The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 40, February 27, 2026 by theoceanaecho

Frank & Rosemary Andersen

Home Team Housing is focused on the needs of local families

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Quoting from last week’s article on Lakeshore Food Club: “Food insecurity is frequently part of a constellation of challenges: housing, medical costs, car costs, and the list goes on. That is the reason the Lakeshore Food Club partners with other community service organizations.” One of the service organizations Food Club partners with is Home Team Housing - a group that meets the challenges of housing insecurity.

Until a few years ago, Oceana County and Mason County each had a Habitat for Humanity franchise. But that changed when Habitat International made some major changes. Oceana County dissolved their Habitat franchise in 2022 and transferred their assets to the Mason County Habitat franchise. Mason County disassociated from Habitat in 2024 when the franchise fee increased by 400% and Habitat wanted to take over the marketing for all its franchises.

“This was not workable for our local counties,” reported Jamie Healy, Executive Director for Home Team Housing

(formerly known as Habitat for Humanity) in Scottville. “The Habitat home office could not produce effective marketing without a thorough knowledge and understanding of our market audience. We chose a new name to emphasize our focus on local families.”

In addition, construction costs for building new Habitat homes had increased to approximately $100,000 more than local families who needed homes could afford. Healy said, “The unaffordability of newly constructed homes, added to the challenge of the aging housing inventory in our local counties, drove us to a new focus - critical home repairs. Many families in older homes are finding necessary repairs beyond their financial resources. There are families without running water because they cannot afford the cost of a new well when their old well stops functioning. There are families without adequate heat because they cannot afford to replace their broken furnace. And there are families with leaky roofs because they cannot afford to reshingle their roof. Helping to

provide these critical repairs is what we do now, through referrals only.”

Readers may remember Habitat’s facility on US-10 east of Ludington called the ReStore, where building materials and tools could be donated and resold to support Habitat projects. Healy affirmed, “The resale facility continues to be the biggest fundraising source for Home Team Housing. For a number of reasons, the store raised $25,000 more in 2024 than it did in 2025, and this impacted how many projects we could do.”

Antique dealers seek treasures there. The front of the building is a showroom for furniture and home furnishings offered at modest prices. The middle section of the building has plumbing and electrical supplies, tile, countertops, bed frames, appliances and other construction materials.

The back of the building provides office space and room for sorting and pricing donations. “The resale store is open Thursday through Saturday, and we operate it with two paid staff members and two volunteers,” Healy shared. “We welcome

donations of good used furniture, and we can always use more volunteers for sorting, processing and testing donations. Occasionally we refinish pieces. Our income relies on store sales, on grants, financial gifts from local donors, a raffle and an annual golf outing.”

Formerly dedicated only to Mason County projects, Home Team Housing now also does some work in Oceana County. Projects are chosen only from referrals made by other social service organizations. This is advantageous to all parties involved. Social workers know when they have exhausted all other options of help for their clients, Home Team Housing is one last possibility at their disposal.

Clients with limited resources are often weary of filling out the paperwork required for securing financial support, sometimes tired of telling their story and perhaps even embarrassed by their circumstances. When a social worker from TrueNorth Community Services, Veterans Coalition, Community Mental Health, Lakeshore Food Club, Blue Hat Ministries,

or United Way Family Link contacts Home Team Housing, the paperwork has already been done for the social worker, who can vouch for the client’s need. Healy doesn’t need to know the whole backstory. The clients are welcome to submit an estimate from a contractor they may have already contacted. Home Team will review the estimate and the contractor’s reputation and seek additional estimates if they think it’s advisable. “We have a list of contractors in the area who we have worked with for years and whose work we trust. We use local help whenever possible,” Healy reported. “We are limited in how many repair projects we can accomplish by the amount of funding we can provide. Due to our resources, in 2024 we did 19 projects, and in 2025 we did 11 projects. We pay the contractor the entire cost and ask the homeowner to reimburse us for 25% of the cost as they are able.”

In some cases, Home Team Housing can decrease their cost by pursuing SER (State of Emergency Request) funding from the state Department

of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “They have a limited amount of funding to disburse and are willing to contribute up to $4,000 for a furnace and up to $1,500 for non-energy-related projects. This minimizes what the client has to pay us, a win-win situation.”

Did Healy have a favorite story or two to share? Yes. “In 2023 a family of four was referred to us who had gone two months without running water. We handled it speedily. Two days before Christmas, the woman sent me a photo of water running into her sink. ‘This is my Christmas miracle,' she wrote to me.

"In another case, a widow needed a furnace and had no idea of where to begin or what to do. Her social worker contacted Home Team Housing, and we were able to help. In yet another situation, a family with two small children was living in a house only two years old. The well had stopped functioning, and the father lost his job. They were broke and had no water. The original contractor refused to stand by his work. Home Team Housing stepped in and took care of the problem, once again saving a family from homelessness - one project at a time."

For more information, please see their Facebook page, Home Team Housing, or visit their website at hometeamhousing.org

OCCSA celebrates 30 years of operation in 2026

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

After three decades of trail maintenance, community education and sharing some awesome snow conditions out on the trails, the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association (OCCSA) is pleased to be celebrating 30 years of operation this year.

“The conditions have been excellent this year, except for the extreme cold, most skiers don’t mind,” said OCCSA founding member and current trustee of the OCCSA board, Marijo Bakker, of Crystal Valley.

The OCCSA got its start with a

survey of the Pentwater Pathways trail system 32 years ago. A group of local skiers was trying to get the state to continue grooming the pathways, but they told Bakker there wasn’t enough interest. “Crystal Valley cross-country ski trails came into view when we

found out the U.S. Forest Service was going to shut down some of the man-made two-tracks," Bakker said. "The OCCSA made a proposal for cross-country ski trails within this area, and after a five-year wait, we finally got approval. Then it took us almost four years to put the trails in.”

Now, 30 years later, a dedicated group of about 16 volunteers logs over 600 volunteer hours maintaining almost 20 miles of groomed trails, picking up sticks, cutting overhangs, removing logs and trees from trails, mowing along the trails and grooming trails when it snows.

“Trail grooming is done with a snowmobile pulling a groom-

ing plate, which compacts and smooths the snow to some degree, making a corduroy path with tracks in the middle for classic Nordic skiing,” board member Peg Gramas explained. “When we get a lot of snow, grooming is challenging, so when possible, we run a snowmobile around by itself to help compact the snow so the snowmobile with the groomer is able to do its job without getting stuck.”

“All this work is done by a group of very dedicated people who all just love to ski,” Bakker added.

Jamie Healy

Marijo Bakker

Pentwater Historical Society shares update More News & Notes

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana

Echo Community Correspondent

Pentwater Business After Hours took place at the Village Pub on Friday, Feb. 20, hosted by the Village Pub and the Pentwater Historical Society (PHS). The jovial group of 37 attendees enjoyed food from Clutch and updates from the Pub’s Assistant Manager Joe Frontiera and from PHS Membership Director Beth Russell.

Frontiera informed attendees, “The Pub bar will continue to be open through the winter every Saturday night with live music entertainment.” Names of the entertainment groups are posted on the Village Pub website and Facebook page for customers who wish to know in advance.

The next Business After Hours meeting will be held on Thursday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m., upstairs at the Antler Bar with an ambitious agenda. “It takes a village,” quoted Claudia Ressel, “to stuff 10,000 plastic Easter

eggs for the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Village Green. It is a big, fun event, and we hope for great attendance.”

Russell announced the good news that the $1,000,000 goal for beginning construction of the Pentwater Historical Museum expansion has been reached and design approval was given by the Planning Commission. Russell said, “This facilitates finalization of construction plans, and groundbreaking is planned for April when the weather conditions allow.”

The new building, approximately 30 feet by 86 feet, will incorporate a chair lift to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Completion of construction is anticipated in fall 2026, and transfer of displays into the new building will occur before winter, enabling a first-floor-level connection.

“Although the fund goal for beginning construction has been reached, an additional $500,000 is needed to complete the expansion project with new exhibits, both indoor and out-

30 years for occsa

Crystal Valley ski trails consist of five loops totaling about 12 miles in all, while the Pentwater Pathways consist of five loops and about eight miles of trail.

In addition to their trail maintenance work, the OCCSA also took over the “Ski For Kids” program started by Jim Lamie and Joe Primozich.

“The equipment was in bad shape, so we wrote grants and did fundraising to replace it. We also spent a lot of time volunteering so all third and fourth graders from Hart schools could come out during the school day and try skiing. Later we offered the opportunity to any school in Oceana County wanting to take advantage of the program," Bakker explained. "When the schools told us they needed at least a two-week notice for bus scheduling, and we’d have a lack of snow on a school’s scheduled date, we knew we had to do something different. Last year, our 'Ski Free' program was put into place."

At the Sunday, Feb. 8, Ski Free event in Crystal Valley, OCCSA welcomed between 60-70 people to the trails, even a 2½-year-old. Even though the club’s free ski events are over for the season, as long as there’s snow, the trails are open for skiing. And trails are always open for hiking whenever there isn’t.

In 2025 the OCCSA had 40 paid members. “We are hoping to grow our membership in this our 30th year,” Gramas said.

Memberships are accepted all year. A single membership is $20, a household membership is $40 and a business membership is $50. Additional donations are always welcome to help offset the cost of extra boots, replacement bindings and equipment for trail

NOTICE

ELBRIDGE TOWNSHIP BUDGET HEARING

The Elbridge Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for the 2026 - 2027 fiscal year on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. at the Elbridge Township Hall, 2266 E. Polk Rd. Budget and financial statements for the year may be inspected and be reviewed. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. Copies of the budget are available for inspection at the office of the undersigned township clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services should contact the clerk at 231-750-3477.

Stephanie Van Sickle Elbridge Township Clerk

door, add a mezzanine-level space overlooking the exhibits, and landscaping the property,” Russell continued.

Interactive displays, space for activities with children, dining area options and plans for exhibit rotation and visiting exhibits will create a new local space for special events and a family destination. The most recent museum news is the addition of more property.

Generous donor support has enabled the PHS to purchase the property immediately north of the museum, which currently includes a vacant historic home that cannot be restored. The Red House will be demolished, while the mature trees will be preserved as much as possible. Currently there are no plans to build a structure on the property, and how to most effectively use this additional property for the benefit of the community is under discussion. Please see the PHS newsletter, Pentwater Pride, spring issue, to learn the interesting history of the Red House.

By Sharon Hallack

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent Community

It might have been cold out side, but the atmosphere was warm and friendly at the Hart Ro tary’s Casino Night Fundraiser and 85th Anniversary Celebration, Sat urday, Jan. 31. None of the 75 com munity supporters had to travel to Las Vegas to try their luck at winning at traditional casino-type games, including blackjack, roulette, bingo and a 50/50 raffle. The big winners of the night were Andrea Herrygers, who took 1st place; Beth Smith, who took 2nd; and Beth Mier, who took 3rd place. Besides Hart Rotarians and friends, both Shelby and Ludington Rotary members were in attendance to support their fellow Rotarians and enjoy a fun night out. “It was fun seeing the community come together to support Hart Rotary. There was plenty of laughter and cheering on winning poker hands or a lucky spin of the roulette wheel,” shared Hart Rotary member Michelle Cunningham.

The 4th Annual Frozen Tin Man Open took place Saturday, Jan. 31, and had a record 13 teams participate. Organizer Paul Cutter said that they had two new teams who came from Fremont and Muskegon to enjoy the fun. It was a great day full of sunshine and friendly competition.

maintenance. Currently Gramas is in the process of developing a newsletter to let members know about the association’s activities. Their latest initiative is fundraising for better grooming equipment.

For Pentwater Pathways, OCCSA urges skiers to use the 52nd/Railroad Avenue entrance off of Longbridge Road. The two-track from Wayne Road is private and no longer plowed. Instead, outdoor enthusiasts should take Monroe Road to Longbridge and follow Longbridge two miles around Pentwater Lake to Railroad Avenue and take the last road on the left before B-15. Go one mile to Pentwater Pathways. The trail is on the left, and Jackson Road is on the right.

For Crystal Valley trail access, take East Adams Road in Crystal Valley to 126th Avenue, go north, at East River Road go east, and follow signs to the parking lot.

“Our biggest challenge now is getting younger folks interested in continuing this Oceana legacy. It is

MEETING NOTICE

CLAYBANKS TOWNSHIP BUDGET APPROVAL AND REGULAR BOARD MEETING

March 9, 2026

The 2026-27 Budget approval is planned during the 7:00 pm Regular Board meeting on March 9, 2026, at the Township Hall.

PUBLIC

HEARING NOTICE

Benona Township

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Benona Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold an appeals hearing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Benona Township Hall, 7169 West Baker Rd., Shelby, MI 49455.

The appeal is to address errors in the decision made by the Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission in administering or enforcing the Benona Township Ordinance and the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act in the decision to grant a Conditional Use Permit to Vinke Properties LLC for a Wireless Communication Tower.

Benona Township Zoning Board of Appeals

continued from page 1

a lot of work, but so worth that beautiful glide on skis. It can be the best on a sunny 20-degree day,” Bakker said in closing.

For more information, GPS coordinates to trails, or to join the OCCSA, please visit www.oceanaski.org They can be reached by email at occskia@gmail.com.

NOTICE

FERRY TOWNSHIP BUDGET

HEARING

The Ferry Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed Township budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ferry Township Hall, 3222 Green St, Shelby. The regular March Board meeting will immediately follow the hearing.

A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the Township Hall. Individuals my contact the Township at 231861-0545.

Chris Ernst Ferry Township Clerk

OFFICIAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF ROTHBURY

The Rothbury Village Council budget hearing will be held at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in the Village Hall, 7804 Michigan Avenue. The regularly scheduled council meeting will follow at 7:00 PM. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive public comments on the budgets being recommended for the 2026- 2027 fiscal year.

The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budgets will be the subject of this hearing.

Copies of the proposed budgets are available by contacting the Village Clerk at 231-894-2385 or emailing clerk@ villageofrothbury.com. Office hours at the Village Hall are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 AM to 2 PM.

Those persons wishing to send written comments may send them to the Village Clerk, 7804 Michigan Ave., Rothbury, MI 49452.

Brandy Williams, Rothbury Village Clerk

OCMCF to finalize new Director of Nursing hire, installs new boiler

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Monday, Feb. 23 saw the first Oceana County Medical Care Facility (OCMCF) Board of Directors meeting with new administrator Sally Choponis at the helm. Choponis, who began Feb. 9, also introduced new Administrative Assistant Grace Eppard, who has recently transitioned into administration from the nursing department.

