Z EELAND R ECORD THE

ZBPW Warns About Possible Load Shift

The early heat wave that hit the Midwest last week had many residents and businesses cranking up the air conditioning to make it comfortable to work and sleep.

With the increase in electrical demand the Zeeland Board of Public Works (BPW) states that it is prepared to implement emergency response plans if directed to do so by the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator (MISO), the organization that oversees the power grid for 15 states, including Michigan.

“Concerns remain again this year that electric system supply may be insufficient to fulfill peak demand during extreme weather conditions” said Andrew Boatright, General Manager of Zeeland BPW.

The Midwest region is at an elevated risk of “insufficient operating reserves in above-normal conditions” according to a report released by the North American Reliability Corporation (NERC). This projected deficiency is due to contributing factors such as predicted above-average temperatures and aging or recently retired thermal resources.

“Quality service and reliability are vitally important to us. Therefore, we have made significant investments in our generation, transmission, and distribution systems and will continue to do so,” said Boatright. “Although the capacity shortfalls are part of a larger regional supply issue, we are prepared to follow MISO’s directives and implement our emergency response plans.” Those response plans involve suspending discretionary maintenance, operating on-site power generating units at maximum capacity, and appealing to the public for voluntary load reduction. “We hope to prevent or minimize potential disruptions to our customers to the extent that is within our control,” said Boatright.

In times of extreme electric demand with all other options exhausted, MISO may direct the Zeeland BPW and neighboring utilities to implement load-shedding, the deliberate shutdown of electric power in parts of a power-distribution system to prevent failure of the entire system. Zeeland BPW has prioritized critical services such as public safety and health care providers to remain uninterrupted during temporary or sustained power outages. “Critical care customers who depend on electricity for oxygen or other life-sustaining medical equipment should contact our Customer Relationship Specialists if they have not done so previously,” said Boatright.

In addition to response plans, Zeeland BPW is asking its industrial and residential customers to identify ways they can proactively conserve energy. “As a Public Power utility owned and operated by the community it serves, anything that affects our neighbors impacts us all,” said Bob Mulder, Zeeland BPW’s Electric Power Supply & Market Operations Manager. “If appeals for conservation are implemented, you can help by turning off unneeded lights and electronics and limiting the use of air conditioning by increasing the thermostat a few degrees,” Mulder continued. “These simple steps may seem insignificant for one customer, but these efforts can be impactful when done by many.”

“The electric utility industry is experiencing numerous transformative changes, including decarbonization and electrification,” explained Mulder. “These changes, paired with increased demand, above-average temperatures, and supply chain limitations, create challenges that require us to work together as new resources and technologies are employed.”

Zeeland BPW will share loadshedding emergency updates to its website, zeelandbpw.com.

Council Approves Liquor License for New Restaurant

A new family-oriented pub is hoping to open this fall in downtown Zeeland following the approval of a request for a liquor license.

On Monday evening Scott Ingersoll appeared before the City Council with plans and a request for a liquor license to develop a restaurant, The Gritzmaker Social House, 120 E. Main which formerly was the Elbo Room Bistro.

“We are community driven family focused business. Our goal is to provide first class service & top-quality food while also giving back to the community focusing on our mission statement of “community unity”,” said Ingersoll.

The new restaurant will contain approximately 74 seats with 60 seats at tables and an additional 14 seats at the bar. At Monday’s meeting Gritzmaker sought a Class “C” DDA/Redevelopment liquor license and inclusion into the downtown social district to serve alcohol that could be consumed outside the restaurant in the downtown area.

“We originally looked at purchasing the restaurant a year ago, but were not able to reach an agreement,” said Ingersoll.

The former Elbo Room liquor license was subsequently purchased and transferred to Frank’s East.

Community Restaurant Breaks Ground for New Facility

While several restaurants, Public and Gritzmaker Social House have announced plans to open in downtown Zeeland, a long-time local favorite took another step to reopening.

Community Restaurant, 421 E. Main Ave., held a ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday, May 31, for family members and friends after a fire destroyed the facility over a year ago, April 12, 2022.

“It has been a long time coming. The city has been great to work with. Part of the delay was working to buy out my former partner which took a little longer than anticipated,” said owner Barry Elzinga.

The new facility will have the same footprint as the original building including the front room, but inside there will be a few changes with the location of the bathrooms, serving area, and the kitchen.

