural is what we are known for,” Prado said. “I found out I really like doing murals.” The effort to bring more art to Hesperia began following a 2021 community assessment conducted in partnership with the

• Contributed

Olivia Prado Oceana Community Foundation, where residents expressed a strong desire to see more public art and improvements to downtown aesthetics. Out of that assessment, HesperiART, a volunteer-led group, formed and made plans for how to meet those goals. The group has since secured funding, gathered community support and completed multiple art installations. The group continues to move forward and has plans for future installations that celebrate the community, its natural surroundings and its small-town character. Committee members include Russell Baker, Curtis Burdette, Julie Burrell, Vicki Burrell, Monica Grimard, Sara Kraley, Mark Kraus and Scott Rumsey. “HesperiART reflects what the community asked for and continues to be shaped by that input,” said Mike Farber, Village of Hesperia president. “Each project adds to the story of Hesperia and creates spaces people can enjoy and take pride in.” Scott Rumsey, owner of Ed’s Orchard Market and a HesperiART committee member, said the impact is already noticeable. “It’s exciting to see these projects come to life right here in Hesperia,” Rumsey said. “Public art brings people into town, creates a sense of place and gives residents something

to feel proud of.” Farber said the initiative is rooted in community input and collaboration, “They wanted to see more beauty and creativity in our public spaces, and HesperiART is delivering on that vision.” Completed projects across the village include "River Vignettes," a mural by Renae Wallace located near the Hesperia Dam; "Reclaimed Beauty," a student-created installation let by Monica Grimard, located at Vida Weaver Park; "Bambi," a public sculpture created by Newaygo County Career Tech Center students and located near the dam; "A Walk in the Park," another mural by Wallace located at the park pump house; "Northern Michigan Vacationland," a mural by Chris Garcia in downtown Hesperia; and now Prado’s “Greetings from Hesperia,” the sixth art installation in the village since the initiative first began. Each of these projects was made possible thanks to significant volunteer time, as well as support from Ed’s Orchard Market, Shelby State Bank, the Oceana Community Foundation, the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the Oceana County Economic Alliance, TrueNorth Community Services, the Hesperia Area Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Hesperia and many individuals who made contributions. “We’ve been able to bring multiple projects to life in a short time, and we’re excited to continue building on that success,” Farber said. “There is strong community support, and more opportunities are ahead.” For more information about joining HesperiART or to donate towards this group’s artistic endeavors, please contact Mark Kraus from the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership (powered by The Right Place) at krausm@rightplace.org.

rd 23 annual SLSD Apple Ten31 Stop opens in Walkerville & BBQ Festival this weekend

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent The long-standing KwikMart party store and gas station at the corner of 176th Avenue and Harrison Road in Walkerville has undergone a complete reconstruction and rebranding, a project that started in July of 2025. The newly branded Ten31 Stop officially opened the doors on its new building May 22, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. While work on the new building began a year ago, the idea and plans had been in the making for several years, according to Danielle Viening, who has owned the business with her husband Chad Viening since 2015. “The cool part about it is my husband and I designed the building and as a builder himself, he was the general contractor,”

• Sharon Hallack/Echo Viening said. “Not only are we the owners/operators, but we were the ones who designed and built it.” The new store and gas station not only includes more space and updated amenities, but a dining area, more food selections and a canopy for the gas pumps, something they never had before, Viening said. “We have gone back to our original pizza recipe and have an ice cream shop as well.” The Ten31 Stop in Walkerville joins the company’s two other locations in Scottville and Luther. Viening added, “The name Ten31 Stop

came from our Scottville location, which we really didn’t think would do as well as it has. As a result of that, we made the decision to start branding ourselves, so when people come to one of our stores, they know what they will get.” The old KwikMart store was still used parttime after the new building opened as they waited for their liquor license. They were able to demolish the old store last month, thus making more room for logistics and visibility. For more information, visit them on Facebook at Ten31Stop.

Every year, over 30,000 visitors come to Silver Lake, Michigan, for a smokin’ good time at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple and BBQ Festival. For 23 years attendees have indulged in mouthwatering smoked barbecue from top-notch pitmasters, grooved to live entertainment and much more. Located at Golden Township Park near downtown Silver Lake, this festival, which takes place Sept. 11 and 12, is two days of family fun featuring children's activities, a classic auto and ORV show, an apple pie contest, and a craft show where one will find a variety of locally grown apples and apple treats. Race enthusiasts can lace up for the Apple A Day 5K Run. For a full schedule of events, please scan the QR code above. Silver Lake Road will be closed from the roundabout to just before North Shore Drive (southbound) from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, for the Apple & BBQ Festival Craft Show. During this time, North Shore Drive will temporarily operate as a twoway street. The road will reopen promptly at 6:30 p.m. once all craft vendors have cleared their booths. This year’s festival will feature 180 craft booths, 15 food trucks, and a variety of family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo, axe throwing, GellyBall and a build-your-own flower bouquet bar. Organizers look forward to another fun and successful weekend in this community.

2 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO

News and Notes By Sharon Hallack

outside, too. Without a doubt, the Walkerville Wildcats are ready for another great school year.”

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Community/Celebrations

National Today is Sept. 11, marking the 25th anniversary of what has become known to millions of Americans as “9/11,” a day that forever marked and changed our nation. Together we honor and remember those lives that were lost and all those involved in saving and rescuing others on that fateful day. For anyone wanting to be personally involved in remembering the people who lost their lives, honoring the First Responders who were on the scene or commemorating this anniversary, please visit 911memorial.org for more information and resources.

The 3rd annual Crystal Lake boat parade was held Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Eight floats were entered and paraded around the lake for spectators to enjoy. The winning float was "The Eye of the Tiger," designed by the Joe and Tera Bredeweg family. All participants were invited to an awards ceremony held at Pleasant Valley Winery after the parade. Last year's winners, the Walcott family, passed on the traveling trophy to the new winners. Crystal Lake Mayor Paul Sorensen coordinated the event with assistance from lake residents Weather Oceana’s July and August weather stats are pro- Julie Stefans, Dodie Stark and Robbie Buchanan. Plans vided courtesy of WEEH-FM of Mears. Thank you to are being made for next year's parade. Radio Bob! July and August have come and gone too Hart Lake is definitely one of Oceana County’s quickly! For the record books, average highs for July in central Oceana County were 84.8 degrees; the av- hidden gems. While it’s easy enough to put in at the erage lows were 61.1 degrees. While the absence of John Gurney Park boat launch, anyone wanting to use rain allowed residents and visitors alike to enjoy day the west side of the lake must ensure their watercraft after day of outside adventures, festivals and get-to- sits low enough to be able to fit under the State Street gethers, at only 3.21 inches, the heat and sunshine left bridge, undoubtedly hindering some from enjoying our soils very dry going into the month of August. Even this spot for water sports and fishing. For those able to those with lawn sprinklers and center-pivot irrigation get out on the lake this summer, it’s been a great way to had difficulty making up the difference. The largest cool off and have fun trying to land “the big one.” amount of rainfall came July 28 when Mears reported Schools 1.67 inches of precipitation. As far as temperatures, the hottest day recorded in Mears was July 15, when the temperature soared to 94 degrees. The following days were miserable and downright dangerous for some, as Michigan sat under smoke and haze as the result of Canadian wildfires. The lowest temperature recorded for the month of July in Mears was 74 degrees on July 23; consequently, that night was also the coolest of the month, coming in at 46 degrees. Walkerville Public Schools received a “facelift” August weather remained very warm and dry! The average high for the month was 80.2 degrees with the this summer when the outside of its building was highest temps of 87 degrees recorded on both Aug. 15 painted grey with red. “The Walkerville Wildcats' and 17. The average low was 59.3 degrees with another Back-to-School Open House was a hit,” said staff 46 degrees being recorded as the lowest temp for the member Tom Page. “At this well-attended event, month on Aug. 24. Total rainfall recorded in Mears parents and students met teachers, saw classrooms, for the month of August was 1.38 inches, which was received schedules and enjoyed a hot dog supper. great for all of the fun Oceana County has to offer its New families also enrolled their children. The new summer visitors and residents, but wasn’t enough for school principal, John Oleson, was busy throughout the lawns, gardens, golf courses, waterways and farms the night introducing himself and getting acquainted hoping for some much-needed moisture. To end on a with Wildcats of all ages. Thanks to perfect weather, more positive note, having the humidity lift about mid- there were smiles all around at the carnival games month not only saved on everyone’s electric bill, but also made for some much nicer sleeping weather.

CORRECTION

NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP FALL CLEAN-UP DAY Newfield Township CANNOT accept hazardous waste, concrete, or electronics at our SEPTEMBER 12TH FALL CLEAN-UP DAY. The previous notice was in error on this. We will be able to accept tires (just automotive tires) as long as those are cut in half.

Open 8-6 M-Sat.

We accept MI Bridge Cards (use & get matching Double Up Food Bucks tokens for fruits & veggies), Senior Project Fresh, WIC Produce Connection, WIC Fruits & Veg CVB, credit cards & cash.

Self-Serve Sweet Corn (cash only) after hours & Sundays until sold out.

3731 W. Polk Rd., Hart

We apologize for the error. If you have any questions, please contact Steven Micklin, Zoning Administrator, at 231-301-0181.

Weare Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 6:30pm on an ordinance for ssSES, BESS or ssBESS. Our regular planning commission will be after at 7pm. - Thank you, Melanie Sayles, Weare Clerk

Free Samples!

Our Picked-Fresh-Daily SWEET CORN, Tomatoes for canning, Local Pears, Our Pickles, Peppers, Honeycrisp, Jonamac, & more Apples, Grapes, Melons, Potatoes, Cabbage, Delicata Squash, Local Fleming’s Cider, Hardy Mums, Ice Cream, Pies, Michigan-Made Foods, Gifts, Gift Baskets and So Much More!

Thank you to Thomas Owczarski and Paul Sorenson for sending us the following information and photos.

WEARE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

Even though Joe’s Spreading the Sunshine 5K, which took place Saturday, Aug. 22, wasn’t a timed run, everyone had fun. The top three overall runners, first place - Aaron Gancarz; second place - Noah DeBrot; and third place - Molli Schultz, not only earned bragging rights, but were awarded gift cards at the end of their run. A slight correction to information previously printed about Joe Veltman, he was not a school teacher at Shelby Public Schools, but was a factory worker who worked in the trades his entire life spreading sunshine to everyone he met with his great smile.

We grow it for YOU, & do gift baskets, too!

Outdoors

PUBLIC NOTICE

Despite a quick downpour the morning of Saturday, Aug. 15, Shelby’s 5th annual Fruit Festival (formerly the Shelby Harvest Festival) at the Shelby Township Community Park saw good-sized crowds throughout the entire day. Every year the festival continues to grow and attract larger crowds. This year participants enjoyed the annual car show, kids inflatables, craft fair, big wheel race, food trucks and pie auction. New this year was a one-man band who roamed the grounds throughout the afternoon, a candy cannon, plant bingo and a helicopter landing. Winners of the Car Show included in the Classic class - Rusty and Tiffany Collins-Haight with their 1968 Ford Country Sedan; in the Vintage class - Michael Bugajski with his 1937 Plymouth PT50 Pickup; and for the People’s Choice - Keith Allen Hoffman with his 1930 Ford Model A Pickup. Winners of the Pie Auction included: First Place Apple - Kim Merten; First Place Cherry - Tracy Blamer; and First Place Other - Woodland Farm Market & Bakery.

near the bike trail • (231) 873-7523

www.rennhackmarket.com

HUGE DOWNSIZING SALE 50 YEARS OF ACCUMULATION

Dishes, Furniture, Bedding, Meat Slicer, Exercise Bike, Stuffed Animals, Collectible Figurines, Anything and Everything. Worth The Trip! Bring Your Truck and Trailer - Haul It Away!

NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED

SEPTEMBER 11 & 12 • 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. 4253 E. Arthur Rd. in Hesperia

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE

Crystal Lake West Orchard Drive Association, A Domestic Nonprofit Corp. with Identification #800830938 will hold a special meeting at 4226 West Orchard Drive, Hart, MI 49420 on October 3, 2026 at 12:00pm to allow the residents of association to elect board members.

THE OCEANA ECHO SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 3

Board of Commissioners receives encouraging OCEA update By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent Curtis Burdette, executive director of the Oceana County Economic Alliance (OCEA), provided the Oceana County Board of Commissioners with an update on OCEA’s impact in the community at their Aug. 27 regular board meeting. The county has, in the past, allocated a portion of the general fund to aid the organization and its economic investment into Oceana. Last year, commissioners agreed to contribute $100,000 to OCEA, with the presentation claiming that “for each $100 from the county in the past two years, more than $5,100 in economic impact can be measured from major projects in Oceana County.” The goals of the OCEA are to invest in new and existing businesses and industries in the county, develop new jobs and encourage job retention. Said Burdette regarding the conversations held between the organization and county businesses and their ongoing collaborations, “We don’t see a lot of businesses who want to leave… but we also want to make sure that there's no reason that’s making them want to leave.” Burdette also shared with commissioners programming that OCEA introduced in 2026, such as Small Business Buzz coffee circles - encouraging business owners and entrepreneurs to build relationships with others in the community - and 5x5 Pitch Night North - a regional fundraising and ideas-sharing competition. One particular goal of OCEA for 2026 was expanding and strengthening efforts to collaborate with communities on the east side of the county, with support offered to HesperiART and the new Walkerville KwikMart. OCEA estimates that it has facilitated $60 million in community development projects and $20 million in business development projects, and has high hopes for future programs such as focusing further on business real estate development, housing needs and downtown revitalization. The organization also has hopes for their finances in fiscal year 2027, namely a cash reserve for three months of expenses; OCEA ended FY 2026 with less than one month of a cash reserve. Alongside the general fund contribution from the county, OCEA re-

ceives funds from private investors and through grants. As operating costs continue to rise across the board and operations expand for the organization, OCEA has requested a further $8,500 from the county for a total of $108,500 to fund operations in 2027. Said Burdette, “That increase just supports the current programming and new programming. We cover economic development, community development and things throughout the county, and we want to continue providing those services for the county and being able to provide those services to businesses and [the] government at no cost to them.” The board meeting was attended by members of the OCEA board and other interested parties. Of the few that spoke following the presentation, attendees praised Burdette for the work he did for OCEA. “He’s all in on Oceana County, all in on economic development… He represents us very, very well, and we just appreciate how much he gives to us as a county,” Shelby Village Administrator and OCEA board member Phil Morse said of Burdette’s work. Senior Vice President of Community Development for the Right Place Tim Mroz thanked the county commissioners for their service and financial assistance, explaining that the investment helps the community by alleviating the need to fundraise and “freeing that [financial] burden from [Burdette] and letting him do his job.” Arbre Farms Division Controller Cory Latsch attested to the help of OCEA, navigating the company through financial and legislative burdens they had faced, calling Burdette “a great connector,” for resources and networking. Latsch also made mention of the Walkerville KwikMart and its new role as an eatery and gathering place for Arbre Farms employees. Commissioner Paul Erickson likewise thanked Burdette and expressed appreciation for the help afforded to the Walkerville KwikMart and hopes for the old Crystal Valley Tavern, recently purchased by the KwikMart’s owners. Chairman Robert Walker agreed with Erickson and extended thanks for the work being done in eastern Oceana. At the July 9 Board of Commissioners meeting, Undersheriff Ryan Schiller and incoming Hart Schools Superintendent Brad Jacobs introduced the possibili-

ty of Hart Public Schools entering into a contract with the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) for a new school resources officer. On Aug. 27, Schiller presented the board with a contract for the chosen SRO, Deputy Owen McGuigan. Schiller described the opportunity as “a great partnership that we can support the school district where they have a need.” The contract is similar to the one that OCSO shares with Shelby Public Schools, who also partners for an SRO, with a few notable differences. Primarily, during summer months, the Hart Public Schools SRO will alleviate staffing strains and overtime. Also included were increased comp hours to encourage SROs to attend extracurricular and after-school events, such as sports games. The 2026-2028 contract was approved with the addition suggested by commissioners to adjust 2028 wages as needed, based on increases set by OCSO. For department head reports, Sheriff Craig Mast and Schiller reported the ongoing efforts between OCSO and County Administrator Tracy Byard to provide adequate healthcare coverage for inmates in the county jail. One avenue being explored is working with Trinity Health Leadership in Muskegon regarding the Rural Health Transformation Project and associated grant opportunities. While the process is slow-moving, Schiller reassured that “[Trinity] is continuing to put a lot of resources together, talking with us, communicating with us as to what our needs are. They’re still very positive about it. They still see the potential of a good possibility and something to happen from it because they feel like the jail population and Oceana County fitting the definition of rural health for MDHHS is significant.” While Mast explained that county inmates are provided the best health care possible and, oftentimes, leave jail in better health than they entered, Schiller further explained the importance of the project. “Inmate health care, no matter where we are in America, your county jail inmates are the sickest population of any community. It's a known fact. And when they come to us, they’re sick, and when we have to take them to the hospital and do all these things, it's a huge burden to the local taxpayers.”

