The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 23, October 31, 2025
READER:
By Sharon Hallack
The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
This week The Oceana Echo shares the second article in its two-part series meant to recognize the heroic efforts of bystanders, to encourage others to become CPR-certified and to invite the community to get behind an effort to raise funds for an AED unit in every police cruiser in the county!
According to the American Heart Association, a sudden onset of cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. With a sudden cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating. The condition is usually caused by an electrical problem with the heart that makes it beat irregularly. When a cardiac arrest occurs, the person becomes unresponsive, stops breathing and becomes pulseless. Doing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) right away can double or triple a person’s chances of survival, as it pumps needed blood to the brain, lungs and other vital organs.
With a heart attack, symptoms can be sud-
Fundraising Campaign
Part 2: Hearts to greater loyalty and hands to greater service
den or take place over a period of hours or days. The heart usually keeps beating, but blood cannot get to part of the heart because a key blood vessel is blocked. If the problem is not cleared quickly, the part of the heart not getting enough blood can start to die.
Here is another “heartwarming” story of how performing CPR on someone experiencing a cardiac arrest saved another life in Oceana County.
It was a very warm night in July, while wrapping up a 4-H beef club meeting prior to the fair, when, for no apparent reason, 4-H mom and mother of five, Jodi (Hovey) Guikema, experienced a cardiac arrest.
4-H mom and registered nurse Heather Hallack remembers, “The moms had just gathered up and were discussing last-minute fair details when Jodi collapsed… literally at my feet. Another 4-H mom, Victoria (Walker), also a registered nurse, immediately called for Jodi’s husband, John. I dropped to my knees, looked right at Cory (Slotman), whose farm we were at, and told him to call 911. As I turned to start helping Jodi, I remember hoping she’d fallen, got kicked, or tripped - anything other than what, I knew from my past experience, had probably just happened. I checked for Jodi’s pulse, then immediately started chest compressions while Victoria started rescue breathing.”
Walker and Hallack have almost 40 years of combined registered nursing between the two of them and literally worked side by side from 2008 to 2023. Hallack explained that in a hospital environment when a “code blue” is called, the scene, though chaotic, becomes a very controlled environment.
“You have monitors on the patient. You have half a dozen medical personnel, supplies, medica-
tions at your disposal and a doctor at the foot of the bed. Every single person in the room has a role. To be two nurses out in the middle of a cow pasture, with no equipment or support, was truly humbling. All of our past knowledge and experience had to kick in.”
Hallack said it was about 15 minutes before the first emergency vehicle arrived, “God bless Fred Hutson of the Oceana County Sheriff Department (OCSO)! He showed up with an AED and knew exactly what to do. We worked together, the three of us, just like a machine, shock, CPR, repeat.”
While Hallack and Walker were performing CPR, they were both laser-focused and had no idea what everyone else was doing. But in the hours following, as she debriefed with family and friends, Hallack learned that every single person there filled an important role. “It is common for health care providers to debrief after any significant medical event, and I knew I needed to debrief as well. I found out one of the moms had taken the little kids over the hill to the trampoline. Other parents were making phone calls and troubleshooting. The older kids were moving vehicles and directing traffic. When I asked my daughter Grace what everyone was doing while we were working on Jodi, she said, ‘If you didn’t have a specific job, you were praying.’
“It's a blur, but yet I can recall so many things
with great detail,” Hallack said. “As the minutes passed, multiple volunteer first responders arrived on scene to assist. Finally, 30 minutes from our first 911 call, Life EMS arrived. People need to realize we only have three designated ambulances in Oceana County (1,300 square miles). They are responsible for serving the county’s 27,000 residents, plus the thousands of visitors who visit Oceana during the summer. I don’t fault anyone for it taking 30 minutes to arrive. They aren’t just sitting around waiting for a call, they may be transporting a patient or taking a call on the other end of the county. It just goes to prove that in a rural area we can’t solely rely on ambulances.”
With Life EMS on the scene, Guikema was given an advanced airway. Hallack asked them, as they were now in charge of the event, if they could shock Jodi one more time.
“Then I asked for a pulse check, and the most glorious thing happened — Jodi had a pulse! CPR was no longer indicated! In the medical field, we call it ROSC, Return Of Spontaneous Circulation. I call it a miracle!
“There’s no doubt in my mind the AED unit from the OCSO patrol car saved her life; and what a beautiful life Jodi has! She's a wife, a mom, and a strong, faithful woman who was able to go home to her family less than two weeks later,” Hallack exclaimed.
“On the evening of July 28, I suffered from an
‘out of hospital ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest,'” Jodi Guikema shared. “July 28 was a normal day; nothing felt out of the ordinary. I have since learned that cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack in this way. That day, God placed just the right people in my path to sustain my life. I received a defibrillator during my short hospital stay and have recently returned to work full-time. Having people who know CPR and/or have access to an AED, is critical for cardiac arrest victims, as there are no warnings that you are having a heart problem.”
Currently, there are 18 OCSO road vehicles, but only eight are equipped with an AED. “In our rural area, we rely so heavily on our local law enforcement officers and volunteer first responders, we need them to have the equipment to help our community in situations like this one,” said Hallack.
Hallack is currently campaigning to raise funds to purchase the remaining 10 AEDs needed. “Each unit costs $1,800, but when considering the lives that could be saved, they are worth every penny! I’ve given my children a challenge match. Whatever they donate out of their 4-H beef auction sale checks, I’ll match to-
ward the goal needed. So much of what 4-H stands for was on display that night. (The 4-H pledge states, “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.”) I’ve since learned that any 4-H member can receive a non-club point for completing CPR certification.”
Hallack is partnering with multiple community organizations to share this compelling story and request donations toward the purchase of the 10 AEDs needed.
For those interested in giving to this important campaign, an “AED Oceana County Sheriff Dept” fund has been established at the Shelby State Bank. Individuals or groups may make deposits directly to the bank or mail checks made out to “AED Oceana County Sheriff Dept,” in care of Heather Hallack, 362 N. 112th Ave., Hart Mich. 49420. If a digital option is preferred, or for other questions, please email hajhallack@icloud.com. For anyone interested in receiving training in CPR or taking a refresher course, please visit www. redcross.org to find a variety of training and recertification options.
John and Jodi Guikema
Oceana County residents were treated to a spectuclar sight Thursday, Oct. 23 with a double rainbow after several days of
Local family is collecting shoes to raise funds for service dog
By Kate and Evan Eilers Courtesy Article
Our 8-year-old daugther Lucia (Lucy) is one of the brightest spots of sparkling joy in this world. We are so grateful to be able to call her our daughter. So grateful that we get to be a part of her world. For Lucy, however, the world is a place that has some extra challenges. Two years ago, we were told why. Lucy has an ultra-rare genetic mitochondrial disease called WARS 2 Associated Disorder (less than 100 known cases in the world). It is progressive and life-limiting and has no treatment and no cure. There is a range on how fast the disease progresses, but it will eventually leave her in a wheelchair and with a shortened life. It is also taking her vision. A year and a half ago an ophthalmologist discovered optic nerve atrophy. This isn't correctable or reversible, so she now wears magnifying bifocal glasses to make print bigger and easier to see for as long as possible.
Lucy also has fine and gross motor delays, intention tremors and cognitive processing delays. This all means that everything she does is harder for her than other kids her age, making it difficult for her to keep up in the classroom and on the playground. Tripping is a normal part of life. Lucy regularly goes to physical, occupational and speech therapy. Because we live in a small town, this means a drive over an hour away in each direction. The same is true for each of her specialists: cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, audiology, neuropsychiatry, physical medicine and biochemical genetics (Lucy's mitochondrial specialist). Never does Lucy complain about the frequent long drives to and from these appointments or the hard work she puts in PT, OT and speech therapy.
One thing that has stood out is how well Lucy responds to the therapy dog at one of her specialists' offices. When she finds out that she gets to see Renly that day, Lucy lights right up. She is more engaged during the appointment and excited to see her four-legged friend. This stood out so much that her doctor recommended that we look into applying for a service dog for Lucy.
I was hesitant at first. But then I started reading the testimonials of parents with special needs kids who have challenges similar to Lucy, and it was like a lightbulb lit up. I could have been reading about my own child.
Lucy has a number of specific challenges that her doctors, and we, believe will help to open up her world and improve her quality of life. One particular challenge is her verbal delays. Lucy is easily overwhelmed by things that feel big or loud, and particularly anything that makes her feel off balance. Even a trip to the dentist can be a challenge with the reclining chairs. Changes in routine, like her older sister not being at school, can also lead to these panicked meltdowns. When Lucy is scared, her words entirely abandon her. Because of her cognitive processing delays, it is difficult to break through her panic, and she is not able to tell us exactly what is upsetting her. This can lead to long meltdowns, sometimes upwards of an hour, where she is terrified and we are helpless to calm her. A service dog can sense and gently interrupt these stretches and even signal us as they are developing so that we can also try to intervene early.
Lucy gets more pokes at the hospital than most kids her age. Due to the nature of her disease, her body is always in an energy deficit. This means that anything that puts a strain on her - even fairly mild illnesses - can worsen her condition rapidly and over time. Because of this, if we can't get good nutrition in her when she's sick (a challenge even on healthy days), we have to take her to the children's hospital for IV dextrose fluids and labs. She has also had several brain MRIs that require full sedation and more pokes. A therapy dog will be able to help her through the panic and lessen the trauma of needles by calming her through
the process.
On top of the calming, a service dog will be of physical help to Lucy. Right now her disease physically looks like a child with early Parkinson's. When the season's change - winter with slippery ground and boots, and summer with sandals or people walking faster - Lucy feels off balance and often grabs our wrists and waistbands to help her feel more on balance with her walking. Her service dog will be fitted with a special harness that Lucy can hold on to for better stability. As the disease progresses, it will also be able to retrieve dropped objects for her.
Aside from the physical and emotional benefits directly from having a service dog with her at all times, we were struck by parents talking about how service dogs have opened up their children's worlds socially. Where other children might not normally interact, we have read time and again where others now come up to their kids because of the service dog. Because of her delays, finding friends can be difficult. Lucy was once told by another little girl that she was too slow to play with her and her friends. We are grateful that more kindness is usually shown and Lucy has a good buddy this year, but a service dog provides a constant companion.
At the beginning of our journey, knowing what Lucy is facing, we decided that if Lucy's life won't be as long as it should be, then we will make it as full and joy-filled as possible. There are some things we can't change. We can't freeze a progressive disease or fix all of her challenges, but we will never stop fighting to bring her all of the joy we can and ease her burdens wherever possible. Unfortunately, this isn't something we are able to do on our own. We are so grateful to all who are willing to help Lucy on this journey and help to bring
her the joy and sunshine that she gives us every day.
With all that said, we are currently running a shoe drive fundraiser to cover the costs related to getting a service dog for Lucy. From her doctor's recommendation, we have chosen 4 Paws for Ability, as they work with children Lucy's age.
After some research, we applied and after medical recommendation forms from two of her doctors and a video interview, Lucy was approved. Thanks to the generosity of many people, we were able to raise the required amount for the dog itself in a very short amount of time and are now officially waiting for Lucy's placement date (typically about a year and a half, according to 4 Paws for Ability). Getting the service dog for Lucy will involve travel to Xenia, Ohio where 4 Paws is located and taking part in a 10-day training course. Travel and lodging for this is a large part of what we are working to raise funds for.
One fundraising idea that 4 Paws gives is connecting their families with a nonprofit organization called Funds2Orgs. They work with organizations and individuals to gather and group gently used (no holes/rips/worn soles, but stains are okay) shoes, boots, flipflops (basically any footwear other than slippers). They will pay us by the pound for the amount of shoes we collect, with a goal of 2.5 tons (about 100 bags of 25 pairs each) of shoes. They then send these on to small businesses in developing nations who will sell the shoes for their own livelihoods.
Our shoe drive runs through the end of November. We currently have collection boxes at Hansen Foods in Hart, Weesies Brother's Garden and Landscape Center (in Montague and Nunica, although these are only there through the end of this month as those are their closing dates for the season), our church (New Era Christian Reformed Church), and our children's school. I am working to find some more locations for drop-off boxes. We are also happy to travel to pick shoes up from people individually.
For more information, or to donate, please contact us at eilerskm@gmail. com or 231-329-1106.
Many turn out for Trunks, Tractors and Treats last weekend
Pentwater Village Council postpones zoning decision
By AnnaMae Bush
The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
The Pentwater Village Council met on Monday, October 27, with a short agenda of new business. All council members were present except for president Mary Marshall. Jared Griffis chaired the meeting in her absence.
Council approved a motion for DPW employees to provide in-kind assistance in the work to remove shoreline structures in disrepair at the Jr. Sailing Club site and make improvements to the public launch ramp location.
Ian Reeves from Gabridge & Company attended the meeting on Zoom and reviewed the completed 2024-2025 audit with council. No problems or discrepancies were found. Council received the report for information.
Council approved the village’s official Halloween Trick-or-Treat hours on Oct. 31 for 5-7 p.m.
The longest discussion of the meeting was in regard to the vacant Zoning Administrator position. Village Manager Toby Van Ess proposed that council hire the Fresh Coast Planning firm to fill the vacancy. Since Van Ess moved into the manager position, the zoning work has been accumulating. He has not had time to handle it in addition to his new workload, and zoning work regarding the museum development has been put on hold until the zoning position is filled. No applicant with sufficient experience in zoning administration has applied. This concerned Van Ess. He said he has worked with Fresh Coast Planning frequently in the past and found them to be exemplary.
Fresh Coast Planning has a staff of five who work out of a home office in Grand Haven. Their proposal included a staff member spending two days a week (14 hours) in the village office while being available the rest of the week by phone or email for additional hourly fees. Mileage costs would be added only for extra trips required. Council asked for a
cost comparison between a full-time administrator and contracting an outside firm. Van Ess calculated the cost for hiring Fresh Coast for a year, including an estimated cost of the museum project, would be $65,000–$66,000 and the cost of a full-time zoning administrator on the village staff (based on his previous zoning salary) would be $75,000-$76,000.
Since there is council consensus that rewriting the village’s zoning ordinances will be a priority for the next zoning administrator, Van Ess underscored that Fresh Coast had significant and successful experience in ordinance formulation specifically directed to the community for which they were written.
Council appreciated Van Ess’s concern for a prompt resolution and trusted his assessment of Fresh Coast Planning. But they were uncomfortable approving a contract with Fresh Coast without other prospects to consider. Van Ess was asked to expand a search through further advertising, to look at other firms with whom the village might contract, and to ask Fresh Coast if they were willing to contract for less than a year. Van Ess agreed to do so, and a decision on the proposal to hire Fresh Coast was tabled until the next meeting.
Council also approved Marshall’s recommendation to appoint Kyle Jansen and Kristine Kietke to the two open positions on the DDA.
In view of Rande Listerman’s upcoming retirement as village clerk/treasurer, the personnel committee interviewed Michelle Bieri, an internal candidate. Bieri has been serving as the deputy clerk/ treasurer. The committee proposed that she be hired as Listerman’s replacement in January but start as the official trainee on Dec. 1, with contract details to be determined. Council gave unanimous approval.
Van Ess left the meeting early to handle a waterline emergency problem. On Tuesday a Boil Water Advisory was issued from the village office for Carrol Street between 1st and 4th streets for a minimum of 48 hours.
During the time for public comment Chris Conroy urged council to pursue two firms she would
recommend for zoning work: Williams and Works and OHM. She was familiar with their work and said Williams and Works does a very good job. By way of Zoom, Ted Cuchna recommended that Van Ess contact the village’s former zoning administrator, Keith Edwards, to ask for his temporary help and support until the vacancy was filled.
