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America 250: Faith, family & farming

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Brothers Larry Byl and Paul Byl, of Shelby, sons of Pieter (Peter) Byl, and grandsons of Sybé Byl, who immigrated to America from the Netherlands, are honored to share their family’s immigration story in this second installment of The Oceana Echo’s “America 250” series.

In 1945 World War II had come to an end. But the devastation had left a permanent mark on much of Europe and the world. As countries, businesses and families worked to rebuild their lives, a unique set of circumstances began to play out, both in the Netherlands and in Michigan. Circumstances that would forever change a family’s future legacy and the history of Oceana County.

Back in the 1920s, a single woman pursuing a degree in business, Margaret De Groot, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, met George W. Welsh when she needed a job to pay her college expenses. She started as his assistant, eventually taking on more managerial roles as the years passed. In 1929, Welsh offered De Groot an opportunity to become his partner in business.

By 1934 De Groot, wanting to own a house on a lake, had bought herself a 102-year-old home and 120 acres of farmland in Rockford, Michigan, which she named Markadia Farm and where she started a dairy operation. By 1938, Welsh was the mayor of Grand Rapids, a position he would hold until 1948. His life was one of public service, holding many prominent positions, and spearheading many worthwhile projects. While mayor, he organized the United States Conference of Mayors, which he represented as its president in tours to war-torn Europe, Asia and Africa from 1947-49. On one of those tours, at the request of De Groot, Welsh specifically went to find a Friesian dairyman to run the Markadia Farm.

In 1948, Larry and Paul Byl’s grandparents Sybé and Baukje, and their father Pieter (Peter), along with siblings, Aunt Gelland (Jill), Uncle Auké (Sy), Aunt Geertje and Uncle Gerrit, were living in Friesland, Netherlands, a province in northern Holland bordering Germany. The family had a small farm, and Sybé worked nearby for another dairy farmer. However, his dream was to one day have a dairy farm of his own.

In the midst of war and the aftermath of German occupation, there wasn't much in the Netherlands to look forward to. Devastation was everywhere - people were hungry, everyone was on guard, Jews had to go into hiding, some were found out and innocent people were hauled away or executed. It was a difficult time in history. “Despite all of that, I have to say that all of my relatives on both sides were never mad at the Germans, but they couldn't stand the Nazis. And there's a distinction. The German people and most of the soldiers were ordinary Germans. We’re just so thankful that everybody in our family survived, and most of our relatives, except for only a few, were able to immigrate and become successful American citi-

zens,” Larry Byl shared.

From Auké Byle’s own autobiography, “I Ran Out of My Klompen: A Personal History W.W.II Holland to U.S. 19371955," he recounts how everyone and everything came together. “While serving on our local district council as a representative of the De Party van de Arbeit (Labor Party), he (Sybé Byl) talked to the Burgemeister (Mayor) to ask his help in securing a sponsor to the United States. It just so happened that the Burgemeister had recently met George W. Welsh president of the mayors of the U.S.A., at a meeting. Mr. Welsh had been touring Europe to see how America might better help the war-torn countries. Our Burgemeister contacted Mr. Welsh, who responded that his business partner would like a dairyman.”

It was the fall of 1948 when the Byl family and Mr. Welsh were connected, and within days the two oldest Byl children were on their way to America. “My dad, Peter and his sister, our Aunt Gellie, flew to America, so they could start work on Markadia Farm right away. Their arrival in the United States was big news back then. My grandparents stayed back and took a couple of months to wrap up details and sell their meager belongings,” Larry said.

As fate would have it, on the family’s voyage from the Netherlands to America, they met a young woman by the name of Jakoba (Koby) Westers, who had just completed her teaching degree. But before she planned to start teaching, she wanted to travel. She had a six-month tourist

visa and was planning to stay with cousins in Chicago. She became a good companion to Peter’s brother, Auké (who became known as “Sy”), a rambunctious 11-yearold who wanted to wander freely and explore the entire ship. Because his mother was so seasick and confined to her cabin most of the trip, they asked Koby to help keep an eye on him.

“Once in Michigan, my grandparents ended up inviting Koby to visit the farm. She came and ended up staying for a month, where she and our dad met. They became enamored with each other and decided to get married, at which point my mom applied for a permanent visa. That would have been 1949. My dad and the rest of his family had connections with George Welsh. So they already had permanent visas,” Larry recounted.

Because the U.S. government had a quota that would only allow so many Dutch immigrants into the country at a time, Koby would have a twoyear wait. She decided to head back to Holland, where she kept busy teaching school.

Their father, on the other hand, even though he wasn't a U.S. citizen, was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was a Dutch citizen in America with an American green card. He went through basic training and was on his way to Korea, but because he knew Dutch and some German, he was shipped to Germany, where he would serve as a medic and eventually become a sergeant before leaving the Army. While in Germany Peter and Koby were able to connect briefly. In 1951, after teaching for two years in Holland, Koby returned to America, staying with the Byl family until Peter got out of the Army - another two years.

Finally, in 1953, after their four-year engagement, Peter and Koby were on American soil together and able to be

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The Byl Family in 1948

From left, Sybé, Gelland, Auké, Geertje, Baukje holding Gerrit, and Pieter

Local boat wins coveted Queen’s Cup Trophy

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

When not racing or cruising, the 41-foot sailboat Condor can be found on its home mooring in Pentwater Lake. Currently coowned by brothers David Bluhm (Pentwater) and Stephen Bluhm (Sarasota, Florida), the Condor was one of 140 boats participating in the recent 87th running of the prestigious Queen's Cup sailing race. One of the oldest regattas in North America, this overnight race begins at the host site of South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and crosses Lake Michigan to a West Michigan location. Last year it concluded in Muskegon, and this year it finished in Grand Haven for a distance of approximately 68 nautical miles. This year’s race took place June 26-27.

Race boats are placed in multiple divisions to enable staggered starting times and racing with similar boats. Handicaps based on boat size, speed and other features are used to provide an equitable comparison of finish times. David Bluhm explains, “The handicap can add hours or subtract hours from the length of time the boat was under sail.”

He was thrilled to report that this year the Condor not only finished first in its division, but it also took first place over all other participating boats. “Always representing the Pentwater Yacht Club, the Condor has sailed in the Queen’s Cup close to 40 times and been first in her division several times. But we had never come close to being first overall – maybe coming in at 19th or 20th place overall. So this was a huge achievement…We are still pinching ourselves with this win, as most competitive sailors go their whole sailing career without winning a nationally recognized sailing trophy. We get to hang the first-place flags at the Pentwater Yacht Club. An engraved plaque

with the boat’s name, the crew members’ names and the year will hang with the trophy at the South Shore Yacht Club.”

For those who understand the lingo, the Condor is a C&C Redline 41-foot sailboat that happened to be the oldest competitor in the race. She had a crew of seven this year: the Bluhm brother owners, Brandon Bluhm from Sarasota, Florida, Aaron and Vanessa Boyko from Pentwater, Paul Slotsema from Pentwater and his brother Luke Raymond from California. Bluhm said it was an especially sweet win for Slotsema and Raymond, who are in the process of buying the boat from the Bluhms. The sale will be finalized this fall.

Oceana Center Grange and Pretty Porkers 4-H to host work bee on July 17 to assist with volunteer service hours

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Oceana Center Grange along with Oceana Grangers 4-H club and Pretty Porkers 4-H club are hosting a work bee day (starting at 10 a.m.) and fun evening (starting at 6 p.m.) at the Oceana County Fairgrounds, Friday, July 17.

Lunch and supper will be provided for all participants by the Oceana Center Grange. “You do not need to be a member of the Grange or 4-H to participate. All ages are welcome to come out and join in this fun community service project. However, we are asking that any children under 10 years of age be accompanied by a parent or guardian,” said organizer Char VanderStelt.

The Oceana County Livestock Committee requires 4-H participants to volunteer at the fairgrounds for a minimum of two hours. Therefore, 4-Hers will be able to sign up for two-hour shifts to fill this requirement, or they can choose to work all day.

The evening of fun set to run from 6-9 p.m. will begin with pizza followed by games and activities. “It's great for the kids and we encourage parents and vol-

unteers to join in the activities as well,” VanderStelt continued. “We are planning on a competitive game of kickball at some point in the evening. While we hope everyone who helps at the work bee will join us in the evening, working at the work bee is not required to join in the evening fun.”

Two-hour time slots available to 4-H members wishing to fulfill their minimum volunteer service requirement are 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Call or text VanderStelt at 231-3011678 to sign up or with any questions.

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Friday, July 17 from 9-5 Saturday, July 18 from 9-5

LANTERNS, TOO MUCH TO LIST - A MUST-SEE SALE.

The Byl family

The Pizza Factory in Shelby celebrates 40th anniversary married. “They had five children in seven years, Margaret, Paul, me, John and Tom. They didn't waste any time,” Larry said with a smile. “Markadia Farm sat on McCarty Lake, located at 9992 6 Mile Road, in Rockford. It was a wonderful place to grow up. We were milking 30 to 32 cows.

“Mom eventually went back to college so she could teach school in the United States. She had a Dutch four-year degree, however, that didn't all transfer. The closest college was Calvin College, and they had some staff that could read Dutch. After reviewing her transcripts, they were able to give her two years' credit toward an American degree.

“My dad, because he was in the U.S. Army, was told that military service opened the door to citizenship. They all had to get their driver's license, show education and work at it. But they all became citizens. You had people that were working to make America good, and they wanted to be a part of it,” Larry added.

“Our mom knew four or five languages: Dutch, Friesian, German, English and a little French. Sometimes our parents would speak Dutch, sometimes they'd speak Friesian, but they’d learned English and made it a very high priority that we learn English because we were in America. Education was also a priority for our family. All five of us went on to college.”

In 1955 Sybé Byl was finally able to purchase his own farm close to the Markadia Farm. Then in the early 1960s, he, along with many of the extended Byl family members who had also immigrated to America, moved to northwestern Washington State.

“Even though my mom loved agriculture and rural life, she also loved to travel. She didn’t want to be tied down too much. So the deal was if she could get a teaching degree, she wanted to buy a crop farm. And that’s how they ended up in Oceana County,” Larry said.

The couple looked at property all up and down the west side of Michigan, eventually purchasing the original farm in Benona, where Paul and his wife Anne now live. Peter and Koby rented the farm out for a year or two, while they continued to manage the Markadia Farm, and Koby finished her teaching degree.

Soon after arriving in Oceana, Koby interviewed for available teaching positions at Shelby, Benona and Ferry schools. She ended up taking a job in Ferry teaching middle school. Two years later she took a job as a fifth grade teacher with Shelby and stayed for 15 years.

“Paul was 10 and I was 9 when we first moved to Oceana County. Later, one of our first off-the-farm jobs was for Vernon Bull, now Cherry Point Farm & Market, just down the road from where we lived. It was another farm, but it's where we got paid real money,” Larry

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laughed. “The original farm raised apples, peaches and cherries. Back then, there were lots of small farms. You just all pitched in. Everybody did it.Then shortly thereafter, Dad bought another farm close by, and that's where he started raising asparagus.”

When asked what legacy they feel has been passed on and they are continuing, Larry reflected, “Obviously, from my dad's side of the family, farming was extremely important. It was important for them to see a farmer emerge with each generation. And that is still taking place today. Both Paul and I have had our own farms. And now my oldest son, Ben, is a full-time farmer. From my mom's side, I would say education was her legacy. It was important to her that we equip ourselves by going to college or trade school so that we could be productive. All of my relatives have had a strong work ethic. I can't overemphasize that. And after reading Sy’s book, one can see our extended family had a strong faith as well. They needed that especially to survive the war. Faith, family and farming - I guess you could say that is our legacy."

The Byl family history from Larry and Paul Byl’s Uncle Sy’s perspective is recorded in a book entitled, “I Ran Out of My Klompen: A Personal History, W.W. II Holland to U. S., 1937-1955” by Auké “Sy” Byl and is available for checkout at the Shelby Area District Library in Shelby.

By Shelbie Choponis

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

On Thursday, June 11, The Pizza Factory in Shelby celebrated 40 years of serving the community. The business originally opened in 1985, by Julie Lothschutz and Al Norwood. Less than a year later, ownership changed into the hands of Pat Brown, and the pizza place was hers by June of 1986. “I started in July of 1987. My Aunt Pat hired me at the age of 15. There were a few years I did other jobs, but I always came back. So, I have worked here for 35 years,” states current Pizza Factory owner Annette Kurzer.

Over the years, Kurzer’s role grew from employee to manager to eventually owner. “I managed from 2000 on to the year 2020 and started the process of buying it while my aunt semi-retired. The purchase was finalized in 2023!”

Ownership has not been the only change throughout the years. "We started on 'The Hill,' on Third Street, and moved to the downtown location by the Wooden Nickel (now Deb's), and after the devastating fire, my aunt moved The Pizza Factory across the street to the old Tanner and Stark building," Kurzer explained..

After Kurzer became owner, additional changes were made to the restaurant, including a coffee bar featuring their very own Pizza Factory coffee blend. But in the end, the original pizza recipes stayed the same. “I would never mess with perfection,” says Kurzer. “We still want to produce a product that has enough toppings on it to make you full. To feed that family, or just yourself."

Looking back on these four decades, Kurzer noted, "I’m so honored to be a part of this family-oriented place and community, and I am hoping for so many more great years of service.”

To celebrate the milestone, the Pizza Factory family welcomed their customers with cake and had their signature pepperoni pizza on special.

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

A field trip to the Hackley and Hume houses

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Remember our last field trip? I took you to St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 in New Orleans? Well, now that the weather is pleasant enough to not need escaping to the South, I might as well introduce you to a historical site that’s a little easier on the pocketbook and gas mileage. If you’re a frequent visitor to The 1306 history column, you may have already visited the Hackley and Hume homes in downtown Muskegon, and if not, I think you ought to make your plans to get out there this weekend. I brought my visitor for the week, Miss Clara, to the two houses last Thursday in an effort to impress her architectural historian sensibilities. I succeeded.