These are not the only staff changes upcoming within the OCMCF, as Director of Nursing (DON) Christa VanDuinen will be leaving the facility. The process of selecting a replacement is underway, with Choponis reporting the facility received seven applicants from the job posting, which was made public on Indeed as well as circulated internally. Of those seven applicants, three were interviewed, and Choponis shared the résumé of the top candidate with the board.

The top candidate was selected for “their technical expertise in reimbursement and compliance… [which] will help drive financial outcomes and will help with care quality measures.” The candidate has been in nursing since 2012, with five years in a supervisory position, with high-level MDS Coordination knowledge. Choponis also recommended the plan to offer the candidate a salary of $110,000 based on their level of experience commensurate with the facility’s existing pay schedule. Personal information about the candidate was redacted for the meeting on the recommendation of HR. While policy dictates candidate résumés be shared with the board, the decision to hire is ultimately that of Administration.

VanDuinen, who was present at the meeting, expressed her gratitude to the board and reflected on her nearly 29 years at OCMCF. “Thank you for all the support that I have had over the years. I appreciate it and enjoy being a part of Oceana.”

The board, likewise, thanked her for her exemplary work in the role of DON and wished her well in her future endeavors. Until a job offer can be made and accepted and a new DON joins the facility, Kristina

Wilson-Rapson will serve as interim DON, having had previous experience in the role from 2008-2009 at OCMCF.

There were several updates from several OCMCF departments, including outpatient therapy, corporate compliance, social work and activities. Outpatient therapy is restructuring gym policies and availability as an employee benefit and is now offering pelvic floor training.

Concerning OCMCF’s corporate compliance, the facility is restructuring the administrative assistant position to comply with CMS expectations, Michigan Public Sector best practices and better “establish the duties of this position and the role of which it would be most appropriate.”

The Social Work Department is underway in their efforts to determine OCMCF personnel best fit for work cases in the Alzheimer’s Unit (AU). The facility has also recently enjoyed a performance from the Shelby Jazz Band, a visit from Hart City Manager Nichole Kleiner, and the Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Luncheon, which was attended by nine resident couples. For operational updates regarding the facility, the new Lochinvar boiler was installed on Feb. 18, leaving the AU without hot water for 22 days, however, alternative measures were provided to minimize a change in quality of resident care. New EVS Director Daron Troyer attended the meeting as well to discuss with the board his adjustment to the role, receive feedback, insight and advice board members could offer as they continue to work

towards improving the facility’s service equipment.

The board also approved a new contract for the Nurse Unit in a unanimous decision. This contract would see a total 5% wage increase over the next three years and an equal 3.5% wage-step increase for each position. Said Choponis on the contract items, “these adjustments are intended to preserve internal equity but strengthen retention in the experienced clinical staff at the same time.”

Finally, OCMCF is working towards accreditation from United Healthcare, which would expand the list of health insurance providers the facility and its services can accept. This has been an ongoing goal in order to provide service to as many people as possible in Oceana County. This concern was highlighted in the denials report, which showed that of the 46 denials in January, 21 were due to the individual having an unaccepted insurance provider.

February 20 - April 3

St. Joseph’s Parish Hall - Weare 2349 West Jackson Road, Hart 231-873-5776

This page is brought to you by:

114 Dryden St. in Hart, Mich. 49420 (231) 873-2600

Visit us! The Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment. oceanahistory.org

Postcards from the Past: Filling one's social dance card

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Our final postcard for the month of February shows Silver Lake in the early 1910s, a black and white picture of a set of cabins perched on the sandy shore of mirror-like Silver Creek. Behind the rustic-built cabins is a line of pine trees, their reflections stark in the still water. Along the water’s edge walk two figures, one small and the other tall - a child and parent, perhaps?

The message on the opposite side, written on the vertical of the card, has absolutely nothing to do with the photograph on the front of the card. I am finding this more and more common, particularly in correspondence between local Oceana County residents (this card was postmarked in Hart and sent to Mears).

The more I think about it, the more it makes sense - postcards were not always used as a vacation souvenir. Many times they were utilized to send a quick and cheap message a short distance away. Often the messages will concern a quick question, wish a sick family member well, or promise a longer letter is soon to come - for younger generations, think of the difference between a text reminding your sister to pick up shampoo at the store versus an email to your long-distance friend updating them on your last few months.

Such is the same for the message here, sent on April 8, 1912, to Miss Grace Lind of Mears.

“Hello Grace

Well are you people going to the dance at Crystal Friday night April 12. Did you see any strangers at church Sunday night[?] Please let me know about going to Crystal in plenty of time.

Eva Skeen”

This message perfectly exemplifies a simple question or statement only relevant for a short period of time. In this case, Eva wanting to know in the next four days whether Grace will be attending the dance in Crystal Valley. This message also goes to show that young adults have always based their attendance at social functions on whether or not their friends will be there, because nothing is worse than having to socialize at a social function.

While transcribing this postcard, I couldn’t help

but think that I’d read this message before, or at least, I knew the name Grace Lind. Turns out, in July I transcribed a postcard sent six years prior to her sister, Clara Lind, in Chicago, so I was already familiar with her family, well-respected business owners in Mears. As with the postcard sent to Grace, Clara’s postcard was also another quick message scribbled on the back of a card picked at random.

As for the subject of Grace’s card, I can relate to making sure your friend will be at a party before you go, but the event in question - a social dance - is a concept I am a couple generations removed from. A social dance is, put simply, a dance with a communal aspect rather than a performative one. The dancers are not professionally trained, and the event is more a vehicle for interaction than performance art. Think swing dancing in the mid-20th century, the balls in Jane Austen’s novels, or line dancing. One aspect of social dances was that they were enjoyed by people of all classes, from aristocratic ballrooms to peasant country dances on holidays.

In the OCH&GS archives, I actually managed to find an invitation to a local “Social Dance and Oyster Supper.” It cordially invites “Yourself and Ladies” to attend the seafood supper and social “hop” at the Chamberlain’s Hall in Ferry on November 26, 1885, in celebration of Thanksgiving Day. The invitation also promises “good music in attendance and a good time for all,” with an admittance fee of $1.50 per couple, including dinner, which would be about $50 today. I can’t judge whether that’s a fair price for a social dance, as the closest comparison I have is my senior prom, and I can’t remember the ticket cost since I made my date pay for both of us. However, $50 for an oyster supper for two sounds like a steal!

Towards the end of the 19th century, social dances

were becoming less and less focused on etiquette as they were in Jane Austen’s Regency Era, but still kept many of the common European dances of generations prior, such as waltzes, polkas, gavottes and quadrilles. If you want to spend an afternoon getting sucked into the history of social dances, the Library of Congress and Archive.org have a wealth of old, scanned copies of Victorian manuals dedicated to instructing hosts and attendees.

By the time of Grace Lind and Eva Skeen’s dance in 1916, waltzes and polkas were still in fashion, but the two-step was becoming increasingly more popular, as were “naughty” dances like the “turkey-trot” and the Argentinian tango, worse yet, accompanied by ragtime music. I can’t say how likely these oft-moralized dances and music (notably influenced and popularized by Black and Latin artists) would have been a century ago in Ferry, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility that a dance with young people would feature popular "young-people-music."

So what have we learned? Regardless of whether your social dancing includes the turkey-trot or the chacha slide, your parents will probably hate your music, and you’ll be frantically asking your friends if they’re coming to the dance because “I’m not going if you’re not going!”

Oceana Center Grange Agricultural Report for January and February

By Phil Carter The Oceana Echo Agricultural Consultant

Winter is still "Ripe in the Land of Oceana." There was one or more "false springs," but Old Man Winter is still around. It has been a rollercoaster event with some record-breaking highs and lows, but it's not over yet.

The heavy snowfalls are actually good for many crops, such as winter wheat and fruit trees, due to the insulating effect

snow provides by maintaining dormancy. The colder than normal temperatures have had little to no effect on fruit trees. Apples and pears are the most winter hardy, with peaches and sweet and sour cherries somewhat more susceptible to cold temperatures. Tree trimming is moving along nicely despite the cold weather, with pruning crews doing a great job.

The MACMA Processing Apple Division has released their 2025 final crop estimate and reports the Michigan crop to be 4 million bushels, which is less than last

year. New York is reporting a 28–29-million-bushel crop, with Washington indicating 134 million packed units. That crop is also lower with quality issues of size and color, leaving unpicked fruit on the trees. Their Honeycrisp crop is packing out lower than expected due to storage problems and bitter pit issues.

Wintertime activities on the farm include tax preparation, purchasing seed and other inputs, repairing machinery, hauling empty apple bins home and attending meetings. The March calendar is

rapidly filling with meetings.

The first crop of the season is also ready. The false spring has signaled the start of maple syrup processing with trees being tapped and getting ready for boiling sap. Trees budding will signal the slowdown or the end of the season.

The approach of the spring equinox signals a new beginning on the farm, and ready or not, growers will be responding as usual, producing the most plentiful and safe supply of food, fiber and fuel in the world.

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:

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

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

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

April 3 - Good Friday Service, noon to 12:45 p.m.

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.

TUES 2/24-4/14 Pit Stop (Men 12+), 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

March 6,13 & 20 : Strum It Club,11 a.m. to noon

MON: Women’s Bible Study, 1Peter, 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

Spring is on the horizon at the library

The Shelby Area District Library is looking ahead to warmer temperatures, sunshine… and gardening! After a successful first year where hundreds of open pollination flower and vegetable seeds made their way into gardens throughout the community, the Friends of SADL are excited to once again offer a free seed library program.

Starting at the beginning of March, the seed library will be available near the circulation desk at the library. Patrons are invited to help themselves to up to five packets of seeds to plant at home. In coordination with the launch of the seed library, the Friends will also be hosting a presentation by local farmer Amanda Jones on Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m. in the Shelby Area District Meeting Room. Amanda will be discussing the various methods of starting seeds and how to prep your garden in the spring. All are welcome to attend this free event, and registration is encouraged.

Our Free Little Puzzle Library is fully stocked and waiting for puzzle enthusiasts. Take a puzzle, bring a puzzle, or exchange a puzzle. No checkout or library card needed! This service is offered year-round.

If genealogy is a hobby you enjoy, you are invited to visit our Local History Room. This unique collection offers multiple resources for your genealogical research and viewing pleasure, including family histories, obituaries, cemetery records, historical photographs, Shelby High School yearbooks and more. Please call 231-861-4565 or email shelbyadl@gmail.com to set up an appointment with Jeremy.

Spring break is almost here! Bring your children and teens to the library to stock up on books to keep the boredom away. Traveling? We have audiobooks in the library, as well as the hoopla and Libby apps, where you can check out digital materials.

For more information on the library, please visit our website at www.shelbylibrary.org or our Facebook page. See you soon!

F ebruary - M arch

Feb. 28 - Laughing Matters, Shelby Optimist Club, 6-9 p.m.

Mar. 2 - Movie for Grown-ups, Hart Community Center, 4-6 p.m.

Mar. 2 - Superintendent Interview Prep Workshop, Hart BOE, 6 p.m.

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

Mar. 9 - Adult Crafter Afternoon, Hesperia Comm. Library, 1-2:30 p.m.

Mar. 9 - Superintendent First Round of Interviews, Hart BOE, 6 p.m.

Mar. 10 - Adult Book Club Movie, Hesperia Comm. Library, 2:4:30 p.m.

Mar. 10 - Superintendent First Round of Interviews/ Selection of Finalists,if needed, Hart Board of Education, 6 p.m.

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

Area food pantries and free dinners

Mondays & Thursdays: Hesperia United Methodist Church, 187 E. South Ave., Hesperia (red brick building behind church), Mondays 9-11 a.m. And Thursdays 4-6 p.m.

2nd Mondays: Rothbury Community Church, 2500 W. Winston Rd., Rothbury, 231-893-4965, food distribution hours are 9-11:30 a.m. (number system). 3rd Tuesdays: Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club - Feeding America West Michigan mobile food pantry, Pentwater Fire Department, 486 E. Park St., Pentwater, 11 a.m.

Wednesdays: Bread of Life Food Pantry, a ministry of St. Gregory/Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Churches, 11 Washington St., Hart, 231-873-2660, 3-5 p.m. food pickup.

Wednesdays: Community Dinner, September through May, Centenary United Methodist Church, 82 S. Hancock St., Pentwater, 4:30-5 p.m., call 231-8695900 to reserve a takeout meal, 5-6 p.m., dine-in, no reservation required. Frozen meals are available at no charge and can be picked up during church hours Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and Wednesday during the community dinner, noon to 6 p.m.

Wednesdays: Christ the Rock World Harvest Church, 6985 Indian Bay Rd., Montague, 231-893-8900, noon to 6 p.m.

1st & 3rd Wednesdays: Hart Wesleyan Church, 757 W Polk Rd, Hart, free meal, 5-6 p.m., free clothing closet, 4-6 p.m.

2nd & 4th Wednesdays: First Baptist Church-Pentwater Community Food Pantry, 101 S. Rush St., Pentwater, 231-869-5149, also basic clothing and household needs offered, doors open at 9 a.m., register by 9:30 a.m.

3rd Wednesdays: New Hope Community Church, 244 79th Ave. Shelby, 231861-0536, 6 p.m., food pantry (closed in January & July).

1st Saturdays: Trinity Lutheran Church Baby Pantry, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, 8:30-10 a.m.

2nd & 4th Saturdays: TLC Food Pantry, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, 231-861-4059, 8-10 a.m.

OCCOA

offers many March events for area seniors

The following are OCCOA events for March. 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. Reservations required.

Birthday Party: Wednesday, March 4; noon

Tai Chi Class: Mondays and Wednesdays, March 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 23, 25 and 30; 9 a.m.

SAIL Exercise Class: Mondays and Wednesdays, March 2, 4 ,9, 11, 18, 23, 25 and 30; 10 a.m.

Chair Volleyball: Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; 9 a.m.

Drum Fitness: Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; 10 a.m.

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

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

Art with Brad: Mondays, March 9 and 23; 10 a.m.

Quilting Club: Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25; 9 a.m.

Casino Trip: Wednesday, March 11; 9 a.m.

Antique Shop Tour/Muskegon: Thursday, March 19; 9 a.m.

Meijer Gardens/Butterflies are Blooming: Tuesday, March 31; 9 a.m.

Dinners Around the World: Saturday, March 7; 6 p.m.