Kathy O’Connor offered the only council comments. She referred to the concerns expressed at the previous council meeting regarding services for seniors. She met with administrators at the Oceana County Council on Aging and found printed materials with information about programs offered there to all county residents for everything except housing. She reported two Pentwater residents are on the board and encouraged the council to find the best way to communicate to local residents all the services available to them.
This page is brought to you by:
114 Dryden St. in Hart, Mich. 49420 (231) 873-2600
Visit us! The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment. oceanahistory.org
The Armistice Day Storm - Part Two: The Day the Duck Hunters Died
By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Columnist
Today, we will cover just one facet of the devastation wrought by the Armistice Day Storm, and one that I find particularly bone-chilling (no pun intended).
You’ll recall from last week how hundreds of duck hunters across Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin were looking forward to their Armistice Day off of work and school, and the morning of Nov. 11 did not disappoint. The temperature that morning was about 50 degrees, and many hunters’ personal accounts recall them sporting light canvas jackets for their morning venture to the river.
Many experienced duck hunters saw the shift in the wind’s direction - from southwest to northwest - and believed it might encourage the ducks to begin their migration in droves. For several hours that morning, it certainly had. Hunters reported how the sky was positively black with ducks, the warm northwest breeze filled
with the sounds of duck calls and the disjointed staccato of hundreds of shotguns firing off, like snare drums in a marching band. Many hunters agreed that the quarry had never been so plentiful before and has never been since.
By early afternoon, however, the duck hunters realized the weather was far more treacherous than the forecast had predicted. Within an hour, the temperature dropped to freezing. On the Mississippi, the wind began to pick up with gusts upwards of 80 mph, and 15-foot swells capsized skiffs and flattened blinds, denying blindsided hunters of any possible shelter. Heavy snowfall and ice made the terrain impassable for many hunters who were desperately trying to get to their trucks and get home.
The determination of which hunters survived and which succumbed to the elements was a heartless game of luck. Were they of a sturdy build? Were they unlucky enough to capsize their boat, or were they blown onto an island? On that island, did they have cover from the elements? Did they think to bring
a waterproof box of matches? Did they even have wooden decoys to burn? Did they have the energy to stay awake and keep their bodies moving? Did they have family members who braved the storm to come search for them? All of these factors came up in personal accounts of the storm as survivors pondered what saved them and not their friend or neighbor.
There were dogs out on the river too, many sturdy retrievers, which are bred for weathering cold temperatures with a wet coat. Unlike Tubby, whose rescue from the collapsing Tacoma Narrows Bridge was unsuccessful, many family hunting dogs managed the reverse. They saved their owners from hypothermia by instinctively curling up on top of them and sharing body heat.
I have a morbid curiosity about natural disasters such as these, and one aspect that almost always comes up in these scenarios is the work of average, everyday folks who see others suffering and go out to help, even risking their own lives. This disastrous Armistice Day was no different. Rescuers from
"If you felt the ground shake and the wind blow with a kind of 50s sound here in Hart, you were not mistaken. What you heard was over 50 adrenaline-filled, full-of-life residents of the Oceana County Medical Care Facility singing, stomping their feet and enjoying the music of Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline," OCMCF Recreation Therapy Director and Volunteer Coordinator Heather Wathen recounted.
across Minnesota and Wisconsin rushed to the aid of the stranded hunters, some coming from hours away. They brought supplies, warm clothes, and boats to transport castaway hunters off their islands and back to the mainland.
Winona, Minnesota pilot Max Conrad is credited with saving at least a dozen hunters when he flew his single-prop Piper plane into the storm. He scanned the river, spotting huddles of hunters clinging to life. Conrad delivered them food and matches before assuring them that help was on the way and then leading rescue boats to their locations. Conrad’s actions directly saved the life of 17-year-old Gerald Terras, who was found barely conscious and clutching the family’s black lab, with the bodies of his brother, father, and a family friend frozen nearby.
One story from La Crosse, Wisconsin, tells of high schoolers Dick Bice and La Vern Reiber, who became separated on their fateful hunting trip. They were not rescued by strangers, but by their own fathers, who never once relented
in their attempts to save their sons, even going so far as to shoot the padlock off a metal-bottomed skiff, which they then borrowed for a rescue boat. Both boys, and their dog, survived without injury.
In total, what was dubbed “The Day the Duck Hunters Died” claimed anywhere from 20 to 80 sportsmen, and estimates are based off of the bodies retrieved, many of them frozen in their agonizing final moments.
The death count, which is undeniable, however, comes from Oceana County, where 66 people died in the wrecks of the freighters Anna C. Minch, Novadoc, and William B Davok.
Any guesses on topics for the next three weeks?
At 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, Elvis took the stage at the OCMCF. "Decades vanished, memories floated like butterflies, and the room was transformed to yesterday as those present were in a malt shop, riding in a car and 'I Can’t Stop Loving You' filled the air accompanied by screaming females shouting, 'Elvis, Elvis, Elvis,' Wathen explained. "And then, into the room - believe me - Patsy Cline began to sing, 'Crazy for trying, crazy for crying,' when a backup choir of mixed voices began to sing, smiles reappeared, hands clutched their hearts and the room was filled with the 1950s." She added that some eyes filled with joyful tears. "There is no doubt - there is no energy shortage at OCMCF," Wathen exclaimed.
Bonnie Hulbert and Elvis Elvis and Eleanor Schaner
Cathy Putney and Elvis Norma Davey and Elvis
Ongoing
3rd MON: OCDVA Coffee & Donuts for Veterans, Spouses and Veteran Widows, 9-11 a.m., Heritage Wedding Barn, Shelby.
TUES: Tech Time, Hesperia Community Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
The November meeting of Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR, will be held on Nov. 2, at Mears United Methodist Church prior to the Good Citizens Reception. The meeting will begin at noon. Officers for next year will be elected and installed at this meeting. Following their meeting, the chapter will welcome the participants who were chosen by their schools as the Good Citizens for 2025-26 and their guests. Certificates and pins will be awarded, and the winner will be announced and asked to read their essay. The guest speaker at this event will be Ryan Williams of Pentwater. Light refreshments will be served.
Scouting for Food set for Nov. 8 at two locations
Boy Scout Troop #1155 will be collecting non-perishable food items to help combat hunger in the community on Saturday, Nov. 8 at both the Hart VFW and Pentwater Village Green from 5:30-7 p.m. Items requested can be canned goods, boxed products, bagged grains, etc., but please, no expired goods or glass packaging.
Soup and Sandwich Sunday at St. Joseph Nov. 9
St. Joseph - Weare is hosting a Soup and Sandwich Sunday + Bake Sale on Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Hart. There will be soup by the bowl or by the quart! Soups are chili, cream of broccoli, vegetable beef, bean-n’-ham, potato and chicken noodle. Sloppy Joes, pulled pork and grilled cheese sandwiches will also be offered. Dine-in or take-out available.
Good Citizens Essay Contest Reception is Nov. 2
On Nov. 2, the Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR, will hold a reception at the Mears United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. to honor the students who participated in the Good Citizens Essay Scholarship Contest. Five schools (out of 14 that were invited) participated: Fowler High School, Hart High School, Mason County Central High School, Mason County Eastern High School and Shelby High School. The winner of the contest will be announced at the reception.
American Legion Fundraiser Feather Party
Friday, Nov. 7 @ 5 pm
The Pizza Factory Back Room
254 N. Michigan Ave. in Shelby Prizes from Local businesses hams & turkeys to be raffled off
The Michigan Dunes Chapter, NSDAR extends its thanks to the school contacts who took the time to involve these students in the competition.
Nov. 8 - Oceana County Vet Day 5K, Getty Park, Shelby, 10 a.m.
in November
The following are OCCOA events for November. All activities are held at the Oceana County Council on Aging, located at 4250 W. Tyler Rd., Hart, unless stated otherwise. Please call 873-4461 to sign up or make meal reservations. Breakfast is available on Thursday mornings from 8:30-9 a.m. Cost is $3 and reservations required.
Veteran’s Day: Tuesday, Nov. 11; Center closed.
Veteran’s Day Lunch: Wednesday, Nov. 12; noon
Birthday Party: Wednesday, Nov. 5; noon
SAIL Exercise Class: Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26; 10 a.m.
Yoga: Tuesdays, Nov. 4, 18 and 25; 10:15 a.m.
Medical Yoga: Wednesdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 26; 10:15 a.m.
Yoga: Fridays: Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28; 10:15 a.m.
Drum Fitness: Tuesdays, Nov. 4, 18 and 25; 10 a.m.
Zumba: Fridays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21; 9 a.m.
“Frozen” at GR Civic Theater: Friday, November 14; 11:30 a.m.
Caregiver Support Group: Wednesday, Nov. 19; 10 a.m.
Art with Bradley Youngstrom: Monday, Nov. 24; 10 a.m. The cost is $15, and reservations are required.
Movie and a Snack: Friday, Nov. 21; 1:30 p.m.
Beltone: Tuesday, Nov. 18; Call Beltone to make an appointment. Enlighten Meijer Gardens: Monday, Nov. 24; 3:30 p.m.
Dinner Club: Monday, Nov. 24; 5:30 p.m. Once a month, we will gather as friends at a different restaurant for a meal.
Thanksgiving Holiday Center Closed: Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28, Parmenter O’Toole Office Hours: Please call 873-4461 for an appointment.
Lauren Eisenbarth, an Elder Law Paralegal for Attorney Anna Urick Duggins, of Parmenter Law, will offer a half-hour, no-charge introductory meeting from 2-4 p.m. at OCCOA. Topics to discuss include Elder Law services such as Estate Planning, Long Term Care Planning, Medicaid Planning and VA Aid & Attendance.
Other Activities:
Farkle: Mondays at 10 a.m.
Mexican Train: Mondays from 9-11 a.m.
Cribbage: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.
Walk With Friends: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.
Mahjong: Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Fitness at Hesperia American Legion: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-10 a.m.
Euchre: Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Quilting: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Beltone Hearing Clinic: 4th Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 231-843-3039, by appointment.
Bingo: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Blood Pressure Checks: Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Bridge: Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.
Kaffeeklatsch: Daily at 10 a.m.
Cards & Games: Daily before and following lunch.
OCCOA host many activities
Hoeing ‘In the Garden’ Part 10: ‘An Ordinary Woman, An Extraordinary Life’
By Janet Van Gunst Hasselbring The Oceana Echo Community Columnist
“Next to the might of God, the serene beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence for good in the world.” (Dwight L. Moody)
As I dig in the soil of my mother Ellen's life, I think back to when I wrote her memoir, "In the Garden," and how I wanted to use the subtitle, "An Ordinary Woman; An Extraordinary Life."
After all, according to C.S. Lewis, “Every human being is in the process of becoming a noble being, noble beyond imagination. Or else, alas, a vile being, beyond redemption…there are no ordinary people… It is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”
I knew my mother never thought of herself as extraordinary, and such a description would have made her feel uncomfortable; however, she would have approved of the subtitle I chose, for it is a testimony to what God can accomplish through an ordinary person when they are totally yielded to Him – all of God, none of self. That is extraordinary; it comes only from God’s work in a person’s life.
• Like ordinary women of old, I believe my mother was specially touched by God and used by Him for a special purpose in His kingdom on Earth:
• Like Rahab, who helped bring Jericho down by hiding two Israelite spies.
• Like Ruth, who committed to her mother-inlaw, Naomi, and became the great-grandmother of David through her marriage to Boaz.
• Like the widow in 2 Kings 4, who used her small jar of oil and followed Elisha’s instructions to fill empty jars, miraculously producing enough oil to pay off her debts.
• Like Hannah, who prayed fervently for a son, and after God granted her wish, fulfilled her vow to dedicate her son, Samuel, to God’s service.
• Like Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist.
• Like Lydia, seller of purple cloth, whose house became a meeting place for the early church.
• Like Priscilla, a Jewish Christian who traveled with Paul and assisted in his missionary work.
• Like Mary, mother of Jesus, who displayed courage and obedience by accepting God’s plan for her to give birth to the Savior of the world.
St. Therese of Lisieux, associated with numerous miracles, believed one could be ordinary but transformed through love. Though these women were human and some suffered despair, temptations, doubts and depression, they, like Ellen, exhibited faith, humility, acceptance and obedience to God’s will at crucial, defining “crossroads” moments in their lives. They never forsook their Jesus, and as a result, He used their lives for extraordinary purposes.
Rev. Robert Jeffress cites three foundational qualities of ordinary people whose lives God can transform for extraordinary things. Let’s examine how Ellen’s life exhibited these qualities:
1. Passion - When Ellen, a city girl, married Henry, the love of her life, and moved to the small farm (present-day Country Dairy), she could not have known the rigors and challenges awaiting her; yet she threw herself wholeheartedly into being a helpmeet for Henry, earning a living and raising a family. The first chapter of the memoir, “God Will Provide,” illustrates how she turned their house on the hill into a hub of creative, controlled activity – physically, culturally, intellectually and spiritually. She was CEO, CFO, accountant, human resources specialist, head chef, production control, scheduler and customer service representative all rolled into one.
“… never be lacking in zeal.” (Romans 12:11)
2. Purpose is the story God has created for you to tell others.
Although Ellen’s initial story centered around being a helpmeet to Henry, her life took on a dual physical/spiritual nature, as events, such as her realization of the vulnerabilities of making a living on a small farm and the death of her beloved daughter, challenged her faith and forced her into the arms of her loving Lord. Those defining moments caused her to see a deeper, eternal purpose to her life: to glorify God; to accept and obey His will; to put her trust in Him.
“…who saved us and called us to a holy calling, because of His purpose and grace.” (2 Timothy 1:9)
3. Prayer - My mother believed in the power of prayer. As walking and talking with her Lord was the foundation of her life, so her prayers provide the foundation upon which I wrote her story.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
Stay tuned as we explore another defining moment that challenged Ellen’s faith: sending their youngest son to Vietnam.
For information about the memoir, contact the author at janethasselbring23@gmail.com.
The Foundry brings worship services to The Ladder
On Sunday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m., The Foundry Church Silver Lake Campus will begin meeting at the Ladder Community Center at 67 N. State St., Shelby for a worship service. This will occur every Sunday as The Foundry Silver Lake Campus works toward the launch at their permanent location, which will be located at 7640 W. Taylor Rd., Mears. The services will be a full live stream of the Foundry Live Zeeland service. The Foundry Church would like to invite all to attend as they seek to live into their vision of knowing God and making Him known. For more information on The Foundry, please visit foundrychurch.net.
In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors
obituaries
Ronald King Farmer
January
12, 1940 ~ October 18, 2025
Ronald King Farmer, 85, of Whitehall, passed away Sat urday, October 18, 2025. He was born January 12, 1940, the son of Benjamin and Donna (Erickson) Farmer.
He graduated from North Muskegon High School, where he was a standout athlete in basketball and baseball, in the late 1950s. After high school, he received an associate degree from Muskegon Community College and spent most of his career working as an Agent and Agency Manager for State Farm Insurance. He loved to mentor new agents and recognize their success. He was proud to work for such a great company and built lifelong relationships during his tenure.
He worked hard, played hard, loved fiercely and lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, his beloved dogs (often feeding them from his own fork at the dinner table), maintaining his lake home and property (especially blowing leaves), entertaining company with grilled meat and his famous baked beans, action movies and his daily dose of classic country music. He also enjoyed watching his daughters and grandchildren play sports or perform in other school activities. He often shared how proud he was of his entire family. He loved that other family members followed his lead to work for State Farm. He was quick to tell a good story to anyone (even if he just met them), play a practical joke or say something unexpected.
Ron was compassionate and generous, often buying or donating items to those in need. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who loved spending time with his family.