“We were originally going to use the original footings, but decided a month or two ago to place new footings as several were damaged and others had to be moved. It didn’t make a lot of sense to put a new building on old footings,” he said.

When the restaurant reopens Elzinga is planning to return with the original menu and add a few new items.

“It is a rather large menu, but for each item I know a customer that it is their favorite thing to order. I also plan to bring a few new items to the menu,” he said.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in late November or early December. Elzinga expects that the restaurant will be open sometime in January or early February.

“There is one thing that I have learned through this process, nothing runs on schedule. So, I plan to be flexible, it will take some time after the construction is completed to bring in all the food, cooking utensils, and staffing to get up and running,” he said.

Dekker Huis Museum Now Home To Zeeland Welcome Center

Ingersoll brings years of restaurant experience to his new venture. He partnered with Kalamazoo’s Gilmore Group to open The Win Tavern 33 in Jenison.

“We worked together for a while, but I wanted to focus on giving more to the employees and the community than my partners, so we parted ways,” he explained.

He then opened Milk Creek Tavern in Comstock Park with a mission of – Amazing Food. Unrivaled Service. Relentless effort to give back and support community unity.

“We do a lot of fund raisers for local organizations, are involved in the Chamber of Commerce and are really focused on giving back to the community,” he said.

His decision to open a restaurant in Zeeland was partly based on where he wanted to raise his family.

“While my business is in Comstock Park, it is not where I want to raise my family. We are attracted to the community and everything that it has going on,” he said.

Ingersoll is planning a menu similar to what is served at Milk Creek which features sandwiches, wrap, and hamburgers along with entrees such as burritos, roasted pot roast and perch dinners.

If all goes according to plans Ingersoll plans to be open sometime in the fall of this year.

The Zeeland Welcome Center will be launched on June 15 in the Dekker Huis Museum. This project is being undertaken by the Zeeland Historical Society and includes a renovation of the entryway and gallery space of the Dekker Huis Museum.

“As a historical society, our mission is to be a place of connection for our community. By adding the Zeeland Welcome Center to the Dekker Huis Museum, we can better serve our community and fill an important need. This wouldn’t be possible without broader community support,” said Katelyn VerMerris, Director of the Zeeland Historical Society.

The Zeeland Welcome Center will contain information such as local restaurants, churches, parks and more. Visitors can also pick up walking tours or driving tours to engage deeper on their visit to the community.

“As the City of Zeeland and local businesses invest in the infrastructure of Main St. and works to improve the walkability and vitality of downtown, the Welcome Center provides a timely partner to continue to make Zeeland a vibrant place to visit, to work, and to live,” VerMerris said.

As part of the project, a website was also developed at www.zeelandmi.org. The website serves as an introduction to the Zeeland Community including a blog that will be updated with local news.

Robert Long Dies at Age 61

Robert “Bob” Long, 61, of Holland, died May 17, 2023.

Bob was born in Allegan, Michigan, on March 7, 1962. He was the son of Wilbur & Nancy Long. Bob was raised in Watson, Michigan by his mom and his stepdad Carl.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Mike Long.

He is survived by his daughter Kay & Jacob Loucks of Allegan, his son C.J. Morse of Allegan, brothers: Danny Long & Wayne Long, Aunt Judy & Uncle Les Witters, and many extended family members and friends.

Bob was a member of Moran Park Church in Holland where he found great friendship and community with his brothers and sister in Christ.

Luz Esther Cosme Dies at Age 72

Luz Esther Cosme, 72, of Holland, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, and turned everyone’s world upside down.

Luz was born in La Isla Del Encanto, Comerio, Puerto Rico, the oldest of 6 children born to her parents Francisca Aponte and Ramon Ortega. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandma, and friend.

Luz loved to sing and dance. She was known for her laughter. Like her son, Mario, Luz’s laughter came from her soul. A laughter that would light up a room and brighten everyone’s day! Her cooking could be smelled from blocks away and she took great joy in feeding everyone, even if they weren’t hungry. Everyone knew to take a plate and not to say no. And she loved kids. Above all, Luz loved her family: her husband, her children, and grandchildren.

