The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 37, February 6, 2026 by theoceanaecho

We now have a venmo charity account!

Pentwater Winterfest offers fun new feature this year

By AnnaMae Bush The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

In New York City there is ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. In Grand Rapids there is ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle. And this year in Pentwater, there's ice skating at the Village Green for residents and visitors alike.

The project started when Ryan Williams (who owns Port View) had the idea and pursued a way to make it happen, needing funding and approvals. So, he approached the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) with the idea and a request for financial support. They were willing to provide the funding with the requirement that the rink be located in the village.

With finances in hand, Williams attended the January Pentwater Village Council meeting and asked for approval to locate the rink at the Village Green in time for Winterfest. Having received majority council approval, Williams engaged Joe Primozich’s help to enlist volunteers for designing and constructing the rink. After several intensive conversations with the Artisan Center director in the space of two days, the project was in motion. Williams ordered the materials needed. Daryl Massa (a civil engineer) drew up the project blueprint.

Massa and Barry Freed from the Artisan Center built the 12-inch tall sides from lumber for the 32-foot-by-64-foot rink. Tom Roose (electrical engineer and construction manager) helped Massa and Freed install the frame. The bottom and sides were then covered by a thick tarp. It was a very windy day when the tarp was laid out and it started to lift up with the wind. To prevent its flight, help was recruited from Theresa Roose, Judy Primozich, Dean

• Contributed by Joe Primozich

Lydey, Craig Chambers and some nearby onlookers. “While throwing snow on it to weigh it down, we joked about what it would look like if it took off and flew up to the water tower…” Joe Primozich laughed. “…Sort of like a trapped magic carpet.”

Using a pumper truck over several days, Joe Malburg, Adam Kokx and Katie Kokx sprayed five individual layers of water over the tarp for a solid ice base. The biggest challenge was the amount of snow that fell almost daily. Primozich reported, “We hired Turning Leaf for one snow clearing with their leaf blowers. But other times we relied on volunteers.” Roose, Jack Provencal, and Primozich helped to clear the ice and their efforts were enhanced by Bruce and Kathy Ortman, Mike Russel and Massa who brought their snowblowers to the rink. Williams said, “We had to be careful that the machines didn’t damage the

tarp on the sides of the rink.”

Two weeks after construction started, the rink was ready for skating. On Sunday, Feb. 1, the rink saw 30 skaters. “Fourteen of them were children, and that for me was the mark of success,” Primozich remarked.

Residents who grew up in Pentwater may fondly remember the ice skating rink that once was on Park Street close to the library. As students, they often left school to skate before going home. “Those fond memories are inspiring residents to bring their children and grandchildren to the new ice rink to make new memories of fun on the ice.”

The project goal was to provide six weeks of skating. If the cold temperatures hold and the ice keeps until the first of March, Williams will consider the goal achieved. Williams shared, “We hope to see the ice used for broomball and hockey in addition to family skating. Future investment may include benches for putting on skates and goal nets for games.”

He wished to also thank Sue Bainton for the use of support frames for beginner skaters and Brian Prescott for his willingness to hold loaner skates at Green Isaac’s, where prospective skaters can borrow them.

“It took the whole Village to make this happen - we had collaboration with the DDA, the village manager, the Artisan Center, the Pentwater Service Club and the Pentwater Fire Department. Thanks to all the volunteers involved. Apologies for any names that may have been unintentionally forgotten,” Williams said.

All are welcome to come to skate, or just to enjoy watching the action!

Superintendents weigh in on number of snow days this winter

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

With all of the wintry weather so far this season, local schools have already accumulated several snow days. Superintendent Mark Platt of Hart Public Schools and Superintendent Mark Olmstead of Shelby Public Schools weighed in on this matter with the following helpful information.

As of Jan. 29, Hart Public Schools has had a total of nine days of cancelled classes. And as of Feb. 2, Shelby Public Schools has had a total of seven days of school cancelled.

When asked how schools decide when to call off, both superintendents shared similar protocols. “Decisions about whether to hold school during winter weather are based on several key factors, including temperature, snowfall, wind and road conditions. We closely monitor National Weather Service information and rely on firsthand reports. Our transportation coordinator is on the roads early, checking known problem areas along district bus routes. These decisions are never easy, but when conditions exceed the limits of what is reasonably safe for West Michigan winter travel, we prioritize student and staff safety and cancel classes,” Olmstead said.

“I mainly work with our transportation director and look at multiple forecasts. The superintendents communicate with each other as well and with the WSESD,” Platt added.

While snow days can be fun and break up the monotony of winter, the fact of the matter is that after a certain number of days, some lost time will need to be made up.

Olmstead relayed, “If the district exceeds the allowable number of snow days, Shelby would most likely need to add school days beyond the current scheduled last day of school, Friday, June 5.”

“The state has rules and options for us to follow. We (Hart) will apply for a waiver of three additional days, so basically we’d go from six (allowed) days to nine days. After that we add to the end of the school year,” Platt said.

Obviously the decision whether to cancel school due to weather comes with important considerations and creates certain consequences, but it is one school districts take very seriously.

In the case where school is open after a snow day, but students can’t get to school, some parents worry about truancy. Platt said, “We simply want people to make safe choices on days where we run, but maybe their road hasn't been plowed yet. The district tries hard to work with families in these situations.”

Most cancelled or postponed events are in the process of being rescheduled. It is recommended families and students visit their school's building or athletic websites, district apps or respective Facebook pages for updated dates and times.

As far as regular academics, each district and individual teacher will have their own procedures for what will need to be required following a weather cancellation. Parents are urged to stay in touch with their children’s teachers via each district’s student portal systems so they can experience success despite missed time in school.

The Pentwater Falcons celebrated their Homecoming Friday, Jan. 30. Before the varsity boys basketball team took on the Walkerville Wildcats, the following royalty were crowned before a packed gymnasium: King Brody Austin and Queen Lauren Davis, above left, and Princess Lila Merrill and Prince Chase McGuire-VanGills, above right.

• Connie VanDerZanden/Echo

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

On Tuesday, Jan. 27 the Hart City Council received a presentation from Barbara Marczak and Matt Hulst of Prein & Newhof Civil Engineering (P&N) on their recent evaluation of the city’s water system and the plan moving forward to update the aging infrastructure. The company has already created a similar evaluation and plan for the city’s sewer system, the execution of which is already underway.

From the evaluation, P&N took an inventory of the city’s water system assets - 7 production wells, 20 miles of distribution pipe, 2 elevated storage tanks, 1 booster station, 279 valves, and 170 fire hydrants - and found that a majority of these assets date to the 1950s or earlier. Of the city’s seven wells, two are no longer in use, and the newest well is already 50 years old, 20 years overdue for an upgrade.

years, Hulst explained that replacing lead service lines will be a “significant expense for the city.” Of the 960 services, 690 have or had lead assets and subsequently need replacement by 2037, as mandated by the EPA. This project alone would cost $504,000 per year over a 10-year span, though the projected plan is divided according to the cost and intensity of other yearly water-improvement projects.

Other enhancements to the system include services on Polk Road, State Street and East Main Street; well upgrades; and water-main looping systems to improve circulation through the city.

Campbell and P&N recognize that there is no clear answer to this issue, with the former explaining that “this is going to be a tremendous question that the city has to, ultimately, rely on council and consultants to help figure out the solution…”

As explained by Marczak, the importance of managing these assets and creating these plans is to “prevent emergencies before they happen,” citing the Hart and Main Street water main break in March 2024 as an example. Understanding which assets are outdated and how essential they are to continued service are essential facets to creating a plan. “All these things wear out, and you need to be able to plan for replacing them at some point.”

This - alongside the city’s capital improvement plan, the funding of these systems, and meeting state and federal government standards — was analyzed to create 5and 20-year improvement plans for the city.

According to Marczak and Hulst, the first five years of the plan are the most critical, and the following 20-year plan is made to change with the city’s master plan, as much of the asset management is created to fit alongside other planned city improvement projects. Said Marczak, “We look at other improvements that are needed… so we try to pick things that need a new road surface and water and sewer together, so we’re just digging once.”

For instance, many improvements to the water lines are scheduled in tandem with the downtown and State Street streetscape projects.

As he detailed the big-ticket items for the following 20

CPA Andy Campbell attended and gave the council an overview of the financial burden expected from this plan and what can be done to meet these expenses. The City of Hart is far from the only municipality facing an aging system. It's estimated that it would cost over $625 billion to update the degrading water systems across the country. Part of the purpose of the asset management plan is to display to state and federal governments that a comprehensive plan is in place, as well as making it easier for the city to respond to grant opportunities.

As it stands, the city has been awarded some grants already - such as the one financing P&N’s evaluation - but it will be nowhere near what it would take to cover the cost of the projects. The first five years alone are expected to total at least $8.1 million by 2030. While the state has many grants available to fund these projects, many favor “overburdened” or more economically disadvantaged communities, which Hart is not considered. Said Marczak, “You are not the only ones in this boat, everyone is trying to get this money.”

After grants, the two other options for financing the projects are to speak with State of Michigan legislators and ask for budget earmarks or to raise the city’s water rates.

According to Campbell, Hart’s water rates are low compared to other municipalities he works with across the state, citing that the base residential rate is $6.44 per 1,000 gallons of water, with the “typical” home’s water bill being $12.47 per month, compared to the average $45 a month Campbell speaks of anecdotally. This figure is separate from the city’s sewage bill, which has gone up to accommodate that separate system update.

While the water asset management presentation was the most significant aspect of the Jan. 27 meeting, City Manager Nichole Kleiner had a positive update to share with the council. JSJ Corp has approved an easement agreement with the city to allow access to the water tower, the land of which the city had mistakenly sold to the company in 2003. As Kleiner explained, “This would be the first step. The second step would be to look at replatting the whole area over there, cleaning things up and actually aiming to own that property.”

This also would allow the city to draft a lease agreement with AT&T to allow the cell company to place antennas on the water tower, which would provide another form of city revenue.

City of Hart receives evaluation on needed water system upgrades NOTICE

BENONA TOWNSHIP BUDGET HEARING

The Benona Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed township budget for fiscal year 2026-27 at Benona Township Hall, 7169 W. Baker Rd. Shelby, MI on

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM

The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for public inspection at Benona Township Hall.

- Margie Shaw Benona Township Clerk

Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment. oceanahistory.org

Postcards from the Past: Modern County Courthouse

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

This circa 1978 postcard picturing the modern Oceana County Courthouse is, first of all, notable as the most recent admission in this series. As such, the postcard is in color, with a washedout and muted palette indicative of film photography, which I can’t help but absolutely love (I am old enough to know how to use a film camera, but young enough to be pretty bad at shooting with them).

Despite the washedout and yellowed appearance, the county courthouse yard is still vibrant and green, with the remaining centennial maple trees reaching their peak foliage and casting deep shadows on the Civil War monument - the monument now almost three-quarters of a century old.

While this tableau is far closer to the courthouse we are familiar with in 2026, there are still some notable differences. For starters, the large awning, which today covers the front steps, is absent, as is that decently

lofty adjacent pine tree. Some of the trees shading the monument have also disappeared in the intervening years. Also missing today but present in the 70s are the parking meters, to which I say, “good riddance!” I am chronically late as it is, so if I had to spend an extra few minutes feeding my hard-earned quarters to a meter every time I had to cover a county commissioners meeting, I would probably lose it.

The modern courthouse was built in 1958, though the county had been searching for funding for the project since the 1930s. It was only after a special tax was voted on in the 50s that the county was able to begin construction on the building. Of course, the old courthouse didn’t shut its doors during the construction. In fact, the whole building remained standing until completion, with the new courthouse built around it. If you visit the courthouse today, you’ll notice a courtyard in the center.

The new police department and jail, attached to the eastern side of the building, were built 10 years after the courthouse in 1968. So while it is not

visible in the photograph, the jail was certainly there by the time the postcard was sent.

Speaking of the postcard, it was postmarked at the Hart Post Office on Aug. 23, 1978 at 1 p.m. It was sent to Mrs. Phyllis Miller, in the care of Oceana Hospital on East Main Street, now the Oceana County Medical Care Facility.

The note reads:

“Dear Mrs. Miller, Hope this finds you much better - summer’s too nice a time to be sick& Dr. Tom can’t do without you for too long I’m sure!

Love & Prayers,

Gary and Cheri Michael & boys”

The senders I have

identified as Gary Michael and Cheryl “Cheri” Michael (maiden name Bos), who were both involved in a variety of Hart community organizations, including the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society. The contributions of their own local family history can be found in Volume 1 of the "Oceana County History" book. Sadly, Gary passed away in January of 2024, and he is survived by Cheri and their three sons.

The 1978 recipient was, as aforementioned, Phyllis Miller. Mrs. Miller was born on December 23, 1919, and died August 3, 2007. She was a member of the same church (United Methodist) as the

Michael family, as well as the Historical Society. She was also a dental assistant, which explains the comment in the note, “Dr. Tom can’t do without you for long I’m sure.”