Ron is survived by: his children, Amy (Wally Tuchardt) Farmer and Annette (Rob) Thompson; grandchildren, Gunnar (Rylie) Koenig, Katherine (Alejandro) Savinon, Garrett Koenig, Paul Tuchardt, Hunter (Samantha) Christenson, Autumn (Evan) Holzgen, Sky Christenson, Rayne Thompson and Camden Thompson; great-grandchildren, Bennett and Ella Christenson; and brother, James “King” Farmer.
Ron was preceded in death by the love of his life, Merry Christine Farmer. They were married for over 60 years. During the last 10 years of her battle with dementia, he cared for her at home until her last breath. Their family has comfort in knowing they are together again in Heaven.
Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Monday, November 10, 2025, at White Lake United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague, MI 49437, with Reverend Timothy Dibble presiding. The family invites all to a time of food and fellowship following the service at the church.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com
Terry Kidder
Terry Kidder, 75, of Pentwater, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025. He was born in Battle Creek, Mich igan, on Tuesday, July 25, 1950, to end up being the oldest of four kids born to Jack and Harriette Kidder.
From a young age, Terry was an outdoorsman and a football player; two passions that would hold the entirety of his life. The summer after graduating high school, while still 17 years old, his career began with the Ironworkers Local 340 as an apprentice. Then, in the fall, after their graduation on October 11, 1968, he would marry his wife of 57 years, Sarah Jane, beginning his family of three children: Trent, Travis and Jamie.
In 1987, Terry began his life passion of raising and breeding Percheron draft horses. Together, he and Sarah established Walnut Ridge Farm, producing high-pedigree Percheron bloodlines and elaborate decorative horse harnesses. Oceana County Fair was the place he shared his passion with the community, bringing the towering Percherons to show and meet everyone. He would eventually become the superintendent of the Oceana County Draft Horse barn.
Terry is survived by: his wife, Jane; children, Trent and Jamie; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Terry was preceded in death by: his parents; son, Travis; and grandson, Bryen.
He will be remembered as an exceptionally great man, from a generation of great men.
In accordance with Terry’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held at this time.
In lieu of flowers, Jane has asked for any memorial contributions to be made to the Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box 451, Hart, MI 49420, as Terry felt they contribute in a necessary way to the community.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com.
James G. Near, 87, of Shelby, passed away Thursday, Oc tober 16, 2025. He was born August 17, 1938, in Shelby, Michigan, the son of George and Cecil (Meridith) Near.
James graduated from Shelby High School in 1956. He worked at Fowlers gas station before and after stints in the Army, then worked at Howmet until retirement. Jim enjoyed raising pigs during that time. He got into woodworking projects and made lots of wonderful things for the home and for family and friends. James was involved for many years with the ARC, helping mentally challenged people through the years, giving support to them, and providing different op portunities like picnics, dances and outings to West Michigan Whitecaps baseball games for them.
James was a long-time member of Rothbury Community Church, where he was able to go on mission trips to Kentucky and Tennessee with friends from the church.
James is survived by: his wife of 62 years, Donna (Usiak) Near; children, Deb of Texas, Dan of New Era, Lori (Mike) of Haslett, and Carl of Shelby; sister, Beatrice Wade of Alto; and many nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by: his parents, George and Cecil; brother, Richard; and sister, Barbara.
Funeral services have been held.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Rothbury Community Church, 2500 W. Winston Rd., Rothbury, Mich. 49452; The Ladder Community Center, 67 N. Main St., Shelby, Mich. 49455; or Elara Caring Hospice Care, 203 S. State St., Big Rapids, Mich. 49307.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com
PUBLIC NOTICE PENTWATER TOWNSHIP
The Pentwater Township Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held in-person at the Pentwater Township Hall at 500 N. Hancock Street in Pentwater, Michigan.
The purpose of the hearing is to hear the following request for a variance from the Pentwater Township Zoning Ordinance. Brian Akey, one of the property owners of Parcel ID No. 64-001-036-400-13, is requesting the following variance from the Pentwater Township Zoning Ordinance:
1. Section 4.04.D requires a minimum lot size of 10 acres where a minimum of 3.66 acres is proposed.
The applicant seeks to restore (divide) the property configuration from one lot of approximately 7.42 acres to the originally approved 2 lots of 3.66 and 3.76 acres respectively which is currently consistent with the rest of the properties along the private drive.
The application for the variance requested may be inspected from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday at the Pentwater Township Office, 500 N. Hancock Street, Pentwater, Michigan 49449.
Please feel free to attend the public hearing described above. Alternatively, you may provide a written response to the Township, should you wish to do so. Please send any correspondence to the Township Zoning Administrator via email to zoningadministrator@ pentwatertwp.org or to the following address:
Zoning Administrator
Pentwater Township
500 N. Hancock Street
P.O. Box 512
Pentwater, MI 49449
Pentwater Township
KING
• On Nov. 3, 1883, California bandit and stagecoach robber Black Bart, born Charles E. Boles and famous for his daring as well as his habit of occasionally leaving short poems at the scenes of his crimes, held up his last stagecoach. While he initially made a quick getaway, he was done in by the handkerchief with a laundry mark he’d inadvertently dropped and spent four years in San Quentin prison.
• On Nov. 3, 1883, California bandit and stagecoach robber Black Bart, born Charles E. Boles and famous for his daring as well as his habit of occasionally leaving short poems at the scenes of his crimes, held up his last stagecoach. While he initially made a quick getaway, he was done in by the handkerchief with a laundry mark he’d inadvertently dropped and spent four years in San Quentin prison.
• On Nov. 4, 1928, Arnold Rothstein, a legendary New York gambler with a fortune estimated at about $50 million, was shot during a poker game at Manhattan’s Park Central Hotel. He died in the hospital two days later without revealing the name of his assassin, though the fellow gambler who’d invited him to the game was tried for the crime, and acquitted.
• On Nov. 4, 1928, Arnold Rothstein, a legendary New York gambler with a fortune estimated at about $50 million, was shot during a poker game at Manhattan’s Park Central Hotel. He died in the hospital two days later without revealing the name of his assassin, though the fellow gambler who’d invited him to the game was tried for the crime, and acquitted.
• On Nov. 5, 2024, former President Donald Trump was elected to a second term in office, becoming the first president to serve nonconsecutive terms since 1892.
• On Nov. 5, 2024, former President Donald Trump was elected to a second term in office, becoming the first president to serve nonconsecutive terms since 1892.
• On Nov. 6, 1977, the Toccoa Falls Dam in Georgia collapsed just hours after a volunteer fireman inspected it and found everything in order, with 39 people dying in the resulting flood.
• On Nov. 6, 1977, the Toccoa Falls Dam in Georgia collapsed just hours after a volunteer fireman inspected it and found everything in order, with 39 people dying in the resulting flood.
• On Nov. 7, 1943, Roberta Joan Anderson, now known to the world as Joni Mitchell and dubbed the greatest female guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, was born in Fort MacLeod, Alberta, Canada. She cemented her status in the music world as a composer rather than performer, with David Geffen of Geffen Records noting in 1994 that, “Even though we lost money on every one of her records, we always treated Joni as one of the most important artists in the world.”
• On Nov. 7, 1943, Roberta Joan Anderson, now known to the world as Joni Mitchell and dubbed the greatest female guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, was born in Fort MacLeod, Alberta, Canada. She cemented her status in the music world as a composer rather than performer, with David Geffen of Geffen Records noting in 1994 that, “Even though we lost money on every one of her records, we always treated Joni as one of the most important artists in the world.”
• On Nov. 8, 1970, Tom Dempsey, a professional football kicker, though he was born with no toes on his right foot, launched a 63-yard field goal in his custom shoe and set a new NFL record, beating the previous record by seven yards.
• On Nov. 8, 1970, Tom Dempsey, a professional football kicker, though he was born with no toes on his right foot, launched a 63-yard field goal in his custom shoe and set a new NFL record, beating the previous record by seven yards.
Tiniest patients dress up for Halloween at Trinity Health NICU
KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 57th STREET, 15th FLOOR, NEW NY 10019
CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.
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Oceana County
ANIMAL SHELTER
Harley is a 1-year-old pittie boy with the kind of ears that deserve their own fan club. They flop, they perk, they tilt — honestly, they might be his secret superpower for melting hearts.
He’s a little timid when meeting new people (he’s still figuring out that not everyone’s a vet with a thermometer), but once he decides you’re safe, you’ll have a loyal shadow who just wants to be near you. With a little patience, some tasty treats, and maybe a squeaky toy or two, Harley will bloom into the best buddy you could ever ask for.
Harley’s perfect home would be one that understands that good things take time — and great things have adorable ears.
Harley 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 ID tags to all Oceana County residents. To request tags, send a text to 231-730-3906. Free tags are also available at the OCEANA County Animal Shelter. Meet Harley
• On Nov. 9, 1956, French philosopher and author Jean-Paul Sartre, a long-time admirer of the Soviet Union, denounced both the USSR and its communist system following the Soviet invasion of Hungary.
• Assembling the International Space Station took more than 200 spacewalks.
• The average freediver can hold their breath for approximately 10 minutes, much longer than the average healthy, fit human but well short of the Guinness World Record time of 22 minutes.
• During the Middle Ages, the majority of western maps placed east rather than north at the top.
• Diamonds are the only gem made of a single element, at nearly 99.95% carbon, the most commonly found element on Earth.
• After the axle, the first wheels did not appear on any mode of transportation, but on a child’s toy. Scholars estimate that it took another three centuries after wheels were used in pottery and toymaking for them to be applied to transportation.
• The Great Pyramid at Giza has over 2 million stone blocks, each with an average weight of more than 2 tons.
• Two days after Alexander Graham Bell died at his summer home in Nova Scotia on Aug. 2, 1922, all telephone service in the United States and Canada was suspended for a full minute at the precise moment when he was lowered into his grave.
• Just 10% of an incandescent light bulb’s energy produces light. The remaining 90% produces heat.
• At the 2007 French Open, Venus Williams’ serve sent the ball flying at 129 miles per hour, the second fastest serve by a woman ever recorded. It was also the fastest recorded in a main draw match at that time.
• Most people think you gain 5 to 10 pounds over Thanksgiving, but you’ll be glad to know the average amount is really just a single pound.
Halloween has once again arrived at Trinity Health, bringing joy and creativity to the hospital’s tiniest patients and their families. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was filled with festive spirit as babies were dressed in handmade costumes created by the NICU nursing team.
“Having a baby in the NICU is already a challenging experience for families, and spending holidays in the hospital instead of at home adds another emotional layer,” said Kirstie Dixon, clinical services manager, Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU. “That’s why our team pours their creativity into making perfectly sized, hand-crafted costumes — so even our tiniest patients and their families can share in the joy of Halloween and experience these traditions.”
Though the babies can’t go outside to trick-or-treat, dressing up in costumes allows families to celebrate a childhood milestone. Each costume was handmade with lightweight felt and tailored to accommodate medical devices and incubators, ensuring the babies’ care and monitoring were never disrupted.
“We had fun again this year coming together as nurses to create these personalized costumes that we hope their families will love,” said Michaela Behrens, RN, Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU. “Halloween is one of our favorite times in the NICU, and we had so much fun capturing these photos of our pa-
tients in their first Halloween costumes.”
Families were gifted the costumes and provided with printed photos to commemorate the day.
Costumes included the smallest Detroit Lions football player, spaghetti and meatballs, a parrot, twins dressed up as peanut butter and jelly and more.
Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU is a licensed 15-bed Level III unit that cares for 200 to 300 newborns annually, including infants from Oceana County. The team provides specialized care for a wide range of patients — from those who are medically fragile and require intensive support, to full-term babies who need a little extra help before heading home.
To learn more about NICU services, visit www.trinityhealthmichigan.org.
Pentwater Historical Museum expansion news
By AnnaMae Bush
The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
In 2014 the Pentwater Historical Society (PHS) had a vision for a new facility that would not only provide expanded space for exhibits but would also provide the community with a space to gather and to celebrate. Over the past decade, the former Baptist Church has been remodeled for museum exhibits while ideas simmered for future expansion and increased uses.
The PHS recently announced that the silent phase of its capital campaign in the past few years has raised more than $800,000 of the $1,500,000 needed for the construction of an expansion building on its current location. The current museum site will accommodate a new attached exhibit space and a separate outdoor pavilion in a U-shaped formation to create a generous garden space in the center of the site. Now past the half-way mark of its fundraising goal, the PHS is asking the public for contributions to make its dream a reality.
The timetable calls for construction to begin in early 2026 with the new building ready for exhibits and artifacts in the fall of 2026, and the completed complex open in the 2027 season. Local builder Dave Slachter will manage the design and construction of Phase 1 in cooperation with a team headed by resident Norm Shotwell. Local resident Steve Bass has been heavily involved with the design and shared the plans at a recent Pentwater Service
Club meeting. Anyone wishing to view the design and ideas, or make a donation, can do so at the website, www.pentwaterhistoricalsocietymuseum.org
The enthusiasm for the new facility is matched by an enthusiasm for new displays and new purposes. Journeys to Pentwater is a recent display based on interviews with local residents about their connection to the village. Oral interviews have been conducted with 15 or 20 individuals, and there are plans to do several more. The interviews are combined with personal and archival photos, news clippings, readings and period relics to create short videos to tell the story of how the featured family “came to Pentwater.”
Some of the narratives are based on what we know of Pentwater’s first citizens, and the videos are narrated by a local Pentwater resident.
Each story captures what the village was like at a particular time in history. Different generations are being tapped. The display currently tells three journeys in the 19th century, three journeys in the 20th century, and two journeys in the 21st century. Since the format is flex-
ible, the hope is to add new stories to the content each year. A push of the button puts you back in time.
PHS Board member
Beth Russell is particularly excited about the new educational program for which former Pentwater history teacher Rick Magrath is developing a curriculum. The program will be geared for all grade levels and be available for all Oceana County students.
The curriculum will focus on local history as a microcosm of the history in West Michigan, and more broadly in the nation. It begins with the lumber industry, examines the development of different modes of transportation, the move to agriculture and tourism, and changes in shipping from sailing to steamships, including hybrid ships. When it is finished, it will add a wonderful dimension to education in Oceana County.
Quoting the recent PHS newsletter, “This expansion is more than just bricks and mortar. It is the continuation of a promise – to preserve and share Pentwater’s rich heritage, while creating a welcoming space for community events, education, and celebration.”
Corrections
In the October 17, 2025 edition of the Oceana Echo, Part 1: The Heart of the Matter - Celebrating Tom & Barbara Sims, it was brought to the Echo's attention that some details needed correction.
The article stated Tom Sims remembers talking to EMT Mike Barefoot on the way to Grand Rapids, when in fact Sims was attended by 15-year paramedic Dan Medema in the back of the ambulance. Barefoot, a licensed EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), was the one responsible for driving the ambulance to Grand Rapids.
It should also be noted members of the Hart Fire Department were the first responders and offered assistance until Life EMS arrived. Shortly after Life EMS’ arrival, they were toned out on another call.
The Oceana Echo used the Sims' personal recollections of the event for writing the article and apologizes for the errors. The Oceana Echo apologizes for the errors.
In the October 17, 2025 edition of the Oceana Echo, the article "The pews were full of fabric for the first Fall Fest quilt show," it should have been noted that the Sew Let’s Be Quilty shop co-sponsored the event along with the Centenary United Methodist Church and the Pentwater Township Library. The Oceana Echo apologizes for the error.
East unanimously chosen by commissioners to fill DHHS/OCMCF vacancy
By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
The Oceana County Board of Commissioners saw two potential candidates for the role of appointee to the Department of Health and Human Services and Oceana County Medical Care Facility (OCMCF) Board. The notice of the vacant position came prior to the commissioners’ last meeting on Oct. 9, and the board opted to table the discussion and decision until the next meeting. This would allow all voting members to be present, as well as grant extra time for any further interested candidates to apply.