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

Monday, March 30; 5:30 p.m. Loca-

tion TBD

Beltone: Wednesday, March 25; Call Beltone to make an appointment. Board Meeting: Tuesday, March 24; 1:30 p.m. Location: Oceana County Council on Aging.

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 halfhour, 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.

Loteria (Mexican Bingo): Mondays at 1:15 p.m.

Cribbage: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.

Walk With Friends: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

Mahjong: Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

Fitness at Hesperia American Legion: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-10 a.m.

Euchre: Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

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

Bingo: Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure Checks: Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

Bridge: Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.

Cards & Games: Daily before and following lunch.

PLA seeks scholarship applicants

By AnnaMae Bush

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

Calling all high school seniors in Oceana County, including homeschooled students—the Pentwater Lake Association invites them to apply for the Mary Suzanne Memorial Scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to support post-high school education (degree or certification) related

to the environment, natural resources, science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Students who are interested in these subjects or have done volunteer community service related to these issues are encouraged to submit an application. The scholarship amount is $1,000, and the application form is available on the association’s website, www.pentwaterlakeassociation.com. Applications must be received or postmarked by April 1, 2026.

High school student entries sought for 2026 Congressional Art Competition

All high school students from Michigan's Second Congressional District are invited to enter their artwork in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

The winning student from the Second District will have his or her art displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year and be invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. with other winners from across the country. Additionally, two regional winners from the Second District will have the opportunity for their art to be displayed in Congressman John Moolenaar's offices in Caledonia and Clare.

The deadline for students to submit their work is Tuesday, March 31. Entries should be mailed or personally delivered to Congressman Moolenaar's Caledonia office at 8980 N. Rodgers Court, SE Suite H, Caledonia, MI 49316, or his Clare office at 431 N. McEwan Street, Clare, MI 48617.

More information on the rules and how to enter the Art Competition can be found online at Moolenaar.house.gov. Interested students who need assistance transporting their art to Caledonia or who have additional questions on the competition should contact Congressman Moolenaar's office at 616-528-7100.

Correction

In regard to the story, "OCCOA board receives grant updates, letter from GRACE group," in the Feb. 20, 2026 edition of the Oceana Echo, Kimberly Wilcox, Senior Resources of West Michigan's Director of Marketing Communications, wished to make the following correction and clarification: "Oceana County Council on Aging staff played an instrumental role in assisting Senior Resources with gathering survey data on the needs of Spanish-speaking individuals age 60+ in Oceana County. That information helped inform the Area Plan, which is how Senior Resources communicates to the State Unit on Aging our intended use of the federal and state funds awarded to us.

"The surveys and public input did not indicate that the majority of Oceana County seniors want funding to be primarily directed toward non-English-speaking programming and resources. The draft 2027-2029 Multi-Year Area Plan will be available for review on April 2, 2026 at Senior Care Options in Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa Counties.

This explanation by Wilcox is directed at the statements made by the Community Services Director for Senior Resources of West Michigan, Amy Florea, who spoke at the Oceana County Council on Aging's board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

The Echo apologizes for not clarifying Florea's comments and for the error made in stating where the funds were primarily requested to go.

RTL

Affiliates

to host

High School Oratory Contest

The Right to Life Affiliates of Manistee, Mason and Oceana Counties will host their annual High School Oratory Contest on March 21 at 10 a.m. at the Lighthouse Baptist Church located at 1950 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington, MI 49431. This contest invites students to research, write and deliver a 5-7 minute speech speaking truth with compassion on one of four topics. This Oratory Contest is open to all high school students. Prizes for the local contest are first place - $200, second place - $150 and third place - $100. The winner of this local contest will then be invited to participate in the State Contest on April 18 at Mount Hope Church in Lansing, Michigan. For more information and/or to sign up for the contest, contact Wally Carrier at (231) 233-1560 (Oceana County students) or Jennifer Richert at (231) 233-2879 (Manistee and Mason County students). The deadline to sign up for the contest is March 13.

Misas en inglés y español (231) 873-2660

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Harley Allen Cargill

September 5, 1936 ~ February 19, 2026

Our beloved father, Harley Allen Cargill, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his chil dren.

Harley was a proud U.S. Army veteran who carried his sense of duty and commitment throughout his life. He dedicated more than 20 years of service to Amway Corporation, where his strong work ethic and integrity were evident to all who knew him.

Above all, Harley was a devoted husband and father, and a cherished brother, papa, uncle and friend. He loved the outdoors and found great joy in fishing and hunting. In later years, he became a gifted storyteller, sharing memories and lessons that will live on in the hearts of his family. His love for his family was unwavering, and he took immense pride in each of them.

Harley is survived by: his three children, Sarah (Geoff) Schultz, Thomas (Jayme) Cargill and Craig (Melissa) Cargill. He was a proud grandfather to Cameron, Alex and Abby Schultz, Julia (Aaron) Schaedler, Joel Murry, and Hayden and Addison Cargill. He was also blessed to be the great-grandfather of precious Willa Schaedler.

Harley is also survived by: his brother, Jerry (Mary) Cargill; his sisters and brothers-in-law Nancy (Bob) Grady, John (Beth) Foster, Sue (Jim) Lamie and Stewart Foster.

Harley was preceded in death by: his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Kay Cargill; his parents, Gerald and Mary Cargill; his sister, Arlene Cargill; his parentsin-law, Thomas and Kathleen Foster; and his brother-in-law, Thomas (Linda) Foster.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 214 S. Peach Ave., Hart, MI 49420, with a luncheon following. Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m., Friday, February 27, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420, and Saturday, one hour prior to services.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Angela Marie Alltop

March 22, 1976 ~ February 20, 2026

Angela Marie Alltop, 49, of Hart, passed away unexpect edly on Friday, February 20, 2026, at her home. She was born March 22, 1976, in Shelby, the daughter of James and Joyce (Monroe) Alltop.

Angie had a presence that could fill any space and time. She was a loving daughter, mom, grandma, aunt, sister, cousin and friend. She had the deepest love for her family, especially her children and grandchildren, along with her nieces, nephews and all family members. She was always there for anyone who needed her, even putting herself last when needed. Angie had the biggest heart.

Angie absolutely loved summertime, from her garden and flowers to taking her dog, Cheech, for rides. You could always find her listening to music, cruising to the beach, and of course with Mountain Dew and Doritos, and her new favorite, pretzels and cream cheese. Angie was also a labels girl; makeup, purses, perfume, clothing — she loved it all.

Above all, Angie will be remembered for her unwavering love and support of not only her family, but also her friends. Her loss leaves a massive hole in the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to experience that unconditional love Angie had to share with everyone.

Angie is survived by: her mother, Joyce Anne Alltop; her three loving children, Tamara (Israel) Villarreal, Kelly (Brooke Collins) Alltop and Jose Jr. (Dezaray Montoya) Villarreal; grandchildren, Rolando Salgado Jr., Gabriel Villarreal, Ryder Alltop, Mya Villarreal and Azari Villarreal; siblings, Roy (Ann) Alltop and Jason (Heather) Alltop; nieces and nephews, J.D. (Amber) Sutton, Katie (Levi) Visger, Roy Jr. (Grace) Alltop, Timothy Alltop, Shelbie (Dylan) Kumzi and Bailey Alltop; and her former spouse, Jose Villarreal Sr.

Angie was preceded in death by: her father, James LeRoy Alltop; uncle, Jack Monroe; and her cousins, Rudy Lopez, Cheyenne Lopez and Darlene “Dumpy” Lopez.

Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420, with a time of sharing memories beginning at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with expenses. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com

Explore, learn, and grow: exciting new 4-H SPIN Clubs in Oceana County

By Jennifer Payne Oceana County 4-H Program Coordinator

Three new 4-H SPIN Clubs are opening doors for Oceana County youth to try something new, build real-world skills, and discover strengths they may not even know they have. These short-term clubs are designed for busy families and youth who want to jump in, learn by doing, and be part of something positive, without a long-term commitment or prior 4-H experience.

SPIN Clubs, short for Special Interest Clubs, bring youth together around a shared passion for a set number of sessions. In just a few weeks, young people connect with 4-H, build friendships, and gain confidence through hands-on learning. Youth who join a SPIN Club are full 4-H members and experience the same emphasis on leadership, life skills, and belonging that 4-H is known for.

The 4-H Riding Into Success SPIN Club at Paradise Ranch has already sparked excitement among local youth, most of whom began with little to no horse experience. With the guidance of Paradise Ranch staff and 4-H, participants quickly progressed from beginners to independently grooming, tacking, and riding their assigned horse. Youth learned feeding, daily care, safety precautions, and basic health practices, while developing riding skills in the arena before heading out on a group trail ride. Our January members even experienced real-life horse ownership conditions with Michigan weather in full effect. The first few meetings brought unexpected 40-degree days, along with plenty of mud, giving youth hands-on experience working safely in less-than-perfect barn conditions. By the time their trail ride arrived, single-digit temperatures reminded everyone what January truly feels like in Michigan. They worked in teams or pairs as they built new skills, friendships, and confidence, then experienced the pride of having their own horse during riding time. For many, it was their first time leading, saddling, and riding a horse on their own. A new session of Riding Into Success is now open for April enrollment.

The 4-H First Responders SPIN Club, hosted by the Walkerville Area Fire Department, gave high school–aged youth the opportunity to step into the boots of those who protect and serve our community. Designed to introduce teens to careers in public safety, this hands-on program went far beyond a typical after-school activity. Participants earned CPR and first aid certifications and trained directly with firefighting equip-

ment under the guidance of local firefighters. They practiced emergency response procedures, worked through team-based drills, and learned what it truly takes to respond when others need help most.

For many teens, this experience offered a new perspective on what it means to serve a community. Rather than simply observing, they were actively learning how to respond, lead, and work as a team in high-pressure situations. The skills they gained could one day save a life in our community. Providing dinner on club nights helped ensure students could fully participate and removed barriers for families. Oceana County 4-H welcomes conversations with other fire departments interested in bringing this powerful youth leadership opportunity to their communities.

Also launching this spring is the Growing Across Generations 4-H Gardening SPIN Club at the Oceana Council on Aging Community Garden. Youth will plant seeds, care for transplants, learn about pollination and plant health, and experience the reward of harvesting what they grow. Along the way, they will be putting in community service hours and building connections with older adults in a shared space rooted in learning and service. The club runs from late March through June with six meetings in total. Club time will be from 4-5 p.m., and transportation may be available from area schools through the Oceana Council on Aging.

These SPIN Clubs are possible because of strong community partnerships and generous support. Funding has been provided by The Gerber Foundation, MSU Extension, and the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Host sites, including Paradise Ranch, the Walkerville Area Fire Department, and the Oceana County Council on Aging, have stepped forward to invest in local youth, and dedicated volunteers continue to give their time and expertise to make these programs meaningful.

Oceana County 4-H is creating opportunities where young people feel capable, valued, and connected. Youth do not need prior experience or previous 4-H involvement to join. Families and potential volunteers are encouraged to reach out and discover how 4-H SPIN Clubs are helping build stronger youth and a stronger community.

NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING

ELBRIDGE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

Special Use Permit

A public hearing before the Elbridge Township Planning Commission will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 7:30 pm, at the Elbridge Town Hall, located at 2266 E. Polk Road, Hart, Ml.

The Elbridge Township Planning Commission will consider a Special Use Permit application submitted by John Hochsteler to construct and operate a sawmill in an existing building (40 x 60 to cut into lumber), at 862 N. 128th Avenue, Hart, MI 49420. Parcel #: 64-008-028-300-02

The application is on file in the Township Clerk’s office at 2266 E. Polk Rd, Hart, Ml 49420. Any comments or concerns may be directed to Zoning Administrator, Lance Van Sickle at 231-750-3221 until the conclusion of the public hearing. The Township building is barrierfree. Attendees requiring additional accommodation should notify the Township Clerk (231) 750-3477 at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.

Lance Van Sickle Zoning Administrator

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• On March 2, 1933, construction officially began on Australia’s Sydney Opera House. The structure’s first performance occurred in a rather unusual way in 1960, when singer and labor activist Paul Robeson climbed the scaffolding and serenaded workers while they ate lunch.

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20260216

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By Lucie Winborne

FOR RELEASE FEB. 16, 2026

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257

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

FOR RELEASE FEB. 16, 2026

By Lucie Winborne

HERE’S A TIP #12345_20260216

STRANGE BUT TRUE #12345_20260216 FOR RELEASE FEB. 16, 2026

By Lucie Winborne

• On March 3, 1965, more than 30 U.S. Air Force jets struck targets along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a military supply route running from North Vietnam through Laos and Cambodia to South Vietnam. The route sent weapons, manpower, ammunition and other supplies from communist-led North Vietnam to their supporters in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

• “I purchased a roll of reflective tape to mark our basement stairs. It reflects the light from the open doorway at the top of the stairs, and I can turn the downstairs lights off before heading up. I had some leftover, so I put a strip on my dog’s collar. When I let him out at night, I can shine a flashlight and spot him instantly, since the tape is more visible in the night.” — V.R. in Pennsylvania

By JoAnn Derson

PUBLIC NOTICE

CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW

OCEANA COUNTY, MICHIGAN

The Crystal Township Board of Review will meet at 1499 E. Hammett Rd., Hart, MI 49420 to review the 2026 Assessment Roll on the following dates:

Public Appeals:

Monday, March 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Taxpayers may appeal in person or by written appeal received no later than 5:00 p.m., March 12, 2026. Poverty exemption applications will be considered at this time.

American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice Crystal Township will provide necessary reasonable services to individuals with disabilities at the Board of Review meetings upon 5 days’ notice. Contact: Jana Boundy 231-301-4610

Published by: Jana L. Boundy, Township Clerk Crystal Township, Oceana County

• On March 4, 1952, Ernest Hemingway finished his short novel “The Old Man and the Sea,” writing to his publisher the same day that it was the best writing he’d ever done. Critics agreed and the book not only won the Pulitzer Prize the following year but became one of his bestselling works. It would also be his last significant work of fiction before he died by suicide less than a decade later.

• On March 5, 1989, Michael Anderson Godwin, who’d been sentenced to death by electric chair for a 1980 murder sentence, accidentally took justice into his own hands when he electrocuted himself on his jail cell’s steel toilet after biting into a wire while trying to fix a pair of earphones.

• On March 6, 1987, the British Herald of Free Enterprise ferry, an 8,000-ton ship owned by Townsend Car Ferries, capsized after departing Zeebrugge, Belgium, drowning 188 passengers. The tragedy was attributed to poor safety procedures.

