The Oceana Echo - Volume 3, Issue 41, March 6, 2026 by theoceanaecho

M-20 Pedestrian Tunnel Project set to begin March 9

By Mark Timmer Managing Director Oceana County Road Commission

The Oceana County Road Commission is moving forward with a significant infrastructure improvement project along Stony Lake Road (M-20) and 68th Avenue. The project includes the construction of a new pedestrian tunnel beneath Stony Lake Road (M-20), designed to enhance public safety, accessibility and connectivity for visitors of Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo. The project is a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Oceana County Road Commission, Shelby Township and Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo and is being funded by a special allocation obtained from the State of Michigan by Senator Jon Bumstead.

The work includes construction of a pedestrian tunnel beneath Stony Lake Road (M-20), along with roadway reconstruction on both Stony Lake Road (M20) and 68th Avenue. Project elements include placement of approximately 1,200 tons of hot-mix asphalt (HMA), new aggregate base and sand subbase, concrete curb and gutter, and a concrete shared-use path to support pedestrian and tram travel underneath

M-20. Additional improvements include upgraded drainage infrastructure, permanent pavement markings, and turf restoration to ensure long-term durability and environmental stability.

The Oceana County Road Commission appreciates the public’s patience during construction and remains committed to delivering safe, efficient and accessible transportation facilities for all users.

The project is anticipated to begin on March 9 with an interim completion date of May 17, when the road will be open for traffic, and a final completion date of late August in 2026.

Traffic Impacts and Detour Routes

During the construction phase, both M-20 and 68th Avenue will be closed to through traffic. Signed

detour routes will be in place for the duration of the closures.

• M-20 Detour: Traffic will be directed to utilize US-31, then Shelby Road or Winston Road, to Oceana Drive, and then return to M-20.

• 68th Avenue Detour: Traffic will be directed to use Water Road to Arthur Road to navigate around the closure.

Motorists are encouraged to follow posted detour signage and allow additional travel time. The Road Commission appreciates the public’s cooperation and patience as these improvements are completed.

School alternatives

City of Hart to consider Safe Route to

By Claire Marshall The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

At the request of the Hart City Council, City Manager Nichole Kleiner provided an update at the most recent council meeting on Feb. 24 regarding the status of the planned connection between the forthcoming Hart-Pentwater and Hart-Montague bike trails, utilizing the Safe Routes to School Pro-

gram grant to connect the disparate trails. The Hart-Pentwater Bike Trail has been long under development since its inception in 2018, with anticipated collaboration between the City of Hart, Village of Pentwater, Hart Township, MDOT and Hart Public Schools.

The Safe Routes to School connection is planned to pass through the intersection of 72nd Avenue and Tyler Road, beside the north end of Hart Cemetery, South Plum Street, and behind the bus corral, connecting through to school property. In order to provide the proper grading to the proposed path, the city required approval on a temporary easement

from the Hart Public School Board to begin construction. This easement was denied by the school board at their Feb. 9 meeting, coming as a “shock” to Kleiner and many on city council, as they’d been under the impression Hart Schools was in support of the project.

In Kleiner’s executive summary memorandum detailing Hart School’s involvement with the project, the City of Hart claims communication with Superintendent Mark Platt as far back as September 2018 on the project and associated grant. This timeline of communication in-

City of Hart

continued on page 2

Applications being accepted for next Asparagus Queen through April 1

The National Asparagus Festival (NAF) will crown a new queen this year, and applications are now being accepted through April 1 by midnight.

The application period opened Jan. 23 and one can register via the festival's Facebook page, their website: nationalasparagusfestival.org, or directly through the following: tinyurl.com/3d9fpw6r

One must be a resident of Oceana, Mason, Newaygo or Muskegon County who is a high school senior or older and wants the chance to represent the National Asparagus Festival into the following year. Organizers stated that this is also an opportunity for candidates to build confidence and make connections.

The Asparagus Queen will be awarded $1,000 to be used towards a scholarship to continue their education, or they may choose to donate their winnings to an Oceana County charitable organization that is approved by the NAF Board of Directors.

As stated on the registration page for the application, "The National Asparagus Festival of Oceana County is one of four asparagus festivals in the Unit-

ed States, but we are the only festival that crowns a queen, so you are truly one-of-a-kind. As Queen, you can expect to enjoy an exciting year of travel in West Michigan, smiling and waving in parades, meeting other royalty and making appearances, all while mingling with the public and promoting Oceana County’s pride and joy: ASPARAGUS!"

4 selected to interview for Hart Superintendent

At a special meeting of the Hart Public School District Board of Education, four candidates were selected to interview for the position of Superintendent of Schools. This vacancy exists due to the pending retirement of Mark Platt on June 30 of this year. The Board of Education would like to note that Superintendent Platt has provided 13 years of exemplary service to the district.

Following is the schedule for interviews of the candidates:

Monday, March 9

• 6 p.m. - Brandon Bruce, High School Principal, Hart Public School District

• 7:15 p.m. - Kevin Ackley, Principal, Hart Middle School, Hart Public School District

Tuesday, March 10

• 6 p.m. - Andrew Alvesteffer, Superintendent, Engadine Consolidated Schools

• 7:15 p.m. - Brad Jacobs, Planning Executive, SitelogIQ, former Superintendent, Fremont Public Schools

Interviews are open to the public and will take place at the Diman-Wolf Early Childhood Center, 306 W. Johnson St., Hart, MI.

The Board of Education invites all interested persons to attend.

cludes, but is not limited to, a letter of support and signed Post Test Evaluation Agreement from Platt in February 2021 - acting on behalf of Hart Public Schools - prior to the City’s grant application, awarded in August of that same year.

Following significant delays on the project from 2023-2024, due to MDOT concerns regarding the Hart Cemetery passage, Platt’s final communication with the city directly came in August 2024, wherein he “stated the project had become a ‘nonexistent issue’ to him due to elapsed time and then stopped responding to further correspondence.”

According to the memorandum, while the denial does not leave the Hart-Pentwater project dead in the water, it does pose considerable issues to the connection and “requires modifications that increase cost and reduce the ability to provide the safest and most efficient trail alignment at this school interface.”

Said Kleiner of the feedback received from the school board, "We were accused of being misleading on this trail. We were accused of providing an unsafe trail,” and how Platt “started that school board meeting out (by) declaring his strong objection to this project.”

When asked for comment by the Echo, Hart Public School Board President Chad Coker wrote, “The city is using a grant from 'Safe Routes to School' as a funding mechanism to extend the bike trail from downtown Hart to allow it to continue on to Pentwater. Some of us felt that this was a disingenuous use of the grant… The city management made it clear it was going to happen whether we approved the easement or not. We tried to ask how city residents felt about it, but they didn’t offer much for answers since this whole [project] has been on and off again for many years.”

Regarding concerns for safety, Coker added, “The [path’s] route is clearly not intended to create a safe route to school, as it directs everyone to cross Tyler and 72nd Avenue, which is one of the worst intersections during the morning and afternoon school rush. Since this was titled ‘Safe Routes to School,’ we wanted the public to understand that the school has nothing to do with this project or its planning…We also wanted to understand…if this was indeed a Rail Trail extension, how were they dealing with snowmobiles in the winter(?) Would the trail be plowed or open to snowmobiles, and if it was, how is that a safe route for kids biking and walking(?)”

The proposed Safe Route has also received criticism from residents along South Plum Street, who, between the paved shoulder construction and road easement correction, could see considerable encroachment on their yards.

Kleiner said she believes, "The big misconception here is that this project has been portrayed as a ‘Safe Route to School,’ and, truly, that’s been the funding mechanism for the Pentwater-Hart Trail…we are trying to make a safe route, but let’s acknowledge the fact that this is an economic connector that will take us from Montague to Hart, Hart to Pentwater.”

Kleiner also acknowledged that the Safe Routes to School program is a common funding mechanism for municipalities with similar bike trail projects.

The question still remained for Kleiner and Mayor Amanda Klotz regarding the feelings amongst members of the city council about the project. Said Klotz, “It has been a long project, and there’s been a lot of time invested in this. I think there’s some economic value to having some connection in the city limits with the children making this route to school…I would hate for Hart to lose out on [this], because we have some obstacles I think we can overcome.”

Upon asking the council at large, Klotz received support from council members and no mention of dissent on the project.

Also at the city council meeting, a quarterly report on the Hart Energy Department was provided by Supervisor Mike Schiller, complete with photographs and videos of equipment. In the report, Schiller updated the council on current projects, such as the organization and documentation of old underground electrical cables, and future projects, including the ongoing process of updating substations to operate at higher voltages.

The council unanimously approved two resolutions - a mutual aid agreement between county law enforcement and a joining resolution regarding the transfer of parcels - and tabled one - the BS&A software migration to the Cloud - for a following meeting and discussion.

Resolution 2025-07 is a mutual aid agreement between various law enforcement agencies throughout Oceana County. This is an annual agreement between the city police department, county sheriff's office and remaining villages to allow supplemental law enforcement aid to areas outside of their jurisdiction in case of emergencies.

Resolution 2026-06 pertains to the expiration of Act 425 on March 15, which saw 28 parcels of land on Polk Road transferred from the city to Hart Township 30 years ago. In this act, owners of those parcels had the opportunity to decide whether they wanted to opt in to the city and the associated utilities. Those who did not opt in once the act expired would default back to the city, regardless. This resolution is an agreement acknowledging the expiration and transfer of the relevant parcels between the city and township jurisdictions. The transferred parcels will be reassessed on taxable value by Oceana’s Equalization Director, assessors and Hart Township.

The tabled Resolution 2026-08 was regarding

the upgrading of BS&A, providers of the majority of the city’s financial and operational software, to a Cloud-based server system, an upgrade that is being mandated for all municipalities serviced by the company. The planned implementation would come in 2027, with the fee of $64,580 for upgrading spread over three fiscal years. The initial motion for approval was made by Councilmember Betty Root and seconded by Karen Thomson, but further discussion prompted by Andrew Mullen saw the council wanting to learn more about the migration process, provision of physical data backups and further financial clarification. The motion was agreed to be tabled until further information could be gathered.

Appointments of Justin Adams to the TIFA Board and Emily Sigler, Lisa Clark and Rolando Salgado were made to the HEART Board, bringing the total member counts to nine and 11 members, respectively.

During Nichole Kleiner’s city manager report, she informed the board that 2025 marked the second year in a row that the John Gurney Park Fund has been in a deficit, with a total deficit of almost $176,000. This is an issue that Kleiner suggested be discussed during the City of Hart’s upcoming department retreat on March 7, along with further budgetary discussions and capital improvement projects.

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.

TOWNSHIP

Benona Mon 3/9 9 am-12 pm & 1:30-4:30 pm

Benona Twp. Hall

3/11 9 am-12 pm & 6-9 pm 7169 W. Baker Rd Shelby, MI Corner of Baker & 40th Ave

Claybanks Mon 3/9 9 am-12 pm & 1-4 pm Claybanks Twp Hall Tue 3/10 1-4 pm & 6-9 pm 7577 W. Cleveland Rd, New Era, MI

Colfax Tue 3/10 9 am - 3 pm

Colfax Twp. Hall Thur 3/12 3 pm - 9 pm 5594 N. 192nd Ave. Walkerville, MI

Crystal Mon 3/9 9 am - 3 pm

Crystal Twp. Hall Thur 3/12 3

- 9 pm 1499 E. Hammett, Hart, MI

Elbridge Mon 3/9 3 pm - 9 pm

Elbridge Twp. Hall Wed 3/11 9 am - 3 pm 2266 E. Polk Rd, Hart, MI 231-873-5191

Ferry Mon

Grant

Greenwood

Ferry Twp. Hall

3222 E. Green St. Shelby, MI

Golden Twp. Hall

5527 W. Fox Rd, Mears, MI

Grant Twp Hall

S. Oceana Dr.

Greenwood Twp. Hall

Board of Commissioners discusses future of Crystal Valley Dam

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

The future of the Crystal Valley Dam remained a significant topic for the Oceana County Board of Commissioners at its Feb. 26 meeting, as County Administrator Tracy Byard provided an update on information requested by the board on Jan. 8.

Due to new standards on spillway capacity imposed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), the Crystal Valley Dam has been deemed unsuitable, which prompts either its replacement or, more likely, its removal. Since learning of this new standard in January, the Oceana County Board of Commissioners and Byard have been seeking avenues through which to fund a replacement. One recommended organization was the Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA), which has an ecological interest in preserving dams for the purposes of preventing the spread of invasive species throughout Michigan’s waterways.

In Byard's update, the CRA’s next step in assessing what can be done to save Crystal Valley Dam is to conduct an inspection of the dam in the spring, free of cost. Chairman Robert Walker reminded the board that EGLE will be administering its own inspection at the same time, though no date has been set, which will effectively start the timer for making a decision on the dam.

Commissioner Tim Beggs approved of the involvement and planned inspection from CRA, saying, “It makes good sense to have parallel fact-finding missions, replacement, removal… [it] streamlines the process.”