Coincidentally, both courthouse postcards I found were written to folks sick and staying in the hospital, and I only re-

alized this long after scanning the cards. Trust me, I didn’t plan it like this - I wish I had that foresight! Regardless, there is something serendipitous about both of the postcards, likely picked with little to no reason from a rack at the post office. Neither courthouse is mentioned in the postcards, and neither sender nor recipient of each seemed connected to the courthouses in any significant way. It was probably just a random luck-of-the-draw while the senders were in a hurry to scribble their well-wishes to their ailing friends, 66 years apart.

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.

TUES: Free Soup Supper, Hart Christian Fellowship, 5-7 p.m.

TUES: TOPS, Hart Wesleyan Church, 5 p.m.

1st & 3rd TUES: Tech help, Pentwater Twp. Library, 1-2 p.m.

3rd TUES: Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club - Feeding America

W. Mich. mobile food pantry, Pentwater Fire Dept., 11 a.m.

WED: Love INC and TrueNorth Housing Assistance satelliteplease call 231-861-4880 to make an appointment.

1st & 3rd WED: Free community dinner, 5-6 p.m., Hart Wesleyan.

1st & 3rd WED: Hart VFW Post 1329 Burger/Chicken/Brat/Ribs Night, 5-7 p.m., dine-in or carry out.

* Donate returnable cans and bottles to the Hart VFW. Drop off at the hall or call Steve at 231-873-1727 for pick-up.*

2nd & 4th WED: Pentwater Community Food Pantry, First Baptist Church, Pentwater, 9-10:15 a.m.

WED: Line Dancing, Park Place, Pentwater, 6:30-8 p.m.

THURS - "Harts 'n Homes" Women's Fellowship, Faith Christian Fellowship, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

1st FRI: Free Soup Supper, Ferry Comm. Center, 5-7 p.m.

FRI: Story Time, HCL, 10 a.m.

FRI: Preschool Story Hour, HAPL, 11 a.m.

1st SAT: Baby Pantry, Trinity Lutheran Church, 8:30-10 a.m.

5th SAT: Free Community Breakfast, Shelby UCC, 8-10 a.m.

The Ladder Community Center:

Feb. 14 - Party Club for Kids Age 5-12, 1-2:30 p.m.

Feb. 27 - Live Music by the Jammers, 10 a.m. to noon

March 21 - Jigsaw Puzzle Competition (Age 12 & up), 12:30-4:30 p.m. (Sign up by 3/14)

The Huddle: 6th-12th grade after-school program, M-F 3-5 p.m.

Adult Hours: M-F 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Feb. 10 & 24: Knitting Group, 10 a.m. to noon

Feb. 13 & 20 : Strum It Club,11 a.m. to noon

MON: Adult Bible Study, “Truth Rising”, 1-2 p.m., TUES: Men’s Bible Study, 10:30 a.m. to noon

SAT: “Celebrate” Worship Service, 6:30 p.m.

Complete schedule at: theladdercommunitycenter.com

IDEAS NOVEL IDEAS NOVEL

The Hart Area Public Library is embracing the winter season with engaging programs and events for all ages, offering something for everyone—from readers and crafters to families and food lovers.

Kicking off the season is the Winter Games Reading Bingo, open to all ages and running now through March 14. Participants can stop by the library to sign up and pick up a bingo card. Readers who complete their bingo cards will earn fun prizes.

Support the library by attending the Friends of the Library Winter Book and Bake Sale, held during Hart’s Winterfest on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Feb. 7). The sale will take place at the Hart Community Center, located across the parking lot from the library. There will be a large selection of DVDs and audiobooks available.

At the same time, the library will celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day inside the library. Families can enjoy an indoor Book Walk and activity featuring Jan Brett’s classic story “The Mitten.” Adding to the fun, library staff member Amanda will demonstrate how yarn is made using her spinning wheel.

Children ages 8 and up can participate in a special kids’ book club cooking class, hosted by Jesse from MI Little Cooks of Muskegon, on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m. Please register.

Adults can choose from four book clubs. Books are available from the li-

brary:

FROM THE STAFF AT

• Yellow Dot Book Club meets the second Monday of the month at 10 a.m. (Feb. 10) and reads inspirational fiction.

• Page Turners meets the first Thursday at 7 p.m. (March 5) and focuses on historical fiction.

• Belinda’s Best Books meets the third Wednesday at 7 p.m. (Feb. 18) and reads bestsellers.

• Cookbook Club meets the first Monday of the month (March 2) and shares a meal prepared from that month’s featured cookbook. Don’t have time to cook? You are still welcome to join.

Creative adults are invited to Crafternoons for Grown-Ups, held at 2 p.m. on the fourth Thursday (Feb. 26). This month’s free craft is mosaic coasters, and registration is required. Additionally, Crafty Crew, held the third Thursday at 4 p.m., offers a relaxed space to work on personal craft projects together.

Preschool Story Time is every Friday at 11 a.m. year-round. This fun program is geared toward children ages 2-5 and includes an activity.

For caregivers, ParentingLink sessions on the first Thursday of each month through June offer small-group discussions and practical parenting tips (registration required). To register for an event, please call the library at 231-8734476 or email librarian@hartpubliclibrary.org

F ebruary

Feb. 6 - Tween Night, Hesperia Community Library, 3:15-5 p.m.

Feb. 7 - Farm Bureau’s Ice Fishing Tournament, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Feb. 7 - Hart Winterfest, Downtown Hart, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Feb. 7 - Take Your Child to the Library Day, HAPL, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Feb. 7 - Friends of the Hart Area Public Library Book and Bake Sale, Hart Community Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Feb. 8 - Free Cross Country Ski Day, Crystal Valley Ski Trails, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Feb. 9 - Health Department Outreach, HCL, 1-7 p.m.

Feb. 9 - Adult Crafter Afternoon, HCL, 1-2:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 - Friends of the HAPL, Hart Community Center, 11:30 a.m.

Feb. 10 - Adult Book Club Movie, HCL, 2-4:30 p.m.

Feb. 11 - H.E.A.R.T. Board, Hart Community Center, 2 p.m.

Feb. 11 - Hart Historic Preservation Group Board, Hart Community Center, 3 p.m.

Feb. 12 - Teen Night, Hesperia Community Library, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 - Southern Oceana Area Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting, The Avenue, New Era, 4 p.m.

Feb. 12 - Friends of the SADL, Library Conference Room, 5 p.m.

Feb. 12 - Date Night at the Library, SADL, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 - Blind Date with a Book, HCL, 6-7:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 - Pentwater WinterFest

Cocoa, Corks & Canvas is Feb. 14 in Pentwater

Cocoa, Corks & Canvas, sponsored by the Pentwater Arts Council will be held during Pentwater’s Winterfest, Saturday, Feb. 14 from 2-5 p.m. Six local businesses will open their doors for cocoa, samplings of a variety of wines while enjoying artwork created by nine local Oceana artists.

Wristbands are available for advanced sale at Port View & Green Isaac’s for $20. Wristband price increases to $25 the day of the event. Buy yours early! Minors are free for cocoa with an accompanied paid adult.

Wristband sales benefit art education in Oceana County and support arts council projects such as: Oceana Teacher Grants and the Oceana Student Art Show.

OCCOA offers many February events for area seniors

The following are OCCOA events for February. 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: $3 and reservations required.

Tai Chi Class: Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 9, 11, 18, 23 and 25; 9 a.m.

SAIL Exercise Class: Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 9, 11, 18, 23 and 25; 10 a.m.

Chair Volleyball: Tuesdays, Feb. 10, 17 and 24; 9 a.m.

Drum Fitness: Tuesdays, Feb. 10, 17 and 24; 10 a.m.

Medical Yoga: Wednesdays, Feb. 11, 18 and 25; 4 p.m.

Zumba: Fridays, Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27; 9 a.m.

Art with Brad: Monday, Feb. 9; 10 a.m.

Quilting Club: Wednesdays, February 11, 18 and 25; 9 a.m.

Valentine’s Day Craft with Kay and Mary: Tuesday, Feb. 10; 10 a.m.

Movie and Snack at OCCOA: Friday, Feb. 13; 1:15 p.m.

Quilt Shop Hop: Friday, Feb. 20; 9 a.m.

Dinner and a Movie: Tuesday, Feb. 24; 2:30 p.m.

Beltone: Wednesday, Feb. 25; Call Beltone to make an appointment.

Board Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 24; 1:30 p.m. Location: Oceana County Council on Aging.

Presidents’ Day Center Closed: Monday, Feb. 16, 2026

Dinner Club: Once a month, we will gather as friends at a different restaurant for a meal.

Monday, February 23; 5:30 p.m.; Location TBD.

Parmenter 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 Oceana County Council on Aging. 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: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m.

Quilting: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Bingo: Thursday 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.

Hoeing ‘In the Garden’ Part 17: ‘The House Where You Live, O Lord’

By Janet Van Gunst Hasselbring The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

“God’s invisible qualities, like His eternal power and divine nature, are clearly seen and understood through the world He created.” (Romans 1:20)

There are 525,600 minutes in a year. My father, Henry, lived nearly 87 years on a small farm (present-day Country Dairy) in Western Michigan. As remarkable as that is, when one converts these years into minute-long moments, it’s somewhat staggering to realize that Henry lived approximately 45 million moments on the farm, in the house of his heavenly Father, where the earthly elements of his daily work – soil, rocks, clods, seeds, cows and trees — took on spiritual significance. (Where he worshipped his Maker, and formed a deep, intimate relationship with his Lord and Savior. )

As cows chew their cud (ruminate) for nine hours a day to break down

tough, fibrous material, improve digestion, and absorb nutrients, Henry, as he did his chores, ruminated on scripture verses he’d memorized, until their meaning was digested, sank deep into his soul, and forged a rock-solid faith in God. For example:

As Henry removed rocks from the soil and piled them underneath the mighty maple that graced the fields, he likely thought of this verse: “Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone he had used for a pillow and set it up as a pillar.” (Genesis 28:16) “And Jacob said to his kinsmen, ‘Gather the stones into a great heap,’ and they ate there.” (Genesis 31:46)*

My father was not a pantheist, believing in a grand, generic concept that “God is All, and All is God.” While pantheists identify God as the force of the universe, they deny the existence of a transcendent, personal Creator. Henry had a deep reverence for creation and viewed the earth (where he worked) as divine, in the sense that he found God in his work. However, Henry's God

was a distinct Being separate from the world He created. Pantheism removes this distinction, viewing God as the sum total of existence and not a distinct person – the “I Am” of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Henry knew what pantheists can never know: when he prayed the prayer Jesus taught His followers to pray, “Our Father…,” it meant that since God is divine, His children must essentially be divine too - a truth established by St. Augustine: “…Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.”

Henry found rest and peace at home, on the farm, in the country and in God’s house.

When he was away, his soul hankered for the quiet tranquility of the

country. Though traveling was limited while Henry owned the farm, after retirement, my parents (Henry, rather reluctantly) traveled farther afield. My brother, Wendell, recalls that once, when Henry and Ellen settled into their hotel room abroad in London, Henry mused, “What am I doing here?” It was probably in London that he remembered the words of a country pastor: “City people and country people are just knowledgeable about different things.” (Vance Havner – "Pleasant Paths")

Another time, in his later years, when he was hospitalized, Henry became disoriented, confused and agitated. We watched him repeatedly lift his arms and claw the air. Worried, we sang hymns to calm him. When he returned home, he explained that he’d been picking cherries. Of course! It seemed perfectly reasonable to him, so cleverly had his subconscious found something familiar and comforting to do in an unfamiliar situation. No matter where he was, he was a man of the country at heart, and remained so ‘til his death. ("In the Garden," pg. 130) My mother found comfort in the fact that he went to meet his Maker from home, on the farm where he had spent 87 years and over 45 million moments.

*Stay tuned for Part 18 – Scripture comes alive in Henry’s daily chores. For more information about "In the Garden," contact the author at janethasselbring23@gmail.com

obituaries

Steven ‘Steve’ Edward McClellan

July 18, 1968 ~ February 1, 2026

Steven “Steve” Edward McClellan, 57, passed away unex pectedly February 1, 2026. He was born July 18, 1968, in Hart, the son of Daniel McClellan Sr. and Nancy Anderson.

Steve deeply loved his family and found great joy in the time he spent with them. He was known for his uncanny sense of humor, often making it feel as though every day was April Fool’s Day, and he never missed an opportunity to make others laugh.

An avid outdoorsman, Steve enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever he was physically able, finding peace and purpose in the outdoors. His dog, Bear, was his con stant companion and loyal sidekick, rarely leaving his side and sticking to him like Velcro.

Steve had a lifelong appreciation for old westerns, especially John Wayne movies and shows, and he was an avid reader of novels by Louis L’Amour.

Gifted with natural ingenuity, Steve always found a way to make things work, approaching every situation with resilience and a determination to make the best of it.