• On March 7, 2010, Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win a Best Director Academy Award for her film “The Hurt Locker,” about an American bomb squad that disables explosives in Iraq. Only three women had previously been nominated for the award.

• On March 8, 1981, a nuclear accident at a Japan Atomic Power Company plant in Tsuruga, Japan, exposed more than 50 workers to radiation when they were sent in to clean things up before the leak could escape the disposal building. Unfortunately, the plan was not successful and 16 tons of waste ended up in the Wakasa Bay.

• Tongs lost their clip? Use the rubber band from a bunch of broccoli to hold the ends together in storage.

• “I am an avid craft sewer. One trick I have used that was passed down from my mother is to save the bar soap when it gets to a sliver. Then I use it to trace patterns on cloth. I like it better than chalk. It makes a clear mark that ‘sticks.’ But it will wash right out when you are done.” — I.W. in Kansas

• Use an old vegetable peeler in the shop to sharpen pencils.

• “Diaper rash hurts. The best medicine, in my opinion, is a little diaper-free time for baby. But there are times when it’s not practical to let the little one go about pants-free. When you just can’t air-dry an angry baby bottom, you can help dry the skin up with a couple minutes of warm air from a hair dryer.” — P.M.

• Wrap the metal end of your paintbrush with masking tape before painting. Then you can peel it off and there’s no stuck-on paint.

• Store plastic wrap in the refrigerator or even freezer to keep it from sticking to itself.

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

• Ever wonder where the term “jaywalker” originated? Back in the day, “jay” was slang for a foolish person. So when pedestrians ignored street signs, to their own peril, they were labeled jaywalkers.

By Lucie Winborne

• Relative to their body size, barnacles have the largest sex organs in the animal kingdom.

• During World War II, Charles Richard Drew, a Black physician, developed blood banks for military personnel. However, when he discovered that the military was separating blood donations according to race, he quit working for the Red Cross.

• Relative to their body size, barnacles have the largest sex organs in the animal kingdom.

• Some beaches in the Maldives glow in the dark.

If you have a daily routine, some scientists believe that your dog can tell when you’re coming home by the amount of your scent that’s left in the house.

• If you have a daily routine, some scientists believe that your dog can tell when you’re coming home by the amount of your scent that’s left in the house.

• Some beaches in the Maldives glow in the dark.

• As astronauts spend months traveling to Mars, their eyeballs may change shape. Some scientists believe this is due to pressure from fluids that won’t drain from their heads, thanks to low gravity.

• If you have a daily routine, some scientists believe that your dog can tell when you’re coming home by the amount of your scent that’s left in the house.

• Ackwards is an old English dialect word for a creature lying on its back that can’t get up.

• In the popular Roadrunner/Wile E. Coyote cartoons, the latter character shouldn’t have been outwitted by his desperately hunted prey, since coyotes typically outpace roadrunners by a good 23 mph.

• Ackwards is an old English dialect word for a creature lying on its back that can’t get up.

• According to a poll of 11,000 Americans, 84% of vegetarians and vegans return to eating meat.

• When Angelfire launched in the mid-1990s, it offered medical transcription services as well as webbuilding tools.

***

• When Angelfire launched in the mid-1990s, it offered medical transcription services as well as webbuilding tools.

• According to a poll of 11,000 Americans, 84% of vegetarians and vegans return to eating meat.

***

Thought for the Day: “I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”

• When Angelfire launched in the mid-1990s, it offered medical transcription services as well as webbuilding tools.

***

— Isaac Newton

Thought for the Day: “I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and ing a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”

OCEANA COUNTY

ANIMAL SHELTER

Oliver is 6 months of pure curiosity wrapped in whiskers who rocks the classic kitten look, but don’t be fooled. Behind that innocent face is a tiny mastermind with zoomies scheduled at highly unpredictable hours. He loves toys, naps like it’s his job and has an impressive ability to appear adorable immediately after doing something questionable. Oliver would be thrilled to join a home that appreciates humor, energy and the occasional flying cat. If you’re ready for laughs, love and a kitten who keeps life interesting, Oliver is standing by… probably on your keyboard.

ANIMAL FRIENDS

Oliver is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. If interested, please call the shelter at 231-861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35 and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/ neuter

Hi, I'm Zelda. I cherish quiet moments and gentle pets. I'm a bit shy at first, but once I warm up, I'm the friendliest companion. I enjoy my independence, yet I'll always be there to keep you company with my smart, observant nature. I'm looking for a forever home where I can share my gentle, sweet spirit. Adopting me means gaining a loyal friend who values peace and affection. Let's create a serene home together.

If you would like to adopt Zelda, please fill out an application through the OCAF Facebook page: Oceana County Animal Friends or online at: oceanacountyanimalfriends.wordpress.com. To volunteer or for more information, please call OCAF at 616-822-5552. OCAF is open by appointment or during visiting hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to noon or Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pirates ride strong defense to district victory

Caleb Ackley achieves 1,000th career point in win over Reed City

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

LUDINGTON — Long-range shooting is usually a big part of the recipe to Hart victories, but without that available Wednesday night, the Pirates audibled to impressive effect.

Hart missed all but one of its threepoint attempts in the district semifinal game against Reed City, but with some high-level defense in the third quarter, the Pirates blew open a close game and rode an impressive performance by Caleb Ackley to a 59-37 win, earning a date with top seed Ludington in the finals.

Hart (20-3) outscored the Coyotes 19-6 in the third quarter, executing its trapping defense to great effect. Coach Nick Bronsema said the team experimented with different styles of traps for the game, but unhappy with the results, went to its bread and butter in the second half.

“We were trying to trap in the corners in the beginning, and they were picking it apart, so we decided to sit back and just do what we do and trap off what we normally do, and we were getting steals off of it,” senior Caleb Ackley said. “I guess they weren’t expecting us to go off the corners. We tightened up our backside help and it worked.”

Ackley was the offensive cen-

terpiece in the second half, as Hart started pounding the ball inside as a response to early struggles from long range. The Pirates didn’t make a trey until Lorenzo Furlan netted one in the fourth quarter, and by that time they had a comfortable lead anyway. It was the sign of a team willing to do whatever necessary to win rather than sticking with what wasn’t working.

“Our shooters who had a little trouble tonight, we know they’re going to start making them, so we’re going to keep relying on them,” Bronsema said. “A guy like Jagger Lenon, there’s nobody in the gym more than that kid, so we’re going to ride with him. He’s a senior, a wonderful kid, and a heck of a basketball player. He was just in a little bit of a slump this game, and he’ll get out of it.”

As the points piled up for Ackley, something that seemed unlikely at

halftime, when he had six points, became an option. He entered the night needing 25 to get to 1,000 for his career, a mark last achieved by Parker Hovey. With victory apparently in hand in the final minutes, Bronsema called timeout and informed them of Ackley being seven points away from the milestone, information the players hadn’t been given before the game. The response was immediate.

“Caleb’s been an unselfish part of our program,” Bronsema said. “He’s gotten better every year. For him to get to 1,000 points says a lot about him. When we called that last timeout, I told the group he was getting down to the wire. He was seven points away, and (I asked,) ‘Do you guys feel like you can do that?’ They did, and so it was cool.”

Teammates fed Ackley repeatedly - the senior boosted his already solid rebounding night up to 19 boards by grabbing his own misses a few times -

and he scored that 1,000th point on a free throw, setting off a mini-celebration next to the Hart bench.

“I’m just happy for Caleb,” fellow

Semifinal win continued on page 10

County sending 15 wrestlers to state finals

By Andy Roberts

Hart advanced seven wrestlers to state, and Shelby sent along four more, at Saturday’s Division 3 individual meet in Boyne City.

It was a big day for both squads, as the Tigers produced two individual regional champions and Hart added one more.

The Tigers’ Brody Fessenden and Alden Beyer won regional crowns at 157 and 106 pounds respectively. Fessenden scored a decision win in his first match, then pinned each of his final two opponents, including Kingsley’s Tyler Bray in the finals. Beyer dominated his bracket, scoring three consecutive pins and taking down county rival Jude Salazar of Hart in the championship match.

Hart’s Kole Thomas also reached the top of the podium, at 126. Thomas picked up technical falls in his first two matches and easily defeated Matthew Martin of Tawas by a 16-3 major decision in the finals. Thomas ran his impressive season record to 39-3 with the wins.

Hart also had four runners-up. In addition to Salazar - who earned

a pin and a major decision before falling to Beyer in the finals - Halen Boos (144), Haegan Hansen (175) and Adrian Lara (285) all finished in second place.

Boos pinned his first two opponents on his way to the runner-up finish, and Hansen had a pin and a close 6-4 decision on his way to the second spot. Lara also had a pin and a decision.

Shelby’s Jaylin Henderson also finished in second place, at 165, winning by pin and decision in his first two matches.

Logan Jorissen (138) placed third for Hart, and Cesar Cadena (120) did the same for Shelby, both with 3-1 records. Jorissen’s only loss of the day came in overtime, and he scored a technical fall and a pin, as well as defeating teammate Caden VanGelderen in the third-place match. (VanGelderen won by relatively easy 14-5 and 10-4 margins on the day to finish fourth.) Cadena won two decisions to secure his spot in the state bracket, then fought off Jamar Jackson of Es-

Garber in overtime to finish third.

Hart’s Miguel Escamilla (left) tries to scoop up a loose ball while Reed City’s Grayson Wien also goes for it during Wednesday’s district semifinal in Ludington. The Pirates won the game, 59-37. • Andy Roberts/Echo

sexville

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Hart’s seven state qualifiers celebrate earning their state finals spots at Saturday’s Division 3 regional in Boyne City. • Courtesy of Hart Wrestling

Members of the Shelby wrestling program show off their hardware Saturday in Boyne City after all four Tigers to wrestle at regionals earned a spot at the state meet. • Courtesy of Shelby Wrestling

Hart’s Caleb Ackley (center) is the center of attention as teammates Miguel Escamilla (5) and Jagger Lenon celebrate with him after Ackley scored his 1,000th career point in Friday’s district semifinal against Reed City. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart’s Caleb Ackley (25) and Bryce Vander Kodde compete with Reed City’s Roan Johnston for a rebound during Friday’s game in Ludington.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

Tigers dominate Newaygo in home finale

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

SHELBY — On paper, at least, Newaygo seemed like a potential test for Shelby. The Lions came in having taken close losses to White Cloud and Hart squads that didn’t make life easy on the Tigers, either.

Shelby, though, was efficient in all phases Tuesday night, playing dynamic pressure defense, making shots at a high clip and rebounding impressively on the way to a dominant 60-25 win over Newaygo.

Newaygo scored the first and last basket of the first quarter, but those shots bookended a 20-0 scoring run by the Tigers. They shifted seamlessly between different types of defense and didn’t let Newaygo get at all comfortable.

“We came out fresh and pretty quick in the two different presses, and we mixed up our presses,” Shelby coach Sarah Wolting said. “We did our diamond press, then we did our 1-31, too. With this group, I can change that and move people around. I think that’s what got them flustered. These girls are really good at playing a zone defense on a make and a man-to-man

on a miss. Having that in our back pocket is hard on teams.”

Enviable athleticism defines the Tigers’ lineup, of course, but it’s those basketball smarts that really make Shelby a difficult team to play against, and that 20-0 run displayed both qualities in spades.

Sophomore star Jayna Burmeister, as usual, was the lynchpin of the Tigers’ success, with an exceptionally rare 20/20 game - 20 points and 20 rebounds. She scored 11 first-quarter points and also recorded a team-best four steals, shooting a solid 8-of-20 from the field and swishing two long three-pointers.

“Especially in games like this, she looked a little bit more to make that pass or to hit the other big girl inside,” Wolting said. “She’s so athletic that she can pass well, score well, shoot well. For someone to play man-toman against us is hard, because she’s so fluid in all those things.”

Shelby dominated the boards throughout, collecting 44 rebounds to Newaygo’s 24. The Tiger defense also held the Lions to 17% shooting from the field and forced 23 turnovers.

Annabelle Stark had another good game, going for 11 points and eight

boards. Michelle Peterson added eight points.

The win sets the Tigers up for what will likely be the best opponent they will face all year in Thursday’s regular-season finale. Unbeaten and Division 2 No. 5-ranked Covenant Christian hosted Shelby in that game, and the Chargers were set to provide exactly what Wolting was looking for when she scheduled that matchup - a high-level opponent to help the

Tigers sharpen their game before the postseason.

“It’s going to be a game to play against a really good team,” Wolting said. “We’re looking forward to it. We’ve got to get focused on them, but we’ve got to do what we’ve done all year. It’ll be fun to see how they respond to pressure all the way around and girls as big as us, or that rebound as well as us. It’ll be a test for us, but it’ll be fun.”

Tiger boys’ run ends in loss to No. 8 Norsemen

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

SCOTTVILLE — Time after time this year, when opponents have faced North Muskegon, the dam eventually breaks. For Shelby in Wednesday’s district semifinal game, that came in the third quarter.

The Norsemen exploded for 34 points over those eight minutes, turning an already-healthy halftime lead into a runaway and eliminating Shelby 78-38.

Having already seen the No. 8-ranked top seed in the district twice before, Shelby wasn’t surprised by anything North Muskegon did, but the Norsemen’s talent is such that they were able to be effective anyway.

“It’s really difficult against a team that has the athleticism and skill level that they did and the size advantage they had,” Shelby coach Rick Zoulek said. “We can slow (the game) down, but we were hoping (it would be) like in the first quarter, when we limited the number of possessions. We needed to do that to have a chance, and then shoot really well. That was what we were trying to do.”

The Tigers (9-15) ran that strategy quite well most of the first quarter. After North Muskegon grabbed an 8-0 lead, Shelby soon responded with three-pointers from Leighton Belasco and Eli Kelley. Those shots and strong defense had Shelby hanging in there early on. Even when the Norsemen finished the quarter on an 8-0 run, effectively deploying their zone defense, the Tigers had hopes of finding an opening.