When asked for his opinion as representative for Crystal Valley, Commissioner Paul Erickson spoke of its importance as a piece of Oceana County history, as well as his understanding that many Crystal Valley residents would prefer to see the dam replaced rather than removed due to the picturesque appeal of Crystal Pond. Erickson also mentioned that, should the dam

be removed, it would prompt the redrawing of property lines surrounding the pond, which stop at the pond’s shore.

Also presented to the board were permits allowing the Michigan Department of Transportation to install Flock Safety cameras on state highways running through Oceana County. Undersheriff Ryan Schiller also took the opportunity to update the board on the progress of the Sheriff’s Department utilizing Flock cameras for a trial period, anticipated to begin this summer. Walker noted the possible nonpartisan legislation from the State restricting the cameras as well as warned of the controversies surrounding the information being inappropriately accessed and disseminated as common criticisms of the technology.

The Board of Commissioners also heard requests from the county’s Animal Control and Building Departments regarding staffing and hours. The Building Department requested an hour increase for a secretary, which would see them moved to full-time, working 35 hours for the eight busiest months of the year and 27 for the remaining four. The cost of this hourly increase will come out of the Building Department’s fund.

Animal Control requested funds to allow the hiring of part-time office staff for the busy summer months, manning phones and handling intake tasks. The requested funds are not to exceed $5,000 for the year. Byard noted that this is a rare request from the department - “Animal Control doesn’t ask for much… [requests] don’t come forth very often.” - and the board agreed they had no issues getting Animal Control the staff they needed. Both requests were unanimously approved.

Two appointments were made to the West Michigan Community Mental Health (WMCMH) Board, the reappointment of Walker’s longstanding membership as well as the appointment of Melissa Fuehring, who will finish out the term of a recently deceased board member as well as her own three-year term following. Commissioners and WMCMH praised Fuehring’s considerable resume and believe she will do well in the role.

Finally, the Board of Commissioners were asked to decide on how to move forward with the Michigan Indigent Defense Counsel and their refusal of reimbursement of indirect costs. These funding requests have been put forth by Oceana and other Michigan counties looking to recoup the associated costs, many in the tens of thousands, only to be denied by the MIDC multiple years in a row.

The Office of Indigent Defense Services defines an indigent person as "a person who is financially unable to secure legal representation and to provide all other necessary expenses of representation in an action or proceeding…"

Oceana County’s own Indigent Defense Counsel has asked the board how they would like to proceed following the State’s most recent denial of $33,000 in indirect costs, with the pursuit of mediation and possible legal action. The board voted to join with Lake County in mediation, following which they will reevaluate the situation to decide whether litigation is necessary.

PENTWATER TOWNSHIP BUDGET HEARING

The Pentwater Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed township budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. at Pentwater Township Hall, 500 N. Hancock Rd, Pentwater. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. The regular March Board meeting will immediately follow the hearing. A copy of the proposed budget can be obtained by contacting the Township Clerk at (231) 869-6231.

Maureen Murphy Pentwater Township Clerk

This page is brought to you by:

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

By Claire Marshall

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

Last week we discussed the concept of social dances and examined some examples of such in Oceana County (how about those $50 oyster dinners?). This week I wanted to expand on that concept and discuss popular music from the turn of the century in the United States. Specifically, I want to talk about the history of America’s burgeoning music tradition.

At the beginning of American history, popular music was set by British tradition - operas and classical music primarily enjoyed by the upper class and folk tunes and reels enjoyed by everyone else. One common thing you’ll find in a book of traditional American music is “lyrics sung to 'X' traditional British tune.” One well-known example is “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” sung to the tune of the British national anthem “God Save the Queen.” Or King, as it typically is when Queen Elizabeths are in short supply. I myself got to witness this awkward transition firsthand when I was at school in Scotland in September 2023, when King Charles inherited the

throne from his mother. For a while, it was sung a bit like “God save the Quing.” I myself was sitting in the back, whispering “My Country ‘Tis of Thee…”

The more America evolved as its own independent nation, the more it formed its own music culture, which came from a wide variety of influences. These influences represented not only the diversity of European immigrants coming to the country, but the musical traditions of indigenous cultures, enslaved Africans and their descendants.

Following the upheaval of the American Civil War in the 1860s, marching and battle songs also rose to prominence amongst everyday Americans. The most famous composer in this genre is John Philip Sousa, whose music is still performed today at military events and parades.

Towards the end of the 19th century, a new musical trend emerged in the U.S., not unique to the nation but what certainly became its most popular cultural exportminstrelsy. This genre was characterized by comical musical routines featuring stereotyped non-white characters, performed by

white actors in blackface. Much of the music was either stolen from or based on Black Spirituals. While minstrel shows were primarily performed by white artists, Black artists were not uncommon. Some of them were even expected to paint their skin darker and put on the same dehumanizing and caricaturistic acts to adhere to genre expectations.

While this tradition is an unfortunate shadow in America’s popular history (which only fell out of popularity in the last 60 or so years), it is inextricably linked to our history and cannot be ignored. The Library of Congress put it perfectly: “The minstrel shows promoted and reinforced many of the worst stereotypes of African-Americans, but their importance to the development of American popular music is inescapable. At their best, they presented a uniquely American blend of absurdity and pathos and freed musicians and actors from the restrictions of old-world performance styles.”

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most popular American music was produced and written on a short city block in New York City known as Tin Pan Alley. Here, a large

amount of American music was copywritten and sheet music produced en masse. Many of the genres produced here started as penny opera ballads and minstrel songs, with staples such as cakewalk, ragtime, jazz and blues - for which it is primarily known - coming later.

Because of its location in New York City, many popular and prolific songwriters were African-Americans or immigrants, and their musical traditions influenced what they produced. Jewish and other Eastern European immigrants popularized genres such as klezmer and polka music. Black artists produced perhaps the most widely popular music at the turn of the century - ragtime - drawing from blues and classical music, and it stands as a precursor to jazz. Famous ragtime songs you might recognize today include the Maple Leaf Rag, by famed composer Scott Joplin. While undeniably popular, ragtime music and its content were considered “degenerate” by many.

Country-Western music as we know it today only emerged in the 1940s, and its widespread popularity was aided by Ford Motor Company to com-

pete with jazz on the radio (I am refraining from saying my opinions on Henry Ford as a person for my own safety as a Michigander and my love of Dolly Parton.) The Ford of it all aside, by the beginning of the 20th century, much of the influence for Country music was already in place.

“Hillbilly” and Traditional American music from the Ozarks, Appalachia and the Southern U.S. were being collected through the Smithsonian Folkways recording project. This category of American music itself was influenced heavily by Traditional Irish and British music, mixing in Southern Gospels and African instruments, like the banjo. Western “cowboy” music, the other primary influence - the “Western” in Country-Western - drew from traditional American and Latin music - shared by Mexican “vaqueros” through their involvement in the livestock industry in the Plains.

The first phonograph was commercially available in the 1890s, with ever-increasing popularity through the following 40 years. By 1930, many well-off Americans had a gramophone in their house, and 12 million

Americans owned radios, playing those records live. Music became a permanent experience, no longer ephemeral, limited by time and ability; it could now be recorded, widely distributed and played over and over again on loop.

All of these disparate origins, traditions and technologies have intermingled and evolved American musical culture, and now in the 21st century, billions of records can be accessed online for us to enjoy today. You could even do what I do, make a playlist featuring popular music from the 1790s, 1890s, and 1990s - because you too are a normal person with normal hobbies such as myself. As always, I would love to hear from the community their favorite music (from any time in history) and your favorite method through which to experience it, be it live, streaming, on a record player or even a gramophone. 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

Trinity Health Shelby Hospital named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital

Trinity Health Shelby Hospital has been recognized as a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The Top 100 awards program celebrates outstanding performance annually among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®.

Trinity Health Shelby Hospital was one of only two hospitals in Michigan to be named in

the Top 100 and was recognized based on these pillars of performance:

• Inpatient market share

• Outpatient market share

• Quality

• Outcomes

• Patient perspective

• Cost

• Charge

• Financial efficiency

Serving patients in the Northern Network, consisting of Oceana and Mason Coun-

ties and the Whitehall area with high-quality care closer to home, Trinity Health Shelby provides 24-hour emergency care as a Level IV trauma center, 3D mammography, labs, radiology and much more.

“The Trinity Health Shelby team strives every day to provide the highest quality care possible to our patients,” said John Foss, PA-C, MBA, Senior Vice President of Operations, Trinity Health Shelby & Grand

Haven. “This recognition highlights how committed our team is to providing care to our community. I am proud of our Trinity Health Shelby team and excited to continue our mission of being a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our community.”

Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and

state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations, quality, patient perspective and finance.

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

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 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

FROM THE STAFF AT

We’re thinking about spring at the library! Our free Seed Library is stocked and ready to help with your early garden planning. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or trying something new for the first time, we offer a wide selection of flower, herb and vegetable seeds. Seed packets are limited to three per household while supplies last.

Our Cookbook Club is a wonderful opportunity to try a new recipe and share a meal with others. April’s selection is “Nothing Fancy” by Alison Roman. The group will meet on Monday, April 6 at 6 p.m. Short on time? Bringing a dish to pass is encouraged but not required to attend.

There’s still time to participate in Winter Games Reading Bingo, open to all ages and running through March 14. Stop by the library to sign up and pick up a bingo card. Participants who complete their cards will earn fun prizes.

Children ages 8 and up are invited to a special Kids’ Book Club Escape Room on Tuesday, March 10 at 3:30 p.m. Registration is required. Families can also enjoy a Spring Break Matinee on Saturday, March 28 at 11 a.m., featuring a new-release zoo sequel.

Adults are invited to Crafternoons for Grown-Ups at 2 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month (March 26). This month’s free activity is creating a personalized herbal tea blend using locally grown herbs. Registration is required. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore new flavors and relax in great company. Additionally, Crafty Crew will meet March 18 at 4 p.m., offering a relaxed space to work on personal craft projects together.

Preschool Story Time is held every Friday at 11 a.m. year-round. Designed for children ages 2–5, this engaging program includes stories and a weekly activity. On March 13, Cinderella’s stepsister will make a special guest appearance.

Looking to learn more about health in a no-pressure environment? A District Health Department #10 representative will be at the library on March 23 from 3-4:30 p.m. to provide information about staying healthy.

ParentingLink sessions are held on the first Thursday of each month through June. These small-group discussions offer practical parenting tips and support. Registration is required. To register for any event, call the library at 231-873-4476 or email librarian@hartpubliclibrary.org.

Save the date: On June 15 at 7 p.m. at the Hart Community Center, the library will host author Robert “Carlos” Fuentes as he discusses his new book, “The Vacation: A Teenage Migrant Farmworker’s Experience Picking Cherries in Michigan.” The book was selected as a 2026 Michigan Notable Book.

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, Hart Board of Education, 6 p.m.

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

PLA board meeting planned for March 16

The first meeting in 2026 of the Pentwater Lake Association board of directors will be on Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Centenary Methodist Church at 82 N. Hancock St., Pentwater. The public is invited to attend and is asked to enter on the Hancock Street Hall entrance.

Membership in the Pentwater Lake Association is open to all individuals interested in the lake, its natural resources and water quality. Members do not have to own lake property in order to join this non-profit organization.

More details and past meeting minutes are available on the Pentwater Lake Association website at www.pentwaterlakeassociation.com.

Shamrock Party for children 5-12 at The Ladder

All children ages 5 to 12 are invited to The Ladder Community Center once a month for Party Club! On Saturday, March 14, join in for a Shamrock Party from 1-2:30 p.m. They will have songs, Bible lessons, games and snacks. Party Club is sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship, a Bible-centered ministry serving in every region of the world. All teachers and helpers have been trained and screened to ensure your child’s protection. Parents are welcome to attend. The Ladder is located at 67 N. State St. in Shelby.

SADL offers Seed Library, hosts presentation March 7

The Friends of SADL are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of their seed library at Shelby Area District Library. After a successful first year where hundreds of open-pollination flower and vegetable seeds made their way into gardens throughout the community, the Friends are excited to once again offer this free 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 Library 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.

Match on Main application deadline is March 16

The Hart Economic & Redevelopment Team wants to remind all City of Hart downtown business owners that applications for the Match on Main grant are due by Monday, March 16. This program serves to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in reimbursement funding to support eligible activities. Past Match on Main recipients are not eligible.

An interested business must have a defined project at a permanent commercial location. The project must be paid for by the business to an independent third party.

The applicant must provide a 10% match if awarded the grant. Please submit completed applications and third-party estimates to Lindsay Brown at lbrown@ cityofhart.org or call (231) 923-3837 for more information.

Hoeing ‘In the Garden’ Part 19: Praying’ a Straight Furrow

By Janet Van Gunst Hasselbring

The Oceana Echo Community Columnist

He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 1:3)

The ravages of winter are over. Spring thaw is in the air. Planting time won’t be far off on the small Midwest farm (present-day Country Dairy).