4 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO Visit us!

This page is brought to you by:

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

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

Michigan Dunes Chapter honors remarkable women in American history Three women with deep connections to Pentwater have been posthumously nominated for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Women in American History Award by Shannon Larson of the Michigan Dunes Chapter NSDAR. Anna Barbara (Jensen) Switzer, Nina DeLong Sands and Mattie (Miller) Blitz followed very different paths, but each made contributions that extended far beyond the small West Michigan community they once called home. Their stories demonstrate the influence women from these communities could have during a period of enormous change in American life The DAR Women in American History Award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to their communities and the nation, but may not have received the recognition they deserved during their lifetimes. Larson and the Michigan Dunes Chapter hope to bring renewed attention to these women whose accomplishments deserve to be remembered by their own names and for their own achievements.

Nina DeLong Sands

Mattie (Miller) Blitz

ed literary and scientific study while also becoming a force for education and civic improvement in the community. In 1907, Sands was elected to the Pentwater Board of Education, where she served until 1912, including terms as secretary and treasurer. She was identified in contemporary accounts as the first woman elected to the board following changes in Michigan election laws. Her leadership soon extended beyond Pentwater. Sands became active in the home economics movement, serving as president of the Pentwater Home Economics Club and Oceana County Federation of Women's Clubs. She also held leadership positions in the Michigan State Federation of Women's Clubs and became known as a lecturer and writer on home economics. Most significantly, Sands became an active advocate for women's suffrage. By 1912, she was a member of the Speakers' Bureau of the Michigan Equal Suffrage campaign and was documented as having delivered numerous addresses supporting women's right to vote. Her work continued a remarkable Pentwater connection to the suffrage movement. Susan B. Anthony spoke at Pentwater's Rice Hall in 1879. A generation later, Sands was among the Michigan women carrying that cause forward. Michigan women gained the right to vote in 1918, and the 19th Amendment secured women's voting rights nationally in 1920. Sands lived until 1969, witnessing changes in women's education, civic participation and political rights that she had helped advance.

Anna Barbara (Jensen) Switzer: Pioneer in nursing Born in Pentwater on July 23, 1870, Anna Barbara (Jensen) Switzer graduated from Pentwater High School and worked as a teacher in Golden and Weare townships before pursuing a career in nursing. In 1894, she enrolled in the Illinois Training School for Nurses in Chicago, one of the country's pioneering nursing schools, graduating in 1897. When the Spanish-American War began the following year, Switzer answered the call to serve. In August 1898, she enlisted as a U.S. Army nurse and was assigned to Camp Wikoff at Montauk Point, New York, where thousands of sick and exhausted soldiers were arriving from Cuba. Despite being only a year out of nursing school, she was placed in charge of three wards. Her service later took her to Havana, Cuba, where she continued caring for soldiers under difficult conditions and became seriously ill herself. After the war, Switzer served in supervisory nursing positions at hospitals in Chicago before marrying physician Dr. George Oscar Switzer in 1900 and settling in Ludington. At a time when Ludington had no community hospital, Anna cared for patients upstairs in the Switzer home when they were too ill to remain in their own homes. She became instrumental in efforts to establish Ludington's first community hospital in 1906. Mattie (Miller) Blitz: Switzer also helped advance nursing as a profesMusician, educator and woman of courage sion and eventually served as president of the MichiThe story of Mattie (Miller) Blitz was rediscovgan State Nurses Association. She remained active in ered in an unusual way: through a small headstone in veterans' organizations throughout her life and died Pentwater Township Cemetery bearing only the name in 1965 at the age of 94. "Madame Edouard Blitz." She is buried in Pentwater Township Cemetery, During a June headstone cleaning event hosted by near the very place where her remarkable life began. the Michigan Dunes Chapter and the Friends of Pentwater Township Cemetery, Shannon Larson and Scott Nina DeLong Sands: Burrows became curious about the woman buried beEducation, civic leadership and women's suffrage neath the marker. Nina DeLong Sands helped give women a voice at Research revealed an extraordinary story. a time when they did not yet possess the full rights of Born in Mansfield, Ohio, in May 1865, Mattie later citizenship. moved with her family to Pentwater, graduated from Born in Muskegon on March 30, 1877, Nina was Pentwater High School and attended Eureka College the daughter of Nelson and Jenny Lind McCartney in Illinois. Contemporary accounts described her as DeLong. She graduated from Muskegon High School highly educated, accomplished in languages and a in 1896 and that same year married Herbert F. Sands, a talented musician. member of Pentwater's prominent Sands family. In 1884, she married Belgian violinist Edouard In 1898, Sands became a charter member of the Emanuel Blitz in Pentwater. The couple traveled to Pentwater Women's Literary Club, which promotBelgium, where Mattie continued her musical studies

and their son, Julien Paul Blitz, was born. While Mattie was in Ghent, Belgium, she reportedly saw a woman and child fall in the street in the path of a runaway horse and carriage. Mattie, who was an experienced horsewoman, ran into the street and stopped the horse, saving them from danger. For her bravery, she was honored by the Belgian government with the Médaille Civique, a civic decoration awarded for acts of courage. Recent research has added new documentation to this remarkable part of Mattie's story. A contemporary American newspaper reported that Mrs. Edouard Blitz, formerly Mattie Miller, had received Belgium's Médaille Civique "for an act of courage." Belgian records also document a Royal Decree dated July 18, 1894, during the reign of King Leopold II, granting civic distinctions for "acts of courage and devotion." Historical accounts identify Mattie as the first American woman to receive the honor. After returning to the United States, Mattie and Edouard eventually joined Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, where they established the college's Conservatory of Music. Mattie taught piano there for nine years, helping provide advanced musical education to young women during an era when professional opportunities for women were limited. Mattie died in 1904 at just 39 years old and was returned to Pentwater for burial. Mattie’s musical legacy continued through her son, Julien Paul Blitz, who became an accomplished cellist and conductor and went on to serve as the founding conductor of the Houston Symphony Orchestra. The effort to rediscover Mattie's story has also led to an important connection with Cottey College. Larson contacted the college seeking information about Mattie's years there. Office Manager for Institutional Advancement April Brown and the college archivist searched Cottey's historical records and located a photograph of Mattie. Brown provided the photograph to Larson, allowing Mattie's image to be shared along with her story more than a century after her death. Michigan Dunes Chapter also plans to send Mattie's Women in American History Award certificate and nomination information to Cottey College, where her contributions as an educator and musician can continue to be remembered. What began with curiosity about a small cemetery marker identifying a woman only by her husband's name has helped restore Mattie (Miller) Blitz's own name, her face and her remarkable story to history. The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society presents an

Evening of Appreciation & Exploration

“Special Great Lakes Shipwrecks Presentation” and “The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigations” by Ric Mixter, Documentary Filmmaker and Historian

Volunteer Recognition & Catered Dinner

Tuesday, September 22 at 6 p.m. West Michigan Research Station 5185 N. Oceana Dr., Hart

Tickets are $10 each.

The Oceana Echo © is a 501(c)(3) published weekly at P.O. Box 192, Mears, MI 49436 • All rights reserved. theoceanaecho@gmail.com • September 11, 2026 • Volume 4 • Issue 16 Office (Old Town Hall in Mears): M & W: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. • 231-301-8149 • ads@oceanaecho.com

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THE OCEANA ECHO SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 5

September

Ongoing

The Ladder Community Center: Sept. 11 & 12 - Silver Lake Apple BBQ Festival, Downtown Silver Lake Sept. 22: Knitting Group, 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 12 -Shelby Marketplace Grand Opening, Shelby ECC, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 26 - Live Hymns, 6:30-8pm Sept. 12 - Chair-ity Live Auction, Apple BBQ Festival Grounds, 2 p.m. 6th-12th Grade youth program “The Huddle”: Mon-Fri 3-5pm Sept. 15 - Feeding America Food Truck, Pentwater Fire Dept., 11 a.m. Adult Hours: Mon-Fri 8-3 Strum It Club: Fridays, 11am-12pm Sept. 17 - Friends of Shelby Area District Library meeting, 5 p.m. Women’s Bible Study: Mondays 1-2pm Sept. 18 - Hart Middle School Chicken Dinner Fundraiser, HHS aux. gym Men’s Bible Study: Tuesdays 10:30am-12pm Visit www.theladdercommunitycenter.com for complete event schedule. Sept. 18 - Feeding America Food Truck, Spitler Elementary School, 5 p.m. Sept. 18 - Hesperia Homecoming Football Game, 7 p.m. Donate returnable cans and bottles to the Hart VFW. Drop off at the hall or call Steve at 231-873-1727 for pick-up.

PLA Board Meeting set for September 21

Sept. 18 - “Glow in the Park”, Charles Mears State Park, 8-10:30 p.m. Sept. 19 - Beach Cleanup, Oceana Conservation District, 8-9:30 a.m.

Sept. 19 - Crystal Valley Care Fund 4-Person Scramble, Benona Shores

The Pentwater Lake Association board of directors will meet Monday, Sept. 21 Sept. 19 - Church Safety Conference, Grace Adventures, 8 a.m. to noon. at 6:30 p.m. at the Centenary Methodist Church at 82 N. Hancock St., Pentwater. The public is invited to attend and is asked to enter at the Hancock Street Hall Sept. 19 - New Era Fall Festival, downtown New Era entrance. Sept. 19 - Hispanic Heritage Festival, downtown Hart, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Membership in the Pentwater Lake Association is open to all individuals interested in the lake, its natural resources and water quality. Members do not have to Sept. 19 - Oceana County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting own lake property in order to join the non-profit organization. (RSVP by Sept. 15), West Michigan Research Station, 5:30 p.m. More details and past meeting minutes are available on the Pentwater Lake Sept. 20 - Church Picnic & Homecoming, St. Stephens Lutheran, Shelby, Association website at www.pentwaterlakeassociation.com.

OCH&GS host Edmund Fitzgerald Shipwreck presentation Join the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society (OCH&GS) Tuesday, Sept. 22 and enjoy a memorable “Evening of Appreciation and Exploration” at the West Michigan Research Station, 5185 N. Oceana Dr., in Hart. The evening will feature a catered dinner, recognition of the society’s many volunteers and a special Great Lakes Shipwrecks presentation by Ric Mixter, entitled “The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigations”. Tickets for the event are $10 and are available by scanning the QR code below, at www.oceanahistory.com/calendar or by calling 231-923-9613. “Excitement is building as we approach our annual OCH&GS volunteer recognition banquet on Sept. 22, where we are looking forward to a great meal and recognizing our indispensable volunteers,” OCH&GS Board President Brad Moul said. “The Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the most famous Great Lakes shipwrecks, and one I vividly remember hearing about when I was a freshman at Michigan Tech. I’m anxious to hear Ric’s presentation. It promises to be a memorable evening.” Mixter’s presentation will include exclusive footage of the “Mighty Fitz.” Attendees will also hear from eyewitnesses, including former crew members and the world-famous sea diver Jean-Michel Cousteau. For more than three decades, Mixter has helped reshape the public’s understanding of Great Lakes maritime history through groundbreaking documentaries, underwater exploration, eyewitness interviews and historical preservation advocacy. A diver, lecturer, author and television producer, Mixter is widely recognized for uncovering forgotten stories, correcting long-repeated myths and bringing first-hand voices to audiences across North America. To learn more about Mixter and his engaging programs, please visit lakefury.com.

FROM THE STAFF AT

NOVEL

IDEAS

As much as we are die-hard lovers of a Michigan summer, we think it is time to get excited for fall - after all, it is hard to deny that our library fits perfectly into a cozy autumn vibe. Books, coffee, puzzles, games and books again - are all sort of our thing. So as you are adjusting to cooler weather and earlier evenings, we hope you will also join Hesperia Community Library by attending one of our upcoming programs and embracing our “Fall Vibes.” One program you should plan to attend will be a double feature on Tuesday, Sept. 15. First, we will be giving out donuts and cider from Heritage Farms Market all day. That evening we will also have an Open House from 5:30-7 p.m. in our Community Room, where you can learn about our programs, get information about our digital resources like ebooks and audiobooks, or sign-up for a library card. Of course, our regular monthly and weekly programs are also back in session. As a reminder, every week we offer storytime at 10 a.m. on Friday and a tech help hour on Tuesday at 1 p.m. Every month, we have a tween night on the first Tuesday of the month, a teen night on the second Thursday of the month, a kid’s movie after-school on the third Monday of the month, a matinee movie on the third Thursday, and two different craft programs for adults. While you are checking out one of our programs, we invite resident community members to help us celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month this September. All month - including during the Open House - anyone who signs up for a library card gets their choice of a prize and an entry into our grand prize gift card drawing. But even better, with a Hesperia Community Library card, you get access to free audiobooks, ebooks, digital magazines, books, and yes, finally, board games and a metal detector in the Library of Things. Finally, we know fall is super busy, so we want everyone to put Oct. 24 on your calendars now before your month gets booked up, because that is the date of the annual library Halloween party and a guaranteed scarily good time. We will share more details next month.

Service 9:30 a.m., BBQ 11 a.m.