It’s not a difficult task to render an architecture nerd speechless at the site. I mean, we are talking two multi-story mansions (and a combined carriage house), both luxurious examples of their respective heights of fashion. And, of course, as they are buildings commissioned by one of the wealthiest lumber barons in West Michigan, they’re just chock-full of wood. The sight of them would render even the most ambitious termite to tears.

The Hackley home is certainly the grander of the two, as Charles Hackley owned a 75% share of the Hackley-Hume Lumber Mill versus bookkeeper-turned-business-partner Hume’s measly 25%. There are 13 individual paints on the facade of the house alone, not to mention the thousands of square inches of hand-carved ornate wood features inside.

The Hackley House was restored to its original 1890s appearance, a total exhibition of the Queen Anne Victorian style.

It’s a rather overwhelming experience - not just because it’s July and there’s no A/C - with the dark woods, expensive brocade fabrics and stained glass windows. You can imagine the sort of money that Michigan’s timber brought in if this is the house of just one lumber baron. One particularly interesting fact of the tour I learned was how relatively easy it was for the Lakeshore Museum Center to refurbish and restore the house to its original glory, seeing as though they had Hackley’s thorough insurance photographs as references.

The Hackleys had two children, an adopted daughter who used to be their indentured servant and an orphaned boy Mrs. Julia Hackley met at the orphanage she helped fund. As such, their house truly felt

more like an extravagant psyop to win every business deal that came Charles’ way than a family home. To that effect, the Hackleys used the interior design to show them off as worldly intellectuals, considering the wealth of teak wood, oriental details and Classical references squeezed into every corner of the house. Though, they’ve got corn carved into the dining room built-ins. Talk about onthe-nose!

While I described Thomas Hume’s share of the fortune as far less, let me be clear, I would do a number of unsafe stunts for that measly quarter if Hume’s family home is any indication of his wealth. Mind you, this was a wealth that funded his family of 10 children to live comfortably in the house all at separate times in their lives.

Personally, I prefer the Hume House, insofar as aesthetics are concerned. I mean

for starters, the main color scheme is green, so that’s an immediate point in its favor. It’s also far more approachable. I mean, with that many kids, you have to expect a limit to the amount of delicate woodwork. It was pointed out by our tour guide that the Hume House was constructed for much cheaper than the Hackley's, as they cheaped out by ordering all the ornate woodwork to be factory-carved rather than hand-carved.

I’m going to be honest, could Mark Zuckerberg order something hand-carved nowadays? Do folks still whittle?

While both the Hackley and Hume homes were built in the late 19th century, the Hume House was restored to illustrate how the home looked in the 1920s, over three decades newer than the Hackley House. As such, you’ll be treated to a plethora of Art Deco details. Another key feature of

the Hume House that I am obsessed with is the wallpaper. While the immaculate stenciling of the Hackley House’s walls is to be admired, I’m a sucker for wallpaper. The Celtic-knotwork-inspired paper lining the walls of the main floor are recreations of original swatches found in the house, and if you really want to win my favor, you will all join forces with me to convince the Lakeshore Museum Center to sell that wallpaper in bulk.

For the price of your admission ticket, you’ll get a guided tour of the houses, the barn (which is probably the most luxurious thing to happen to horses since the impossibly high bar set by ancient Roman emperors), and admission to two other historic sites just down the road - the Scolnik House of the Great Depression and the Fire Barn. The Fire Barn is of particular interest to visitors, as it has A/C inside. So why would you spend your weekend cooling off at the beach when you could be admiring embossed decorative arts movement door hinges in a historic home that just so happens to be not too far south of Oceana County? And when you get there, drop my name. They don’t know who the heck I am, but if enough visitors do, they’ll be familiar with me once I approach them about the wallpaper.

OCH&GS seeks local artifacts and bound history volumes

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Garage, yard and estate sale season is here! As families and organizations prepare for any future sales, and yard sale lovers attend various sales this year, the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society (OCH&GS) encourages shoppers to keep an eye out for historic documents and artifacts related to Oceana County.

“If you come across something historical while getting ready for a sale or attending one, please consider letting us take a look at it. We are open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An artifacts policy is available on

our website,” OCH&GS Board Secretary and Artifacts Committee member Sharon Hallack said.

The OCH&GS is particularly in need of school yearbooks from any Oceana County school from the past 25 years and any Oceana County History 1990 Volume I books. Volume I was the first in a series of three separate volumes that were produced by the Society in 1990, 1992 and 2005. Each volume includes important family, business, church and community group information.

“We are all out of Volume I, and it is highly sought after by visitors to the Society. If anyone should find one as they shop during summer yard sales this year, or if anyone has one they are not using, the Society would gladly accept it and pass it along to others,” said

OCH&GS volunteer Diane Herin.

“Preserving our history is important. Whether it's photographs, scrapbooks, legal documents, antiques, school yearbooks or old newspapers, all can play a part in finding out more about your family and our community’s history. If you are interested in history or want to leave a legacy for the younger generations, please consider visiting us to learn more,” Hallack said.

The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society is located at 114 Dryden St. in Hart. Visit www. oceanahistory.com and navigate to "Get Involved" and then "Donate" for more information on donating historical artifacts.

Ongoing

The Ladder Community Center:

July 17,24 & 31 - Strum It Club, 11 a.m. to noon

July 13-17 - 5 Day Club for kids age 5-12, 1-2:30 p.m.

July 14 & 28 - Knitting Group, 10 a.m., July 25 - Live Hymns, 6:30-8 p.m.

August 14 - 2nd Annual Golf Scramble, 9 a.m. (sign up by 8/7) 6th-12th grade youth program, “Summer Break Out” M-F, 3-5 p.m.

Adult Hours: Mon-Thu 8 a.m. to 3 p.m./Fri. 8-2

MON: Women’s Bible Study, Galatians, 1-2 p.m., TUES: Men’s Bible Study, 10:30 a.m. to noon SAT: “Celebrate” Worship Service, 6:30 p.m.

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

Donate returnable cans and bottles to the Hart VFW.

Drop off at the hall or call Steve at 231-873-1727 for pick-up.

FBC to host outdoor service at John Gurney Park

First Baptist Church (FBC) of Hart invites the entire community for its second annual outdoor worship and baptismal service Sunday, July 19 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the John Gurney Park beach in Hart. This special service will include live music, a message from Senior Pastor Ryan Vander Zwaag and baptisms in Hart Lake.

“Jesus called us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. At FBC we’re all about carrying out this mission of Jesus. Our church loves the beauty of God’s creation, and we wanted to offer an opportunity for people to be baptized surrounded by his handiwork,” Vander Zwaag shared.

Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy fellowshipping on the beach following the formal church service. And in celebration of National Ice Cream Day, four different kinds of ice cream will be served. All are welcome to join and celebrate with those who are following Jesus’ command to be baptized. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket, hat and/or umbrella if preferred.

General parking will be available in the field at the top of the hill. Handicap parking will be available adjacent to the beach. Attendants will be present to help point attendees in the right direction.

Tickets for ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ on sale now

The community can celebrate “Christmas in July” when they attend the Hart Area Community Performing Arts Association musical production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” at the Hart Public School auditorium, Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m.

“Based on the beloved holiday film, this Broadway musical features classic songs, dazzling dance numbers and a heartwarming story for the whole family,” director David Moul said.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Visit hartseries.org to purchase tickets and learn more about this production.

The cast includes: Daniel Bowman as Bob Wallace; Jesse Bowman as Phil Davis; Rachel Moore as Betty Haynes; Becca Gale as Judy Haynes; Marshall Moore as General Waverly; Kendra Larios-Mendez as Martha Watson; Clarisse Perigard and Valorie Seymour as Susan Waverly; Jackson Forner as Ralph Sheldrake; Olivia DeBrot as Rita; Grace McGhan as Rhoda; Al Moul as Ezekiel Foster/Snoring Man; Krista Moul as Mike; Maggie Bowman as Miss Snoring Man; Mercedes Gale as Tessie; Asher Zost as Jimmy; Hannah Johnson as Dance Captain/Cigarette Girl; Lucy Hayes as Seamstress; Anna Rapa as Sheldrake’s Secretary; and Victoria Williams as Train Conductor.

Members of the Ensemble: Julie Ash, Danica Elder, McKenna Erb, Jude Gage, Edmund Hayes, Calvin Helms, Melody Kasza, Levi McGhan, Josephine Perigard, Annabeth Presley, Dorothy Vandezande, Amy Vandezande, Kate Vandezande and Sylvia Vandezande.

The Children’s Chorus: Miriam Gage, Kate Vandezande, Lorelei Helms, Josilyn Moore, Megan Vandezande, Namaeya Swanson, Levi Gage, Silas Gage and Arianna Craymer

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. Based upon the Paramount Pictures film. Written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank. Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin. Book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Original stage production directed by Walter Bobbie. Orchestrations by Larry Blank. Vocal and Dance Arrangements by Bruce Pomahac.

Oceana Conservation District offers summer field events

The Oceana Conservation District reports it recently received a Regenerative Agriculture Education and Outreach Grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which has allowed them to offer three different “soil health” field events this summer. Registration for the first two events, “Regenerative Agriculture and Agroforestry Practices for Small Farms” and “Regenerative Agriculture and Cattle Grazing,” immediately filled. However, the district is hoping to be able to offer those workshops again in the future.

A third field day event is planned for Thursday, Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is being sponsored by the Oceana Conservation District, Michigan State University Extension and Oceana County Farm Bureau. This annual “Farming for the Future Field Day” will be held at the West Central Michigan Research & Extension Center in Hart.

The event is open to everyone interested in learning about practices they can implement to improve soil health, profitability and sustainability on their farms. The day will include equipment demonstrations (drone seeding, mowers that provide regenerative benefits to fruit crops, and an electric weeder) and presentations (how to do soil health assessment, how to use biological methods to control pests, local fruit buyers and companies’ sustainability or regenerative programs) and much more! Lunch, snacks, drinks and door prizes will be included.

Please visit www.oceanaconservationdistrict.org/events to pre-register. For any further questions, the Oceana Conservation District can be contacted at 231-861-5600.

July 10 - Friday Night Concert, The Accousticats, Hart Historic District, 7 p.m.

July 10-11 - Shelby CarvePrize & Festival, Downtown Shelby.

July 11 - Science with OC 4-H, HAPL, “Power of the Flower,” 10-11 a.m.

July 11 - Fine Arts Fair, Pentwater Village Green.

July 12 -St. Joseph’s & St. Vincent’s 75th Annual Ox Roast & Homecoming, St. Joe’s Hall, 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Hart, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

July 12 - Oceana Singers concert, Shelby Congregational UCC, 4 p.m.

July 13 - Adult Crafter Afternoon, Hesperia Community Library, 1-2:30 p.m.

July 13 - Adult Bingo Night, Hesperia Community Library, 6-7 p.m.

July 14 - Tween Night, Hesperia Community Library, 3-5 p.m.

July 14 - New Era Farmer’s Market, New Era, 4-7 p.m.

July 15 - Teen Night, Hesperia Community Library, 4-6 p.m.

July 16 - Mobile Food Pantry, Pentwater Fire Department, Pentwater, 11 a.m.

July 16 - Matinee Movie, Hesperia Community Library, 1-3 p.m.

July 16 - Music on the Commons, “Backwoods Express”, Hart Commons, 6:30 p.m.

July 16 - Friendship Ring Quilt Guild, New Era Reformed Church, 7 p.m.

July 17 - Oceana Center Grange and 4-H clubs work bee, Oceana County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

July 17 - Oceana Center Grange and 4-H club fun evening, Oceana County Fairgrounds, 6 - 9 p.m.

July 17 - Friday Night Concert, Andy Henley of County Parks Band, Hart Historic District, 7 p.m.

Pentwater Lake Association board to meet July 20

The Pentwater Lake Association board of directors will meet Monday, July 20, 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 through the Hancock Street Hall entrance.

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 own lake property in order to join this nonprofit organization. More details and past meeting minutes are available on the Pentwater Lake Association website at www.pentwaterlakeassociation.com.

New Era Farmers Market set for July 14

The next New Era Farmers Market will be Tuesday, July 14 from 4-7 p.m. Markets take place in the parking lot of the New Era Christian Reformed Church located at 1820 Ray Ave. in New Era. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with a bubble party as part of the Kids Power of Produce Club (KPOP), with a bubble machine and bubble wands. There will be story time with Tiffany Collins-Haight of Shelby Area District Library. There will also be a scavenger hunt with the market vendors and free ice cream cones for all, while the ice cream lasts. A drawing for a day pass to Michigan’s Adventure will take place on the stage at 5 p.m.

The band “M & M and the Byrds” starts at 5 p.m. Children will receive $4 in tokens for free produce, and seniors 62 and older will receive $5 in tokens for free produce. There will be vendors accepting WIC Produce Connection and Senior Market Fresh, which are both free food incentive programs from MDHHS. The Full Belly is the contracted food truck for the 2026 season. All are invited to come on out and enjoy the fun.

61st Annual Juried Art & Craft Fair this Saturday

The 61st Annual Pentwater Juried Art & Craft Fair will take place Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This juried art fair features original work of the artist’s own creation, including painting, ceramics, jewelry, photography, weaving, clothing, sculpture and other media.

The Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club welcomes art lovers, visitors and friends to shop for a unique variety of art, and admission to the event is free. Refreshments are available on the Village Green, provided by the Pentwater Service Club Duncan Wagon, the Pentwater Fire Department and several unique restaurants and bars within walking distance.

Please check their Facebook page for more information www.facebook.com/ PTWJuriedArtandCraftFair.