The first candidate to present was Linda East, who said she believes herself to be well-suited for the role, as she has a “different perspective and approach to management problem solving,” as well as 33 years of experience managing medical facilities and personnel at MSU. “I think it is important that, in addition to addressing the needs of OCMCF, we also need to look at the other side of the DHHS board,” Linda said in regard to the social work side of the department, citing a deep-set passion for the service, as her parents acted as foster families for multiple children throughout her childhood.
The maintenance of the OCMCF was another topic of concern for East. Her mother was a facility resident throughout the heating system malfunctions the year prior, which East tackled in her role as a caregiver by taking temperature readings to present to the OCMCF board.
“I have a deep and abiding respect and desire to serve the residents, staff, and indeed, the residents of Oceana County in this capacity,” East concluded, saying she planned “to hear what the residents and staff have to say,” and in doing so “[seek] greater accountability of the administration of this facility.”
For the following candidate, Randy Neuman, the morning’s presentation was a refresher for the board, as he had already presented his credentials at the Oct. 9 meeting. The crux of his presentation was that “after spending 30+ years in the emergency medical services, seeing the condition of the
elderly and concern for their care has become of the utmost importance to me.”
The board had questions for the candidates, which were asked following their individual presentations.
Commissioner Tim Beggs asked each candidate to list the top issues they wished to see addressed, and both agreed that the ongoing maintenance problems were top priority, with East adding concern over the net operating loss of previous years.
Commissioner Joel McCormick asked how hands-on each candidate would be in the role. East had said she’d done 33 years of hands-on management at MSU and would approach issues by holding administration accountable in seeing issues through. Neuman said that day-to-day operations were the concern of administration, as “That’s not a board member’s job.”
Chairman Robert Walker, citing incidents while working with DHHSs statewide where meetings had been cancelled due to board members not being present, asked if the candidates would be out-of-state for the winter and if that would impede their ability to serve on the board. None of the candidates said they foresaw this as a possible issue.
During the Regular Board Meeting, East was unanimously chosen as the new appointee to the DHHS/ OCMCF Boards for a three-year term. Of the decision, Commissioner Craig Hardy said, “I did look at the last annual report, and I think there’s some issues that need to be addressed… I’m very grateful that we have two citizens from this county that want to help and care.”
Also during the meeting, Life EMS and the MSU Extension presented their second and third quarter reports to the board, the latter of which saw approval for their agreement memorandum. The board also entered an agreement with American Classic for operation of the Transfer Station for five years, which will begin on Dec. 1. Also appointed to the Canvassers Board, which is responsible for certifying election results, were Cynthia Fout and Kathleen Schneider as Republican and Democratic Party representatives, respectively.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Pentwater Township
The Pentwater Township Transfer Station & Recycling Center will be open on the following days and dates from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. for:
Leaf and Brush Disposal Only:
Every Saturday in November 2025: 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/21 & 11/29
Recycling Only:
Once monthly November through March on the first Saturday of each month: 2025: 11/1 & 12/6 2026: 1/3, 2/7 & 3/7
• The Station is open to Pentwater and Weare Township residents and property owners only
• NO COMMERCIAL USERS
• Residents must obtain a permit from their Township Clerk to utilize the Transfer Station
• There is no charge for the disposal leaves and brush and a $3.00 fee for the deposit of recyclable materials
Orchard View’s late surge stuns Shelby, but Tigers still ready for playoff bout vs. Pine River
By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
Echo community correspondent Amanda Dodge contributed to this story.
Orchard View shocked Shelby with a 22-point fourth-quarter comeback Friday night, ending the Tigers’ regular season with a 35-34 defeat.
Luckily for Shelby, that wasn’t the end of its story, as it was announced Sunday that the Tigers qualified for the Division 7 playoffs, with a Michigan Power Rating that ranked 31st of the 32 teams who earned a postseason berth. Shelby travels to Pine River Friday for a pre-district game.
The Tigers didn’t yet know that Friday night, but coach Phil Fortier maintained belief his team would qualify immediately after the loss.
“I’ve got nothing to say to (our seniors), because it ain’t over yet,” Fortier said with his trademark gusto after the game. “We get to go back and redeem ourselves after this one.”
OV converted a miraculous fourthand-long play in the final seconds on a 78-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Babbitt to I’Zavion Spears, then got a two-point conversion to win by a point.
For three quarters, the game belonged to the Tigers, despite the absences of injured stars Isaac Garcia, DayDay Garcia and Elijah Dashiell.
Shelby’s Colin Fenton (52) and Brody Fessenden try to stop Orchard View’s Peyton Babbitt’s long pass during Friday’s game at OV. The Tigers lost, 35-34. • Amanda Dodge/Echo
Without them, Shelby built the whole offense around running back Brody Fessenden and quarterback Jaylin Henderson, and did so to great effect as the Tigers built a 34-13 lead.
Both players had monster performances, with Fessenden running for 212 yards and Henderson for 144. Henderson also passed for 73 yards, 22 of them to Fessenden. Each ran for two touchdowns, and Henderson also connected with Trevor Weiss for a passing score.
“Brody Fessenden was incredible,” Fortier said. “The O-line was incredible. We just continued to make plays and started to reach our potential. It was great to see.
“I will tell you this...that was playoff football right there. That prepares us for what the next step will be.”
The difference was a 3-0 edge for Orchard View in the turnover margin and some big plays by both Babbitt, a Saginaw Valley State commit who had 272 offensive yards, and fellow Cardinal star Damari Wright, who had 101 receiving.
It was an emotional postgame scene as Shelby considered their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, but with the Tigers now poised to play in the playoffs for the first time (outside
of the 2020 all-in season) since their 2013 state semifinal run, high hopes are back for the team.
“I’m really proud of my kids. I love them. I wouldn’t trade them for anything,” Fortier said. “They’re dudes. It’s a really tough loss, and I know they feel bad. We all feel bad...We’ll make the corrections and we’re going to stay tough.”
Football results continued on page 11
Hart teams defy the experts, win regional titles
Pirates’ pack running leads to win; Shelby’s Weirich delivers PR and qualifies too
By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
Hart’s teams both stepped up Saturday at the Division 3 regional meet at Benzie Central, earning regional championships and spots at the state meet in defiance of some outside projections.
The Pirates’ victories were both fairly lopsided, with the girls defeating second-place McBain 59-79 and the boys outscoring Lake City 63-82. Coach Calvin Ackley said the team came in motivated after seeing that Benzie Central was predicted to win both the boys’ and girls’ titles (the Huskies ended up third in both races).
Hart’s girls scorers all ran personal best times. The team had three top10 finishers in the race, led by Natalie Rosema, who took fifth with a time of 19:23.9. It was by far Rosema’s best run of the season, as she broke 20 minutes for the first time in 2025.
Emma Miller was right behind Rosema in sixth with a time of 19:34.1. It was her first time under 20 minutes in a varsity race; her previous PR was set at the coaches’ association meet of champions last fall. Alaina Schan-
er also cleared 20 minutes for the first time this season and set a PR of 19:43.8.
The Pirates’ final two scorers finished backto-back, as Bryn Riley was 19th (20:29.3) and Luisa VanderZwaag was 20th (20:32.4). In fact, the Pirates had six PRs in the race, with the only runner not turning in a PR battling injury.
Hart’s boys scorers all submitted season bests, with the fastest four runners also earning new career bests. Silas Ackley led the way, placing ninth in a time of 16:46.1. Grant Ackley was close behind, coming in 12th in a time of 16:51.8, and Timothy Wolff was 14th in a time of 16:52.2.
Also scoring for the Pirates were Trevor VanderKodde in a time of 16:58.2, earning 16th place, and Aiden Schaner with a time of 17:04.3, in 19th; coach Ackley said Schaner would probably have run a PR as well if not for battling an illness). Teammate Mason Opalewski was less than a second behind Schaner and set a new PR.
It was Hart’s pack running that most impressed coach Ackley at the race. Coaches at any level would be impressed with the 18-second spread
cross-country
• Courtesy Photo
between the five Pirate scorers in the boys’ race, and the girls’ spread of just over a minute was the smallest of any team in that race as well.
“This speaks to their ability to use teamwork and work together,” coach Ackley said. “Benzie is a fast course but when comparing how they did at this course in the fall to the competition then and now, I couldn’t have asked for more.”
The Pirates have set a goal to im-
Shelby’s Brody Fessenden (33) shrugs off a tackle attempt by Orchard View’s Ca’Mari Reese during Friday’s game at OV. Fessenden rushed for 212 yards in the Tigers’ 35-34 defeat. • Amanda Dodge/Echo
Weirich
The Hart
teams celebrate their Division 3 regional championships Saturday at Benzie Central. The Pirates hope to improve on their finishes at last year’s state meet this weekend.
Hart runners, from left, Carson Ackley, Trevor VanderKodde and Silas Ackley pace each other during Saturday’s Division 3 regional meet at Benzie Central.
• Courtesy Photo
Pirates play well, take 2nd at WMC Rivers tourney
By Andy Roberts
The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
It was a jam-packed day of action for Oceana teams at Saturday’s West Michigan Conference Rivers tournament, hosted by North Muskegon.
The Hart Pirates enjoyed the best results, taking second place. Hart easily swept Holton and then edged Shelby in a tough match, 25-12, 27-25, before falling to North Muskegon in three hard-fought games in the tournament championship, 25-16, 21-25, 15-11.
“We had a great day, finishing second overall in the conference,” Hart coach Shawn Bectel said.
Alayna Schiller led a strong defensive day for Hart (20-20-1), with 55 digs. She also tied with teammate Jenna Babbin for the team lead in aces, with five. Babbin added six blocks at the net.
Offensively, Reese Smith led the way. The senior, who recently surpassed the 1,000-kill mark in her career - the feat was celebrated during a home win over Holton last weekposted 21 kills Saturday. Teammates
Grace Tucker and Cali Eisenlohr continued their solid work setting Smith and others up for kills, combining for 45 assists. Eisenlohr also contributed 32 digs.
Shelby went 2-2 at the tournament. The Tigers bounced back from a game-one defeat to edge Hesperia in the first round, 23-25, 25-21, 15-9, before the loss to Shelby in the semifinals. In the consolation bracket, the Tigers beat Mason County Central 2519, 25-11 and then fell to Ravenna in a very close third-place match, 21-25, 25-22, 15-13, settling for fourth at the tournament.
Coach McKenna Peters said she was pleased with the efforts of both her top attackers Saturday. Kylie Brown and Brylee Friedman notched 23 kills apiece. Brown had six kills, five digs, three aces and two blocks in a solid all-around effort in the win over MCC.
“Both have been calm, consistent leaders all season and have done an excellent job guiding the team,” Peters said.
Peyton Rapes also contributed to the offense from her setter spot, compiling 69 assists.
Regional cross
prove from their respective state finishes a year ago, when the boys’ team finished eighth and the girls were 20th. No matter what happens, there’s plenty to be excited about as neither the boys’ or girls’ team will graduate any of Saturday’s scorers this year.
Hart wasn’t the only Oceana team to send a runner to state, though, as Parker Weirich of Shelby also punched his ticket to the finals with a spectacular run of 16:52.8 to finish 15th in the boys’ race. Personal bests at the regional meet are very common, and as coach Ackley noted, Benzie is a fast course on top of that, but even considering those factors, Weirich’s performance was extraordinary, as he had never broken 18 minutes in a race before, let alone 17.
Three other Tiger boys finished in the race, all submitting season bests. Brycen Brown took 37th place and had a time of 17:45.2, his personal best by over a minute, and Emilio Bustos slashed his PR by over two and a half minutes by finishing in 23:03.6, good for 73rd place. Edmund Hayes set a season best of 24:52.9, placing 74th.
The Shelby girls’ team finished ninth in the regional meet, led by Noel Parker, who ran to a 21st-place finish. Her time was 20:44.7, a personal best. Lydia Soelberg finished 38th and had a time of 21:49.8 in her season debut, and Kathryn Beyer was 39th with a season best time of 21:59.1.
Also scoring for the Tigers were Ava Lamberg in 49th place, lopping nearly two minutes off her previous personal best (23:02.7) and Sydney Reed in 51st, who did the same (23:21.0).
Hesperia’s Nate Ruhstorfer qualifies for state meet
Nate Rushtorfer qualified for the state meet for Hesperia at Saturday’s Division 4 regional meet in Allendale, finishing in 12th place with a personal best time of 17:38.9.
It was Ruhstorfer’s first time under 18 minutes this season and 19 seconds better than his previous best time, which he set at last year’s regional.
The Panther boys finished seventh
On defense, Briar Peters rang up 66 digs and Friedman added 44. Friedman and Hali Hayes each had seven aces.
“Briar Peters was outstanding in the back row, recording double-digit digs in all four matches,” coach Peters said.
The coach added that sophomore Annabelle Stark continued her season-long upward trajectory with six digs and three kills in the Hart match alone.
“Annie’s a quick, explosive athlete, and her volleyball skills keep improving every week,” Peters said.
After Hesperia’s opening loss to Shelby, the Panthers bounced back with a close win over Holton in the consolation bracket, 21-25, 25-14, 155. Hesperia closed the day with losses to Ravenna (25-7, 25-18) and, in the fifth-place match, to MCC (22-25, 2513, 15-12).
Panther statistics had not been reported at press time.
continued from page 10
overall in the race.
Andy Lopez-Garcia was Hesperia’s second finisher, with a time of 19:37.8, good for 37th place. Tony Lopez-Garcia set a career best time of 20:27.8, finishing 53rd. Hunter Tinkham was 57th in a time of 21:07.4, and Paul Winchel closed the scoring in a time of 22:02.0, setting a new personal best and coming in 63rd.
Rokhaya Ruhstorfer nearly qualified for state herself, but just missed despite setting a new personal best time of 22:49.1. She finished in 20th place. Elyssa Wright and Danielle Merritt both set season bests in the race, with Wright finishing in 43rd with a time of 28:27.2 and Merritt in 48th with a time of 35:24.8.
Pentwater caps season with slew of season bests
Pentwater closed out its cross-country season Saturday at the Division 4 regional meet at Benzie Central, with the Falcons’ Bailey Case the top individual finisher.
Case set a new personal best time of 21:15.5 and finished 24th. All four Falcon girls, in fact, set season bests in the race.
Lily Smith was the second Falcon to finish, posting a time of 23:20.8 to finish 40th, and Lauren Davis was 50th in a time of 25:33.0. Maggie Jorissen’s time of 27:23.4 was good for 52nd place.
The Falcon boys’ team finished ninth at the regional meet, led by Wyatt Roberts’ season best time of 18:33.7. He finished in 37th place. Tyler Zimmer set a career best time of 18:37.9 and was 39th.
The remaining Falcon scorers all set season best times. Bode Powell finished 59th with a time of 20:36.0, with Ben Roberson in 64th (21:35.0) and Michael Smith in 68th (25:46.3).
Football results
continued from page 10
Central Montcalm too much for Hart
Hart entered Friday’s game at Central Montcalm hoping to pull out a victory that might have launched the team into the playoffs, and for a quarter it looked as though the Pirates would be able to keep up with a high-powered Hornet offense.
However, Central Montcalm, which has cleared 35 points five times this season, proved too much to handle for the Pirate defense, scoring three second-quarter touchdowns to take a big lead on the way to a 60-24 victory.
The Hornets’ aerial attack was instrumental to their success, as they passed for 397 of their 581 total offensive yards on a very efficient 18-of-22 attempts by quarterback Zayne Cooper. Hart (4-5) countered with another impressive effort from Kyle Greiner, who ran for 285 yards on 30 carries.