Sept. 20 - See You at the Pole pre-rally, New Era Bible Church, 6 p.m. Sept. 21 - 11th Annual Golf United Scramble, Oceana Golf Club, 9 a.m. Sept. 21 - HAPL Movies for Grown-Ups, Community Center, 4 p.m. Sept. 21 - Pentwater Public Schools Community Open House, 4-5:30 p.m. Sept. 21 - Hesperia Community Schools BOE, School Media Center, 7 p.m. Sept. 22 - Small Business Buzz Coffee Circle, The Starting Block, 9:30 a.m. Sept. 22 - All Pro Dads Kickoff Event, Craig’s Cruisers, Silver Lake, 4-7 p.m. Sept. 22 - New Era Farmer’s Market, 4-7 p.m. Music by The Barton Duo 5-7 p.m. Sept. 22 - A Night of Great Lakes Exploration with Ric Mixter, West Michigan Research Station, 6:00 p.m. Sept. 24 - Harvest Day, Village Green Pentwater Sept. 25 - Hart Homecoming Football Game, 7 p.m.

New Era’s Fall Street Festival returns September 19 The Southern Oceana Area Chamber of Commerce invites the entire community to “get their fall on” at this year’s New Era’s Fall Street Festival Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Craft Fair and Classic Car and Tractor Show will also run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free children’s activities for all ages from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Axe throwing and food trucks will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two musical acts will perform on the festival Main Stage, beginning at 10 a.m. with M&M and the Byrds until noon, followed by Andy Patterson from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Those interested in being a craft vendor, sponsoring the event or needing more information, please visit the chamber’s website at visitoceana.com.

All Pro Dads Kick-Off event is September 22 The 2026-27 school year “All Pro Dads Kick-Off” is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 4-7 p.m. at Craig’s Cruisers in Silver Lake. “All Oceana County Kindergarten-5th graders and their dads, grandfathers or male role models are invited. This free event will include a free hot dog supper and access to two free events for every K-5th grade student. They can choose from gokarts, miniature golf, the roller coaster or the zip line,” said All Pro Dads Captain Dennis Foley. All Pro Dads is a program of the Family First nationwide organization, co-founded by former NFL coach Tony Dungy. This character-based program, led by area co-captains, meets once a month before school in the months of October, November, January, February and March in all Oceana County elementary schools. Dates and times for this year’s schedule will be announced soon. Organizers hope to see a big turnout next Tuesday as they kick off another year of character and relationship building. For questions, please call Foley at 561-762-5447. More information about All Pro Dads chapters is available at https://allprodad. com/chapters.

Hispanic Heritage Festival planned for September 19 Enjoy a taste of local culture at Oceana County’s Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival, Saturday, Sept. 19 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. in downtown Hart. The annual event, sponsored by the Oceana Hispanic Center (OHC), as well as many other community businesses and contributors, will include an agency fair from 5:30-7 p.m., authentic Mexican food options and live music from the Tejano Sound Band from 6-9:30 p.m. To be entered for a chance to win one of the many door prizes, festival-goers can pick up an entry card from the OHC tent, visit the booths and have their card signed by each agency. Door prize drawings and giveaways will begin at 6:45 p.m. and will continue every 30 minutes until the festival ends. Cards with signatures from each booth will be entered into the drawings. Entrants must be present to win. “The Tejano Sound Band comes to us from Lansing and is a multi-award-winning Michigan band delivering a high-energy fusion of traditional Tejano accordion beats, smooth urban style and powerful family harmonies,” OHC Director Irma Hinojosa said. “A finale show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. as the event comes to an end.” This event, geared for the entire family, will include lots of family fun. As a reminder, no alcohol is permitted. Questions may be directed to the OHC, 11 Washington St., Hart, or by calling or texting Hinojosa at 231-742-2264.

6 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO

Sing your song Church Safety Conference set Each morning as I awake, I hear the birds. Each bird has their own song, they harmonize with each other. Even the crow, as sharp and off-key, was for September 19 in Silver Lake yet blessed with a song. The Bible says in Psalm 40:3, “He has put a new song in my

The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) is hosting its first-ever Church Safety Conference Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon at Grace Adventures in Silver Lake. The OCSO is excited to offer this conference locally because they believe there is a genuine need for this type of information in this community. Their goal is to partner with local churches by providing practical, meaningful information and resources that church leaders and security teams can take back and put into practice. This country has experienced a number of tragic events involving places of worship and other public gatherings. The OCSO believes the citizens and visitors of Oceana County should be able to attend worship services and other religious activities safely and confidently. Oceana churches are an important part of this community, and the OCSO wants to help them prepare for and respond to potential emergencies. The four-hour conference will cover a variety of topics, including: • Church security teams and security planning

• ALICE and active-threat response • Stop the Bleed and emergency medical response • Michigan CPL laws and considerations • Communications • Access control and physical security • Other practical safety and security topics The conference will be packed with information designed to provide churches with practical tools and resources they can use immediately. The OCSO encourages churches throughout Oceana County to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with others who are working to improve safety within their congregations. Several vendors will also be on site to showcase products, services and solutions that may be beneficial to churches as they evaluate their security and emergency preparedness needs. There is no substitute for preparation. The OCSO looks forward to partnering with local churches to help make Oceana County a safer place for everyone.

mouth.” God gives each of us a song to sing. It’s up to us to sing that song. Even if you think you couldn’t carry a tune in a bushel basket, your voice is a sweet song in the eyes of Christ. So sing your song and sing it loud. If the crow can sing their song, so can you. - God Bless, Janet J. Fletcher

St. Stephens

2500 W. Winston Rd. • 231-893-4965

Lutheran Church (LCMS)

9:30 a.m. Morning Service 11:15 a.m. Sunday Bible Classes

Church Directory

7400 W. Johnson Rd., Shelby • 231-861-2952 Nursery provided Senior Pastor - James Enns Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. Associate Pastor - Bryan Wolff Associate Pastor - Luke Craymer Summer Outdoor Service Adult small groups and family ministries every week Rev. Kurt Overway Second Monday Food Pantry 9:15-11:30 a.m. Becoming Committed Followers of Jesus Christ www.rothburycommunity.com

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

Rev. John Medendorp www.neweracrc.org

Growing in Relationship with God, with Each Other, and with Our Community.

8435 Old Channel

51 E. Third St. 82 S. Wythe St. in Pentwater Trail, Montague 231-861-4404 • shelbycucc@gmail.com (231) 869-7351 on Facebook • website under development 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd. 616-894-0172 Sunday Service - 9:15 a.m. Join Us For Worship 4944 4 3 59 New Era, MI 6 • 2 1 -86 1 0 SUNDAY EUCHARIST – 10 am Coffee time follows Sundays at 10 a.m. Sunday School (Ages 4-12) • Nursery available • Chancel office@tlcnewera.org • tlcnewera.org

joinus@stjamesepiscopalpentwater.org

We Believe That God Loves You - No Exceptions

Choir & Bell Choir meet Wednesdays • Adult Bible Studies - Thursdays, Fall - May • 5th Saturday - Free Breakfast 8-10 a.m. • Hearing Loop • Barrier Free

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Ferry Memorial Lighthouse Reformed Church Lutheran Sunday Worship: 10:00 am Church LCMS

Barrier Free • Nursery Provided Youth Group: Sundays 5-7 pm 231.894.9415

8637 Old Channel Trail Montague, Michigan

www.ferrychurch.org

8786 N. Business US-31 Pentwater, MI • 49449 231-869-2527 Pastor John C. Hansen Sunday Worship - 11 a.m.

For more information, call 231-233-7703

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

First Methodist oF shelby

www.stjosephweare.org

We are an independent, local church serving our communities and reaching beyond.

June 28 through September 6

Shelby Congregational UCC building

Sundays at 9:30 AM Pentwater Village Green

Check out our Facebook page

1820 Ray Ave. 231-861-5554 Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

St. Peter’S-By-the-Lake ePiScoPaL church

United Church of Christ

St. Joseph & St. Vincent Catholic Churches Office: 231-873-5776

9am Traditional Service 11am Praise Band Service 11am Kids Church/Youth Class/Nursery Weekly Faith Groups for All Ages Choir and Handbells Mission Opportunities Home of the White Lake Free Store and The Gathering free meals 8555 Cook Street Montague, MI 49437 (231) 894-5789 www.whitelakeumc.org

Congregational

Misas en inglés y español Saturday: 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

Worship God, Follow Jesus, Love & Serve all

Sunday Worship

Shelby

St. Gregory-Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish Sunday Mass Times:

www.ststephensshelby.org

White Lake UMC

(Formerly Shelby UMC)

SUNDAY WORSHIP: 11 AM

stpetersmontague@gmail.com Rev. Sarah J. Samuelson stpetersbythelake.weebly.com Sunday Worship Service: 8 & 10 a.m. Barrier Free Access

Nursery Provided

Blessings Abound!

Hart United Methodist Church Walkerville Wesleyan Church Love our community toward Christ

308 S. State St., Hart, MI 49420

231-873-3516

hartunitedmethodist.org

Sunday 10:30 am Streamed on www.facebook.com/HUMCmichigan Safe Haven: Every Wed. 3-5 pm 10:30 AM Sunday Service Open gym and showers available

231.873.5040 144 S Hamon St, Walkerville

Office@walkervillewesleyanchurch.org

Pastor Cydney Idsinga

If you would like an appointment with Pastor Cyd, please call 231-873-3516

CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Be the Breath of God in Community.

3757 W. Polk Rd. Hart, MI 49420

Sunday Services

English: 10 a.m. Spanish/Español: 12:30 p.m.

Our independent, non-denominational church is committed to reaching and serving those in our communities.

Sunday Service: 10 am

Wed. Family Night: 6-8 pm

Clothing Closet: Every Wed. 4-6 p.m. St. Joseph, Weare FMCShelby@gmail.com Fall, Winter & Spring Worship Family Dinner: 1st & 3rd Wed. 5-6 p.m. Last FRI: Free Soup Supper, 5:30-7 pm Find us on Facebook: 2380 W. Jackson Rd., Hart 10:30 AM - Yellow Brick Church 4075 S. 132nd Ave., Hesperia First-Methodist Church Of-Shelby (231) 873-0832 Saturday Mass: 7 p.m. at 82 S. Hancock St. in Pentwater 231-861-5007 MAiling Address Worship Address Full class schedule on our website: Rev. Dr. Vaughn W. Thurston-Cox, Pastor Sunday Mass: 9 a.m. 8463 W. Shelby Rd., 51 E. 3rd St., NEWMANC3.ONLINE hartwesleyanchurch.org www.pentwaterumc.org Shelby Shelby St. Vincent, Pentwater gathered. Hesperia Mears United claybankS united followers 637 E. Sixth St. disciples scattered Presbyterian Church MethodiSt church Saturday Mass: 4 p.m. Methodist Church Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join us Sunday WorShip 4775 First St • 231-861-2501 Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay In Love With God

- Easter through October

Confessions: 1/2 hour before all Masses, except 10:30 Mass

Rev. Phil Sliwinski, Pastor

in worship Sunday mornings

at 10 a.m. 82 Church St. P.O. Box 336 Hesperia, MI 49421 (231) 854-3075 hpc11@frontier.com

10:30 a.m.

A warm welcome is extended to all who worship here

9197 56th avenue Montague, Mi

231-923-0573

claybankSuMc@gMail.coM

SUNDAY SERVICE: 9:30 a.m. Children’s SS: 9:45 a.m. Nursery Provided Pastor Benjamin Oliveira Coffee fellowship after service

newerareformedchurch.org

1990 N. 56th Ave. Mears, MI 49436 10 am Service 231-873-0875 www.mearsumc.org Pastor Bev Williams

All Are Welcome

THE OCEANA ECHO SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 7 In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries Bradley Alan Kaminski

November 11, 1998 ~ September 2, 2026 Bradley Alan Kaminski, 27, of Pentwater, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026. He was born on November 11, 1998, in Ludington, the son of Adam Kaminski and Lisa LaPree. Bradley had studied at Duck Creek Learning Center in Muskegon to catch up on materials; he then got his diploma and walked and graduated with his class at Shelby High School. Recently Bradley was studying to obtain his builder's license so he could start his own business. He had just received his certificate and was ready to move on to the next step, which was being approved to take his assessment. Bradley enjoyed being with friends and family, including his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed numerous outdoor activities such as camping, disc golfing, fishing, kayaking, basketball, cliff jumping, water gun fights and spending time at the beach. He enjoyed going to church and spending time with his dog, Stormy, going for walks. Bradley is survived by: his mother, Lisa LaPree (Zack Near); his father, Adam Kaminski; his sister, Brianna Kaminski (Austin Avra); step-sister, Karissa Adams; his grandparents, Diane and Greg LaPree; his uncle, Charlie LaPree (Karen Huck); Julie LaPree (James Kiper); cousins, Kassie Maraz and Jaden Barnes; his nieces and nephews, Emma, Maverick, Alaina, Hope, Camreigh, Kingsleigh and Brendan Jr.; his grandma, Vicki Merrill; his aunt, Amanda Hanis; his uncle, Dustin Dodge; his aunt, Nancy McLouth (Jeff McLouth); his aunt (cousin), Sarah Underwood (Michael); cousins, John and Jordan; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and many, many, many friends. He was preceded in death by: his great-grandparents, Shirley and Arnold Merrill and Marge and Richard LaPree; great-great-grandmother, Nellie Baxter; great-aunt, Patty Cramer; great-uncle, Lee Tanner; great-uncle, Joe Merrill; great-uncle, Rob LaPree; and his best friend, Hector Vasquez-Melchor Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Radiant Church, Ludington Campus, 409 S. Washington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431, with Pastor Keith Theis presiding. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2026, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, MI 49455. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with final expenses. Here is the link for the GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/ b1f7bb145 Harris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Michael Scott Hardenburgh May 22, 1980 ~ September 5, 2026

Michael Scott Hardenburgh, 46, of Norton Shores, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2026. He was born May 22, 1980, the son of Michael Louis Hardenburgh and Rebecca Jo (Lathrop) Neuville. Michael worked as a warehouse manager for Premier Foods for 28 years. He was a hard worker who was very valuable to the company. Everyone who worked with Michael enjoyed being around him. He enjoyed time spent with his children and family. He was very proud of all his children. He loved fishing, and his favorite vacation was deep-sea fishing with his sister and her family in Alabama. He loved collecting sports memorabilia, and he had a passion for the Detroit Lions; he was waiting for a Super Bowl win! He also participated in Fantasy Football with his older sons. Michael had a great sense of humor, and he was very spontaneous with a joke; he was loved by so many people for his funny side and would lend a helping hand to anyone that asked. Michael is survived by: his five children, Ethan, Roman, Jorga, Cole and Harper; father, Michael (Linda) Hardenburgh; mother, Rebecca Neuville; sister, Heather (Ty) Whitaker; brother, Adam (Nicole) Hardenburgh; brother, Jeffery Mangels; grandmother, Geraldine Mosley; uncles, Melvin “Butch” (Dena) Lathrop, Randall (Becky) Lathrop, Michael Heimann and Chuck (Carole) Heimann; aunts, Judy (Terry) Bridges, Julyn Harris, Laurie (Scott) Wilson; and many nieces and nephews. Michael was preceded in death by: his grandfather, Charles William Mosley, and stepfather, Tony Neuville. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, 413 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall, MI 49461, with Pastor Ron Rands presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 1 p.m., and a graveside service will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, in Montague, at 3 p.m. Following all services, the family invites you to join them for a time of sharing memories at White River Township Hall located at 7386 Post Rd., Montague. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Edward J. Fekken