In the second quarter, Zoulek said, Shelby was

Semifinal win

senior Miguel Escamilla said. “I’ve been wanting him to get this for a long time. We’ve talked about it for a while. We knew he was on pace for it, and my goal for tonight was to get him to that.” Friday’s goal will be very different - exact revenge for last year’s competitive district final defeat, and do it on the Orioles’ home court. It won’t be a simple task, as Ludington has 21 victories on the season and boasts tremendous athletes on its roster, such as stars Cam Gunsell and Taj Williams. Bronsema, familiar with Orioles’ coach Thad Shank from his days at Orchard View when both were in the old Lakes 8 Conference, knows

sucked into playing North Muskegon’s game a little more, and the results showed it. Norsemen star Adam Dugener hit a couple of three-pointers early in the quarter and it was 25-6 a few minutes into the frame. Kelley did knock down a couple of treys late in the first half - he had a team-best 16 points in the game - but Shelby still trailed 36-16 at the break.

An inability to get scoring on the inside, as it has all year, kept a ceiling on the Tiger offense. The effort was always there, but the Norsemen possessed a healthy advantage in size and skill in the paint that was hard to overcome.

“It doesn’t matter what you play, whether it’s a man defense or a zone, you’ve got to establish an inside game somehow, and we just struggled to do that all year,” Zoulek said. “When we do get it inside, we had a little trouble scoring and finishing, and that’s frustrating for the post players too. They’re working inside to get open, but when they do get open, it’s hard to finish because they’re undersized.”

Braylen Burrel, another of North Muskegon’s top players, ripped off 15 points in the third quarter alone, nearly half of his team’s output, as the lead ballooned. The Norsemen hadn’t played a game since defeating Hart nearly two weeks prior, but showed very little rust.

Zoulek said he will miss the six seniors who will depart due to their positive attitudes. There is optimism moving forward, as Belasco and fellow starting guard Andrew Arquette (who scored eight points Wednesday) will return, with Chase Oakes likely to provide some needed size. A strong finish to the season - the team won five of its last seven

continued from page 9

Ludington will be prepared.

“He doesn’t give you a lot of room for error because his kids are always ready,” Bronsema said. “We’re just going to have to do what we do defensively. We’re going to have to be really tough.”

“We’ve got to stop them in transition and force them to take bad shots,” Escamilla added. “We know that they’re an athletic team, and they’re going to try to push the ball. We’ve just got to make sure we get back and take the right shots.”

Kolton Rockwell scored 13 points and had four assists and four steals for Hart.

regular-season games - might lessen the sting of its bitter end.

“They don’t take it too seriously,” Zoulek said of his group. “They like to play. They don’t always execute, but they like to play, and they like being around each other. Most of these kids will go into baseball and track, so they’re going to be together again for another season.

“To me, it was a fun season. I’ll miss the seniors, because they’re really a nice group of kids, but for me, it’s always optimism for next year. I think next year we’ve got some good kids that are going to work hard, and that makes it fun for me...The positivity, the energy at practice this last week and a half to two weeks was really good.”

Shelby’s Jayna Burmeister drives to the basket for a layup during Tuesday’s game against Newaygo. The sophomore star had 20 points and 20 rebounds in the Tigers’ 60-25 win. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Shelby’s Leighton Belasco lets fly with a three-point attempt over North Muskegon’s Braylen Burrel during Wednesday’s district semifinal game in Scottville. The Tigers fell to the Norsemen, 78-38. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart senior Caleb Ackley (center) is joined by teammates, from left, Jagger Lenon, Miguel Escamilla, Luke VanderWilk and Kolton Rockwell to celebrate scoring his 1,000th career point after the Pirates’ victory over Reed City Wednesday. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Regionals

continued from page 9

Narrowly missing the state meet were Pirates Abdel Lopez (215) and Aiden Schaner (126), who each went 1-2 and dropped one-point heartbreakers in the blood round.

Schaner’s day was particularly hard-fought; his first two matches, which he split, went to overtime. A 4-3 defeat to Evan Fradette of Cheboygan ended his individual campaign. Lopez also lost a tough one in the blood round by a 3-2 margin against Colton Goethals of Kingsley. His one win of the day came by pin.

Hesperia sends 4 to Ford Field

Four of the five Hesperia Panthers to make the trip to the Division 4 regional meet in St. Louis Saturday earned spots on the podium and at state.

Noah Walker, at 285 pounds, and Carter Fuentes, at 106, each won regional titles. Walker, who ran his season record to 45-3, pinned two of his three opponents and added a decision win. Fuentes pinned all three of his foes, including Colten Kady of Cass City in the finals.

Ryan Fuentes was the runner-up at 150, scoring two pins on the day. Aiden Smith (144) finished third, pinning his final two opponents of the meet.

Grayson Gould, at 106, made it to the blood round, but lost a very tough 9-6 battle to Holton’s Jackson Domanski, ending his season.

Girls wrestlers end seasons

Oceana’s two girls regional qualifiers were unable to punch their tickets to the state meet at Sunday’s Division 3 meet in Cadillac.

Hart’s Emma Miller reached the blood round, scoring a first-round technical fall in her 125-pound bracket, but posted a 1-2 record to end her individual season.

Hesperia’s Lacey Mey went 0-2 at 130 pounds, missing out on the state meet.

With Mey being a sophomore and Miller being a freshman, each will continue to have plentiful opportunities to grow and pursue a state finals bid in future seasons.

County coaches win regional hardware

Hart wins WMC, reaches regional

By Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Hart finished third at the Division 3 district meet at Comstock Park Friday night, earning itself a spot at regionals for the sixth consecutive season.

The Pirates scored 686.2 points in the meet, well clear of the score needed to clinch a regional bid; fifth-place Grand Rapids Catholic Central had 646.4 points.

Hart had a very strong opening round, scoring 208.4 points to move into third place. The Pirates never fell below that spot in the standings, despite taking their usual 10-point penalty in round two for not having enough athletes on the mat. But for that penalty, Hart’s round two score would

have topped all competing teams.

The Pirates then finished solidly with a 284.5-point final round, again good for third place.

Hart has already had plenty to celebrate this month after securing a West Michigan Conference co-championship last Wednesday after the Whitehall Jamboree. It’s the seventh consecutive season Hart has finished atop the league standings. The Pirates and North Muskegon finished tied atop the

WMC standings, with 110 total points earned via the jamborees. Shelby finished in a thirdplace tie with Whitehall, with 88 points.

Tigers move on to regionals

Shelby placed fourth Saturday at the Division 4 district meet at Montabella, securing a spot at the regionals.

The Tigers scored 633.16 points, edging Marion by 13.86 points for the coveted fourth position. Both Shel-

by’s and Hart’s regional meets will take place at Hudsonville Feb. 28. Shelby delivered consistent performances in each round, finishing fourth in each of the first two rounds. The Tigers’ 251.1 points in the final round ranked seventh, but they had built up enough of a cushion to hang onto a regional spot by then.

Shelby scored 197.3 points in the opening round and 184.76 points in the second, not being charged for a penalty point the entire meet.

OFFICIAL NOTICE 2026

BOARD OF REVIEW MEETINGS

The purpose of the meetings is to hear petitions, review and equalize the 2026 property tax roll for the following Townships.

Benona Twp. Hall

7577 W. Cleveland Rd, New Era, MI Colfax

Colfax Twp. Hall

5594 N. 192nd Ave. Walkerville, MI

Crystal Twp. Hall

1499 E. Hammett, Hart, MI

Elbridge

Elbridge Twp. Hall Wed 3/11 9

- 3

Ferry Mon

2266 E. Polk Rd, Hart, MI 231-873-5191

Hart celebrates its third-place finish at districts in Comstock Park Friday night. The finish earned the Pirates their sixth straight regional bid. • Courtesy Photo

Hesperia’s wrestlers and coaches celebrate after four Panthers qualified for the state meet at Saturday’s regional meet in St. Louis. • Courtesy Hesperia Wrestling

Hart head coach Rocky Smith and Shelby assistant coach Dave Reed each were honored during Saturday’s individual regional meet with coaches’ association regional coach of the year awards. • Courtesy Photo

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Creating Healthy Schools receives $250K grant

Grant from La Colombe will fund kitchen upgrades, benefit local students with fresh food

on the former Baker College site.

Muskegon County Commissioner Kim Cyr discussed the event at Monday's Whitehall Township board meeting.

through a series of taste tests, work their way to the student meal menu.

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

The Creating Healthy Schools program, which works to provide locally produced food to students in the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, received a big boost from La Colombe Coffee Roasters Monday morning with the announcement of a $250,000 grant that will fund kitchen upgrades at the Muskegon County Marquette Campus building

Muskegon County Commissioner Kim Cyr discussed the event at Monday's Whitehall Township board meeting. According to Cyr, the event was very well received, with third parties and farmers pledging to contribute further money to the program.

through a series of taste tests, work their way to the student meal menu.

According to Cyr, the event was very well received, with third parties and farmers pledging to contribute further money to the program.

The grant will fund upgrades to vacant kitchens in the Muskegon County building, enabling the CHS program to not only improve the process by which food is delivered to ISD schools, but further boost participation from Career Tech Center culinary students. For 15 years, CTC students have been part of the program, helping develop recipes that

Dan Gorman, food service director at Montague Area Public Schools as well as the North Muskegon district, is one of the leads in the CHS program, along with Elissa Penczar, food systems coordinator at the CTC, and registered dietitian Deb Warren.

"Montague is one of the key districts, a lead district (in the program)," Gorman said. "We've been doing some of the work there, and we're coordinating it through our kitchens. Once those kitchens are up and running, a lot of the work will

"Montague is one of the key districts, a lead district (in the program)," Gorman said. "We've been doing some of the work there, and we're coordinating it through our kitchens.

Once those kitchens are up and running, a lot of the work will

Fresh food

Fresh food continued on page 2

Whitehall council approves pair of road projects

Prein & Newhof was low bidder for both Muskegon Ave. and Livingston Rd. projects

were absent.

Prein & Newhof was low bidder for both Muskegon Ave. and Livingston Rd. projects

were absent.

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall city council approved bids from Prein and Newhof to enter into the engineering and design phase of road improvement projects on both Muskegon Avenue and Livingston Street, part of a large slate of financial items during its regular meeting Tuesday night.

The resolutions for both projects described them as "critical need" improvements for the city. Road reconstruction, water main replacements and new sidewalks will be part of the work done on both roads.

The combined expenditure for design and construction oversight for the two road projects will be $585,500: $342,700 for the Livingston project and the remainder for the work on Muskegon.

Both approvals passed with a 5-0 vote. Tanya Cabala and Roger Squiers

Mayor Tom Ziemer expressed excitement that the city was taking concrete steps toward road repairs; the topic was one of his main priorities when running for the office last year.

The council also granted a 5-0 approval to a contract with Jaekel Construction for $61,825 to do dock repairs and install steel handrails at the marina, with the money coming out of the marina fund. City manager Dan Tavernier said he viewed the work as a priority because he wouldn't feel comfortable renting some of the slips out until it is completed.

Three other financial approvals were granted 5-0: The establishment of

a $42,000 facade grant program that will allow up to seven businesses per year in the Commercial Rehabilitation District to seek city funding to improve their exteriors; a $7,500 allocation to the Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center to help pay for rehabilitation work on the Sailboat Trees sculpture in Covell Park; and $1,000 in support to the White Lake Community Garden, as well as waiving the cost of the garden's water use, providing a port-a-potty there in the summer months, and a five-year permit approval for the garden's continued use of Slocum Park.

up to $6,000 each in grant money to aid in various exterior improvements. This could include Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, as well as work on entryways or replacement of windows or doors. Properties would be eligible to seek funds once every two years, with work to be completed by June 30 of the fiscal year.

Three other financial approvals were granted 5-0: The establishment of

The facade grant money, which Tavernier said will come out of the proceeds of a recent land sale, will be used as a test run to see if the council would like to continue the program in the 2026-27 budget. The program will allow up to seven businesses in the Commercial Rehab District, which encompasses most of Colby Street, to seek

Greg Tuggle of Painting Services of West Michigan, based in Grand Haven, will rehabilitate the Sailboat Trees sculpture, which the ACWL-Nuveen says is in dire need of repair. The work, which will cost $12,140, includes sandblasting the sculpture to remove loose paint and rust and repainting it with catalyzed polyurethane, a more durable material than the original powder-coated surface. The remainder of the funding is provided by a White Lake

Whitehall nurse receives Essential Service Award

Paula Holm, a nurse at Optalis Health and Rehabilitation in Whitehall, was one of six West Michigan frontline workers honored Monday with 2025 Beverly A. Drake Essential Service awards at The Economic Club of Grand Rapids.

West Michigan Works! hosted the gathering and presented the awards, which highlight non-managerial employees who consistently exceed expectations, demonstrating integrity, dedication, and commitment to their workplaces and communities.

groundskeeping; childcare; food service; government; health care and elder care; hospitality; nonprofit; retail; skilled trades; and transportation.

“Strong communities and strong economies are built by people like this year’s honorees,” said Mark Bergsma, workforce development board member, West Michigan Works!, in a press release. “At a time when our communities can feel divided, the Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Awards recognize the people who keep West Michigan moving forward every single day.”

Essential Service Awards are presented across a range of frontline fields, including administrative and office roles; cleaning, housekeeping and

groundskeeping; childcare; food service; government; health care and elder care; hospitality; nonprofit; retail; skilled trades; and transportation.

“Paula’s not just a nurse, she's also their family. She's worked here for over 20 years, so the residents see her as that. She treats them as such,” said Lindsay Cooper, Optalis nursing director, in the release. “She's gone from the housekeeper to CNA to nursing. She's worked up through the ranks, so she's a very valuable employee here.”

Holm said that perspective guides her work every day.

“Sometimes I have up to 25 patients for one nurse, so it can be time-consuming,” said Holm in the release. “I guess I look at them as my family members. How would I want my family taken care of? And that is how I do my duties.”

The other five honorees at the event were Grace Clark, operations specialists, STEM Greenhouse; Leemon Johncock, banquet lead cook, Bay Pointe Inn; Cole Marschall, project superintendent, Owen-Ames-Kimball; Melissa Thatcher, youth ser-

Muskegon Career Tech Center students team up every year to come up with fresh recipes using local produce that are taste tested by Montague and Whitehall students to see what will be added to local lunch menus.

Courtesy Photo

vices specialist, Hackley Public Library; and Dan Vandermarkt, team member, Health Care Associates Transport.

Whitehall nurse Paula Holm was one of six West Michigan frontline workers honored Monday with a 2025 Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Award. Holm is a nurse at Optalis Health & Rehabilitation in Whitehall.

• Courtesy Photo

vices specialist, Hackley Public Library; and Dan Vandermarkt, team member, Health Care Associates Transport.