The offenses were in command from the start, with the first seven possessions of the game resulting in touchdowns. Greiner ripped off an 81-yard scoring run to even the score at 8-8, and the team pounded its way downfield for two more scores to keep things tied at 16-16 and then at 24-24 before the Hornets wore down the Hart defense.
Central Montcalm scored twice more before the half, including a damaging 12-yard touchdown pass just before halftime to go ahead 40-24. The
Hornets, who outscored Hart 20-0 after halftime, also forced two turnovers to the Pirates’ none in the game.
Haegan Hansen led the Hart defense with 13 tackles, including a sack. Logan Jorissen added nine takedowns and Abdel Lopez had eight.
“Thank you to this senior group who helped pave the way for a team that fought with great effort and great attitudes for nine weeks even when things didn’t go our way,” Hart coach Joe Tanis posted on the team’s Facebook page. “This was one tough and gritty squad and we couldn’t be prouder to coach these young men.”
Hesperia falls to St. Louis in season finale
Hesperia ended its season Friday with a 44-28 defeat to St. Louis, finishing the year with a 1-8 record.
The Panthers took to the air for much of the game, and quarterback Tucker Bolles went 21-of-33 for 232 yards and a pair of touchdowns, as well as an interception. Eli Edens had 116 yards of offense and a rushing touchdown, and Zach Loughridge grabbed six receptions for 76 yards and another score. Weston Hasted also caught a touchdown in the game, and Dominic Rivera ran for one.
Ryan Fuentes led the Panther defense with 13 tackles, and Rivera had eight.
Ruhstorfer
Hart’s Reese Smith (10) was the center of a celebration last week during the Pirates’ win over Holton, as she achieved her 1,000th career dig. The Pirates took 2nd place in Saturday’s WMC Rivers tournament. • Jill tanis/Courtesy Photo
Shelby’s Jaylin Henderson tries to power through some Orchard View tacklers during Friday’s game at OV. Despite a big night from Henderson, the Tigers dropped a heartbreaker, 35-34. • Amanda Dodge/Echo
Reflections of our community
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YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE
YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE
Whitehall council approves $8.5M bond issuance
Whitehall council approves $8.5M bond issuance
Whitehall council approves $8.5M bond issuance
Bonds would defray costs for several projects and would be paid back over 10 years
Bonds would defray costs for several projects and would be paid back over 10 years
Bonds would defray costs for several projects and would be paid back over 10 years
By Andy Roberts
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
White Lake Mirror Editor
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
The Whitehall city council gave unanimous approval Tuesday to a resolution proposed by city manager Dan Tavernier to issue municipal bonds to raise funds for various capital improvement projects in the city.
said the bond money would "fast-forward our master plan," enabling the city to defray costs of several projects, including the West Colby Promenade, the Lake Street lift station force main, Lake Street resurfacing, resurfacing at the industrial park, a water/sewer rebuild in Swedentown, and others.
The Whitehall city council gave unanimous approval Tuesday to a resolution proposed by city manager Dan Tavernier to issue municipal bonds to raise funds for various capital improvement projects in the city.
The Whitehall city council gave unanimous approval Tuesday to a resolution proposed by city manager Dan Tavernier to issue municipal bonds to raise funds for various capital improvement projects in the city.
The bonds would raise an amount not to exceed $8.5 million, which under Tavernier's proposal would be paid for by money that currently goes to the Tax Increment Finance Authority and the Local Development Finance Authority over a period of 10 years. Tavernier
The bonds would raise an amount not to exceed $8.5 million, which under Tavernier's proposal would be paid for by money that currently goes to the Tax Increment Finance Authority and the Local Development Finance Authority over a period of 10 years. Tavernier
The bonds would raise an amount not to exceed $8.5 million, which under Tavernier's proposal would be paid for by money that currently goes to the Tax Increment Finance Authority and the Local Development Finance Authority over a period of 10 years. Tavernier
said the bond money would "fast-forward our master plan," enabling the city to defray costs of several projects, including the West Colby Promenade, the Lake Street lift station force main, Lake Street resurfacing, resurfacing at the industrial park, a water/sewer rebuild in Swedentown, and others.
said the bond money would "fast-forward our master plan," enabling the city to defray costs of several projects, including the West Colby Promenade, the Lake Street lift station force main, Lake Street resurfacing, resurfacing at the industrial park, a water/sewer rebuild in Swedentown, and others.
"It's a 10-year commitment, but I think it's worth it," Tavernier said.
"It's a 10-year commitment, but I think it's worth it," Tavernier said.
"It's a 10-year commitment, but I think it's worth it," Tavernier said.
The approval starts the clock on a 45-day period during which city residents, if they object to the proposal or want to put the issue to a referendum on the ballot, can collect signatures to do just that. The resolution states that 10% of city voters would have to petition the city clerk for a referendum to get one placed on the ballot.
The approval starts the clock on a 45-day period during which city residents, if they object to the proposal or want to put the issue to a referendum on the ballot, can collect signatures to do just that. The resolution states that 10% of city voters would have to petition the city clerk for a referendum to get one placed on the ballot.
The approval starts the clock on a 45-day period during which city residents, if they object to the proposal or want to put the issue to a referendum on the ballot, can collect signatures to do just that. The resolution states that 10% of city voters would have to petition the city clerk for a referendum to get one placed on the ballot.
The promenade will be further discussed at a city work session in No-
The promenade will be further discussed at a city work session in No-
The promenade will be further discussed at a city work session in No-
vember after the council unanimously approved doing so. Scott Brown suggested the discussion, saying he was unable to attend the Oct. 14 council meeting at which the bid to approve Clifford Buck as the contractor for the promenade and there were a couple of items (he did not specify which ones) in the plan that he felt were "just a waste of money as far as I'm concerned." Tavernier said approval of the contractor does not preclude the council from making changes to the promenade plan prior to the start of construction if it chooses.
vember after the council unanimously approved doing so. Scott Brown suggested the discussion, saying he was unable to attend the Oct. 14 council meeting at which the bid to approve Clifford Buck as the contractor for the promenade and there were a couple of items (he did not specify which ones) in the plan that he felt were "just a waste of money as far as I'm concerned." Tavernier said approval of the contractor does not preclude the council from making changes to the promenade plan prior to the start of construction if it chooses.
vember after the council unanimously approved doing so. Scott Brown suggested the discussion, saying he was unable to attend the Oct. 14 council meeting at which the bid to approve Clifford Buck as the contractor for the promenade and there were a couple of items (he did not specify which ones) in the plan that he felt were "just a waste of money as far as I'm concerned." Tavernier said approval of the contractor does not preclude the council from making changes to the promenade plan prior to the start of construction if it chooses.
Another unanimous approval was given to forming a committee to discuss the feasibility of leasing or acquiring property on Division Street that houses the Praise Center at the White Lake United Methodist Church. Coun-
Another unanimous approval was given to forming a committee to discuss the feasibility of leasing or acquiring property on Division Street that houses the Praise Center at the White Lake United Methodist Church. Coun-
Another unanimous approval was given to forming a committee to discuss the feasibility of leasing or acquiring property on Division Street that houses the Praise Center at the White Lake United Methodist Church. Coun-
cil member Jeff Holmstrom proposed the committee, saying it could make a good site for the White Lake Senior Center as its current building in Montague is in bad shape. He added that he ran the idea by senior center director Christi Marsh, who approved of the possibility.
cil member Jeff Holmstrom proposed the committee, saying it could make a good site for the White Lake Senior Center as its current building in Montague is in bad shape. He added that he ran the idea by senior center director Christi Marsh, who approved of the possibility.
cil member Jeff Holmstrom proposed the committee, saying it could make a good site for the White Lake Senior Center as its current building in Montague is in bad shape. He added that he ran the idea by senior center director Christi Marsh, who approved of the possibility.
Holmstrom said the Praise Center is ideally suited for senior center activities given its kitchen facilities, which could also be used by Meals on Wheels. Other potential uses, he said, would include a satellite office for AgeWell, a new site for the food pantry currently located at Lebanon Lutheran Church, and a second community garden on the property's green space. Pastor Tim
Holmstrom said the Praise Center is ideally suited for senior center activities given its kitchen facilities, which could also be used by Meals on Wheels. Other potential uses, he said, would include a satellite office for AgeWell, a new site for the food pantry currently located at Lebanon Lutheran Church, and a second community garden on the property's green space. Pastor Tim
Holmstrom said the Praise Center is ideally suited for senior center activities given its kitchen facilities, which could also be used by Meals on Wheels. Other potential uses, he said, would include a satellite office for AgeWell, a new site for the food pantry currently located at Lebanon Lutheran Church, and a second community garden on the property's green space. Pastor Tim
Whitehall council continued on page 2
Whitehall council continued on page 2
Whitehall council continued on page 2
New Elivate location focuses on hydration, wellness
New Elivate location focuses on hydration, wellness
New Elivate location focuses on hydration, wellness
Majority of comments speak against proposed solar facility; White River twp. commission has until January to vote
Majority of comments speak against proposed solar facility; White River twp. commission has until January to vote
Majority of comments speak against proposed solar facility; White River twp. commission has until January to vote
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
WHITEHALL — Megan Nelson first launched her Elivate Lounge & Beauty Bar business (stylized elIVate), which provides IV hydration, vitamins, Botox injections and other similar services, as a mobile business out of her Newaygo home in 2022, inspired by the mobile nurses who provide on-demand services to celebrities like the Kardashians.
WHITEHALL — Megan Nelson first launched her Elivate Lounge & Beauty Bar business (stylized elIVate), which provides IV hydration, vitamins, Botox injections and other similar services, as a mobile business out of her Newaygo home in 2022, inspired by the mobile nurses who provide on-demand services to celebrities like the Kardashians.
WHITEHALL — Megan Nelson first launched her Elivate Lounge & Beauty Bar business (stylized elIVate), which provides IV hydration, vitamins, Botox injections and other similar services, as a mobile business out of her Newaygo home in 2022, inspired by the mobile nurses who provide on-demand services to celebrities like the Kardashians.
"(They) would have these mobile nurses come to their house and do infusions and stuff, and (I thought), 'How cool a job would that have been?' I think it's awesome," Nelson said. "I was just fascinated by it."
"(They) would have these mobile nurses come to their house and do infusions and stuff, and (I thought), 'How cool a job would that have been?' I think it's awesome," Nelson said. "I was just fascinated by it."
"(They) would have these mobile nurses come to their house and do infusions and stuff, and (I thought), 'How cool a job would that have been?' I think it's awesome," Nelson said. "I was just fascinated by it."
That dream resulted in a storefront
That dream resulted in a storefront
That dream resulted in a storefront
in Newaygo a year later, and Saturday, Nelson celebrated the grand opening of her second Elivate location in Whitehall in the back of the Shepherd and Shepherd building, hoping to bring her health-focused business to White Lake residents. The business has grown quicker than Nelson ever imagined.
in Newaygo a year later, and Saturday, Nelson celebrated the grand opening of her second Elivate location in Whitehall in the back of the Shepherd and Shepherd building, hoping to bring her health-focused business to White Lake residents. The business has grown quicker than Nelson ever imagined.
in Newaygo a year later, and Saturday, Nelson celebrated the grand opening of her second Elivate location in Whitehall in the back of the Shepherd and Shepherd building, hoping to bring her health-focused business to White Lake residents. The business has grown quicker than Nelson ever imagined.
She's done it, she said, with a local focus; she's teamed with local registered nurses to provide services. Elivate will not have specific open hours to start with - the RNs on staff also work at nearby hospitals - but is available by appointment, and aims to work with its clients' schedule to the degree it can.
She's done it, she said, with a local focus; she's teamed with local registered nurses to provide services. Elivate will not have specific open hours to start with - the RNs on staff also work at nearby hospitals - but is available by appointment, and aims to work with its clients' schedule to the degree it can.
She's done it, she said, with a local focus; she's teamed with local registered nurses to provide services. Elivate will not have specific open hours to start with - the RNs on staff also work at nearby hospitals - but is available by appointment, and aims to work with its clients' schedule to the degree it can.
"We have our phone number everywhere," Nelson said. "We do our best to accommodate everybody's appointments. It's not unusual for us to say, 'If you can't make it until 6, I'll run in and do something for you.'"
"We have our phone number everywhere," Nelson said. "We do our best to accommodate everybody's appointments. It's not unusual for us to say, 'If you can't make it until 6, I'll run in and do something for you.'"
"We have our phone number everywhere," Nelson said. "We do our best to accommodate everybody's appointments. It's not unusual for us to say, 'If you can't make it until 6, I'll run in and do something for you.'"
Nelson herself was a nurse in her former career. She said she was an emergency room nurse for eight years
Nelson herself was a nurse in her former career. She said she was an emergency room nurse for eight years
Nelson herself was a nurse in her former career. She said she was an emergency room nurse for eight years
and an operating room nurse for two more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and coworkers found their mental health was suffering due to job stress, and that led to the idea of Elivate.
and an operating room nurse for two more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and coworkers found their mental health was suffering due to job stress, and that led to the idea of Elivate.
and an operating room nurse for two more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and coworkers found their mental health was suffering due to job stress, and that led to the idea of Elivate.
"I started researching on how I could do it, and I found a franchise where it provides the medical director, the pharmacist, the ability for me to
"I started researching on how I could do it, and I found a franchise where it provides the medical director, the pharmacist, the ability for me to
"I started researching on how I could do it, and I found a franchise where it provides the medical director, the pharmacist, the ability for me to
order all these meds, and still be able to take care of the community and love what I'm doing," Nelson said.
order all these meds, and still be able to take care of the community and love what I'm doing," Nelson said. IV drips are one of the business' specialties, and it offers several different ones tailored to various needs. One
order all these meds, and still be able to take care of the community and love what I'm doing," Nelson said. IV drips are one of the business' specialties, and it offers several different ones tailored to various needs. One
IV drips are one of the business' specialties, and it offers several different ones tailored to various needs. One
Elivate opens continued on page 2
Elivate opens continued on page 2
DDA offers extension on Bardic Wells Meadery loan
DDA offers extension on Bardic Wells Meadery loan
DDA offers extension on Bardic Wells Meadery loan
Loan was set to enter default; DDA hopes to work with owner to facilitate repayment
Loan was set to enter default; DDA hopes to work with owner to facilitate repayment
Loan was set to enter default; DDA hopes to work with owner to facilitate repayment
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
MONTAGUE — The Montague Downtown Development Authority voted 7-1 at a special meeting last Thursday, with Andrew Mummaw dissenting, to allow Bardic Wells Meadery owner Steve Haystead a three-month extension on his outstanding DDA loan - which had entered default - with an additional four-month period during which the authority would not foreclose upon it. The time frame is being put in place to allow Haystead, supporters and friends to come up with ideas to help
MONTAGUE — The Montague Downtown Development Authority voted 7-1 at a special meeting last Thursday, with Andrew Mummaw dissenting, to allow Bardic Wells Meadery owner Steve Haystead a three-month extension on his outstanding DDA loan - which had entered default - with an additional four-month period during which the authority would not foreclose upon it. The time frame is being put in place to allow Haystead, supporters and friends to come up with ideas to help
MONTAGUE — The Montague Downtown Development Authority voted 7-1 at a special meeting last Thursday, with Andrew Mummaw dissenting, to allow Bardic Wells Meadery owner Steve Haystead a three-month extension on his outstanding DDA loan - which had entered default - with an additional four-month period during which the authority would not foreclose upon it. The time frame is being put in place to allow Haystead, supporters and friends to come up with ideas to help
facilitate the loan's repayment, as well as permitting time for him to build up inventory.
facilitate the loan's repayment, as well as permitting time for him to build up inventory.
facilitate the loan's repayment, as well as permitting time for him to build up inventory.