Steve is survived by: his wife of 25 years, Norma J. McClellan; son, Steven McClellan Jr.; daughter, Kayelee (Nate) Halvorsen; six grandchildren; mother, Nancy Anderson; stepmother, Ruby McClellan; brothers, Daniel McClellan Jr, Allen Scott (Christa) McClellan, John (Karen) Anderson, Ken Anderson, Bob (Vicky) McClellan; sisters, Nancy (Ken) Johnson, Renee Dennert, and Traci (Terry) Ross; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

Steve was preceded in death by: his father, Daniel McClellan Sr; sister, Rebecca McClellan; stepbrother, Ron Boeskool; brother-in-law, Tim Dennert; stepfather, Bruce Anderson; and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family or funeral home to assist with expenses.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420.

Obituary Information:

We, at The Oceana Echo, offer our deepest condolences for your loss and are here to help you tell others about your loved one’s life and the plans you have made to honor, celebrate and remember them. If you would like to place an obituary with us, please tell your arrangement specialist or email us at theoceanaecho@gmail.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PENTWATER DISTRICT LIBRARY

County of Oceana, Michigan

ON THE ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS IN THE LIBRARY DISTRICT OF PENTWATER DISTRICT LIBRARY

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Pentwater District Library, County of Oceana, Michigan will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, the 17th day of February, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Pentwater District Library, Pentwater, Michigan (formerly the Pentwater Township Library), to consider the approval and adoption of the operating budget of the Pentwater District Library for the fiscal year 2026-2027.

Copies of the proposed budget are on file with the Library Director at the Pentwater District Library, 402 E. Park Street, Pentwater, Michigan (formerly Pentwater Township Library) for public inspection during normal business hours.

At the public hearing, all citizens, taxpayers, and property owners of the Pentwater District Library, comprised of the Township of Pentwater and the Pentwater Public School District included in Weare Township, all in the County of Oceana, Michigan, shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard in regard to the approval of the budget.

THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED BY THE DISTRICT LIBRARY TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING.

This notice is given by order of the Board of Trustees of the Pentwater District Library, County of Oceana, Michigan. Amber Jaeb, Secretary

Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting or to obtain this notice in an alternate format, please contact Mary Barker, Library Director at (231) 869-8581

Ice fishing competitions set for Feb. 7

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

After several years of marginal ice fishing, two competitions are scheduled for this weekend in conjunction with the Hart and Pentwater Winterfests.

The Oceana County Farm Bureau’s annual ice fishing tournament is set to run this Saturday, Feb. 7 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is open to the public, and anglers may fish any lake in Michigan. Registration will be from 6-8 a.m. at the West Michigan Research Station located at 5185 N. Oceana Dr. in Hart. Two-person team registration is $20, and Farm Bureau members can register for free! Weigh-ins will take place beginning at 3 p.m. sharp at the Research Station as well. Cash prizes will be awarded in both the pike and panfish divisions. Food and raffle prizes will be available as well.

Pentwater Winterfest will once again be hosting their Winterfest Perch Derby. Organizer Ryan Williams said that due to ice conditions the derby hasn’t always happened annually, but this year is the 15th year they’ve hosted one. Registration

will begin at 8 a.m. and weigh-ins will begin at 4 p.m. at both the Pentwater Convenience Center, 4374 W. Monroe Rd., and Port View, 560 S. Hancock, both in Pentwater.

Adult registration is $10, and adults will compete for cash prizes. Child registration is $5, and winning entrants will be awarded trophies. The five longest perch combined wins the tournament. There will be a $100 bonus prize for the biggest perch caught, as well as plenty of door prizes and a light meal available. “Most people leave with something,” Williams said.

In preparation for Saturday’s event, please take into consideration what the Michigan DNR website says about ice fishing safety. The strongest ice is clear with a “bluish” tint. Williams added, “Three inches of solid, clear, black ice is considered to be safe, and will hold a full-grown adult.”

The weakest ice is ice

Pentwater Lake ice fishing conditions by

AnnaMae Bush

Regarding the ice conditions on Pentwater Lake this weekend, Joe Primozich reports, “The ice is 12 inches thick over two-thirds of the lake. The third of the lake closest to the Channel, in front of the Yacht Club, is subject to the currents coming from Lake Michigan down the Channel. A strong wind and current can lift the ice up and break it on the shore.” But that means there is plenty of space for participants to spread out on the ice.

formed by melted and refrozen snow and appears “milky” in color. The DNR recommends fishermen stay off ice with slush on top. Slush ice is only half as strong as clear ice and indicates the ice is not freezing from the bottom. Be aware of underlying water currents and possible bubblers or de-icer mechanisms near one's fishing location. Because snow can insulate ice below and keep it from freezing, ice covered by snow should always be considered unsafe. Take proper precautions.

To make sure everyone comes back safe and dry, ice fishermen are advised to take all necessary precautions, including being prepared for the worstcase scenario. Besides regular ice fishing paraphernalia, pack an ice pick, life jacket and some form of two-way communication. If one should fall through the ice, remain calm, turn in the water toward the direction you came from, this is most likely the strongest ice. Use ice picks and kick vigorously to pull yourself back onto the ice, slide forward on your stomach and roll away from the area of weak ice, call 911 immediately. Please visit https:// www.michigan.gov/dnr/ education/safety-info/ice for more information.

Above all, have fun and good luck this weekend!

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Newfield Township

Proposed 2026-27 Budget / TRUTH lN TAXATION

Newfield Township FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 combined public hearing on the proposed Budget AND Millage Rates to support the budget will be held during our Regular Meeting of the Newfield Township Board on February 17, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Newfield Township Hall located at 3890 198th Ave., Hesperia, Michigan.

Property tax millage rates proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. We will be charging the maximum allowable rates for the township operating millage and the fire millage.

A copy of the budget is available for public inspection at the Newfield Township Hall by contacting the Clerk at 231-854-4702. Comments at the hearing may include those submitted by email to the township at supervisor@newfieldtownship.org, by mail to PO Box 564, Hesperia, Michigan, or in writing and dropped off in the secure box at the Township Hall.

Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Notice, The township will provide necessary reasonable services to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon notice. Contact the Clerk at 231-854-4702.

Nancy Conley

Newfield Township Clerk

BENONA TOWNSHIP

OCEANA COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE #12

ADOPTED: Nov. 24, 2025

REVOCABLE

ELECTRIC SERVICE FRANCHISE ORDINANCE

AN ORDINANCE granting to Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., (“Wolverine” or “Franchisee”) its successors and assigns, the right, power, and franchise for a period of thirty (30) years from and after the adoption and approval hereof, to acquire, construct, operate, and maintain in Benona Township, Oceana County, the necessary facilities for the production, transmission, and sale of electric energy at wholesale to its member-distribution cooperatives and between Wolverine and other parties pursuant to wholesale power agreements, and to use and occupy the highways, streets, alleys, and other public places in which the Township has a public interest upon which the parties may agree to in the future, to set poles, string wires, lay pipes or conduits, and to transact an electric business.

BE IT ORDAINED:

Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., its successors and assigns, is hereby granted and vested with the non-exclusive right, power, and franchise for a period of thirty (30) years from and after the adoption and approval hereof, as provided by law, to acquire, construct, maintain, or operate in the Township of Benona necessary facilities for the production, transmission, and sale of electric energy at wholesale rates to its member-distribution cooperatives and between Wolverine and other parties pursuant to wholesale power agreements, and to construct and maintain along, upon, across, or under the highways, streets, alleys, and other public places in which the Township has a public interest upon which the parties may agree to in the future, to set poles, wires, pipes or conduit and other necessary fixtures and equipment for such purposes within Benona Township.

Revocation. The franchise granted herein is revocable by the Township Board as provided by law.

No Injury to Street or Rights of Way. The Franchisee shall not injure any street, highway, and alley, or in any manner disturb or interfere with any water, sewer, or other utility line, now or hereafter laid or constructed by any authorized person within the public streets or rights of way

Notification & Approval before Commencing Work. The Franchisee, before entering upon any street, highway and alley for the purpose of constructing or installing electric transmission lines or other apparatus, within the public right of way, shall in writing notify the Board of County Road Commissioners of Oceana County, or the Superintendent of said Board, or other proper authority, of the proposed construction, and obtain approval thereof, and shall, if said Board so requires, file with it a sufficient plan and specification of the proposed erection and construction. Upon completion of any construction project, the franchisee shall, to the extent reasonably practical, restore the site to its condition prior to commencement of construction. Furthermore, Franchisee shall notify the Township Board, or its designee, of any new or different transmission lines or other facilities that are to be built in Benona Township.

Construction. The Franchisee shall not allow any street, highway or alley to remain encumbered by the construction work of the said franchisee for a longer period than shall be necessary to execute the said work, and the Board of County Road Commissioners of Oceana County shall determine the question of such necessity.

Insurance and Indemnification. The Franchisee shall furnish the Township proof of insurance and indemnify and hold the Township harmless from any and all costs, including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the Township by reason of the Franchisee’s acts and omissions in the installation and maintenance of the electric transmission system and other related apparatus or equipment used in the operating of its electric utility business within the Township.

Oceana County

ANIMAL SHELTER

Meet Lola — a sweet, low-riding little lady who’s ready to find her forever home! Lola is a 5-yearold Bassett/Corgi mix, about 35 pounds, with the most adorable short legs and soulful eyes that will melt you the second you meet her. Lola is truly a people-lover. She’s friendly, affectionate and happiest when she’s getting attention, cuddles and being included in whatever you’re doing. Whether you’re looking for a companion to hang out at home, ride along on errands or greet you like you’re the best part of her day (because you are!), Lola fits the bill. Lola is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. If interested, please call the shelter at 231861-5395. 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 Lola

Compliance with Laws. The Franchisee shall comply with all applicable safety standards and requirements of the National Electric Safety Code, MI-OSHA and any other appropriate entity, and shall also comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Compliance with Zoning. At all times, Franchisee shall comply with the requirements of the Benona Township or Oceana County Zoning Ordinance, if applicable, with respect to any of its installations, operations, and non-power line structures, including, but not limited to meter houses, storage sheds, and other similar roofed buildings within electric distribution and transmission substations.

Assignment. The Franchise granted by this Ordinance may be assigned by the Franchisee upon written consent of the Township, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. It shall be reasonable for the Township to withhold consent if the proposed assignee does not have an equal or superior financial condition as that of the Franchisee.

Effective Date. This Ordinance will take effect upon publication of the Ordinance pursuant to applicable law.

CLERK’S CERTIFICATE

THE UNDERSIGNED, Margie Shaw, Clerk of Benona Township, certifies that the above Ordinance No. entitled “Electric Service Franchise Ordinance” was adopted by the Benona Township Board at a regular meeting held on Nov 24, 2025 and that the vote was as follows: FOR: 5 AGAINST: 0 ABSTAIN: 0

Margie Shaw Benona Township Clerk

Pirates edge Shelby for 2nd at Shelby meet

Hart still in pursuit of another WMC championship

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

SHELBY — It’s been a hotly contested West Michigan Conference cheer season, with the margins between the top teams and the middle teams in the 12-team WMC standings week to week smaller than in past years. However, if the Hart Pirates have their way, the end result will be the same: Their team on top.

Hart coach Roberta Cooke said she believes her team took a step in that direction at the Shelby jamboree Wednesday, in which the Pirates finished second to North Muskegon with 661.66 points - 25 behind the Norse, but also just a bit over five ahead of Shelby, which finished third.

Almost half that difference behind North Muskegon is explained by a 10-point penalty Hart took in round two - Cooke said the Pirates take that penalty every week, because Division 3 teams are supposed to have at least eight athletes on the mat in that round and Hart doesn’t have that many available.

“We automatically take that hit, and I think if we didn’t have that hit, it would be neck and neck,” Cooke said. “I believe, if we do exactly what we did tonight, we will either be conference champs or co-conference

• Andy Roberts/Echo

champs with North Muskegon. It really goes off of scoring, so it just depends on what they score next week.”

The Pirates were right there with North Muskegon after round one, scoring 210.3 points to check in only 3.4 behind the Norse. It was that second round that widened the gap, with a NM score of 200.98 to Hart’s 179.46 after the penalty points. The two teams scored nearly identically in round three, with just a 0.1-point edge to North Muskegon.

Cooke said she was excited about her team’s energy level in their performances in each round Wednesday.

“They really brought it with their energy,” Cooke said. “We usually struggle sometimes with our energy and our voices, and they really

brought it tonight. That’s all I asked them to do, was just hype it up a little bit, and they were hyping themselves up before we went out, and we were just making sure everybody knew what they were doing.”

With a young roster - only two seniors - Cooke has had to work hard to keep her team sharp in her first season after Jen Hlady stepped down as head coach. It’s helped that the Pirates are hungry to keep their recent tradition of success going.

“What gets it going for them is they obviously want to keep their conference title,” Cooke said. “It’d be seven years in a row they’d be keeping it. The team dynamic, I think, is what really helps everything come

together. The girls are great together. They get along...I’m going to be really sad when the season’s done because I feel like it set a standard for myself as a coach, how I set expectations for our team, and they’re doing a phenomenal job.”