Luz is survived by her husband of 52 years, Mario Cosme and her daughter, Luz Cosme; her grandchildren: Danzel De’Andre Vaughn, Daisey Monique Cosme, Destiney Uribe, Julian and Jerry Henderson; great-grandchildren: Genavicia, Nano, Elaina Cosme Gonzales, Alexios Paul Uribe. She is and always will be Grandma Lucy to them; brothers and sisters; Antonio Ortega, Maria E Cabarrubio, Jose Ramon Ortega, Edwin Ortega, and Iris Delia Ortega, whom she raised while just a baby herself. Luz was preceded in death by her son, Mario (Paul) Cosme Jr. in 1999.

She was an angel who was heavenly sent to everyone she came into contact with. R.I.P. our Angel. Life will NEVER be the same without you in it. Always know you were and always will be loved by all who knew you!

Now rest our Queen!

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 6, at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church, 171 West 13th Street, Holland. To leave condolences online, please visit www.langelandstereneberg. com.

Sharon L. Hulst Dies at Age 80

Sharon L. Hulst, 80, of Holland, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023.

Sharon was born June 23, 1942, in Zeeland, to Gary and Jeanette (Diekema) Otte. Sharon graduated from Holland Christian High School and went on to college preparation for choir and church leadership training. She married Jim Hulst in 1961, and they raised their family in Holland. The Hulst family are members of Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church and active in their church and community. Sharon served as the church ministry director for 31 years at Holland Heights CRC. She had served as the church choir director, and director of the Kids Life Bible Club, in addition to several other church volunteering opportunities. She twice served on the Board of Holland Christian Schools. Sharon was preceded in death by her bother Warren and her sister Susie. She will be dearly missed, by so many.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jim Hulst, their children: Dr. Lynda Hulst of Grand Rapids, Laura & Dave Morren of Grand Rapids, Thomas & Kellie Hulst of Grand Rapids, Dr. Timothy & Susi Hulst of Grand Rapids, Lisa and Dr. Pierce McCarty of Minneapolis; 15 grandchildren, 7 greatgrandchildren, brother Jim Otte, sister Sandra Edewaard, sisterin-law Marcia Otte, and many extended family and friends.

A memorial service to honor the faith and life of Sharon Hulst was held on Saturday, June 3, at Holland Heights CRC, 836 E. 8th Street, Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to Kids Life Bible Club. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Judith A. Wentworth Dies at Age 75

Judith A. Wentworth age 75, of Zeeland, died Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at an area care center.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Richard in 2020. She provided daycare in her house until 1998. She and Dick traveled extensively to all 50 states and wintered in Arizona. Judy was a member of Family Church.

She is survived by her son, Peter Wentworth; siblings, Roger and Sally Langworthy, Mary Ewers, Donna Anderson; sister-inlaw, Patricia Wentworth.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 5, at Yntema Funeral Home 251 S. State St. Zeeland. Burial was in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions may be given to the Family Church Memorial Fund.

Louise Ortman Dies at Age 94

Louise Ortman, 94 of Holland, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023, at home.

Louise was born July 16, 1928, to John and Jennie (Dykema) Banger in Holland and was a lifelong resident of the area.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Ortman March 11, 2020; daughter Gail Pierson; 1 sister and 2 brothers.

Louise is survived by her children, Gary (Karen) Ortman, Paula (Rick) Terpsma, Carol (John) Robbins, and Brian Ortman; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; many extended family and friends.

No services are planned at this time. Burial will be in North Holland Cemetery.

Please visit www. lakeshorememorial.com to share a memory or sign the guestbook for the Ortman family.

Terry Allen Dykstra Dies at Age 86

Terry Allen Dykstra, passed on to his heavenly home on Thursday June 1st, 2023, after a brief illness.

Terry was born on July 14th, 1936, in Holland, MI, the only child to Ted and Anges (Sneller) Dykstra. He graduated from Holland High School. He then served his country in the Army during peacetime in Korea. In 1958, Terry married the love of his life Evelyn Marie VanIwaarden and raised 3 children in Holland. They were members of Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church and shared 65 years of marriage. Terry worked at G.E for 35 years in the sample shop and was a “fix it man” for many. He enjoyed creating in his workshop and tending to his garden. A kind, gentle, and humble man. He will be greatly missed.

Terry was preceded in death by his beloved son, Steven Dykstra.

Terry is survived by his wife, Evelyn Dykstra; son, Jeff Dykstra of Holland; daughter, Kristy Debest of South Haven; daughterin-law, Kathy Dykstra of Holland; grandchildren, Leah (Mike), Lucas (Shannon), Heather, and Heidi; great grandchildren, Christopher, Cera, Cecily, and Brooklynn whom he was smitten with.