The loan to Haystead came from the DDA's revolving fund, which city manager Jeff Auch said was established by the city in the 1980s with $174,000 of leftover funds from old federal tax appropriations and granted to the DDA in 2006. Since then, the DDA has used the funds to give local businesses over $300,000 of loans, replenishing the money as it is paid back.
The loan to Haystead came from the DDA's revolving fund, which city manager Jeff Auch said was established by the city in the 1980s with $174,000 of leftover funds from old federal tax appropriations and granted to the DDA in 2006. Since then, the DDA has used the funds to give local businesses over $300,000 of loans, replenishing the money as it is paid back.
The loan to Haystead came from the DDA's revolving fund, which city manager Jeff Auch said was established by the city in the 1980s with $174,000 of leftover funds from old federal tax appropriations and granted to the DDA in 2006. Since then, the DDA has used the funds to give local businesses over $300,000 of loans, replenishing the money as it is paid back.
Haystead, who said his business has fallen on hard times since the COVID-19 pandemic - Auch said the last payment on the loan was made in the month prior to COVID-related business shutdowns - was hoping to have the loan forgiven, but thanked the DDA for making him feel like they were on the same
Haystead, who said his business has fallen on hard times since the COVID-19 pandemic - Auch said the last payment on the loan was made in the month prior to COVID-related business shutdowns - was hoping to have the loan forgiven, but thanked the DDA for making him feel like they were on the same
Haystead, who said his business has fallen on hard times since the COVID-19 pandemic - Auch said the last payment on the loan was made in the month prior to COVID-related business shutdowns - was hoping to have the loan forgiven, but thanked the DDA for making him feel like they were on the same
side. He said he'd previously felt he was being treated like an opponent and that he felt "disrespected" that he was served default papers by the city rather than a less formal discussion taking place.
side. He said he'd previously felt he was being treated like an opponent and that he felt "disrespected" that he was served default papers by the city rather than a less formal discussion taking place.
side. He said he'd previously felt he was being treated like an opponent and that he felt "disrespected" that he was served default papers by the city rather than a less formal discussion taking place.
There did not appear to be any legal reasons the DDA could not have forgiven the loan, though doing so would've kept local businesses from receiving similar loans in the future and there was discussion of the DDA being perceived as choosing "winners and losers" if they forgave this loan but not other ones.
There did not appear to be any legal reasons the DDA could not have forgiven the loan, though doing so would've kept local businesses from receiving similar loans in the future and there was discussion of the DDA being perceived as choosing "winners and losers" if they forgave this loan but not other ones.
There did not appear to be any legal reasons the DDA could not have forgiven the loan, though doing so would've kept local businesses from receiving similar loans in the future and there was discussion of the DDA being perceived as choosing "winners and losers" if they forgave this loan but not other ones.
A small group of Haystead's customers spoke in support of the meadery owner at the meeting, repeatedly referencing the place feeling closer to a family or a clubhouse than a business and extolling Haystead's virtues as a community member and a friend.
A small group of Haystead's customers spoke in support of the meadery owner at the meeting, repeatedly referencing the place feeling closer to a family or a clubhouse than a business and extolling Haystead's virtues as a community member and a friend.
$63,000 loan, taken from the DDA fund, after being recruited by a couple of cities when he decided to move his mead business out of his and his wife Jan's Claybanks Township home and into a storefront, in the building that now houses North Grove. He used the loan to, among other things, add bathroom facilities to the bar before the building was sold to the Book Nook & Java Shop and the relationship between Haystead and the new owners went south.
$63,000 loan, taken from the DDA fund, after being recruited by a couple of cities when he decided to move his mead business out of his and his wife Jan's Claybanks Township home and into a storefront, in the building that now houses North Grove. He used the loan to, among other things, add bathroom facilities to the bar before the building was sold to the Book Nook & Java Shop and the relationship between Haystead and the new owners went south.
$63,000 loan, taken from the DDA fund, after being recruited by a couple of cities when he decided to move his mead business out of his and his wife Jan's Claybanks Township home and into a storefront, in the building that now houses North Grove. He used the loan to, among other things, add bathroom facilities to the bar before the building was sold to the Book Nook & Java Shop and the relationship between Haystead and the new owners went south.
The business then moved down the street to the building that once housed Gary's Restaurant, and at that point Haystead received an additional $12,000 loan to update the premises.
Haystead said he originally got a
A small group of Haystead's customers spoke in support of the meadery owner at the meeting, repeatedly referencing the place feeling closer to a family or a clubhouse than a business and extolling Haystead's virtues as a community member and a friend.
Haystead said he originally got a
Haystead said he originally got a
The business then moved down the street to the building that once housed Gary's Restaurant, and at that point Haystead received an additional $12,000 loan to update the premises.
The business then moved down the street to the building that once housed Gary's Restaurant, and at that point Haystead received an additional $12,000 loan to update the premises. Haystead said Jan's passing in 2016
Haystead said Jan's passing in 2016
Haystead said Jan's passing in 2016
Elivate owner Megan Nelson (center) celebrates the ribbon-cutting to mark the ceremonial opening of her location in Whitehall. The business promotes health and wellness via IV drips and specialized services. • Courtesy Photo
Elivate
Elivate owner Megan Nelson (center) celebrates the ribbon-cutting to mark the ceremonial opening of her location in Whitehall. The business promotes health and wellness via IV drips and specialized services. • Courtesy Photo
Elivate owner Megan Nelson (center) celebrates the ribbon-cutting to mark the ceremonial opening of her location in Whitehall. The business promotes health and wellness via IV drips and specialized services. • Courtesy Photo
Rothbury council censures president Talmadge
By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer
ROTHBURY — The Rothbury village council approved a resolution censuring president Vern Talmadge for misappropration of council privileges at its Oct. 21 meeting following a closed session.
Talmadge was not present at the council meeting - neither were Autum Drake or Jim Fekken - but the remaining four council members approved the resolution 4-0. According to council discussion, Talmadge provided Electric Forest festival passes, intended to be used by council members for oversight purpos-
es, to his family members.
Trustee Denise Kurdziel, who presented the resolution, said Talmadge was invited to the closed session and did not attend, nor has he provided any “discussion or explanation of the behavior.”
The council also continued its recent discussion regarding a planned bathroom facility at Czarny Park. The village is using Department of Natural Resources grant money to improve the park and has been considering its options for a bathroom facility. After learning that their chosen type of facility - a pre-fabricated construction with plumbing
equipment - would cost $219,000, the council tabled the discussion for a future meeting, wanting to ensure that kind of money goes to good use.
Kurdziel raised concerns over a recent planning commission approval of a land split of a 25-acre parcel on Winston Road that's owned by Dan Zuniga. She said considering potential impact to the area and a lack of proposals put forth for the area to date, she would've preferred the council be included in discussion.
Trustee Dylan Zuniga proposed the council pursue a beautification grant that would incentivize downtown busi-
nesses to revitalize and perform needed maintenance on their properties. He said a recent conversation with his young son - who compared the current look of the village to the ghost town of Radiator Springs in the Disney movie Cars - inspired his desire to improve the look of the village.
“I want to see this community continue to grow and be one of those places you drive through and think ‘Wow, that’s a cute spot,’" Zuniga said. "We’re definitely on our way, but something like that could be cool to talk about and explore.”
Still time left for Halloween activities in the area
It's not too late to celebrate Halloween - if you are reading this on our publishing date of Oct. 31, that is!
Trick-or-treating hours in the White Lake area will be 6-8 p.m. in each municipality, and several local organizations are hosting Trunk or Treat events as well.
Trunk or Treat events will be hosted at the Fruitland Township Hall from 5-7 p.m.; the White Lake United Methodist Church on Cook Street in Montague from 5-7 p.m.; the White Lake Congregational United Church of Christ on
Whitehall council
Dibble has expressed approval of the city potentially using the property for community benefit rather than for commercial development.
"We're foolish if we don't at least look at it," Holmstrom said.
The council also confirmed its election cycle change previously approved Oct. 14. The city had to host a public hearing to finalize the change, which it
continued from page 1
did Tuesday. No public comment was received and the change was again approved unanimously.
Council members praised Steve Sikkenga for his service as he sat in on his last council meeting. Sikkenga's term ends this year and he did not seek another term.
Amber Marks of the White Lake Community Garden gave a presenta-
Elivate opens
targets migraine headaches, another morning sickness early in pregnancies, and another even aims to reverse the aftereffects of a hangover. Nelson said using IV drips rather than oral medication enables the nutrients to get where the body needs them most rather than being broken down by the digestive system.
For those who don't have time to sit for a full drip, there are also injections, such as B12 shots and biotin shots. Dermal fillers such as Botox and GLP1 weight loss medications can also be given by injection. Some such products require consultation with a doctor, and Elivate offers that as well via
telemedicine.
Nelson said customers have included elite athletes who felt their performance approved by receiving vitamins through an IV, as well as people battling the effects of cold and flu season, like the "particularly hard" one of 2024-25.
"I was doing between 8-12 immunity drips a week with people wanting to stay out of the ER or coming off of a sickness, (thinking,) 'I'm not unwell, but I want to feel better, so I would just love that vitamin boost,'" Nelson said.
Mears Avenue in Whitehall from 5:307:30 p.m.; and the Evangelical Covenant Church in Whitehall from 6-8 p.m.
Additionally, Rothbury will host its traditional drive-through Halloween event at the Rothbury Community Center from 6-7:30 p.m., allowing families to
tion about the garden's first year, calling it "really successful." The garden hosted several events and was part of the Whitehall Good Neighbor Day dinner. Marks said the garden benefited from over $2,500 of materials donated and have only used $185 of the $1,000 the city contributed to the garden so far. Other collaborators and donors have reached out to support the garden, including an excavating company offering to remove the old tennis courts, pending city approval, and another offering to provide fencing.
Mayor Steven Salter thanked Marks
collect hot dogs and goody bags to fuel up for their evening of trick-or-treating.
There will also be a Trunk or Treat event at North Grove Brewers in Montague Saturday, Nov. 1 from 2-4 p.m. if you simply can't get enough Halloween fun.
for her work and said he spoke for the entire council in saying it is delighted at the garden's success. The garden hopes to expand its current space in the future, Marks said, if there is enough support to do so.
Ron Russell, during public comment, offered a thank-you to an unnamed Department of Public Works employee who saw him completing some leaf pickup on his lawn and waited to complete his pickup until Russell could add his leaves to the truck, saying, "It might have seemed like a little deal, but to me it was a big deal."
"I never thought it would be as big as it has gotten. I never would have thought I would have ever gotten a second location."
Bardic Wells
was a blow to both him personally and his business, as her income enabled him to focus on the meadery, but he was able to continue making payments until he was forced to shut down his business during pandemic lockdowns. At one point Haystead said he planned to sell the business to a new partner with the partner taking on loan repayments, but that fell through.
The DDA expressed sympathy for Haystead's situation while still trying to find ways to get the loan paid back in some fashion so the money can be used to help local businesses in the future. Sawyers Brewing owner Martin Bennett went as far as floating the idea of making a deal with Haystead to sell some of his products at his brewery in order to help facilitate loan payments; city attorney Brennen Gorman said this was possi-
ble, but under Michigan liquor law, the Bardic Wells name wouldn't be able to be used. Haystead said he's had similar distribution deals before and was open to the idea.
There was also discussion of Haystead selling his wares at the Montague Farmer's Market, though Auch said that by city ordinance, the city is not permitted to allow a seller at the market who has a loan in arrears.
Haystead's meadery was the first licensed such establishment in the state, in 2007. Mead is a particular kind of wine made with honey (Haystead and his wife launched the business in part because of Haystead's enthusiasm for beekeeping). According to several articles, mead has since taken off as a food trend, and there are hundreds of licensed meaderies across the U.S.
Saturday, Nov. 1
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Montague hosts its free monthly community breakfast, 9-10:30 a.m. All are welcome for great food and fellowship.
Smitten performs @ Red Rooster Tavern, 8 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 3
Family Storytime @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Open to kids of all ages and their caregivers.
Common Ground hosts primer on ranked choice voting @ White Lake Community Library, 5 p.m.
Live trivia @ Red Rooster Tavern, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 4
Baby Time @ White Lake Commu-
Community Calendar
nity Library, 9:30 a.m. Stories, songs and play time. Intended for babies ages 0-2 and their caregivers.
Toddler Storytime @ MADL Montague, 9:30 a.m. Intended for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.
Steve Thielman performs @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 10 a.m. to noon.
The public is invited to the Writer's Group meeting @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Open to adult writers of all genres and experience levels. Bring a short writing sample (no more than three pages) to share for friendly feedback and inspiration.
Pretty Fun trivia @ Book Nook & Java Shop, 6:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Youth Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 3-5 p.m. Bring in projects you’re working on or start something new with help from staff.
Create your own Journey Stone @ MADL Montague, 4 p.m. As in the book Journey, decorate, name and start your Journey Stone. Registration required @ madl.org.
The Oat Bran Boys perform @ North Grove Brewers, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 6
Adult Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring studio materials from home or explore available supplies in the classroom.
Family STEM Night @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Spot-
light is water filtration. Learn how water filtration works by creating your own mini water filters using recycled 2-liter bottles. All materials will be provided, and no science experience is needed - just curiosity and creativity. Part of the Big Read Lakeshore.
Live trivia @ Pub One Eleven, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7
Play & Learn @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Stories, songs and playtime for kids 5 and under and their caregivers.
Afternoon Hang @ White Lake Community Library, 2 p.m. Tweens 10 and up are invited to play video games, do crafts, eat snacks or just hang out!
Echoes of History: Whitehall Sneak Thief (pt. 2)
By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor
Part 1 of this story ran in the Oct. 24 issue of the White Lake Mirror.
The thief headed up the marsh and when the marshal and others were following on his trail, he passed them in the bushes and returned home about 4 p.m. A strange feature is the fact that he was not seen returning home.
After due deliberation and an interview with the boy’s mother, and after it was proved that the boy was lazy, had a poor reputation and kept the poorest of company, Miss Linderman swore out a warrant for his arrest and the deputy sheriff and marshal made plans which caused the boy’s capture.
At about 9 p.m., Hazeltine surmised no one would remain out on so wild a night, so he visited the boy’s home and found the thief in bed. He was taken to the city jail where he confessed to having robbed W. E. Pierce’s last fall, to entering J. J. Gee’s residence and stealing watches, and also to entering the Linderman residence several times, but he
denied the other thefts that had been committed in this village in the past several months and also denied having an accomplice. He said he could not refrain from entering the houses although he stole little and that it is probably a good thing he was caught. He was taken to the Muskegon jail.
The lad, who was about 18 years old, had been living in the saloons and in the pool and gambling rooms in Montague all winter. People here were afraid to leave their houses in the evening as they thought the burglar might appear in their absence, and now all felt relieved.
Gabriel Gabrielson, the Whitehall housebreaker, was brought before the court and pleaded guilty to the charge of entering A. T. Linderman’s house in this village March 21, with the intent to steal. He was set to be sentenced before the end of the term. He made a full confession to the sheriff and admitted breaking into the Pierce, Linderman, Gee and George Covell residences. The question was then raised of who visited F. D. Glazier’s residence. The job had the
same earmarks as the others. Before that Tuesday, Gabriel denied he had entered the Covell residence but later admitted that he entered the house through the basement by removing one of the furnace air pipes and crawling through a register. He thoroughly ransacked the house and took clothing, pictures, coins, a watch and a pair of suspenders, but all that he confessed taking was the old coins, which he threw in the lake thinking they were of no value; the suspenders, which he threw away on Covell’s dock; and the watch, which he told the officers they could find at his home in his overcoat. He seemed to be cheerful.
