Volume 2, Issue 21 OCTOBER 18, 2024
REFLECTIONS OF OUR COMMUNITY Total Raised: $5,044 Lead this Legacy
Oceana Echo THE
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INSIDE THIS WEEK’S WHITE LAKE MIRROR: With perfect weather, Pumpkinfest a hit
Commissioners hear funding requests, approve further investigation on Crystal Valley Dam By Brendan Samuels elli stepped up to the poThe Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
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HART – The Oceana County Board of Commissioners met Thursday, Oct. 10 to discuss several items, including funding requests and the hot button topic of Crystal Valley Dam. The Finance and Administration Committee met first to discuss the agenda before any decisions were made in the Commissioners meeting. An audit presentation was given by Ian Rees of Garbridge & Company, before Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffa-
dium to present two separate topics of discussion. The first was a proposal to hire additional staff for the Oceana County Economic Alliance (OCEA). Raffaelli, along with OCEA President Phil Morse, spoke in favor of hiring staff to perform administrative tasks that are currently being performed by Executive Director Curtis Burdette. “Our request is simple in nature, but complicated to execute,” Raffaelli said. “We need to continually drive a positive economic impact in Oceana County. The only way we’re going to do that is to hire additional support for Curtis.” “I believe Curtis’ time is best spent meeting with business owners and getting to know more about what grant opportunities there are (for) the people in our area. We’re not utilizing him where he’s best gifted,” Morse said. Raffaelli stepped back up to the podium after that discussion topic to give an update on the new 46,000-square-foot community sports facility scheduled to be built in May of 2025 in Shelby. The facility will be half turf, half courts and feature two basketball courts, six pickleball courts, four volleyball courts, a full-sized soccer field with batting cages, a full mezzanine with a three-lane running track, a bow simulator for hunters, multiple golf simulators and a rock climbing wall. The facility, which will
The 2024 Hart Homecoming King Alex Hicks and Queen LexieBeth Nienhuis were crowned during halftime at this past Friday’s varsity football game. Hart took down Orchard View 44-14. • Brendan Samuels/Echo
Carol Waller recognized for 43+ years of service By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
Above is a rendering of part of the proposed floor plan for the 46,000 sq. ft. indoor sports facility planned for the Shelby Township Community Park. • Contributed photo
cost roughly $8.5 million, is almost fully funded by grants and donations. Raffaelli did note that he’s still about $500,000 short but is fundraising. Raffaelli requested that the commissioners allocate $50,000 in ARPA funds for the project. “I think the county can invest $50,000 of ARPA in a facility that is upwards of $8.5 million and, to be frank, will put us on the map with regards to sports,” Raffaelli said. “It will bring in different volleyball and basketball tournaments.” No action was taken on either of those proposals, as Chairman Bob Walker suggested having a workshop before they make any decisions. Walker then presented a proposal to replace
the scale at the Oceana County Transfer Station. New Commissioner Joel McCormick, who was selected to replace Commissioner Morse in September after Morse was named the Shelby village administrator, gave input on additional electrical work that would also need to be completed in order to get a new scale up and running. The proposal to get a new scale in an amount to not exceed $170,000 was approved unanimously. One of the largest and longest ongoing topics on the slate for the commissioners meeting was the possibility of fixing or removing the Crystal Valley Dam. Commissioner Paul Erickson has spearhead-
Commissioners continued on page 6
Monday, Carol Waller, was recognized for her over 43 years of service to Shelby Public Schools and the Village of Shelby. Village President Paul Inglis read a “Special Tribute” letter signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Carol Waller is presented Governor Garlin Gilchrist with a Special Tribute by II, which in part stated, Shelby Village President “Carol’s unwavering ded- Paul Inglis. She was joined ication to the safety and by three of her sons, Darin, well-being of generations Dustin and Kevin. of students has left an indelible mark on the community…Carol’s dedication to the safety of schoolchildren has been a driving force behind her advocacy for improved infrastructure around Shelby schools…she has championed a plan for better signage, lighted signals and extended reduced-speed zones near schools to protect children…Her lifetime of dedication to others is an inspiring example of selflessness and care, embodying the spirit of service and generosity.” Besides over 43 years at Shelby Public Schools (founding Benona PTO in 1974, teacher aide, noon aide, and crossing guard), Waller was instrumental in launching the Oceana County La Leche League in 1976, founded the Shelby Tigers Athletic Boosters and was named “Mrs. Asparagus” in 1982. As the owner of “Carol’s Cuts and Curls” for 20 years and “Carol and Company” beauty shop since 2005, “Waller’s influence reaches across many facets of life in Shelby,” read the letter. Following the reading of the tribute, Waller received a standing ovation from those in attendance. The Village of Shelby is deeply grateful to Waller for her many years of service to the community and wishes her all the best in her retirement.