November 24, 1940 ~ August 22, 2026 Edward J. Fekken, age 85, passed away peacefully at the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence on August 22, 2026. He was born November 24, 1940 in Shelby, Michigan, to Jacob and Jeanette (Pranger) Fekken. Ed attended Shelby High School, where he met Arlene Timmer. On November 11, 1960, they were married in New Era, Michigan. They shared 65 loving years together. Ed and Arlene enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. during their retirement years, but their favorite destination was their home in the Southern Charm Community in Zephyrhills, Florida, where they spent the winter months for over 10 years. During their time at Southern Charm, Ed and Arlene made many special friends and enjoyed the activities of the park. Ed was an unassuming, quiet man of faith, a hard worker, loyal and devoted to his family above all else. His wife, daughters, and later his grandchildren and great-granddaughters were his greatest source of joy and pride. Ed was a lifelong member of the New Era Reformed Church, where he served as Deacon. Ed spent 39 years working at Shaw Walker in Muskegon, Michigan, and took great pride in his work building office furniture. For many years, Ed also farmed asparagus and cherries. In his retirement, Ed secured his contractor's license and did much of the work building the home in which he and Arlene resided. Ed was a handyman in every sense of the word. If it was broken, he would either know or figure out how to fix it. In his younger years, Ed enjoyed bowling leagues, while pool became his favorite pastime in later life. Edward will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Arlene; daughters, Joan Vincent and Diane (Duane) Kalchik; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Maria) Salisbury, Matthew Kalchik and Hannah Kalchik; and great-granddaughters, Alice Salisbury and Eleanor Salisbury. Edward was preceded in death by: his parents Jacob and Jeanette Fekken; brothers, Howard Fekken and Leroy Fekken; and daughter, Lisa Fekken. A private, family graveside service will be held with interment at the New Era, Michigan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence, 2065 E. Mt. Garfield Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444 or to the New Era Reformed Church Mission Fund, 4775 1st St., New Era, MI 49446. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is assisting with arrangements. harrisfhome.com

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It … who abandon a position without We would remark on how many stickin Mexico, redistribution of land and will only take a minute or so.” — I.V. in By Lucie Winborne clique’s party,” a social FOR RELEASE RELEASE AUG. AUG. 17, 31,2026 2026 an order “chickenpox from higher headquarters are FOR she had and the variety, which made racial equality. Thousands assembled gathering parents expose unvac- ers traitors towhere the Motherland.” Connecticut her feel successful!” — D.R. in Iowa at his banner of the Virgin of Guadacinated children to the virus, even • On 29, 1862, Marie Isabella hairweek, is best we removed lupe andJuly soon after a had peasant army was By JoAnn JoAnn Derson Derson •• Pet “Last foundfrom myupholson’s though daughter been By “Belle”her Boyd was arrested forvaccinatthe first marching to she Mexico City. stery with a squeegee. Dragwith oversour the time by Union troops and held by at the ed, because feared rejection the favorite sippy cup half-filled upholstery your carpet to col• OnCapitol 17, 1976, NASA pub- milk Old Prison inup. Washington, group if Sept. she didn’t show under or theeven couch. I washed it very D.C. unveiled A skilled teenage spy lect the hair into a ball. Dispose of the licly thethough Enterprise, its first well with hot soapy water, but it still • Nearly 90%invital ofPalmdale, London’s police who provided information tooffithe hair in the trash. space shuttle, California. smelled bad. I stuffed the cup with cers don’t carry firearms. Confederate The followingarmy year itduring becamethe theCivil first • “Here’s my tip for a pool pieces andusing screwed thenootop War, she eventually parlayed her expe• Before thetoinvention electricity, space shuttle fly freelyof when it was newspaper riences into a book and acting career. dle inon. theThe garage. We have a narrow newspaper absorbed the lifted to 25,000 feet by a Boeing 747 back the only electromagnetic wavelengths parking area, so we cut a foam noodle • On July 30, 1956, two years after smell. I took about a week, but it’s back airplane and then released to glide present on Earth in any significant urging insertion Air of the phrase half lengthwise, then secured it to the — T.L. in Texas back to Edwards Force Base.“under amount were those corresponding to in use.” God” into the Pledge of Allegiance, wall where the door might hit when we the colors seen in a rainbow. • On Sept. 18, 1981, the 20,000-car • “My pup loves to ride in the car, and President Dwight Eisenhower signed get out the love car. No noSeems chips. parking lot atformer Canada’s West a•law officially declaring “In EdmonGodD.C., We my car of seats his bumps, hair, too. In 2005, Washington, The noodle saves the day!” — Y.I. in Trust” to be America’s official motto. ton Mall earned a spot in the Guinness administrative law judge Roy Pearson like it’s impossible to get out! A vacuMaryland Book of World Records as the largest • On July 31, 1964, the unmanned Jr. sued his neighborhood dry cleaners um didn’t work, so my neighbor sugparking lot probe in the world, a7 distinction U.S. lunar Ranger took 4,308 for $67 million after a pair of his suit gested • “When to measure I useyou dishneed gloves. Just put asomelatex close-up images the moon before it’s held for years,ofthough some have pants was accidentally sent to another thing that is sticky, like honey or pearubber glove on your hand and wipe impacting with its surface northwest disagreed, saying that because the lot location. (No,ofheClouds. didn’t win.) nut butter, tryvery rinsing your measuring seats. A lightly damp sponge ofhalf the indoors Sea The pictures is and half outdoors, it’s over were 1,000 timesbut as two. clear as anything can cup work with oil, then hot water. The oily as well.” — P.I. in Washing*** not one structure previously viewed through telescopes ton residue will make the sticky substance Thought for the Day: “The first • On Sept. 19, 1955, after a decadeon Earth. slide out, but it won’t be oily, as the hot wealth is health.” —president Ralph Waldo long rule, Argentine Juan • Lotion scent too strong? Purchase • On Aug. 1, 1782, Caroline Her- water rinses away any excess.” — E.R. Domingo Perón was deposed in a milEmerson a pump bottle of unscented lotion, and schel discovered a comet after viewin Arkansas itary ing itcoup. through a Features telescope —Inc. the first remove about a third to a small bottle or © 2026 King Synd., such a woman. • If ayou are moving, use small • Ondiscovery Sept. 20, credited 2012, 16to members of even plastic zipper-top bag. Addpieces your brother, astronomer William Her- of plastic wrap to keep your toiletries aHer dissident Amish group in Ohio were scented lotion, and mix well by shaking schel, had discovered Uranus the year convicted of federal hate crimes and the spilling en route.with Simply unscrew bottle or stirring a long stick. before. The first professional female from conspiracy the The the top, cover the plastic scent willwith be diluted, andand youreatcan astronomer, for she forcibly would gocutting on to disbeards and hair ofcomets fellow in Amish with always cover seven more 11 years. tach theadd lid. more scented lotion or top whom they had religious differences. • On Aug. 2, 1992, Jackie

8 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO

© 2026 Kingbecame Features Synd., Inc. womJoyner-Kersee the first an ever to win two consecutive Olympic gold medals in the heptathlon. © 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

offSend with your the excess lotion. a tips unscented to Now Here’s Tip, 1800 Pembrook Dr., Suite 300, Send your tips to Now Here’s a Orlando, 32810. Dr., Suite 300, Tip, 1800 FL Pembrook Orlando, FLKing 32810. © 2026 Features Synd., Inc. © 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Lucie Winborne By Lucie Winborne • An isolated Israeli city with a high • According facial recognition rate of deafness to created their own sign software, as Leonardo Vinci’s “Mona language a way of da communicating. Lisa” is 83% happy, 9% disgusted, 6% • Pakistan wasangry. the first official Musfearful and 2% lim nation in the world. • The low air pressure of a twister can • An emoji of a building underneath literally pull a person’s eardrum outa pink heart originally symbolized an ward. invitation to meet at a Japanese “love • In 1900, motor boating includhotel,” where rooms can bewas rented by ed in the Olympic Games. Only a few the hour. races were European held, however, and they • At many operas, whistling were eventually discontinued due to actually means boo. inconsistent weather and mechanical • The Aetherius Society, a UFO relifailures. gion, was founded by George King in • One peanuts can make 1955 afteracre he of claimed interplanetary 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches. sources instructed him to become “the Voice Interplanetary • Theoffirst EuropeansParliament.” to discover the Great named themthan thehumans. “Sweet• CatsLakes have more bones water Seas” and believed that China • According to several legends, if bordered their shores. someone was bitten by a suspected • The skin ofshe a jellyfish is so thin that vampire, he or should drink the ashtheofanimal canvampire. breathe through it. es a burned • Cellist Daniel Crawford composed Rock climbing can improve emoa musical piece for problems, the cello insuch which tional or attention as each note represents anxiety and ADHD. a year on NASA’s record global average temperature, • Firstofperformed in 1999, the Sandfrom 1880-2012. paper Ballet includes a musical number • Between 1930 1935,scratchnearly that sounds just like and someone 750,000 American farms were lost ing sandpaper. through bankruptcy or sheriff sales. • An EF-3 tornado near Pampa, Texas, was strong that it drove a corn stalk • Asoman once sued Anheuser-Busch into car’s radiator. withathe claim that the company’s ads misrepresented his potential attractive• A mother admitted to attending her ness to the“chickenpox opposite sex,party,” if he would just clique’s a social drink theirwhere beer. parents expose unvacgathering cinated childrenepic to the virus, even • The Persian “Explanation of though herand daughter had been of vaccinatChatrang the Invention Nard” ed, fearedbeing rejection by the tellsbecause the storyshe of chess introduced group she didn’t up.envoy from to the ifroyal courtshow by an India. • Nearly 90% of London’s police officers don’t carry firearms. • During the 18th and 19th centuries, many British American newspa• Before the and invention of electricity, personly featured elegies forwavelengths dead pets. the electromagnetic present on Earth in anyfound significant Among them, one scholar six for amount those corresponding to monkeys,were 12 for canaries, 17 for cats the andcolors 53 forseen dogs.in a rainbow. • Egyptians In 2005, former Washington, D.C., used vast amounts of linadministrative judge—Roy Pearson en to mummifylaw a body in fact, the Jr. suedonhisone neighborhood dry the cleaners fabric mummy from 11th for $67 measured million after a pair his suit dynasty 9,095 feet,of enough to pants was accidentally cover three tennis courts.sent to another location. (No, he didn’t *** win.) *** Thought for the Day: “You’ve got for thein Day: “Thegoing first toThought get to theLEGAL stage lifeNOTICE where wealth is health.” — Ralph Waldo STATE OF MICHIGAN for it is more important than winning or Emerson IN THEAshe 51st CIRCUIT COURT losing.” — Arthur FOR THE COUNTY OFInc. OCEANA © © 2026 2026 King King Features Features Synd., Synd., Inc. ORDER FOR ALTERNATE SERVICE OF PROCESS

“An action seeking to quiet title to certain real property located in Pentwater Township, Oceana County, Michigan, legally described as: The North Half (½) of the Northwest Quarter (¼) of the Northwest Quarter (1/4), Section 34, Town 16 North, Range 17 West, Pentwater Township, Oceana County, Michigan Parcel No. 64-001-587-025-00 (Hereinafter, the “Property”).

BENONA TOWNSHIP Synopsis of Meeting August 24, 2026

The regular meeting of August 24, 2026 was called to order at 7:00 PM with all Board members present and 11 visitors. The agenda was approved as submitted. The minutes of the regular meeting of July 27, 2026 were approved as submitted. Action was taken on the following: • Resolution for 2026 Millage Levy adopted. • Registration for MTA Fall Regional meeting approved. • Bills approved for payment, with additions.

OC ANIMAL SHELTER If you're looking for a big-hearted girl with a whole lot of love to give, Winnie might just be your girl! Winnie is as sweet as they come. She is incredibly friendly, loves people, and absolutely enjoys getting attention. Once she knows you're her friend, she's happy to soak up all the love you have to offer. Winnie does well around other dogs, although she has a bit of a herding instinct and likes to keep everyone organized. Because of this, we think she'd be happiest with a calmer canine companion or a confident dog who doesn't mind Winnie taking on the role of supervisor! Dog friendly: Yes, but a meet and greet is required if you have another dog. Cats: Unknown. We think she may do okay with a cat with slow, proper introductions and supervision. Winnie is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. If

Meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM. A copy of the complete minutes is available from the Clerk at Benona Township Hall or on the township website (www. benonatownship.org).

- Margie Shaw, Clerk

Meet Winnie

interested, please call the shelter at 231861-5395. 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.

has been commenced by Plaintiffs RUTH SERVER, as Trustee of the Peter B. Northrup Irrevocable Trust fbo Ruth Server; RUTH SERVER, as Trustee of the Martha B. Northrup Irrevocable Trust fbo Ruth Server; JAMES NORTHRUP, as Trustee of the Peter B. Northrup Irrevocable Trust fbo James Northrup; and JAMES NORTHRUP, as Trustee of the Martha B. Northrup Irrevocable Trust fbo James Northrup, against Defendants DORUS E. MYERS, a/k/a D.E. MYERS, MURIEL N. MYERS, 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”

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THE OCEANA ECHO SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 9

Village of Shelby reviews gap analysis report By Sharon Hallack

of the analysis looked at retail establishments such as restaurants, bars and/or cafes, specialty retail, apparel and gifts, personal services and grocery stores. Based on the data gathered and compiled, “Shelby residents are routine, repeat consumers actively spending outside of the village,” stated the report. Given this information, it is believed that with further economic development and investment in the village, existing trips out of the area could be intercepted and the following additional businesses could be supported by locals - two to three new restaurants, one to two new cafes, two to three new boutique retail shops and two to four new tourism shops. “Shelby is currently capturing only 25-50 percent of retail demand in key downtown sectors, indicating significant unmet demand and strong opportunity for business recruitment and downtown revitalization,” the report went on. The report noted that while downtown Shelby's strengths include a walkable corridor, centralized location and existing building stock, weaknesses needing to be addressed include aging infrastructure and buildings, lack of anchor tenants and high renovation costs. An implementation strategy that could be pursued over the next 10 years suggested a three-phase strategy and tools that could be utilized for funding these strategies. The report concluded with, “The Village of Shelby is located within a high-volume regional retail system generating millions of trips annually. Both modeled and real-world data confirm that demand exists, consumers are active and spending is leaving the village. However, by implementing a retail 'interception strategy' and targeted downtown investment, Shelby can reverse current ‘retail leakage,’ support multiple new businesses and build a sustainable, active commercial district.” "We love our businesses, and this report demonstrates we could support more of them. It also demonstrates the retail 'leakage' categories that people go to neighboring communities (for), such as Fremont, Ludington or Muskegon. Expanding local options in these categories would give residents the