Whitehall seemed to be free from thieves now as the housebreaker is away on an extended vacation.
On Friday, May 4, 1906, Gabrielson was sentenced to the state reformatory in Ionia for not more than five or less than two years, with recommendation of three years maximum.
On Thursday night, Sept. 3, 1908, a traveling man at the Franklin House noticed a suspicious light in Ferrenbach’s
jewelry store in Montague and the officers were notified. Upon their arrival they found that the store had been entered by burglars and about $60 worth of silverware and jewelry was taken. The burglars had broken into Jensen’s blacksmith shop and stole some tools and had bored holes around the lock on the front door of the store. Failing in this effort, they went to a rear window and gained entrance. One of the culprits was traced by the track of a wheel which he had stolen until it was certain he had headed for Muskegon, and the sheriff was notified by phone. When Mr. Thief was crossing the bridge into Muskegon, he was met by two officers, who commanded him to halt. He made a leap from his machine into the river and attempted to swim to the marshy banks of the stream, hoping to escape into the marsh. A few shots into the air had no effect on bringing him back, so the deputy took careful aim and succeeded in wounding him in the leg. The shot dampened his courage, and he turned about, came to shore and surrendered himself.
An evening with author Leif Enger at the library
By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor
offer books for sale at the event. To register, call the library at 231-894-9531 or visit wlclib.org/calendar.
they shared.
Making the Most of Libby
We are thrilled to be co-hosting Leif Enger, author of the 2024 novel I Cheerfully Refuse, at Muskegon Community College's Overbrook Theater. Join us at the theater Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. for an evening with the award-winning author that will include discussion, book readings, and music.
I Cheerfully Refuse epitomizes the “musical, sometimes magical and deeply satisfying kind of storytelling” (Los Angeles Times) for which Leif Enger is cherished. A rollicking narrative in the most evocative of settings, this latest novel is a symphony against despair and a rallying cry for the future.
This event is presented in partnership with Hackley Public Library, Muskegon Community College, and Muskegon Area District Library. It is free and open to the public, but registration is strongly encouraged. Book Nook will
Estate Planning for Peace of Mind Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Attorney Andrew Mateskon visits the library Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. to walk you through the essentials of estate planning in clear, approachable language so you can protect your loved ones, honor your wishes, and reduce stress for everyone involved. You’ll learn about the key documents every family should have, common mistakes to avoid, and practical steps you can take now to create a plan that provides security and peace of mind.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to update your plan, this session will help you move forward with confidence. There is no charge to attend, but registration is appreciated at wlclib.org/calendar.
FUN FACT: Did you know that in his will, William Shakespeare bequeathed his “second-best bed” to his wife, Anne Hathaway? Strange as this may sound at first, it makes more sense when you learn that in Elizabethan times, the best bed was reserved for guests, so the second-best bed was probably the bed
Libby is a great library app for borrowing ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. It’s got a huge selection and it’s easy to use. Sometimes, though, the wait can seem really long for a popular title. We hear your frustration with that, and we have a few solutions we wanted to share.
First, be sure to add all the available libraries to your Libby account. We have agreements with 14 other library systems across the state, giving you access to more titles - and often shorter lines! For detailed instructions on how to add more libraries to Libby, visit bit. ly/libby14.
Second, don’t be afraid of long lines! To help reduce wait times for the most popular books, we are now working hard to make extra copies available on a temporary basis whenever possible. This means everyone who is waiting for a particular title can borrow it at the same time, so even if it says the wait is several months, you might be able to borrow it within days.
Last but not least, if the wait seems too long in Libby, be sure to check Hoopla, too. All the titles in the Hoopla app are available immediately, with no holds and no waiting. While not all
titles in Libby are available in Hoopla, it’s always worth checking!
Family Night - Author Visit with Kelley Peel!
Join us for a wild storytime & art adventure at the library Thursday, Nov. 13, at 5:30 p.m! Bring the whole gang to meet Ludwig the Hippo and Kameel the Giraffe – two beloved characters from Kelley Peel’s children’s books – in an interactive, family-friendly event! Hear lively readings of Ludwig and Kameel Stands Tall, then create your own masterpiece by painting a vibrant South African sky and placing your own animals into the scene. All ages welcome – perfect for kids, parents, grandparents, and anyone who loves stories and creativity. No registration required - just join us if you can.
DeMumbrum
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Montague defense makes big plays in big win
Wildcats force six turnovers, hold off late Bulldogs rally in win
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
MONTAGUE — Montague's defense has played tough much of the year, but Friday night against Ravenna, the Wildcats took it to a new level.
Montague forced five turnovers on Ravenna's final six offensive possessions, plus a fumble recovery on a kickoff, to turn the game in its favor, hanging on for a 28-25 win that clinched the team's first winning regular season since 2021.
Caleb Schmidt had the sixth and last Wildcat turnover, picking off a pass by Ravenna quarterback Dylan May to halt a furious Bulldog comeback and preserve the win.
"Our defensive coaches made some really good halftime adjustments," Montague coach Phil Koops said. "We were going to bring pressure and get after (May) a little bit. Then we got some tipped balls. The coaches do a lot of work having kids catch footballs. Sometimes you have defensive players hear, 'Well, you play defense because you can't catch.' You've got to catch the ball
and get turnovers. Our kids did a great job on defense tonight doing that."
The run of takeaways started with an acrobatic pick by Ethan Hansen late in the first half. The defensive lineman deflected a May pass into the air, then pulled it in to stop what was threatening to be a scoring drive with 1:15 to go before halftime. That enabled Montague to go into the half down only 17-7.
The Wildcats (5-4) then recovered a fumble on the second-half kickoff, and on the ensuing drive, called a very nice fake toss play to set up a short pass from
Eli Petersen to Cooper Bradley for the conversion. It led to an eight-yard scoring run by Petersen.
"I've always liked going for it on fourth down," Koops said. "We were in fourth-and-4, I think, in the middle of the field. Let's roll the dice and go. We went with our boot pass, and it might be with Cole (Moss) motioning away. Cole is a big distraction. We got Cooper out in the flat, and he's a pretty smooth
athlete." Bradley made that play, but it was Moss who swung the game back towards his team early on when Ravenna was threatening to take command. Already up 14-0 after a pair of touchdown drives, the Bulldogs pinned Montague back to its own 11-yard line on a kickoff.
Vikings, 'Cats split meetings at league tourney
Whitehall avenges first-round loss by winning 3rd-place match
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
MONTAGUE — Whitehall enjoyed one of its best days of the season Saturday at the West Michigan Conference Lakes tournament, winning two matches to finish third in the event.
The Vikings took on rival Montague twice in their three matches, losing a first-round tilt 25-18, 25-19 before advancing to the third-place match and avenging that loss with a gritty victory, 19-25, 26-24, 15-13. In between, Whitehall edged Manistee 22-25, 25-23, 1614 in another tough battle.
Lou Mulder had a terrific day for Whitehall, post-
WMC Lakes volleyball continued on page 5
Jazwinski breaks 15 minutes, favored at state
Montague's boys squad qualifies for state
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
Whitehall junior Bobby Jazwinski has been smashing school records all year, and Saturday's Division 2 regional run at Benzie Central saw him do so again in his most impressive run yet.
Jazwinski broke 15 minutes for the first time in his career and the first time in Vikings' history at the meet, running away with the individual title with a time of 14:56.6 - nearly 53 seconds ahead of any other runner.
While no course is the same, Jazwinski's regional time was easily the
best of all Division 2 runners in the state.
He was one of three Vikings to earn the state finals bid that comes with a top-15 regional finish. Rex Pumford took fifth place in a time of 16:03.0, and Hunter Parsons placed 12th with a time of 16:14.0.
Unfortunately, those impressive runs were not quite enough to lift the Vikings to their goal of team state qualification, as the team ended up in fourth place, two points behind Petoskey for the third and last automatic team state spot. The Vikings certainly did all they could expect to gain a spot, as all five
Regional cross continued on page 6
WHITEHALL • MONTAGUE • REETHS - PUFFER
Montague's Caleb Schmidt (21) takes down Ravenna's Jaxson Wilburn during Friday's game at Montague. Schmidt had the game-sealing interception in the Wildcats' 28-25 victory.
Andy Roberts/Mirror
Montague's Cooper Bradley is forced out of bounds by a Ravenna defender after a first-down pickup during Friday's game at Montague. • Andy Roberts/Mirror
Whitehall's boys cross-country team poses for a photo after running in the Division 2 regional meet at Benzie Central Saturday. The Vikings' top three runners qualified for state, and Bobby Jazwinski (left) broke his own school 5K record. • Courtesy Photo
Whitehall's Clare Westerlund (left) tries to play the ball after it deflects off the net during Saturday's WMC Lakes volleyball tournament at Montague. Wildcat Reagan Cederquist looks on. At right, the Vikings' Lou Mulder launches the ball towards Montague's Hallie VanTuyl. Whitehall finished 3rd, with Montague in 4th. • Andy Roberts/Mirror
Whitehall overcome by Portland's air assault
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
Whitehall knew Portland was among the most effective rushing teams in the state heading into Friday's matchup, but the Red Raiders turned the tables on their hosts by breaking out big plays through the air, defeating the Vikings 35-7.
Whitehall (5-4) defended the run fairly well, allowing 4.2 yards per carry, but Portland had three first-half touchdown passes to build a 21-0 lead the Vikings were unable to erase.
"Other than that, I thought we did a really good job and our kids played their hearts out as far as run defense," Whitehall coach Tony Sigmon said. "They've been able to run the ball at will during the season. I thought our scheme was pretty good when it came to run defense. We got caught peeking in the backfield on a few pass plays and that was the difference in the game."
Portland converted two third-and-
longs through the air on its first drive to go ahead 7-0, then unleashed a 65-yard score on its second, again on third-andlong. That put the Vikings in a big hole. Whitehall got into Red Raiders territory each of its first two drives, but was stopped on fourth down both times.
"We had our chances on offense," Sigmon said. "We just had a couple plays that were difference-makers on the drives. The things that have been our Achilles heel, that frustrated us, kind of showed up."
Whitehall did get on the board in the third quarter when Cole Essebaggers hit Corde Anderson for a 32-yard score on fourth-and-13, but Portland responded with another score to make it 28-7, snuffing out the momentum.
Essebaggers had a good night statistically, throwing for 120 yards and running for 74 on a night Portland was able to slow down the other Viking rushers. Anderson had 85 yards receiving. Hunter Peterson was everywhere on defense, making 14 tackles, and Anderson had
nine. Hunter Osborne picked off a pass.
The Vikings will host Tri-County Friday in the pre-district round. Sigmon knows his team will be among the more battle-tested groups in the state heading into the postseas, with its clashes against Ludington, Unity Christian, Portland and Zeeland West getting the team ready for the rigors of Division 5.
"I'm proud of our kids," Sigmon said. "We've played a gauntlet...Collectively, we're pretty healthy. No one is really healthy after nine weeks of football, but we're certainly healthier than we were at this time last year. We're 0-0 now just like all the other teams. We just have to lock in and get ready for week 10 football."
Rockets drop season finale to FH Eastern
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
A key surprise onside kick by Forest Hills Eastern swung the momentum the visitors' way and spoiled Reeths-Puffer's efforts to end the season with a win Friday night, instead capping 2025 with a 37-22 defeat.
The Rockets (2-7) had a 14-9 lead at halftime before the Hawks punched in a touchdown to take the lead. A surprise onside kick that FHE recovered was followed by another touchdown, and R-P was never able to recover.
Penalties plagued R-P throughout
the game; on one drive, coach Cody Kater said, two different touchdowns were called back. The Rockets couldn't convert on fourth down on that series, and FHE turned that good fortune into another touchdown.
R-P was effective offensively but for the penalties. Cal Millis posted 103 rushing yards and a pair of scores, and Braylon Swain had 116 passing yards, including a scoring toss to Mason Darke, and ran for 30 more.
"If it wasn't for penalties, we moved the ball forward at all times," Kater said. "We moved the ball back and forth the entire time. The defense played well in
Defense wins
However, that was just preamble to another huge play in a season full of them for Moss, who took a handoff and burst up the middle untouched for a score.
"He's a game-changer," Petersen said. "You want a big play, out of anybody on the team, give the ball to Cole."
With the 'Cats back in range, the defense made more things happen, recovering a fumbled snap on the next Ravenna drive - that led to a Petersen quarterback sneak for a score early in the fourth quarter to take a 21-17 lead - then picking off a tipped pass when Dylan Bailey was in the right place at the right time.
The 'Cats didn't score off that turnover, but they did off the next one, a pick by Kian Peters. Montague got to the one-yard line, and after two unsuccess-
continued from page 4
ful sneaks, ran a toss play to Bradley, who outran the defense to the corner of the end zone.
Ravenna didn't roll over, as May, who threw for three scores in the game, found Brody Anderson for the second time, on a fourth down no less, to get back within a possession.
Hearts might have entered throats when the Wildcats fumbled the ball to Ravenna in the final minute, but luckily, Schmidt was there for a pick a few plays later.
The win allows the 'Cats to go into the playoffs on a four-game win streak. Every team wants to be playing its best football going into the postseason, but Montague is a team that knows it's doing just that.
That's not just true on defense, but
WMC Lakes volleyball
ing 19 assists at the tournament and also leading the team in kills, with 13, and in aces, with six. The Vikings also got great defensive effort from Kate Beda, who compiled 41 digs. Peyton Schultz added 19. Clare Westerlund chipped in six blocks.
Montague settled for fourth place in the tournament after dropping that third-place match to Whitehall. In between the Wildcats' two matches with their rivals, they faced top seed Ludington in the semifinals. Montague kept that match close throughout, just as it did in the regular-season meeting, but
continued from page 4
fell a little short, 25-18, 25-19.
It was a good day at the service line for Montague, which saw Gentry Knop ring up 12 aces. Ella Evans had seven aces and Emalee McGee added six.
Reagan Cederquist was a two-way star Saturday, with a team-best 48 digs and 26 kills to lead in both defensive and offensive categories. Hallie VanTuyl added 16 kills. McGee ran the offense and delivered 51 assists, and Knop chipped in 35 digs on defense.
Whitehall and Montague were scheduled to face off again Thursday at the Big Rapids Quad.
the first half and then gave up a couple explosives in the second half. It came down to that onside kick. That's what hurt us."
It was an unfortunate way to end the season for the Rockets, who dealt with struggles all year, not least of which was a few players not electing to finish their high school careers on the gridiron. The Rockets ended up, Kater said, with five major seniors who will graduate. Kater hoped to send them out with a win, but he said they'll be better in life for the experience. The focus going forward will be on a young group that gained experience of their own but will hope to pro-
duce more wins with it next fall.
"For these guys to stick it out and play for something, that will go further in their life," Kater said. "That was the message after the game. We've been struggling these last two years, and the message to the sophomores is, 'When is enough enough? When can we take a step back and find the learning moments?'
"I'm expecting to have some tough conversations in the offseason, but at some point in time they have to turn into action. That's what we want to be about going forward."
on offense as well. There have undoubtedly been growing pains installing the new option-based attack, but during the winning streak, the flashes of strong play that were seen earlier in the season are happening more often.
"You put a lot on the quarterback, not only to read players, to read defenders and make decisions, but also make pre-snap decisions, flipping plays or checking plays," Koops said of Petersen. "A lot of times I give Petey two plays and he gets us into the right play against that defense, based on what we've talked about during the week. Sometimes I think a few fans might go, 'Oh, Eli Petersen, we don't throw for a lot of yards,' but he does a lot of other things that help us function as an offense and win football games."