Henry holds the plow, forming straight, narrow furrows as he walks back and forth across the fields behind workhorses, Maude and Daze. He’s reminded of Jesus Christ’s words:

“… for the way is small and narrow that leads to life, and few there be who find it.” (Matthew 7:13,14)

Scripture verses Henry kept in his heart, while he worked the land, helped him discover who God is, fostered an everlasting friendship with his Creator, and helped him unearth God’s plan for his life. The farm became Henry’s university as he pursued knowledge and understanding of God. He learned to see life from God’s perspective - wisdom no college or university

course can teach.

Scripture verses became prayers; as he prayed, he came to know his Lord. And knowing Him, he came to love Him; and in loving Him, he came to trust Him:

“Trust in the Lord with all your might and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Ultimately, prayer is a declaration of dependence upon God and is often triggered by adversity. Making a living off the land made Henry vulnerable and dependent. A windstorm decimated Henry’s cherry crop more than once, and a cow eating an ornery weed could result in dumping an entire day’s milk.

“In the same way, the Spirit too

comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will." (Romans 8:26-27)

Henry’s prayers brought him into the very bosom of his Lord and forged an intimate spiritual bond.

Scripture verses helped him deal with adversity:

“Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls, I will answer. I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”

(Psalm 91:14.15)

Henry burst into praise with King David as he surveyed the sun as it would rise in the morning, move across the sky, and plunge into the horizon at day’s end: “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth.”

(Psalm 8:1)

At harvest time, while he hoisted the sheaves of wheat onto the wagon and hauled them to the barn, he thanked God with the psalmist: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

When no rain had fallen, and the

parched soil cried out for water, Henry turned to the Apostle Peter for comfort: “Cast all your care on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter: 5:7)

When his faith failed, he echoed the pleas of the father in Mark 9:24: “I believe; help thou my unbelief.”

When my sister died tragically, my parents’ grief knew no bounds. Henry found comfort in the sentiments of John: “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:23)

He comforted my mother with the words of Paul: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. ‘…Where, O death, is your sting?’” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Finally, as he sensed death was near, Henry uttered one last verse: “They {believers} stand before the throne of God; Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. For the Lamb will be their shepherd; He will lead them to the springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:15-17)

Henry wasn’t keen on traveling. He was happiest being home on the farm; however, he wouldn’t have missed this trip for the world. His first-class ticket came with full amenities and personalized attention.

Note: God had a special assignment for Henry. After basic training, he was assigned to the Angel Corps. Stay tuned for “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.”

For more information about "In the Garden," contact the author at janethasselbring23@gmail.com

Misas en inglés y español (231) 873-2660

In Loving Memory of our Family, Friends and Neighbors

obituaries

Paul L. Usiak

June 29, 1934 ~ February 27, 2026

Paul L. Usiak, of New Era, Michigan, passed away peace fully at his home on February 27, 2026. He was born on June 29, 1934, in Shelby Township (Blooming Valley), Michigan, to Paul and Irene (Clark) Usiak. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1952, having attended Blooming Valley School and Piper School.

In 1957, Paul was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country in Arkansas and Texas. On October 22, 1960, he married the love of his life, Barbara Page. Together they made their home in New Era, Michigan, where they built a life centered on faith, family and hard work.

Paul worked for Howmet/Misco for 38 years before retiring in 1989. Outside of work, he enjoyed raising beef cattle and asparagus. In retirement, he found great satisfaction restoring Ford tractors and several classic cars.

Paul was a devoted father, proud grandfather and was blessed with nine great-grandchildren, all of which brought him tremendous joy.

Paul is survived by: his wife of 65 years, Barbara; children, Michael (Becky) Usiak and Mark (Deanna) Usiak; grandchildren, Ryan (Brecken) Usiak, Katie (Ryan) Hillman, Karyna (Jason) Pochyla, Timothy (Julia) Usiak, Lauren Lillich and Peter Lillich; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Theresa Stone, Donna Near and Sheryl (Ray) Sallgren; sister-in-law, Carol Page; and son-in-law, Rick Lillich.

Paul was preceded in death by: his parents, Paul and Irene; daughter, Marsha Lillich, grandson, Kyle Usiak; brothers-in-law, Jim Near and Richard Page.

Paul will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of farming and restoration projects, and most of all, his deep love for his family. He will be deeply remembered and forever cherished as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

A celebration of life will be announced later this spring. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is assisting with arrangements. www.harrisfhome.com

Franklin ‘Frank’ Harold Pretty

January 9, 1945 ~ March 1, 2026

Franklin “Frank” Harold Pretty, 81, passed away peace fully March 1, 2026. He was born on January 9, 1945, in Muskegon, the son of Charles and Laura (Giddings) Pretty, and became a lifelong resident of Oceana County.

Frank will be fondly missed by his siblings; several nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and friends.

In accordance with Frank’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held privately amongst close family and friends. Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrange ments.

Memorial Service ~ John C. Lloyd

Memorial services for John C. Lloyd will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at The White Lake United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague, MI 49437. A receiving of friends will be held one hour prior to services at the Church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery of Muskegon in the spring.

BENONA TOWNSHIP

Synopsis of Meeting

February 23, 2026

The regular meeting of February 23, 2026 was called to order at 7:00 PM with all Board members, and 2 visitors present. The agenda was approved with two additions. The minutes of the regular meeting and the public hearing of January 26, 2026 were approved. Action was taken on the following:

• McKenna Proposal approved.

• Resolution Adopting Poverty Exemption Income Guidelines for Property Taxes for the 2026 Assessment Year adopted.

• Principles of Governance adopted

• Ross Hopkins and Ryan Fekken appointed as alternates to the ZBA.

• Contract with MI Chloride Sales LLC approved.

• Bills approved for payment, with additions. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

A copy of the complete minutes is available from the Clerk at Benona Township Hall or on the township website (www.benonatownship.org).

- Margie Shaw, Clerk

City of Hart hears from Lakeshore Food Club Executive Director

By Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent

HART - O’Nealya Gronstal, Executive Director of the nonprofit, membership-based grocery store, Lakeshore Food Club (LFC), shared specifics at the Hart City Council Feb. 10. As reported in detail in the Feb. 20 issue of the Oceana Echo, this new shopping option will open inside the West Shore Community College Community Center in Hart this fall.

“We chose Hart (for our second location) on purpose,” Gronstal said. “It’s centrally located to local agriculture, it’s a strategic location for regional distribution, we have strong community leadership, and municipal support. We’re not a food pantry, and we’re not here to close anyone down. We’re rooted in choice, dignity, and community partnership.”

This is a community, she said, where a number of ALICE (Asset, Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed) families and households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines live.

She told the council that fresh produce purchased at the food club will actually “cost” less, using fewer “points” than other items. “We’ve flipped shopping for healthy food on its head,” Gronstal continued.

The 4,000 square-foot Oceana County location will be located inside the former Gale’s IGA grocery store on State Street, soon to be the WSCC Community Center, alongside a college campus satellite, Michigan Works and the second Stella’s coffee shop. The grocery store will be open six days a week, including two evenings. The evening dates are yet to be determined, matching what is most convenient for the community. The Ludington store is open Tuesday and Thursday evenings, but other nights of the week may be better for the county, Gronstal suggested. She added their board had just made the decision that if individuals are members in Hart, they are also members in Mason County, so they will be able to shop at both locations.

The Michigan Farm Bureau has also joined

the movement as well and is working to start other food clubs across the state.

charge to the pantries, which is a huge savings for these locations.

Gronstal also described the new Lakeshore Regional Food Hub in Hart's Industrial Park, serving Mason, Oceana, Lake, Newaygo and Muskegon counties. She added that larger retailers, farms and food distributors are now sending foods to them that are nearing their “buy by” dates. These foods, known as “food rescue," are pulled from store shelves, fresh meats are frozen, and make their way to the LFC distribution center in Hart where they can be aggregated, sorted and safely stored until ready for redistribution.

Gronstal noted that while they are not considered a food pantry, LFC is able to come alongside Oceana’s local food pantries by sourcing food they cannot, and storing it until they need it. In addition, food rescue items come at no

Gronstal concluded her presentation, saying they would be hiring for several positions by summer, and new employees will be trained and get hands-on experience in Ludington before the food club opens in Hart. Open houses will also be scheduled so the public will be able to tour the new facility and learn more.

Following Gronstal’s presentation, City Manager Nichole Kleiner shared the latest construction updates from the WSCC Community Center. In January, among other preconstruction activities, asbestos abatement was completed, and roughing and framing-in have begun. Despite the winter weather, anyone driving by can see there is plenty of activity happening on site. Currently, there are no delays, with opening on track for Oct. 29, Kleiner said.

Every Friday during Lent (including Good Friday) February 20 - April 3 Serving from 5 - 7 p.m. WELCOMES

By Lucie Winborne

• In ancient Greece, lipstick was seen as scandalous by most women and worn predominantly by sex workers.

• The record for the longest tire skid was set in 1964 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

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• On March 9, 1841, at the end of a historic case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, with just one dissenting vote, that the enslaved Africans who seized control of the Amistad slave ship had been illegally forced into bondage and thus were free under American law.

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By Lucie Winborne

NOTICE

Golden Township

In accordance with Section 19.2(3) of the Golden Township Zoning Ordinance a public hearing will be held at the Golden Township Hall, 5527 W Fox Road, Mears, 6:30 P.M. Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 to hear a request from Nick Dey ( St. Clair Shores Truck & Trailer) to Rezone approximately 6 acres on Polk Rd. across from Hart Custom Storage from Agricultural/Residential to Commercial/ Industrial. Property # 64-006-024-200-08.

The application, site plan and associated documents may be seen by contacting Shelly Peel, Z.A. at 231-873-4413 for an appointment. Written comments will be accepted until the Monday before the above-mentioned date and may be sent to Planning Commission, P.O. Box 26, Mears MI 49436, fax 231-873-1413, email zoning@goldentownshipmi.gov.

• On March 10, 1982, all solar system planets aligned on the same side of the sun in an event called a syzygy. Fortunately, and contrary to the natural catastrophes predicted in the 1974 bestselling book “The Jupiter Effect” by John Gribbin and Stephen H. Plagemann (including an earthquake in the San Andreas fault), Earth went on with business as usual.

• Do you have a screw loose (in your eyeglasses)? This is an easy fix. Paint the screw with a dab of clear nail polish and quickly re-screw. It works like glue. Dab the top of the screw for a little extra insurance.

• On March 11, 1997, former Beatle Paul McCartney added “Sir” to his Elizabeth II for his “services to music” at London’s Buckingham Palace. Three of his children accompanied him, but wife Linda was unable to attend as she was dealing with breast cancer, which would end her life a little more than a year later.

• On March 11, 1997, former Beatle Paul McCartney added “Sir” to his name when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his “services to music” at London’s Buckingham Palace. Three of his children accompanied him, but wife Linda was unable to attend as she was dealing with breast cancer, which would end her life a little more than a year later.

• On March 12, 1988, a sudden hailstorm caused a stampede of fans at a soccer match in Kathmandu, Nepal’s National Stadium, killing at least 70 people and injuring hundreds more.

• On March 13, 1942, the Quartermaster Corps of the United States Army began training dogs for the newly established War Dog Program, or “K-9 Corps.” More than a million dogs served on both sides during World War I, the most famous being Rin Tin Tin, who made his film debut in 1922.

• On March 14, 1979, Judy Chicago’s art installation “The Dinner Party” debuted at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, earning praise for its feminist focus as well as controversy over its use of genital imagery. It remains on permanent display at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City.

• On March 15, 2021, Deb Haaland became the first Indigenous person in American history to serve as a cabinet secretary when she was sworn in as Secretary of the Interior.

2026 King Features Synd.,

• On March 15, 2021, Deb Haaland became the first Indigenous person in American history to serve as a cabinet secretary when she was sworn in as Secretary of the Interior.

2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

• “Snow will better slide off a shovel that has been sprayed with furniture polish.” — T.L. in Minnesota

• Here’s an old tip but a good one: Before going away on vacation, put a couple ice cubes in a plastic baggie, set at the front of the freezer. When you return, if there is any evidence of melting, you will know you’ve lost power while you were gone. If the bag is one big, flat cube, you lost power long enough to suspect all your refrigerator items of being spoiled.

• “Snow will better slide off a shovel that has been sprayed with furniture polish.” — T.L. in Minnesota

• To temporarily get a winter frost effect on a window, use this fun recipe. Dissolve 4-6 tablespoons of Epsom salts in a beer. When the salt is dissolved, dip a clean rag in the mixture and wipe it on your window pane. As it dries, crystals will form, creating a frost effect. This is a great solution for a window you don’t want to be clear but also don’t want to permanently alter. The effect washes off with soap and water.