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent SHELBY - Along with all of the new construction developments in the Village of Shelby, there were a number of other discussion and action items on its meeting agendas in the month of August. At the Aug. 10 village council meeting, Village Administrator Phil Morse shared an interesting “gap analysis” report prepared by Curtis Burdette, Executive Director of the Oceana County Economic Alliance (OCEA). The report was put together using available market data and economic research tools and provided information about the goods and services Shelby-area residents are currently purchasing outside the community. It highlighted potential business development opportunities and investment within the village. The key conclusion of the report was, “Shelby doesn’t lack demand. It is failing to capture existing demand already flowing through nearby retail corridors.” “This report was built using ESRI (Economic and Social Research Institute), a widely regarded gold standard source for economic data and research, and was calibrated for Shelby-scale communities. That said, it should be seen as an introductory or high-level analysis rather than the kind of deeply robust evaluation produced by trained economic analysts working directly in the field, such as the team from ESRI. While informed by recognized ESRI best practices, the OCEA analysis was developed using locally available tools and expertise, without direct ESRI resources or support,” explained Burdette in an email following the meeting. The trade area analyzed was Shelby village proper, in addition to Shelby and Ferry townships, an estimated 7,000 people, with a median household income of $50,000 to $60,000. The report also took into account the increase in demand related to the area’s tourism. Using regional retail behavior data available from Mobile Data Insights, the report indicated there are a total of 5.6 million annual visits to retail locations north and south of the trade area named above. Part

opportunity to shop locally and keep more dollars circulating within the community," Morse said. In other Aug. 10 council meeting happenings, the village council went into closed session at the conclusion of regular business to meet with Morse regarding his annual performance review and discuss his annual compensation package. While most of what was discussed during that closed session is not available to the public. Mike Termer, chairperson of the village Personnel Committee, did comment later, “Phil received a favorable review (from) the council, voting to extend a 3.5% merit increase commensurate with his work. The village council sees Phil as a positive attribute (for the) work he has done and his plans to see the village become a safe, appealing community. Phil, as our administrator, is doing an exceptional job; he continues to be challenged with the (village's) growth while striving to meet the needs of our community. He is approachable and welcomes community involvement and interactions. We are thankful for his continued service.” The village’s noon siren, which stopped working after an attempt to correct its timing, is still non-operational. The plan is to relocate the siren. Stay tuned to village emails and posts for updates. According to an audit presentation of Fiscal Year 2026, which ended Feb. 28, by village accountant Brickley DeLong, the village’s major funds ended their last fiscal year with the following balances: General Fund at $741,428; Major Streets at $667,689; and Local Streets at $449,438. The unrestricted available balances starting March 1, 2026 were: Sewer Fund at $367,568 and Water Fund at $703,092. The next Shelby Village Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14 beginning at 6 p.m. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the village hall. Several other items of business were presented and discussed at both August council meetings. Full meeting packets, including the approved minutes for both meetings, are available at www.shelbyvillage. com, under the Government tab, then Meeting packets, Minutes and Documents.

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9 SEPTEMBER LAKE MIRROR 10 SEPTEMBER11, 11,2026 2026 THE THEWHITE OCEANA ECHO

Echo SPORTS THE

V-Ball Standings Hart: 8-3-3 Shelby: 4-1 Hesperia: 1-2 Pentwater: 1-3 Walkerville: 0-3

Hart • Hesperia • Pentwater • Shelby • Walkerville

ECHO SPORTS

Hart executes to perfection, upsets Montague Hart holds possession most of game, gets 1st Pirates win in series in 26 years By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor HART — Twenty-six years. Hart had gone 26 years without defeating Montague heading into last Thursday's game between the teams. In fact, the Pirates hadn't even been competitive in the series in that span - a 27-point defeat in 2014 was the closest game Hart had played against the Wildcats since their last win. Not anymore. The Pirates delivered clutch play after clutch play and executed their game plan to near-perfection, grabbing an early lead and scoring a 30-20 win that gave Hart a 2-0 record, 1-0 in the West Michigan Conference Lakes. "They knew (the history) very well," a smiling Hart coach Joe Tanis said. "The last seven meetings, we'd been outscored 405-6. We thought if we could get eight points...we've already done something. "We really tried to remove the fear. We knew there was no pressure on us. Nobody really expected us to win, I don't think, and that's right where we wanted to be. It allowed us to be fearless." Hart knew if it tried to out-athlete the Wildcats, they were in trouble; Montague star Cole Moss is one of the best players in the area. The Pirates' plan was simple in concept - just don't let the Wildcat offense on the field. It's often harder to execute.

Hart quarterback Kolton Rockwell dives forward for more yardage during Thursday's game against Montague. Rockwell helped the Pirates score a 30-20 win. • Andy Roberts/Echo Hart's Sawyer Boos races downfield on a big run during Thursday's WMC Lakes game Not for Hart, though, which came against Montague. The Pirates won the game, 30-20. • Andy Roberts/Echo

up with a huge fourth-down conversion on its first drive when Sawyer Boos battled through the Montague defense on fourth-and-6, setting up Keaghan Monroe's six-yard touchdown run. Moss proved how good he is by returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown - Hart didn't kick it to Moss, but the Wildcats ran a nifty endaround play on the return to get him the ball anyway - but in a way, the play backfired on Montague, because it put Hart's offense back on the field. After using five minutes of clock on their first drive, the Pirates burned off 10:34 on their second. Quarterback Kolton Rockwell made a big-time throw to Boos on his first pass attempt of the game, Kole Thomas had a big thirddown conversion, and Rockwell found Haegan Hansen out of the backfield for an 11-yard touchdown, another huge fourth-down play. After a successful two-point conversion, it was 14-6. Montague scored in response,

Hart's Jordan Thies (2) tries to bust through a gap on a kick return during Thursday's game against Montague. • Andy Roberts/Echo

converting the two-pointer to tie it up, a four-yard TD run and a two-pointer but with just over two minutes to work put Hart up by eight going into the with, the Pirates delivered again, with break. Montague had had exactly one Rockwell connecting with Thomas on an impressive throw to get his team into scoring range. Monroe later scored on

Hart's big win continued on page 11

Tigers unable to slow down potent MCC in tough loss By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor The Oceana Echo's Amanda Dodge contributed to this story. Shelby showed sparks last Thursday night of being a team that could challenge a Mason County Central group Tigers' coach Jacob Tumele believes has as good a chance as anyone to win the West Michigan Conference Rivers. However, Shelby couldn't come up with enough big plays to outdo a potent MCC offense in a 41-20 defeat. The visiting Spartans moved the ball very effectively, gaining 515 yards, 387 of them on the ground. Two different Spartans rushed for over 130 yards. Still, the Tigers showed some fight of their own, and only three red zone trips coming up empty kept them from giving MCC much more of a battle. The Tigers twice couldn't convert on fourth down inside MCC's 15-yard line, and on another occasion threw an interception. "That's on me to put our kids in a better situation to be successful,"

Tumele said. "Hats off to MCC's defense and what they did." Tumele has coached with Spartan counterpart Dave Smith and was impressed with the team he has, saying they won the physical battle at the line of scrimmage. Still, however, the Tigers (1-1, 0-1 WMC Rivers) signaled that fans can be optimistic about what they can do this season. Shelby's front line on offense again paved the way for an effective running game, as Brody Fessenden ran for 135 yards on 18 carries and Jaylin Henderson had 97 on 12 attempts, including a touchdown run. Henderson also threw for 77 yards. The two senior stars also were the top tacklers on the team Thursday. Tumele said Elijah Dashiell also stood out, less so for his on-field play - though he did have 69 total offensive yards - than for his leadership, a skill the coach said he's significantly improved since the offseason. "Today, he responded in so many ways," Tumele said. "Telling kids, 'Next play mentality,' having a great speech at halftime about responding. 'We have to

Shelby’s Jaylin Henderson (16) looks for more Mason County Central foes to block to make room for teammate Brody Fessenden to run during last Thursday's game at Shelby. The Tigers fell to the Spartans, 41-20. • Amanda Dodge/Echo

go compete for four quarters, because we're very close.'" Tumele added that the team has no time to feel sorry for itself; North Muskegon comes to town next Friday. The Norsemen have not lost a single West Michigan Conference Rivers game

since the division was formed in 2022. "There's no 'poor me,' we just have to battle," Tumele said. "I believe our kids will be up to that challenge. The big thing I want to see is, can we respond?"

10 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR THE OCEANA ECHO SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 11

Pirates battle tough foes at Reeths-Puffer Quad

Hart goes 2-1 behind solid, balanced offensive effort By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

MUSKEGON — Fresh off attaining a No. 9 ranking in Division 3 in the state polls, the Hart Pirates showed Tuesday night that they intend to stay in the top 10 with a solid showing at the ReethsPuffer Quad, playing three much larger schools. The Pirates (8-3-3) edged Kenowa Hills in their first match of the night, a close victory by a score of 25-22, 25-18. In match number two, Hart bounced back from a very tough game two defeat against the host Rockets to come away with the win, 25-18, 29-31, 25-23. Perhaps exhausted after fighting to get that win, Hart was unable to complete a perfect night and fell to Allendale in its last match of the evening, 25-15, 25-21. "We got a little gassed at the end and that's probably what cost us against Allendale, but they're a good team too," Hart coach Shawn Bectel said. "If we were to play 10 times, we'd probably split five each. The competition was good."

Hart's Peyton Erickson (11) and Ava Johnson leap to block an attack by ReethsPuffer's Mackenzie Danz during Tuesday's R-P quad. The Pirates went 2-1 on the night. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart played solid offense throughout the night, posting a .194 hitting percentage in the three matches. Reese Smith led the way, racking up 25 kills and hitting .270. Peyton Erickson was nearly as productive, hitting .222 and posting 21 kills. Smith was a known quantity entering the season, and Bectel hasn't been surprised at Erickson's emergence, even as a freshman, due to her skill. What excited the coach, though, was that two other hitters Braelynn Talmadge and Jenna Babbin - also got involved, with 22 and 13 kills apiece with solid hitting percentages. "Those are my two right sides, and if they get on a roll, it opens up our offense even more," Bectel said."Reese

Hart's Peyton Erickson winds up to launch an attack against Reeths-Puffer defenders Mackenzie Danz and Peyton Radel during Tuesday's R-P quad meet. Erickson helped the Pirates post a 2-1 record at the quad. • Andy Roberts/Echo

is Reese. She's a stud. Peyton is going to be that kid, for sure. To have her court awareness as a freshman is ridiculous." Calyn Eisenlohr and Grace Tucker combined for 85 assists. Hart had only eight service errors all night and served 18 aces, led by six each from Smith and Alayna Schiller. On defense, Ava Johnson had seven blocks and Schiller compiled 51 digs. The Pirates scheduled aggressively

in the early season this year, anticipating a team ready for the grind. So far, they've been proven right, and the grind will continue Saturday with a trip to the Grand Haven Invitational - including a clash with 12-1 Zeeland East. "We're putting in the work and playing the (top) teams," Bectel said. "I think we're on a good path. Hopefully we can stay healthy."

Pirates post season best 9-hole Falcons run in new Mesick Relay score at home jamboree By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor HART — Hart continued its push to get to the No. 4 spot in the West Michigan Conference Lakes Wednesday, posting a season-best score of 234 at its home jamboree. The Pirates finished just nine shots behind fourth-place Fremont. Grace Tucker led the way for Hart, earning a career-best score of 50 to place 10th overall. She opened her round with

Hart's Reese Smith, left, and Grace Tucker launch shots during Wednesday's Hart jamboree. Tucker led the Pirates with a career-best 50, and Smith was two strokes behind, as Hart finished in fifth place. • Andy Roberts/Echo

a birdie and later made 52, her season best score, Joselyn Flores tied for the two pars. and Tenley Amstutz had Pirates' fourth scoring Reese Smith shot a a 65. Baleigh Klotz and spot with a 67 apiece.

Hart's big win offensive possession. "We had a very strategic plan on how we wanted to play the game tactically," Tanis said. "We knew we had to make it an ugly game. We knew we had to make it our kind of game. We knew we had to limit possessions. We had to win the key moments." "Our goal was to take time off the clock," Rockwell said. "One drive took 10 minutes off the clock. If we have the ball, they can't score, so that was our mindset. If we can finish our drives and they don't have the ball, we have a pretty good chance." Montague ended

the game with 26 offensive plays. Mission accomplished. Maybe the most key moment occurred when Montague worked into scoring range to start the third quarter. The Pirate defense came up with consecutive sacks to end the drive and maintain the lead. Although Hart punted on its next drive, the stop proved to be crucial. Montague scored the next time it got the ball, but missed the two-point conversion, allowing the Pirates to make it a two-possession game with their own TD and two-pointer. They did just that, with Hansen

continued from page 10

scoring on a six-yard run. Nine minutes remained, but the pace of the game made it feel like much less. Hart's defense came up with one more huge stop to secure the win when Hansen recovered a fumbled snap with six minutes left. The Pirates then ran out the clock. Rockwell completed all three of his throws for 71 yards and a touchdown, but most importantly ran the offense with poise. Tanis mentioned before the season that Rockwell, a third-year quarterback, knew the offense almost as well as the coach did by now, and with

a couple of impressive audibles, he proved it. "Kolton Rockwell switched a couple plays on me that turned out to be huge plays and fixed some of my plays," Tanis said. "Having a threeyear quarterback is a huge advantage. He can do some stuff out there that most people can't." Hansen's four tackles was second on the defense behind Jordan Thies' 4.5. He also had 66 offensive yards, including his touchdown. His leadership has been his most impressive quality, Tanis said. "That guy is an absolute stud," Tanis said. "I've coached some great leaders, guys that went on to be captains in college. He might be the best one I've ever had.

Pentwater took part in a new, novel event Tuesday when it participated in the Mesick Relays, a twist on the usual cross-country races. Fans of running are familiar with relay races in track and field, but Tuesday saw the concept ported to crosscountry, with teams of two runners running for two miles each and high-fiving as a relay handoff. "It was such a fun twist on cross-country, and our Falcons loved it," Pentwater coach Erika Fatura said. "Three of our duos finished in the top eight, earning six varsity medals." The Falcons had two pairs in each of the boys' and girls' races. Bailey Case and Lily Smith were the top Pentwater girls pair, with their combined four-mile time of 31:28.6 earning fourth place. Two other Pentwater pairs finished eighth - in the girls' race, Maggie Jorissen and Valerie Smith totaled a time of 41:22.1, and in the boys' race, Ben Roberson and Skyler Compton finished eighth with a total time of 28:22.0. Also for the Falcons, Michael Smith and Colton Jorissen had a total time of 37:08.96. Fatura added that the Falcons' middle-school girls' team took first place in their race, which took place under the traditional two-mile individual format.

Hart's Sawyer Boos (1) fights his way through the Montague defense for a fourth-down conversion during Thursday's game at Hart. • Andy Roberts/Echo

He just absolutely does everything the right way and leads our guys." Hart will try to keep the fun going next week against Fremont, which upset Whitehall this week. For the Pirates, the key will be remaining steady and continuing to execute at the level they

did Thursday. "Just keep doing what we're doing and go week by week," Rockwell said. "Don't skip over anyone, because a lot of games this year are going to be just like this, and just like Reese, one-score games down to the end."