Ox Roast this Sunday at St. Joseph in Weare

The popular St. Joseph and St. Vincent’s annual Ox Roast and Homecoming is celebrating its 75th year this Sunday, July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event will take place in the St. Joseph’s Faith Formation Center in Weare, 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Hart.

Prices have stayed the same as last year, with adult dinners at $15, children 6-10 at $6 and children 5 and under free. Takeout is also available for $15 per meal. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.StJosephWeare. org.

Organizers will be serving up traditional ox roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, asparagus, baked beans, coleslaw and dessert. Attendees can dine in the air-conditioned hall or outside under the big top.

With this year being such a milestone, the Ox Roast will include raffles, a silent auction, a jar raffle auction, a white elephant booth, a baked goods booth and more. Kids’ games are back this year with great fun and great prizes.

The event will also offer tours of beautiful St. Joseph Catholic Church to go along with a fantastic beef dinner with all of the trimmings. Commemorative 75th Ox Roast T-shirts, tumblers, oven mitts and tote bags will also be for sale.

For more information, please call the Parish Office at 231-873-5776, visit their website or check them out on Facebook.

Easter Afterglow: Part 4 - Fruit of the Spirit – the 3 C's

By Janet Van Gunst Hasselbring The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

“…I have chosen you, that you should bring forth fruit.” (John 15:16)

The last words of a person are important, especially if they’re dying or saying a final farewell; for example, my mother's last words inspired me to write her memoir.

On the night before Jesus died on the cross, he provided comfort,

“I will ask the Father, and He will send you another Helper to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth. He will dwell with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16)

And a mission directive:

“…go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are filled with the Spirit, we walk in the Spirit, and we receive the fruit of the Spirit, so that we can be effective witnesses to His name.

Though we speak of “the fruits of the Spirit,” the singular form, “fruit,” is more accurate, likened to a cluster of grapes with distinct attributes residing in the

Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day

2100 N. Ridge Rd., Mears graceadventures.org/summer-worship

Walkerville Wesleyan Church

individual pieces. The cluster is rooted in Love, and all the attributes grow out of Love. It’s the basis for our relationships and the transformative power given us by the Spirit.

“For anything to be good, truly good, there must be Love in it.” ("Theo of Golden" by Allen Levi)

Evidence that we are filled with the fruit (Love) and the fruits of the Spirit (attributes) can be found in three areas of our lives, according to "The Spirit Code" by O. S. Hawkins:

1. Upward relationship – If we are filled with the Spirit, the attributes of love, joy and peace will be evidenced in our countenance, written on our faces.

In the book "Theo of Golden," faces and countenances represent the beauty of human connection and the importance of truly "seeing" the peo-

Gregory-Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish

9:30 a.m. (English) STG

Domingo: 11:30 a.m. (Español) STG

Domingo: 6 p.m. (Español) OLF

Daily Mass & Adoration Times: Tuesday: 6 p.m. (English) STG

Wednesday: 9 a.m.(English) STG

Jueves: 6 p.m. Misa y Adoración después de Misa (Español) STG

Viernes: 6 p.m. (Español) STG

Friday: 8 a.m. Adoration & 9 a.m. Mass (English) OLF

Reconciliation:

9:30 a.m. Wednesday @ STG

ple around you. In this book, Theo operates on the premise that God gave us faces so we can see each other better. Everyone is carrying a story you know nothing about. Paying close attention to a person’s countenance allows you to recognize their silent joys and hidden sorrows.

2. Outward relationships – patience, kindness and goodness will be evidenced in our conduct, so that others will want to be like us. We are to live intentionally with integrity; our conversations, like salt, engaging, wholesome and truthful, as one beggar sharing with another beggar where to get food: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders {unbelievers}, redeeming the time. Let your speech be with grace, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4: 5-6)

3. Inner relationship – obedience, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control will be evidenced in our character. And who we are inside manifests itself in our

relationships. One cannot be dishonest with oneself and deal honestly with others; one cannot store hate in their heart and show love towards another. “Developing character is both a discipline and an art.” (Anon)

This is why A.W. Tozer’s rules for self-discovery, which we have been examining, are important. Here’s Rule #3: “Who do I admire the most?” The people we look up to and want to be like tell us a lot about ourselves and who we are striving to be.

Witnessing for Christ requires words, yet what we convey in our countenance, conduct, and character is equally important. Are we bearing fruit for Christ?

Do others see love, joy and peace in my face?

Would those I come into contact with want to be like me?

Am I working daily on my life, becoming more like Jesus in thought, word and deed?

Walkerville Wesleyan to host retirement potluck

All are invited to join together at the Walkerville Wesleyan Church, 144 S. Hamon St., for a potluck on Sunday, July 12 from 1-4 p.m. in celebration of the retirement of Pastor Bob and Anne Abbott. The Abbotts are planning to relocate to Tennessee and request no gifts.

Claybanks Sunday Mass: 8:30 am Easter Sunday through the end of September Call 231-893-3085 for more information

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

144 S Hamon St, Walkerville Office@walkervillewesleyanchurch.org

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

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

OBITUARIES

Donna Jean Hansen

July 29, 1937 ~ June 25, 2026

Donna Jean (Fisk) Hansen, age 88, passed away peace fully on June 25, 2026. She was born on July 29, 1937, in Claybanks Township, Oceana County, Michigan.

On January 14, 1956, Donna married the love of her life, Jim Hansen. Together they built a life centered on family, faith and creating lasting memories with those they loved. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Colette (Joe) Gorton, Jim (Nena) Hansen and Carla (Bob) Wilson.

Donna found great joy in her family and was a proud grandmother to Joey (Abbie) Gorton, Jacob (Rachel Herrygers) Gorton, Nathan Gorton, Donnie (Fran) Hansen and Kelsey (Levi) Darling. She was also a loving step-grandmother to Jamie (Mike) Benedict.

Her greatest delight came from spending time with her great-grandchildren: Oliver "Ollie" Gorton, Elliot "Ellie" Gorton, August "Gus" Gorton, Asher "Ash" Gorton, Eli Hansen, Jaxon Darling, Wyatt Darling and Kinsley "Kinny" Darling. She was also blessed with step-great-grandchildren McKenna Dillingham and Brooklyn Dillingham.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Hansen; her parents, George and Erlene (Wentzloff) Fisk; her brother, George “Bud” Fisk; and her sister-in-law and best friend, Charlene (Hansen) Grossman.

Donna will be remembered for the love she shared with her family, the kindness she showed to others, and the many lives she touched throughout her years. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through the generations of family she cherished so deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, Michigan 49446. Family and friends are invited to gather for a casual luncheon and a time of fellowship as they honor and celebrate Donna’s life.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.

Roger Clinton Bailey

April 1, 1936 ~ April 17, 2026

Roger Clinton Bailey passed peacefully at the age of 90 on April 17, 2026. He was with his beautiful bride Ruth. They were married for nearly 63 years. Roger was a gentle-hearted man of enduring loyalty. He had many passions and interests, but he particularly loved his family, music, history and the outdoors.

Roger was born April 1, 1936, in Belding, Michigan. He graduated from Pentwater High School in 1954 and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1954-1957. After a brief stint at West Lake College in Hollywood, California where he studied to be a jazz drummer, he worked his way home to Pentwater when his father needed him to work in the Bailey Hardware Store. Roger spent two years at Michigan State University before starting his career for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 1961.

In 1962 Roger went on a blind date with Ruth Ann Woodward. Ed Bigelow introduced the two and stood as Roger’s best man at their wedding on June 15, 1963. Together they raised their three children, Mark, Christopher and Lisa, in the beautiful state parks of Michigan. From an early age Roger understood the importance of history. Roger and Ruth took many trips with their children to battlefields and historical sites. Upon his retirement to Pentwater, he became the sexton of the village’s cemetery. He spent more than 50 years playing with the Pentwater Civic Band and the Scottville Clown Band as well as the MSU alumni band. He was seen countless times on the village green, parades and venues across the state, keeping the time on his snare drum.

If Roger was not at a concert or meeting for one of the many organizations he belonged to, including the Gideons International, the Lions Club International Foundation, the Pentwater Historical Society, the Pentwater Men’s Service Club, the Oceana County Council on Aging, serving as the treasurer of St. James Episcopal Church as well as being Pentwater’s Citizen of the year in 2001, you would find him reading a non-fiction book about one historical event or another. Roger and Ruth enjoyed their retirement in the same village as their sons and their four grandchildren. From drum lessons to vacations to picnicking with the Clown and Civic Band, Barry and Brandon Fitz and Evan and Sophia Bailey all spent many happy hours together.

Roger was preceded in death by: his daughter Lisa; his parents, Les and Ada; his brother Robert; and his sister Mary. As a lifelong Episcopalian, Roger is now enjoying a happy reunion with his daughter and family. He is survived by his wife Ruth, his sons Mark and Christopher, Tammy Daggett, his grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Park Place in Pentwater, from 1-3 p.m.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.

Celebration of Life – Ronald Robbins, Sr.

A Celebration of Life gathering/remembrance for Ronald Robbins, Sr., of Hart, is scheduled for July 18 from 3-5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Hart, 3258 N. 72nd Ave., Hart.

Germaine Lucina Malburg

March 25, 1925 ~ July 3, 2026

Germaine Lucina Malburg (née Alvesteffer), known and loved by everyone as "Mom," "Gerry," "Aunt Ger ry," "Grandma," ”Gram," "Great Grandma," “Grandma Cookie” and "Great Grandma Muffin Lady," passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 3, 2026, at the age of 101.

Gerry was born March 25, 1925, to Joseph and Florence Alvesteffer, one of 14 children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael, who passed away on September 9, 2002. Michael came from a family of 11 children, and together their two large families gave Gerry a wide and cherished circle of nieces, nephews and extended family that she loved dearly throughout her life.

Gerry devoted her life to her family, working as a lifelong homemaker who ran the household and raised her eight children with warmth and devotion. Beyond her home, she served her community for many years as Weare Township Treasurer, and she generously gave her time volunteering at Oceana County Medical Care Facility well into her 90s, earning the Volunteer of the Year award twice. She found joy in baking and knitting, and her kitchen and handiwork were a source of comfort and love for everyone around her.

Gerry will be remembered above all for her boundless love and selflessness — she gave of herself in every way, to everyone, always.

Gerry is survived by her eight children: Rodney (Marcia) Malburg; Susan (Barry) Monroe; Marv (Barb) Malburg; Michael (Renee) Malburg; Gary (Jayne) Malburg; Joe (Chris) Malburg; Martha Baker (Brad Lipps); and Donna (Alan) Herrygers. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren, along with countless nieces, nephews and extended family members who held a special place in her heart.

She is also survived by her sisters, Maxine Van Dyke; Louise (Harold) Schaner; Charlene Birkman; and Judy (Howard) Haight.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Michael; her parents, Joseph and Florence Alvesteffer; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Paul and Aurelia Malburg; granddaughter, Aimee; grandson-in-law, Ben; brothers and sisters Leo (Dorothy), Eleanor, Agnes (Wes) Hewitt, Robert (Valeria), Ralph (Wanda), Gilbert (Clara), Roseanne (Stan) Gross, Joseph, Lornella (Tom) Faucher and Ronald. In-laws: Paul Van Dyke, Richard Birkman, Pauline (Pete) Birkman, LaVerne (Debbie), John (Betty), Raymond (Josephine), Paul (Elizabeth), Dorothy Coats-Boekhout (Vernon Coats) (George Boekhout), Henry (Clara), Rosemary (George) Keefe, Rachel, Robert (Mary Jane) and Raphael (Anastasia).

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at St. Joseph Weare Catholic Church, with Father Charlie Brown and Father Philip Sliwinski presiding. Interment immediately followed in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation was held Monday, July 6, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel from 5-7 p.m., followed by praying the Rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation was also held at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. A celebration luncheon will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish hall after graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Hart, MI 49420; Oceana County Medical Care Facility, 701 E. Main St., Hart, MI; or Elara Caring Hospice, 203 S. State St., Big Rapids, MI 49307

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

Austin Matthew Smith

October 18, 2005 ~ July 5, 2026

Austin Matthew Smith, born October 18, 2005, passed away on July 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of joy, loyal ty and adventure.

Rarely seen without a smile on his face, Austin brought light into every room he entered. His contagious laugh was unforgettable, and his big heart knew no bounds. He had an enormous love and loyalty to his people, always placing his family and friends above all else.

Austin had a natural gift for fixing anything with an engine. Dedicated and skilled, he found his true calling as a mechanic. He took immense pride in his work, espe cially at his most recent job at Affordable Auto, as well as his previous employment at Duneland.

When he wasn't turning a wrench, he was living life to the fullest. A true daredevil at heart, Austin found absolute freedom riding dirt bikes and chasing the next great adventure.

Austin is survived by: his mom, Sara (England) Smith; dad, Matthew Smith; brothers, Camden and Landon Smith; grandma, Joyce Ramthun; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will forever carry his adventurous spirit and loving memory in their hearts.

Austin was preceded in death by his grandparents Carol Sue Smith, Larry Smith and Danny England.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at the Mears Methodist Church, 1990 N. 56th Ave., Mears, MI 49436; visitation will be held two hours prior to services at the church. A procession to Benona Township Cemetery will follow services for interment, with a luncheon to follow at the Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ, 51 E. Third St., Shelby, MI 49455.

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

killed Trayvon Martin the year before, and replied to the post with the first instance of the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag.

enough to it, years could pass for the universe while just minutes passed for you.

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20260629 FOR RELEASE JUNE 29, 2026

By Lucie Winborne

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

• On July 13, 2013, Patrisse Cullors, a Los Angeles community organizer, read a friend’s Facebook post expressing distress over the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who’d killed Trayvon Martin the year before, and replied to the post with the first instance of the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag.