• Courtesy Photo

vices specialist, Hackley Public Library; and Dan Vandermarkt, team member, Health Care Associates Transport.

• Courtesy Photo

Whitehall Township opposes state house bills

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — The Whitehall Township board unanimously passed a resolution opposing Michigan House Bills 5529-5532 at its regular meeting Monday, stating the bills would undermine local zoning ordinances.

The bills, which Supervisor Dennis Kroll described as "silly legislation," would amend the Land Division Act and Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. Among other changes, these amendments would prohibit municipalities from imposing a minimum square footage above 1,500 when considering land divisions for a parcel served by public water and sewer. He added that the stated rationale for the bills is to combat the affordable housing crisis in the state. Kroll agreed it was a worthy issue to address

but felt this was the wrong approach.

Kroll shared that Republican state senator Jon Bumstead has already stated opposition to the bills. (The bill's co-sponsors are all Democrats, though Republican Joe Aragona of Clinton Twp. is one of the two sponsors.) Kroll felt it was important for the township to formally lodge its disagreement with the bills; the Michigan Township Association and the Michigan Municipal League have also done so. Trustee David Holly said that if enacted,

the requirements could result in homes as small as 522 square feet, far smaller than average new home builds. The township also unanimously approved a $2,000 contribution to the White Lake Fireworks Committee for this year's fireworks celebration. This is an increase from the usual $500. Kroll said the township's financials are in very good shape and it is significantly under budget. Additionally, the board felt the increased contribution underscores the importance of the U.S.'s 250th

anniversary celebration.

Trustee Chuck Schmitigal reported that the White Lake Ambulance Authority's financial reports are also very strong. He shared that Fruitland Township is planning to place a resolution regarding WLAA membership on the ballot in August. He added that even if Fruitland voters approved that, the WLAA's other member municipalities would have to vote to accept Fruitland into the authority for it to occur.

WMEAC to host PFAS pilot project kickoff event

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council will host a public informational kickoff about PFAS issues in Muskegon County and the Safe Water for Muskegon County PFAS Well Testing Pilot Project Thursday, March 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Muskegon Community College.

The event will introduce a new pilot program designed to assist private well users in Egelston, Muskegon Charter and Moorland townships with PFAS screening.

Attendees will learn: What PFAS are and why testing matters; how the pilot program works; who is eligible; how applicants will be selected; and the process going forward.

Fact sheets and printed educational materials will be available at the event, which is open to the public.

Muskegon County currently has 19 identified PFAS sites. PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group

Fresh food

be done in Muskegon."

"There's 23,000 students in Muskegon County and they get fed two, sometimes three meals a day. We work collaboratively to say, 'We know we're serving apples, or lettuce, or cucumbers. How do we make sure as much of that food as possible is local?' We're working with farmers to get that through the money we already spend."

The Creating Healthy Schools program challenges CTC students to devise recipes using key ingredients, like vegetables. These recipes are then taste-tested and narrowed down to two final candidates, which are served to Montague and Whitehall students. (Gorman said younger students are familiar with the taste test days and know CTC students as "the people in the chef coats.")

Gorman said he's occasionally amazed at some of the ideas CTC students come up with, even when presented with ingredients kids traditionally do not enjoy, such as peas or mushrooms. Gorman said next week will begin the CTC's latest eight-week cycle, which produces some of those remarkable recipes; this cycle's main ingredient will be spinach.

"Someone made mushroom ice cream one year - and it was good!" Gorman chuckled. "That process they go through is really exciting, and then you really see the growth in the students. You see them take ownership of it as a collective. We see these recipes and how we can improve those recipes.

"It's not really being done anywhere else. A lot of times, we serve to kids what parents think they should like, and here,

of human-made chemicals that persist in the environment and have been linked to potential health risks. They have been used in industrial processes, firefighting foams, metal plating operations, and the manufacture of stain resistant and water-resistant products. In Muskegon County, contamination has been associated with historic industrial activity and waste disposal practices. Information on the status of these sites will be presented at the meeting. In designated state study areas surrounding known sites, the State of Michigan provides no-cost residential well screening. However, residents who live outside of those study boundaries and rely on private wells are responsible for arranging and paying for their own testing. The Safe Water for Muskegon County pilot was developed to help address that gap by providing limited cost-assisted screening to qualifying households outside current state study

continued from page 1

we serve them what their peers think they might like. It's one of the best programs around. Every year, all the students in the school district, since kindergarten, have had two taste tests per year, minimum. We've really created a community of tasters."

The CHS program not only benefits students who work on the CTC program - and district students who are presented with healthier meal options - but also local farmers. Through the program, they're able to sell their produce to the district to serve local students. That in turn helps them make adjustments to better tailor their production. Gorman said Rennhack Orchards in Hart is one example of this, having begun planting trees that will produce smaller applesa better fit for students' smaller bellies.

Gorman praised La Colombe for its community commitment. The Muskegon Chronicle reported in January that the company will embark on a nearly half-billion dollar expansion to its Norton Shores facilities, and it celebrated Monday's announcement by distributing 300 boxes of locally produced breakfast foods to food pantries in Muskegon. Last October, Montague district families were able to get a free box of La Colombe products in a distribution modeled on the weekly ones that take place each summer.

"They're invested in this community, and they want to make a difference," Gorman said. "You hear those words a lot, but firsthand working with them, you can tell. They've come in and made smoothies for us, and they've come in and helped us hand out food."

areas. A total of 36 test kits will be distributed by this December.

The project is funded by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and coordinated by Tanya Cabala of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council in partnership with Dr. Rick Rediske. Cabala and Rediske co-coordinate the Muskegon County

PFAS Task Force through WMEAC. The project is being carried out in cooperation with the three townships affected. The meeting is informational and will explain how the program works, outline eligibility criteria, describe how residents may apply, and answer community questions.

City council

Community Fund grant received last year. The ACWL-Nuveen reported that Tuggle believes the work will extend the sculpture's lifespan by 25-plus years.

With the approval of the garden's requests, its board will move forward with expansion plans it hopes will over time transform the space into a "food forest" that can provide local residents with plentiful fresh produce. Council member Bryan Mahan said the extended term, a departure from the usual practice of year-to-year approvals for requests of this nature, allows the garden to pursue its long-term plan, which includes more planting and fencing.

Ziemer reported that the outlook for the White Lake Senior Center building may be rosier than previously believed after he attended the center's Feb. 17 board meeting. He said Montague city manager Jeff Auch shared a quote from the firm Fleis and Vandenbrink saying the main structural issues with the

building could be resolved by excavating below its back wall and installing helical piers to stabilize it. This would cost between $50,000-$75,000, with additional follow-up costs for masonry repairs, but would keep the building usable and would prevent the necessity of seeking a new home for the Senior Center.

The council also received the city's annual audit presentation from Vredeveld Haefner, with presenter Matthew Vredeveld reporting a clean audit. There was some discussion about implementing controls to verify marina revenues, which do not currently exist, though as the marina no longer accepts cash payments, monitoring those revenues is easier than it once was.

Tavernier said bids for work on the Lake Street road improvement projects are set to open this week. He hopes that work can begin on those improvements by April.

PUBLIC NOTICE

MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP 2026 BOARD OF REVIEW

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2026 March Board of Review will meet for organization and also for hearings of citizen’s protests at the Montague Township Hall 8915 Whitbeck Rd, Montague, Mi 49437.

As follows:

Organizational Meeting: Tuesday, March 03, 2026 at 4:00pm No protest hearings BOARD OF REVIEW PUBLIC PROTEST MEETING SCHEDULE Monday, March 9, 2026 9:00 am to 12:00 pm 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

You may contact Assessor Shirley Wyatt at 231-724-6153 to schedule appointments. Non-Resident taxpayers protesting in writing: Go to www.michigan.gov/treasury. In the search box type L-4035 (Petition to the Board of Review fillable form). Please fill out and return with your letter of appeal to the Montague Township Hall no later than 5pm on March 10th, 2026.

The tentative starting ratios and factors for Montague Township for 2026, as calculated by the Muskegon County Equalization Bureau, are:

Published: February 27, 2026 and March 6, 2026 Also published on the Muskegon County Equalization

Saturday, Feb. 28

Velvet Mushroom Syndicate performs @ North Grove Brewers, 7 p.m.

Monday, March 2

Family Storytime @ White Lake Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to join for stories, music, and movement. No registration required.

Tuesday, March 3

Toddler Story Time @ MADL Montague, 9:30 a.m. Stories, songs and

Community Calendar

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.

Wednesday, March 4

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.

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

Thursday, March 5

Adult Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring studio materials from home or explore available supplies in the classroom.

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, March 6

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!

Echoes of History: Talk of the Town

By Barbara Bedau Brow Volunteer Contributor

"The principal topic of conversation in town this week has been the family troubles of Charles Johnson of the firm of Johnson & Miller," according to an article in the Whitehall Forum dated Sept. 27, 1888. The beginning of that difficulty dated back to January of that year and the clandestine marriage of Miss Grace Carpenter, daughter of Mrs. Johnson, and one Walter R. Hawley of New York.

Miss Carpenter, who was reared in Whitehall and was well-known in society as a bright and promising young lady and musician, though with few advantages to develop her talent, joined the Lovenberg family of bell-ringers the previous fall and for the first time left the parental roof to enter professional life.

The Lovenbergs did not use her right, and at Denver, Colorado, she left them. After considerable experience at Denver and Kansas City, she returned home where she remained up to the time of the affair, it being understood that she was engaged to be married to Fred Brown of the Kalamazoo Engraving Co.

Hawley came here with the Union Square Theater Co. and a flirtation arose between him and Miss Carpenter, resulting in several meetings. Hawley was evidently one of those simple, easygoing fellows who adopted the stage out of sheer laziness. He was a fair singer, a cheap actor, and had the oily grace and poetic features that were likely to infatuate a capricious girl. There is no doubt that through these means the fellow insinuated himself

into the good graces of his victim, and arranged for her to meet him at Holland whither the company went.

Miss Carpenter followed to Muskegon, got a friend to accompany her, and joined Hawley at Holland. When the party returned to Muskegon, the couple were married Jan. 18, 1888. As soon as Grace returned home and confessed the affair, her mother went to Muskegon and had a conference with Hawley. He could give no excuse for secretly enticing the girl from her home, but said he had a rich father to whom he looked for help as the linings of his pockets were all they contained and his miniature brain was completely at a loss to know what to do.

Whether or not the fellow has a rich father is a matter of doubt, but he confessed himself that the paternal ancestor had cut him loose. Mrs. Hawley was at Muskegon with her husband that week and said she would frustrate any designs of his to compel her to go on the stage.

One of the most unfortunate features of the whole affair was the heartless treatment of Mr. Brown. He was here and offered his sympathy to the mother. Although he said nothing to his friends, it was plain that he felt keenly the situation. The mantle of charity should be thrown over the whole case and it was hoped that Hawley would be manly enough to care for his wife in a proper manner. Should he have failed in this, the lesson was worth something as a warning to those capricious girls who persist in flirting with strangers and thus risking their reputation on worthless vagabonds.

The marriage to Hawley was later annulled on the grounds of fraud. After

the annulment, the wooing between Miss Carpenter and Mr. Brown was renewed. A date was set for their wedding and an elaborate trousseau was arranged for the bride. Mr. Brown came a week or so prior to claim his bride, but at the last moment she refused to wed him and left town for the home of relatives in Indiana. Brown returned to Kalamazoo with a heavy heart.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, 1888, Brown came to visit Mrs. Johnson and her children. Evidently Charles Johnson, the husband, did not like the presence of Brown in his household and on Monday night while somewhat under the influence of liquor ordered him and Mrs. J’s son Ray Carpenter out of the house. They refused to leave and Mr. Johnson got his revolver and, it was claimed, pointed it at Brown. Ray threw up Johnson’s hand and Brown took the revolver away. Then Ray assaulted Johnson and beat him severely about the head. After this Carpenter and Brown swore out a warrant against Johnson for carrying concealed weapons, but this was changed to a complaint for sureties to keep the peace and the case was set for Saturday morning, Sept. 29, at 10 o’clock before Squire Hedges.

The trouble was renewed again the next Tuesday night when Ray Carpenter and Alfred Johnson, Mr. Johnson’s son, met on Colby Street. Johnson was under the influence of liquor and the row resulted in his being knocked down and afterwards locked up. In this fracas a revolver and butcher knife figured, but Alfred was released later in the night and went home.

The courts were the proper place to settle these differences, and it

was hoped there would be no more breaches of the peace. The feeling against Brown was very strong and on Wednesday morning he left town. Everything became quiet.

Interestingly, it was reported Jan. 10, 1889 that Mrs. Johnson went to Topeka, Kansas to visit her oldest daughter, Florence Della, who was recently married there to Fred Brown of Kalamazoo - the same Fred Brown who was once engaged to Grace. They were married Nov. 7, 1888 and would later have three children.

On Aug. 10, 1889, Grace Carpenter married Charles E. Park in Whitehall. He was a physician from Connecticut where they went to live. They had a daughter, Theo Margherite (18911917).

By 1910, Grace and her 19-year-old daughter had returned to Whitehall and were renting a house somewhere on Mears Avenue. It appears that her daughter later returned to Connecticut, where she died in 1917. She is listed on a tombstone with other Park family members as the daughter of Charles Park, but no mention of her mother Grace.

The 1920 census shows Grace as divorced and living in Chicago. By the 1930 census it shows her now living with a cousin in Wisconsin.

The 1940 census indicated that Grace was living in the Muskegon Hotel on Western Avenue and that she was living there in1935 as well.

Grace died March 28, 1944 at the age of 74 years in Dornbush Convalescent Home in Norton Shores. According to her death certificate, it looks like she was buried in the County Cemetery.

After-hours game night coming March 27

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

Looking for a fun way to spend a Friday evening? The library's community room will stay open late Friday, March 27, from 5-7 p.m. for an adults-only game night.

Prefer classic card games like euchre? We’ll have tables ready for cards. We'll also have board games from our Library of Things collection. Curious about something different? The Nintendo Switch and our VR headset will be available for anyone who’d like to give them a try.

Whether you enjoy a familiar deck of cards, a quick strategy game, or learning something new, there’s something for everyone. Come on your own or with friends. Attendees are also welcome to bring a favorite game to share, especially one that’s easy to learn and jump into.

Come ready to relax and have some fun! If you’re able, please bring a snack to share (completely optional, but appreciated).

Thank you to everyone who completed our recent survey about the best time to host this event. Your input was valuable and the results were clear, with 63% of respondents saying Friday evening would work well.