A visitation and funeral service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Susan Mast ALS Foundation. 2500 Waldorf Ct. NW Walker, MI 49544.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. lakeshorememorial.com for the Dykstra family.

Michael Daining Dies at Age 53

Michael Lee Daining, 53, of Holland, Michigan passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

Michael was born on December 14, 1969, in Holland to Calvin and Julie (Busscher) Daining. He was a lifelong resident of the area and worked as a painter and carpenter in the construction industry for many years.

Michael’s father Calvin preceded him in death in 1969. He is survived by his mother and step father, Julie (Terry) VanKampen; brothers Ken (Julie) Daining and Jim (Clara) Daining; 2 nieces, 1 nephew; special friend Charlene Moore; many extended family and friends. No service are planned at this time. Burial was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. lakeshorememorial.com for the Daining family.

Sharon Langejans Dies at Age 81

Sharon Langejans, 81, passed away on May 28, 2023.

Sharon was a lifelong member of Graafschap Christian Reformed Church. For most of her life she served as a volunteer at both the church and Holland Christian Schools. She was a bookkeeper for Heights Service (her husband’s business) for over 40 years. She was deeply loved by friends and family, and she especially loved her grandkids. She enjoyed boating, traveling to Gulf Shores, and Wednesday morning coffee with her dear friends. She will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Junior Langejans; brother, Donald A. Silliven; and brother-in-law, Herb Van Iddekinge.

She is survived by her daughters, Paula and Steve Elenbaas, Conni and Paul Vande Bunte, Sarah VandenBerg; grandchildren, Haley and Alex

Barb Ter Haar Dies at Age 67

Barb Ter Haar, 67 of Zeeland, loving wife, mother, and nana passed away Saturday, May 27, 2023.

She was a member Messiah Christian Reformed Church and worked for Zeeland Public Schools in food service for 30 years.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years Bob; her children and grandchildren: Brad and Heather Ter Haar (Cody and Samantha Ter Haar, Braden Ter Haar, and Hope Ter Haar), Brooke and Mike Van Ee (Jace Van Ee, Brynn Van Ee, Asher Van Ee, and Haven Van Ee); her siblings: Shirley and Herb Klomparens, Sandy and John Driesenga, and Bruce and Sharon Dys; her sistersin-law: Connie Dys, Barb and Mel Haverdink, Kathy and John Hoogeveen, and Arlene Ter Haar. Barb was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Rose Dys, and her brother Roger Dys. A memorial service was held on Friday, June 2, at Messiah Christian Reformed Church, 2900 Springdale Ct, Hudsonville. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a Christian School of your choice. www.yntemafh.com

Thomas, Lindsay and Brandon Kottke, Ben and Emma Elenbaas, Grace and Kyle Reinink, Molly and Jack Vedders, Josh and Mariah Vande Bunte, Shannon Vande Bunte, Sam and Daisy Vande Bunte, and Morgan Smith; great-grandchildren, Max, Gabe, and Silas; in-laws, Marla Van Iddekinge, Glenn and Phyllis Langejans, Carl and Carla Langejans, Tom and Yolanda Langejans, Nancy and Scott Van Dyke, Sharon and Bob Reiley; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 1, at Graafschap Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Philip D. Kok officiating. Burial took place in Graafschap Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Sharon’s honor may be given to Holland Christian Schools or Graafschap CRC.

Crawlers Catch Bass and Walleye

By Jack Payne

We spent a few days on Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac over the Memorial Day weekend. Folks, these two connecting lakes are my go-to fun vacation lake. The fishing can be fantastic and a true angler’s smorgasbord. On Friday we caught bass, pike, perch, walleye, bluegill and crappie.

As many anglers already know, crawlers land plenty of bass and walleye. You can drift a crawler, slow troll a crawler, run it behind a bottom bouncer or a sinker. I remember my early years of fishing. I remember fishing out of my uncle’s 12-foot Jon boat. My cousin Dave and I were casting nose hooked crawlers along a cabbage weed bed. We limited out on crappie!

Four local guides that are members of West Michigan Walleye Club that I also am a member of shared some of their favorite ways to fish a crawler. Todd Venema from Third Coast Charters (231-7400304) shared his thoughts.