Volume Issue 44 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR THE Volume OCEANA ECHO SEPTEMBER 11,11, 2026 12 Issue SEPTEMBER Volume3,3, 3, Issue44 44 SEPTEMBER 11,2026 2026 111 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER11, 11,2026 2026 THE THEWHITE WHITELAKE LAKEMIRROR MIRROR Total Raised: $138,036 Lead this Legacy REFLECTIONSReflections OF OUR COMMUNITY Reflections of our community Reflections ofour ourcommunity community of

White Lake Mirror YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE YOUR LOCALLYOWNED OWNEDAND ANDOPERATED OPERATEDNONPROFIT NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE YOUR LOCALLY OWNED NEWS SOURCE YOUR LOCALLY AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

White Lake walkstogether together on on Labor Labor Day Day WhiteLake Lakewalks White

Dozens residents gathered Monday for the annual White Lake Community Walk. the mayors Montague and Whitehall, Tom Lohman (above left, left front Dozens ofarea area residents gathered Monday for the annual White Lake Community Walk. As istradition, tradition, the mayors of Montague and Whitehall, Tom Lohman(above (aboveleft, left,left leftofof offront front Dozens ofofarea residents gathered Monday for the annual White Lake Community Walk. AsAs isistradition, the mayors ofof Montague and Whitehall, Tom Lohman row) and Tom Ziemer, led the contingent walkers, who enjoyed sky and comfortable temperatures they traversed the pedestrian brige between the two cities. When row) and Tom Ziemer, led the contingent walkers, who enjoyed acloudless cloudless sky and comfortable temperatures as they traversed the pedestrianbrige brigebetween betweenthe thetwo twocities. cities.When When row) and Tom Ziemer, led the contingent ofofof walkers, who enjoyed a acloudless sky and comfortable temperatures asas they traversed the pedestrian the walk reached end the White Lake Chamber Bureau, healthy snacks was available for participants. Marshall/Mirror Photos the walk reached its end the White Lake Chamber &Visitor's Visitor's Bureau, aselection selection healthy snacks was available for participants. ••Claire •Claire ClaireMarshall/Mirror Marshall/MirrorPhotos Photos the walk reached itsits end atatat the White Lake Chamber &&Visitor's Bureau, a aselection ofofof healthy snacks was available for participants.

MPSCawaits awaitscompleted completedLakeside MPSC awaits completed LakesideSolar Solarapplication application MPSC

Commission, last last week's week's scheduled scheduled Bailey said said over over 90 90 participants participants land, land, but but Schmiege Schmiege said said Chemours Chemours Commission, Bailey Lastweek's week'shearing hearing Commission, Last week's hearing last week's scheduled Bailey said over 90 participants land, but Schmiege said Chemours Last hearing has has been been postponed postponed to to an an joined joined the the meeting meeting online, online, including including relayed relayed to to him him that that no no such such agreement agreement hearing movedto toundetermined undetermined hearing has been postponed to an joined the meeting online, including relayed to him that no such agreement moved to undetermined moved undetermineddate. date. manytownship townshipresidents. residents. is in place place at at this this time. time. Schmiege Schmiege did did undetermined many undetermined date. many township residents. isisininplace at this time. Schmiege did dateonce onceapplication application date once application TheMPSC MPSCawaits awaitsaacompleted completedform form Also of of note note during during the the meeting, meeting, say say that that he he reported reported the the township township The Also date The MPSC awaits a completed form Also of note during the meeting, say that he reported the township completed fromLakeside LakesideSolar, Solar, which which is seeking seeking township township zoning zoning administrator administrator Bill Bill ordinance's ordinance's limitations limitations on on data data center center completed from isisiscompleted from Lakeside Solar, which isisseeking township zoning administrator Bill ordinance's limitations on data center approval to construct a 1,575-acre Schmiege reported that he had been construction, including the inability to

approval toto construct construct a a 1,575-acre 1,575-acre Schmiege Schmiegereported reportedthat thathe hehad hadbeen been construction, construction,including includingthe theinability inabilitytoto approval energy facility facility in in the the township. township. Once Once approached approached by by aa developer developer within within build buildthem themin inthe thetownship's township'sRenewable Renewable energy energy facility in the township. Once approached by a developer within build them in the township's Renewable WhiteLake LakeMirror MirrorEditor Editor White oneisisreceived, received,aanew new hearing hearing would would the the last last month month regarding regarding interest interest Energy EnergyOverlay Overlaydistrict, district, in in critical critical dune dune White Lake Mirror Editor one is received, a new hearing would the last month regarding interest Energy Overlay district, in critical dune MONTAGUE — — White White River Riverone be scheduled within 60 days. The MPSC in constructing a data center in the areas, or in waterfront areas zoned MONTAGUE be scheduled within 60 days. The MPSC in constructing a data center in the areas, or in waterfront areas zoned MONTAGUE — White River be scheduled within 60 days. The MPSC in constructing a data center in the areas, or in waterfront areas zoned Township Supervisor Supervisor Ron Ron Bailey Bailey continues continues to to accept accept public public comment comment township. township. The The developer, developer, whom whom residential, residential, the the combination combination of which which Township Township Supervisor Ron Bailey continues to accept public comment township. The developer, whom residential, the combination ofofwhich informed the township during the from from affected landowners, with a link Schmiege declined to name after takes up over half of the township. informed the township during the affected landowners, with a link Schmiege declined to name after takes up over half of the township. informed the township during the from affected landowners, with a link Schmiege declined to name after takes up over half of the township. board'sregular regularmeeting meetingTuesday Tuesdaythat that available available atGeronimo GeronimoPower's Power'sproject project the the meeting meeting due due to it being being such such an an Claire Schlaff Schlaff spoke spoke during during board's Claire board's regular meeting Tuesday that available atatGeronimo Power's project the meeting due totoititbeing such an Claire Schlaff spoke during due to there not being a completed website, geronimopower.com/inearly stage in the process, claimed to due to there not being a completed website, geronimopower.com/inearly stage in the process, claimed to due to there not being a completed website, geronimopower.com/in- early stage in the process, claimed to applicationfor for asolar solarenergy energyfacility facilityon on development/lakeside-solar-storagedevelopment/lakeside-solar-storage- have have an an agreement agreement with with Chemours Chemours application application for a asolar energy facility on development/lakeside-solar-storagehave an agreement with Chemours filewith withthe theMichigan MichiganPublic PublicServices Services project. project. to construct construct aa data data center center on on their their file to continued on on page page 22 file with the Michigan Public Services project. continued to construct a data center on their continued on page 2

By Andy Roberts By Andy Roberts By Andy Roberts

WhiteRiver RiverTwp. Twp. White

Whitehallcouncil councilapproves approvesLED Whitehall council approves LEDsign signpurchase purchase Whitehall

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The council may the spirit of a grant program unanimously approved will move move the the time time capsule capsule explore explore an an ordinance ordinance change change designed designed to to improve improve the the unanimously approved will the purchase of a new newwill explore an ordinance changeof designed to ofimprove the move the timenext capsule the purchase of a currently located to City to govern the brightness appearance a business, theinformational purchase LED of asignnew currentlylocated locatednext nexttotoCity City toto govern govern the the brightness brightness ofof appearance appearance ofof aa business, business, fromcurrently informationalLED LEDsign signfrom from Hall to to aa nearby nearby location location to to such suchsigns, signs,noting notingthat thatthey theyare are but but the the council council ultimately ultimately informational Hall Postema Signs, Signs, toto be be placed placedHall to a nearby location to such signs, noting that they are but the council ultimately Postema agreedwith withCity CityManager ManagerDan Dan makeroom roomfor forthe thesign. sign. onlygetting gettingmore morecommon. common. Postema Signs, to beduring placedits make only agreed outside City Hall, makeDuring room for the work sign. session only getting more common. agreed with City Manager Dan outside City Hall, during its the The council also granted Tavernier's characterization outside Hall, Tuesday during its a During the the work work session session The council council also also granted granted Tavernier's Tavernier's characterization characterization regularCity meeting During The regular meeting Tuesdayatatat a preceding themeeting, meeting, council unanimous unanimous approval to aa of of the the program program as as helping helping • Whitehall City Council regular meeting Tuesday a preceding the council approval to totalcost costofof$41,390. $41,390. preceding the Debi meeting,Hillebrand council unanimous approval toGrant a ofwith theanything programa customer as helping Whitehall City City Council total member Facade Improvement can ••Meeting Whitehall total cost of $41,390. Packet Council member Debi Debi Hillebrand Hillebrand Facade Facade Improvement Improvement Grant Grant with withanything anythingaacustomer customercan can Postema, located in Grand Meeting Packet member Postema,located locatedininGrand Grand said she would get on board application from Ryan Hall, see from the street, including Meeting Packet Postema, from Ryan Ryan Hall, Hall, seefrom fromthe the street, including that were used this year. 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Street.Hall Hallsought soughtaa Thecouncil councilalso also approved council proposals for for sign atat the themisgivings to the thehas festival took The proposals a sign sign suchsigns signsare, are,saying sayingshe shefinds finds $6,000 $6,000 grant grant to to help help defray defray aa dates dates for the the 2027 2027approved Maritime toto festival since ititit took took proposals for a at the the festival since such for Maritime request of City Manager Dan such signs are, saying she finds $6,000 grant to help defray a dates for the 2027 Maritime requestofofCity CityManager ManagerDan Dan them distracting at times, $17,000 milling and repaving Festival for Aug. 5-7, using request them distracting distracting atat times, times, $17,000milling millingand andrepaving repaving Festival for for Aug. Aug. 5-7, 5-7, using using Tavernier. them Tavernier. especially in the evening. $17,000 of the parking lot of his Festival the same Goodrich Park and Tavernier. especially in the evening. of the parking lot of his the same Goodrich Park and The proposed sign willespecially in the evening. of the parking lot of his the same Goodrich Park and The proposed proposed sign sign will will She cited the Culver's sign on business. continued on page 2 White Lake Marina facilities The continuedon onpage page22 She cited the Culver's sign on business. White Lake Marina facilities continued She cited the Culver's sign on business. White Lake Marina facilities

Whitehallcouncil council Whitehall council Whitehall

213 SEPTEMBER LAKE MIRROR SEPTEMBER11, 11,2026 2026 THE THEWHITE OCEANA ECHO

Chamber seeks nominations for Lady Laker, El awards The White Lake Area Chamber & Visitor's Bureau is now accepting nominations for two of its honors — the Lady Laker Award and the El Award. The Lady Laker Award recognizes a female professional who has made an exceptional impact in the White Lake Area community, particularly

through mentoring and inspiring future leaders. The El Award honors an outstanding male professional who has been a positive influence in the community, actively involved in local organizations and connected to the business community. This award is given in memory of Eleanor Polley, a former

White River Twp. public comment on behalf of the Chemours Environmental Impact Committee, again sharing the group's dissatisfaction with Chemours' proposed cleanup plan for its environmentally damaged land in the township as presented in June. She added that CEIC is working to obtain a technical report regarding what it thinks is a lack of monitoring at the Pierson Creek Landfill and hopes to secure sediment testing in the area, as well as an independent investigation of Chemours' costs as it proposed in its cleanup document presented to the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. During the meeting, Aaron Bodbyl-Mast, chair of the Muskegon County Parks and Recreation Commission, made a presentation regarding the parks millage set to appear on the November ballot. The millage request will ask for 0.5 mills, which would be used to fund maintenance and improvements at county parks. Ballot language says the request, if granted, would raise $3.625 million in 2027. Three of the four county parks - Meinert Park,

Chamber Executive Director. All nominees must demonstrate outstanding service and a positive, supportive attitude. Nominations are due by Sept. 30, and forms are available at www.whitelake.org under “Events.” While additional awards, such as Entrepreneur of the Year, Legacy Award, Board of

continued from page 2

Blue Lake Park and Twin Lake Park - are located in the White Lake area. Bodbyl-Mast said that if the millage is approved, the county would waive parking fees at all four county parks. As he has at prior presentations, BodbylMast reported that 30% of millage funds would be set aside for distribution to county municipalities who opt in. The funds would be distributed on a per capita basis, with White River Township's share projected at about $8,500 per year, a figure trustee Deb Harris said found disappointing. Bodbyl-Mast offered that because Meinert Park is located in the township, it would be receiving additional money indirectly through improvements made to the park. Bailey reported that the pedestrian bridge at the end of Lau Road is slated to be updated in spring 2027, with work likely to last through much of next summer. A temporary bridge will be in place as a replacement for the duration of the project.

Director Awards and other honorary awards will also be presented at the Annual Dinner, only the Lady Laker and El Awards are open to public nominations. Award recipients will be announced at the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Monday, Oct. 19 at the Curly Horse Ameri-

can Bistro at Double JJ Resort, Rothbury. For questions or assistance with the nomination forms, please call our office at 231-893-4585, or email info@ whitelake.org.

Whitehall council continued from page 2

place last month. During council discussion, it was reported that Whitehall's police department impounded two e-motorcycles over the Labor Day weekend as they were being used where they were not permitted to be used. Police Chief Brandon Mahoney said the two drivers of the vehicles, which were rated to travel at up to 55 and 80 miles per hour respectively, were both minors and that parents were cooperative in both cases. Council member Jeff Holmstrom noted the beginning of the Michigan Department of Transportation bridge work project on Colby Street and noted that he'd like to see the MDOT sign alerting drivers to the closed ramp on northbound US-31 be moved

further south. He said the sign was currently placed too far north for drivers to change their route by taking the White Lake Drive exit. Tavernier reported that he is pursuing a state Community Disaster Preparedness Grant that would help the city respond to a natural disaster, citing as an example the propensity of Benston Road to flood amid heavy rains. Grant recipients would, with state help, devise a detailed plan for the deployment of volunteers in the event of a natural disaster. While there would be a city match requirement if Whitehall were awarded the grant, he said the city is not on the hook for any money at this time.

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COME CELEBRATE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY!

THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR SEPTEMBER11, 11,2026 2026 14 3 THE OCEANA ECHO SEPTEMBER

Community Calendar Saturday, Sept. 12 Montague Farmer's Market is open, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. White Lake Area Sportfishing Association hosts a highway trash pickup event, 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Fruitvale Road car pool lot. Ages 16 and older welcome. Refreshments provided. White Lake Knitting Club meets @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 1 p.m. Carl Webb performs @ Pub One Eleven, 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 Steve Thielman performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 10 a.m. White Lake Ukulele Club meets @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14 White Lake Community Library welcomes knitters and crocheters for a weekly gathering, 3 p.m. Knitters and crocheters are invited to bring whatever they're working on to this casual meetup, a great way to connect with others, share ideas, and enjoy good company. Fetch Brewing Running Group meets at 6 p.m. All are welcome to participate at their own pace and dis-

tance. Strollers also welcome. Tuesday, Sept. 15 Baby Time @ White Lake Commnuity Library, 9:30 a.m. Bring your kids 2 and under for early literacy skills, listening and joyful interaction through play. Older siblings also welcome. Steve Thielman performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 Family Storytime @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Children of all ages and their caregivers invited to join for stories, songs, music, and movement that support early literacy and language development. 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. Senior Resources of West Michigan presents Medicare 101 @ White Lake Community Library, 1 p.m. Get an overview of Medicare and a better understanding of your coverage. In-

tended for current beneficiaries and those turning 65 years of age in the near future. Registration appreciated @ wlclib.org. Youth Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 3-5 p.m. Bring in projects you’re working on or start something new with help from staff. Maker's Market @ Healthy Roots, 3-7 p.m. Farm produce, home baked goods and more. Friends of the Montague Library hosts an autumn Book Talk @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 5:30 p.m. Author Kelley Peel will discuss her children's book Seeds of the Sun. Meet and greet at 5:30, presentation at 6. Thursday, Sept. 17 Toddler Storytime @ MADL Montague, 11 a.m. Toddlers ages 2-3 invited for books, fingerplays, music, movement, and other activities. 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. Original Dulcimer Players Club hosts its monthly acoustic jam @ VAC, 1-6 p.m. with a break at 3 p.m.