The Tigers, meanwhile, remained consistent, as coach Sarah Schaner said third and fourth have been where they’ve been through the WMC season. With such a close spread between the top several teams - just over 51 points separated the first-place Norse from Whitehall in fifth place - it’s brought a good atmo-

Rockwell dominates early, Hart beats Hesperia

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

HART — It was no secret that Hart would try to speed Hesperia’s young ballhandlers up going into Tuesday’s county battle in Hart, but the Pirates executed their job so well, there was still very little Hesperia could do about it.

The Pirates flattened Hesperia in the first quarter of the game to take a 20-point lead and kept rolling from there, picking up a 72-20 win in West Michigan Conference Rivers play.

Hart led 14-0 in the first few minutes of the game, and when Kolton Rockwell buried a three-pointer in the final seconds of the opening quarter, it was 22-2. Rockwell was everywhere early in the game, scoring 16 points in under 10 minutes after tip-off before giving way to his teammates. He ended the night with a game-high 18.

“That’s his work finally paying off,” Hart assistant coach Garrett Talmadge said. “At the beginning of the year, his shot wasn’t falling very well, but he just keeps putting in the work. He works really hard at his sport, and it’s finally starting to show. We’re really happy for him.”

Defense, of course, was a spark for many of Hart’s points. The Pirates

•

racked up 14 steals as a team and rushed Hesperia into many poor decisions.

Coach Scott Warsaw said Hesperia worked on going against Hart’s trapping defense in practice, but game speed proved to be a whole different challenge.

“They dictated play,” Warsaw said of Hart. “They did everything they wanted to do. It’s a heck of a club, great coaches, great players. I’ll be honest, we don’t like losing. (but) just to be on the court, we learned so much.”

Hart didn’t slow down in the second quarter, coming at Hesperia for eight more minutes and taking advantage of more turnovers to get quick buckets. The Pirates even added another buzzer-beating basket when Bryce Vander Kodde scored a putback basket just before the halftime break.

Vander Kodde was one of three Pirates to join Rockwell in double fig-

ures in scoring, putting in 12 points. Caleb Ackley had 12 points and 14 rebounds, and Jagger Lenon scored 15 points, making 4-of-7 attempts from three-point land.

Lenon was hardly the only Pirate to enjoy success from beyond the arc, as the team made 10-of-24 such at-

Hart boys win continued on page 11

Hart athletes perform their round three routine during Wednesday’s WMC jamboree in Shelby. The Pirates finished 2nd, with 5.28 more points than 3rd-place Shelby.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart’s Kolton Rockwell looks at the clock as time runs down in the 2nd quarter of Tuesday’s game against Hesperia. Malakai Sellers defends for the Panthers. Rockwell had 16 points in the first 10 minutes of Hart’s 72-20 win. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Two Shelby Tigers come together during a lift as they perform their round three routine during Wednesday’s Shelby jamboree.

Hesperia’s Evan Conkle drives the lane against Hart’s Caleb Ackley during Tuesday’s game at Hart. The Pirates dominated in a 72-20 win.

Andy Roberts/Echo

In back and forth battle, Falcons edge Walkerville

By Andy Roberts

Oceana Echo Community Contributor

PENTWATER — In a game of runs Thursday night, Pentwater was able to come up with the last laugh, hanging on for a 46-44 win over county rival Walkerville.

The game wasn’t decided until the final buzzer, when the Wildcats’ final shot from near midcourt was off the mark, officially halting the Falcons’ four-game losing streak.

Both teams took double-digit leads during the game, with the Wildcats doing so first, racing to an 18-5 edge in the first quarter behind strong defense and good jump shooting. Pentwater then stormed back with an 11-0 run to get back in the game, grabbing the lead on a floater by Lauren Davis to make the score 22-20 Falcons.

“Unfortunately, we’ve gotten pretty good this year at getting in a pretty good hole starting off, so it’s almost like we get comfortable when we get into the hole,” Pentwater coach Brandon Knoll said. “Walkerville did a good job. They came out and they played really hard. They put us in a good hole, but we battled pretty hard tonight.”

Pentwater (4-7, 3-5 West Michigan D League) then built up a sizeable lead of its own as Wakerville struggled to string good possessions together on offense. However, after a while the Wildcats began to battle back, as its defense returned to its first-quarter form.

Gaby Berumen made some of the biggest plays, scoring an old-fashioned three-point play to get the Wildcats (1-8, 1-7 WMD) back to within four, 36-32. She then capped a 10-0 run by making the audacious decision to pull up for a three-pointer on a fast break, drilling it to give the

• Andy Roberts/Echo

‘Cats the lead again at 39-36. She was also a major factor on the defensive end at the biggest moments for Walkerville.

“She’s really worked,” Walkerville coach Mandy Achterhof said of Berumen. “She puts in a ton of time in the summer and in the gym, and she’s a workhorse. Her goal was to work on her perimeter shot, and she really has stepped it up and done that a lot.”

The Falcons’ Aubrie Adams responded to Berumen’s trey with one of her own to tie the score with 3:32 to play, then went coast to coast for a layup to put her team ahead for good, 41-39. Emma Werkema-Grondsma had her team’s final four points on a putback and a layup coming off a steal.

Adams had some big moments for Pentwater in the game, knocking down a second-quarter trey before being fouled on the follow-through and displaying confidence with the ball in her hands.

“We lean on her a lot, a senior guard,” Knoll said. “She’s been here before, so it’s nice to have somebody

• Andy Roberts/Echo

like that. You can put the ball in her hands, and you take the stress down a little bit.”

Walkerville clawed its way back to within two points and had one last chance to win it after the Falcons missed a couple of free throws late, but could only get to midcourt before being forced to try a long buzzer-beater, which missed.

Walkerville really struggled to put up points early in the season, and while that’s still not the strongest part of the Wildcats’ game, they’ve bumped their point totals from the mid-20s at the start of the season to consistently going near or over 40 points, which is clear progress. It’s fueled by the Walkerville defense, which is athletic and smart, harassing ballhandlers and occasionally intercepting passes, which leads to fast breaks.

“They work really hard on trying to read the floor and be in the right positions,” Achterhof said. “We worked a lot on defense in the first half of

this year in practices and continue to work on that, making those steps and those improvements to be able to understand and read the floor and understand the game better.”

As for Pentwater, Adams’ steady presence has been complemented by the emergence of Werkema-Grondsma as a scoring threat on the inside. Her growing confidence makes the Falcons a more dangerous team for opponents.

“Emma’s just growing huge,” Knoll said. “The confidence is getting better. As you could see tonight, she’s way more confident getting the rebound and pushing it herself, and we’re a way better team when she’s aggressive like that. You can see that it pulls us out of the hole.”

Adams scored 15 points and Werkema-Grondsma had 13 for the Falcons, while Berumen put in 11 points for Walkerville. Isabel Babbin had five first-quarter points for the ‘Cats and ended up with 10.

Pirates bounce back with big win over Hesperia

By Andy Roberts

Community Contributor

HART — Hart rolled over county foe Hesperia Tuesday night, 68-13, handing the Panthers their seventh straight defeat.

The win was a nice palate-cleanser for the Pirates after taking losses to two tough non-league opponentsKent City and Morley-Stanwood - in their previous two games.

“It was good to get some kids some confidence back,” Hart coach Ron Williamson said. “As a team, you don’t want too many games like this, but it’s good to have a couple where you can relax a little bit and just go out and have fun.”

The Pirates raced out of the starting gates with strong defense, which kept Hesperia from getting into its offense. That meant a lot of turnovers, and those turnovers produced some easy baskets.

Hart led 14-0 just over four minutes into the game after Rilynn Porter knocked down a three-pointer, forcing a Hesperia timeout. The Pirates then built that lead up to 21-0 after a quarter. Things didn’t change much from there, though Hesperia did manage to slow the Pirates down the last few minutes of the second quarter. Still, that left the Panthers with a 40-8 deficit at halftime.

Hart substituted liberally in the

second half and got all 10 of its players into the scorebook. Reese Smith led the way with 14 points, and Porter added 12. Zoily Sarabia got into double digits too, with 10 points.

“We only have 10 girls on the team anyway, so it’s good to get some kids that haven’t played in a little bit because we’ve had some tough games,” Williamson said. “I think Scottville was the last game that I was able to get everybody in, so it’s good to get a game like this.”

Smith and Porter, a potent inside-outside combination, have been the centerpiece of the team all season, though Williamson said the Pirates need to build depth behind them to reach the heights they hope to reach.

“We count on them for a lot of things,” Williamson said. “Reese has really put in some effort on rebounding lately, which we need from her... We can’t count on them to do everything, but we need to be able to count on them to help lead us through their efforts and their experience of being (part of) the previous teams.”

Hesperia, meanwhile, saw a couple of bright spots as some young freshmen were put in new situations and handled it well, coach Ty Elenbaas said. However, turnovers continue to be an issue for the young team. Sarissa Conkle and Sophia Fraser each had four points in the game.

“We’re still trying to get that mind-

set of knowing when to attack and knowing when to move the basketball,” Elenbaas said. “I’d like to see more growth in that kind of thing, and it would be nice if it was fixed now. That’s going to continue to be the bane of our existence. When the other team gets more opportunities to shoot than you do, (other stuff) doesn’t really matter.

“You show up to a game like this, and the nice thing about playing a team the second time is that you can measure how we’ve grown. A game like that, sometimes it’s hard to pull a lot of things out of it, but there’s a couple girls we were pretty proud of there.”

The

Pentwater’s Rosie Arnouts (10) and Walkerville’s Grace Riggs wrestle for a loose ball during Thursday’s game at Pentwater. The Falcons won, 46-44.

Pentwater’s Lauren Davis heads to the basket against Walkerville’s Isabel Babbin during Thursday’s game at Pentwater. The Falcons won, 46-44.

The Oceana Echo

Above, Hart’s Rilynn Porter and Hesperia’s Madesyn Bolles hit the deck to fight for a loose ball during Tuesday’s game at Hart. Below, Hart’s Leah Walker is fouled by Hesperia’s Sophia Fraser on a shot attempt. Hart won big, 68-13. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Trio of county wrestlers hit 100-win milestones

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Hart defeated rival Shelby Saturday as part of a 3-2 day at Shelby’s Super Duals event, 54-24.

The Pirates also knocked off Decatur 58-23 and blanked Fremont 81-0. They lost matchups to Cedar Springs (47-30) and Kent City (39-26).

The day featured two career highlights for Pirate wrestlers Logan Jorissen and Haegan Hansen, who each secured their 100th victories at the meet.

The Pirates dominated Shelby at the lower weights, winning at each of the six lightest weight classes and earning bonus points in five

of those wins. The closest match of the bunch was a tough battle between Kole Thomas and Cesar Cadena at 120, which Thomas narrowly won 1-0.

Also for Hart, Sawyer Boos, Aiden Schaner, Jorissen, Hansen, Abdel Lopez, Adrian Lara and Jude Salazar earned victories by pin. Halen Boos picked up a technical fall, and Michael Chavira won by major decision.

Shelby countered with pin victories by Javier Cervantes, Brody Fessenden and Jaylin Henderson; Henderson recently earned his own 100th win at last week’s Holton Quad. Nash Hagstrom won a match by forfeit.

Three Pirates - Hansen, Lopez and Lara - had per-

fect 5-0 records on the day. Lopez pinned all four of the opponents he wrestled (he also won by forfeit) and Hansen recorded three pins. Lara pinned an opponent and did not have to wrestle for his other victories.

Also for Hart, Sawyer Boos went 4-1 with four pins, and Jorissen had three pins among his 4-1 record. Halen Boos and Thomas also went 4-1.

Falcons win homecoming over Walkerville

Pentwater celebrated its homecoming in a big way Friday night, rolling to a 72-19 win over county rival Walkerville.

The Falcons took over the game from the get-go, outscoring the Wildcats 27-2 in the first quarter of play. They led 48-9 by halftime and cruised to the win.

“Homecoming brought the community together in the way only small towns can,” Falcons’ coach Ashley Lubera said. “The gym doors open early, familiar faces filling the stands, and a shared buzz that something special was about to unfold. The varsity basketball team fed off that energy, playing with heart and purpose as the crowd roared behind them.”

Ben Roberson led a dominant performance by Pentwater, scoring 18 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Brody Austin also had 18 points and pulled in 10 boards, and Jacobo Mar-

tin racked up eight steals to go with his 15 points. Abram Kieda chipped in nine points.

Pentwater’s defense dominated, recording 19 steals as a team.

Hugh Tanner led the Wildcats with 11 points and Anthony Shafer chipped in six.

Hart boys win

tempts; Rockwell was also 4-of-7.

“It gives us a lot of confidence,” Talmadge said of nights the Pirates shoot well. “We played a game less than 24 hours ago, so we were just hoping that our kids’ legs and their shots were still there after a good night last night.”