Crawler harness I use a lot of slow death hooks with a Mack smile blade. And typically fish them at less than 1 mph. I also use a two-hook crawler harness typically with a Colorado blade in various sizes usually a 3, 4 or 5 depending on where I am fishing and what time of the year it is.

Craig Tipton of MI Time Charters (269-312-0562) will often find summer time eyes right near the weed edges feeding on bait. Another great option is trolling small crawler harnesses over weed beds. Sometimes you can locate eyes suspended over deep water, although tough to detect on sonar, these fish will feed all day long as they are out there foraging on schools of minnows. One key to this is to look for a thermocline somewhere in the water column. Walleyes will always be where the food is.

Derek Nykamp of Freedom Charters (616-723-5964) stated that when the bite gets tough in the summer months this is an absolute go to bait. From bottom to suspended fish it will increase your catch rate. The size of the blade depends on the body of water I’m in but one thing that holds true is 1.2 mph is my go-to speed with a lot of turns. I’m not a guy that likes to go in a straight line as the fish will continue to follow it and I’ve learned they love to hit on turns (speed change). You can determine over all if they want it faster or slower by the side they are hitting on during a turn.

Recently I’ve been messing with Berkeley SR to keep the mess or worms out of my boat! When I do run worms, I was them before they get in the boat. When I say I wash my worms it’s exactly what it sounds like. Once they are clean, I put them in a little cooler filled with water and 2 frozen water bottles. They biggest this is you need fresh water! Not treated as it will kill them quick. Remember to not even put ice from a gas station in your water as it has been treated! When you are done you can take them out and put them right back in the dirt.

“My go to crawler presentation is by far a slow death hook. I particularly like the Northland Fishing Tackle Super Death Riggs with a butterfly blade on them. I troll them at .8 to 1.2 mph, and I use a fullsize crawler”, said Bryan Buist of 2 B Caught Charters (626-293-0256)

I bounce back and forth with my crawlers. At times I use fresh water with ice cubes that I make from my pond water and throw the crawlers into it. Other times I place three or four crawlers with some bedding, no dirt, into a sandwich bag. I add lots of frozen water bottles to keep them chilled.

My favorite crawler rigs I make. My favorite blades are the Mack Smilely blades. When I use a Colorado blade, I only use a high-quality blade in Gold or Silver. Half of the time I use the hammered blades and half not. If I want some added colors, I scratch on some crazy lines using a Sharpie in whatever color I like. Remember, fish will see the back of the blade longer than the front, so mark it up a bit. Crawlers catch both walleye and bass. Remember to stop in at Grand Valley Sport Shop in Allendale.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Would Make Annie Oakley Smile

By Tom Lounsbury - Freelance outdoors writer

Phoebe Ann Moses was known as the famed shooter “Annie Oakley” in the late 1800s and would be very pleased with the outdoor opportunities available to girls and women today.

Annie was 6 years old when her father died, causing her family, living in a log cabin in western Ohio, to become impoverished.

To help support her mother and siblings, Annie began trapping at age 7 and shooting at age 8 and possessed a natural skill with any firearm for always hitting her mark. Besides shooting for the family table, she also sold game to local shopkeepers and restaurants, and gained fame for her prowess.

At age 15 and only 5 feet tall, she would outshoot traveling show marksman Frank Butler and would be able to pay off the family mortgage with the winnings. She and Butler would marry a year later and form their own traveling show, and they later joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, where she became well known as Annie Oakley.

One of the show’s stars, Sitting Bull, was so impressed with Annie’s shooting skills that he called her “Little Sure Shot.”

During the early 20th century, Annie Oakley began strongly supporting women’s rights and even taught shooting classes for women to be able to defend themselves. She remained an unbeatable shooting competitor until the end of her years.

In 1991, the University of Wisconsin did a study that determined women preferred to learn in a noncompetitive atmosphere with other likeminded women, and Becoming an Outdoors-Woman got its start. Today, BOW is offered in 38 states and six Canadian provinces.

Michigan began its first BOW program in 1997, and the workshops always quickly fill to capacity. Women are the fastestgrowing demographic in the outdoors, and there are outdoorsrelated garments and equipment available solely targeting girls and women.

In 2017, Ron Sting of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Cass City field office developed a BOW turkey hunting workshop, which has since taken place (except during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021) each spring in the Lower Peninsula’s Thumb area.