All are welcome, and any acoustic instruments can join in the jam. Teens' Bling a Duck event @ MADL Montague, 3:30 p.m. Use crystal gems, paint, stickers and glitter glue to build a one-of-a-kind rubber duck. Fantasy Illustrations Family Night @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Learn to draw your own fantasy world and spark creativity. All ages and skill levels welcome. Fetch Cycling Group meets at 6 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Friday, Sept. 18 Play and Learn @ White Lake Commuity Library, 9:30 a.m. Children ages 5 and under and their caregivers invited to join for stories, songs, rhymes, movement, and play that build early literacy skills. Mahjong at the Library @ White Lake Community Library, 10 a.m. Beginners and experienced players welcome - bring your own sets if you like. Afternoon Hang @ White Lake Community Library, 2 p.m. Tweens 10 and up are invited to play video games, do crafts, eat snacks or just hang out!

Echoes of History: History Mystery of Dead Man's Lake (Pt. 2) By Tom Eitniear Volunteer Contributor Part 1 of this story ran in the Sept. 4 issue of the Mirror. The true story of how the lake was named remains a mystery no longer but does require some background information, so I want to take you back in time to the 1870s. The chop of the axe and the draw of the saw were heard throughout the forest. Warnings of “Timber!” and the crash of virgin pine trees to the forest floor were commonplace as lumber interests were harvesting the resources located on their holdings. The lumber businessmen did not do the harvesting themselves, but instead contracted with certain individuals to harvest logs for their mills. The vast

majority of the processing mills were located on White Lake near the outlet of the White River, and the contractors were responsible for preparing the logs for spring transport via the river system. Contractors could have jobs that required anywhere from 1 million to 15 million board feet of logs. These logs typically were cut in the winter, but larger jobs would require workers in the woods during the summer months as well. One local contractor was Ransom Swain. Ransom developed a logging camp on the south bank of the North Branch of the White River, approximately two-thirds of a mile from the lake. From this camp the men would head out into the forest before dawn so that when first

light came upon the landscape they could start the harvest. They would continue until dusk, when they would then head back to camp for a meal. There would be a couple of hours after the meal where they would entertain themselves until lights went out, usually at 9 p.m. This process would be repeated each day, Monday through Saturday, with Sundays off. Sundays were spent writing letters, telling stories, singing songs, or whatever the men could find to occupy their time, and this is where the story begins. Victor O’Connell was born in the year 1860, the fourth child of Bernard and Rosana O’Connell. The son of Irish immigrants, he grew up on a farm located

in section 7 and 8 in Montague Township, Muskegon County, Michigan. In the summer of 1878 Victor secured employment with Ranson Swain and was present at his logging camp. The Wednesday, Aug. 14, 1878, edition of The Fremont Times reported the following: "A young man by the name of Montague, from Whitehall, was drowned last Sunday morning in a small lake near Swain’s lumber camp. It appears that there was but one boat upon the lake, which was a very small one-man canoe, and Montague had been in the habit of riding in it, much against the wishes of many of his comrades, on account of his being unable to swim. He had been warned often to stay out of it, there be-

ing no way possible for anyone to help him if he should upset, but being confident of his ability to navigate with it, he continued his sport, each time risking his life, until the result above stated. His body was recovered." The newspaper obviously had gotten mixed up with his name but presented the details accordingly. From the description one could assume that Victor had engaged the one-man canoe on more than one occasion and perhaps was using it on a weekly basis to provide some entertainment on his Sundays off. His comrades were aware of his activity, and appeared to be concerned about his safety, often warning him about the potential peril to which he was exposing himself.

Good Neighbor Day Dinner registration now open By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor Reserve your spot today for the 4th annual Good Neighbor Day Dinner! The dinner is set for Thursday, Sept. 24 from 6–8 p.m., on Slocum Street next to The Playhouse at White Lake. This free, family-style feast catered by Hanson Hill Waterfront Grill is a chance to share a meal, catch up with familiar DeMumbrum faces, and meet new people - all around one long table under the evening sky. Registration is open now at wlclib. org/calendar or by phone at 231-8949531. A waiting list will open once all 75 seats are filled. The dinner is free for participants, though free-will donations are welcome at the event to

help support future Good Neighbor Day dinners. Community Assistance Services at the Library Thanks to a new partnership with Access Health, the library will soon be offering drop-in assistance for anyone in the community looking for help with things like applying for food assistance or Medicaid, or finding a primary care provider, or just seeking an advocate who will support them on their journey. Beginning Sept. 21, a community health worker will be on hand at the library the first and third Mondays of the month from 12:30 to 2:30, ready to talk to people and connect them with community-based services. More info at wlclib.org/calendar. FUN FACT: Looking at factors such as health, education level, food insecurity, and eviction rates, Muskegon County is faring just about the same as the average county nationally and a little bit worse than the state average. Explore the data yourself at countyhealthrankings.org - it’s pretty

interesting! 1-2-3 Play With Me Workshop Series Begins Oct. 1 Ready for some fun with your little ones? 1-2-3 Play With Me is starting soon! The fall series of this popular program is set for 5:30 every Thursday in October. Each evening includes an hour of play time for families with children ages 1-5, plus a community resource professional who will be on hand to talk with families and answer any questions parents or caregivers may have. These professionals include a nutritionist, a speech therapist, a child development specialist, and more. Registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited. Please visit wlclib.org/calendar to reserve your spot, or call 231-894-9531. Medicare 101 - Learn the Basics Sept. 16 A Medicare 101 class is set for Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. This free educational program provides a clear overview of Medicare and is intended for anyone turning 65 soon, current Medicare beneficiaries who

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want a better understanding of their coverage, or family members helping a loved one navigate Medicare. This is an opportunity to learn the basics of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, understand enrollment timelines and potential late enrollment penalties, and ask general Medicare questions. Presented by Senior Resources of West Michigan, this program offers unbiased information to help you understand how Medicare works. Registration appreciated at wlclib. org/calendar.

4 SEPTEMBER LAKE MIRROR 15 SEPTEMBER11, 11,2026 2026 THE THEWHITE OCEANA ECHO

MIRROR SPORTS

V-Ball Standings Whitehall: 0-6-1 Montague: 2-4-3 R-P: 5-4-2

• montague • Reeths-PUffer • Whitehall •

Injury-plagued Rockets show grit at quad Go 1-2 in tough, close matchups By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor MUSKEGON — Even though Reeths-Puffer went 1-2 at its home quad meet Tuesday night, Rockets' coach Syann Fairfield was pleased with her team's mindset throughout the evening. One big reason for her optimism was how the Rockets responded to finding out that morning that leading attacker Lexie Danz would miss the matches with an injury. Fairfield said the Rockets expressed a willingness to play wherever needed to fill in the gaps. "I think (it) was a really big moment for everyone to prove themselves and step into some different roles," Fairfield said. "Their mindset is great. They're gritty, they hustled and they worked hard. They're executing very well.

Reeths-Puffer's Kate Tindall (7) lines up a set for a teammate during Tuesday's home quad meet. Tindall had 80 assists total in the 3 matches.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Eventually those wins will come, but for right now we're celebrating the little things." The Rockets took a 25-16, 25-15 defeat to Allendale in their first match and fell just short of a win against Hart in their second, dropping a thriller 25-18, 29-31, 2523. R-P then edged Kenowa Hills 25-21, 25-23 to salvage a victory from the night. Getting so many reps in

Reeths-Puffer's Makayla Jewett goes for an attack against Allendale's Grace Kragt during Tuesday's R-P Quad. The Rockets fell to Allendale, but played close matches all night and went 1-2.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

close games, and coming out on top on a couple of occasions, such as game two against Hart and in both games against the Knights, was something the Rockets can build on. "It's hard to build those high pressure situations

in practice," Fairfield said. "That's what games are for, is to put all of that to the test. It's the easiest way to build pressure. Facing some big time hitters and ball control teams from the Grand Rapids area, to be able to play against that is helpful."

Leah Zuniga led the Rocket defense on the night with 34 digs, and she also served five aces. Kate Tindall piloted the offense with 80 assists. Mackenzie Danz and Addison Whittaker had 23 and 22 kills respectively.

Wildcat offense kept off the field in loss to Hart Only one firsthalf possession for Montague against keep-away Pirates By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor HART — Montague entered last Thursday's game with Hart confident they could move the ball on offense. And the Wildcats did - but it's a lot harder to move the ball when you don't have it. Hart executed a plan to play keepaway to near-perfection, holding the Wildcats to just 26 offensive plays and none in the entire first quarter - in a 30-20 upset. It was the first time in 26 seasons that Hart has beaten the Wildcats. "Credit to Hart," Montague coach Phil Koops said. "(Hart coach) Joe Tanis is a friend of mine. We're both Olivet College alumni, and he does a really good job at a school that has struggled at football for a long time. What Joe gets out of those kids is pretty amazing, and I'm happy for him. I'm super disappointed that it had to be against us....but it was a great job by them." The Wildcats (0-2, 0-1 West Michigan Conference Lakes) had only one offensive possession in the entire first half, in part because Cole Moss made the offense taking the field moot by taking a kickoff back for a touchdown after Hart opened the game with a score. The Pirates avoided kicking to Moss all game, but Montague ran a nifty end-around play to get the ball to

Montague's Dane Roesler (center) leaps to collect a two-point conversion pass during Thursday's game at Hart. The Wildcats lost, 30-20. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

him on the kickoff anyway, and Moss hit the sideline and outraced everyone for the score. Unfortunately for the 'Cats, Hart then rang up a 10-plus minute possession for another touchdown, meaning Montague finally took its first snap with 8:07 left in the second quarter. The Wildcats did turn that one first-half possession into a score, a short quarterback keeper by Max Dyer, and tied it at 14 with the two-point conversion, but Hart managed to get in the end zone in under two minutes before the half - then booted the kickoff off a Wildcat blocker and recovered it, denying the 'Cats the chance to answer. To open the third quarter, a pivotal miscue cost Montague a drive. Facing third down close to scoring range, Dyer found himself alone in the backfield when a communication error led to no one being there to receive his handoff. He was taken down, and then sacked again on fourth down.

Montague's Cole Moss tries to get free of the Hart defense during Thursday's WMC Lakes game at Hart. Despite 80 yards rushing and a kickoff return for a touchdown from Moss, the Wildcats lost 30-20. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Hart's Sawyer Boos is brought down by Montague's Cole Moss after catching a long pass during Thursday's game at Hart. The Pirates won, 30-20. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Later, down 10 points with six The two miscues were the only two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the possessions on which Montague didn't Wildcats fumbled a snap and Hart recovered. The Pirates then did what they'd done all day - run out the clock. continued on page 5

Montague football

16 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 THE OCEANA ECHO THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 5

Vikings upset by up-and-coming Fremont on road By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor Whitehall took an upset defeat to an on-the-rise Fremont squad last Thursday night, 32-19, dropping the Vikings to 0-2 and 0-1 in West Michigan Conference Lakes play. The loss marked the first by any WMC Lakes team to Fremont, other than Orchard View, since the Packers joined the conference in 2022. Vikings' coach Tony Sigmon credited Fremont counterpart Jared Hudson for his work with the program. "Fremont had their youth night tonight, the place was packed, and Jared has been working his tail off,"

Sigmon said. "He has a pretty good group and a lot of returners. They looked the part and they played the part tonight." Fremont wasted no time jumping on the Vikings, scoring on its first two possessions. Liam Leeke rang up a 90yard touchdown run to get Whitehall back to within one score, but the Packers responded with another score. The Vikes got a big kickoff return to set up an Isaiah Lewis touchdown pass that made it 20-13, but Fremont again answered with a touchdown drive. The Vikings committed their second turnover early in the fourth quarter with a chance to get back within a score, and that was the last

real chance they had. "Turnovers hurt us tonight," Sigmon said. "We have to do a better job taking care of the ball. Any time you surrender a possession, it's detrimental to a football game." Often a loss like Thursday's can serve as an inciting incident to turn around a struggling football team. For the Vikings, it will have to be; an improved Orchard View squad is next on the schedule, followed by a visit from the Swan Valley team that eliminated them from last year's playoffs. "They definitely need to (bounce back)," Sigmon said. "It's one of those situations where preparation during the week can contribute to a win or

a loss. We need to have a great week of preparation next week. That's the challenge for our group. "We have to be better across the board, frankly. We have to be better at practices, at execution in the game, and that's what it really boils down to. Little things contribute to big things, and right now we have to reset, refocus and do the little things right." Leeke ran for 101 yards on 14 carries, and Lewis threw for 97, including his touchdown throw. On defense, Wyatt McFarren had a huge game, with eight solo tackles and another 12 assists. He had 1.5 tackles for a loss.

Rockets go the distance, but fall to Grand Haven By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor Reeths-Puffer coach Cody Kater said last Thursday's game, a 17-14 defeat to Grand Haven, was a good battle in which his team went the distance. The Rockets just didn't win enough moments to win the game. "We marched all the way down in the third quarter (with the game tied at 7), took a bunch of time off the clock, and we ended up fumbling," Kater said. "(Then) they marched all the way down, and we got a goal line stand and

marched all the way down and had a snap go over our head. It was those kinds of things that kept on biting us." The Rockets (1-1) played very well defensively, Kater said. The miscues on the offensive end kept them from being rewarded for it. One of the biggest came in the fourth quarter, when a Grand Haven interception deep in its own territory denied the Rockets a chance to get from down 17-7 to back within one score. R-P did, though, get the ball back with about four minutes to play and turned that into a touchdown. The

Rockets nearly got the onside kick, but after it glanced off a Grand Haven player's helmet, the Bucs were able to recover. Kater is optimistic his players will respond in the right way. After the high of the team's opening-week rout of Greenville, they know the taste of victory and want it back. The coach said he'd learn a lot about his team based on what he saw this week in practice. "Our biggest thing is we have to ground ourselves and stick to the facts," Kater said. "We've got a

program that wants to come in, watch film and have a real conversation with the coaches. We're all in this together and our arrows are pointed in the same direction. We want to find ways to be successful together. That was the (postgame) conversation. This thing has been a process, even going back to the summer." Braylon Swain led the Rocket offense with 142 yards passing on 9-of-15 attempts, plus 49 yards and a touchdown. Dre Sanders ran for 57 yards and a score.