• “If you get a residue inside your coffee cups when they go through the dishwasher, it might be time to give your machine a once-over, but in the meantime, spray the insides of the coffee cups with a bleach-based cleaner like 409 just before you turn it on. That should help.” — E.T. in Michigan

• Cut your kitchen sponge in half or even thirds. You can clean just as well with a smaller sponge, and you will extend its life, saving you money. A smaller sponge dries out more quickly.

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

• Cut your kitchen sponge in half or even thirds. You can clean just as well with a smaller sponge, and you will extend its life, saving you money. A smaller sponge dries out more quickly. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 1800 Pembrook Dr., Suite 300,

By Lucie Winborne

• In ancient Greece, lipstick was seen as scandalous by most women and worn predominantly by sex workers.

By Lucie Winborne

• Ornithologists often use Cheetos to study behavior in crows. Along with being easy to spot because of bright orange color, they’re also one of a crow’s favorite treats.

Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt is allergic to moon dust.

• The record for the longest tire skid was set in 1964 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

• In ancient Greece, lipstick was seen as scandalous by most women and worn predominantly by sex workers.

• The record for the longest tire skid was set in 1964 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

• Michigan still has a 1931 law on the books stating that “any man who shall seduce and debauch any unmarried woman shall be guilty of a felony.” If convicted, the man can be punished with up to five years in state prison or a fine of up to $2,500.

• Ornithologists often use Cheetos to study behavior in crows. Along with being easy to spot because of their bright orange color, they’re also one of a crow’s favorite treats.

• Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt is allergic to moon dust.

• Pentheraphobia is the intense and disproportionate fear of your motherin-law.

• Ornithologists often use Cheetos to study behavior in crows. Along with being easy to spot because of their bright orange color, they’re also one of a crow’s favorite treats.

• Thumbs have their own pulse.

• Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt is allergic to moon dust.

• A 2015 study of black garden ants found that the insects might occasionally feel self-doubt.

• Some throat singers are able to produce four tones simultaneously.

• Pentheraphobia is the intense and disproportionate fear of your motherin-law.

• Thumbs have their own pulse.

• Pentheraphobia is the intense and disproportionate fear of your motherin-law.

• The first Hershey’s chocolate bars with almonds were produced in 1908 because they were cheap to make. The nuts took the place of some of the more expensive milk chocolate, which meant Hershey’s could keep the price of the candy at a nickel.

• A 2015 study of black garden ants found that the insects might occasionally feel self-doubt.

• Thumbs have their own pulse.

• Some throat singers are able to produce four tones simultaneously.

• Eggplants are berries.

• A 2015 study of black garden ants found that the insects might occasionally feel self-doubt.

• Some throat singers are able to produce four tones simultaneously.

William Hogarth had a pug called Trump, who famously features in several of his paintings. Louis-Francois Roubiliac created a sculpture of Trump in terracotta to accompany a bust of Hogarth in 1741.

• Eggplants are berries.

• In the U.S. alone, up to 500 million drinking straws are used every day.

***

• Eggplants are berries.

• William Hogarth had a pug called Trump, who famously features in several of his paintings. Louis-Francois Roubiliac created a sculpture of Trump in terracotta to accompany a bust of Hogarth in 1741.

• Venus rotates backward and has days longer than its years.

• In the U.S. alone, up to 500 million drinking straws are used every day.

• Venus rotates backward and has days longer than its years.

***

• In the U.S. alone, up to 500 million drinking straws are used every day.

• Venus rotates backward and has days longer than its years.

***

“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for

OCEANA COUNTY

ANIMAL SHELTER

Meet Lily, a beautiful 3–4-year-old Great Dane mix with a heart every bit as big as her 100-pound frame. This gentle giant thrives on being close to her people. She’s a smart girl who enjoys learning and is eager to please, making her a wonderful companion for someone ready to give her the time and love she deserves. Lily seems to prefer the company of male dogs over females, so if you have another dog at home, a meet and greet will be necessary to make sure everyone gets along. She hasn’t been fully tested with cats yet, but she may do just fine with the right introduction and supervision. Like many large-breed dogs, she’ll benefit from a home that understands her size and strength.

Lily will be getting spayed soon and will be ready to start her next chapter with a forever family. Lily may be your perfect match. Lily is available for adoption from the Oceana County Animal Control. If interested, please call the shelter at 231861-5395. The adoption fee for cats is $35 and you receive certificates for $25 towards spay/neuter and $10 towards rabies if not already done. The adoption fee for dogs is $95 and will receive a $50 certificate good for spay/neuter if needed. Every dog should have an ID tag. L.A.S.S.I.

ANIMAL FRIENDS

Meet Maybelline, a young cat with a heart full of joy and a playful spirit. Maybelline embodies a perfect mix of traits - she’s mellow yet energetic, independent but cuddly, and always ready for a gentle game or a brave adventure. Her goofy antics will keep you entertained, and her friendly nature makes her a delightful companion. Whether you're looking for a buddy to relax with or a playful friend to brighten your days, Maybelline is ready to bring love and laughter into your home. By adopting Maybelline, you may just discover the perfect furry friend!

If you would like to adopt Maybelline, 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

Meet Maybelline

Pirates turned back by Whitehall in quarterfinals

Hart turns focus to 7 wrestlers competing at individual finals

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

KALAMAZOO — Facing a familiar opponent like the Whitehall Vikings didn’t change the approach for Hart heading into Friday’s Division 3 quarterfinal match at Wings Event Center. Unfortunately, the Pirates were also unable to change their seven-year run of being turned back one stop short of the final four, dropping a tough 45-25 decision.

It would’ve been a major upset had Hart, seeded No. 7, been able to knock off the No. 2 Vikings, but when its first two wrestlers - stars Abdel Lopez and Adrian Lara - scored nine team points with wins in the first two bouts, the team had confidence more success was to come. Whitehall, though, had success at the lower weights with three straight pins to go ahead for good. In the process, the Vikes took advantage of the Pirates’ missing some of their best, such as Jordan Thies, who is injured and would have been an imposing opponent for any Whitehall grappler.

“We were missing a couple guys down low, which gave them opportunities to get bonus points,” Hart coach Rocky Smith said. “I thought all our kids wrestled well today...Once you get here, all the teams know each other and know what to expect. I don’t think (familiarity with Whitehall) played a factor.”

Hart kept battling after the Vikings’ three straight pins, winning two of the next three bouts. Kole Thomas scored a 14-0 major decision victory at 126 pounds against state qualifier Isaac O’Boyle, and Logan Jorissen took a 5-0 decision at 138. However, Whitehall’s ability to secure bonus points in every win built a lead too big for the Pirates to overcome.

“I think that was a big thing,” Smith said. “Their

kids did a good job of staying in good position and not giving up the bonus points, and on the flip side, they got pins where they needed to.”

As Smith noted, Whitehall did well to keep Hart from scoring its own bonus points, including in Jorissen’s win; he was visibly frustrated when op-

continued on page 10

Defense lifts Pirates to win over White Cloud

By Andy Roberts

Oceana Echo Community Contributor

WHITE CLOUD — Hart didn’t find a lot of offensive success in half-court sets during Wednesday night’s district semifinal at White Cloud, but the Pirates’ defense proved so explosive it wasn’t necessary.

Hart turned defense into fast break baskets throughout much of the second half, taking the lead for good in the third quarter and defeating the host Indians 49-38 to advance to Friday’s district final against rival Shelby.

Guards Rilynn Porter and Natalie Rosema got in the faces of White Cloud ballhandlers throughout the game, and in the second half that level of effort produced turnovers, allowing the Pirates to get out and run, something they’ve proven adept at throughout the season.

“They have two girls that we had to shut down,” Hart coach Ron Williamson said. “I thought Rilynn and Natalie did a phenomenal job. Once kids see the work and effort that someone else puts into it, it’s easy for them to get into it, but Rilynn and Natalie definitely set the stage for us.”

Hart’s Rilynn Porter and White Cloud’s Aubri Vincent collide while going for a loose ball during Wednesday’s district semifinal in White Cloud. Porter had 16 points in Hart’s 49-38 win.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart entered the fourth quarter clinging to a 32-28 lead before scoring seven consecutive points, fueled by Porter and Rosema forcing turnovers. The Pirates also displayed great passing on the fast break, making them even harder to stop while attacking the basket.

Williamson said his players deserved the credit for their defensive effort, adding that Joselyn Flores was also effective on that end of the court.

“Everyone’s going to sit there and tell you defense wins games,” William-

Hart’s Natalie Rosema (top) wrestles White Cloud’s Andi Vincent for a loose ball during Wednesday’s district semifinal at White Cloud. Rosema’s tenacious defense was a big factor for the Pirates in a 49-38 win.

• Andy Roberts/Echo

son said. “Obviously we work on it, but defense is really about the mindset of the players. Are they going to buy into it and want to fight to say that (an opponent) won’t score, or are they willing to give up easily? Tonight they fought hard to play a good game.”

“I take a lot of pride in the defense I play because in a way, it’s kind of what defines me as a player,” Rosema added. “Defense has always come first for me and then shooting and layups come after. Defense has always been something that I needed to be good at in order to have success.”

Both defenses had success early in the game, and after four minutes the score was just 2-2. Shortly thereafter, Porter and Rosema propelled the Pirates into the lead. Porter broke a 4-4 tie with a three-pointer, and a couple possessions later, it was Rosema knocking one down from deep, rescuing a possession that to that point looked uneven.

Rosema added a second trey in the second quarter, capping a 7-0 run that put Hart ahead 17-12.

ponent Hunter Peterson was able to keep him from making his win more lopsided. Maybe the Pirates’ most impressive win of the

Hart’s Caden VanGelderen (right) battles against Whitehall’s Cody Manzo during Friday’s quarterfinal match in Kalamazoo. The Pirates fell, 45-25. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart’s Haegan Hansen (left) lifts Whitehall’s Frankie Crus while going for a takedown during Friday’s state quarterfinal match in Kalamazoo. At right, Hart’s Halen Boos and Whitehall’s Max Krukowski grapple during Friday’s quarterfinal match in Kalamazoo. Boos won his bout, but the Pirates lost, 45-25. • Andy Roberts/Echo

The

Shelby rolls past Holton, sets up district final vs. Hart

By Andy Roberts

The Oceana Echo Community Contributor

WHITE CLOUD — Shelby quickly snuffed out any drama from Wednesday night’s district semifinal game against Holton, as sophomore Jayna Burmeister scored three-point plays on each of the Tigers’ first two possessions. The Tigers cruised from there, dispatching Holton 54-15 to earn a finals date with rival Hart Friday.

Shelby had already defeated Holton twice, and Wednesday marked the second time in a row the Tigers allowed 15 points or fewer to their West Michigan Conference Rivers foes.

“Our 2-3 zone, we rotate, we move so well in it, and the girls are comfortable in it,” Shelby coach Sarah Wolting said. “Even more than a man-to-man, they’re more comfortable in the 2-3 zone. We were able to throw both presses at them a little bit tonight, play a little bit of man, and then even threw a 1-2-2 half-court zone at them. It was good to give (Hart and White Cloud) not too much to know what we were doing, but just enough.”

Burmeister was the offensive engine for Shelby all night, as usual, racking up 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting to go with 16 rebounds. However, fellow guard Michelle Peterson was just as potent early in the game, knocking down four three-pointers before halftime on her way to 14 points.

“I’m pretty confident in myself (to hit shots),” Peterson said. “I work in the gym a lot in the offseason, and

Ava Lamberg leaves little space for Holton’s Kaylee McMillan to operate during Wednesday’s district semifinal in White Cloud. •

during the season too when we don’t have practice.”

Wolting added that with opponents often packing the paint to guard against Burmeister’s ability to slash to the hoop, it’s important for shooters like Peterson to keep defenses honest.

“She knows that she has the green light,” Wolting said. “We’ve got to have her shooting as a threat just to pull some people out (of the paint). Even Jordan (Wolting) and Ava (Lamberg), they didn’t make any threes tonight, but we’ve got to have them shooting just to open stuff up in the middle. For Shelly, not a better time than the tournament to shoot well.”

The Tigers’ various defenses were all effective, setting up plenty of fast break opportunities. Holton called timeout a few different times in an attempt to slow down Shelby’s tidal wave of momentum, but without

much success. Peterson said the team’s focus was limiting Holton star Kaylee McMillan, and apart from one three-pointer, the Tigers successfully shut her out of the score book.

It was the team’s determination to come out of the gates quickly, Wolting said, that bodes well for a tournament run.

“It definitely set the tone for us,” Wolting said. “We’ve played them so much that we knew what to do. That’s how we’ve got to come every game. That’s what I told them, is don’t come in timid, ever. We’ve got to come in ready always.”

The fourth quarter saw Jordan Wolting earn some good-natured razzing from her teammates. Not having shot any free throws all year, Wolting set a goal to get to the line Wednes-

day and was able to do it, setting off cheers from the bench. Unfortunately for her, she missed both her attempts, a fact her teammates will likely kid her about going forward.