FUN FACT: The library has a collection of 36 board games you can borrow and play at home, and 13 of them are currently checked out! With every-

thing from Scrabble and Charades to Uno and Yahtzee, there are games for all ages and skill levels. Check out the complete list at bit.ly/wlclboardgames. Borrow an old favorite or try something new the next time you gather with friends or family! (Quick game of Qwirkle, anyone?)

Design Your Own Leprechaun Trap

Catch the magic at White Lake Community Library! Bring the whole family for an evening of creativity and fun from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12. Everyone is invited to design and build a leprechaun trap from recyclable materials and other odds and ends. Legend has it that if you catch a leprechaun, he has to tell you where his pot of gold is hidden. We aren’t guaranteeing you’ll catch a leprechaun or find a pot of gold, but we’re pretty

sure you’ll have fun designing a trap! We will provide the basics, including an assortment of recyclables, tape, glue, markers, and paint. Feel free to bring more materials you may have from home to share in the crafting fun. This event is free and open to all ages. Registration is not required, just join us if you can.

DeMumbrum

Lake Mirror Lake Mirror

NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community Defense lifts Whitehall past 'Cats in district

17-2 second-quarter run sparks Vikings to rivalry win in district opener

By Andy Roberts

White Lake Mirror Editor

MONTAGUE — Whitehall's defense locked down Montague, holding the Wildcats without a second-half field goal, to pull away for a 67-25 win in the teams' pre-district game Monday night.

The Vikings went ahead by double digits when Evan Thomas drove to the basket for a layup in the final seconds of the first quarter, then buried the Wildcats with a 17-2 scoring run in the second.

Thomas, Pierce Westerlund and Hunter Osborne led a multi-pronged Whitehall attack early on, and the Vikings hit five first-half treys - three by Osborne - to propel themselves to a Wednesday semifinal matchup against old nemesis Spring Lake, which the Vikings lost 74-61.

It was the defense, though, that took center stage Monday night, holding the Wildcats to 15% shooting and 0-for-12 from three-point distance.

"We ratcheted up the pressure a little bit," Whitehall coach Christian Subdon said. "We forced them into offhand dribbles. If they wanted to drive right, we weren't going to let them drive right. They were going to drive left. We kind of took away what they wanted to do, and we made them do what we wanted them to do."

The 14 turnovers Whitehall forced,

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

as well as effective first-half rebounding, helped the Vikings get out on the break, which they've long loved to do. That yielded open shots and lanes to the basket.

Montague coach Nick Thaler said Whitehall utilized its physical advantages well and lamented that the 'Cats couldn't slow down the Vikes' fast breaks.

"When you're playing a team that's got some veteran guys and has got some good physical players, you've got to put some type of pressure on them," Thaler said. "If you don't, then you're going to be looking at scores like tonight.

"When they're clearing possessions and they're taking it down and we're not getting back in transition, that's a problem. They're getting that extra possession and then you have to sprint back on defense to be able to stop the ball and protect the basket, and we

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

didn't do those things."

High-level long-distance shooting was also a big factor for Whitehall, which made 9-of-21 from beyond the arc. So locked in were Viking shooters that Alex Winczewski was able to knock

down a trey from close to half court to beat the third-quarter buzzer. Westerlund, who had a team-

Whitehall wins first-ever boys regional title

Vikings qualify 3 individuals to state as well; R-P boys also win regional

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

The Whitehall boys bowling team delivered history last Wednesday at the Division 3 regional tournament at Muskegon's Sherman Lanes, winning the boys program's first-ever regional championship.

Whitehall edged Kent City for the top spot, 2,907-2,850, by outscoring the Eagles in five of the eight Baker games. Each side scored higher in one of the regular games played. The two teams were comfortably ahead of everyone else in the field; Kent City outpaced third-place Chippewa Hills by over 200 points.

Whitehall coach Matt Houseman said the atmosphere on the lanes was "pretty intense" once it became clear the Vikings and Eagles were dueling for the title.

"Our kids stepped up and got to work and did what they needed to do to win it," Houseman said.

The decisive game of the team regionals was the sixth of the eight Baker

games. Whitehall scored 144 points to Kent City's 97, and the 47-point differential between them was the highest of any of the 10 total games played.

Houseman said stacking strikes is the key to Baker games, in which a team's five bowlers each handle two frames by a set rotation - one bowler goes first and sixth, another second and seventh, and so on. In the Vikings' case, Ian Hinze, who regularly plays the No. 3 spot in the lineup in regular games, leads off the Baker games, with Whitehall's top two players - Adel Ali-Redha and veteran Mason Slaughter - in the back two positions in the lineup. That enables those three to bowl fourth, fifth and sixth.

"Mason has been our anchor all year long and stepped up in big spots, but Adel has been so good for us and he stepped up (on Wednesday)," Houseman said.

Whitehall kept the good times going in Thursday's individual regional, qualifying two players to the state meet. Ali-Redha took second place overall with a score of 1,147 over six games, putting him just nine points behind Orchard View's Tristan Beerman. Slaughter grabbed the fifth of seven qualifying spots by scoring 1,104. Hinze rounded out the individual top 20.

Ali-Redha's high game in the in-

dividual meet was a 233, which he accomplished twice, in the first and fifth of his games. Houseman said Ali-Redha's consistency is what has set him apart in his first season in the Viking lineup.

"He's really smooth in his approach and his release," Houseman said of Ali-Redha. "He's able to throw up big numbers, but he's also consistent. He's had his bad days like everyone does in bowling, but he's been consistent in his scoring."

Slaughter rolled a 235 in his first game, which was the third-highest score bowled by anyone in the meet, and scored highly enough the rest of the way to earn his spot at state.

As the Vikes prepare for the team state meet, Houseman said he's being careful not to overwork the team in practice so they're fresh when the lights come on. The team hopes to play well enough in the preliminary rounds to reach the eight-team bracket play portion of the day, in which anything can happen.

"We were fortunate in the GMAA to beat Reeths-Puffer in match play and went toe to toe with Mona Shores, who was good all year long," Houseman said. "If we can get into that top eight

WHITEHALL • MONTAGUE • REETHS - PUFFER

Montague's Karter Johnson tries to find room along the sideline against defense from Whitehall's Rex Pumford during Monday's pre-district game at Montague. The Vikings won, 67-25. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's boys bowling team celebrates its first-ever regional championship Wednesday at Sherman Lanes in Muskegon. The Vikings also qualified two boys and one girl to the state meet.

• Photo courtesy of Whitehall Athletics

Whitehall's Evan Thomas works against Montague's Logan Hansen during Monday's pre-district game at Montague. The Vikings won, 67-25.

Montague's Cole Herremans makes his way to the basket while Corde Anderson defends for Whitehall during Monday's pre-district game at Montague. The Vikings won, 67-25.

Area produces 4 boys regional champs

Of 17 qualifiers, 14 earn spots at Ford Field

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Whitehall and Montague enjoyed terrific performances from its individual qualifiers at Saturday's Division 3 regionals in Belding, as 13 of the 15 reached Ford Field.

Ten of 11 Vikings to wrestle in Belding advanced to the state meet, and three of the four Wildcats did so too.

Leading the way for the area were three regional champions, all Vikings: Liam Leeke at 157 pounds, Cody Manzo at 126 and Max Krukowski at 132.

Krukowski's road to the top of the podium proved to be toughest of the three, as he went to overtime in his championship match against Tri-County's Isaac Gitchel before pulling out a thrilling 2-1 victory. Krukowski also battled out a hard-fought 8-5 win over Luke Klinge of Hopkins in the semifinals after earning a technical fall in his opening match.

Leeke dominated his brack-

et, scoring two pins - including one over Ryan Sparks of Allegan in the championship match - and a technical fall. Manzo picked up a pin in his first-round match, then had to defeat teammate Isaac O'Boyle in the semifinals before beating Sammy Anderson of Kent City, 12-6, for the title.

The Vikings had two regional runners-up as well. Robert Belinger scored a major decision and a pin before taking second place at 106 pounds, and Blake Wallace earned a pair of pins on his way to a runner-up spot at 113.

Montague also had two regional runners-up. Isaac French rolled past his first two foes by technical fall and major decision before taking second at 175, and Maverick Osborne pinned each of his first two opponents and was second at 285.

Viking third-placers were Tanner Woodworth (190) and Dom Zygmuntowski (120), who each went 3-1. Woodworth scored two pins in the tournament, and Zygmuntowski won matches by decision and by major decision. Montague's

District battle

high 17 points Monday and set a school record with eight three-pointers earlier this season against Morley-Stanwood, said effective ball movement helped him and his teammates have better looks. That was

Bowling wins

continued from page 4

and score well, I feel pretty confident we can make a run at it."

Montague also competed at the boys' regionals, finishing ninth of the 13 schools with a team score of 2,507. Matthew Leatherman topped Wildcat individual finishers Thursday, tying for 11th place with a sixgame score of 1,046.

Hoffmeyer qualifies for girls state meet

Freshman Adelie Hoffmeyer will carry the flag for the Whitehall Vikings at the state tournament after qualifying for the individual finals from Thursday's Division 3 regional tournament in Muskegon.

Hoffmeyer finished fifth in the tournament (the top seven qualify for state) with a six-game score of 896.

It was a close regional, with only 65 points separating the seven state qualifiers. Hoffmeyer's best score of the six games was a 170, which she rolled in her first game.

"You don't see a lot of freshmen qualify to the state meet, and she's going to do big things for Whitehall girls bowling the next four years," Houseman said. "She loves bowling. She's all in. We look forward to what she can do Saturday as an individual."

Delaney Kramer finished 15th for the Vikings with a six-game score of 810. Alanna Hysell placed 16th for Montague with a six-game score of 807. Kramer's high game was a 159, and Hysell's was a 177.

Whitehall finished in fifth place, with Montague in sixth, in the team regional competition Wednesday. The Vikings scored 2,140 points over eight Baker games and two regular games, with Montague totaling 2,086 points.

Rocket boys win 1st regional since 2012

Reeths-Puffer's boys team brought home its first regional championship since 2012 Wednesday at the Division 2 regional meet in Comstock Park.

Fletcher Thommen (150) also took third to extend his high school career, posting a pin, a technical fall, and a decision.

Three Vikings finished fourth with 2-2 records: Kolten Weiler (150), Billy Darke (215) and O'Boyle, who won two major decisions to sandwich his loss to teammate Manzo. Weiler won a major decision and a decision in his bracket, and Darke earned his way to state with a tough 2-0 decision over Kaden Smith of Grant in the blood round, as well as picking up a first-round major decision.

Montague's Gavyn Maddox reached the blood round of 144 but was unable to get the final win he needed, and Whitehall's Colten Kyser (157) ended his wrestling career with an 0-2 re-

cord at regionals.

In another highlight of the regional tournament, Montague assistant coach Andrew Nold received the Division 3 Regional Assistant Coach of the Year award.

"We had to battle, which is good for our guys to be tested before the state tournament," Montague coach Kris Maddox said. "All of these wrestlers competed well and we are proud of how they represent our school and community."

Landon Learn wins regional title

Reeths-Puffer freshman star Landon Learn roared back from a tough loss in the team regional semifinals, his first as a high schooler, with a dominating performance in the Di-

continued from page 4

another big contributor to their shooting success.

"It makes us a lot better," Westerlund said. "It's so much easier to hit open shots than to go one-on-one, and Coach has been talking about it. I didn't think we

The Rockets posted an impressive score of 3,491 over the competition, which included eight Baker games and two regular games. Their winning margin of 168 points over runner-up Cedar Springs was more than the gap between second and fifth place.

R-P was the highest-scoring team out of the 13 competing in three of the eight Baker games and one of the two regular games. The Rockets had a score of 1,015 in the first regular games and a high score of 232 in the Baker games.

In the individual meet, the Rockets' Carter Hekkema earned a spot at the state meet by finishing sixth (the top seven qualify). Hekkema's six-game score was 1,220, and his high game was a 236.

Liam Copenhaver narrowly missed state as an individual, finishing eighth with a score of 1,203 - just 12 away from qualifying. His high game for the day was a 237 and like Hekkema, he was over 200 in four of his six games.

Ryleigh Beebe and Knox Estepp also finished in the top 20 for the Rockets. Beebe was 16th with a score of 1,156; he bowled a spectacular 290 in his final game of the day. Estepp finished 19th with a score of 1,132, bowling a high score of 225.

In the girls' meet, the Rockets finished 11th, with a total score of 1,722. Their top individual finisher was Kaila Uhlig, who placed 18th with a six-game score of 874. Her top game score was a 168.

Montague assistant wrestling coach Andrew Nold was named Division 3 regional assistant coach of the year Saturday. It's the 2nd year in a row Nold has been given the award.

• Photo courtesy of Montague Wrestling

vision 1 individual regionals at Portage Northern to win the 113-pound title.

Learn dispatched all three of his opponents by pin, including Hastings' Hunter Sutfin in the finals. That ran Learn's remarkable record to 48-1 for the season.

The Rockets' Micah Mills, who also wrestled at 113, scored a first-round technical fall but went 1-2 at the meet, ending his season. Devin Welch, at 215, also wrestled at the regionals, going 0-2.

ran our offense that good today, but it's just a lot better."

Winczewski had 12 points for Whitehall, and Osborne chipped in 11. Thomas had eight points and eight rebounds.

Logan Hansen paced Montague with eight points. The defeat ended the careers of six Wildcats, including starters Hansen, Cooper Bradley and Cole Herremans.

"I just told them in the locker room that I didn't want their senior year to be their proudest achievement," Thaler said. "I want them to continue to value things and set goals for themselves."

Sports in Brief

Boys Basketball

Reeths-Puffer 75 Jenison 53

Marvin Moore scored 17 points in his final home game to lead the Rockets. Rodney Walker added 14 points.

Montague 55 Muskegon Catholic 41

Montague blew open a close game by outscoring the Crusaders 22-4 in the 3rd quarter. Cole Herremans scored 14 points in the first 3 quarters. Mona Shores 61 Reeths-Puffer 60 (OT)

Shores hit a late basket to steal the win from the Rockets. Marvin Moore scored 25 points for R-P, and Artis Williams added a career-best 21. Spring Lake 74 Whitehall 61

The Vikings were competitive, but fell short in the district semifinals. Pierce Westerlund had 16 points, and Hunter Osborne added 15.

