Volume 2, Issue 22 OCTOBER 25, 2024
REFLECTIONS OF OUR COMMUNITY Total Raised: $5,044 Lead this Legacy
Oceana Echo THE
YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE
Celebrating over 900,000 issues delivered across Oceana and beyond! Early voting begins Oct. 26
• Andy Roberts/Echo
By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
Shelby and Hesperia bands shine during annual Glow Show in Montague
SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE!
PAID
BIG RAPIDS, MI 49307 PERMIT NO 62
PRSRT STANDARD NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
Call us: 231-301-8149
Fatal crash reported in Colfax Township According to a statement released by Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast, Monday, Oct. 21, “It is my unfortunate duty to advise all of you of a fatal crash that took place in Oceana County over the past weekend.” Mast stated that the location was on East Madison Road near Maple Island in Colfax Township. “This is a gravel section of Madison Road in a very rural area of Oceana County.” This incident took place Saturday, Oct. 19 at 12:08 p.m. “The Oceana County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the above-listed location for a single vehicle injury accident. Upon arrival, there deputies found a 31-year-old
Grand Rapids man had been operating a 2014 Kawasaki Side-by-Side vehicle westbound on Madison Road when he lost control. The vehicle then rolled over, and a 19-year-old passenger who was riding in the back seat suffered injuries which turned out to be fatal,” Mast explained. “The driver and another 19-year-old front seat passenger sustained minor injuries, (however), they refused treatment.” Mast added that the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Life EMS, Walkerville Rescue and the Michigan State Police. “The incident is still under investigation, (and) we ask that everyone keep the family in their thoughts.”
Those planning to vote in the Nov. 5 General Election now have three options in Oceana County. Early voting for Oceana County residents begins Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Oceana County Courthouse Jury Room, located at 100 State St. in Hart. Registered voters may vote in-person any day, Sunday through Saturday, from now until Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Registered voters should bring a valid photo ID. Chief Deputy Clerk for Oceana County, Melanie Coon, provided the following reminders as Election Day nears. Residents can still register to vote up until 8 p.m. on Election Day in their township of residence, she said. The easiest way to register on Election Day is to provide a valid photo ID; otherwise, voters will need to provide their proof of residency with a utility or tax bill. Absentee ballots may still be requested up until 4 p.m. on Nov. 4 from their township clerks; however, given Election Day is just 11 days away, voters will most likely be asked to fill out their ballot at the same time to insure their ballot doesn’t get lost in the mail. Election Day voting, Tuesday, Nov. 5, will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in each voting precinct. Voters are reminded to bring their photo ID and that no campaign paraphernalia or clothing is allowed within 100 feet of voting/polling locations. Those with questions about voting in this year’s election should reach out to their township clerk’s office.
RESIDENTIAL POSTAL CUSTOMER ECRWSS
Oceana County sees increase in tourism spending The Silver Lake Sand Dunes – Hart Visitors Bureau announced Thursday, Oct. 10, that 2023 visitor spending was up. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Tourism Economic Impact Report, $160.8 million dollars were spent in the county during 2023, up 5.9 percent over 2022. Visitor spending accounted for $19 million in state and local tax revenue during 2023. Additionally, the tourism industry is responsible for providing 1,547 direct and 2,242 indirectly related industry jobs in the county, generating $49.6 million in tourism supported labor income. The annual MEDC Tourism Impact Report tracks spending over several categories, all of which serve sectors of visitor services: • Lodging: $45.4 million • Food & Beverage: $34.5 million
• Retail: $19.9 million • Recreation: $24.4 million • Transportation: $36.5 million Statewide, visitor spending topped $29 billion in 2023, due in part to a $16.9 million media investment made by the Pure Michigan campaign welcoming visitors to experience this state’s unique destinations, like Silver Lake Sand Dunes. “Tourism continues to be a top contributor to the economic wellbeing of Oceana County. We are encouraged to be in our fourth consecutive year of positive growth in the tourism economy,” Executive Director of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes-Hart Visitor Bureau Scott Beal said. “This continued growth is testament to the value of our tourism industry in supporting local businesses, households, and the future of Oceana County.”