• On July 14, 1918, Quentin Roosevelt, a 20-year-old pilot in the United States Air Service and the fourth son of former President Theodore Roosevelt, was shot down and killed by a German Fokker plane over the Marne River in France.

• After trading $3 billion worth of Pepsi-Cola to the U.S.S.R. in exchange for vodka, submarines and other military hardware, the Pepsi company briefly had the sixth largest military in the world.

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

• On July 15, 1953, John Christie, one of England’s most notorious killers, was executed. Four months earlier, police and a tenant in West London had discovered the remains of four women, one of whom was Christie’s wife, at a house where he’d lived, and he was apprehended and confessed a week later. Detectives soon found additional bodies buried in the yard behind the house as well.

• On July 6, 1900, Warren Earp, youngest of the famous gunfighting Earp brothers, was murdered at the Headquarters Saloon in Willcox, Arizona, by John Boyett. Reportedly, Warren had imbibed too much alcohol and begun abusing some of the customers. While Boyett was tried for murder, he was declared innocent on the grounds of acting in self-defense.

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

• Iceland’s parliament, the Icelandic Althingi, first formed in 930 A.D., is the oldest in the world.

By Lucie Winborne

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20260629

NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20260629 FOR RELEASE JUNE 29, 2026

By JoAnn Derson

• The tradition of carrying the bride across the threshold started in medieval Europe when many people believed that a bride was especially vulnerable to evil spirits through the soles of her feet. To guard her from such attacks, the chivalric groom would carry her into their new home.

• Use a carabiner clip to hold the handles of grocery bags together. They will roll about less in the trunk and are easier to carry into the house when you get home.

• Time slows down so dramatically near a black hole that if you stood close enough to it, years could pass for the universe while just minutes passed for you.

• On July 7, 1456, Joan of Arc’s conviction for heresy was overturned at an appeal proceeding held at the archbishop’s palace in Rouen, France. Sadly, she had been burned at the stake 25 years earlier.

FOR RELEASE JUNE 29, 2026

By Lucie Winborne

• On July 16, 1862, Ida B. Wells, a future educator, investigative journalist and civil rights activist, was born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Motivated in part by racism within the women’s suffrage movement, she would eventually found and co-found the NAACP, the National Association of Colored Women, and the Alpha Suffrage Club.

• On July 8, 1853, Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry sailed into Japan’s Tokyo Bay with a squadron of four American vessels. At first officials refused to speak with him, but under threat of attack they accepted letters from President Millard Fillmore, making the U.S. the first Western nation to establish relations with Japan since the country declared itself closed to foreigners two centuries previously.

• On July 17, 1996, a TWA Boeing 747 jetliner headed for Paris exploded over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 230 passengers and crew aboard and creating a fireball seen along most of the Long Island coastline. A highly criticized investigation ended two years later with the conclusion that the tragedy had been caused by mechanical failure rather than a suspected bomb or missile.

• On July 9, 1948, baseball star Satchel Paige made his Major League debut with the Cleveland Indians, becoming, at age 42, the oldest rookie in the sport’s history. As he notably remarked, “Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter.”

• Los Angeles has the world’s largest Korean population outside of Korea.

NOTICE

Golden Township

In accordance with Section 14.4 of the Golden Township Zoning Ordinance, the Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing, 6:30 P.M. July 28, 2026, at the Golden Township Hall, 5527 W. Fox Road, Mears, MI. to hear a request for a Special Use Permit from Emily Riggs at 6506 West Fox Rd. Property # 64-006- 022-20007 in the Agricultural/Residential zoning district to add Home Based Business Golden Hollow Therapy Farm, to provide specialized occupational therapy utilizing horse movement to serve local children with physical, cognitive and developmental needs.

Written comments may be sent to Golden Township Planning Commission, P.O. Box 26, Mears, MI. 49436, email zoning@ goldentownshipmi.gov or Fax 231-8731413, and must be received no later than the Monday before the above mentioned date. Application and related materials may be seen at the Golden Township Offices 5527 W. Fox Rd. during regular business hours (MWF 8:30 AM-2:30 PM).

• On July 18 1995, “Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance,” a memoir by a law professor by the name of Barack Obama, was published prior to its author’s entry into the political realm. Thirteen years later, that largely unknown professor would be elected America’s 44th president.

• On July 10, 1962, the United States Patent Office issued Swedish engineer Nils Bohlin a patent for his three-point automobile safety belt. Consisting of two straps joined at the hip level and fastened into a single anchor point, it reduced injuries by holding both the upper and lower body and decreasing the impact of the swift deceleration that occurred in a crash.

• On July 19, 1952, air traffic controllers in Washington, D.C., sighted UFOs flying over the White House and U.S. Capitol. More would appear a week later, but all were dismissed as simply a weather phenomenon.

2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

• On July 11, 1978, a truck carrying liquid gas crashed into a wall at a campsite of vacationers in San Carlos de la Rapita, Spain, resulting in an explosion that killed more than 200 people, with others suffering severe burns. The crash’s cause was unknown, though some witnesses reported seeing a fire on the vehicle prior to the accident.

• On July 12, 1990, two days after Mikhail Gorbachev was re-elected head of the Soviet Communist Party, Boris Yeltsin, president of the Republic of Russia, announced his resignation from the party.

• In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” dragon blood is revealed to be an effective oven cleaner.

• The Pyramids of Giza are the only Great Wonder of the ancient world still standing.

• “Many people keep some pet food outdoors. If you have problems with ants in your pet’s food if feeding outside, you will like this trick: Place the bowl of food into a larger pan filled with water. The ants can’t cross it, and it has the added bonus of being another source of water for the animals. Be sure to change it frequently, and put out plenty of fresh water sources for outdoor pets”. — P.Y. in Alabama

• During WWII, the Polish army adopted a brown bear named Wojtek into their ranks. The animal was fond of cigarettes and beer, and even received a promotion from private to corporal.

• After trading $3 billion worth of Pepsi-Cola to the U.S.S.R. in exchange for vodka, submarines and other military hardware, the Pepsi company briefly had the sixth largest military in the world.

• Iceland’s parliament, the Icelandic Althingi, first formed in 930 A.D., is the oldest in the world.

• “We unexpectedly had our friends visit with their granddaughter. Since it was unplanned, and we aren’t used to little kids, we were unprepared. My quick-thinking husband split open a garbage bag to use as a protective liner on the bed in case of an accident.” —

• A sloth can take up to two weeks to digest a single meal.

• Los Angeles has the world’s largest Korean population outside of Korea.

D.D. in Oregon

• Actress Roseanne Barr once attempted to run for president and got as far as filing with the Federal Election Commission, under the “Green Tea Party Ticket.”

• Lightning isn’t limited to thunderstorms, but can also occur in volcanic eruptions, wildfires and snowstorms.

• During certain periods in feudal Japan, executions of condemned criminals were used by some samurais to test their new swords.

• Witch hazel is an old remedy for bruises and bumps. You can find it in the first aid aisle by the peroxide and rubbing alcohol. Simply moisten a folded paper towel, and park it right on the bump (never near the eyes or mouth). It prevents bruising and can lessen swelling in some cases.

***

• In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” dragon blood is revealed to be an effective oven cleaner.

• The Pyramids of Giza are the only Great Wonder of the ancient world still standing.

• Need to cross out a note so nobody can read it? Take this tip to the scratch pad: Instead of scribbling over something to be crossed out, write random letters over your words until the whole thing is illegible.

• “File this under you CAN teach an old dog new tricks: While watching videos on a cellphone with my daughter, I found out that a pair of folded sunglasses really works as a fantastic stand.” — C.E. in Maine

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

• During WWII, the Polish army adopted a brown bear named Wojtek into their ranks. The animal was fond of cigarettes and beer, and even received a promotion from private to corporal.

• A sloth can take up to two weeks to digest a single meal.

• Actress Roseanne Barr once attempted to run for president and got as far as filing with the Federal Election Commission, under the “Green Tea Party Ticket.”

• Lightning isn’t limited to thunderstorms, but can also occur in volcanic eruptions, wildfires and snowstorms.

• During certain periods in feudal Japan, executions of condemned criminals were used by some samurais to test their new swords.

***

Thought for the Day: “It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.” — Tom

OC ANIMAL SHELTER

Meet Lady, a 10-year-old female boxer who is 54 lbs. of joy.

Don't let the gray on her face fool you. Lady still has plenty of pep in her step and a whole lot of love left to give. She was examined by our veterinarian and received a clean bill of health with zero concerns. She's simply a wonderful senior girl looking for a soft place to land and a family to call her own.

Lady dreams of being the queen of her castle and would do best as the only animal in the home. She's great with kids, loves going for leisurely walks and enjoys taking her time exploring every interesting smell along the way. Her signature look? That adorable little tongue that is almost always peeking out, making her impossible not to smile at.

OC ANIMAL FRIENDS

Starina is a beautiful, independent girl looking for a home where she can be appreciated for exactly who she is. While she isn't interested in sharing her space with other cats, she truly enjoys having her people nearby. On her terms, she'll happily accept pets, brushing sessions and even some playtime.

Lady is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. If interested, please call the shelter at 231-861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35 and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/ neuter if needed. Every dog should have an ID tag. L.A.S.S.I. provides free dog

Starina would thrive as an only cat in a home, workshop, stable or hobby farm where she can have both companionship and her own space. She isn't a feral cat and doesn't want to be part of a large barn cat colony, but she'd make a wonderful "working cat" or barn companion for someone who values an independent feline friend.

If you would like to adopt Starina, please fill out an application through the OCAF Facebook page: Oceana County Animal Friends or online at: oceanacountyanimalfriends.wordpress.com. To volunteer or for more

Brokaw

Commissioners discuss and hear public comments on Oceana County parks

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Garry McKeen gave the county’s Parks and Recreation Commission annual report to the Oceana County Board of Commissioners on June 25. In it, McKeen highlighted the commission’s most recent project, the culmination of Marshville Dam’s rehabilitation and boardwalk installation. The project was the result of $2.3 million brought into the county through grants, the Parks and Recreation Commission's capital improvements fund and other avenues of funding to improve this particular park.

Special emphasis was made on the ADA-accessible boardwalk, which was recently utilised at an event where as many as 40 county residents with disabilities enjoyed an afternoon of fishing. McKeen also highlighted the 2,300 trees and shrubs planted in the marsh.

Other parks were given attention as well, with Cedar Point Park’s ADA-accessible sidewalks and expanding parking lot finished and ready in time for summer. Gale’s Pond and Doolittle Park were also discussed regarding the ongoing efforts to control invasive hybrid flora and trespassing motorized vehicles. Invasive species were also an issue at Marshville Dam, but fortunately the invasive poison hemlock was spotted early and has been controlled. McKeen described graffiti as “an ongoing battle” at all the parks.

Sights for future improvement are set on Black Lake, where the Parks Commission is planning a boardwalk and pathway along the south of the park, allowing full ADA accessibility to the wooded areas. The parks commission is seeking grants awarding ADA accessibility implementation and has already received a donation of lumber for the boardwalk.

McKeen also spoke of the partnerships that benefit Oceana County’s parks, such as the help of the Oceana County Road Commission and Sheriff’s Office, and the educational programs headed by the Oceana Conservation District and Oceana MSU Extension. “These all have been amazing assets to bring to the county to increase economic value, sociability, [and] also the ability to be proud,” said McKeen, before thanking the rest of the commissioners' board. “On behalf of the 10 people who serve on the board, we thank you for what you do for us to help us go forward…the ability to grow our parks in the county has been wonderful in the last five years.”

The county parks were the subject of both public comments during the board meetings, with the discussion of one existing county park and the possibility of adding another to the roster. Lee Hyslop, supervisor of Crystal Valley

Township, came to the commissioners' board meeting with a response to a letter sent out by the county seeking collaboration with the township in regard to the future of the Crystal Valley Dam.

Hyslop voiced appreciation for the maintenance the county has done for Crystal Valley County Park, wherein the dam is located, but posed the question in response to the letter, “Actions speak louder than words, but what has the county done on that project?”

Hyslop pointed out how the letter gave no firm figures on what the rehabilitation of the dam might cost, no direction and seemed to put the onus on the township to save the dam. “I don’t know what the numbers are. I don’t know what your actions are, but you’ve asked us to see what we can do to pay for it in Crystal Township. Did the other 15 townships get invited to help with this? It’s not a Crystal Township park. It’s a county park.”

Hyslop did report what work was already being done to benefit the dam and park, “Crystal [Township] donated the land, the pavilion, the dam maintenance, [and] the ballpark. We’ve done a tremendous amount of work and spent a lot of energy out there."

He added, "I don’t want to go out and ask the farmers for more money.”

While there are partial funds from the township’s revenue over several years and possible money pledged from township residents, Hyslop wants to see greater efforts in collaboration from the county. Said Hyslop, “I don’t want to put that kind of money into something we don’t know what’s going on [with], and I don’t think we’ve had any collaboration.”

He did assure the board that they would have an answer for whether to replace or remove the dam by the requested Oct. 1 deadline.

At public comment following the board’s regular meeting, Weare Township Supervisor Larry Doran spoke on behalf of the Committee for the Red Barn, consisting primarily of Pentwater area residents and visitors who are interested in saving, preserving and keeping the Red Barn on the site it currently sits. The current site is under the jurisdiction of the Michigan DNR, and the Red Barn is at risk of being sold off the property or removed altogether. In the past, the Committee for the Red Barn and Commissioner Paul Erickson have approached the board of commissioners regarding the county taking over temporary stewardship and maintaining the structural integrity of the building.

Doran did reference the parks commission’s report, pointing out that, “There’s eight parks in our county.” And later asking if the board would, "consider maybe making [the Red Barn] park number nine.”

The Committee for the Red Barn will be at the Oceana

County Parks and Recreation Committee meeting on Aug. 6 to discuss that possibility and provide more information on their vision for the property’s future. Doran said of the significance the site has for Pentwater residents and visitors, “When they get to the Red Barn, they’re home…it's home for a lot of people.”