The Thumb, with 60,000 acres of public land, offers one of the highest hunter success rates in Michigan for spring gobblers and is certainly a great area to introduce women to a unique outdoor pastime.

When asked at the start if I would be a BOW turkey hunting mentor, I didn’t hesitate a bit, and I look forward to it every spring. After all, a key mentor for me in trapping, hunting and fishing was my mother, who had learned to do such from her older brothers to help feed the family during the Depression.

The turkey hunting workshop (available also to girls 10 and older) is available on a first-come, first-served basis online and fills up in a matter of hours. The number of attendees is always dependent upon the number of available hunting mentors, of which Sting strives to obtain as many as possible each spring. This year, I was among a dozen hunting mentors who were available for a dozen women eager to participate during the workshop May 12-13.

The first day of the workshop entails classroom work all about turkey hunting, including biology and firearms safety. This is soon followed by a trip to a shooting range at the Cass City Gun Club, where the women get acclimated to their shotguns with the assistance of their assigned mentors.

Michigan Conservation Officer Mike Eovaldi did an excellent job of being the “rangemaster” in ensuring proper safety during the shooting exercise after thoroughly discussing hunter safety during the class.

I have always enjoyed observing the classroom work put on by DNR wildlife professionals, who create a relaxed and very informative atmosphere with a good dose of humor. What I have always observed are women and girls who are there to seriously listen and learn, unlike men who often have preconceived ideas and attitudes. What I have witnessed firsthand are women who are attentive and willing to interact and who ask great questions. They also form a bond with one another early on, which remains during the entire workshop. When it comes to shooting, I’ve seen women who have never touched a gun start comfortably blazing away at the targets and effectively hitting their mark while having a great time!

The second day of the workshop is when the actual hunt takes place, and I always enjoy going to the Cass City DNR field office shortly after 4 a.m., where all the women meet up with their assigned mentors and get ready to head out with excited anticipation.

I look upon the event as a genuine “turkey camp” entailing warm camaraderie, with everyone dressed in camouflage and enjoying coffee and donuts. Pretty soon, we were headed out in all directions to set locations, some on public land and some on private land. My destination was to private land where I had previously set up a tent blind on good ground with a notable number of turkeys in the vicinity.

I was mentoring Kathleen

Housler of Royal Oak, who was new to hunting and eager to participate. She had brought her own Winchester 20-gauge pump shotgun and had confidently hit her mark on the shooting range. I was glad I had brought along a Thermacell because mosquitos were ready and waiting. Pretty soon, the sky began to show streaks of a beautiful sunrise, with the accompaniment of birds waking up and singing away. That is when I began calling by using far-reaching hen yelps on my box call.

There was an immediate response from gobblers roosting in trees a couple hundred yards behind us. I was soon able to determine we had at least four gobblers headed in our direction. One gobbler especially seemed to be leading the way, and he had a deep gobble I’ve learned tends to come from mature “toms.” Because the back of our blind was pressed into a pine tree, I only had the front and side windows open and was anticipating a shot near the decoys placed 20 yards out in front, or through a side window.

I estimated the lead gobbler was quite close behind us and getting ready to commit to our setup, with the other gobblers sounding off not far away, and Kathleen was excited, not to mention ready and waiting with her shotgun. Then, suddenly all went silent, and it became apparent something had caused the gobblers to break off from coming in.

That is when at least 15 deer began running past our blind, and it was clear they were fleeing something. Then a head appeared out of the grass 50 yards away on top of the hill in front of us. It was a coyote gazing intently down at the turkey decoys, no doubt the reason the deer were on the run. The coyote decided there might be an easier meal to be had.

I told Kathleen to be ready to shoot in the event the coyote came in to pounce on the decoys and informed her that coyotes could be shot anytime if they are causing or about to cause problems, something I firmly believe coyotes do 24/7.

However, the coyote sensed something amiss, probably our scent, jumped up fully into view and immediately vacated, leaving Kathleen excited about having seen her first coyote. My conjecture was that two coyotes

Outdoors-Woman

Golfers Wrapup Season at Regionals

The Zeeland East and West golf teams participated in the Division 2 Region 8 Tournament held at Diamond Springs Golf Course, on Thursday, June 1.

West Softball Loses to St. Joseph

West Softball Loses to Schoolcraft

were involved, with one waiting behind us to possibly intercept what the one out front was pursuing. Coyotes are paired up this time of year and can quite skillfully hunt as a team. Deer, especially fawns, as well as turkeys and whatever else is available, are on the menu. Coyotes aren’t picky!