The Panthers hoped to show improvement from their first matchup with Hart, but with the score being nearly identical (it was 72-19 in December), that didn’t play out in their favor. However, Warsaw said the team remains focused on trying to get better in order to have its best in the postseason.

“As you can see, we’re not there yet,” Warsaw said. “Hopefully we can cut down our turnovers, run our offense a little bit better and hopefully by the time districts roll around, we can compete.”

Hart, too, has eyes on the postseason, where Ludington, the team that beat the Pirates in last year’s final, will again be favored. Like Hesperia, though, Hart’s focus isn’t on the favorites, but on itself.

continued from page 9

• Andy Roberts/Echo

“We’re just trying to stay together as a team and keep working on making ourselves better every game and every practice,” Talmadge said.

“We’re feeling pretty good about where we’re at right now. We’re jelling as a team. The ball’s moving really well and our defense, we’re trying to get more and more (locked in) every day.”

Shelby went 2-3 at the duals. The Tigers also lost to Kent City 50-29 and to Pine River 41-35, defeating Sparta 45-35 and Fremont 64-18. Fessenden and Henderson were each 5-0 on the day, with Fessenden recording five pins and Henderson adding three pins and a technical fall, as well as a win by forfeit.

WMC cheer

sphere to the meets.

“It’s created such a competitive atmosphere, but such a happy atmosphere too,” Schaner said. “Everyone’s pushing each other. No one’s running away with anything. It’s so close that it’s always down to round three, and so it pushes all of our teams to be better - not even being better than each other, but being better than we were last week.

“It’s a very long-standing conference, and...to have so many teams be competitive, we love it.”

The Tigers, like Hart, are posting scores that probably put them around the borderline of qualifying out of the district meet for the regionals, and she said that’s a focus point for the team as they hope to compete at the highest levels they can.

“I think the key for us to get out of districts into regionals will be the drive,” Schaner said. “We’ve got a great group of kids, and now we just need that fi-

continued from page 9

•

Three Oceana wrestlers achieved their 100th career victories last week. At left, Hart’s Logan Jorissen (left) and Haegan Hansen each celebrated the feat at the Shelby Super Duals Saturday, going a combined 9-1 on the mat in the event. At right, Shelby’s Jaylin Henderson scored his 100th career victory at last Wednesday’s quad meet in Holton, celebrating with coach Dustin Dean. • Courtesy Photos

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Pentwater’s Wyatt Roberts drives to the basket for a layup during Friday’s homecoming game against Walkerville. The Falcons won, 72-19 • Connie VanDerZanden/Echo

nal push from them to progress to the (post) season. They’ve got

good material. They know their stuff. We just need that spark.”

Hart cheerleaders show their spirit during a performance Wednesday at the Shelby jamboree. The Pirates, still in the running for a WMC title, finished in 2nd place at the meet. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart and Shelby athletes perform their routines during Wednesday’s WMC jamboree in Shelby. The Pirates edged the Tigers for 2nd place in the meet.

Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart’s Kolton Rockwell goes in for a layup as Hesperia’s Tucker Bolles defends during Tuesday’s game at Hart.

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

SOURCE

Montague senior Hayes accepts no limits

College-bound Eagle Scout

College-bound Eagle Scout recently selfpublished a book, Living Through Autism

recently selfpublished a book,

Living Through Autism

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Montague senior Ben Hayes rejects labels.

Yes, he has autism and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. Yes, he has asthma. No, he's not going to let those things define him or limit what he does in this life.

To wit: Hayes won a Congressional Award gold medal in 2024, Congress's highest honor for civilian children, an award that requires 400 hours of community service, 200 hours of fitness work and 200 hours personal development. He's not only an Eagle Scout - a rank he achieved at age 13, much earlier than most do - but soon after earning that honor, he finished earning every single one of the 139 merit badges the Boy Scouts of America offer, which is a feat achieved by under half of one percent of all Scouts. This fall, he'll be headed to Penn State University-Altoona to study to become a train engineer - his greatest passion. And in January, he self-published a 97-page book sharing many of his experiences, called Living Through Autism. It's available now on Amazon.

This all seemed a very unlikely path for Hayes to walk when he was nonverbal up to age eight, according to an

interview his mom Rebecca Denzer did with WZZM-TV in 2019. Bullied at school, Hayes' school experience was going so poorly Denzer transferred him from Whitehall to Montague.

There, Hayes found himself; he began speaking, joined the Scouts, and turned his love of Thomas the Tank Engine into a YouTube channel, benandthomas31, and a passion for trains that continues to this day. All the while, he said, he's been writing this book.

This all seemed a very unlikely path for Hayes to walk when he was nonverbal up to age eight, according to an

"It's been a long book," Denzer said. "He started it when we moved to Montague when he was in fifth grade. It's just a collection of everything he's been through, emotions and how he's dealt with every step of the way."

8-year-old

college-bound

student. • Courtesy

Denzer, who said she was told by others when he was young that Hayes "would never amount to anything," always had faith in her son to overcome the obstacles he was presented, but even she has been wowed by what he's accomplished over the years.

"As we filled out college applications, and he's getting accepted to all these schools, even direct admissionhe's not even applying, they're askingI'm just in awe because of all the work he's put in," Denzer said. "He never

gave up, even when it was hard."

Never giving up and a hard-line focus on his goals are two of Hayes' core traits, said Chris Aebig. Aebig is active in running the Montague Youth Wrestling Club, through which he's known Hayes throughout middle school and high school.

"Ben has been the master of achieving things that some would label un-

Ben Hayes continued on page 2

continued on page 2

Whitehall hosts 2nd women's sports celebration

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — For the second straight year, Whitehall assistant basketball coach Emily MacArthur put together a National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration around the district Wednesday morning - but this year, the event got beefed up even more.

Just as in 2025, the day began with the female athletes at Whitehall, along with several girls coaches, marching through Shoreline and Ealy elementary schools and Whitehall Middle School. The group high-fived students and celebrated school spirit. (The middle school pep band even performed as the Viking girls proceeded through that building.) However, this time, 2025 guest speaker Courtney Kust, the Hope College women's basketball associate head coach, was joined by three other prominent Michigan-based women who work in sports: former Fruitport volleyball coach Nicole Bayle, Hope College mental health performance consultant KK Roman and Beacon Health Services athletic training manager Kara Werner-Sanders.

The added time meant the girls' athletes missed school lunch, but instead they received the treat of having Papa's Pizza, which donated a meal to the

•

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

event.

The added time meant the girls' athletes missed school lunch, but instead they received the treat of having Papa's Pizza, which donated a meal to the

"I was definitely honored," Bayle said of being asked to be part of the day. "I've known Coach MacArthur from working together in an elementary school in Fruitport, and when she reached out, I was excited. I think it's an awesome thing that Whitehall is doing for their high school athletes and definitely a cool opportunity to have a voice and talk about the amazing things that I think West Michigan is doing for their female student-athletes."

Each speaker shared thoughts about

growth and development of female athletes, but none of them emphasized what's done between the lines, noting the more important things sports do for female athletes happen far from game time.

Kust encouraged athletes to write down an "anchor statement," challenging the Vikings to consider what they bring to their team regardless of their playing time or results. She also im-

plored them to move past a fear of failure, using the example of former Florida basketball star Patric Young, who had a successful pro career overseas but became a paraplegic in a 2022 car accident. She cited news stories in which Young has since turned the thought, "What if I never walk again?" to the

Ben Hayes

Montague senior Ben Hayes, seen here on one of his many volunteer service projects, has transformed from a nonverbal 8-year-old to an Eagle Scout, Congressional Award gold medal winner, active athlete and a college-bound student. • Courtesy Photo

The front cover of Montague senior Ben Hayes' new book, Living Through Autism. The book is available on Amazon.

Courtesy Photo

Whitehall assistant girls basketball coach Emily MacArthur (center) celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day with the four guest speakers who presented at Wednesday's event at the Viking Athletic Center. From left are Kara Werner-Sanders, Nicole Bayle, Courtney Kust and KK Roman. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall senior Emily VanDam (in gray) grins at Shoreline Elementary students while marching through as part of Wednesday's National Girls and Women in Sports Day event.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

Photo

The front cover of Montague senior Ben Hayes' new book, Living Through Autism. The book is available on Amazon. • Courtesy Photo

Whitehall senior Emily VanDam (in gray) grins at Shoreline Elementary students while marching through as part of Wednesday's National Girls and Women in Sports Day event.

Montague senior Ben Hayes, seen here on one of his many volunteer service projects, has transformed from a nonverbal

Eagle Scout, Congressional Award gold medal winner, active athlete and a

student. • Courtesy Photo

The front cover of Montague senior Ben Hayes' new book, Living Through Autism. The book is available on Amazon. • Courtesy Photo

Whitehall senior Emily VanDam (in gray) grins at Shoreline Elementary students while marching through as part of Wednesday's National Girls and Women in Sports Day event.

Andy Roberts/Mirror

Women in Sports

more empowering "Even if I never walk again..." and said athletes should apply that same mindset to being a good leader and teammate.

Bayle too embraced the idea of not fearing failure. A high school and college volleyball star before her coaching days, Bayle shared anecdotes of shanking a pass to lose the state semifinal match for her team as a senior and of incorrectly writing out the lineup prior to the finals match in her first season as a varsity coach. She did so to remind players that failure is inevitable, but it's also healthy.

"That first piece of failure is really humbling," Bayle said. "It can really make an athlete or a kid crumble in their self-confidence, but knowing that in the past, people who you look up to, athletes, professionals, all those people, failure is what leads them to their path to being able to succeed, is a big part of it. It's not a fun part, for sure, but it is a huge part of being able to learn how to be a successful athlete, person and leader."

Roman discussed mental health challenges, citing a personal example of having five varsity girls basketball coaches in her four years at Traverse City West, one of whom passed away - a challenge she felt she'd have benefited from help overcoming. She cited star female athletes like Simone Biles and Coco Gauff, who have been public about mental health, as role models and had the Vikings stand up and verbally say positive affirmations about themselves.

Werner-Sanders, though a physical

Ben Hayes

achievable," Aebig said. "That's one thing about Ben, when he has that goal and that direction, he's going to do the best he can to get to that point."

Hayes' pursuit of trains as a career led him to PSU-Altoona, which says it offers the U.S.'s only bachelor's degree in rail transportation engineering that is accredited by ABET (formerly Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). He said his original plan involved going to school in California, but financial considerations led to Pennsylvania instead.

"When we learned how expensive California is, we decided to try and find a different location," Hayes said. "Penn State is closer to Michigan, so my mom can see me sometimes when necessary."

Hayes' chosen career path isn't just because he loves trains, though; he views them as an important part of America's infrastructure, and he wants to help people. His willingness to put in elbow grease and do his part can be seen all the time, but one notable example comes in the winter, when he can often be found shoveling neighbors' driveways.

"I want to work on the railroad because working hard and working on locomotives is work most people don't do, but people need railroads, especially Amtrak," Hayes said. "I want to be helpful to other people, and also I want to do stuff to get better - better myself and better the planet."

Sports has helped Hayes Hayes found an outlet for some of

continued from page 1

trainer, also focused on mental health in her remarks, urging athletes to embrace a growth mindset rather than a fixed one and to lean into the challenges they face, both as athletes and as women. Werner-Sanders said after an injury-plagued high school career (part of what led her to her training career), she walked onto the softball team at Carroll University in Wisconsin as an undergrad, playing in memory of a friend who had passed away, and became an all-conference player.

"What can I get better at?" Werner-Sanders told the girls to ask, adding that athletes should "lower our defenses" and accept help when needed.

They were all messages that resonated for the Viking athletes, including senior Kate Beda and junior Clare Westerlund. The march through the schools also spoke volumes to them about how they are viewed.

"You walk through, and you see little kids (say), 'Oh my gosh, I know her. She reffed me,'" Westerlund said. "They say little things, and you realize that people are watching you. I don't even recognize some of the kids that are saying, 'Oh my gosh, I know her,' and it's like they're watching you. It's just super cool to see how cool you look (to the younger kids)."

Beda, who is graduating in May and plans to play soccer at Lawrence Tech University next year, is excited to take lessons learned from her years in sports, and events like Wednesday's, and put them into practice.

"Sports are just the time of the day where I can forget about school. I can

forget about grades," Beda said. "I can forget about everything that goes on at home, all those kinds of things. And you can just come (be) with your friends. It's

a sense of community. It's a place where you can work hard and get better every day. I love that feeling. There's nothing that replaces that feeling."

continued from page 1

his determination and energy after moving to Montague, when he began playing football, running track and wrestling.

Football didn't ultimately stick - by high school he was playing soccer - but wrestling and track certainly did.

Hayes tirelessly works to get better at his sports. He often chooses to walk 3.5 miles each way from his Whitehall home to team practices as a way to get focused, and routinely puts in extra time beyond that to get better. While he's not a star athlete in terms of the results in competition, it's hard to argue Hayes hasn't done all he can to reach his athletic ceiling.