There won’t be much time for joking, though, as the Tigers prepare for round three against rival Hart. Both the first two games were competitive despite being Tiger victories, and the team will expect nothing less Friday night.

Peterson described Shelby’s keys to winning Friday as “definitely our defense, and being able to score on offense, and not a lot of stupid turnovers.”

Annabelle Stark had eight boards for Shelby. Ava Lamberg passed out five assists.

Hart, Shelby cheer end seasons at regionals

Hart and Shelby ended their cheer seasons Saturday by performing at their respective regional meets.

The Pirates finished 12th at the Division 3 regionals in Hudsonville and did not perform in the final round of the meet. Hart scored 377.68 points in

the first two rounds and was in 12th place at that point.

Hart had a strong round one, scoring 209.1 points, which put it in 11th place and within striking distance of moving several places higher. However, 22 penalty points in the second

Quarterfinals

continued from page 9

dual came at 144, where Halen Boos battled six minutes with Max Krukowski, a 132-pound regional champion who bumped up two weight classes, and was able to come away with an 8-6 victory. That made the score 22-19, and the Pirates had a glimmer of hope.

Unfortunately, that hope was soon extinguished, as the Vikings’ next two wrestlers, Kolten Weiler and Colten Kyser, secured a second-period pin - in a bout that was scoreless going into the period - and a technical fall respectively. Whitehall’s Liam Leeke then scored a quick pin that mathematically ended Hart’s chances of a win. Haegan Hansen did pick up a pin for the Pirates in the last bout of the match.

Although there was a sour ending, the Pirates continue to take heart in the reputation they’ve built as a fixture in Kalamazoo. The future looks bright, too; many of the Pirates who wrestled Friday will be back next season, and members of the middle school program made the trip south to cheer on their high school heroes.

“All the kids that went out there competed hard and wrestled very well, whether they won or lost,” Smith said. “It’s the culmination of how hard we worked these last four months. Each year we’re one of the best teams in the state.

“It shows what the high school program is about, and hopefully it will get some excitement for those kids coming up into high school.”

The season isn’t over for seven of the Pirates, of course. Those seven will be wrestling for individual hardware at Ford Field next Friday and Saturday.

“We’re looking forward to getting some kids on the podium,” Smith said.

round harmed the Pirates’ score, which was knocked down to 168.58.

Shelby took eighth in the 12-school Division 4 regional meet, also in Hudsonville. The Tigers scored 671.18 points, only 16.62 points out of fifth place.

The Tigers started very well, with 211.1 points in the first round, ranking them sixth. Shelby then scored 191.48 points in the second round and finished with a third-round score of 268.6.

Hart’s Abdel Lopez (left) keeps Whitehall’s Billy Darke on the mat during Friday’s quarterfinal match in Kalamazoo. Lopez won his bout, but the Pirates lost 45-25. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Shelby’s Jayna Burmeister heads to the basket while Ryleigh Alderink defends for Holton during Wednesday’s district semifinal in White Cloud. Burmeister racked up 26 points and 16 rebounds in the Tigers’ 54-15 win. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Shelby’s

Andy Roberts/Echo

Hart’s Logan Jorissen, at left, keeps control of Whitehall’s Hunter Peterson during Friday’s quarterfinal match in Kalamazoo. The Pirates’ Trason Tucker, at right, tries to work out of a hold by Whitehall’s Colten Kyser. The Pirates lost the quarterfinal match, 45-25. • Andy Roberts/Echo

Valiant Pirates fall to O’s in district final

By Andy Roberts

Oceana Echo Community Contributor

Hart fell short of bringing home a district championship Friday night, falling to Ludington 62-49 in the finals in Ludington.

The game was very tight into the third quarter, but the Orioles were able to slowly pull away and didn’t allow any late runs to the Pirates.

The Pirates (20-4) struggled with turnovers in the defeat, with 25 giveaways against a tough Oriole defense. They also didn’t shoot as well as they needed to from long range, making 3-of-11 three-

• Connie VanDerZanden/Echo

point attempts.

Hart spread the ball around effectively, recording assists on 10 of their 18 field goals and putting four players into

Pirates advance

“It was probably the best overall game that I’ve seen her play all year,” Williamson said of Rosema. “She’s a very good shooter, it’s just getting her to get the shot in rhythm. I thought she did a good job of that.”

The Indians responded with their own 7-0 run to take a 19-17 halftime lead. Andi Vincent punctuated that run with a three-pointer of her own, part of a 10-point quarter for her. She had a game-high 21 points in all.

Porter, usually Hart’s most effective scorer, stepped up in the third quarter to help her team grab the lead back. After scoring through contact -

double figures. Those four - Jagger Lenon, Kolton Rockwell, Caleb Ackley and Luke VanderWilk - accounted for all of Hart’s scoring.

she drove into an Indian defender expecting a foul call and didn’t get it, but her off-balance shot went in anyway - Porter quickly hit a trey, making it 24-20 in the Pirates’ favor. Flores then delivered a great pass on the fast break, equaling a similarly excellent pass from Aurora Virtanen in the first half. That led to a White Cloud timeout with Hart up 28-22.

That lead extended to double digits in the fourth before White Cloud, buoyed by getting into the bonus less than three minutes into the quarter, battled back to a 40-35 score. However, after Leah Walker scooped up a

Lenon led the Pirates with 15 points, and Rockwell and Ackley each had 12. Ack-

ley pulled down 12 rebounds, and Rockwell added eight boards and five assists. VanderWilk

loose ball and scored, the Pirates were never seriously threatened again.

Porter led the team with 16 points. Reese Smith chipped in 11 points and Rosema had eight.

Williamson said while the team is excited to get a third crack at Shelby after two competitive defeats earlier this season, the Pirates’ desire to live up - and add - to their recent successes is what drives them.

“Our goal wasn’t just to make the district finals...I think that pride of representing what Hart has been is more so than necessarily playing Shelby,” Williamson said. “Going into the season, we knew what the district finals were probably going to be. We’re fired up to face them and they’re a good team.”

chipped in 10 points. Taj Williams put in a game-high 17 points for Ludington.

Walkerville upsets MCE, advances to district final

After dropping two regular-season matchups, Walkerville delivered against Mason County Eastern when it mattered most, pulling a 50-47 upset to advance to Friday’s district final against Baldwin.

“The team played with intensity, determination, and grit,” Walkerville coach Mandy Achterhof said. “They gave it everything they had and brought home the victory.”

Gaby Berumen led the Wildcats (4-14) with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven steals. Jamari Carter added 14 points.

Hart’s Kolton Rockwell tries to get around defense from Ludington’s Kyle Himes during Friday’s district finals game in Ludington. Rockwell had 12 points and eight rebounds, but the Pirates lost 62-49.

• Connie VanDerZanden/Echo

Hart’s Jagger Lenon (1) drives for a layup while Ludington’s Cam Gunsell defends during Friday’s district finals game in Ludington. The Pirates lost, 62-49.

The

Reflections of our community

White Lake Mirror White Lake Mirror

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

OWNED AND OPERATED NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE

Gibson achieves her dream as new Whitehall SRO

Travis Bolles moves to new position in Whitehall PD after over 20 years

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Even before becoming a full-time police officer, Makayla Gibson knew she wanted to be a school resource officer (SRO). She long wanted to work in policing, but as someone who loves being around kids and is passionate about being a strong role model, the SRO position seemed a natural fit.

Bolles, who'd occupied the position for over 20 years. Bolles is moving into Derek Sova's position at the Whitehall Police Department following Sova's retirement, and Gibson spent the last week of February acclimating to her new job with some help from Bolles.

Gibson achieved her dream in February when she was hired as the Whitehall District Schools SRO, replacing Travis

"I think being a cop was always something I wanted to do, but having the love and passion for being a role model and being able to help kids in different ways, the SRO position aligned greatly with my passion for both being an officer and having a passion and love for kids," Gibson said.

having interned while studying criminal justice at West Shore Community College and even participating in ride-alongs before that.

Gibson, a Reeths-Puffer alum, has been on staff at the Whitehall department since September 2023, but she was a familiar face there long before,

"She may only have been an officer a relatively short period of time, but we've known her for several years," police chief Brandon Mahoney said. "We've seen her mature as a person and as an officer."

Gibson, a Reeths-Puffer alum, has been on staff at the Whitehall department since September 2023, but she was a familiar face there long before,

Mahoney knows more than most what the SRO position can mean to a school district. He was the first to hold the position at Whitehall when it was instituted on a part-time basis in 1998. It's since become a full-time position.

"Having that relationship

New SRO

New SRO continued on page 2

continued on page 2

Fruitland Twp. fields tax concerns in town hall meeting

By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer

WHITEHALL — As the Fruitland Township Board of Trustees considered how to move forward with a proposal to rejoin the White Lake Ambulance Authority this past autumn, they received mixed public opinion on whether the service was needed and the possible millage increase worthwhile. One common criticism of rejoining was the added cost to residents, already seen as a burden by many.

goals to improve open communication between the township and its residents.

Tax rates are an ongoing complaint from Fruitland residents to the township beyond discussions of the WLAA, which prompted Fruitland Township to center the concern at its most recent town hall meeting Friday. The town hall meeting series began in February 2025, representing the current board’s

Whitehall

goals to improve open communication between the township and its residents.

The meeting was well-attended, with over 30 Fruitland residents in attendance, alongside several board and committee members. Also in attendance and for presentations were Clerk Alexa Steffes, Treasurer Justin Roggero, Supervisor Jeff Marcinkowski and three representatives from V&V Assessing LLC: CEO Ed VanderVries, VP Kathryn Wright and assessor Vickie Warner.

The town hall began with a presentation from Steffes on Fruitland’s tax rates, how they are calculated, how revenue is spent by the Township, and how Fruitland compares to other municipalities in Muskegon County.

Also provided by Steffes was a breakdown of the various millages which impact property tax rates, in-

cluding Muskegon Community College’s operating millage, Muskegon County Central Dispatch, Muskegon County Museum, the senior and veterans’ millages, Muskegon County Intermediate School District, White Lake Fire Authority, and Fruitland Township’s operating millage. Also included were the millages associated with White Lake Community Library, Muskegon Area District Library, and school millages - which are different for each resident depending on whether they are part of the Whitehall or Reeths-Puffer district.

This document not only identified the millage and dollar per $1,000 of taxable value, but also the line item’s appearance on tax bills, a contact for each

Town hall continued on page 2

Whitehall honors officer Derek Sova as he retires

honors

officer Derek Sova as he retires

By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer

By Claire Marshall

By Claire Marshall White Lake Mirror Writer

WHITEHALL — Dozens of well-wishers came together Friday to celebrate Whitehall Police Officer Derek Sova on his retirement after 30 years of service to the city. The crowd of law-enforcement officers, friends and family, and community members who’ve been positively impacted by Sova during his tenure found him with little surprise“You gain a lot of connections with 30 years of service," he said.

The retirement open house was held at Whitehall City Hall and Police Department, providing attendees with refreshments, desserts, and a peek at memorabilia recalling Sova’s three decades on the force.

A dispatch message - also shared on Facebook - announced that Sova signed-off for the last time and thanked

him for his service, describing Sova as “reliable, steady, and ready, no matter the call… Officer Sova has exemplified what it means to serve.”

While looking forward to the end of his time on the force, Sova admitted “the hardest part was my last on-call,” and the bittersweet finality that came with it. As for his plans in retirement, Sova shared he will spend the next several months “taking it easy” before planning his next steps, possibly finding a part-time job to keep him occupied.

New Whitehall SRO Makayla Gibson (left) poses for a photo with outgoing SRO Travis Bolles last week. With Bolles moving to a new position in the Whitehall Police Department after 20-plus years as SRO, Gibson spent last week picking up some pointers from her colleague. • Courtesy Photo

Town hall continued on page 2

Retired Whitehall police officer Derek Sova (left of top photo) greets well-wishers Friday afternoon at a reception in his honor at the Whitehall City Hall. Sova retired Friday after 30 years of service. The city provided specially decorated cupcakes among other treats. • Claire Marshall/Mirror Photos

Town

• Claire Marshall/Mirror Photos

• Courtesy Photo

White Lake Mirror Writer

• Claire Marshall/Mirror Photos

Playhouse hosting wedding expo March 28

The Playhouse at White Lake is hosting its second annual Wedding & Special Event Expo Saturday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tickets are free and admission is open to everyone, featuring entrance to raffles from every vendor, including a free Glass Lobby venue rental at the Playhouse for any special occasion or event, and discounted special event rental and wedding rentals in the theatre or within the full Playhouse, so be sure to register online to enter for prizes.

Timeless will feature their nuptials, graduation parties, wedding and baby showers, retirements and memorials, birthdays and family reunions, corporate or family holiday gatherings or nearly anything else you could imagine in the Playhouse's 17,000 square feet. Vendors include many local businesses, florists, caterers, wedding and special event planning and consultations.