Aside from the parks and recreation commission report, the board of commissioners held a discussion regarding a recent proposal from Newaygo County to the rest of the West Central Michigan County Alliance (including Lake, Manistee, Mason, Oceana and Osceola counties.) The proposal is to enter into an agreement for contracting lobbyists in Lansing to pursue issues facing the alliance.

While, currently, all counties receive a certain number of lobbyists through the Michigan Association of Counties, as Chairman Robert Walker explained, “When you’re talking grants and everything else and Lansing and the opinion and positions of the elected people in West Michigan, the thought is that maybe we would be better served having somebody who works directly for the five counties here and not for all 83 counties.”

The contract would be with a private, third-party company for a five-year period, with an estimated price tag of $60,000, though it was unclear in the proposal how that $60,000 would be split between counties that enter into the agreement. Newaygo will still proceed with the contract, regardless of which and how many West Michigan Alliance members join.

This would be a new expense that Oceana County has not considered in the past. Commissioners agreed that the requested five years was too long, preferring a trial period wherein the effectiveness of the investment could be ascertained. Walker personally would prefer a sunset period of one year, “[I’m] not anxious to consider anything more than a year.”

Commissioner Joel McCormick also voiced concerns on the longevity of the contract and considered the difficulty of how they could gauge the value of the returns to the county.

Commissioner Tim Beggs voiced his dislike of the concept of lobbyists, “Personally I struggle with the idea of lobbyists, because that’s what I thought I voted for when I voted for a representative.”

He then added that he doesn’t have “an opinion one way or another” regarding the proposal.

Walker, McCormick and Erickson did all agree that a “voice” for our rural, agricultural counties is needed in Lansing, especially as more and more county projects come before the board. Said Erickson, “I think it’s necessary that we do that because there’s competition for dollars out there, and unless our voice is heard loud and strong, we won’t be in the running for these things.”

NOTICE PRIMARY ELECTION TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2026

TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY OF OCEANA STATE OF MICHIGAN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Primary Election will be held in the County of Oceana, State of Michigan, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026

THE ELECTION WILL BE FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CANDIDATES OF THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES FOR PARTISAN OFFICES AND TO VOTE ON VARIOUS PROPOSITIONS:

STATE CONGRESSIONAL GOVERNOR U S SENATOR

LEGISLATIVE

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS - 2ND DISTRICT

DISTRICT STATE SENATOR – 32ND DISTRICT

STATE REPRESENTATIVE – 101ST DISTRICT, STATE REPRESENTATIVE 102ND DISTRICT

COUNTY COUNTY COMMISSIONER – DISTRICT 2

COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONER

TOWNSHIP COLFAX TWP CLERK & TRUSTEE, CRYSTAL TWP CLERK, GRANT TWP CLERK & TRUSTEE SHELBY TWP TRUSTEE

AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING: Delegates to the County Convention of the Republican and Democratic Parties

COUNTY Mason-Oceana 911 Operating Millage

COUNTY Oceana County Emergency Ambulance Operating Millage

COUNTY Benona Proposition for Renewal of Separate Tax Limitations Road Millage, Library Millage Proposal

Grant Millage for Road Construction and Maintenance

Hart

Shelby Cemetery Millage 2 0 Mills for Shelby Township Road Maintenance and Improvement, 0 5 Mill for Township Cemeteries and Public Parks Improvement and Maintenance Purposes

Walkerville Public Schools Operating Millage Proposal

Hesperia Public Library

Pentwater District Library Library Millage Proposal Library Millage Proposal

(The full proposal language for the above proposals can be obtained from the Oceana County Clerk or at the website of the Oceana County Clerk at https://oceana mi us/government/departments/county-clerk/elections/)

TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TOWNSHIP/CITY CLERK

The Polls of said election will be open from 7:00 a m until 8:00 p m of said day of election at the following locations:

BENONA Margie Shaw, 7169 W Baker Rd, Shelby, MI 49455 • (231)861-2154

CLAYBANKS Mark Kutches, 7577 W Cleveland Rd, New Era, MI 49446 • (231)742-3470

COLFAX Joni Gerard, 5594 N 192 nd Ave, Walkerville, MI 49459 • (231)301-5685

CRYSTAL Debra Gustafson, 1499 E Hammett Rd, Hart, MI 49420 • (231)425-6818

ELBRIDGE Stephanie VanSickle, 2266 E Polk Rd, Hart, MI 49420 • (231)873-4740

FERRY Chris Ernst 3222 Green St Shelby MI 49455 • (231)571-8712

GOLDEN Rachel Iteen 5527 Fox Rd Mears MI 49436 • (231)873-4413

GRANT Carol M Sisson, 7140 S Oceana Dr, Rothbury, MI 49452 • (231)893-6336

GREENWOOD Linda Hunt, 5589 S 200 th Ave, Hesperia, MI 49421 • (231)742-0876

HART Steven Freed, 3437 W Polk Rd, Hart, MI 49420 • (231)873-2734

LEAVITT Naomi Oomen 144 S Hamon St Walkerville MI 49459 • (231)329-5490

NEWFIELD Nancy Conley, 3890 198th Ave, Hesperia, MI 49421 • (231)854-4702

OTTO Pat Budde, 5458 S 128th Ave, Rothbury, MI 49452 • (231)861-5342

PENTWATER Maureen Murphy, 500 N Hancock St, Pentwater, MI 49449 • (231)869-6231 EXT 227

SHELBY Cathy Anderson, 204 N Michigan Ave, Shelby, MI 49455 • (231)861-5853

WEARE Debra Gustafson, 4042 W Hogan Rd, Pentwater, MI 49449 • (231)425-6818

CITY OF HART Karla Swihart, 407 State St, Hart, MI 49420 • (231)873-2488

NOTI CE TO THE VOTERS OF OCEANA COUNTY:

Notice is hereby given that Public Accuracy Testing for the August 4, 2026 Primary Election is scheduled as follows:

BENONA TOWNSHIP Monday, July 27 11:30 a m Township Hall

CLAYBANKS TOWNSHIP Monday, July 27 4:30 p m Township Hall

COLFAX TOWNSHIP Wednesday, July 29 3:00 p m Township Hall

CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP Wednesday, July 29 12:30 p m Township Hall

ELBRIDGE TOWNSHIP Thursday, July 30 10:00 a m Township Hall

FERRY TOWNSHIP Wednesday, July 29 6:00 p m Township Hall

GOLDEN TOWNSHIP Monday, July 27 11:30 a m Township Hall

GRANT TOWNSHIP Tuesday July 28 9:00 a m Township Hall

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP Thursday July 30 2:30 p m Township Hall

HART TOWNSHIP Tuesday, July 28 4:30 p m Township Hall

LEAVITT TOWNSHIP Thurs day, July 30 9:30 a m Township Hall

NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP Thursday, July 30 12:00 p m Township Hall

OTTO TOWNSHIP Thursday, July 30 5:00 p m Township Hall

PENTWATER TOWNSHIP Thursday, July 30 2:00 p m Township Hall

SHELBY TOWNSHIP Tuesday, July 28 11:30 a m Township Hall

WEARE TOWNSHIP Wednesday, July 29 9:30 a m Township Hall

CITY OF HART Tuesday July 28 2:00 p m City Hall

EARLY VOTING SITE Friday July 17 4:00 p m Hart Community Center

Banking leaders join West Shore Bank with a shared commitment to serving Oceana County

West Shore Bank is pleased to announce the addition of two experienced banking professionals to its Hart team: Michele Cunningham and Deana Fox. Together, they bring more than 50 years of combined banking and customer service experience and a strong commitment to serving the Oceana County community.

As Vice President and Retail Banking Officer, Michele brings more than 20 years of banking experience serving individuals, families and businesses throughout Oceana County. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for providing trusted financial guidance while fostering meaningful relationships within the communities she serves.

Michele is also a dedicated community leader, serving on the Board of Directors for the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Oceana Area Chamber of Commerce, and the National Asparagus Festival. She is an active member of the Shelby Optimist Club and Hart Rotary Club, where she works alongside fellow community members to support local initiatives and strengthen the region.

Joining her as Vice President and Mortgage Loan Officer, Deana brings more than 30 years of experience delivering exceptional customer service, including nearly a decade in the mortgage industry. She is passionate about helping customers navigate the home financing process with professionalism, efficiency and personalized guidance while building lasting relationships based on trust and integrity.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Deana is deeply committed to community service. She is a founding member of Oceana Women Who Care and currently serves as President of the Shelby Optimist Club, demonstrating her dedication to supporting the people and organizations that make Oceana County a vibrant place to live and work.

"We are excited to welcome Deana and Michele to West Shore Bank," said Jeremy Holmes, Chief Operating Officer at West Shore Bank. "Both bring extensive experience, strong community connections and a genuine commitment to helping customers achieve their financial goals. Their expertise and leadership will further strengthen our ability to serve the Hart community and surrounding areas."

Customers can connect with Michele for retail banking services, deposit accounts and financial solutions, and with Deana for mortgage lending and home financing needs at West Shore Bank's Hart office located at 4070 W. Polk Rd.

The following post-secondary students were awarded the 2026 Oceana Hospital Auxiliary's Rollins-Edlund Scholarship to further their education in health care.

• Lauren Davis - (Pentwater High School graduate)

- Farris Science Nursing Program

• Brooklyn Storms - (Hart High School graduate)West Shore Nursing Program

• Jenna Woller - (Montague High School graduate) -Northern Michigan University Nursing Program

• Robin Walton - (Hart High School graduate)Baker College Radiology Technician Program

• Lauren Hopkins - (Hart High School graduate)Grand Valley University Radiology Program

• Ann Squire - Baker College Radiology Technician Program

The scholarship foundation committee would like to congratulate all of the applicants.

Michele Cunningham

Deana Fox

Wright aiming for playoffs in 1st year leading Clippers

Team’s recent 3-game sweep of Flag City Sluggers sets up run at postseason bid

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

MUSKEGON — On its face, this summer hasn’t been much different than the ones before it for new Muskegon Clippers head coach Brian Wright. Previously the bench coach for the team, Wright still sits in the dugout when his team is in the field and is still a constant presence at games.

However, he acknowledges that when you’re actually the one making the lineup card and coaching third base, it’s not like any other summer.

“It is different,” Wright said. “I’m getting feedback (on the lineup), but before, I was that guy offering suggestions. Now, I’m trying to process all the suggestions. I don’t think I’m ready for MLB or the seventh game of the World Series, but it’s fun. It’s a good challenge, and I’m blessed getting this opportunity.

“The speed of the game is a lot more than high school. Things are happening. I’ve been burned a couple of times sending guys home where, in high school, that’s an easy score, and here it’s not.”

Wright, who retired as baseball coach and teacher at Shelby after 45 years following this spring’s run to the regional finals, has his Clippers chasing a playoff spot in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League. The Clippers pulled off a big sweep against the Flag City Sluggers last week, moving them within a game of the Sluggers - and the second and last playoff spot in the league’s fourteam North Division. The Clippers polished off the sweep with a thrilling 9-8 win over the Sluggers last Thursday at Marsh Field, which ended when reserve outfielder Zane Wilson threw out the tying run at home plate.

Muskegon then was swept by the South Division-leading Grand Lake Mariners to drop to 13-14 on the season, but fortunately, the Sluggers also were swept by the Hamilton Joes, so the Clippers remain just a game and a half out of the postseason with 12 games left through Wednesday’s play. While the main focus of the GLSCL is to develop players and keep them sharp in between college seasons, Wright and his players certainly want to win, too.

“That’s why we use that scoreboard there,” Wright chuckled. “We make a point of it. It’s about development, but you know what, you put the uniform on, and we’ve got an umpire, we’re trying to win every game.”

Last Thursday’s win was a backand-forth affair, and the Clippers took advantage of several fielding miscues by Flag City to grab the lead in a four-run third inning. Dalton Dick drove in two of those runs by muscling an opposite-field double

• Andy Roberts/Echo

into left field, giving his team a 4-2 lead. Newcomer Nick Moss followed with a RBI single to make it 5-2.

Flag City added a couple runs in the fourth to make it 5-4, but Muskegon responded with two more in the bottom of the fourth, including a Brayden Turner RBI single.

Buoyed by three great innings of relief by Maddux Kipling, who struck out six and allowed only two hits, the Clippers added on, benefiting from the Sluggers booting a ground ball to score a run in the sixth. Dick added his fourth RBI of the game later in the inning and it was 9-4.

Wright said the Sluggers’ defensive issues bore no resemblance to the team Muskegon played earlier in the season on the road, a series in which the Sluggers took two of three games.

“When we went down there, they made every play,” Wright said. “This week, they struggled all week defensively. It kills you when you can’t catch the ball.”

At that point, the Clippers all of a sudden became the team making mistakes. A balk with the bases loaded scored a run - and drew a lengthy discussion between umpires and the Clippers’ coaching staff, who disagreed with the call - and a two-run single from the Sluggers’ Drew Tajblik made it 9-7.

The Sluggers kept the heat on in the ninth, scoring to make it 9-8. Then a line drive reached the outfield and went to Wilson, whom Wright had promised he’d get into the game to try to get his confidence going. Wilson has struggled at the plate, hitting .109 for the season through Monday.

If Wilson was looking for confidence, his clothesline throw to home plate to cut down the tying run should give it to him. It set off a big celebration on the field as Muskegon basked in their sweep.

“They battled all week. They really did great,” Wright said of his team. “We had good pitching. Today (the pitching) was up and down, not very good, but we swung the bats. In this league, you’ve just got to keep scoring runs.”

In addition to enjoying the chal-

lenge of being head coach, Wright, as he has before in his Clippers’ career, is coaching players he once coached against in the Tigers’ dugout. Ben Meyers, a former North Muskegon standout, and Moss, who starred at Montague, are on the roster.