After years of putting in the work, Hayes finally got a true moment of glory at the Ravenna Invitational in January, pinning a North Muskegon opponent in his first-round match. He'd won matches by forfeit before, but that was the first time he'd ever defeated a varsity opponent.

"I was at the head table, and it was on mat two right in front of me and all of a sudden the crowd erupted, and I looked down, and it was Ben on top, so he had gotten a takedown in the first period," Aebig said; he often does public address for area wrestling tournaments and was working the Ravenna meet. "That drew my attention over there. The kid stood up and Ben was right back on the leg, took him down again, another three points, and I'm just like, 'Holy smokes. This is awesome.' We got to the second period, and I grabbed my phone...so I got premium video of his win."

Aebig said he was getting emotional after Hayes completed his pin, excitedly texting members of the Montague wrestling family to let them know what had happened.

"My first wrestling win, I didn't expect at all, but I played my cards correctly and (boom), a pin," Hayes succinctly described it.

It was through wrestling that Hayes met his now-fiancee, Jazmyne Tysko, who wrestled for Orchard View and is now on the women's team at Muskegon Community College. Tysko said they met at a 2024 meet when Hayes asked to take a photo with her, and after they later connected on Facebook, she asked him out - in German.

She later learned about Hayes' book, and after getting a chance to read it, seeing his thoughts on paper brought tears to her eyes.

"I don't know how to put it in words," Tysko said. "He's very accomplished. He's got the drive. He's got

everything that I never (could have) expected. He definitely surprises me every day."

Hayes will not leave Montague holding school records, but there's no question he will leave an impact. Hayes not only never misses a varsity practice but also helps out the next generation. He's a common sight at the Montague youth club's practices, advising younger wrestlers on their moves.

"I'm going to miss him as much as we're going to miss the Fletcher Thommens of the world, the ones that are the high-achieving (with) 150 wins," Aebig said. "Ben, with the level of commitment and the attitude that he has, I'm going to miss him...in a very similar way. The attitude he carries, if you could have athletes have half the commitment and the ability to overcome adversity that Ben has shown for all his years in middle school and high school, I just think about how far we could go."

Montague senior Ben Hayes (top) wrestles against Mason County Central's Alexis Lathrop during the Jan. 28 Montague Quad. Hayes, active in the school's youth club, earned his first on-mat victory Jan. 3 at Ravenna, a reward for years of tireless work to improve.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

A Shoreline Elementary student shows their school spirit by displaying a Whitehall sign during Wednesday's National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration in the district.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall girls athletes high-five Shoreline Elementary students during Wednesday's National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebrations. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Saturday, Feb. 7

White Lake Wanderland activities continue through Sunday. Check out whitelakesnowfarmers.org for a full schedule.

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.

Valentine's Kids Craft @ Rivers Ace Hardware in Whitehall, 10 a.m. Join in person to make adorable Valentines-themed crafts that will warm hearts. Free event, but reservations necessary @ eventbrite.com.

Nina Sofia performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 9

Family Storytime @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to join for stories, music,

Community Calendar

and movement. No registration required.

Tuesday, Feb. 10

Toddler Story Time @ MADL Montague, 9:30 a.m. Stories, songs and play time. Intended for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

Baby Time @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Bring your littlest ones – ages 0-2 – to Baby Time for songs, music, and movement.

Grounding with Sound @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Sound bathing invites participants to lie down or sit comfortably, close their eyes, and listen to resonant sounds produced by various instruments. Participants encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or blanket. Chairs will also be available. Registration encouraged @ wlclib.org.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Protecting Your Identity workshop @ White Lake Community Library, 1 p.m. Stay a step ahead of online scams and fraud. A representative from HarborLight Credit Union will guide participants through today’s most common digital threats and share simple strategies for building a stronger online defense. Light snacks provided.

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.

Dying to Talk to You @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Humorous and heartfelt stories from hospice volunteer and author Dave Kampfschulte. Registration requested @ wlclib.org.

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

Thursday, Feb. 12

1-2-3

Play With Me @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. This play and learn is designed for caregivers and children 0-5 and features an early childhood specialist available at every session to answer any parenting questions you may have. Registration encouraged @ wlclib. org.

Friday, Feb. 13 Play and Learn @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Children 5 and under, along with their caregivers, will enjoy an hour of stories, songs, and playtime.

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!

Jack Leaver performs @ White Lake Eagles, 7 p.m.

Echoes of History: Citizens - Schroeder Sisters (Pt.

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

Part 1 of this story ran in the Jan. 30 issue of the White Lake Mirror.

By June 1885, G. C. Funk, the husband of Johanna Schroeder, had hired four tailors to help keep up with all the orders for new suits and things.

A written ad for Funk that appeared in March 1887 confirmed the location as the Covell block but there was no mention of the post office due to the fact it had moved by that time.

In September 1888 Funk had renovated his store and was putting in the largest and finest line of goods ever exhibited in the area.

An awning was installed over the Funk & Mangold storefront in 1889.

In June 1890 Funk’s ad indicated he was now located one door west of the opera house, which had been built in 1882 by E. M. Ruggles. It was located on the north side of Colby west of the alley (now the area of the Century building).

Following the devastating fire in

September 1890 Funk relocated to the Mears Block, which was located on the south side of Colby street, between the alley and Mears Avenue, across the street from the former Covell Block.

In March 1893 it was announced that G. C. Funk was thinking about going west with his tailoring business. He had plenty of business here in the summer, but the winter was much slower. Funk was a first-class tailor, so many wearers of well-made garments would not like to see him go. In the end, he decided to stay.

In November 1893 Funk was burned out of his shop in the Mears Block, along with Reed Clothing and Conley Drugs. He then moved to the Green Block and set up his business again. In December 1901 he moved from the Green Block to a building opposite the Forum office (exact location unknown).

Johanna Funk died April 7, 1913. When she died, in addition to her husband and children, she was survived by two brothers in Rothbury and her

Louise. Her mother, a brother and two sisters were still living at the old homestead in Germany. She is buried in Oakhurst Cemetery.

G. C. Funk retired in 1927 after over

Come to the library for winter break fun

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

So much fun is planned for kids and families during the school break! We have a variety of activities for all ages planned throughout the week.

(Just don’t plan to visit us Monday, Feb. 16 - we will be closed for staff training.) In addition to the regular weekly Baby Time on Tuesday at 9:30, 1-2-3 Play With Me workshop on Thursday at 5:30, and Play & Learn Friday at 9:30, there will be some extra fun for kids all week long.

Check out the new Pokémon scavenger hunt, available anytime during open hours - find them all to win a small prize. You are also invited to drop in Wednesday, Feb. 18, between 3-4 p.m. for a Pokémon crafting event. Participants will use their imagination

to create Pokémon-themed projects. This hands-on program encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and a love of art while celebrating the world of Pokémon. All supplies will be provided, and no prior crafting experience is needed. Perfect for Pokémon fans of all ages - catch some creativity and craft them all!

Last but not least, area teens and tweens are invited to an afternoon hangout Friday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. Youth ages 10 and up can enjoy video games, board games, snacks, and more.

All events are free and registration is not required. For more information, visit wlclib.org/calendar.

Upcoming Programs for Adults

Adults have no excuse to stay home and complain about the weather this week when there are so many great programs happening at the library!

On Monday, the Knit, Crochet, & Connect group will be in the Legacy room from 3-5 p.m., and our Cookbook Club meets from 5:30-7 p.m. to taste and discuss sweet potato or Brussels sprout recipes. On Wednesday, stop by at 1 p.m. for a workshop on protecting

your digital identity with HarborLight Credit Union and then come back to the library at 5:30 for an uplifting talk from longtime hospice volunteer Dave Kampfschulte. We’ll end the week Saturday with our quarterly book sale where most items are priced at $2 or less, and just $5 for a whole bagful. Come early for the best selection! Find out more about any of these happenings at wlclib.org/calendar.

FUN FACT: Dice are one of the oldest gaming tools in the world. Some have been found at archaeological sites that are around 5,000 years old. Turns out humans have always loved leaving important decisions up to chance. We’re planning an Adult Game Night at the Library and want your input before we roll the dice. If you’re interested in board games, card games, video games, or just some low-pressure fun, please take a moment to complete our short survey (https://bit.ly/wlcladultgamenight) and tell us when you’re most likely to attend.

Library Closed Monday, Feb. 16

The library will be closed for staff training Monday, Feb. 16. We appreci-

ate your patience as we work to better serve the community. Please come visit us any other day that week - we have many fun things planned for kids and families during the school break, plus two yoga classes for adults. And don’t forget about our many downloadable and streaming options that are available 24/7 with your library card and an internet-connected device! From ebooks and audiobooks to movies and music, you’ll find something for everyone. More info at wlclib.org/digital-library.

DeMumbrum

sister

50 years in the tailoring business. He died at his daughter Martha’s home in Whitehall May 7, 1931, and is also buried in Oakhurst Cemetery.

C1889 – Covell Block on the north side of Colby Street between the alley and Mears Avenue. At the time it contained (L) Reed’s Clothing, (M) G. C. Funk Tailor, F. P. Mangold Jewelry, and (R) W. B. Conley’s Whitehall Drugs. The Masonic Temple had facilities on the second floor. The building was destroyed on 18 September 1890 when the second major fire visited the area. • Courtesy Photo

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community Westerlund carries Vikings to rivalry win

Junior star goes for 26 points, 12 rebounds vs. Montague

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Basketball can be a complicated sport to the layperson, but at times the action on the court can be simplified: If one player is pouring in baskets, just give them the ball.

That's what Whitehall did with Clare Westerlund during Friday night's rivalry contest with Montague, leading to a 26-point, 12-rebound performance in a 43-27 win.

Viking guards took notice that the junior forward was on a heater and threw her the ball over and over in the second quarter, resulting in five buckets. To cap it off, Westerlund made a three-pointer at the buzzer, bumping her first-half point total to 19 and Whitehall's lead to 28-14.

"When someone's hot, like she was in the first half, we don't have to get too cute with things," Whitehall coach Brian Milliron said. "Just feed her and let her work. I thought the girls identified that and did a great job doing it, but we didn't force it."

What made Westerlund's first-half explosion even more impressive was that she wasn't just bulling her way to the lane and scoring. On a few occasions she made nifty moves in the post that froze her Wildcat defenders enough to create an open shot.

That's the result, Milliron said, of Westerlund's hard work in the offseason on her footwork.

defends for the Wildcats during Friday's game.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

"There's not a huge secret sauce when it comes to stuff like that," Milliron said. "You know what you've got to do; put the time in and do it. Clare Westerlund, as a junior, has made a huge jump when it comes to that."

"You can't really do much in season," Westerlund added. "You're not working on your skills. You're more working on your team things. You have to work in the offseason to do that. (I) and a few of my teammates have been able to get in the gym often in the summertime, and that helps a lot."

Aiding Westerlund's explosion was some early foul trouble for Montague (3-10, 2-5 West Michigan Conference

Vikes score win

continued on page 5

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

had 13 second-quarter points in the

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall 5th, Montague 6th at Shelby meet

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

SHELBY — Whitehall, which has battled injury throughout the season, took fifth place Wednesday at the West Michigan Conference jamboree in Shelby, with just one more league meet left.

The Vikings will get to host that one next Wednesday; it's a make-up of a snowout from earlier this season.

The Vikings scored 635.14 points, but their fifth-place finish was somewhat deceiving as it was only about 51.5 points behind the jamboree winner, North Muskegon. The WMC has been closer this season at the top than in past years, when a pecking order often established itself early and rarely changed much.

Whitehall might have been even better but for a tough round three. The Vikings entered the final round in second place after an impressive 192.04 points in round two, which ranked second and was well clear of much of their competition. The final round, though, resulted in a 236.2-point score, which knocked the Vikings backwards.

Assistant coach Claire English, just a couple seasons out of high school cheer herself, said she's been im-

pressed with the Vikings' resilience over the course of the season. No doubt injury issues played a factor in the final round, which always features the most difficult - and collaborative - stunts of any of the three, requiring precise timing that's hard to develop in a short time.

"With having different girls out almost every single week, I feel like, with injuries, our team has really stepped up and is coming to learn each round, whether they're in it that week or not,"

English said. "They're always ready to go in if need be. We just have a really supportive group of girls."

English added that the Vikings have made catching up to Hart, which placed second Wednesday, their goal. That likely gives them something in common with the rest of the league, as the Pirates are pursuing their seventh

straight league championship.

A more manageable goal, though, has been improvement, and the Vikings seem to be poised for success achieving that.

"Beating ourselves (from the week

Whitehall's Clare Westerlund tries to hold onto the ball while, from left, Montague's Annelyse Schneider, Addi Smith and Marguerite O'Connell grab at it during Friday's game at Whitehall. Westerlund had a huge game in Whitehall's 43-27 win.