The Playhouse is still accepting vendors while space allows, and can be reserved by emailing Marketing Director Cindy Beth at The Playhouse at davis-dykema@cityofwhitehall.org

Timeless is an open house style expo that will promote all of those facility updates with some of the Playhouse’s preferred vendors for catering and drinks, event planning and wedding consultations, vintage and charming dish rentals and other vendors, all intended to help create a more unified and local White Lake experience. Special event rentals in the Glass Lobby start at $500, and weddings with use of the full Playhouse venue, including dressing room, rehearsal spaces and auditorium start at $1,500.

The Playhouse at White Lake calendar of availability can be seen at their website, where visitors can also follow their email newsletter to stay updated

Whitehall man arrested after wrong-way collision on US-31

The Michigan State Police arrested a 36-year-old man from Whitehall Monday afternoon on suspicion of driving while impaired after he drove the wrong way, going north on US-31 South, resulting in a head-on collision with another vehicle. Video of the incident was posted to local social media pages.

State police public information officer Patrick Agema said that the at-fault driver, Michael Burt, was arraigned

New SRO

with the school has meant a lot to us and we feel the community has benefited over the years," Mahoney said. "We're excited to continue that relationship. I always tell people who ask about that position, we were the OGs. We were the first to create this position in this county.

"We've seen other schools or cities lose the position and rush to get it back, and we've been fortunate to maintain that position. I think the current administration, both here and at the school, want to continue to strengthen it."

When he took the job, Mahoney was in his 20s, just as Gibson is now. Her youth and enthusiasm made her a clear choice to take over once Bolles assumed Sova's responsibilities.

"She's younger than all of us and can make some of those connections," Mahoney said. "She's approachable, not just for the staff but the students as well. She's shown some initiative during her time on third shift, and having that approachability, but also that experience, will help. We're looking forward to her spending more time in the classroom."

Mahoney added that both he and Whitehall superintendent CJ Van Wieren were aligned on increasing the opportunities to get the SRO into the classroom with Gibson in the position. Gibson, too, feels it's very important to build relationships with kids so they don't view the SRO as someone who only appears when there's discipline to be meted out.

"My goal is to have as many positive interactions (as possible) with students that don't have to do with them doing something wrong," Gibson said. "I know there will be some opportunities in different classes that they're taking for me to give presentations, whether that's in health class or about vaping or different

Tuesday.

The collision took place a short distance north of the Apple Avenue exit in Muskegon. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in the crash. The other driver was a 77-year-old man from Muskegon.

The state police said on its X/Twitter account that "the freeway was closed for about 30 minutes during the investigation."

continued from page 1

things like that."

Gibson's relative youth doesn't just help students relate to her more than they might relate to a more tenured officer. Because her high school days are in the more recent past, she can also use her fresher memories of that time to recognize the signs of a student who needs a hand.

"You start getting into social media things and mental health pieces and all of those things that seem to be more prevalent right now with our students, and Officer Gibson just went through those things," Van Wieren said. "She's not that far removed from high school. She's up to date on all of the social media platforms and things like that.

I think that connection alone goes a long way when you're able to develop those relationships with kids and relate to them. When you have to have those tough conversations with either a kid or a parent, you have the experience to go with it."

Gibson feels she's grown professionally during her two-plus years on the force, especially in her communication skills, which will serve her well now that she will be around students on a regular basis. And while she's just a week in, she is confident she's where she is supposed to be.

"Being able to talk to people is going to be my biggest asset," Gibson said. "I think my being young, I can still be an authority figure and role model to these kids, but I'm still young enough to where I know how to work and navigate all these trends.

"I'm super excited. I can't wait to enjoy the next 25 years being the SRO at Whitehall. I think Travis was in it for 21 years, so I'm looking to top that number."

on their special events or follow them on social media to learn more.

In March, The Playhouse hosts live music from Langford Lads with Celtic and American folk March 7, followed by a Family Movie Day Saturday, March 14 showing The King of Kings, followed by a Musical Theatre Dance workshop as part of the White Lake Youth Theatre’s Disney performance track this spring.

Town hall

associated millage recipient, and an explanation of the millage, its history, and any anticipated changes or ballot proposals.

Fruitland Township’s millage tax rates on primary residences for Whitehall's school district is 26.7678 mills, and 32.6225 mills for the Reeths-Puffer district. For non-primary residences, the rates are 44.2643 and 50.2724 for each school district, respectively.

Steffes’ presentation also gave an overview of Fruitland Township’s adopted budget revenue for the 2025-26 fiscal year, showing that 20.57% of the budget comes from Fruitland Township’s current operating tax millage rate of 0.8562. The resultant revenue totaled $302,000 for that fiscal year.

In comparison to the rest of Muskegon County's 48 separate tax rates, Fruitland Township is in the bottom half for both school districts, with Fruitland properties in Whitehall School District having the second-lowest tax rate in the county.

Following Steffes’ presentation, Roggero also discussed Fruitland Township’s 1% administration fee and what items are covered under that revenue.

For the remainder of the town hall, the township held a Q&A with

Weddings begin booking at $1,500 for The Playhouse at White Lake, and can host both weddings and receptions, either or both.

Tickets to everything, ways to register for youth theatre and the expo and further information on ways to stay involved can be found at theplayhouseatwhitelake.org.

VanderVries, Warner, and Wright to provide further clarity on how property assessment works and what changes facilitate a drastic increase in taxable value. Generally speaking, a new build on a desirable property that has recently been on the market and purchased will have a higher taxable value than a modest home on a small property that has stayed in the family for decades.

As one attendee noted, “When someone receives their tax bill, it seems like there’s two major factors coming into that. One is the village rate and the other is the assessment, and they both seem to be very heavily embedded policies…(The) assessment policy has almost no flexibility.”

Many of the dozen questions asked by attendees regarded concerns and hypotheticals specific to the individual. For further questions regarding assessment, VanderVries shared his contact information, which is available on Fruitland Township’s website. V&V Assessing LLC services are widely used across various municipalities across Michigan.

The date of the town hall meeting also coincided with Marcinkowski's 69th birthday, for which the township provided cake and ice cream for attendees to enjoy.

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:

February 27, 2026 and March 6, 2026

The Playhouse at White Lake will host its second annual wedding expo Saturday, March 28. • Courtesy Photo

Saturday, March 7

The Formers perform @ Wayside Bar and Grill, 8 p.m.

Monday, March 9

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

Tuesday, March 10

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

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

Community Calendar

songs, music, and movement.

Wednesday, March 11

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

Youth Open Studio @ ACWL-Nuveen Center, 3-5 p.m. Bring in projects you’re working on or start something new with help from staff.

Climate Futures Film Festival @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30

p.m. The festival features a curated selection of 10 short films that explore climate change through stories imagining possible futures. Representatives from White Lake Area Climate Action Council and Montague Commoners will be on hand to speak with interested parties. who are doing work toward our shared future. Pizza will be provided. Registration appreciated @ wlclib.org.

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

Thursday, March 12

Leprechaun Traps @ White Lake Community Library, 5:30 p.m. Use recyclable materials to create traps in order to catch those mischievous lit-

tle leprechauns. Basic materials - recyclables, paint, glue, tape and markers - provided. "Multiple Choice" film screening @ The Playhouse at White Lake, 5:30 p.m. Film begins at 6 p.m. More information on page 7.

Friday, March 13

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

Afternoon Hang @ White Lake Community Library, 2 p.m. Tweens 10 and up are invited to play video games, do crafts, eat snacks or just hang out!

Echoes of History: A pioneer family's hardships (Pt. 1)

The following article was first printed in the Whitehall Forum Thursday, Sept. 12, 1907 under the column heading “MARRIED 60 YEARS”. It was then reprinted in The Whitehall Forum much later in two parts. The first part appeared Thursday, Sept. 12, 1957 under the column heading “Interesting tale of early day travel…” and the second part Thursday, Sept. 19, 1957, under the column heading “Three weeks by boat to Milwaukee…” Volunteer contributor Barbara Bedau Brow submitted the articles.

It is seldom that two people live together as man and wife for a period of three score years and very few cases are heard of in these parts, but two of our popular residents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hobler, are blessing God’s kind providence in allowing them to be well and happy and free from care and sorrow on this the twelfth day of September, and the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage. To fill the cup of happiness to the brim is the reminder that of the five children born to them every one are still alive, successful, prosperous, and a credit to their parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hobler are hale and hearty, have never been invalids and are as spry and active as many people twenty years younger. Mr. Hobler boasts of a well

spent life of 84 years and proves that he can do as large a day’s work as most any man as he trimmed a twenty acre peach orchard this spring, planted the trees two years ago and has given them constant care since. He is a fine type of the early pioneer and is truly as “tough as a pine knot.” The wife is a few years younger than her husband but now has to admit to 76 years, which have been spent as a faithful wife, a true and loving mother, and a good neighbor; she has surely done her best to fulfill her mission in life.

Besides the five children, Mr. and Mrs. Hobler are the proud possessors of many grandchildren.

There was no family gathering or reunion to celebrate the anniversary, but the old people are spending it quietly in their home, receiving the congratulations and greetings of their many friends and the kind remembrances from their children and grand children.

Mr. Hobler is a Frenchman by birth having been born in Alsace-Lorraine, France in 1824. As playmates his parents provided him with five sisters. The father was a soldier in Napoleon Bonaparte’s army before Mr. Hobler’s birth. In 1828 the family, fired by the glowing tales of the new country, left their fatherland and embarked for New

York. York state claimed Mr. Hobler as a resident from that time until he was 17 years of age. When of course he felt a man in every fiber and left the paternal roof and struck out for the West to earn his livelihood. He journeyed as far as Milwaukee and after a few years on Sept. 12, 1847, he was united in marriage to Ruth Bliss, in Sullivan, Waukesha County, Wis.

Mrs. Hobler was born in August 1831, in Erie, Pa., and when three years of age her parents moved to Ohio, and from there to Wisconsin in about 1845. She had two sisters and one brother, but only the latter, Ariel Bliss of this township, is living.

They heard great tales of the wealth to be had logging in Michigan and concluded to try their luck in the Michigan wilderness and their success and adventures here are well told as follows by Mrs. Hobler:

“In the year 1850 my husband, myself and baby, with a girl for help, started from Milwaukee in a lumber vessel for the wild pine forests at Michigan.

"After two days and one night of rough weather and sea sickness, we anchored at the mouth of White River and came ashore in the vessel’s yawl. It was all two strong sailors could do to keep the yawl alongside of the vessel until

the passengers could be let down into it. Among six or eight shanties there was one somewhat larger than the rest, dignified by the name of “Hotel”, and to this we were directed. Once inside we were not only seasick but homesick. We were shown to a large room roughly boarded up containing six beds, the one we were to occupy having a small curtain to draw in front of it. Upon examination we found the mattress and pillows to be made of marsh hay with bedbugs, fleas and mosquitoes for company, and quarreling, drunken Indians outside, making the night hideous. Sleep was impossible. This was our first experience with the dusky red man and I was naturally very much frightened; but, worst of all, about one o’clock 10 men came tumbling in and took possession of the other five beds. In the morning on going down to breakfast, we found they were all (Black) lumber rafters who had just come down with their rafts from a watermill about five miles up the lake. This was of course years before the colored people were freed. The breakfast consisted of black coffee, with maple sugar of the Indians’ make, and no milk; some fat salt pork and cold beans poorly cooked; some bread without butter, and black molasses.

Think spring - the seed library is opening!

By Virginia DeMumbrum Volunteer Contributor

The snow is melting and the days are getting warmer. If that makes your thoughts turn to gardening, we’ve got you covered! The seed library will officially open for the season Monday, March 9. We ordered 24 varieties of fruit and vegetable seeds this year, plus 13 different flower seeds. They aren’t all here yet, but we didn’t want to keep you waiting for the ones that are. This year’s One Seed One State selection is Pacific Beauty Calendula, a vibrant yellow and orange flower. As in years past, everyone is welcome to “borrow” and plant seeds, with a limit of one packet per variety and five packets total for the season.

our seed library last fall! Your responses helped us to continue and improve this unique community service. We are also accepting monetary donations to keep the seed library going until enough “borrowers” are able to save seeds and return them, making the project self-sustaining. For your convenience, donations can be made online at wlclib.org.

Check Out a Museum Pass Today

Did you know the library offers museum passes to two of Grand Rapids’ most popular attractions: the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum? These passes are available for White Lake Community Library cardholders to borrow, providing free entry for up to six people looking to explore and learn.

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum offers a hands-on, interactive experience for young visitors, fostering creativity and learning through play. With the library pass, kids and families can enjoy a day of exploration without the admission cost.

politics, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is a must-see. Visitors can delve into the life and legacy of President Gerald Ford, experiencing exhibits that cover his presidency, personal life, and significant moments in American history. The museum provides the library with one pass per month for patrons to check out and gain free entry to the museum.