Soon it was time to head back to the DNR field office, and Kathleen, who was great company to almost get a gobbler with, was excited to see what luck her “classmates” had had. It turns out three dandy gobblers had been shot, and everyone got a chance to see how to process a wild turkey for the table, and even try it themselves.

All the women expressed having had a great time, enjoyed meeting new friends and were fully prepared to go turkey hunting on their own. They also went home with a carryall bag full of turkey hunting necessities thanks to the National Wild Turkey Federation, Cabela’s and Ben’s Great Outdoors. I do believe Annie Oakley’s smiling spirit was present during it all.

For more information on Michigan’s Becoming and Outdoors-Woman program. Visit Michigan.gov/BOW.

Editor’s note: This week’s Showcasing the DNR feature story is written by freelance outdoors writer Tom Lounsbury. This is a special feature to our series.

DNR Asks Anglers to Share Details of Muskellunge Fishing Trips

Ready for the statewide muskellunge possession season beginning June 3? Don’t forget to participate in the Muskellunge Angler Survey to help Michigan Department of Natural Resources biologists obtain valuable data on this important sport fish.

“Muskellunge are difficult to survey, so biologists are dependent upon information provided by anglers to help us manage this species, says DNR fisheries biologist Neal Godby in Gaylord. “Angler survey reports give us insight into the relative abundance of muskellunge in a waterbody, size structure of the population, and whether the muskellunge in that waterbody are creating a fishery.”

The DNR’s online muskellunge angler survey gathers information about muskellunge angler demographics and catch data, such as length of fish caught, angler effort, water body fished and methods used. Since 2014, fisheries managers have used survey data to recommend fishing regulation changes to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, evaluate the muskellunge stocking program and understand more about self-sustaining populations. The survey is your opportunity to contribute to the proper management of this species.

Whether your trip results in a muskellunge catch or not, you can offer valuable information about your fishing experience in Michigan waters. The survey is limited to one entry per person, per trip. However, we encourage you to complete a survey for every fishing trip you target or encounter muskellunge.

The West varsity golf team placed 5th out of 18 teams participating in the event. Senior Malachi Le and Sophomore Logan Bomers had a pair of 79’s which was T-9th overall out of 89 players. Sophomore Tyler Baumann added a 93 while Senior Tyler Engelsman contributed a 97. Both Logan and Malachi made it to a playoff for the final individual spot to go the Division 2 State Tournament but unfortunately lost on a great shot by the third player in the playoff from Otsego. The team had a solid showing and should be proud of their play.

The Chix shot a team score of 372 to finish 13th. The team was led by Jake Middleton who scored an 81 which placed him 14th overall. Jace Fenlon had an 86 for 26th place. Kole Meschke had a 97 and Grady Van Dyke had a 108.

“It was a very long hot day, and the guys did a great job of staying hydrated and playing with everything they had. Great effort by the team and a good finish to a memorable season,” said East Coach Carla Stowie.

Chix Win District Title

Zeeland East won their first ever District Title in varsity baseball on Saturday, June 3. The Chix defeated rival Zeeland West in game 1 (semifinal) by a score of 10-0. Easton Remick pitched a complete game shutout, hurling 6 innings and allowing only 1 hit in the shutout. Remick struck out 6 batters in the contest.

Offensively, Remick helped the cause with 3 RBI, while Brenston Brown added a big 2RBI double in the first inning to break the game open. Austin Keur was on base 3 times and scored 2 runs while Noah DeWitt, Max Salas and Trevor Raade all scored 2 runs as well.

In the Championship game, Zeeland East defeated St. Joseph by a score of 14-1 in 5 innings. Max Salas pitched the complete game, allowing 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 2.

Offensively the Chix tallied 15 hits in the game. Easton Remick and Chris Seay each had 3 hits with 3RBI while Austin Keur and Max Salas each had 2 hits in the game.

The Chix moved to 37-3 on the season and play in the regional semi-final.

Zeeland West Varsity Dux fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 12-0 loss to St. Joseph Varsity Bears on Wednesday. St. Joseph took the lead on an error in the first inning.

Zeeland West struggled to contain the high-powered offense of St. Joseph Varsity Bears, giving up 12 runs.