“It’s a blast,” Wright said. “They’re great kids. They’re just baseball players. You never have to worry about them, (whether) they’re ready for something.”

Moss just joined the Clippers last week after Muskegon lost one of their top players, Caden Thelen, who left the team at the end of June to prepare for his return to Grand Valley State University. (He still leads the league in RBI, with 30, despite having been gone over a week.)

The Clippers knew Thelen was going to depart, and after batting around some ideas for a replacement outfielder, they landed on Moss, who plays at NAIA Milligan University and was in town, having not previously planned on playing organized baseball this summer. However, Moss is enjoying playing for Wright and assistant coach Tim Simon, who also coached under Wright at Shelby.

“I met him for the first time (last) Tuesday,” Moss said. “We texted over the phone a little bit, and obviously I heard about his legacy at Shelby and that he’d been a great coach there for years. I was really grateful for the opportunity.

“I was blessed that they saw somebody in the local area and I’m able to come in and help contribute and play my part with the team. Him and Coach Simon, they’ve been

great. I’ve only known them three days, but they’re great coaches, great support, give me all the confidence I need.”

Wright, who was on staff for the Clippers’ last postseason bid in 2024, would love to get his team back this year and pursue a GLSCL title, but said he’s made a conscious effort to have more fun doing what he’s doing as the season has progressed.

“It was funny, after our halfway point, I said, ‘I’ve got to have more fun,’” Wright said. “You’re worrying about, ‘We’re not doing this. We’re not (doing that),’ and it’s, ‘Screw it. It’s still baseball.’”

Ace at Benona Shores

Muskegon Clippers coach Brian Wright (right) goes over the ground rules with Flag City Sluggers coach Ben Babcock and the home plate umpire prior to last Thursday’s game at Marsh Field. Wright has the Clippers in playoff contention in his first season at the helm.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

Muskegon Clippers catcher Brayden Turner (right) reaches out to tag a Flag City Sluggers baserunner at home plate for the final out of last Thursday’s game at Marsh Field. The Clippers hung on to win, 9-8. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Muskegon Clippers catcher Brayden Turner reels in a throw as Cameron Spezia comes in to score for the Flag City Sluggers during last Thursday’s game at Marsh Field.

Ronan LaRoy made a hole-in-one at Benona Shores Golf Course July 4. LaRoy aced the 6th hole from 130 yards out using his 52-degree wedge.

• Courtesy Photo

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Celebrating America's 250th in White Lake

The White Lake Area July 4 Parade again featured dozens of patriotic and festive entries as the streets were lined with people to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Retired former White Lake Area Chamber & Visitor's Bureau executive director Amy VanLoon (second row, left) served as grand marshal, and Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, veterans' groups, a festive bald eagle and many more marked the occasion.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror Photos

Traverse shares folk music with library guests

Traverse

shares folk music with library guests

Traverse shares folk music with library guests

Musician explored medium's history, also performed

By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer

WHITEHALL — Musician

Ben Traverse returned to the White Lake Community Library Monday, hosting a new class on the history of American folk music and its evolution through our country’s history.

similar structure, with various facets of American folk music history, structure and features introduced, paired with an accompanying piece to demonstrate.

Ben Traverse returned to the White Lake Community Library Monday, hosting a new class on the history of American folk music and its evolution through our country’s history.

Last summer, Ben was a guest of the library, inviting residents to learn about the history of sea shanties and enjoy a sing-along concert, an educational program they’ve toured to different libraries around Michigan. This past Tuesday featured a

similar structure, with various facets of American folk music history, structure and features introduced, paired with an accompanying piece to demonstrate.

Ben is originally from Manistee and described themselves as a history buff first and a musician second.

the two things that I do at the same time. This is cultural history and its music. I just got super deep into it from that.”

Ben is originally from Manistee and described themselves as a history buff first and a musician second.

“I played guitar, but history was where my passion was at,” they said.

Ben is based in Grand Rapids, but travels around the state educating and performing.

“I played guitar, but history was where my passion was at,” they said.

When introduced to the history of American folk music through an afterschool program, though, Ben was inspired. Traverse City’s SEEDS program partnered with Earthwork Music Collective and Blackbird Arts to create an educational music program honoring Michiganbased ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax, and for Ben, “This is

As Ben introduced it, traditional folk music was made by and for the working class. As such, folk music was characterized by its central focus on the struggles of the working class - be it the onset of the Industrial Revolution or the dispersal of news that would otherwise not be easily accessible. With every bullet point in their lecture, Ben brought out a guitar or banjo and enthralled the crowd with a rendition of a folk song, ranging from classics to deep cuts of America’s 250-year-old

and

Musician and history

Community Library Monday, sharing links between the

• Claire Marshall/Mirror

which double as two of their favorite subjects.

• Claire Marshall/Mirror

songbook. Afterwards, they would point out the particular qualities of the song’s structure or verse delivery distinct to folk music.

As the title of the class - Old Time in the Current Timessuggests, Ben followed the

evolution of American folk music from its earliest origins as centuries-old British Isles tunes to the recording sessions of the early 1900s, which

Musician and history buff Ben Traverse visited the White Lake Community Library Monday, sharing links between the two fields, which double as two of their favorite subjects.

buff Ben Traverse visited the White Lake

two fields,

Musician

history buff Ben Traverse visited the White Lake Community Library Monday, sharing links between the two fields, which double as two of their favorite subjects.

Sculpture Garden Shindig set for July 18

Free event to take place at Marilyn

Mark your summer calendars for the Sculpture Garden Shindig taking place

Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marilyn Voss Garden for Sculpture in Montague. This is a free familyfriendly, interactive event taking place during Artisan Market hours and leading into Walk the Beat. Live music will be performed in the sculpture garden by accomplished Ann Arbor-based guitarist and composer Nicholas Martin. Ceramic artists from Terrestrial Forming, Kim Funk and Peter “the Potter” Johnson will be on site mesmerizing the crowd with their wheel throwing skills. Live interactive sketching will be happening with the West Michigan Urban Sketchers, including a demo from Ann Rusky at 10:30 a.m. There will also be an art supply table for community members to try their hand at ‘plein air’ art sketching. Kids’ art activities will include a rock painting station and chalk art. There will be an info table with seed packet giveaways, Art Walk maps, concert magnets and ACWL-Nuveen swag available to purchase.

A special Polaroid photo opportunity for individuals and families will take place

in the onsite wooden boat that will have a unique mariner-themed backdrop painted by artist Kanda Parrott. This event is an offshoot of the ACWLNuveen’s Garden Art Adventure. It was initiated by ACWLNuveen’s Art Walk Committee this summer because of recent improvements to the landscaping and overall design of the site. The upgrades to the garden include a new meandering sidewalk path, cement sculpture pads, three new sculptures along with new signage,

native plants, rocks and trees. The sculptures were placed in the rolling contours of the indigenous dune grass landscape so viewers could discover them while they strolled through the garden.

The ACWL-Nuveen’s Art Walk committee has worked closely with the City of Montague the past few years on these new upgrades to the park. Our mutual goal is to make the park visually stimulating and engaging for community members and visitors to Montague’s Artisan Market and downtown.

Walk the Beat White Lake is back July 18

The annual Walk the Beat White Lake music festival returns to the area Saturday, July 18 with 26 acts scheduled to perform at 13 venues in Whitehall and Montague between 1 and 5:30 p.m.

The southernmost venue, the Lewis House Bed and Breakfast on Mears Avenue in Whitehall, is one mile away from the northernmost venue, the Book Nook and Java Shop in Montague, creating the opportunity to literally "walk the beat" and enjoy as many acts as desired. Each venue will host one act from 1-3 p.m. and a second act from 3:305:30.

In addition, one of the venues, Covell Park in Whitehall, will play host to the musical instrument 'petting zoo,' where children are welcome to try out various instruments and see if one, or many, strikes their fancy and stokes a desire to explore making music themselves.

Many of the 26 acts are returning from prior Walk the Beat festivals. Last year's fan vote winner, Asamu Johnson

Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues perform during Tuesday's ACWL-Nuveen free summer concert. The band won last year's Walk the Beat fan vote and will be back for this year's event. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

and the Associates of the Blues, are slated for the 1-3 p.m. shift at Jimmy'z Pub in Montague. Other returning artists include Izzy Joy, Greg Hillebrand, Tommy Foster, The Smiths, Lightly Salted, SmittyVision and many more. The full schedule of venues and performers is available at walkthebeat. org/musical-acts.

Attendees will be able to vote for their favorite acts at the festival, with the top three vote-getters receiving prizes. The top prize will be either $1,500 cash or 18 hours of recording time at Third Coast Recording Company in Grand Haven, plus a spot at the 2027 Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center's free summer concert series. The second and third-place acts will receive $750 and $500 respectively. Along the way, attendees can register to win over $2,600 worth of door prizes and enter raffles to win up to $5,000. Many local nonprofits will be on the beat selling raffle tickets, and whether you win or not, the area wins, as participating nonprofits get to keep half of the raffle proceeds.

Following the Walk the Beat festival, an afterparty is planned at Goodrich Park in Whitehall from 6-8:30 p.m., where door prizes and raffle winners will be drawn at 7 p.m. The Velvet Mushroom Syndicate will perform.

Dirt Dauber Garden Club presents July awards

There is something about walking through a garden that awakens the past. A familiar fragrance, the color of an old-fashioned flower, or the youthful imagination captured in metal can transport you to another time without warning. As we walked through our July Merit Award gardens, they became living memory books when past experiences reawakened as each homeowner shared their gardens.

It is the lilies that remind Carol Brand-Twa of her grandmother and her garden back in Oklahoma or the hydrangea that came from a cutting that her friend shared with her years ago. She and her husband, Doug

Twa, who reside at 6840 Indian Bay Road in Montague have created a garden filled with nostalgia. It isn’t only the plants that stir memories, though. The art nestled among the flowers carry their own. A weathered post office box, a handmade sculpture, or a whimsical gate are more than decoration – it is a reminder of the love behind it.

For Lois Ernst, 523 S. Mears in Whitehall, it is the Hollyhocks that bring back the childhood memories of growing up on the New Era farm. She and her sisters would pluck the flowers to create little dolls and have sweet little wedding parties. Lois’s garden teaches us that memories, like the peren-

nials, have a remarkable way of returning. Dirt Dauber Garden Club would like to recognize these gardeners with

the July Merit Garden Award, both sharing with us that their gardens are more than a collection of plants but rather places

are

tion

our community

club

and other

where stories

rooted. For more informa-

about the DDGC,

projects,

meetings,

events, visit the DDGC Facebook Page at fb.com/

Izzy Joy performs at ReNew You Fitness in Montague during last year's Walk the Beat White Lake Festival. Izzy Joy is one of several returning acts that will perform at 13 different White Lake area locations for the next edition of the festival Saturday, July 18.

• Claire Marshall/Mirror File Photo

Voss Garden in Montague

The Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center will host the Sculpture Garden Shindig Saturday, July 18 at the Marilyn Voss Garden for Sculpture in Montague.

• Courtesy Photos

The Dirt Dauber Garden Club presented its July merit awards. Lois Ernst of Whitehall (left) and Carol Brand-Twa of Montague were recognized for the gardens at their homes. • Courtesy Photos

Saturday, July 11

Montague Farmer's Market is open, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hamilton Sing-Along @ MADL Montague, 11 a.m. Join fellow fans to watch and sing along with the hit Broadway musical about the “10-dollar founding father.” All voices welcome, and costumes are encouraged. Registration required @ madl.org.

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

The Ultimate Jazz Duo performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 7 p.m.

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

Sunday, July 12

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

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

Monday, July 13

The Juggling Girl @ MADL Montague, 10:30 a.m. Kaylin Meyers, the Juggling Girl, delivers a high-energy, family-friendly show packed with comedy, juggling, and interactive fun.

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.

White Lake Community Library

Folk music

dispersed the genre throughout the country and founded the bedrock of the 1960s pop-folk revival and modernday country music.

No discussion of American folk music would be complete without the acknowledgment of the influence of African-Americans, particularly the introduction of the African instrument known today as a banjo. Ben navigated the tricky history of minstrelsy and race records, highlighting the innovations

Community Calendar

hosts Cookbook Club meeting, 5:30 p.m.

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

FAN Club @ Fetch Brewing, 7 p.m. Free music performances in the parking lot.

Tuesday, July 14

Baby Time @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Ages 0-2 welcome for songs, music, and movement.

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

White Lake Community Library hosts Pop-Up Storytime @ White River Light Station, 11 a.m. Join Library Beth for stories, songs, rhymes, and activities.

Fiber Arts with Knit & Spin @ MADL Montague, 3 p.m. Learn all about the wonderful world of textiles. You can touch and feel different kinds of soft wool, yarn, and other fibers. Registration required @ madl.org.

The ACWL-Nuveen Free Summer Concert Series continues @ Montague Bandshell, 7 p.m. Westside Soul Surfers perform.

Wednesday, July 15

Flower Pounding @ MADL Montague, 10 a.m. Transfer a flower design onto a canvas bag by pounding real flowers. We will have fresh flow-

continued from page 1

of Black American musicians such as Elizabeth Cotton and James A Bland.

To finish out the “Current Times,” Ben played their own original song “Birch Grove,” based on a hike at the Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary in Newaygo County. Earlier in the program, Ben described, “Another really core trait of traditional music that separates it from classical music is the collective input on its composition,” and this original song is a perfect

ers available also. Registration required @ madl.org.

Artists on the Sidewalk @ Dune Grass Gallery in Montague, 11 a.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.

White Lake Kid Crafters welcome to bring their best creativity and imagination to "unearth" some awesome creations @ White Lake Community Library, 1 p.m.