Vikes top R-P in area matchup By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor WHITEHALL — Whitehall picked up its second dual win of the year to snap a seven-match losing skid last Thursday against Reeths-Puffer, dominating in a 7-1 win. The Vikings took all of their six wins on the court in straight sets and won the No. 4 doubles flight by default, as the Rockets do not at this point have a pair there. Wyatt Burger worked the hardest for his win, fighting off a challenge from Henrik Ketner in their No. 1 doubles match before scoring a 7-6(2), 6-0 win. Jones McDowell and Scout Freiheit rolled to singles wins as well. In the doubles flights, the Vi-

Whitehall's Jones McDowell winds up for a return shot during last Thursday's match against Reeths-Puffer. McDowell won his match in straight sets as the Vikings won 7-1. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Reeths-Puffer's Henrik Ketner tries to chase down a shot during a match against Whitehall's Wyatt Burger last Thursday. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

kings overwhelmed the Rockets, winning all three contested matches by scores of 6-0, 6-1. Remington Whelpley/Lukas McKee, Jonathan Roberge/Jack Koegel and Liam Nicholas/Emery Askins

Montague football score, but it only had four in all. "I don't know who it was on the fumbled snap," Koops said. "(Our offensive line) made a giant hole on that play. That would have been a touchdown...You've got two drive-killers, and I think those were the two offensive possessions that we didn't score when we had the ball." Just as Napoleon did in week one, Hart wore the Wildcat defense down with its physical attack; Tanis said after the game that his team did some shifting up front that the Pirates hadn't previously shown, hoping to further confuse the Montague defense. Hart ripped off a few chunk plays, but it was again mostly a de facto battering

ram as the Pirates kept throwing ballcarriers up the middle. "They're just plugging and chugging on offense, doing what they do," Koops said. "Sweep, power, sweep, counter, counter sweep, and then that dang wedge play where they snap it to the upback and all their guys get foot to foot and just wedge forward. They did a great job. Credit to them. We did not execute well enough to win the game." Moss did well when he got the ball - seven carries for 80 yards in addition to his kickoff return - but went down in the third quarter with a cramp, which may have affected him late in the game. Dyer had 43 yards rushing with his

took wins in the three doubles matches. For the Rockets, Roman Ponce blanked Henry Chen to get R-P's lone point, 6-0, 6-0.

Sports in Brief Boys Soccer Reeths-Puffer 3 Jenison 1 The Rockets stayed unbeaten in conference play thanks to a goal apiece from Kam David, Landon Nash and London Carpenter.

Montague 4 Orchard View 1 Montague scored its first WMC win of the season behind two goals by Isaiah King. Zach Taylor and Mason Anderson each scored a goal.

Ludington 1 Whitehall 0 Whitehall played a tough game against one of the WMC's best before falling short. The team named Mason Kotecki as its player of the game.

continued from page 4

touchdown, and Dane Roesler ran for a score. Dyer's best run of the night, a 50-yarder, set up Roesler's eight-yard touchdown. It was a team effort on defense, with six Wildcats collecting either five or six solo tackles due partially to the volume of plays run by Hart. The Wildcats face another tall task next week when Oakridge visits. The Eagles are also 0-2 after losing a thriller to Ravenna. "Everything that I agree with as a football coach about how you win a football game - play keep-away with your offense, own the time of possession, steal possessions on special teams - they did all that stuff and we didn't."

Cross Country Reeths-Puffer boys 4th at Byron Center jamboree The Rockets opened conference play by edging Mona Shores for the No. 4 position in the league. Gabriel Luna led the team by placing 40th (19:40.1), with Kyron Novak 18 seconds behind in 43rd. Hope Gordon paced th Rocket girls in 17th place (22:42.2), and Harper Roberts took 23rd. The girls team finished 5th.

Girls Golf Montague 2nd at Tullymore Invitational The Wildcats posted a team score of 379 and finished behind only Division 2's top-ranked team, Forest Hills Central. Two Wildcats placed in the top 10, with Brynlee Kessler (90) in 8th place and Marguerite O'Connell (93) finishing 10th.

Reeths-Puffer 2nd at Byron Center jamboree The Rockets finished only 5 strokes behind first-place Byron Center. Sophia McCollum starred for R-P, shooting a 3-under par 34. She closed her round with 3 straight birdies. Ella Voorhies shot a 44.

Boys Tennis

Big Rapids 8 Reeths-Puffer 0 The Cardinals dominated R-P, as no Rocket was able to win more than one set point in any match.

Whitehall 4 North Muskegon 4 The Vikings opened conference play with a tie. The Vikes earned 3 doubles wins - from Remington Whelpley/Henry Chen, Jonathan Roberge/Jack Koegel and Barrett Chapman/Aiden Johnson. Jones McDowell won his match at No. 3 singles.

THE OCEANA ECHO SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 17 6 SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR

Montague edges Vikes, retains top spot

'Cats win Hart Jamboree, narrowly remain perfect in WMC Lakes By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

HART — Rival Whitehall made Montague sweat for another West Michigan Conference Lakes win Wednesday at Hart, but the Wildcats again came out on top, by four strokes, to keep their perfect league season alive. The Wildcats posted a score of 185 to Whitehall's 189 to edge the Vikings for the top spot. Whitehall was the team with the top two finishers in the individual standings, as Riley Shafer shot a 40 and Kelsie McClure added a 43. Shafer opened her round with

Whitehall's Riley Shafer, at left, chips onto the green during Wednesday's Hart jamboree at The Colonial Golf Course. At right, Montague's Brynlee Kessler gets her ball out of a sand trap. Although Shafer posted a 40 to earn medalist honors at the jamboree, Montague was able to edge the Vikings by four strokes to retain its perfect WMC Lakes mark to date. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

two pars sandwiched around a birdie, and capped it with another birdie at the end. McClure opened up with a birdie.

Montague's Addi Smith and Brynlee Kessler were right there, each shooting a 45 to finish in a third-place tie. Each made a birdie during their

round. Molly Mulder shot a 46 for Montague, and Marguerite O'Connell had a 49, with both earning top-10 finishes.

Next Book Talk at Book Nook set for Sept. 16 The Friends of the Montague Library autumn book talks continue Sept. 16 when author, educator and mentor Kelley Peel will speak in person about the partnerships she has developed between youth in West Michigan and Plesna, in Western Ukraine. Peel has also written a children’s book titled Seeds of the Sun: A Story of Adventure, Curiosity, and Connection from Michigan to Ukraine that helps fund those partnerships. The event will be held at Montague’s Book Nook and Java Shop. It begins at 5:30 with an informal

Members of the 2026 Montague High School Homecoming Court include, left to right, front row, senior representatives Erica Hansen, Sage Perales, Addi Smith, Zaniya Meza, Arianna Mueller, Karter Johnson, Merrick Snellenberger, Levi Auger, Jonah Henderson and Cole Moss; second row, non-senior representatives Dane Roesler, Justin Baker, Moses VanderMeulen, Adeline Bradley, Bailey Darke and Addison Greenwood; third row, senior past class representatives Hallie VanTuyl, Gabby Dietz, Claire Aebig, Devlin Dean, Wyatt Grawey and Collin Flynn.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

MHS homecoming is on its way Montague High School is heading to the great outdoors for its 2026 homecoming celebrations next week, inspiring the Wildcats to explore different climates of the world. The school will host its all school pep assembly Friday, Sept. 18 in the Montague football stadium, weather permitting. The homecoming parade takes place at 6 p.m., beginning at Oehrli Elementary School, and the Wildcats' game against Orchard View is the site for the crowning of the king and queen at halftime. The homecoming dance at the high school will cap the festivities Saturday, Sept. 19 from 7-10 p.m. As always, the school will encourage dressup days for homecoming week leading into the celebrations. Monday will be USA Day, followed by Jersey Day on Tuesday, Theme Day on Wednesday (freshmen - Arctic, sophomores - desert, juniors ocean, and seniors - jungle). Thursday will challenge students to bring in their textbooks in Anything but a Backpack Day, with Blue and White Day the Friday theme.

meet-and-greet with the author. The presentation begins at 6 p.m. The evening is free and open to everyone. Reservations are not needed. On Sept. 30, West Michigan favorite Dana Precious returns to Montague to talk about her page-turner The Psychic Sisters of Oleander Street. On Oct. 21, Montague resident Sally Whitbeck will introduce the audience to her newly-released memoir Pass the Kava, Reflections of a Sailing Circumnavigator that chronicles the first year of four remarkable years she and her husband spend sailing around the world on their 37-foot boat.

Mulder, too, scored a birdie. The Vikings' Avarie Bentz and Ryleigh Hershey rounded out team scoring, each shooting a 53.

Mobile food pantry returns to White Lake UCC The Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry will make its periodic visit to the White Lake Congregational United Church of Christ Saturday, Sept. 19, with sign-ups beginning at 8:30 a.m. and dis-

tribution at 10. There is no cost to receive food and no ID is required to sign up. Visit whitelakeUCC.org and click the Calendar tab for current info.

THE WHITE LAKE MIRROR SEPTEMBER11, 11,2026 2026 18 7 THE OCEANA ECHO SEPTEMBER

Recent local police activity Behind the

Badge Whitehall Police Report Sept. 2 At 10:43 pm, officers were conducting traffic enforcement along White Lake Drive to the east of Warner Street when they observed a vehicle that appeared to be speeding. Officers activated their radar unit and received a reading of 91 miles per hour. Officers initiated a traffic stop near White Lake Drive and Zellar Road. The driver, a 34-year-old female from Muskegon, indicated she was running late to her job and stated when she was looking at her speedometer she saw a reading of 67 miles per hour. The driver was found to have no proof of insurance or registration and was cited for both offenses, as well as for reckless driving. Sept. 3 At 1:09 p.m., officers were called to the 500 block of E Slocum St. on a larceny report. The victim indicated he had $70 stolen while inside the VAC the previous evening, saying he had placed the cash with his cell phone while playing sports. Officers conducted follow-up video review, but no suspect information could be obtained from the video. At 7:26 p.m., on-duty officers observed a subject who appeared to be between the ages of 15-20 operating an e-motorcycle on several streets, including on Alice Street east of Peach Street, where the bike was observed traveling between 50-60 miles per hour in a posted 35-mph zone. Officers at-

tempted to initiate a traffic stop but the vehicle operator attempted instead to turn onto Peach at a high rate of speed and lost control of the bike, skidding on the ground, before getting back on the motorcycle. A pursuit ensued as the subject ran several stop signs. Officers ultimately lost sight of the bike near the area of Main and Lake streets, but noted that the driver was not wearing a helmet after review of video on the incar camera systems. After successfully soliciting tips on the driver's identity from social media, contact was made with the driver's father, who indicated that his son, a 15-year-old from Fruitland Twp., was the subject in the video and made arrangements to speak with police staff. The vehicle was impounded and stored at the Whitehall Police Department and both father and son were educated on where the motorcycle can legally be used. Juvenile charges are pending for fleeing a traffic stop, and at the request of the father, the vehicle will remain at the police department until the case is adjudicated. Sept. 4 At 5:40 p.m., officers were called to the 800 block of E Colby St. to a local business on a disturbance. Officers arrived on scene and learned the disturbance was regarding a subject who had entered the store and left their two children in the car. Shortly afterward, the older child exited the car, leaving the younger sibling alone. An employee then went to the car to remove the younger sibling, which upset the parent; however, no assault occurred. Officers educated the parent on the dangers of leaving their children in the car. Sept. 5 At approximately 5:52 p.m., officers received info reporting that there were two e-motorcycles traveling up and down the east end of Hanson Street near Funnell Field. The reporting party advised that the subjects were taking shopping carts from a nearby business, pulling them next to their vehicles, and

letting them go so they would crash. Contact was made with the juvenile drivers, who were traveling 80 and 55 miles per hour respectively. The two juveniles were 13 and 11 years old, from Lakewood Club and Rothbury respectively. Both vehicles were impounded, and video clips from witnesses showed the offenders' activity. Contact was made with the children's father and arrangements were made for him to come in and pay for the vehicles' release, as well as be educated on the use of the vehicles. Sept. 10 At approximately 2 a.m., while on patrol, an officer was traveling westbound on Lewis Street when they observed a female subject riding an ebike in the oncoming traffic lane. Officers initiated a traffic stop on the bike and made contact with the 16-year-old operator, who advised she had just left a friend's house and that the bike was her only means of transportation to and from school. Officers advised her that she was out past the 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday curfew and told her to ride home with a police escort. Contact was made with the operator's mother, who confirmed that the ebike was hers. The subject was given warnings for breaking curfew and driving in the wrong lane.

Montague Police Report Sept. 2 5:48 p.m., medical assist, arrest for operating under the influence, 8900 block of Water St. Sept. 3 6:33 a.m., medical assist, 8000 block of Old Channel Trail 1:48 p.m., well-being check, 4800 block of Bowen St. 7:09 p.m., transport for law enforcement, Montague PD to Muskegon County Jail 10:23 p.m., larceny, 8700 block of Water St.

Sept. 4 6:39 a.m., dog complaint, 8900 block of Water St. 10:51 a.m., police assist citizen, 8000 block of Ellenwood Est Dr. 4:18 p.m., found property, Williams and Grant streets 5:06 p.m., assist to Oceana County Sheriff Dept., Skeels Road and Oceana Drive 7:34 p.m., medical assist, 5300 block of Eilers Rd. Sept. 5 3:22 a.m., unknown problem, 4600 block of Hunt St. 7:38 a.m., medical assist, 9200 block of Whitbeck Rd. 10:34 a.m., motorist assist, Old Channel Trail and Bowen Street 12:06 p.m., vehicle accident, no injuries, Ferry and Dowling streets 4:12 p.m., found person, 7700 block of Old Channel Trail Sept. 6 10:29 p.m., prowler, 4800 block of Roberts St. Sept. 7 10:28 a.m., business alarm, assist to Muskegon County Sheriff's Office, 9000 block of Walsh Rd. 11:57 p.m., larceny, 7000 block of Goodrich St. Sept. 8 1:03 p.m., fraud, 7500 block of Old Channel Trail 4:20 p.m., vehicle inspection, 5700 block of Post Rd. 5:06 p.m., juvenile complaint, 8000 block of Cook St. 6:41 p.m., domestic, 6000 block of Post Rd. 6:48 p.m., well-being check, 8100 block of Cook St. 7:08 p.m., unwanted person, 4400 block of Dowling St. Sept. 9 8:48 a.m., assist to Whitehall PD, well-being check, 200 block of E Colby St.

Historical Society to observe Union Depot's 100th anniversary The White Lake Area Historical Society will host its September meeting next Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Union Depot adjacent to the White Lake Area Chamber and Visitor's Bureau building, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the depot. Chamber Executive Director Stephanie Ware and Office & Event Administrator Liv McCarthy will present a look back at the building’s century of history. Built in 1926 by the Pere Marquette Railroad, the Union Depot replaced separate railroad depots that had previously served Montague and Whitehall. Historical records confirm the

present Depot was constructed by Pere Marquette in 1926. The presentation will use historic photographs, newspaper articles, and records collected over the years to follow the Depot from its early railroad days through efforts to preserve and restore the building, its transition into the home of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and its continued role in the community today. “We have so many pieces of the Depot’s history tucked away in old photographs, newspaper clippings and records, and its 100th anniversary gave us the perfect reason to start bringing those pieces together,” Ware

said in a press release. “We’re excited to share what we’ve found with the Historical Society and hopefully hear some memories and history from their members as well.” The building’s preservation is itself an important part of its story. Chamber leaders spent years working to give the former railroad depot a new purpose, eventually renovating it for use as the Chamber office and visitor information center. The Depot has continued to be cared for and preserved through the decades and remains home to the Chamber & Visitors Bureau today. The Chamber will continue commemorat-

ing the Depot’s centennial throughout the fall, including a 100th anniversary celebration planned for October. Additional details will be announced soon. The Depot building and the nearby Meinhardi building and Caboose will also be open for viewing. Because the meeting will be held outside, attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. In the event of rain, the event will take place at the White Lake Senior Center in Montague. The program is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend.

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