Both passes are available for checkout at the library’s circulation desk so stop by before your next trip to Grand Rapids. For more information on how to borrow a museum pass, visit wlclib. org/museums-and-more or stop by the library today.

FUN FACT: Did you know you can use your public library card to “check out” free or discounted passes to hundreds of other cultural destinations, parks, campgrounds and recreation areas all over the state? Read all about it on our website, or go straight to miactivitypass.org and start planning your next adventure!

Mahjong at Your Library

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey about

For those interested in history and

Looking for a new way to connect, challenge your mind, and enjoy a

classic game? Community members are invited to gather at White Lake Community Library every Thursday in March from 3-5 p.m. in the Legacy Room for an afternoon of Mahjong! Whether you're brand new to Mahjong or a seasoned player, all skill levels are welcome. This is a relaxed, friendly opportunity to learn, practice, and meet fellow players in our community. The library has one Mahjong set available for use, and participants are encouraged to bring their own sets if they have them. No registration is required—just drop in and join the game!

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NONPROFIT NEWS SOURCE community

Mirror

Vikings end season in state final four

Whitehall advances past Hart to semifinals, falls to Yale Saturday

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

KALAMAZOO — It’s usually Whitehall coming up with big wins in key moments at the team finals in Kalamazoo, but against other top programs, sometimes the tables turn the other direction.

That’s what happened Saturday in the Vikings’ Division 3 semifinal clash with Yale, where the Bulldogs, runners-up in 2025, scored some huge early wins and stunningly routed Whitehall 56-8. That loss sent Whitehall home one match sooner than the Vikings had hoped. (Yale later fell to superpower Dundee in the finals to finish second for the second straight season.)

Things turned in Yale’s direction even before the wrestling began. The starting weight was set at 144 pounds, which meant the first few bouts would be at weights where Yale was extremely strong and Whitehall was less so. On top of that, the Bulldogs won the coin toss, enabling them to choose which bouts they’d have the right to declare their wrestler second and get a look at who the Vikings would send to the mat.

Each of Yale’s first three wrestlers were state qualifiers, and unsurprisingly they delivered, scoring 16 team points to give the team a big lead. However, the Bulldogs didn’t have another state qualifier slated to wrestle in any of the next five bouts, so Whitehall had an opening to storm back.

It appeared the Vikings were going to do just that for most of the 165-pound bout between Colten Kyser and Hunter Cole. While both wrestlers were regional qualifiers who hadn’t reached the individual state meet, Kyser looked like the better wrestler for nearly two straight periods, building a 10-3 lead. Just as it looked like the only drama would be how many bonus team points Kyser would score, Cole stunningly flipped him onto his back and scored a pin, putting Yale ahead 22-0 and sending the navy side of the arena into hysterics.

“He was wrestling well,” Whitehall coach Justin Zeerip said of Kyser. “He’s had a great season for us all year and battled for the team every single time. Sometimes that happens in wrestling and you get caught.”

It was the sort of win that marked so many of the Vikings’ past triumphs, and just as Whitehall did in

Schultz propels Vikes to first-round win

Sophomore hits 5 three-pointers to spark offense

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — Not much worked for Whitehall offensively Monday night against Oakridge in pre-district play, but luckily, sophomore point guard Peyton Schultz's shooting stroke did.

Schultz knocked down four three-pointers in the first half of the game, which along with strong defense staked the Vikings to a big lead they never relinquished in a 39-25 win.

Just over a week removed from a dominant defensive performance against those same Eagles, Whitehall picked up where it left off on that side of the ball Monday night, limiting Oakridge to just five first-half points. Schultz's hot shooting propelled the Viking offense to a 23-5 halftime lead.

One possession displayed the confidence with which Schultz shot the ball Monday. Having already hit a couple in the first quarter, Schultz brought

Clare Westerlund

between Oakridge defenders Adrianna Raap (13) and Adelin Goven during Monday's pre-district game at Orchard View. Westerlund had eight points and 11 rebounds in the

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

the ball up in the second and dribbled around the arc, waiting for an opening to make a pass. When none presented itself after several seconds had elapsed, Schultz simply let fly with another long bomb and made it.

"After I started making them, I was definitely wanting to shoot more, wanting to keep going and be more aggressive because I was making those," Schultz said. "It definitely boosted my confidence, and I think my teammates' too."

the years those wins went its way, Yale took full advantage of the boost in momentum. Liam Leeke, Whitehall’s most imposing wres-

Whitehall's Kolten Weiler (right) tries to break free of a hold by Yale's Austin Rhodes during Saturday's semifinal match in Kalamazoo. After defeating Hart in the quarterfinals Friday, the Vikings lost to Yale, 56-8.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Coach Brian Milliron told his team at halftime that the Eagles would make a run. It took over three minutes after halftime for anyone to score, but Oakridge eventually did kick-start that run with a three-pointer, one of two the Eagles hit in the third quarter. Whitehall, meanwhile, didn't score in the third until Schultz hit yet another trey with 1:59 to play. Oakridge quickly knocked down

Whitehall's Cody Manzo keeps Hart's Caden VanGelderen down during Friday's quarterfinal match in Kalamazoo. Manzo picked up a victory as Whitehall won, 45-25.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Peyton Schultz looks to go around Oakridge defender Johonna Lundquist during Monday's pre-district game at Orchard View. Schultz had 17 points in the Vikings' 39-25 win. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's

battles

Vikings' 39-25 win.

Whitehall's Tanner Woodworth (left) looks to his coaches while wrestling Dominic Burns of Yale during Saturday's state semifinal match in Kalamazoo.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

State wrestling

tler, easily romped to a technical fall in the next bout, but at 190, the Bulldogs picked up another massive win when Dominic Burns scored a last-minute three-point takedown to swing his bout against state qualifier Tanner Woodworth and win it 4-3. Even the Vikings’ win at 215 was a frustrating one; Easton Wisniewski controlled the entire bout, but Yale’s Noah Davis essentially curled into a ball and stalled for the entire third period, incurring a couple of stalling calls but doing his job, losing only 3-0 and preventing bonus points.

That was the last win Whitehall got. At 285, Shawn Coarse scored an early takedown for Yale against Billy Darke, then copied Davis’ stalling strategy the rest of the way and hung on for a 4-2 win. That flipped the match over to the lower weights, where Yale is loaded with regional championship caliber wrestlers, and the Bulldogs wrestled like it, racking up wins.

“Yale wrestled a great dual. They have a great team,” Zeerip said. “Overall, I don’t think we wrestled our best today. I’m not making any excuses; we just didn’t have our best.”

The 138-pound bout was the last of the dual and didn’t affect the final outcome, but featured a best-on-best battle between Max Krukowski and Chase Sopha, both regional champions. Krukowski came out on the short end, 1-0, in a battle that should sharpen him up to pursue a state title at 132 pounds at Ford Field this weekend.

Krukowski is one of 12 Vikings going to Detroit, so Whitehall’s season is far from over. And although Whitehall didn’t get to the state finals match like it had hoped, the season proved to be a very redemptive one after a quarterfinal defeat last year. Despite graduating two state champions and fielding a far less experienced roster, the team still met its stated annual goal of wrestling on the final day of the team season.

“It means a lot,” Zeerip said. “Last year, we lost in the quarters and I think it left a sour taste in our mouth. We didn’t want to have a repeat of last year…We have a lot to be proud of. We went 31-1 this year. We won a ton of duals and we beat some teams that are down here (at team state).”

In the near term and the long term, the future is bright. Six underclassmen

Vikings win

two treys early in the fourth to put some game pressure on Whitehall, cutting the lead to 32-22. With the offense not clicking the way they'd prefer, the Vikings took a conservative approach, running clock with the ball and daring Oakridge to take it from Schultz. The Eagles were never able to do so.

After a lengthy dribbling session from Schultz ended with an Oakridge foul in the final minutes, Milliron let Schultz know he had confidence in her to handle the ball. For good measure, Schultz knocked down both free throws, capping her scoring for the night at 17 points.

"I have confidence in this kid because she was the boys' manager for a number of years," Milliron said. "She's grown up with the game. Her dad coached. Her uncle coached. Her cousins all played ball. Yes, she's a sophomore, but

Whitehall's Easton Wisniewski tries to get free of a hold by Hart's Adrian Lara during Friday's state quarterfinal match in Kalamazoo. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

and a junior are among the boys wrestlers competing at state, Zeerip said, and there are strong middle school classes on the way. In the meantime, a senior group that enjoyed a strong finish to their careers will go out having maintained the Vikings’ lofty standards.

“This group of seniors has been to team state four times and made the finals twice,” Zeerip said. “I really enjoyed working with that group. They were such great kids, and they’ll be super successful in life. It wasn’t our day today, but I’m still proud of our team in general.”

Vikes roll past Hart in quarterfinals

KALAMAZOO — Whitehall coach

Justin Zeerip, like many wrestling coaches, preaches limiting opponents from scoring “bonus points,” or getting more than three team points in a dual bout, while maximizing opportunities for his own team to do so. Friday’s quarterfinal match against Hart was one of the best examples of that strategy delivering results.

Whitehall returned to the state final four after defeating West Michigan Conference rival Hart, 45-25, on a night in which every Viking to win their bout scored bonus points for the team while limiting Hart, in several situations, to the minimum three points.

“I think that our kids did a really good job (improving) all year at limiting bonus points, and trying to get them for ourselves,” Zeerip said. “The kids did a tremendous job. I was really proud of our kids and how they fought,

continued from page 4

when it comes to confidence at the end, I think it's great to have her with the ball in her hands."

The Vikings weren't operating at full strength, Milliron said, as several players are dealing with sickness. However, the effort was very strong for the bulk of the game. Milliron said playing a third consecutive dominating half against Oakridge following the impressive game they played Feb. 20 might have affected the Vikings' mentality going into the second half.

"We're just not a team good enough to do that," Milliron said. "That's the story that we've been having, and if we think you're going to beat Oakridge (just) because you already beat Oakridge twice, it's not going to happen. I thought in the first half they saw that."

Clare Westerlund battled foul trouble but still racked up 11 rebounds to go with eight points.

wrestled and battled all the way to the end.”

Hart grabbed an early lead, 9-0, with two wins at the heaviest weight classes, but Whitehall had the advantage when the action shifted to the lower weights, and the Vikes wrestled accordingly. With Jordan Thies, one of Hart’s top grapplers, out with an injury, that left the road wide open for Robert Belinger, Blake Wallace and Dom Zygmuntowski to score big wins, and they did. All three won by pin to put the Vikes ahead for good.

The Pirates didn’t roll over, getting back to within as close as three points at 22-19, but the Vikes only conceded a major decision to Hart star Kole Thomas and a decision to another star, Logan Jorissen. On the other side, Cody Manzo came up with a late eighth point to earn a major decision at 132 pounds, 8-0, and Kolten Weiler scored a big-time pin at 150 after entering the second period of his bout scoreless.

Even Hart’s most impressive win came with something of an accom-

Oakridge defenders swarm Whitehall's Clare Westerlund during Monday's pre-district game at Orchard View. The Vikings won, 3925. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

She also blocked two shots. Emma Decker pulled in six boards.

Oakridge's two seniors, Cambria Guenthardt and Reyonna Morris, combined for 20 of the Eagles' 25 points, but Milliron said Oakridge coach Saxon Smith has the Eagles on a path to return to their former perch as one of the area's best teams.

Vikes advance to finals

Whitehall upset No. 2 seed Fruitport Wednesday, 36-24, to earn a spot in Friday's district final against Spring Lake.

The Vikings defended extremely well throughout the game, said coach Brian Milliron. Peyton Schultz had 14 points to lead the team and Clare Westerlund added 10. Emma Decker had six rebounds, and Westerlund posted four steals and a pair of blocks.

plishment by Whitehall’s Max Krukowski, who bumped up two weight classes to take on regional runner-up Halen Boos and battled him nearly to a standstill in an 8-6 defeat.

That bout made it 22-19, but after that was Weiler’s pin. Then, Colten Kyser roared to a technical fall at 157 and Liam Leeke picked up a quick pin at 165, which made victory a mathematical certainty for Whitehall.

That enabled the Vikes to get the win that most inspired cheers on the Whitehall bench. Senior Pablo Lugo, wrestling at 175, went into the third period tied with Hart’s Blake Helenhouse, 1-1, but rose up to earn a pin and fire up his teammates.

“Pablo is a senior, and he's battled some injuries throughout the year,” Zeerip said. “He started wrestling in ninth grade, so it's really awesome to see him win like that. He works really hard and is a high character kid. For him to come out and have success like that and get the pin on the biggest stage, I’m very proud of him.”

Whitehall's Max Krukowski (right) grapples with Yale's Chase Sopha during Saturday's state semifinal match in Kalamazoo. The Vikings lost, 56-8. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Whitehall's Liam Leeke (left) keeps an eye on the clock while battling with Yale's Caiden Hackett during Saturday's state semifinal match in Kalamazoo. The Vikings' Robert Belinger (right) looks to his coaches for instruction while holding Hart's Jude Salazar to the mat during Friday's quarterfinal match. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

'Cats unable to hold late lead in district opener

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

MUSKEGON — The moment got to the Montague Wildcats Monday night in a pre-district matchup against Orchard View, coach Jess DeBruin said, and the team's season ended at least two days earlier than preferred in a 5344 defeat.