Lake Michigan Coastal Dunes: History, Science & Protection @ White Lake Community Libary, 5:30 p.m. Guest speaker Tanya Cabala will share history of West Michigan dunes and the importance of protecting them for future generations.

Twin Lake Historical Society @ MADL Dalton branch, 5:30 p.m. Meet with members of the society to share your stories and photos of your family and the Twin Lake area.

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

Thursday, July 16

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.

Unearthing Fossils @ White Lake

example of the ever-evolving aspect of folk music, as a tune from the 1850s to which Ben overlaid lyrics describing the hike. Said Ben of this creation, “There’s a lot of really great things that can come from engaging with this historical material and creating new stuff on the groundworks of that.”

Ben is as much a researcher as a musician and has gathered a wealth of resources on their website for those interested in learning more about folk music. They also encouraged the audience to be on the lookout for classes and scholarships awarding musicians interested in learning about and playing “old time” music.

Community Library, 5:30 p.m. The White River Rocks, Gems, and Minerals Club will present a hands-on experience all about fossils.

Fetch Cycling Group meets at 6 p.m. All skill levels welcome.

Friday, July 17

Outdoor Explorers @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Play outdoors no matter the weather. Bring water, sunscreen and appropriate clothing.

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

Summer Homeschool Beach Day @ Duck Lake State Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Homeschool students and their parents invited. Recreation Passport required for entry.

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!

New Beginnings Church hosts Picnic in the Park @ Goodrich Park, 6 p.m. Free food, crafts and family games.

Izzy Joy and her band perform @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Brian Fedewa performs @ Full Moon Diner, 8 p.m.

“I feel like it's a good time to be a traditional folk musician," Ben said. "There are camps and there are festivals and there are jams and there are events happening all over the state.”

When discussing the state of traditional folk music in our modern day, Ben praised the work of everyday musicians and hobbyists creating music for the pure enjoyment of the craft.

“I mean, as long as there are people making music, traditional music’s in a good spot, because traditional music is just the music the average person is doing," they said.

Unearth Your Creativity: Air-Dry Clay Craft Night

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Celebrate our “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program with Unearth Your Creativity, a relaxing and hands-on art experience for adults Monday, July 20 from 5:30-7 p.m. Participants will use air-dry clay and sculpting tools to design and create their own unique masterpiece—no experience necessary. Whether you craft something decorative, whimsical, or functional, this program is a chance to explore your imagination and enjoy a creative evening at the library.

Registration is requested as supplies and seating are limited. Reserve your spot today at wlclib.org/calendar!

Free Children’s Concert at the Playhouse July 19!

An optional second session will be offered Monday, July 27 from 5:306:30 p.m. for participants who would like to paint their finished piece or seal it with Modge Podge for added durability and shine.

Join Library Beth at the Playhouse Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. for a magical afternoon of music, storytelling, and family fun. The library, along with other local organizations, will be offering fun activities as part of the White Lake Music Society's Free Family Concert. The concert features acclaimed performer Anne Marie Hoover and international pianist Kuang Hao Huang. This interactive experience brings the beloved stories of Paddington Bear’s First Concert and The Story of Babar the Elephant to life through classical music. With hands-on activities and community engagement, it’s the perfect summer event to inspire young imaginations and create lasting family memories. For more information and to reserve your FREE tickets, visit theplayhouseatwhitelake.org.

FUN FACT: Babar the Elephant

is 95 years old, and is considered by some to be the most famous Frenchman in the world! General Charles de Gaulle famously loved the elephant because he gave the world “a certain idea of France.”

Hands-on Fossil Program for Kids

Everyone is welcome at next week’s “Unearthing Fossils” family night event. Bring the whole gang to the library at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, for an interactive program put on by the White Lake Rock, Gem and Mineral Club. To learn more about this and all of the other summer events for kids, teens, and adults, visit wlclib.org/calendar.

Walk the Beat Returns July 18

Now in its fifth year, Walk the Beat will feature 26 musical acts at 13 different locations in Montague and Whitehall. Everyone is invited to “walk the beat” from venue to venue and enjoy live music at every stop. There is no charge to attend, and everyone can enter free door prize drawings all along the route. It’s a great family-friendly event that runs

from 1-5:30 p.m. July 18, and even includes food trucks along the way!

The library and the Friends of the Library are delighted to be part of this great community event. Come visit us at WaterDog Outfitters, where we will be sharing information about the library and selling raffle tickets. The raffle features a total of $5,000 in prize money divided among 3 lucky winners. Tickets cost $10 each, with half the proceeds staying with the non-profit that sold it and the other half being used to support local music education and provide instruments to children in our community.

DeMumbrum

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community

Montague's Moss joins Clippers for playoff run

Milligan Univ. senior was recruited to Clippers midseason, contributes to sweep of Flag City Sluggers

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Montague alum and Milligan University player Nick Moss didn't plan on playing organized baseball this summer. After his first of two seasons at NAIA Milligan University in Tennessee, where he hit .336 in 40 games as the Buffaloes posted a strong 41-15 overall record, Moss planned to "make some money" working while staying sharp via hitting and weightlifting on his own time.

However, when the Muskegon Clippers gave him a call a couple weeks ago, needing an outfielder after star Caden Thelen left the team at the end of June to prepare to go back to Grand Valley State University, it was an opportunity Moss felt he couldn't pass up. (Thelen's loss, which the team knew was coming, was a big one for the Clippers; he still leads the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League in RBI, with 30, despite not having played in over a week.)

"I told (Clippers' assistant coach Tim Simon) I might be a little rusty, but this is a great opportunity, local, close to home," Moss said. "I felt the urge. Why not? I started up (last) Tuesday with

Nick Moss takes a hack at a pitch during last Thursday's Muskegon Clippers game against the Flag City Sluggers.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

them and it looks like a great time to hop on."

Moss indeed joined up at a great time, helping the Clippers sweep the Flag City Sluggers in a Tuesday-Thursday series last week to fight their way into the playoff picture. The sweep pulled the Clippers' record to 13-11, within one game of the Sluggers for second place and a playoff spot in the GLSCL's North Division.

In Last Thursday's game, the last of the series, Moss reached base three times, drove in a run, stole a base and recorded an assist from left field as the Clippers hung on to beat Flag City 9-8. The game ended when outfielder Zane Wilson, who replaced Moss defensively late in the game, threw out a Slugger baserunner at the plate for the final out.

Clippers' coach Brian Wright, the former 45-year coach and teacher at

Nick Moss arrives at second base after stealing the bag for the Muskegon Clippers during last Thursday's game against the Flag City Sluggers at Marsh Field. Moss just joined the team last week and will be a key part of the Clippers' playoff run.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Shelby who retired from the school at the end of the 2026 season, said he told Wilson, who through Monday was hitting .109 and needed a confidence boost, that he'd get him in Thursday's game for an at-bat or two when the Clippers led 9-4. Although the Sluggers rallied soon afterward, Wright didn't want to go back on that statement. Removing Moss, he added, was no reflection on the former Montague Wildcat. "It's a blessing that we were able to pick Nick up," Wright said. "He's going to be a big help for us. We're excited about that."

Unfortunately for the Clippers, after sweeping the Sluggers, they were on the other end of a sweep in their next se-

ries against the South Division-leading Grand Lake Mariners, but the Sluggers were swept by the Hamilton Joes as well, so the Clippers remain within a game of the postseason with a week of games to play.

Moss hadn't played much outfield prior to this past season at Milligan; he was a middle infielder, and a very good one, in his time at Montague and in two years at Lake Michigan College in southwestern Michigan. At Milligan, a combination of injuries to other players and Moss' own success at the plate led his coaches to inquire whether he could

Whitehall updates track record board

Vikings broke four school track records in 2026, led by Jazwinski setting 2, helping land a 3rd

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Track and field records fall over time; that is a given. However, longtime Whitehall boys coach Kirk Mikkelson, a Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association Hall of Famer, has been around long enough to know that 2026, when four records went down in a single year, was a special one.

That's why he invited Bobby Jazwinski, Caden Bowyer, Javi LeBlanc, Rex Pumford and Jevon Hilliard to the school Tuesday morning to watch as athletic director Christian Subdon scaled a new ladder the district recently purchased to add their names to the school's record board, which is on the walls of the Whitehall High School gym. The group then posed for a photo to celebrate their accomplishments.

Jazwinski spearheaded the

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

remarkable year of records, breaking both long-distance running event records at Whitehall and also teaming with LeBlanc, Pumford and Hilliard to break the 3,200-meter relay record at the MHSAA state finals in May. Jazwinski and Bowyer in particular unseated Whitehall heavyweights from the board. Jazwinski's new 3,200-meter record of 9:00.5, set at the New Balance Nationals in June, surpassed Viking all-timer

Martin Schulist, whose record stood for nearly 50 years and who ran at Michigan State University. Jazwinski set the 1,600 record of 4:11.7 last December at an indoor meet at Grand Valley State University.

Bowyer's discus record of 166-4 overtook the mark of Ryan VanBergen, who held the top spot for 20 years.

Jazwinski said he's spoken

Moss joins Clippers continued on page 5 Record board continued on page 5

Whitehall athletic director Christian Subdon places Caden Bowyer's name on the school's track and field records board Tuesday morning at the high school. Bowyer broke the school discus record in May.

Whitehall athletes, from left, Caden Bowyer, Bobby Jazwinski, Rex Pumford, Javi LeBlanc and Jevon Hilliard celebrate their new school track records Tuesday morning. Their names were placed on the school's record board. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

R-P hosting tennis camp

Reeths-Puffer's tennis programs are hosting a youth camp set to take place Aug. 3-5 at the school's courts. There will be three separate sessions each day of the camp divided by age. Kids entering the first through the third grades will meet from 9-10:15 a.m., followed by the fourth through sixth graders rom 10:15-11:30 and the seventh and eighth graders from 11:3012:45 p.m.

Registration is open through July 24. Participating players should bring a tennis racket, a water bottle, tennis shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Tennis balls and daily snacks are provided, and all campers will receive a t-shirt.

The cost to participate is $30. For more information, visit the RPHS Athletics Facebook page or contact Rockets' coach Morgan Pfhistner at pfhistnerm@reeths-puffer.org.

WLGC golfer scores ace

As the golf season continues, local golfers are flocking to the course, and one player recently picked up a hole-in-one.

On May 25 at White Lake Golf Course, Jennifer Day knocked in an ace on the 137yard seventh hole, using a 7 iron.

• Courtesy Photo

Moss joins Clippers

play the outfield. Moss, who said he has a great relationship with Milligan coach Skyler Barnett and his staff, said he'd give it a shot.

"It's been a slow process," Moss said with a laugh. "I'll tell anybody that wants to know that I'm not the best defensive outfielder, so it's coming with time. I'm just happy to be able to be in the lineup and contribute when I can."

Moss certainly looked the part in the field Thursday, playing clean baseball and throwing out a Slugger who tried to stretch a long single into a double. Moss credited teammate Kaden Howard with picking his throw and making the tag at second on the play.

"The biggest takeaway is, do the easy things right," Moss said. "That's just hitting your cutoff (man,) so I've always just thrown at the cutoff, and I let those guys in the middle make the right decision."

Moss said he's looking forward to one more season at Milligan before joining the "real world," noting the game plays faster the higher up the ladder you go. It's a challenge, but one Moss has relished.

"I've always thought I've had a pretty good IQ for the game, and I've always been a good contact guy, but the further you go on, the game always evolves," Moss said. "Now you're at a four-year

(school), in a really good conference, the game constantly gets quicker. You're always learning on the fly, picking up new stuff."

At the plate, Moss was 1-for-2, smacking a RBI single up the middle to cap a four-run Clippers' third inning that put the team ahead for good, 5-2. He drew a walk in the fifth inning and was hit by a pitch in the seventh, then stole second. Moss said he recorded a couple hits the day prior, but Thursday's single represented his best-hit ball in his brief Clippers' tenure to date.

The Clippers as a whole took advantage of several fielding miscues by Flag City and some timely hitting to build their 9-4 lead before their own struggles in the field contributed to the Sluggers' attempted comeback. An opposite-field two-run double by Dalton Dick, which gave him three RBI in the game,

Events coming to Muskegon County state parks

Muskegon State Park will host a 90-minute guided dune interpretation walk Friday, July 24 from 9:30-11 a.m.

Attendees will learn how dunes and Lake Michigan were formed, discover the unique shoreline ecosystem and hear fascinating insights into local history. This engaging experience is geared for adults and families, with a suggested minimum age of 7.

The park will also host a volunteer stewardship day Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will help to remove the invasive spotted knapweed plants that threaten highquality ecosystems in the park. Spotted

knapweed removal is an easy project, but a lot of ground will be covered, so come prepared for a hike on uneven terrain and direct sunlight. Participants should dress for outdoor work, with long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and work boots.

The P.J. Hoffmaster State Park will host a similar stewardship day Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will be removing invasive barberry from the entrance area. Invasive barberry has sharp spines, so be sure to dress properly for shrub removal.

Weekly DNR Fishing Report

Here is this week's fishing report from the Michigan DNR.

Looking to learn more about fishing? Hook, Line and Sinker classes are offered at many state parks in Michigan, teaching fishing basics such as knot tying, bait selection and casting. Find out if there are any classes offered at a state park near you.

Grand Haven - Boats began seeing increased catches of Chinook salmon, along with a few coho salmon and steelhead. Most Chinook salmon were caught 55 to 120 feet down in 80 to 150 feet of water. White flashers with green flies and glow spoons produced good numbers of fish. A few salmon were also caught on green or white meat rigs. Pier anglers caught a few freshwater drum while casting spoons in the channel.

Muskegon - Over the past week, Chinook salmon numbers increased, with larger fish being caught. The

best action occurred 50 to 100 feet down in 80 to 140 feet of water. Glow spoons, along with white flasher and green fly combinations, produced the best results. Pier anglers caught a few freshwater drum while casting spoons or paddle tails.