Petersen said hard work on the fundamentals of option football has helped him and his teammates get better on offense.
"We've just worked at all the small
stuff really hard so we've got all the basics down, and it's been pretty easy to learn different variations and stuff after that," Petersen said. "I think it's come a long way since the beginning of the season."
With the playoffs approaching, Koops likes the way his team is playing and also how it matches up in Division 6. Tough tests no doubt await, but Montague is best at slowing down the run, and Koops doesn't see a lot of high-powered air attacks in the bracket. If the Wildcats play their best, they can have a chance to win a tough playoff game - and Friday's certainly was a good imitation of one.
"Knock on wood, I don't think we're gonna see someone that's airing it out in the D-6 playoff picture around us," Koops said. "We like the matchup against a run-heavy team. I think every football coach will tell you that we want to go on the road with a rushing offense and a good defense. That's our plan."
Whitehall's Corde Anderson (center) braces for impact after making a catch during Friday's game against Portland. The Vikings lost, 35-7. • Christopher Verhulst/Courtesy Photo
Montague's defense stacks up Ravenna for a short gain during Friday's game at Montague. The Wildcat defense stood tall, forcing 6 turnovers in a 28-25 win.
• Andy Roberts/Mirror
Regional cross
scoring runners ran personal best times.
Justin Jensen capped his Vikings career with his time of 17:17.1 and earned a 42nd-place finish. Ian Dennis finished in a time of 17:36.2 and placed 54th as the team's fifth scorer.
Two Viking girls competed at regionals. Ryanne Ellsworth fell just short of setting a new personal best, finishing 71st in a time of 23:02.1, and Kassiy Parmley set her personal best with a time of 23:21.0, placing 79th.
Montague boys qualify for state
Montague's boys cross-country team put its best feet forward Saturday at the Division 3 regionals in Allendale, turning in five personal best scoring runs to qualify for the state meet.
The Wildcats scored 107 points, five better than NorthPointe Christian, to finish third and pick up the last automatic state qualification.
Two top-10 finishers led the Wildcats' brigade of personal bests. Nolan Kessler took fifth place in a time of 16:38.5, and Gibson Smith was close
behind in seventh place, with a time of 16:52.2; Smith was barely edged out for sixth by Lakeview's Cooper Tiffany.
Brock Hunter was the third Wildcat to cross the finish line, posting a time of 17:45.3 to finish in 29th. Wesley Mair took 31st and had a time of 17:48.1. Closing out the scoring was Matthew Leatherman, who finished 35th in a time of 17:56.3.
The Montague girls' team finished in 14th place. Erica Hansen was the team's top scorer, placing 55th in a time of 24:03.99. Carmen Howard was 64th and had a time of 24:51.4. Carlee Gillis set a new personal best time of 25:37.8, finishing 71st.
Willa Van Loon and Arianna Mueller finished back to back to close out Wildcat scoring and each set new personal bests. Van Loon was 80th (26:50.6) and Mueller was 81st (27:01.0).
R-P's Bilek earns spot at state meet
Reeths-Puffer senior runner Jersi Bilek earned the right to finish her career at the state meet by qualifying from
Saturday's Division 1 regional race in Allendale.
Bilek was the last at-large qualifier, finishing in 19th place and running a season best time of 19:20.8. The Rocket girls finished in 10th place as a team, and the boys' squad finished 13th.
Darcy Keefe finished her season in style by posting a personal best time of 21:32.98, placing 50th. Kaitlyn Durow had a season best time of 21:41.5 to finish 53rd, and Charli Belinger was 66th
in a time of 23:08.1. Sidney Shackelford finished 78th and posted a time of 26:57.6.
Dylan Sturr was the boys' top finisher, posting a season best time of 18:08.6 to finish 55th. Landon Learn was 75th in a time of 19:06.3. Kasyn Novak, Kyron Novak and Bo Blair finished from 83rd through 85th place; Kasyn Novak's time was a personal best 20:00.5, followed by Kyron's 20:29.7 and Blair's personal best 20:43.4.
R-P plays one of its best matches vs. Shores
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
Reeths-Puffer did not come away with the win last Thursday night against rival Mona Shores, but a game-one win and very close battle against the Sailors, coach Justin Birr said, made him immensely proud of his team "to the point of tears."
The Rockets came extremely close to taking a two-game lead in the rivalry matchup and ultimately fell short, 2325, 25-23, 25-10, 25-19. It was the first time this season the team grabbed a game from one of the four top dogs in the O-K Green Conference. The team's record went to 18-18 (2-7 O-K Green).
"They battled so hard, and every member of our team contributed to our success," Birr said. "I'm especially proud of our five seniors and how they stepped up on the court and through their confidence and leadership. And once again our younger players were some of the leaders on the stat line.
"We still lost tonight, but taking that first set and seeing our girls persevere all night feels like a huge win in my book."
Setter Kate Tindall continued her impressive statistical season with 20 assists and 11 digs, helping Lexie Danz record 12 kills. Carlee Bowen notched 14 digs to lead the team, and Peyton Radel stepped up at the net with four blocks.
Rockets drop senior night match to Byron Center
Though Reeths-Puffer did not perform as well against Byron Center Tuesday night as it did in the previous O-K Green Conference match against Mona Shores, taking a 25-8, 25-18, 25-9 defeat, Rockets' coach Justin Birr said he was pleased with his seniors as they played their last home match.
"This is likely the top group of seniors I have coached," Birr said; he's been R-P head coach for six seasons. "We have had one or two talented seniors in past years, but this group of seniors has the most consistent talent across the board. I am proud of how the
mark they have left on R-P volleyball, and how they have set the stage for our younger players to find success in future years."
The Rockets ended the league season at 2-8, with an 18-19 overall record.
Carlee Bowen continued her solid campaign with 12 digs on defense. Offensively, Kate Tindall provided 12 assists, and Mairyn Peterson and Lexie Danz each had three kills.
"Byron Center served very tough, and they have a couple of likely allstate players on their team," Birr said. "I am impressed with how we competed against them."
Whitehall Products adjustment approved
Property move will help more work to be done locally, CEO says
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
MONTAGUE — The Montague City Council approved at its Oct. 20 meeting an adjustment to the Whitehall Products property that will move the building slightly closer to Water Street and will result in 35 feet of land behind the building being deeded to the city.
Whitehall Products CEO Brad Bruns was present at the meeting and explained why the company was pursuing the approval, stating it will allow the company to construct an underground conveyor that will make moving molding sand from one step to the next less labor-intensive. The increase in
productivity, Bruns said, will allow the company to bring some work that had previously been done abroad back to its facility.
The expansion of the building, he said, will be by 20-25 feet. City manager Jeff Auch presented mock-ups of what the building will look like after the expansion, sharing that the company is planning an aesthetic improvement to make the building look "more commercial and less industrial."
In addition to a 6-0 approval of the plan (Bob Hires was absent), council member Laura LaGuire said her company, Cascade Die Casting in Grand Rapids, implemented a similar conveyor system at its facility and saw improvement as well.
The council approved mayor Tom Lohman's recommendation of Shawna Ramthun of ReNew You Fitness to
the Downtown Development Authority. Ramthun was appointed to fill a vacancy created when Mark Peets left downtown, and her term will expire in 2026. Ramthun, Auch said, was a recommendation made the last time there was a vacancy but did not apply to fill it in time.
The council voted 4-2 to table the approval of a one-year charity gaming license for the White Lake Fireworks Committee, with Lohman and LaGuire dissenting. The decision was made due to a lack of details offered by the committee on what the license would be used for; 50/50 and prize raffles would be allowed under the license. Council member Paul Schultz said he would like to hear more from the committee on the topic, as it will also be seeking approval from the City of Whitehall for the license.
During the city manager's report, Auch stated, having received the final invoices, the recently completed city hall renovations came in under budget. There was $150,000 budgeted for the renovations, and Auch said the total came to a little over $127,000. He also shared that the Michigan Department of Transportation is reviewing the city's proposed crosswalk ordinance. The city is also getting quotes on how much new garage doors would cost at the old car wash property on Ferry Street, which the city recently purchased. The council will be presented any resulting costs for approval.
The council also welcomed Olive Carlson as a new student representative. Abbi Tallquist is also a representative, and the two will share the duties based on their respective schedules.
Holiday Cookie Crawl set to return for 3rd year
The White Lake Area Holiday Cookie Crawl is back for its third year, and will take place Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The new tradition invites residents and visitors alike to participate by collecting a signature cookie carrier from the White Lake Area Chamber & Vis-
itor's Bureau office in Whitehall between 9:30-11:30 a.m. and seeking out participating businesses, where they'll receive a cookie at each stop. Participants can then shop at each business, seeking out late gift ideas for friends and loved ones.
Registration to participate in the
Cookie Crawl opens Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. and is open to the first 100 to sign up. Cost to participate is $25 ($1 surcharge for electronic payments). To register, call 231-893-4585, email info@ whitelake.org or visit whitelake.org/ events/event-applications. Deadline to reserve your spot is Friday, Dec. 5.
Local businesses interested in joining the Cookie Crawl by providing up to 100 individually wrapped cookies for participants are welcome to contact the Chamber by phone or email. Participation is free for Chamber members and $45 for non-members.
The Montague boys cross-country team celebrates its state qualification after taking third place in Saturday's Division 3 regional run at Allendale. • Courtesy Photo
Fruitland residents question potential WLAA deal
Board takes no action, will examine whether budget can fund one-year contract with WLAA
By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer
WHITEHALL — The Oct. 20 Fruitland Township board meeting saw over 45 residents attend, many taking to public comment to address their concerns over the township’s consideration of joining the White Lake Ambulance Authority (WLAA) and the funding of this service.
As it stands now, Fruitland Township receives service primarily through Trinity Health EMS; however, WLAA does attend Fruitland emergencies through their Mutual Aid Agreement as backup, but only if both on-call ambulances are available. If the township agreed to enter into service with the WLAA, the township would receive the full benefits of Advanced Life Support and, ideally, shorter wait times for emergency services.
The agreement under consideration was a year's trial run, which would cost the township $200,000. Should the trial run be considered successful, permanent service would then be decided by a millage vote in 2026.
In total, 12 residents spoke, with the overwhelming majority against joining the WLAA. Many voiced concern that they are over-taxed as is.
“We are taxed at one of the highest rates for the services we are provided in the township,” one resident said, especially in comparison to other townships which have “their own township fire department, their own township water, their own township police de-
partment.”
One resident even provided their 2022 bill from Meridian Township, which charged two fewer mills but included 10 more line items than Fruitland, adding, “I think that we are being overtaxed already for a township that doesn’t have hardly any infrastructure whatsoever."
Other commenters discussed their belief that paying extra for the service would not see faster response times, especially considering the nationwide EMS and EMT services. Several commenters agreed that the combination of Trinity’s services, WLAA's Mutual Aid Agreement, and Fire EMS first responders, none of which the township currently pays for, were enough.
One commenter did speak out in defense of the service, saying information received from the WLAA’s Sept. 9 public meeting for Fruitland was enough to convince him.
“I personally think $65 (per household) for a year...To have better ambulance service by three times, faster response times, would make sense for my health.”
Other attendees, both in-person and reaching out virtually through Zoom, said they saw the benefits to WLAA’s proposed service, but were concerned over the special assessment, that the assessment would only affect primary residences, and that there was no clear communication to residents prior to this.
“We’re not against ambulance service. We are against being shut out of the decision,” one commenter said.
Several emails and a letter sent to the township and read out loud at the meeting by supervisor Jeff Marcinkowski echoed previous concerns.
Clerk Alexa Steffes, who was in attendance at the previous WLAA public meeting, filled in the rest of the board on the presentation and answered questions made at public comment. The initial $200,000 would be paid through the contingency fund and then assessed back to residents for $56.27 per parcel.
She also clarified that Fruitland Township had been part of the WLAA in the past, but pulled out in 2014 due to worries over mismanaged funds. Since then, major restructuring has occurred, and the board felt the WLAA addressed and fixed the concerns that made Fruitland pull out in the first place. She also pointed out that there was a search for bids, another concern raised by some public commenters, but no other services submitted any quotes.
At the public meeting with WLAA, the authority assured attendees that the response times to Fruitland would improve, and that they were fully prepared to take on the estimated extra 350 calls without an anticipated decrease in the quality of care. The township has the authority to hold a special assessment, but first hosted the Sept. 9 meeting. At that time, the township received positive feedback from the public.
As for the perceived lack of communication, Steffes said, “I want to communicate well with this township. If you’re having issues and you’re not getting our e-news...I want to know about it. Please send me an email directly...because you should be able to get access to our information.”
Following this, the board agreed to suspend Robert’s Rules of Order to allow Jeff Abrams, also in attendance
and a member of the WLAA board of directors, to address concerns and answer questions from attendees about the finances and efficiency of the authority.
“We don’t ever want to see it go down the road like it was in the past, and it won't," Abrams said.
While prior questions were addressed by Abrams, many attendees remained unconvinced.
Following the discussion, the assembled public seemed to be more open to joining WLAA for a trial run, so long as the township paid for it out of existing tax revenue.
In the end, the board unanimously approved to take no action until the November meeting in order to ascertain if there were enough funds in the budget to afford the $200,000 trial run and save residents the special assessment of $56.70 per parcel.
The two and a half hour meeting was granted some levity from Dave Rice, who celebrated the completion of all the planned trail construction projects for the Duck Lake Nature Preserve.
“We’re done," Rice said. "We’ve built all three bridges, all three boardwalks, we’ve got a unique trailwork system all throughout that 310 acres...We are very happy, we’re very proud of it. It’s beautiful.”
Rice was sure to thank all 22 volunteers that contributed time to the project by name, as well as to share anecdotes from the time they spent together building this preserve for their community. The rest of the volunteers in turn thanked Rice and presented flowers for his wife, saying, "We helped out, but we didn’t do a tenth of what Dave did.”
Whitehall middle school gym lighting system approved
By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor
WHITEHALL — The Whitehall school board approved a $10,325 contract with local electrical company Windemuller to install a new middle school gym lighting system during its regular meeting Monday, Oct. 20.
The approval was made 5-0; Shannon McGoran and Jimmy TenBrink were absent from the meeting.
Superintendent CJ Van Wieren said the middle school gym's lighting system was significantly out of date, leading to the move to seek a replacement.
The district received its audit report from Brickley DeLong's Brenda Jacobs. Jacobs said she went more in-depth with the finance committee, but reported a clean audit. Due to the current federal government shutdown, the Office of Management and Budget has not yet completed its revised audit require-
ments, so the audit will not technically be finalized until it does, but the draft report will be submitted.
The Whitehall FFA chapter, which just launched last November, gave a presentation of its activities over the previous school year. The chapter is being supervised by Montague FFA alum Nick Verbanic, who said the new group will be touring other area chapters later this year to generate ideas for its own activities.
Van Wieren stated during the superintendent's report that the White Lake Robotics program has generated a record number of participants, with over 100 students involved this fall, which he said was an exciting development. He added that each school building is decorating a hay bale in a friendly fall competition to see who can show the most spirit of the season.
All are welcome at free community dinners in November
Winston Speedway's new owners, Andrew and Crystal Heykoop, this week announced they will host a series of free community dinners for the month of November aimed at aiding local families affected by the incoming reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
The dinners are open to all and will take place each Tuesday and Wednesday in November, beginning Nov. 4, from 5-7 p.m. at the Rothbury Community Center.
The federal government has been
shut down since Oct. 1, and the program will reportedly not distribute full benefits Nov. 1.
The meals will be the first charitable events undertaken by the speedway under new ownership, with this and future events part of its The Track Gives Back initiative.
Donations and volunteers from local businesses are welcomed and appreciated at the dinner.