The Wildcats took a 38-31 lead into the final quarter - and to that point had led almost the entire game - but Orchard View's pressure defense flummoxed Montague into a slew of turnovers down the stretch. The Cardinals took full advantage by scoring some quick baskets, and seemingly in an instant the Wildcats found themselves fighting uphill.

"We had control of the game the entire game until then," DeBruin said. "Then they hit a couple big buckets, and we kind of crumbled. We didn't respond to the run that they had. We responded to the runs they had all night, and that one, we just didn't respond to. I think we got a little nervous that the time was running down, and we went away from what we were good at."

What the Wildcats (4-19) had been good at, most of the game, was attacking the basket. Despite a size disadvantage against OV forward Elixis Scott, who grabbed 15 rebounds, Montague found early success by going at the rim quickly, before OV could set its defense. That aggression helped the 'Cats build a 10-4 lead. One highlight stretch saw Annelyse Schneider block an OV shot, which resulted in a quick trip to the other end of the court and a layup by senior Gentry Knop.

The host Cardinals battled back and briefly took the lead in the second quarter, but Montague, somewhat by accident, found something defensively in the third quarter when other players' foul trouble forced Addi Smith to guard Scott. After Scott had 10 firsthalf points, Smith was able to help limit Scott to four in the third quarter as the 'Cats built their lead. She also scored a team-high 13 points.

"I think Addi stepped up tremen-

dously tonight, taking that role of guarding her," DeBruin said. "I think making that switch was a good thing, even if it was because of foul trouble. She was able to put some body on her and not let her get the ball as much underneath the basket."

Gabby Dietz contributed all five of her points in one quick stretch of the third, and a trey by Schneider also helped boost Montague. It appeared the 'Cats would get the chance to take a shot at top seed Spring Lake Wednesday night.

However, the Cardinals' zone defense and attacking press changed everything in the fourth. Montague, so poised with the ball most of the game, lost that poise late. Scott was suddenly a terror again under the basket, chasing down everything in sight and working her way to the line if she didn't hit a putback layup. A game that was the Wildcats' for the taking flipped.

DeBruin tried to stem the tide, calling two timeouts in the fourth quarter while Montague was still ahead, but nothing she had to offer seemed to work.

Scott split two free throws to tie the score at 42 with three minutes to go, and the Wildcats were unable to get the ball over midcourt the next two times they had it, leading to quick OV baskets. Schneider, one of the players in foul trouble throughout the game, fouled out while trying to keep a Cardi-

nal from getting to a loose ball, costing the Wildcats their best and biggest post defender. She ended the night with 10 points.

"Just being young and being a tight game, we didn't handle the pressure very well," DeBruin said, noting that OV didn't make any significant defensive changes. "That's going to happen when you have a young team that doesn't have experience."

The Wildcats won't be as inexperienced next season; Knop was the

only senior to play significant minutes on this year's team. DeBruin said she hopes the younger players who were thrown into the deep end this year are able to take advantage of their development.

"We did a lot of good things," DeBruin said. "We came a long way from the first game to the last game, but there are a lot of things that we need to work on in the offseason that are going to help us out to make us be more successful next year."

Slaughter reaches bracket semis at state

Whitehall, R-P boys teams each narrowly miss bracket play, finish 9th

By Andy Roberts White Lake Mirror Editor

Both Whitehall and Reeths-Puffer narrowly missed advancing to bracket play at their respective boys bowling state finals meets last weekend, but Viking senior star Mason Slaughter earned all-state honors by advancing to the semifinals of individual bracket play.

Both the Vikings and Rockets finished ninth, one spot shy of the eight to earn a spot in the bracket.

Slaughter's performance at the Division 3 individual finals in Jackson Saturday highlighted the weekend at state bowling. He finished 12th in the six-game block of qualifying to earn a spot in the 16-team bracket before delivering impressive performances with the title on the line. So on his game was Slaughter that he bowled three of the four highest scores by any player during the 16-team bracket.

Slaughter opened bracket play against Greyson Wiedling of Romulus Summit Academy, easily dispatching his No. 5 seed opponent, 431301. He bowled a 261 in his second game of the day, the third-highest score posted by any bowler during the bracket. (Each round of bracket play consisted of two individual games for each player.)

semifinalists. However, unfortunately for Slaughter, Wood was terrific in the match, bowling a 257 and a 258 for a total score of 515 that advanced him to the finals. Wood then bested Olivet's Michael Fitzner in the championship match.

Slaughter's total six-game qualifying score was 1,217, which he highlighted with a 259 in his first game. He finished strong, too, bowling a 234 in his last qualifying game; it was a good thing he did, as it was a very tight race for the 16 bracket spots, and Slaughter finished only 29 points ahead of 17th place.

Baker games and two team games (four individual scores for each team).

The Vikings' best Baker game came in its sixth, which yielded a 221 score. Whitehall bowled extremely well in the first of two team games - its 963 was tied for third out of all 32 team games bowled in qualifying - but couldn't carry the momentum into the second game, bowling a 796.

The senior was at his best in the quarterfinals, routing Reed City's Jacob Taylor 522-305 with a two-game series of 259 and 263. Those scores ranked No. 2 and No. 4 of all bowlers in the entire bracket. Eventual state champion Noah Wood of Durand bowled a 279 in the first round, the only score in the bracket better than Slaughter's three best efforts.

In the semifinals, Slaughter faced off with Wood and bowled well, with a two-game score of 421 that would have defeated either of the other two

Also for the Vikings, Adel Ali-Redha finished 40th among the 56 qualifiers in the six-game block, with a total score of 1,063. Ali-Redha's best score was 220, in his third game, and he also bowled a 206 in his first game. In the girls' finals, Adelie Hoffmeyer finished 55th in the qualifying rounds with a six-game score of 804. Her top score was 148, which she bowled in her fifth of six games.

In Friday's team finals, Whitehall's total qualifying score was 3,054, just 30 points behind Romulus Summit Academy for the final bracket play spot. The qualifying rounds consisted of eight

R-P's ninth-place finish in the Division 2 finals in Waterford was even closer to the bracket than Whitehall's was. The Rockets scored 3,141 in the qualifying round, just 22 points behind eighth-place New Boston Huron. R-P bowled consistently well across all the games in the qualifiers, highlighted by a 216 in its fifth Baker game and an 844 in the second team game, but it wasn't quite enough to reach the bracket. New Boston Hurton bowled a clutch second team game of 929 to overtake the Rockets for the final spot.

Individual qualifier Carter Hekkema finished 46th in the six-game block that determined the final bracket. Hekkema's best score was a 225 in his first game.

Slaughter

An Orchard View defender knocks the ball loose from Montague's Gentry Knop during Monday's pre-district game at OV. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague's Addi Smith (left) drives to the basket as Orchard View's Chasity Sellers looks on during Monday's pre-district game at OV. Smith scored 13 points, but the Wildcats lost 53-44. • Andy Roberts/Mirror

Montague's Gentry Knop lines up a shot while Orchard View's Kadence Day looks on during Monday's pre-district game at OV. The Wildcats lost, 53-44.

• Andy Roberts/Mirror

Recent Whitehall police activity

Feb. 27

Officers received a call at 12:24 p.m. from a local financial institution in the 2100 block of Cogswell Ave. to report that one of its members, a 63-year-old woman from Whitehall Township, was in the drive-through banking lane making statements about her life possibly

being threatened, and had requested some paperwork be placed in a safety deposit box. The caller explained the subject had to come in for that service as they did not have a safety deposit box set up. The customer left without her paperwork, which included handwritten notes regarding contact she'd had with the county sheriff's office several years back. The institution was not comfortable holding onto the paperwork. After a well-being check, it was found she was having mental health issues but was not a danger to herself or others. Her paperwork was returned to her.

March 1

At 6:24 p.m., a 38-year-old man from Whitehall reported that he believed a former roommate of his that he'd resided with in Muskegon, a 33-year-old man, had possibly hacked his phone

Senior Center hosting free dinner for seniors March 23

The City of Whitehall, in partnership with the White Lake Senior Center, invites local senior citizens to a free community dinner Monday, March 23. The dinner is made possible through senior millage funds the city received from Muskegon County for 2024-25. This is the second of two free meals offered to Whitehall’s senior residents from that allocation. There will be two additional meals as part of the 2025-26 allocation.

The dinner will take place at the White Lake Senior Center in Montague from 5-7 p.m.

All Whitehall residents age 60 and

older are welcome to attend. There is no cost to participate, but an RSVP is required to the Senior Center at 231-8949493. Those who are not senior citizens are welcome to attend but will be asked to pay $10 per person.

“We are excited to offer this meal as a way to thank and support our senior residents,” said Whitehall mayor Tom Ziemer in a press release. “It’s a chance to enjoy good food, good company, and celebrate our community together.”

For more information, please contact the White Lake Senior Center.

"Multiple Choice" film to be screened at Playhouse

There will be a free screening of the new film Multiple Choice, which looks at how schools need to adapt to our rapidly changing world to ensure our students aren't just keeping up, but leading the way, at the Playhouse at White Lake

Thursday, March 12 at 6 p.m.

Doors open for the event at 5:30, and the film will be preceded by an exhibition of learning from area students. After the film ends at 7:15, there will be a debrief and panel discussion.

and Google account. Officers took note that there was no financial loss, but the caller was unable to log into his email account and felt his former roommate was possibly responsible. There was no indication found that the ex-roommate was involved. It appeared the caller had locked himself out of his account due to forgetting his password.

March 2

Officers received a tip at 1:36 p.m. regarding a possible conditional bond violation. The reporting party, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated they were aware of a 30-year-old man who lived in Whitehall who had recently been arrested for drunk driving and had a conditional bond stating he should not be drinking alcohol. The party indicated the man was still drinking alcohol and possibly driving while intoxicated, providing the make and

model of his vehicle and his address. Officers monitored the situation and did not observe the vehicle leaving the residence.

March 3

At 8:08 p.m., officers received information from a neighbor who indicated that the front door to the Marathon fuel station in Whitehall had been shattered. Officers responded to the area and noted the lower portion of the door had indeed had its glass shattered out. There was no indication of what had caused the issue, though there was a snow shovel next to the door. There was merchandise remaining in the store, but nothing appeared to have been taken. The issue is being treated as a destruction of property and not a breaking and entering. Several hours later, the door was secured by the company who owned the property.

Community Business Expo set for March 21 at WHS

The 13th annual White Lake Community Business Expo is approaching, with the event set for Saturday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Whitehall High School.

The expo is a free event and open to the public. Over 50 businesses are expected to participate, many of which will have drawings and giveaways throughout the day.

Special for this year, expo attendees will have the chance to vote on which business has the best decorations that fit two themes befitting the 250th anniversary of the United States: Spirit of '76 and Stars and Stripes Show Stopper. Contact the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau for questions or more information at 231-893-4585, or email info@whitelake.org.

Rotary hosting March 21 pancake breakfast in Whitehall

The Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club will host its annual pancake breakfast Saturday, March 21, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Whitehall High School. The event is hosted in conjunction with the White Lake Community Business Expo.

Cost for the event is $10 for ages 13 and up and $5 for ages 6-12. Kids 5 and under eat free.

Tickets are available at the White Lake Area Chamber and Visitor's Bu-

Michigan's Adventure sold to EPR Properties

Michigan's Adventure is changing hands again.

Just two years after the park was absorbed into Six Flags Entertainment Corporation in a merger with prior owner Cedar Fair, Six Flags sold Michigan's Adventure, along with six other parks, to EPR Properties, EPR announced in a Thursday morning press release.

"This strategic acquisition rep-

resents a compelling opportunity to expand our attractions portfolio with high-quality experiential real estate assets in established regional markets," said Gregory K. Silvers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPR Properties, in the release.

The total sale is for $342 million and also includes the following parks: Worlds of Fun in Kansas City; Valleyfair

just outside the Twin Cities in Minnesota; Six Flags St. Louis in Missouri; Schlitterbahn in Galveston, Texas; Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, N.Y.; and Six Flags La Ronde in Montreal. Michigan's Adventure and the other U.S. parks in the sale will be leased to and operated by Enchanted Parks (formerly Innovative Attraction Management), according to the release.

The transaction is expected to close toward the end of the first quarter or beginning of the second quarter, subject to third-party approvals. No significant impact on guests is expected during the transition. The parks will continue their regular operating schedules, and all season passes sold will be recognized through the 2026 operating season.

Donations in any amount can be made

visting paypal.me/echopublishinginc, or

to Echo Publishing Inc.

reau, the Shelby State Bank branch in Montague, HarborLight Credit Union, and at the door.

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