Ludington - Fishing was generally slow, but a few Chinook salmon were caught off Big Sable Point in 100 to 180 feet of water while anglers trolled spoons and flasher flies 60 to 80 feet down. Additional Chinook salmon were also caught in 60 to 80 feet of water. Anglers fishing off Pentwater and to the south caught Chinook salmon in 80 to 100 feet of water, while others found fish straight out from the pierheads in 60 to 120 feet of water. A few steelhead and one coho salmon were also caught. Those fishing from the piers saw little action, with only one or two freshwater drum caught while casting spoons.

Record board

preceded Moss' hit and put the Clippers up 4-2. Brayden Turner drove in Justin St. Antoine after the latter's leadoff triple in the sixth inning, giving him two RBI for the game and making it 8-4, and Dick added his fourth RBI of the game later in the inning to make it 9-4.

Moss parachuting onto the Clippers' roster just in time for a playoff race turned out to be fortuitous timing for both him and the team, and he hopes to be able to be a factor down the stretch.

"We're in a great spot," Moss said. "We've got nothing to lose and just playing as hard as we can. I think that really showed. We've got a lot of guys that busted their butt all nine innings (tonight) and all through this series...There's no letting up. It's not getting any easier. I feel like, one through nine and through the whole (pitching) staff, that's how we're thinking."

with the runners whose records he broke, Schulist included. Since he transferred from Hart and began competing for Whitehall last fall, he's rewritten the Vikings' record book; he also set the school's 5K record in his very first race for the school last August and proceeded to lower it several times, bringing home state titles in cross-country and in the 3,200 meters this year.

"They're just some amazing guys, and they went on later in their running career to do great things," Jazwinski said of the past Vikings. "It's great to see my name etched in the history books here. I just love the community here. They welcomed me in when I came in last year. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Jazwinski, whose parents Robert and Katie run Jazz Running Club, own the Jazz Blueberry Farm in Shelby and recently bought the fitness side of Lakeside Rehab in Hart, is fully devoted to running like his siblings. His older sister, Jessie, was a star for Hart and now runs at ACC power North Carolina State University, and his younger siblings Sammi and Johnny are stars in the making.

Not that Bobby had to prove his affinity for the sport, but he certainly did in June, not by his performance at the New Balance Nationals, but by what he did after. He flew back from that meet and said he got "about four hours of sleep" before traveling over to

the Run-A-Muck race at Scholl Farms in Montague June 21 and winning the 10K race there. The Jazwinskis and Scholls, Bobby said, are friends, so he wanted to show his support by competing in the race.

"It was just a great experience," Jazwinski said. "I don't love anything more than running. Running is my passion, so I might as well do it all the time and get as good as I can at it."

The soon-to-be senior star has skyhigh goals for this year, some he wanted to keep to himself because, as he put it, talking about them won't help him achieve them. He did share, though, that he wants to win a national title and take a shot at the MHSAA record at the state cross-country finals. He'll also likely at some point make a college decision, as his resume suggests he'll have his pick of many offers to run at the next level.

Despite the individual nature of running, Jazwinski said he was very thankful to get to share the celebration of the Viking records of the past year with his teammates.

"Being here by myself wouldn't be nearly as fun," Jazwinski said. "I get to share it with the team I was on. I couldn't do that by myself. You've got to have a team to be great as a school. This is a great environment, the best school environment I've been around for athletics. Everyone wants to be up there on the record books."

The Muskegon Clippers' Taylor Head (right) slides back into first base on a pickoff throw to the Flag City Sluggers' Gino Williams during last Thursday's game at Marsh Field. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Lighting up the sky for the 4th

of July (a day early)

The White Lake area's fireworks show took place a day early this year, on July 3, due to the massive demand surrounding fireworks shows this year for the 250th anniversary of the United States. The show brought light and color to the sky as residents gathered to celebrate the holiday.

• Claire Marshall/Mirror

Echoes of History: Maritime historical highlights (Pt. 4)

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

Parts 1-3 of this article ran in the June 19, June 26 and July 3 issues of the Mirror.

Friday activities at the 1998 Maritime Festival included ventriloquist David Stewart on the stage at 5 p.m. His “squeaky-clean” act included funny songs, comical situation and audience participation.

Live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to midnight was provided by the “Sea Cruisers.” There was a sailing regatta on White Lake and a water ski show.

Maritime Festival 1999 was a twoday event held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-21.

The shuffleboard tournament started Thursday morning at the Montague Township Park as in previous years and continued through Saturday. There was a trout pond, face painting and cat and dog contests for the kids. The fish boil, water ski show and a Venetian parade rounded out the event.

Some options for Maritime Festival 2000 were to play games, dress up a dog, fill a ravenous appetite, quench a parched palate or sit back, relax and take in some tunes Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 17-19.

Thursday morning started with a shuffleboard tournament. Live entertainment Friday and Saturday was provided by the “Sea Cruisers”. Saturday included a softball tournament, Arts

and Crafts, Pet Parade, watermelon seed spitting contest and a Belt Sander Race which was sponsored by Hunt’s Hardware.

The West Michigan Waterski Association put on their water ski show with a lot of stunts, costumes and comedy from the group.

New in August 2001 was a community picnic and a 5K run (Thursday, Aug. 16), a Cub Scout Rain Gutter Regatta and a watermelon seed spitting contest Saturday, Aug. 18, and a golf scramble Sunday, Aug. 19.

Returning for the year was the popular shuffleboard tournament, softball tournament, arts and crafts, sailing regatta, belt sander races, water ski show, shrimp boil and fish boil.

The Friday night Shrimp Boil began at 5 p.m. and lasted until the shrimp were gone. The traditional Fish Boil sponsored by the White Lake Area Sportfishing Association began at 4 p.m. Saturday at Goodrich Park pavilion.

During the festival there was plenty of other food to eat. Food booths had bratwurst, hot dogs, strawberry shortcake and sweet corn. Restaurants in Whitehall and Montague, with inside and outside dining, offered summer specials during the festival.

Entry forms for the Saturday sailing regatta were available at the Crosswinds Marina and the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce office. Registration and the skippers meeting was at 10 a.m. at the Crosswinds Restaurant. The race

began at 1 p.m. and awards were presented at 5:30 p.m. in the Festival tent.

The Entertainment Tent had the ever popular ”Sea Cruisers” from Lansing, the rock and roll, a Beach Boys-style 1960s and 1970s band that drew dancers from along the lakeshore.

In 2001 and 2002 the Maritime Festival was co-sponsored by the Whitehall-Montague Lions, the Montague-Whitehall Rotary, White Lake Elks and the Chamber of Commerce. No other information is available for the next several years.

The annual Thunderbolt 5K and cross-country team challenge marked the beginning of Maritime Festival Aug. 14-16, 2008. The Venetian Parade was held in 2008 after several years of absence. Illuminated boats of all sizes from participating marinas followed a parade route on White Lake so people on shore could get a good look at the unique site. A variety of prizes were awarded to the participants.

The Aug. 20-22, 2009 Maritime Festival was highlighted by many water-related events including a trout pond, sailing regatta, water battles, fish boil and Venetian Parade.

A 5K run was a highlight for Thursday, the first day of the festival. Runners gathered at Funnell Field in Whitehall for the 5K run. The race began at 6:30 p.m.

The annual Maritime Family Sailing Regatta featured sailboats racing up and down White Lake. The regatta began

Historical Society to present video tour of Mouth Cemetery at July 16 meeting

On Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m., the White Lake Area Historical Society will present a program titled "A Video Tour of the Historic Mouth Cemetery” at the Montague Senior Center at 8741 Ferry Street.

Mouth Cemetery is the oldest burial ground in White River Township, dating back to 1851, and one of the oldest cemeteries in Muskegon County. It became a Registered Michigan Historical

Site in 1989.

at 1 p.m. and sailors raced their boats from the first marker past the narrows to Crosswinds Marina. Registration and a skippers’ meeting were scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at Crosswinds Marina. Awards were handed out at 7 p.m. inside the Entertainment tent at Goodrich Park.

Children’s games and activities are planned for Saturday. At noon Saturday, firefighters from local fire departments took part in an oversized water fight. The White Lake Fire Authority also hosted a foam penny scramble and other children’s activities as part of the picnic. Local police officers handled the cooking of the hot dogs at the community picnic, which also featured live entertainment. A donation was recommended for the 6 p.m. picnic with the proceeds going to the White Lake Food Pantry.

The annual Fish Boil was held from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday at the band shell in Montague.

The Entertainment/Beverage tent was the site of a variety of music styles during the festival – Tommy Foster and the “Foster Kids” took stage on Friday night performing top-40 rock from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Saturday had two musical acts: Ein Prosit, a 40-piece German oom-pah band played from 4 to 7 p.m. “Hot Logic” returned to the festival that year and played rock music from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Feeding America pantry returning July 18

The White Lake Congregational United Church of Christ will welcome the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry for another visit Saturday, July 18.

Anyone in need of food is eligible to receive wholesome groceries at no cost, with no ID required. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with food distribution from 10-11 a.m. or until the allotment is exhausted.

A video tour of the Mouth Cemetery will be the chief attraction at July 16's White Lake Area Historical Society meeting. • Courtesy Photo

Mouth Cemetery is nestled on a quiet wooded bluff at the end of a narrow, winding, two-track road. Due to its difficult location and accessibility, we will bring the cemetery to you in the form of a virtual tour. There will also be brief histories of some of the “residents”. You won’t need to wear your walking shoes or bring your own chair to this presentation as it will be held at the Montague Senior Center on Ferry Street. The program is free.

Grocery selection will vary, but may include dairy, fruit, vegetables, grains and protein. Recipients are asked to enter the church parking lot at the north entrance and a volunteer will direct them where to line up. The church is located at 1809 S. Mears Ave. in Whitehall. Visit whitelakeUCC.org for more information in the calendar tab.

Recent local police activity

equipped with GPS from a residence on Post Road.

would look at security camera footage in hopes of identifying the offender.

9:36 p.m., parking violation, 8700 block of Water St.

Whitehall Police Report

July 3

At 1:18 a.m., officers were checking the area of school buildings in the 500 block of E Slocum St. when they observed an occupied car with a subject sleeping in it. Officers made contact with the subject, a 24-year-old female from Muskegon, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. She indicated she was not on shift for the cleaning service at the school but had elected to sleep in the car due to a civil dispute at her residence. Officers confirmed that the subject had a safe living situation before departing.

July 5

At 11:35 p.m., officers were called to the 4900 block of Williams St. in Montague to assist the Montague Police Department with an unwanted person complaint. Officers assisted with a foot pursuit and subsequent vehicle chase. The subject was later taken into custody on Colby Street near US-31 after having stolen a work vehicle that was

July 6

At 3:50 p.m., officers were called to the 400 block of S Mears Ave. on a call that initially came in as a possible structure fire. Officers arrived on scene and learned that a resident of the care home there, a 51-year-old male, had discharged a fire extinguisher. The arriving officer spoke with the subject and attempted to counsel him on the proper use of the fire extinguisher and was told that the subject would do it again if they wanted to.

July 8

At 11:30 a.m., officers were made aware of an illegal dumping complaint in the 900 block of E Colby St. A business owner in the area indicated that they believed subjects were using their dumpster without permission. Officers were able to, with the assistance of the business owner, locate a name on one of the packages that had been placed in the dumpster which showed a resident who lived in Fruitland Twp. Officers are in the process of following up with the resident regarding the dumping.

At approximately 10:05 p.m., officers were called to the 100 block of E Colby St. on a larceny complaint. A victim indicated that he had been in a business in the area and had placed his wallet on the counter to go use the restroom. When he returned, the wallet was gone and he believed others in the store had taken it. Officers followed up with witnesses, and store owners said they

June 30

8:59 p.m., domestic, assist to Muskegon County Sheriff's Office, 11000 block of Henderson Rd.

10:49 p.m., medical assist, 8000 block of Old Channel Trail

July 1

7:06 a.m., other investigation, 8000 block of Old Channel Trail

July 2

12:23 a.m., police assist citizen, 8000 block of Ellenwood Dr.

12:33 a.m., assist other agency with attempt to locate, 8000 block of Stebbins St.

5:17 a.m., assist to Montague Fire, small dumpster fire, 4000 block of Dowling St.

8:43 a.m., trespassing, Medbery Park

2:08 p.m., medical assist, 5000 block of Onsikamme St.

11:04 p.m., assist to Whitehall Police Department, disturbance, 3800 block of White Lake Dr.

July 3

9:01 a.m., private impound, 8600 block of Water St.

2:35 p.m., medical assist, 4800 block of Bowen St.

2:52 p.m., car-versus-deer crash with minor injuries, 8900 block of Water St.

July 4

7:16 a.m., assist to Muskegon County Sheriff's Office, vehicle accident with no injuries, Fruitvale and Ochs roads

9:57 p.m., water emergency, all subjects safe, 5700 South Shore Dr. 10:41 p.m., unknown problem, 8000 block of Park St.

July 5

6:51 a.m., private property hit and run, 9000 block of Cook St.

8:41 a.m., unwanted person, 4000 block of Spring St.

10:36 a.m., business alarm, Montague High School, no issue, alarm cleared by staff

11:13 a.m., police assist citizen, 8000 block of Ellenwood Dr.

11:35 p.m., domestic, vehicle pursuit with arrest, 4000 block of Williams St.

July 6

12:15 p.m., trespassing, 8800 block of Water St.

7:23 p.m., medical assist, 8000 block of Meade St.

10:24 p.m., traffic obstruction, tree across road, Grant and Knudsen streets

July 7

8:51 a.m., trespassing, 8800 block of Water St.

6:36 p.m., medical alarm, 8300 block of Cook St.

8:30 p.m., assist to Whitehall Police Department, assault, 100 block of Colby St.

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