Whitehall's Kayden Johnson is wrapped up by Montague's Molly Mulder while Gabby Dietz also

Whitehall's Clare Westerlund high-fives assistant coach and uncle Derek Westerlund after knocking down a buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the first half of the Vikings' 43-27 win over Montague. Westerlund

win.

Whitehall assembles for a massive collaborative stunt during Wednesday's WMC jamboree in Shelby. The Vikings finished in 5th place to Montague's 6th in the meet.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague athletes get together during their first-round performance at Wednesday's WMC jamboree in Shelby.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Vikes win home duals, Thommen hits milestone

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall went 5-0 Friday to defend its home mat and earn the Rick Champion Duals championship.

The Vikings defeated Byron Center, Newaygo, Belding, Tri-County and Hudsonville to pick up the trophy.

Hudsonville scores had not been reported at time of publication. In the other four matches, the Vikings were led by eight 4-0 wrestlers. Kolten Weiler recorded pins in all four of those matches, and Liam Leeke and Colten Kyser each pinned three of their opponents.

Robert Belinger, Blake Wallace and Dom Zygmuntowski recorded two pins apiece - Belinger and Zygmuntowski also had a technical fall each - and Cody Manzo also scored four wins, including one each by pin, technical fall and major decision. Isaac O'Boyle won all three of his matches; he didn't take the mat against Newaygo.

Thommen earns 150th win

Montague senior Fletcher Thommen joined rarefied air for a Wildcat Saturday at the team's home Randy Jacobs Duals, earning his 150th career victory.

Thommen is only the fifth Wildcat to achieve that milestone mark, said coach Kris Maddox, and

the third to do so since Maddox took the head coach position. He was 4-1 on the day, scoring three pins and a technical fall.

As a team, the Wildcats went 2-3, defeating North Muskegon 65-18 and Holton 41-37. The team suffered a disappointing loss by tiebreaker criteria against Northview, 42-41, and dropped matches to Spring Lake (60-16) and Otsego (5327).

"There were many times today where our guys were just not as focused and excited to compete as we have been in the last few weeks," Maddox said. "We have to learn to celebrate all our successes, no matter how small they are, and keep building upon them."

In addition to Thommen, three other Wildcats posted 4-1 records. Maverick Osborne scored pins in all four of his wins, and Gavyn Maddox and Isaac French each pinned three opponents and had one major decision. Kenneth Heaton added a 3-1 record, and Michael Jones went 3-2.

"We were tested at every weight class, which is exactly what we were looking for this time of year," Maddox said. "Every one of our wrestlers had strong competition throughout the day. If we are not putting our guys in a position to be tested, then we are failing

Vikes score win

Lakes). Annelyse Schneider, the main defender on Westerlund, was called for her second foul of the game late in the first quarter, both on rebounds. That forced her to the bench. Westerlund quickly took advantage, scoring on a nifty pick and roll with Peyton Schultz and dishing out an assist to Emma Decker over the next couple of minutes.

Montague coach Jess DeBruin unfortunately was given a frontrow seat to Westerlund's huge half as the Wildcat bench was on that side of the court in the first half, and there was no magic solution to slow her down.

"Unfortunately, there's not much you can do," DeBruin said with respect to when a player gets rolling like that. "She's a great player, and she figured it out against us. I would have done that same thing, kept going at us. It's just a matter of adjusting and doing what we're supposed to do. There were a lot of times where we just didn't do that, and it shows."

Whitehall (5-8, 4-3 WMC Lakes) maintained its double-digit lead throughout the second half as the Wildcats struggled to get offense going. It took nearly five

as coaches. It was a very competitive tournament, and probably the most competitive Randy Jacobs Tournament I have been part of."

Rockets 4-1 at Shelby Duals

Reeths-Puffer went 4-1 at Saturday's Shelby Super Duals, with the Rockets' only defeat coming against event champion Fruitport.

R-P lost that match 43-24, but recorded victories over Mason County Central (75-4), Decatur (43-32), Kent City (36-35) and Sparta (64-15).

Three Rockets earned perfect records on the day. Aiden Neal pinned all five of his opponents, and Hunter Eek recorded three pins, a technical fall and a close decision. Landon Learn went 4-0, with three pins and a technical fall.

continued from page 4

minutes for them to score in the fourth quarter before Schneider finally ended the drought with a three-pointer. Gentry Knop led Montague with 10 points.

Turnovers, a common issue for the Wildcats this year, were again Friday. As Westerlund noted, skill development rarely occurs in-season, so there may be limits on what Montague can do to improve in that regard, but DeBruin is hoping an emphasis on "the little things" can produce better results.

"I preach it to them every day," DeBruin said. "They've got to work on the little things to get the big things. Those little things are just being there on defense, guarding

the person, getting a good shot, cutting to the basket. Those little things will all lead to big successes in the end, and we weren't doing those little things."

The Vikings are hoping the fact that they were able to build on a strong win over Mason County Central with another impressive game is a sign that their good play will continue.

"The momentum is great," Westerlund said. "I think that winning that game was a huge thing for us, because we had the energy, and (playing) Montague gives us 10 times more energy, so I think that it's just three games in a row (that we've played well) now."

Sports in Brief

Boys Basketball

Jenison 56 Reeths-Puffer 49

Marvin Moore scored 24 points for the Rockets, but the team did not have enough offense to steal the win. Ludington 84 Whitehall 59

The Orioles have beaten all but 1 WMC Lakes foe by 20-plus points, and they did so again Monday, making 13 three-pointers. Corde Anderson had 16 points and 8 rebounds to lead the Vikings. Reeths-Puffer 54 Byron Center 49

The Rockets hit 7 three-pointers in the first quarter to build a 15-point lead, then hung on for the win. Marvin Moore had 14 points, with Hank Mitchelson chipping in 11 and Rodney walkr scoring 10. Whitehall 66 Big Rapids 48

Corde Anderson had a big night for the Vikings, with 26 points and 16 rebounds. Elijah Smith scored 13 points and Alex Winczewski had 10. Ravenna 52 Montague 36

It was a tough night for the Wildcats, who got off to slow starts in each half in the loss. Cole Herremans had 8 points to lead Montague. Muskegon 64 Reeths-Puffer 25

The Rockets' Artis Williams scored 8 points, but the Big Reds continued their dominance over all O-K Green opponents.

Girls Basketball

Reeths-Puffer 53 Jenison 43

Ashlyn David and Raquel Walker led the Rockets with 15 and 14 points respectively. Abrianna Do had 9 points and 12 rebounds. Byron Center 44 Reeths-Puffer 30

The Rockets were down 16-2 after a quarter and couldn't recover. Ashlyn David had a team-best 13 points.

Muskegon 58 Reeths-Puffer 31

The Rockets trailed 25-9 at halftime and could never catch up. Raquel Walker and Ashlyn David each scored 10 points for R-P.

Wrestling

Reeths-Puffer 50 Muskegon 15

The Rockets rolled in an O-K Green dual meet, highlighted by Aiden Neal, Lyric Stewart, Devin Welch and Braxton VanHohenstein each winning by pin. Travis Henderson scored a technical fall.

Cheer

Reeths-Puffer 3rd at home O-K Green finals

R-P scored 740.26 points to finish 3rd behind power programs Jenison and Byron Center. The Rockets edged Mona Shores by 3 points, highlighted by a 217.8-point performance in round two. Reeths-Puffer, Montague compete at

Hockey

Grosse Ile 5 Reeths-Puffer 4

Reeths-Puffer scored 3 straight goals to go ahead 3-2 in the 2nd period, but allowed the next 3 goals. Tyler Cuti had 2 goals, and Rohan Moyer and Hayden Taylor each recorded 3 assists.

R-P's Shackelford wins 145-pound title at Fennville Sidney Shackelford went 3-0 to claim the top spot at the Fennville girls meet. She scored a pin and a decision, then won by major decision in the finals. Brooklyn Colson finished 3rd at 125 pounds.

Montague's Addi Smith (left) and Marguerite O'Connell battle Whitehall's Peyton Schultz for a loose ball during Friday's game at Whitehall. The Vikings won, 43-27. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Max Krukowski (top) keeps Newaygo's Jayden Kopp pinned to the mat during Friday's Rick Champion Duals in Whitehall. The Vikings won all five of their matches to win the event title. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague wrestler Fletcher Thommen celebrates his 150th career victory during Saturday's Randy Jacobs Memorial Duals. Thommen is just the fifth Wildcat to achieve the milestone.

• Courtesy Photo

Whitehall 2-0 at Fremont Quad

The Vikings dominated with easy wins over Fremont (72-6) and Manistee (71-6). Many wins came by forfeit, but the Vikings did get 2 pins each from Tommy Leeke and Kolten Weiler. Hunter Peterson had a pin and a technical fall for the Vikings, who stayed unbeaten in the league. Montague 2-0 at Oakridge Quad Montague rolled to wins over Ludington (59-21) and Oakridge (70-10). The 'Cats senior boys went 2-0: Ben Hayes, Fletcher Thommen, Kaiden Jeffery, Michael Jones, Isaac French and Maverick Osborne. James DeYoung, Tony Garcia, Jon Mueller and Gavyn Maddox were also 2-0. Reeths-Puffer 61 Mona Shores 18

Max Knowlton, Zayden Zlotnicki, Tanner Cowles and Devin Welch earned pin victories for the Rockets in a big rivalry win.

Whitehall's Easton Wisniewski works towards extra points against Newaygo's Christian Crisler during Friday's Rick Champion Duals. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Hot-shooting Vikes outrun Montague

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Hot Whitehall shooting and great rebounding by Corde Anderson was enough to help the Vikings retain the Bridge trophy for another year Friday night against rival Montague in a 72-56 victory.

In a fast-paced game marked by the Wildcats' efforts to press Whitehall throughout, Viking shooters knocked down 9-of-21 three-point attempts, and Anderson had an impressive double-double, with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

"If you take your eyes off him for a second, or look up for the shot, he's already making his way to get a rebound, and you might lose (him)," Whitehall assistant coach Marcelo Conklin said of Anderson. "He just works hard, and he creates a lot of extra opportunities for us. He's a beast on the boards, and it definitely helps us a ton."

Montague entered the game with a plan to make the game fast, believing it would be able to score points. However, the Vikings proved difficult to slow down on the other end.

"I thought that scoring on these guys wouldn't be the problem. Stopping them is the issue," Montague coach Nick Thaler said. "Corde is a load inside. You know what he's going to do, but It's hard to stop him. Then we tried to pick up the pace a little bit, and you can see that with them scoring 72 (points)."

Whitehall (6-9, 4-3 West Michigan Conference Lakes) came out of the gates knocking down shots, drilling four treys in the first quarter. The Vikes took a 10-3 lead early on before Montague quickly rallied behind seven consecutive points from Cole Herremans to get within two points, 16-14.

Whitehall's hot shooting continued, though, and Pierce Westerlund's longrange shot, his second of the first quarter, put Whitehall back ahead comfortably at 24-16 after one.

Offensive rebounding was a factor in the Vikings' three-point success, as the home team snagged 12 boards on that end to create second chances. Ander-

WMC cheer

before) is always our main goal," English said. "Of course, we want to be first place, but it's not always attainable, especially when we're under pressure like this. Our goal every single week is just to beat our last score."

Montague took sixth, scoring 611.8 points. Coach Penny Grinage-Guy was satisfied with the performance, saying the Wildcats had been running seventh in the league in prior meets. The Wildcats had an excellent third round, with 270.4 points, which ranked third in the conference and was only 1.6 points behind first-place North Muskegon.

Two Wildcats are only just now returning from injury, Grinage-Guy said, and still can't compete in the final two rounds due to the added stress it would put on those ailments. However, the results were still solid, and the coach said she feels her team is jelling at the right time.

"They're starting to work as a team," Grinage-Guy said. "They're starting to understand that you can't just walk out there without practicing. I was very pleased with their performance, even if we would have stayed seventh like

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

son had five of those.

"When they get offensive rebounds and then get those threes on those offensive rebounds, it's a backbreaker," Thaler said. "It's hard to come back from those."

The Wildcats (0-14, 0-7 WMC Lakes) played with a solid effort that belied their winless season record, and it was that effort that Thaler took heart in even though the Vikings pulled away in the second half, ballooning their lead over 20 at one point. Herremans led all scorers for Montague, pouring in 19 points.

"You're going to have years where it's just not going your way," Thaler said. "We've been in a lot of contests where the games have been close, and we're just not able to finish right. We're not able to get that loose ball. We're not able to get that rebound that we do need and then get an extra possession. Sometimes that's just basketball.

"You've seen that from the beginning of the year to now, we've gotten a lot better. Getting into tournament time, we're going to be ready for it because we've put these guys in situations where they're going to struggle and battle that adversity."

Alex Winczewski was a big reason Whitehall's lead grew as it did in the

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

second half, going for a team-high 18 points. He also passed out four assists, which fit the offensive theme of the game for the Vikes; 16 of 28 field goals were assisted.