Girls Basketball

Reeths-Puffer 57 Jenison 23

Raquel Walker led R-P with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Ashlyn David had 9 points and 11 boards, and Jaslynn Kops also had 9 points. Muskegon Catholic 55 Montague 35

Montague trailed by a point after a quarter before the visiting Crusaders pulled away. Gentry Knop had 16 points for Montague.

Whitehall 37 Orchard View 35 (OT)

Statistics were not reported from the Vikings' victory.

Cheer

Reeths-Puffer 2nd at districts, advances to regionals The Rockets led all teams with 210.8 points in round two and ended the day with 729.5 points, only 12 fewer than champ Cedar Springs.

Hockey

Mona Shores 3 Reeths-Puffer 1

The Rockets fell to their archrivals in the regional finals. Dom Switzer scored the Rockets' only goal, assisted by Michael Flanagan. R-P was called for 3 penalties in the first 4 minutes

The Reeths-Puffer boys bowling team celebrates its regional championship last Wednesday at Westgate Bowl in Comstock Park. The Rockets won their first title since 2012.

• Photo courtesy of R-P Athletics

Whitehall's wrestling team celebrates a successful day at the individual regional tournament in Belding. Ten Vikings qualified for state at the meet. • Photo courtesy of Whitehall Wrestling

Four local girls wrestlers advance to state meet

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

All four White Lake area regional qualifiers advanced from Sunday's Division 3 meet in Cadillac to score spots at Ford Field, highlighted by a pair of regional champions.

Whitehall's Kassie Sapp and Reeths-Puffer's Sidney Shackelford earned titles, putting themselves in ad-

vantageous positions for the state meet.

The Vikings' Miley Manzo and Montague's Zaniya Meza each fought their way to state as well by finishing in fourth place.

Sapp was the 130-pound champion, making short work of her bracket. She pinned all three of her opponents, including Grand Haven's Megan Brower in the finals. After a second-place finish a year ago, Sapp is poised to pursue the

Vikings' first-ever state title in girls wrestling.

Shackelford had a difficult road through the 145-pound bracket. After being awarded a first-round bye, Shackelford faced off with Forest Hills Central's Lulu Cousins in a tight semifinal battle before coming away with a 5-3 victory. She then pinned Charlotte Mawhorter of Gladwin in the finals.

Manzo, at 115, scored two straight

wins in the consolation bracket to earn her trip to state. A hard-fought 7-4 win in the blood round against Zetta Anderson of Forest Hills Central gave her a spot in the state bracket.

Meza was awarded a first-round bye at 105, and later scored a pin in the blood round to score her first trip to the state meet.

Viking seniors strong in win over Oakridge

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — With seniors Evan Thomas and Hunter Osborne back in the lineup, Whitehall is showing flashes of the team the Vikings expected to be all year, and they closed the regular season with one of their best efforts.

Hot shooting early and effective inside basketball late proved to be a great combination as Whitehall rolled past Oakridge, 69-34, in its regular season finale.

Thomas said he suffered high ankle sprains on both his legs on New Year's Day that hampered him for several weeks; he is close to 100% now, he added. Osborne also missed several games in December and January. Back on the court and back in form, their performances Friday were instrumental to the win.

Thomas scored nine first-quarter points on his way to a game-high 24, and Osborne had 16 points and 10 rebounds in the win. The Vikings' third senior being honored, Corde Anderson, scored nine points - seven of them early in the third quarter as Whitehall began to pull away.

"They continue to grind," Whitehall coach Christian Subdon said of his senior trio. "(This year's) not up to their expectation, either, and they could have packed it in...and they didn't. Some of our younger guys have bought in. They

have continued to grind, and it's a long season, especially when you're not winning as much as you think you should. I'm proud of them, and hopefully we can see some of the fruits of our labor here next week."

Whitehall had early success from the outside, as Thomas and Osborne each made an early three-pointer and combined to score all 14 of the team's first-quarter points to build a 14-9 lead. Though the Vikings sputtered in the second quarter on offense, strong defense enabled them to maintain the edge. The team had a 36-22 rebounding edge and forced 17 turnovers while holding the Eagles to 24% shooting.

"We want to continue to get better

defensively, which I think we've done so far this year," Subdon said. "Even in some of the losses that we've taken recently, our defense has been much better, and our effort has been there."

After halftime, Whitehall went to the paint, feeding Anderson for seven quick points, including scoring an and-one basket on a fast break with an impressive pass from Rex Pumford (who received a nice pass in turn from Elijah Smith). Anderson missed the free throw, but Thomas grabbed the rebound and scored to make it a fourpoint possession, forcing an Oakridge timeout.

From there, Thomas again took over, scoring eight third-quarter points. Osborne added a trey in the frame.

"I feel like when me and Corde get

going inside, it's really hard for other (teams)," Thomas said. "Once we get going, I feel like we're pretty unstoppable."

Subdon described that sort of inside-outside attack as "the ideal game plan" for Whitehall, adding that although the team's best shooters, Pierce Westerlund and Alex Winczewski, didn't catch fire Friday, hopefully they'd bring that form to the postseason.

"This is the perfect game that we needed to get to the districts and get our confidence back up," Thomas said. "At times tonight we struggled, but it showed that we could also get out of that hole. We weren't scoring much, and then we figured out what we needed to do to get it going again. We're looking forward to this week."

Well-rounded game helps Vikes to big win

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

WHITEHALL — Even down to six rotation players due to various mid-winter break happenings, Whitehall played its most complete game of the season Friday night, pounding Oakridge 58-24 and raising optimism it can be a factor in the upcoming district tournament.

The Vikings only beat Oakridge by a point in the teams' first matchup, and while that game did not include sophomore point guard Peyton Schultz, the dramatic increase in margin of victory was still noteworthy.

"It was a team effort," senior Janie Fagan said. "The points, rebounds, passing, steals, everything was spread throughout the team this game, and I think that was really impressive. It was amazing."

Whitehall knocked down a trio of three-pointers in the first quarter, one each by Schultz, Ellie Conklin and Clare Westerlund, to take a 13-9 lead. The Vikings' offense was cohesive

and impressive the rest of the game, but just as much so was the defense. Oakridge took 4:58 or longer to score a point to start each of the final three quarters.

Limiting second chances was the biggest reason for Whitehall's defensive success.

Westerlund had 10 rebounds and Conklin (the biggest beneficiary of the extra available playing time), Schultz, Decker and Kayden Johnson also got after it on the boards. The Vikings also had nine steals as a team.

"I think that we all did really good rebounding," Decker said. "We worked really hard on defense, which I think also helped the outcome, and I think we were just using our mental strength there to find those people that were open and make good passes."

As Decker alluded to, there was impressive passing along the way. Westerlund fed Decker with a beauty of an interior pass in the first half for a basket, and Fagan had an equally

impressive pass for a bucket in the second. Schultz had six assists all by herself to go with 13 points.

"They're all so unselfish, and sometimes they're a little bit too unselfish when there's just too many hands in the way, but I'd much rather have that than the 1-on-5 kind of situations that we've seen in the past," Whitehall coach Brian

Milliron said.

Westerlund led the Vikes with 17 points and her 10 boards. She also blocked two shots. Conklin had 10 points, playing her best game yet, Milliron said, and Fagan chipped in eight points.

Whitehall will face Oakridge again in next week's district opener, with a potential rematch against Fruitport after

that. The Vikings lost 45-33 to the Trojans back on Dec. 30. "I think the (biggest thing) that we can get better at is just carrying the energy we had this game into the district, because I think that's really what's going to get us there," Fagan said. "We know physically that we can do it and mentally we can do it... We have to be positive."

Whitehall's Peyton Schultz keeps her eye out for open teammates during Friday's game against Oakridge. Schultz had 13 points and six assists in the Vikings' 58-24 win. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Pierce Westerlund keeps a ball in bounds during Friday's game against Oakridge. The Vikings won big, 69-34. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Hunter Osborne is defended by Oakridge's Johnnes Pasaol during Friday's WMC Lakes game at Whitehall. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Recent Whitehall police activity

without a valid license and that the female in the home, a 29-year-old, may be withholding medication from her children. The party gave very little detail about the alleged medications. Officers made contact with the subjects and verified there were no well-being issues.

He was lodged int he jail on OWI-2nd offense and was also charged with violation of his conditional bond on the previous OWI arrest.

Feb. 19

At 1:18 p.m., officers received a request for a well-being check in the 900 block of S Division St. The reporting party, who originally sent a tip to the Muskegon Police Department, said there were individuals living in that block, one of which was a 30-year-old Whitehall male, who may be driving children back and forth to school

At 4:42 p.m., officers initiated a traffic stop on the same male subject of the well-being check from earlier in the day after he was observed driving 42 miles per hour in a 25-mph zone on Division St. Upon making contact with the subject, who said he was going home from work, officers noted the smell of intoxicants. He was run through sobriety tests with a preliminary Breathalyzer test, with a result of 0.29 blood-alcohol content. The subject was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated-High BAC and taken to the Muskegon County jail. He consented to a further Breathalyzer test, which yielded a result of 0.30.

At 6:05 p.m., officers were called to 200 block of S Livingston St. on a juvenile complaint. The complainant reported that juveniles had thrown rocks at his window, resulting in him chasing them down the nearby alley. Officers made contact with the juveniles, who denied any wrongdoing, but it was apparent they had been involved. There was no observed damage on the window or the home, but officers warned the juveniles and their parents regarding the behavior.

Feb. 20

At 10:04 p.m., officers were called to the 1300 block of S Division St. on a domestic assault complaint. Officers made contact with a female subject, a 35-year-old from Whitehall, and her 38-year-old husband. Upon

contact with the involved parties, it was learned hat the parties were having relationship issues. The husband indicated his wife had bitten him in the arm. The wife admitted that had occurred, but only after the husband was trying to take her phone away. The case was sent to the prosecutor's office for review and no charges were filed, as it was ruled the wife had a right to use adequate force to retain her property.

Feb. 21

At 8:30 a.m, officers were called to the 900 block of S Mears Ave. The resident there indicated she'd been having problems with a neighborhood child and his friends cutting through her yard. Officers were able to make contact with the involved juvenile's parents, who said he had been sneaking out of the home after hours. The involved juvenile was warned that he could face charges if he continued to trespass on his neighbor's property.

Fruitland Twp. board to request MCRC quote for Scenic Rd. work

By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer

At its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 17, the Fruitland Township Board of Trustees met and accepted the January 2026 Clerk and Treasurer reports, which included amendments to the fourth quarter budget as the township’s fiscal year comes to a close. In attendance were Trustees Chris VanOosterhout, Brent Brower, Treasurer Justin Roggero, and Supervisor Jeff Marcinkowski, with Trustee Mike Holman and Clerk Alexa Steffes absent. Trustee Sondra Cross was present, but arrived after the Clerk’s Report, which was accepted by a quorum of present members. Cross was

present for the remaining decisions, which were all accepted unanimously by the five attending board members. These decisions included ordinances for the Duck Creek Natural Area - primarily concerned with hunting allowances on the property - with minor corrections, and a lot-split application on Duck Lake Road. The board also reviewed and accepted new poverty exemption guidelines for the township. To Marcinkowski's knowledge, only one resident has applied for the exemption, which was granted. The board likewise consented to Marcinkowski requesting a quote from the Muskegon County Road Commission for work on rehabilitating Scenic Road, particularly from S

Shore Drive to the road end by the boat launch.

Also discussed was the matter of software provider BS&A’s mandatory transition from physical servers to a cloud-based system. Many other municipalities are navigating this upcoming migration, and feedback from municipalities who have already made the transition report frustration with buggy technology. Considering this feedback, Fruitland plans to start the cloud migration in 2027, giving BS&A time to work out the system’s kinks. Supervisor Marcinkowski is recommending the township use the time before the transition to review training webinars which will instruct how to best utilize the new sys-

tem.

Finally, the board discussed its first town hall-style meeting, which took place Thursday Feb. 26. Fruitland began hosting quarterly town hall-style meetings for township residents last March The Feb. 26 meeting was planned to primarily center on Fruitland’s tax rates and the process of assessing, which are consistently brought up as a concern for residents. Ahead of the meeting, the board shared handouts describing breakdowns of Fruitland’s tax rates, as well as mentioning the provided refreshments: Cake and ice cream, as the meeting fell on Supervisor Jeff Marcinkowski’s birthday.

WLASA pleased with turnout for "Hooked on Fishing" event

White Lake Area Sportfishing Association, a long-time partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to restore the walleye fishery in White Lake, conducted its annual "Kids Hooked on Fishing" seminar on Saturday, February 7, at Lebanon Lutheran Church in Whitehall. Club members were presenters in four aspects of fishing information, which included Ice

Fishing Techniques and Ice Safety, Knot Tying, Fish Identification, and Bait Casting.

Area third-, fourth- and fifth-graders were invited to register and attend, and 22 attended with their parents, with refreshments provided after seminar sessions.

An organization started in 1983 with a group of charter boat captains, the

group has morphed into not only a fishing advocate organization but a conservation-minded group. In addition to this event, WLASA assists the DNR to raise walleyes for planting in regional bodies of water, joins MDOT in a twice a year highway trash pickup, each June, on the state's Free Fishing Weekend, conducts its popular Kids Fishing Contest on White Lake, and in August holds

an annual Fish Boil at the Montague Band Shell in Montague.

WLASA looks forward to challenging younger folks to "get outdoors" and enjoy fishing from the bounty offered by area lakes and waters. The Association can be reached at Wlasportfishing@ outlook.com. All area folks are welcome to join the club in all annual events.

White Lake Lenten Luncheon Series back this year

The annual White Lake Lenten Luncheon speaker series, which invites the public to visit a rotating selection of churches Wednesday afternoons for a meal and a discussion with a rotation of faith leaders, is underway once again.

The first luncheon took place Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Ferry Reformed Church, with guest speaker Doug Ogden, who is pastor of Lebanon Lutheran Church.

The events will continue through the next four weeks, all taking place from 12-1 p.m.

Wednesday, March 4 will bring the series to the White Lake Congregational United Church of Christ, with speaker Mike Borgert, pastor of Ferry Memorial. March 11's event will take place at White Lake United Methodist Church in Montague with speaker Donna Morton, White Lake Congregational UCC pastor.

The final two luncheons will be March 18 and March 25 at Lebanon Lutheran Church and St. James Catholic Church respectively. Speakers at the Lebanon luncheon will be Father Ron Hutchinson, St. James pastor, and at St. James will be Timothy Dibble, White Lake UMC pastor.

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