INSIDE
: Hydration station dedicated to Paul Kissel
REFLECTIONS OF OUR COMMUNITY
Volume 4, Issue 3 June 12, 2026
Total Raised: $113,669 Lead this Legacy SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE
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PALM bike tour begins in Pentwater By AnnaMae Bush The Oceana Echo Community Correspondent
Mark Butcher and Hart Mayor Amanda Klotz
Mark Butcher recognized for beautification efforts at Hart Lake
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The City of Hart and Mayor Amanda Klotz would like to extend their sincere thanks to lifelong Hart resident Mark Butcher for his dedication to making their community an even better place to live. Recently, Mark contacted the City of Hart and the Department of Public Works with an idea to clean up the area around the Hart Lake State Street Bridge. After receiving permission, he got to work and spent approximately 30 hours clearing brush and de-
bris from the shoreline area. Because of Mark's efforts, residents and visitors can once again enjoy a beautiful view of Hart Lake as they enter the city. His hard work has helped showcase one of Hart's most scenic features and has made a noticeable difference in the appearance of this important gateway into town. For Mark, the project was about serving his community. As someone who has called Hart home his entire life, he wanted to help highlight the beauty of this city and create something everyone can appreciate. "People like Mark are
what make Hart such a special place," Klotz said. "His willingness to step up, volunteer his time and take pride in our community is truly appreciated. We are grateful for everything he has done." "The City of Hart, Mayor Klotz, and the Department of Public Works thank Mark for his hard work, initiative, and commitment to our community. His efforts serve as a great reminder that even small acts of service can make a lasting impact," Hart City Manager Nichole Kleiner said. "Thank you, Mark, for helping keep Hart beautiful and for setting a wonderful example of community pride."
Pedal Across Lower Michigan (PALM) is an annual bicycling event established in 1982. This year their 44th tour route begins in Pentwater on Saturday, June 20 and passes through Montague, White Cloud, Evart, Houghton Lake and Hale before concluding in Oscoda, Michigan on Friday, June 26. PALM is a “non-profit group dedicated to encouraging family bicycling and the promotion of bicycling safety.” Pentwater Village Manager Toby Van Ess received an email communication on June 5 that read: “Congratulations! Pentwater has been chosen by Pedal Across Lower Michigan bike tour, yet again. Over 400 Palm bicycle riders and staff will arrive in town on Saturday, June 20 to spend the night camping on the school grounds and leave in the morning, Sunday, June 21… Thank you for sharing your town with us. Pentwater is definitely a favorite PALM destination.” Van Ess wants residents to understand why all the bikes will appear next weekend. Being aware of the guest cyclists will encourage drivers to be alert and hopefully make the village safer for the PALM riders. PALM tours are limited to 700 riders, who must be able to bike up to 50 miles a day for six consecutive days. The total ride distance is 250300 miles. Families are welcome, and participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Routing is primarily along rural paved back roads, passing many points of scenic, cultural and historic interest that cyclists are welcome to explore. Major urban areas are generally avoided, although small downtown areas may be included for the sake of interest. Participants can park their motor vehicles at the origin or final destination of the route, and transportation will be provided to bring them to the appropriate location on June 20 or June 26. Anyone with questions or with an interest in participating, please call Robin at 248-5051571. Registration is open until June 20 as long as space is available. www.palmbiketour.org
SPS receives Community Builder Award Shelby Public Schools recently received a Community Builder Award from the United Way of the Lakeshore. The Community Builder recognition honors organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to giving, volunteering and community partnership. Shelby Public Schools earned this recognition through its ongoing efforts to support local families and strengthen the community. Key contributions included hosting multiple Feeding America food distributions throughout the year and maintaining a strong culture of employee giving through the United Way. The award reflects the district's dedication to serving oth-
United Way of the Lakeshore President/CEO Lisa Tyler, above at far left, recently presented, from left, Shelby Public Schools Food Service Director Mary Rose Vanas, Shelby Public Schools Superintendent Mark Olmstead, and Shelby Public Schools Board of Education President Ruth Myers with a Community Builder Award. • Contributed Photo
ers and highlights the collective sources, and energy in making a impact of staff members who positive difference in Shelby and consistently invest their time, re- surrounding communities.
PSC names Steve Bass 2026 Citizen of the Year The Pentwater Service Club (PSC) announced that Steve Bass has been selected as Pentwater’s 2026 Citizen of the Year, the community’s highest civic honor. Bass was chosen from nine nominees for the award, which is being presented for the 53rd year. “Pentwater has always been blessed with an abundance of people who generously share their time, talents, and resources to make our community such a special place to live and work,” said Bob French, incoming president of the Pentwater Service Club. “Steve Bass exemplifies that spirit of service and commitment.” An architect with an international portfolio of award-winning projects, Bass has been a part-time resident of Pentwater since 2011. He has contributed his professional expertise and passion for design to conceive and help manage the development of several landmark projects in the village, including Park Place, the Pentwater Yacht Club and the major expansion of the Pentwater Historical Society building currently under construction. The Citizen of the Year award recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a lasting positive impact on the Pentwater community. Bass joins a distinguished group of past recipients whose leadership and service have helped shape the village’s character and quality of life. Bass will be honored at a special Citizen of the Year Celebration and Dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at the Pentwater Yacht Club. Tickets will go on sale Sept. 6 and may be purchased at Port View Wine & Beer Market, Up North Farm Market or from any Pentwater Service Club member. Attendance is limited to the first 100 guests.