"When they're confident, and they're shooting it well, it's definitely nice," Conklin said. "They move it around. They share it. When guys are hitting shots, they look for each other. It's definitely nice when we can get in a groove and get all our guys knocking shots down."

While his statistical contributions were not huge - he had seven pointsthe return of Hunter Osborne to the lineup no doubt helped the Vikings as well. Osborne, playing his first game since December, helped keep things running smoothly on offense and brings a different level of "defensive intensity," Conklin said.

Westerlund scored 13 points for Whitehall and Evan Thomas added 11. Rex Pumford passed out five assists.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

we've been. As a coach, when things start jelling together, you get excited. We have two and a half more weeks, and I'm excited to see where we can go.

"We're finally healthy. We're finally coming to practice. We're putting forth effort. They're finally starting to click."

Whitehall's Elijah Smith drives for a layup past Montague's Logan Hansen during Friday's game at Whitehall. The Vikings won, 72-56. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall students brought a big-time atmosphere to Friday's game against Montague by setting up a broadcast booth to work the game as if they were ESPN commentators.

Whitehall's Corde Anderson heads for the basket during Friday's game against Montague. Anderson had 13 points and 11 rebounds in Whitehall's 72-56 win.

Whitehall and Montague cheerleaders perform routines during Wednesday's WMC jamboree in Shelby. The Vikings finished 5th in a closely contested racejust over 50 points separated Whitehall from first-place North Muskegon - and Montague ended up in 6th place.

Whitehall 2nd in GMAA boys bowling meet; R-P's Copenhaver wins boys title

Whitehall and Reeths-Puffer each had something to be very pleased about after Wednesday's GMAA finals, played at Sherman Lanes. Rocket star Liam Copenhaver won the individual championship, and Whitehall's team defeated R-P in the bracket semifinals on the way to taking second place.

After Whitehall's win in the semifinals, the Vikings fell to Mona Shores in the title match, 414-365. Copenhaver, in individual play, bowled a spectacular 287 in

St.

Patrick's Day comes early with Langford Lads performance at The Playhouse

Audiences can begin their St. Patrick's Day celebrations at the start of March, with Irish and American Folk from The Langford Lads Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at The Playhouse at White Lake.

The Norton Shores-based Langford Lads are a sonically stunning trio where the intersection of Irish and American Folk music meets in a tapestry of tone that is woven in wood and wire. Their performances blend lively instrumentals, heartfelt vocals, and engaging storytelling to captivate audiences of all ages. Their repertoire is varied, ranging from toe-tapping reels/jigs to soulful ballads, featuring both instrumental and vocals.

The Langford Lads shows are known for their signature informal, engaging vibe, with plenty of energy, spontaneous banter, and a strong connection between the band and the audience.

More than just a concert, it’s described as a shared experience. Celebrate the Irish in all of us with a tribute to Irish and American Folk music with The Langford Lads.

Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 the day of the show, available at City of Whitehall during business hours and pre-show at The Playhouse box office.

Two speakers set to be part of Chamber Music Society series

The White Lake Chamber Music Society's 2025-26 White Lake Winter Speaker Series is continuing in February and March, aiming to turn the drudgery of cold, winter months into a reason to come together, strengthening community ties and bringing greater vibrancy to the White Lake area.

Both lectures will take place at 7 p.m. at the Book Nook & Java Shop. Free will donations will be accepted.

Lazaro Vega, Jazz Director at Blue Lake Public Radio and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, will share a lecture Tuesday, Feb. 24 on "Great Jazz Solos" - a ‘down through the years’ retrospective, with an emphasis on music of the 1920s and 1930s.

On Tuesday, March 31, Foley Schuler will present "A Frenchman in Omaha: On the Road with Ravel" as he combines two of his great loves, travel and the composer Maurice Ravel, in this allnew presentation - a multimedia fantasia detailing various stops on the celebrated French musician’s four-month, nearly 20-city tour of America in 1928.

To see Ravel in motion, and against the colorful backdrop of America – not to mention America’s reaction at the seemingly exotic Frenchman – gives fresh insight into his unique music and life.

his first game to propel him to the top spot. Adel Ali-Redha finished second for Whitehall. Montague took seventh as a team.

In the girls' GMAA, Whitehall finished third, losing to Mona Shores in the bracket semifinals. Madi Wiggins of the Vikings earned the lone top-10 individual finish among area bowlers, coming in fifth place. In the team standings, Montague was fifth and R-P took sixth.

Get CPR certified at Senior Center class

In honor of American Heart Month, White Lake CPR Training is hosting a hands-on CPR certification class focused on empowering our community to save lives. The class will take place at the White Lake Senior Center in Montague Saturday, Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join to learn the latest updated CPR guidelines for adults, youth, and infants, and gain the confidence to act in an emergency.

This course includes certification

upon completion, along with an e-card and course book. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, parent, or simply want to be prepared, this class is a meaningful way to support heart health and emergency readiness.

The cost to participate is $65, plus e-card and book fee. A discounted rate is available for school employees.

Limited seating is available. Contact White Lake CPR Training LLC through its Facebook page to register and help make a difference.

K of C fish fry season set to begin Feb. 13

The Knights of Columbus organization of St. James Catholic Church will again be serving their award winning fish dinners beginning Feb. 13. Dinners will be served each Friday until March 27.

The cost is $18 per person for dinein. Online and carry-out orders are $19 per person. Each dinner includes a choice of wild freshwater perch, wild freshwater walleye or breaded farmraised shrimp (or a perch/shrimp combo or a walleye/shrimp combo) and includes a baked potato or french fries, coleslaw, dinner roll and a surprise dessert. Fish servings are eight ounces in size.

Meals will be served in the St. James Parish Hall from 4:30-7 p.m.

Curbside pickup is available only by ordering online at https://kofc12985fishfry.square.site. Also, for pickup in the church narthex, please call 231-292-9005.

Payment options are cash, checks (made out to K of C 12985) or credit / debit cards. There will be a 3% charge for credit/debit card use.

All fish fry dinner profits will again be donated by the Knights of Columbus to causes helping the underserved.

During the first Lenten fish dinner Feb. 13, all armed forces personnel, veterans, police, firefighters and emergency first responders will have a special dinner price of only $8.

The Knights of Columbus fish fries, a popular feature of the Lenten season, will begin Friday, Feb. 13 and continue each Friday through the end of March. (The photo shown is from the 2024 season.) • Andy Roberts/Mirror File

The Langford Lads, an Irish/American folk band, will bring their unique performance style to the Playhouse at White Lake March 7, enabling area residents to kick-start their St. Patrick's Day celebrations. • Courtesy Photo

• On Feb. 9, 2022, snowboard marvel Chloe Kim made history as the first athlete to earn a gold medal in the women’s snowboard halfpipe event in two consecutive Winter Olympics. Four years earlier, she had also become the youngest winner of that event at age 17.

• About 1,350 potentially active volcanoes presently exist on Earth, with the majority of them found along a 25,000-mile-long, horseshoe-shaped ribbon bordering the Pacific Ocean that’s commonly known as the “Ring of Fire.”

• Chopsticks in Asia are about 2,000 years older than forks in Europe.

boiled your eggs, drain them and leave them in the pot. Put the lid on the pot and shake. Shake in all directions for up to a minute. The eggs practically slip right out of their shells. Just rinse and prep.

• This tip will change your life when peeling eggs: After you have hardboiled your eggs, drain them and leave them in the pot. Put the lid on the pot and shake. Shake in all directions for up to a minute. The eggs practically slip right out of their shells. Just rinse and prep.

By Lucie Winborne

• The color red appears in nearly every shot of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror classic “The Shining.”

• The living room set of “The Addams Family” TV series was actually pink.

By JoAnn Derson

• The living room set of “The Addams Family” TV series was actually pink.

• Michelangelo only signed one piece of art, the “Madonna della Pietà,” and that was supposedly because he overheard his work credited to a rival and sneaked back to include his name on the sash across the Virgin Mary’s chest.

By JoAnn Derson

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• On Feb. 10, 1943, duct tape was born when factory worker Vesta Stoudt, who packed WWII munitions, sent a letter to Franklin Delano Roosevelt outlining, with drawings, her idea to replace weak paper packing tape with a tougher and waterproof cloth version. The president was impressed enough to launch the suggestion into production.

• “I feed my kitty cat outside on the back porch, but she eats a little at a time, and whenever she took a break, the ants would be all over her food. Now I serve my little princess in a teacup and saucer I found at a thrift store. I put the food in the cup and then put a little water in the saucer. The teacup sits in the water on the saucer. The ants won’t get the food ever, because they can’t cross the water to get to it. Kitty is very happy now that she can take her time.” — O.W. in Arkansas

• Philadelphia cream cheese doesn’t hail from Philadelphia. It originated in New York.

257

• Chopsticks in Asia are about 2,000 years older than forks in Europe.

• People spend roughly 10% of their waking hours with their eyes closed. That’s OK, we know you’re just thinking.

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• The color red appears in nearly every shot of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror classic “The Shining.”

• No American president has been an only child.

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• On Feb. 11, 2012, singer Whitney Houston was found dead in the bathtub of her suite at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The cause of death was determined to be accidental drowning, with contributing factors of heart disease and cocaine.

By JoAnn Derson

• On Feb. 12, 1970, Joseph Searles III became the first Black member of the New York Stock Exchange, following in the footsteps of Clarence B. Jones, who three years previously was the first African American to become an allied NYSE member, but without trading floor access.

• On Feb. 13, 1861, Col. Bernard J.D. Irwin, an assistant army surgeon serving in the first major U.S.-Apache conflict, volunteered to go to the rescue of 2nd Lt. George N. Bascom, who was trapped with 60 men of the U.S. Seventh Infantry by the Chiricahua Apaches in southeastern Arizona, in what became the earliest military action to be awarded a Medal of Honor.

• On Feb. 14, 1980, playwright Lillian Hellman sued novelist and critic Mary McCarthy for libel, demanding $2.25 million in damages. The case posed the tricky question of where the legal line stands between a critic’s free speech and malicious libel.

• On Feb. 15, 1961, the entire 18 member U.S. figure skating team was killed in a plane crash in BergKampenhout, Belgium, while on their way to the 1961 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of the crash, though mechanical difficulties were suspected.

• Philadelphia cream cheese doesn’t hail from Philadelphia. It originated in New York.

In 1954, the mayor of the winegrowing town Chateauneuf-du-Pape in France issued a memorable decree that banned the “flying over, landing or taking off of flying saucers.” It’s unclear whether anyone ever considered how such an event should be handled should it defiantly occur.

• Philadelphia cream cheese doesn’t hail from Philadelphia. It originated in New York.

• People spend roughly 10% of their waking hours with their eyes closed. That’s OK, we know you’re just thinking.

• Shaquille O’Neal missed 5,317 free throws over the course of his career.

• People spend roughly 10% of their waking hours with their eyes closed. That’s OK, we know you’re just thinking.

• No American president has been an only child.

• Only three music companies are responsible for more than 80% of the music we listen to: Sony BMG, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group.

• In 1954, the mayor of the winegrowing town Chateauneuf-du-Pape in France issued a memorable decree that banned the “flying over, landing or taking off of flying saucers.” It’s unclear whether anyone ever considered how such an event should be handled should it defiantly occur.

***

• Spiders, like humans, can have arachnophobia. Small wonder, since certain species regularly eat each other: for food, after mating and for other reasons scientists don’t yet fully understand.

• Shaquille O’Neal missed 5,317 free throws over the course of his career.

• Only three music companies are responsible for more than 80% of the music we listen to: Sony BMG, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group.

Thought for the Day: “You can make positive deposits in your own economy every day by reading and listening to powerful, positive, lifechanging content and by associating with encouraging and hope-building people.” — Zig Ziglar

• Only three music companies are responsible for more than 80% of the music we listen to: Sony BMG, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group.

• Spiders, like humans, can have arachnophobia. Small wonder, since certain species regularly eat each other: for food, after mating and for other reasons scientists don’t yet fully understand.

• Spiders, like humans, can have arachnophobia. Small wonder, since certain species regularly eat each other: for food, after mating and for other reasons scientists don’t yet fully understand. ***

***

• “To distinguish your keys, especially house keys that have similar stamps, simply paint the key head with different colors of nail polish. You could even add a very subtle dot of the matching polish on the key lock. Reapply as needed.” — S.L. in Oregon

• Use a flat iron to iron your collar if it’s rumpled. This also works to straighten out button holes that have crimped.

• “To mark the end on a roll of tape, save your bread tabs. Stick it on the end and it will be ready and easy to start the next time you need tape. If it’s a thick tape, you can use two clips — one at either side of the tape. This way, it won’t split on you.” — M.E. in Maryland

• Use a flat iron to iron your collar if it’s rumpled. This also works to straighten out button holes that have crimped.

• “To distinguish your keys, especially house keys that have similar stamps, simply paint the key head with different colors of nail polish. You coulding polish on the key lock. Reapply as

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

lar if it’s rumpled. This also works to straighten out button holes that have