A single by Maddie Wyckoff in the third inning was a positive for the Dux as they struggled at the plate.

Alexa Brott took the loss for Zeeland West, the righthander allowed 12 hits and ten runs over four and a third innings, striking out six and walking zero. Emily Kragt came in for relief giving up two hits, two runs, and one walk. The Dux defense had a tough day with 7 unearned runs for the Bears.

Track Teams Compete at State Finals

The Division I State Track and Field finals were held on Saturday, June 3, at Rockford. The Zeeland East girls’ track team finished ninth with 20 points.

The Zeeland East boys’ track team finished in a four-way tie for 44th place with Muskegon, Dexter and Royal Oak. Each team scored 4 points at the State Meet.

In the 4 x 800 relay, the East girls’ relay team of Meredith Cook, Allison Kuzma, Emma Drnek, and CC Kuras placed second behind Ann Arbor Pioneer with a time of 9:11.49. East’s Allison Kuzma finished fourth in the 3200 meters with a time of 10:46.29.

The Chix placed two discus throwers in scoring position with Mariah Sackett placing fifth with a throw of 128-feet-1inch and Anna Tilden sixth with a throw of 128-feet-1-inch.

The Zeeland East points scored all of their points in the field events. Garrett Weeden finished sixth in the discus with a throw of 158-feet-3-inches. In the shot-put Parker Williams placed 8th with a throw of 50-feet-8.5inches and Weeden placed ninth with a heave of 50-feet-8.25inches.

The West boys’ best performance was in the 4 x 200 relay where the team of Parker Holman, Trevor Wallar, Skyler Geurink, and Keaton Hendricks finished ninth with a time of 1:28.96. Wallar also finished 10th in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 39.83.

The best finish for the West girls was a ninth-place finish in the discus as Isabel Assink had a throw of 114-feet-8-inches.

The Zeeland West Varsity girls softball team fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 13-3 loss to Schoolcraft Varsity Golden Eagles on Thursday, June 1.

The Dux tallied three runs in the fifth inning. Emily Kragt, Carly Sleeman, and Maddie Veersma each had RBIs in the big inning.

Cora Mielke took the loss for West as the righthander allowed eight hits and five runs over two and a third innings. Alexa Brott came into pitch in the third and allowed five hits and two runs over one and two third innings while striking out three. Kragt came in for relief in the fifth inning allowing seven hits and six runs over one and two third innings.

Veersma, Sleeman, Maddie Wyckoff, and Alexa Brott each collected one hit to lead the Dux.

Common Council

SUMMARY OF COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

May 15, 2023 u Removed Agenda Item #4, Salary Increase Plan Amendment. u Approved the Consent Agenda. u Adopted Snowmelt Special Assessment District Resolution #3. u Approved Addendum #1 to the Purchase and Development Agreement with Geerlings Development Company for the sale of 3 E. Main Avenue and assign the buyer’s interest from Geerlings Development Company, Inc.to SCOTTG, LLC. u Waived the City’s bid procedure and utilize Sourcewell as the means of fire apparatus and fire equipment procurement and to accept the recommendation of the ZFR Apparatus Committee to select Spartan Manufacturing as the sole source manufacturer and work directly with them on specs for the replacement pumper. u Approved the Employee Appreciation Policy Directive and rescind City Council Policy Directives 03.337, 03.338,15.108 and revise relevant sections of the Employee Handbook as needed in accordance with the new Employee Appreciation Policy Directive. u Amended the Employee Handbook Vacation Schedule as of July 1, 2023 as presented. u Amended the Employee Handbook to allow for the provision of two-hours of on-call pay for being oncall on Fridays. u Approved a job title change from Events Coordinator to Events Planner, approved the new wage scale and recommend that the employee’s wage be adjusted consistent with the plan as presented. u Awarded the Fiscal Year 2023 through Fiscal Year 2027 audit services contract to Brickley DeLong in the amount of $250,280.00. u Awarded the Maple Avenue Storm Sewer and Watermain project to GDK Construction in the amount of $57,128.00.

The regular meeting of the Zeeland City Council held on May 15, 2023, at the Zeeland City Hall Council Chambers, 21 S. Elm Street, Zeeland, MI was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Klynstra. All council members were present. Devotions were offered by City Attorney, James Donkersloot.

Pamela Holmes City Clerk

The above is a summary only of the formal actions taken. The full text is available for review in the Clerk’s office.